Thursday 28th September 2016

Last week we told you about the fundraising event, pre match at The Stadium of Light, well, the amount raised was a staggering £1,737!!! Well done everybody.

Special thanks to the fans at Sunderland AFC and the Crystal Palace fans for their generosity.


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             MARQUISWAY ACTIVITY/SESSION PROFILE


 "Motor Activity Training Program" (MATP).


We have been asked to take forward The Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program. This is a program designed for athletes with severe or profound intellectual disability who are unable to participate in Official Special Olympic competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities.
MATP is designed to prepare athletes with severe or profound intellectual disability, including athletes with significant physical disabilities, for sport specific activities appropriate for their abilities.
This is a 12 week training program where athletes will be supported through a personal coaching program to achieve their own personal goal in one of five disciplines (mobility, dexterity, striking, kicking and manual wheelchair) - These disciplines are broken down into specific tasks within the discipline.
For example, within the mobility discipline, athletes will be assessed on:
i) Attempts to lift head from mat when resting on stomach.
ii) Lifts head from mat when resting on stomach.
iii) Rolls over onto their back when resting on stomach.
iv) Performs two consecutive log rolls.


Athletes are assessed at the beginning of the programme and progress is monitored with reassessment, there is also physiotherapist input to provide support to athletes and coaches in order to assure the best outcomes.


It is possible for athletes to acquire a new skill and to then undertake the program again in order to develop a further skill. In some cases progression could lead to qualification to Special Olympic requirement and the possibility to participate in competitions. 


At the end of the 12 weeks the program will end with our athletes celebrating and showcasing their newly acquired skills to an audience of families, friends, coaches, athletes and therapists.


Prior to each new program starting there will be a 'Come and Try' session. This will give people an idea of what is entailed and whether or not they would like to participate in the full 12 weeks.


If you would like any more information please contact Angela Simpson at Marquisway 0191 433 6066






Below are some photographs of athletes participating in the program.

   Andrew practising his throwing skills, 'gripping', 'motor control', 'hand eye coordination'.

Group warm up session.

                      Chloe practising 'gripping', 'motor skills' and 'coordination'.

Gavin practising 'coordination', 'gripping' (and smiling at the camera!)

Another important element of MATP is that it's FUN.

Blogged by Susan.

Next week we will be profiling "Rebound Therapy"

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Makaton word of the week - "Dirty"

1. Make fists with both hands. One wrist should be palm side up and the other wrist should be palm side facing down and positioned above your other wrist.

2. Tap your wrists together with a flick and twist motion. 

3. Tap and flick/twist twice.




Thanks to Emma for her demonstration.


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That's it for this week


Don't forget to get in touch if you would like us to BLOG something for you.


The Bloggers

Thursday 22nd September 2016


Hi there welcome back!


Dates for your diary...


Friday 28th October

Halloween Disco! Lights go out at 1pm... Spooky!!!
Our resident DJ, Deacon ' The Ghoul' Parker will be spinning the discs with all your favourite Monster Mash Music!
Why not freak us out with your Fancy Dress?




Friday 18th November

We are planning another fundraising event for this very worthy cause. Last year we raised loads of money whilst having lots of messy fun! This year we are hoping that we will raise even more money and that it will be even messier and even more fun!


Blogged by Susan




1st December

2016 Christmas Fair 
Any items that you think would fit onto one of stalls would be gratefully received. Donations for raffles, tombolas etc We will have all the usual stalls White elephant, books/dvd's, cakes, crafts, refreshments. We will keep you updated.




Thursday 15th December

Our annual Christmas Party has been booked at the Masonic Hall. These party's are great! We will let you know the details for getting your tickets as soon as we have the information.


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Reminders...


Saturday 24th September

The Special Olympic athletes will be collecting at the Stadium of Light. This will be pre-match. If you would like to help out either supporting someone or independently at one of the turnstiles please get in touch with Wendy 433 6066




Monday 26th September

Marquisway Disco from 7pm. Entry costs £2.00.
Burgers and Hot Dogs available to buy.
Contact Becca 433 6066 for details.








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Angling 4 All

There is to be a taster day on Friday 30th September between 10am & 2 pm at Leazes Park Lake. Why not pop along to see if you might like to get involved. Taster days are an excellent way of trying something out to see if you like it. Contact John Aisbitt for details 433 6080 or just turn up on the day.


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Activities/Sessions


Next week we will be telling you all about our 'Motor Activity Training Programme' (MATP). This will be the first in a series of profiles about some of our activities at Marquisway. Each profile will include the contact details of the staff members who facilitate these sessions so that should you have any questions you are able to get in touch with them. We aim to bring you photographs of each activity so that yu can get a flavour of what is entailed.


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Derwent Walk


Yesterday (21st September) there was a Health Walk at Derwent Walk. This covered around 4 miles. Each participant earned a certificate and a T-Shirt. Here are some photo's of people from Marquisway that took part.

"Taxi!"

Checking out the T-Shirts for size!

A well earned rest!

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Makaton sign of the week.

Clean

1. Hold your non-dominant hand out flat in front of you.

2. Position your other open, flat hand above your non-dominant hand.

3 and 4. This is a single motion. First as in pic 3 drop your upper hand down onto the palm of your non-dominant hand and then slide it away from you and off of your palm.

Thank you to Susan for her demonstration of the Makaton sign 'CLEAN'

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That's it for this week. Don't forget, if you have anything that you would like us to put on the BLOG for you all you have to do is either email us at marquiswayblog@gmail.com

or reply to the email that gives you the link to our BLOG. karenhoskins@gateshead.gov.uk



Have a good week!



Thursday 15th September 2016


Hi there, here's your BLOG for this week.


We have a couple of reminders for you.

Firstly, last week we told you about the fundraising event on Saturday 23rd September at The Stadium of Light. This entails collecting donations from people as they pass through the turnstiles before the game.
We have been asked to let you know that VOLUNTEERS are needed to either support service users or to 'man', independently, a turnstile.
Please contact Wendy Scope for details of times, meeting places etc asap 0191 433 6066
Blogged by Norman

Next, don't forget, Monday 26th September sees the return of the Marquisway Disco. The Disco's, as you may remember, happen on the last Monday of each month. There has been a slight change to the start time as it will now start at 7pm.
                                    Tickets cost £2.00, if any further info is required please contact Becca South on 0191 433 6066
Bloged by Christine




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Last week we told you about the Start to Smile Project. Well some of our Special Olympic athletes went along last Wednesday for a taster session. Here are some photo's of them getting stuck into the activities that were on offer.

They all said that they had really enjoyed it.
A reminder of the contact details for you. www.smilethoughsport.com or tel: Jenni 07710 891741
This project was set up by Steven Miller, a local Paralympian (from Cramlington), Congratulations to him for securing a Bronze medal in Rio!


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MARQUISWAY

Over the next few weeks we will be telling you all about the various activities that are on offer at Marquisway. There's so much to tell you about that we are currently taking photographs and gathering information from the people who facilitate the activities. Each section will include a contact name of the person to speak to if you have any questions about any of the activities.
Below is a list of some of the activities that we will be telling you about.


MATP - Motor Activity Training Programme.


Rebound Therapy - Physio assessed, Trampoline programmes.


Performing Arts - Offers a variety of activities including specialist
                              productions that perform across our region.
                              Including Carnival 2016. Activities include:

Wheelchair dance - Qualified instructors, dance programmes
                                for wheelchair users. Includes a new project
                                that will be going on tour around the region
                                later in the year.
Walking to Music - Safe environment for people with mobility
                                problems to experience the therapeutic benefits
                                of movement to music.
Drama - Interactive sensory workshops for people with complex
               needs.


Imuse/Sound beam - Self generated sounds and visualisations in
                                  our purpose built suite using assistive
                                  technology.


Music therapy - Musical interventions for complex needs. Offers
                          developmental and educational activities
                          promoting emotional well-being.


Bag Books - Interactive story telling. Sensory experiences that
                     encourage and develop group participation.


Special Olympics -  Opportunity to access to Gateshead's 
                                extremely successful sporting club in a range
                                of sports. (Inc Boccia, Football, Athletics,
                                cycling, ten pin bowling etc)


Makaton - We are a Total Communication centre and offer regular
                  Makaton sessions. Staff have accessed the advanced
                  level of training in this from of communication.


Snoozelan - Sensory equipment including a heated water bed to
                    a complete sensory experience for relaxation.


WiFi Café - Instruction and training in the use of equipment to
                    safely access the internet. 


Swimming - We have weekly sessions at the pool. 


Asset Based Community Development - Supported access to
                     activities, events and resources within an individuals 
                     local community.


Speech and Language Therapy - We work closely with SaLT and
                      can refer people to them for assessment.


Physiotherapy - We work closely with physiotherapists and
                      can refer people to them for assessment.

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8th September


Hi There!
Welcome back to our BLOG. We're all feeling totally refreshed after our Summer break and ready to bring you all the news and information from Marquisway and beyond!


First of all, here are some important dates for your diaries.

Saturday 24th September: Some our Special Olympic athletes and other volunteers will be at the Stadium of Light for a fundraising event. This will be pre-match but we will confirm times for you so that you can call by to show your support. (Info from Wendy at Marquisway 433 6066)

 Monday 26th September:
Marquisway Disco. Starts at 6.30pm til 9.30pm. There'll be Hot Dogs and Burgers available to buy. There will also be a raffle. Entry costs £2.00.
(More info available Becca South 433 6066)

Friday 11th November Marquisway will be closed for Staff Training. We'll remind you nearer the time.










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Other News

Wheelchair Dance

 Rumour has it that there are secret plans afoot for our Wheelchair dancers to amaze us all with new, themed, dance routines later in the year. Rehearsals have begun but are 'behind closed doors' to keep it all hush hush! (We will let you know if we see or hear anything!) 

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Motor Activity Training Programme

   

A  new session has started at Marquisway on Tuesday afternoons. It is a 12 week programme for people with more complex needs who wouldn't qualify for Special Olympic training. This is proving very popular so you will need to ensure there is availability for you on the next programme. Please contact Angela Simpson 433 6066 for more information.

We'll get some photo's for you so that you can see what it entails.

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We have some information for you about a project called "Start to Smile". The project aims to increase sporting opportunities for individuals with a disability over the age of 14. They can deliver 8 week blocks in the following sports; Athletics, Boccia, Cricket, Table Cricket and multi sport activities. Each session costs £2.00.

More info available from Jenni 07710 891 741 or email jenni@smilethroughsport.com

www.smilethroughsport.com

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Makaton word of the week

Egg

1. Make a fist and hold in position as though you are holding an ice cream!

2.

2. With you other hand point you first 2 fingers and curl your other fingers and thumb into your palm.

3. Tap the 2 fingers onto your fist twice.

Thanks to Peter for the demonstration.

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That's it for this week. Don't forget if you have any news or information that you would like us to BLOG about for you please get in touch.

(Karen 433 6066 or karenhoskins@gateshead.gov.uk

The Bloggers

 

Thursday 11th August 2016


Welcome back to our BLOG.


Team 2 and 3 went on their summer trip to Walworth Castle, near Darlington, for a Bird of Prey Display. They had a brilliant day out and thought that you would like to know about it in case you are looking for ideas of things to do.
It costs £6.50 admission, £4.50 for carers.
There is a restaurant within the Hotel. (If you forget your picnic!)
Accessibility for wheelchairs wasn't brilliant but this is a work in progress.
Definitely worth a visit.
Open from 10.30 am with Birds of Prey flying displays at 1.30 and 3pm. For the brave amongst you there is even an opportunity to hold the birds or have them fly over you! See photo's!!

A great day was had by everyone

Blogged by Norman


Speaking of Birds of Prey... Did you know that we have a regular visitor to Marquisway in the shape of 'Sparkle' ?


Meet Sparkle

This is Sparkle, sitting with our Blogger, Christine!

This is Sparkle enjoying all the attention when she visited us today!Sparkle is a young Barn Owl, she belongs to a member of staff from Marquisway Bungalow, John Candlish. He has other Birds of Prey too and if you were at our fair then you would have had the opportunity to meet them. We will have some of those photo's for you soon. In the meantime, if you would like to know more about Birds of Prey, John has photo's and information on his website. We'll let you know when they will be visiting us again.


www.jcraptorexperience.online


Blogged by Christine


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We would like to extend a warm, friendly welcome to 2 new people that are starting at Marquisway. Nathan and Robbie, Robbie is joining Team 3 in September and Nathan will be joining Team 4 from next week.




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Makaton Signs of the week


We have 2 signs for you this week, they're quite easy to learn as, if you've ever eaten either of them you'll already have mastered the signs! 


APPLE

 

1. Pretend that you are holding an apple.
2. Take a pretend bite out of the apple. (The hand that you are holding the apple in should rotate by around 45' to demonstrate the bite action.)




Banana

1. Pretend that you are holding a banana.
2. Using your other hand, pretend to peel 2 strips of the banana skin downwards.


(Thanks to Peter and Christine for their demonstration)




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and finally.....

Don't forget that Marquisway will be closed on Monday 22nd August 2016 until Tuesday 30th August 2016 for the second of summer holiday weeks.


See you next time


The Bloggers.