Registered Charity 1127368
Working for people with Able Autism and Asperger Syndrome
IN THIS ISSUE:
Film corner: Paul Gribbin
Executive dysfunction article
Pippa’s weekend in Mablethorpe
Life debt advice promo
No Limits Amazon Promo
No Limits coffee morning
Tanya Thomas BSL article
Severn Valley trips
George’s aviation photography
Advert for More Volunteers
Pippa’s Peaky Blinders article
Mental health bill article
No Limits auction on 13th October
Halesowen Leisure Centre article
Meeting with social services director
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Editorial – No Limits Winter Issue 2022/23
Welcome to the Winter 2022/2023 issue of the No Limits Fanzine. This issue follows more than a year of regular No Limits sessions following the pandemic (regular sessions were resumed in October 2021) and details many of the activities and fundraising events which took place earlier in 2022. The front cover presents a photo taken in May 2022 at Highley railway station and shows (from left to right) myself, Jonathan Hazel, Steven Morgan and George Mayall.
The interests and activities of members are highlighted in various parts of this issue. On page 3, Paul Gribbin discusses one of his favourite films of all time, the forty year old classic science fiction film, Blade Runner. Two Severn Valley trips are discussed on page 7. These very different trips catered to members interested in trains, especially Dale Jones, who has long been engrossed by steam trains. They were also, however, thoroughly enjoyable for those with less of a natural affinity for steam trains; the Severn Valley trip on the cusp of Halloween was particularly novel and elicited quite a few laughs, along with a few scares.
This issue also shows the fundraising efforts of No Limits through articles and images which detail two charity events which took place in the autumn. On page 5, the No Limits coffee morning is discussed. This event, which took place in September and was organised on behalf of Macmillan Cancer support as well as No Limits, collectively raised £264. Towards the end of the issue on page 10, we have an article on the No Limits auction, which took place on 13th October. This fun and successful event was led by Andrew Mayall, who auctioned a variety of items with aplomb. Stellar support was offered by No Limits member Patrick Hingley, who helped present items to attendees. The images of the event, along with some of the items listed for auction, capture the eclecticism of what was on display on page 10.
I hope, like that auction, that this issue features something for everyone. Alongside articles celebrating trips and fundraising events, there is a more serious side to some articles within this issue. I discuss executive dysfunction on page 3, a dimension of Autism which is seriously underestimated in public perceptions of the condition. The unfair conflation between Autism and mental health is explored on page 9. A serious issue, just as relevant to the lives of our members, is highlighted on page 11, where project manager Chris Morgan draws attention to the lack of social workers provided for those with high functioning Autism.
There is, however, plenty of sunniness. Tanya Thomas, a guest writer for No Limits, provides an insightful article on her interest in sign language on page 6. This article shows the determination being on the spectrum can create. On page 9, No Limits member Pippa Williams explains her interest in Peaky Blinders and how it has led to an interest in the local history of Birmingham and the Black Country.
Above all, I hope this issue advertises the diverse interests of those on the spectrum and their potential.
Tom Cobb, Editor
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Film corner: Paul Gribbin
One of my two favourite movies of all time has to be 1982’s Blade Runner, directed by Alien Director Ridley Scott. The movie is a visual experience and ironically ahead of its time. The streets were shot differently to represent different districts of future LA.
My favourite moments: The slow motion death scene where Zhora (played by Joanna Cassidy) smashes through several windows and the famed, improvised moment, Roy Batty (played by Rutger Hauer) did his sad speech and released a white dove in the end. Clearly a work of genius.
The film is based from the book “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”. It stars Harrison Ford, playing the ironic futuristic detective, Rick Deckard. I just simply love this movie… from the opening scene, you see the amazing futuristic landscape of the city. Bare in mind… 1982. No CGI. Again, genius. By Paul Gribbin, Limits member and artist
Executive dysfunction: underemphasised
Autism is largely recognised as a ‘social disability’ which has its preponderant impact on social interaction. It is also stereotyped as a disorder of repetition and fanatical interests, alongside possible intellectual brilliance at the high functioning end. Underemphasised in Autistic spectrum conditions, however, are problems with executive function (deficits in EF are known as executive dysfunction). According to a 2019 journal article written by Demetriou, DeMayo and Guastella and published by the National Library of Medicine, executive function is broadly defined by the “overarching regulation of goal-directed, future-oriented, higher-order cognitive processes”. Many on the spectrum (including myself) notice how the altered sensory perception which stems from Autism can correspond with a sense of inertia when it comes to practically based tasks, such as cooking. Indeed, Demetriou et al. point out deficits in areas such as working memory and set shifting/switching (the ability to multitask and alternate between different areas), Achilles heels which can impact on practical tasks that neurotypicals (individuals without Autism) take for granted.
High functioning Autism can be incongruous. Areas of spectacular talent can accompany practical disorder – for necessary support and understanding, the practical deficits which can result from ASD need more recognition. It is tempting to view intellectually brilliant people with practical difficulties as endearing eccentrics, but their struggles take on a new light when seen through the prism of executive dysfunction.
By Tom Cobb
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Our Weekend Break In Mablethorpe
Friday 12th August – Monday 15th August 2022
On Friday 12th August, myself, Chris and his sister went to visit their dad and step-mom at their caravan in Mablethorpe until Monday 15th August. Chris’s sister drove us up there which took about 3 hours to get there, we stopped off for a break on the way up there. The windy roads were a mission to get round but it was manageable. When we got there, we drove round to find the caravan park which was called Dunes, on the other side of the Haven Holiday Park. It was a private campsite for owners only but it was still part of Haven.
We were given a special card that Chris’s dad sorted for us and we could use it round the Haven site which was handy and every time we bought something, we used the card to make things a little cheaper, all you had to do was top it up on the machines. We could also use it on the arcades. On Saturday we walked along the beach in the morning then in the afternoon we went into Mablethorpe Town, had a look round and had some lunch. We then went back to the caravan and me and Chris went swimming at 3pm which was good.
Later that evening, we went out for a meal and we played bingo, but we didn’t win! But at least we took part. We then went to watch the entertainment before we went back to the caravan for a couple of drinks. On Sunday, we went round the arcade one last time! We then went on the little Land Train into Mablethorpe and had one last look around. We had an ice cream on the beach. On the night we went to a local pub and had a carvery which was really nice. We traveled back on Monday. I have to say that it was a good little holiday break and hopefully next year we will be back! I highly recommend it as a place to visit.
By Pippa Williams, No Limits member
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Having cash or debt problems?
Contact Life Debt Advice
Based at Life Centre, Bellmark House
2nd Floor, 18a Market Street, DY8 1AD
Find them on the corner opposite side of the road to the Leisure Centre.
It is a registered charity to offer free, confidential money management, debt advice, guidance & support.
01384 739757
info@lifecentredebtadvice.org.uk
Website;
www.lifecentredebtadvice.org.uk
DO YOU USE AMAZON?
If you do, did you know that you can nominate a charity to receive a donation every time you shop with them. Just select NO LIMITS Community Project as your chosen charity and each time you make a purchase, they will automatically make a donation to us without it costing you anything. You only need to nominate us once and our charity pops up on your header page.
All you need to do is shop!! Thank you.
Every little helps!!!
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No Limits Celebrates coffee morning
Wednesday 14th September
Thank you to all those who came to our coffee morning on Wednesday 14th September and helped No Limits collectively raise £264. £130 of that money will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and £134 will be spent on supporting member activity within No Limits. £40 was also donated to St Mary’s Church in Oldswinford, which was where the event was held.
Much like the Autism awareness day in mid-March, it was a nice opportunity to see familiar faces and see old friends. Another thank you must go to Daniel Jones and Patrick Hingley, who were great presiding over ticket sales and greeting guests on the door. Tombola prizes included wine and chocolates, which were hopefully thoroughly enjoyed by their lucky recipients. Thank you also to Dale Jones, who helped shift chairs and move furniture at the end of the session, whilst also being great company.
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Tanya Thomas and BSL
*This is a special guest article for No Limits by Tanya Thomas – No Limits hopes to receive more articles from her in the future, especially because of her personal insights into the affinity between the Autism and deaf communities (these insights are very much on display in the article below!)
I’m Tanya and I have Autism, my specific interest is sign language or BSL if you want to be more specific. As an Aspie, I feel close to the deaf community because, in the same way, they are like us, different from normal peers because of that, they cannot speak and use their hands to speak so because of that difference, they are more accepting of me being Autistic that we are one in the same, we are both different. I find it interesting how hand shapes can be an entire language and using your body and your face also adds to how you are saying something.
My goal is to be the first Autistic interpreter of sign language. For me, like many others, I have faced challenges, for example, like most Aspies, I don’t always make eye contact, I have to adapt to change with that because deaf people find eye contact important to the conversation so I have learned to adapt when talking to them and to adapt to new people as well. Usually I find it hard, also due to anxiety, but I feel I have made much progress in myself to adapt to these changes and I have met some amazing people along the way, with amazing and interesting stories that only I can read. In a way, this makes it quite special. I even have my own nickname given, “rainbow”, because I like wearing bright coloured clothes.
I am pushing forward towards my goals to prove that Autistic people can achieve what we want. Like I myself have achieved almost all of my qualifications to become an interpreter. And I want people to read this and know that we can achieve what we want, because having Autism gives me an amazing advantage because I feel that I am very good at what I do because it’s my interest so I have more skill and more knowledge than most people. And that is what I love about having Autism is that it helps me excel in what I want to do.
And I genuinely believe that every Autistic person can do the same, we have an amazing gift we have been given and with the right help we can achieve anything.
And I hope you read this and feel Inspired yourself.
This is a photo of me and a deaf YouTuber called Jazzy. She is profoundly deaf and was wonderfully welcoming to me, even gave me a hug and was extremely pleased that I sign since she doesn’t speak. Her appreciation spoke volumes and the smile on her face meant more than words. That is what makes my job worth while. They may not be able to vocally communicate but to see them smile at you or show appreciation by giving you a hug and signing gratitude with their hands and showing it in their face means so much. They are looking for acceptance and understanding, the same as Autistic people.
I hope you enjoyed my writing.
TanyA
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No Limits enjoys two Severn Valley trips this year
May 25th trip: On May 25th this year, multiple No Limits members went to the Severn Valley railway and boarded multiple steam trains. The trip involved first a brief visit to Bridgnorth railway station, before a more extensive trip down to Highley railway station. The trip marked the first time No Limits had been to the Severn Valley railway since the summer of 2019.
The photo above (used as the fanzine cover) shows the chairman, Thomas Cobb, No Limits member Jonathan Hazel and buddies Steven Morgan and George Mayall.
The photo below shows a photo of a train in Highley Engine House and Visitor and Education Centre.
This was a great trip which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended. No Limits member Dale Jones appreciated the old-fashioned sights of the steam trains we both embarked and saw and showed a strong eye for detail on the journey. The trip was also therapeutic (the trains were genteel and charming) and conducive to good health (members had a walk around Highley).
October 29th trip: On October 29th this year, No Limits returned to the Severn Valley railway for a much less bucolic trip to Arley and back. The Scream Train was the name of the event which incentivised a return, but thankfully the laughs outweighed the scares. Upon arriving at the SVR railway station in Kidderminster, we noticed a much less genteel atmosphere than usual.
Music blasted from speakers and prospective passengers were bedecked in Halloween costumes; it was, to put it mildly, a departure from the norm. Also prominent were several ghoulish creatures, one of which is shown frighteningly close to Jonathan Hazel below:
The train journey itself blended tension with amusement in equal measure. After the train departed from Kidderminster station, the lights intermittently switched off in each of our compartments and generated some apprehension. The actual arrival of masked monsters and spooks, however, was amusing.
One individual who looked slightly like the clown from It produced a jack in the box toy which sprung forth a rabbit (perhaps he thought it was Easter rather than Halloween). Most spectacular of all was the display at Arley, where we witnessed a werewolf transformation.
A photo of a spook staring into one of our compartments at Arley is displayed below:
A fun and truly unique SVR journey enjoyed by all.
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George’s Aviation Photography
Earlier this year, I went to Amsterdam. I managed to do some plane spotting at Amsterdam Schiphol airport which is one of the busiest airports in the world. I saw lots of different aircraft movement and a variety of airlines which was really cool. Amsterdam Schiphol airport has a designated viewing terrace which is open all year round and offers incredible panoramic views of the airports huge apron. I also managed to see some action close up in the terminal building whilst waiting for my flight back to Birmingham with Flybe.
Photo:
Under the Wing of H-OFE
an ex-KLM fokker 100 aircraft
Location:
Viewing Terrace
Equipment used: iPhone 13 Pro
Photo: Aer Lingus
Airbus320 ready for its return flight to Dublin
Location:
Terminal building
Equipment Used:
iPhone 13 Pro
Photo: Delta Airlines Airbus330 awaiting pushback
Location: Viewing Terrace
Equipment Used: Fujifilm Bridge Camera
Photo: Panoramic view of the airports apron
Location: Viewing Terrace
Equipment Used: iPhone 13 Pro
Would you like to volunteer for No Limits?
Do you have experience of working with Autistic adults or have close family members on the spectrum? Do you also live in the Dudley borough or close to it? No Limits needs more volunteers as the group is filled to capacity and it is exceedingly difficult to find volunteers with consistent availability. Being able to commit for the majority of sessions, however, would be extremely helpful. Having a close family member with Autism can be (and is often, in our view) more than sufficient experience it you don’t have a professional background in working with Autistic individuals. It you are interested, please email drthomasicobb@gmail.com and I’ll forward your expression of interest on to the Project Manager, Chris Morgan. All volunteers go through a vetting process which takes into account the needs of members and encompasses necessary DBS checks.
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My favourite TV show –
Peaky Blinders
This article is about my all-time favourite British TV show, Peaky Blinders! It first aired on 12th September 2013 and as soon as I watched the first episode I was hooked! I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s based on real life gangsters and events in Birmingham. The TV show was filmed in parts of Birmingham and some parts were filmed at The Black Country Museum which I find really fascinating because I love it there! Steven Knight, (producer of the show), has done an amazing job with all of it plus he is from Birmingham! I love Peaky Blinders because I love the history of it and the fact that it was based on real characters, for example, Sir Oswald Mosley, (played by Sam Claflin), is based on the real-life person. I do also love the action and emotion put into the show, it has a really good set of characters – the main character, (which is my favorite of course!), Thomas Shelby, (played by Cillian Murphy), Arthur Shelly, (played by Paul Anderson), John Shelby, (played by Joe Cole), Ada Shelby, (played by Sophie Rundle) and Polly Gray, (played by the late Helen McCrory). who played a very important role and she was absolutely brilliant! All these amazing actors have done an amazing job. I was so sad that it ended on 3rd April 2022.
Being a huge fan of Peaky Blinders, I have lots of merchandise; I have books, all the seasons on DVD, T-shirts, mugs, pint and whiskey glasses, a Peaky cap etc. and I’m still collecting to this day! I have been to the Black Country Museum loads of times to see where they filmed (it’s my second home haha!). I have been to The Garrison Micro Saloon Bar up the Waterfront, Merry Hill a few times and they have pictures of Peaky Blinders on the walls! I have also been to The Peaky Blinders pub in Birmingham, and hopefully, soon, I will go and visit the back-to-back houses where they also filmed. You wouldn’t believe how popular the show is because of it being so local in The Black Country. I am a proud Peaky fan and I am glad that it came into my life.
By Pippa Williams, No Limits member
Important News about the new Mental Health Bill
The draft of the Mental Health Bill reforms have been published to change the Mental Health laws in England and Wales. The aim is to respond to calls from numerous groups involved in working with people with Autism to improve Mental Health Care. The draft bill proposes a significant change to the definition of ‘Mental Disorder’ as referred to in the Mental Health Act. This will mean that Autism will no longer be included and should prevent the wrongful detention of people with Autism who do not have a mental health condition. We have previously covered these detentions, removing people from their families and incarcerating them in locked units far from home. The Bill will introduce a duty on Councils and NHS England to provide sufficient community support services to avoid people with Autism reaching crisis traumas – currently resulting in admissions to secure units just because there is no other options available.
This is a long awaited change as Autism in itself, is not a mental health condition but is neurological. Whilst some people with Autism can suffer from anxiety, depression and panic attacks it can be because their needs have not been recognised and remain unmet. They often have no allocated social worker and feel abandoned and isolated. It is sincerely hoped that this draft bill will reach the statute books. Read the full account of this draft bill at:
gov.uk/government/publications/draft-mental-health-bill-2022
By Chris Morgan, No Limits proiect manager
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No Limits Auction –
13th October
Thank you to all the attendees who came to our auction on 13th October and those who bidded for items online. A major thank you must go to Andrew Mayall, who served as the auctioneer for the event and did a terrific job in organising the display and encouraging bids from attendees. A great deal of gratitude must also go to Patrick Hingley, who highlighted items for attendees.
Thank you Patrick! £755 was raised by the event.
Some items sold include a set of wine bottles, a toy monkey and a novelty painting of Gizmo from the 1984 film Gremlins. A few photos from the event are displayed below and on the next column – hopefully it conveys some of the excitement of the event and the adrenaline felt in the room:
Andrew and Patrick at the front of the room
Patrick presenting an item
Audience at the auction
Frank surveys his work having built the stage
Attendees peruse the items
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Halesowen Leisure Centre Refurbishment Part 2
Following on from my last article in the No Limits fanzine, the refurbishment for the swimming pool has been confirmed for Autumn 2022 instead of late summer and early September.
An image of what the new pool could look like.
By Patrick Hingley, No limits member
NO LIMITS MEETS DUDLEY SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR & HEAD OF DISABILITY SERVICES
Due to the involvement of retired Councillor Colin Elcock, a meeting was arranged on Monday 8th August 2022 at The Council House between Matt Bowsher, Director, Emma Matthews, Head of Disability Services, Colin Elcock, Chris Morgan and Frank McGain-Harding, Founders of NO LIMITS Community Project (the article continues on next/right column).
Our objectives were to highlight the lack of services and resources available to those people with Able Autism/Asperger Syndrome who have an IQ above 70 who fail to meet Learning Disability or Mental Health criteria. We drew attention to the frequent misconception that people with Higher Functioning Autism do not need as much help and support as those with more profound Autism do. Support and understanding is of great importance and vital to an individual’s mental health.
We raised the difficulties created by not having access to an allocated social worker and the problems in trying to contact duty social workers when communication skills are one of the three main areas of difficulty. This can make such a difference and result in a small, easily resolved problem escalating into a crisis. We suggested that the presence of a social worker at our Wednesday group even if it was only once a month could be a positive step forward enabling our members to actually talk to a social worker in their own environment. It was agreed that this would be explored. It was also suggested that we could have access to the Social Services Internet Portal which would mean that direct referral could be made to be passed on to a relevant person to deal with.
We were also able to raise the problems surrounding Care Agency Support that sometimes is unreliable and inconsistent causing raised anxiety levels for the person assessed as requiring the support and also for the carers as well. It was agreed that support agencies were short staffed and that service providers were sometimes unable to fulfil their agreed service. All ‘clients’ assessed should be in possession of a Care Plan. It was agreed that this situation would be reviewed.
We expressed hope that more funding would be forthcoming from Central Government to finance an increase in Supported Living Accommodation and that people with Higher Functioning Autism receive higher priority.
In all, it was a good and positive meeting. The Director and Head of Disability Services agreed to consider our requests and we hope that this forges increased information sharing between us.
By Chris Morgan, No Limits project manager
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