1. Mid Suffolk Axis
Revolving Around You
News From Axis November 2015
For those of you who have not heard of Axis,
we are a daytime club for adults with physical
and/or sensory disabilities.
We have provided friendship and support
throughout the Mid Suffolk community for over
30 years, and every quarter we will keep you up
to date with all things Axis: providing you with
news, awareness, and ways in which you can
help make a real difference to people’s lives.
Welcome to the First
Axis Newsletter!
Getting Our Voices Heard at the
Suffolk Disability Forum
This October Axis travelled to Suffolk One to take part
in the annual Suffolk Disability Forum.
Members took part in focus groups and voiced their
concerns to members of Suffolk County Council, as well
as picking up lots of useful information from local
organisations.
As a club with a variety of disabilities we believe it is
important to work throughout the
community and aid with the progression of disability
awareness.
It Was No Mystery Why Axis Loved
‘The Chocolate Lady’
I awoke on a lovely September morning full of
expectation: today was the Axis mystery outing and
the chance to spend the day with friends. As we
piled onto the bus there was a great feeling of
anticipation: the first stop was the ‘Flying Shuttle’
for a lovely lunch, before heading off to Steeple
Bumpstead, and ‘The Chocolate Lady’. We were
given a demonstration of chocolate making, tasty
teasers, and lovely refreshments. As we all headed
back to the bus it was smiles all around: a really
enjoyable day was had by all.
By Elizabeth, Axis Member

2. Getting out and about: Axis top tips
Community Awareness
Living with a Disability
Christmas Restaurants? Axis has you covered!
1. The Swan, Lavenham ‐ a mystery tour
destination: delicious food and quality service,
this was a real hit with our members!
2. The Black Horse, Thorndon ‐ a local Christmas
destination: good food, good beer, good times!
3. Hungry Horse, Claydon ‐ easy access and
perfect for those wanting something cheap and
cheerful.
Christmas Shopping
Traffic jams, parking, crowded shops and no time
to do it: Christmas shopping can be a nightmare.
But at least you are in control.
Imagine being dependent on a bus, but you can
only sit on one of its many seats: three of four
could sail past and you would still have no
guarantee of getting onboard the next.
This is only one of the obstacles that many
disabled people face each Christmas: not to
mention the narrow aisles, inaccessible areas,
and poor floor planning.
At Axis we take our members Christmas
shopping each year to a disability friendly
shopping centre, so all they have to worry about
is what presents to buy!
If you know someone with a disability, offer your
services this Christmas, it doesn't take a
miracle to make a real difference to someone’s
life.
If you would like more information on becoming involved with Axis: recommending or joining the club,
hosting a mystery tour, or being featured as one of our “top-tips” please contact us today
midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com 01379 678 703 www.midsuffolkaxis.onesuffolk.net
Volunteers Needed
Are you free for a couple of hours on Tuesday or
Thursday lunchtime? Axis urgently requires
volunteers to help out during our busy lunch period
and give valuable assistance to our support
workers.
Hi, my name is Helen: I have been a member of Axis for 2 years and in January 2006
sustained an acquired brain injury. During a routine operation to remove a wisdom
tooth, I had an allergic shock to the general anaesthetic. I was in a coma for ten
days: in hospital for 24 weeks, rehab for 18 months, and in an assisted living facility
for 8 years.
In the following weeks I was reduced to a childlike state: I had to
relearn how to read, write and cook. I was very angry and frustrated with what had
happened and for years I struggled with depression.
Now however, with only limited support from my family, I am once again
completely independent. I live in my own bungalow, and enjoy cooking and writing
children’s stories. Counselling and the eventual acceptance of my condition helped to overcome my depression,
and I have a proactive and positive mind‐frame.
What I enjoy most about Axis is the socialising. I am a busy person and like to get out and about, but I like to go to
a club which is incredibly supportive. I like that Axis accepts people with a range of disabilities: I feel normal, there
is no judgement, and no one treats me differently. It’s just a lot of fun!