Full of news, views, stories, events and reports, New Directions' newsletter is packed with information about the charity, the people it supports, their families and carers.

1. New Directions’ new supported
living service based at Lennon Court
and in the community provides both
accommodation and outreach
support services to 26 people with
learning disabilities in their own homes.
A team of dedicated staff encourage
people to achieve and improve
their daily living skills and access the
community. The support services
are a stepping stone to living more
independently in the community.
Getting People’s
Benefits on Track
NEW
SERVICE
Marygold Challenor is New Directions’
new Housing Support Officer. She will
support tenants in all aspects of their
tenancies. She will help them claim
benefits, manage their finances and
help them to find work, either paid or
as a volunteer.
NEW DIRECTIONS’
New Services in the Community
Right: Marygold providing support
Above and below: At home with
some of the tenants

2. Above: Quizmaster Chris with
Organiser Cheri
Above: Quiz teams pit their wits
to answer quiz questions
Quiz Fans Raise Hundreds
for Art Therapy
Volunteer Mark, who also uses New
Directions’ services, is helping Senior
Administrator Tracy and the charity
to create a noticeboard display
with pictures and stories about New
Directions’ history from the 1900s to
the present day including the latest
Richmond Court development. The
board is made up of documents,
photos and reminiscences about
the evolution of our charity. There
will soon be a story with more
information on our website at
www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
Mark said, “We have been working on this project a long time and
have done a lot of research in the library. It is helpful to go back
in time to help in the future.”
Mark Helps With Charity History
Above: Mark and Tracy working on
the noticeboard display design
Everyone was a winner at our fundraising
Charity Quiz Night raising an impressive
£602 for New Directions. The funds
will go toward art therapy for people
with learning and physical disabilities.
Organised by Team Leader Cheri, there
were 15 teams taking part and answering
fast-paced trivia questions set up by Gary
Newbon and delivered by Quizmaster
Chris Newsom.
Cheri said, “It was a fun evening with
a brilliant atmosphere. The funds
raised will be of great benefit to
us and art therapists coming to our
services for drama, art and music.”

3. Above: Poppy Place sensory
garden and water feature
Above: Poppy Place, our new
purpose-built residential home
Above: Ian Southcott cutting
the celebration cake
Official Opening of
Poppy Place
The Mayor of Rugby, Cllr. Sally Bragg,
officially opened Poppy Place,
our new residential home. The Mayor
and special guests were invited to
take a look around the bespoke home
which provides the highest standards of
support.
Poppy Place recently received
a major boost thanks to a very
generous donation from Ian
Southcott from the Rugby Group
Benevolent Fund for solar panels and
track hoists. A new sensory garden
provides access to nature for residents
thanks to the UK’s largest automotive
manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover,
whose representatives, Peter and Sharon
Gray and Barry Jarman, attended the
opening.
CEO Doreen Woodward said, “The accessibility of this home is
transforming the lives of its residents, having a positive impact on
their health and wellbeing.”

4. Above: Friends and families watch the
drama performance in full swing at our
community space
Becky Aucott from Particip8
has been working with our
drama group at Community
Choices Network every Friday.
The group have put together
a moving drama performance
which they have called ‘True
Colours’. The star of the show,
Tina, played an excellent part
as a vulnerable girl who deals
with being bullied by making
relationships with new friends.
After the show Tina said, “This performance makes me feel confident
about being loved and accepted.”
The performance was showcased at our
community space at Webb Ellis Business Park.
Some of the people who attend
Community Choices Network visit
Hilltop Farm every other Friday, to
reap the benefits of their arts and
crafts studio. The studio is fantastic
and each session is delivered to
the group by the owner of the
workshop.
Individuals pay a cost for each
session to select a piece of pottery
from the workshop to decorate.
These items have made excellent
handmade gifts to take home and
give to their families.
Getting Creative at
Hilltop Farm Studio
Above: Taking part in studio
activities at Hilltop Farm
Drama Performance About Bullying

5. Richmond Court
Opening March
2017
Richmond Court will be opening in
March2017andwillprovide11one
bedroom supported living flats for
people with learning and physical
disabilities. This latest supported
living development provided by
New Directions will enable more
people with disabilities to have
their own home with the support
to live a more independent
life, to develop new skills, make
new friends, and have a strong
presence in the local community.
The people who will live there will
be supported to live the life they
choose. Richmond Court offers
disabled people the opportunity
to move further toward fulfilling
their potential and taking more
control of their life path.
If you would like to get more
information about our new
supported living flats at
Richmond Court or would
like to apply, please phone:
01788 573318.
Above and below: The designs for
Richmond Court flats opening soon
lnisbet@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

6. Christmas
ChARITY Fete
Senior Support Worker Dee said, “Thank you to everyone who got into
the Christmas spirit and took part in our fundraising event. There
was a wonderful amount of support from those who popped in off the
high street, friends and families who were all the inspiration for this
Christmas Fete to raise much needed funds for our great cause.”
The craft stall
made over £100
from the gifts such
as table runners,
broaches, material
bags and Christmas
table decorations,
handmade by the
people who use our
services.
New Directions’ Christmas Fete raised
an impressive £320 toward activities for
the learning and physically disabled
people who use our services. There
was a steady flow of visitors with faces
old and new throughout the event
at The Exchange. The event was
organised by the staff team at our day
opportunities and activities service.

7. Keeping Healthy and Happy
Paul’s Story
Paul who is supported by New
Directions joined Slimming World at
the end of July 2016 and has lost 2
stone. He was awarded certificates,
a ‘Mr Sleek’ tie and a mug. He
enjoys preparing healthy meals with
his keyworker Lisa, planning ahead
and eating lots of fruit vegetables
and yoghurt.
Keith and Kyle’s Story
Keith and Kyle, who both use New
Directions’ services, have been
attending a wheelchair-based
exercise class at the local sports
centre for over 6 months to build
up their muscle tone and help
with their co-ordination. They have
been welcomed by the group so
it is also a social event for them.
The trainer Chris is an inspiration
as he is also in a wheelchair and
encourages them both to reach
their full potential.
Asked what he thought about the
exercise classes, Keith gave a
double thumbs up and agreed that
it was a good day when he goes.
Above: Paul with his certificates
Left: Keith
stretching
his legs and
strengthening
his muscles
Right: Kyle lifting
weights working
his arm muscles
that he uses for
his wheelchair
Paul likes that he is in control of
his healthy eating habits and said,
“I love it, it makes me happy.”

8. Above: Janine, Maureen and Linda
Our Supported Ladies Take to Their Cleaning Roles
A Tribute To Peter Jackson’s Memory
Three hardworking ladies
who live together at one of
New Directions’ homes are
in paid employment at our
charity working as cleaners.
Janine, Linda and Maureen
enjoy their work and their roles
which have given them more
independence, confidence,
fulfilment, and their own wage.
Janine said, “I enjoy cleaning at New Directions’ homes and whistle
while I work. I do polishing, hoovering and mopping. I have more
independence earning my own money and have bought myself some
treats and go out for meals.”
Above: Peter Jackson
CEO Doreen said, “We thank Peter for his dedication and legacy
of support that helped people with learning disabilities and their
families. He will be fondly missed.”
Peter Jackson, who was a trustee for a
number of years at New Directions and a
member from its early beginnings as Rugby
Mencap, has sadly passed away. He was also
a family member and will be remembered
for his commitment to getting the voices of
disabled people and their carers heard, and
his battle to get the provision and funding
of local services to be more transparent and
objective.
Peter was a photographer in the RAF before
his career as an industrial chemist, working at
companies including Rugby Cement. During
his retirement he continued to speak out for
disabled people and carers.

9. Sue Celebrates Another
Year Volunteering
Volunteer Sue Windows believes she is
privileged to be able to support Elaine
and Kyle at Gateway Court.
She is looking forward to her
third year and wishes she could
devote more time to helping out.
Kyle said, “I am grateful for the
time Sue spends with me and look
forward to it every week.”
Elaine said, “I have been to lots
of exciting places with Sue.”Above: Sue with Elaine and Kyle
Thank You Volunteer Bernie
Above: Bernie supporting
Alison and Tony with crafting
and making cakes
Bernie Watson, who volunteers at Poppy
Place has supported Alison, Tony and
Denise with craft making and cooking for
over a year now. Bernie thinks up all of the
creative projects herself and they have
made many seasonal items together
including cakes, crackers, papier-mache
Easter eggs, and Christmas, birthday and
get well cards.
Alison said, “I like putting things
together and like to see things work like
the printed holly Christmas cards.”
Bernie said, “I like coming to Poppy Place
and doing things with everyone. I enjoy
my time here and have been friends with
all the residents for many years.”

10. New Directions’ own pop up
reminiscence experience pods or
RemPods™ were set up for display
at our charity’s community space at
Unit 8, Webb Ellis Park, Rugby and are
available to hire. This open day event
demonstrated the versatility of these
pop up experiences.
RemPods can transform any space
quickly and effortlessly with a complete
environment, authentic furniture and
interactive items. They are easily
transportable and we offer a wide
variety of these pop up experiences
such as a beach, traditional pub, bingo
hall, cinema and modern supermarket.
Senior Manager Laura said, “The
RemPods and the charity’s RemPod
vehicle were purchased after New
Directions successfully received a grant
from Warwickshire County Council.
RemPods provide fun and meaningful
activities for schools, young people
with disabilities, children, older people
and for parties.
For more information phone
Francis: 01788 577586 or email:
ffrere-benz@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
Pop Up Experiences on Display
Above: Some of the RemPods
set up and available to hire

11. A group of charitable
teenagers took part
in ‘The Challenge’
fundraising event for
their National Citizen
Service, raising over
£279 in total for New
Directions’ activities.
‘The Challenge’ is a
government-funded
activity programme
that brings together 16 to 17 year olds from different
backgrounds to complete a series of action-packed
challenges to make a positive difference in their local area.
As part of a school
project to use active
and healthy exercise
for charity, three
enthusiastic pupils
from Caludon Castle
School in Coventry
have raised an
impressive £170 for
our New Directions’
Christmas celebration
lunch by completing a sponsored walk around Coventry
Memorial Park. The 12 year old pupils Rachel, Lucy and
Sophie, embraced the challenge to fundraise for our
charity.
Young People Fundraising
for New Directions
Above: NCS participants at The
Exchange with Joyce and Mark
Above: The fundraising schoolgirls
with Elaine and Kyle
National Citizenship Challenge
Coventry Memorial Park Walkathon

12. ‘Browse’ Our
New Look
Website
New Directions has installed new
software called Browsealoud on to
the charity’s website which makes it
more accessible to people with
learning and physical disabilities.
This assistive software helps people
by adding speech and reading
options that help people to access
information. These include making
text bigger, reading text outloud,
accessing different languages,
changing the colour of text for easier
reading and more.
Accessible Information Champion
Laura said, “New Directions is
committed to enabling people to
access its website so has produced
an easy read information sheet to
show disabled people to look out for
the Browsealoud headphones icon
and access its toolbar.”
Taking on Dementia Together
Deputy Manager Andrea is now our Dementia
Champion and she will be supporting our staff team,
people who use our services, their families and carers in
understanding and working with people with dementia.
Above: Andrea
Taking on Dementia Together
Andrea said, “We help to support people to avoid getting anxious about
the symptoms of dementia, taking some of the confusion away and
enabling them to remain calm so as to carry on with their daily tasks
and interests for their independence.”

13. Our Media Officer Abbi called round to Sam’s
supported living home to catch up with him
before Christmas. Here’s what he had to say...
Abbi: So Sam, you turned 20 this year?
Sam: Yes, I had a get together to celebrate
with my family.
Abbi: You have been supported by New Directions
for 4 years now. How have things changed?
Sam: I can do more skilled things now and
am able to do more for myself. I am at
college now after leaving school. We had
a school prom night. I am now doing Entry
Level 3 courses in Maths and English etc.
Abbi: So I hear you also treated yourself to
a holiday in 2016?
Sam: Yes, I went to Bulgaria. We stayed
in a posh hotel with only a 10 minute walk
from the sea. It was my first time on an
airplane. We spent most of our holiday by
the pool and on the beach. I went on a
jet ski.
Abbi: Wow! Would you go there again?
Sam: Yes but I like different countries
and want to explore the world.
Spotlight on SamSpotlight on Sam
Above Sam’s birthday
Above: Sam on the jet ski
Below: Sam going to his
school prom in style

14. New Directions is keeping up-
to-date with the latest digital
technologies to enhance
the quality, efficiency and
compliance of our support
services. Our charity now
utilises laptops, tablets, Gmail,
social media, digital systems
and recording every day. The
benefits of accessing this
technology for the people who
use our services includes better
communication between them
and their support network and
efficient support planning. These technologies can also make record
keeping safer, more accurate and streamlined for a smarter process.
Digital Champion Jo Jarman said, “Digital technology has transformed
the workplace. Information can be delivered in real-time, making the
systems more compliant. We promote peer support for our staff and
their development in learning these new systems.”
New Technologies Improve Our Services
Warwickshire Police
ran two groups on
keeping safe in the
community at our
day opportunities
service, Community
Choices Network.
Police officers talked about what happens when someone is arrested,
the equipment that is used by the police, how they help with crime, and
why all police cars have large numbers on the roof. They also invited
the people who attend the service to see the police cells and custody
office which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Personal
Safety First
Police Visit
From left to right: Martin, Linda, Bob, Janet
and David in the police cells
Above: Laura supports Kyle with his
online food shopping

15. Maureen and Janine, who use New
Directions’ services, visited Maureen’s
family in Ireland with support staff
Sasha and Vicki for a long weekend.
They stayed in a 6 bedroom cottage
which enabled Maureen to invite her
family for a big get together meal
there on the Sunday. The following day
Maureen and Janine went to Dublin
and its zoo. During their break they
also met more of Maureen’s family in
Drumlish and were treated to another
family meal out.
Maureen said, “I had a lovely time.
New Directions helps me to visit
my family.”
Terrific Tenerife Holiday
Alison, who is supported by New Directions
took a week's vacation to Tenerife with
Support Worker Alice. They stayed in a
hotel and hired a car so they could visit
many areas around the coast. The hotel
is specifically adapted for people with
physical disabilities with features like ramps,
lifts and grab rails. Access to the outdoor
swimming pool was no exception and
Alison was therefore able to get in and out
of the pool easily despite having a physical
disability.
Alison said, "The weather was hot and I
had a lovely room. The food was nice. I am
looking forward to my next holiday."
Above: Janine and
Maureen at Dublin Zoo
Below: Maureen
Maureen’s Family
Visit to Ireland
Above: Alison enjoying
sightseeing in Tenerife

16. Above: Kyle with his new mobility car
Kyle’s New
Wheels
Kyle, who is supported by New
Directions, has a new mobility
car that is enabling him to take
part in community activities.
Kyle has a physical disabilty and
uses a wheelchair so having this vehicle is a lifeline.
Kyle said, “My Dad takes me out in my new car.
It is easy to get in and out. I feel safe inside.”
Kyle uses the mobility car to go shopping and for day trips but would really
like to take it on holiday this year so that he can visit tourist attractions.
Art Gallery Experience
Milner House Museum Visit
Poppy Place Pantomime
Interactive Shopping Trip
Days in and out with New Directions

17. A Christmas celebration lunch
for the people using New
Directions’ services, their families
and carers has been hosted by
Dunchurch Park Hotel in their
marquee for 200 people.
Organised by New Directions,
this seasonal event celebrated
the spirit of Christmas and our
charity’s 65th anniversary.
The Long Lawford Community
Choir and New Directions’ staff
member Caroline Imonikhe
created a fun atmosphere for
the guests with Christmas songs,
followed by a festive lunch.
Our Charity Celebrates 65th Anniversary
Above: Caroline (centre) and the choir
Below: Guests enjoying the festivities.
Above: New Directions’ staff
member Dee, the hotel’s General
Manager George Briffa (centre),
with Santa and his elves

18. Our charity received donations for the
Christmas celebration lunch from local
businesses: Handelsbanken customers,
Stoneway Estates, Atkinson Finch, Leader
Systems, and Rugby Round Table, though
staff members also raised funds to help
cover the costs through cake sales, raffles
and craft fairs.
CEO Doreen Woodward said, “I would
like to thank George Briffa, General
Manager, and Dunchurch Park Hotel who
have gone the extra
mile to make this a
special event for all.
I would also like to
thank our sponsors for
their generosity which
has enabled us to
hold this celebration
for the people we
support with learning
and physical disabilities.
The people we support
are at the heart
of everything
we do so what
better time than
Christmas to
bring them and
their loved ones
together.”
Our Charity Celebrates
65th Anniversary (continued)

19. Above: Cynthia and Colin receive
their retiremment gifts
Above: The Trustees say
goodbye with a farewell meal
Farewell to Our
Two Trustees
Trustees Colin Davis and
Cynthia Martin have retired
from their voluntary roles
with New Directions after
many years of supporting
our charity and guiding its
endeavours. Colin is the
brother of a resident and the
sonofoneofNewDirections’
founding members in the
1950s. He runs his own design and
management company in London.
Cynthia has experience as part
of the academic staff of Warwick
University where she lectured in
Maths and primary curriculum
studies which included a large
section on Special Educational
Needs. She has also been a
governor of a local infant school.
CEO Doreen said, “We are very grateful to have had the benefits of
Colin and Cynthia’s experience over many years. I would like to thank
them for all their hard work.”
AnthonyandPhilipwhouseNewDirections’
services spent a week in a log cabin in the
Peak District.
Anthony said, “I had a nice time on
holiday. I would go again.”
During their stay they visited Derby town
centre where Anthony bought a new
hat. They also took day trips to Buxton,
Dovedale and Eyam Village.
Sneaky Peak District Holiday
Above: Anthony sporting
his newly purchased hat

20. Milestone Birthdays
Ian Turns 50
Ian, who uses New Directions’ services,
celebrated his birthday with family and friends,
including his neices and nephews and his
sister Margaret who he had not seen in years.
Ian said, “Thank you everybody and cheers.”
Above: Ian
Below: Tony
Tony is 70
Tony, who is supported
by New Directions,
celebrated his 70th
birthday with a party for friends and family
and a buffet lunch at Poppy Place. A few
days before his birthday, as a special treat,
staff took Tony to the Sea Life Centre in
Birmingham which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Contact Us:
New Directions (Rugby) Ltd.
Head Office
27 Bilton Road
Rugby
CV22 7AN
Tel: 01788 573318
Email:
admin@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
Registered No: 2647131
Registered Charity No: 1005302
Website: www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
New Directions Rugby Ltd
newdirectionsrugbyltd
@CeoRugby
New Directions Rugby Ltd
Right: Ian’s birthday cake