STEPS with someone beside us

Today's meeting was at the STEPs part of Stockton Council, described as "a stepping stone approach to employment" where people with different disabilities are supported, encouraged and given confidence on their was to employment.  On their course at STEPS they learn many new skills in a supportive but working environment, and produce some wonderful work.  It is not often that we have the opportunity to meet in the midst of products of the agenda of the meeting, but there were some really good cards made by those who went to the centre. 

Also we were told (but did not get to play with !) confetti in different shapes was made.  An excellent set up, and cards can be purchased at the Baptist Tabernacle shop in Stockton and Preston Hall Museum shop.  I'll be going and stocking up.

Some excellent news came in the midst of our group meeting this morning.  I'll quote from our Eaglescliffe Councillors "Thank you to all who contacted us about the future of the Tees Valley Music Service.  Today the coalition government has announced that for this year
the funding for the music services across the country will be held at the
same level as last year i.e. no increase for inflation.  There will be
consultation on how the services should be run in the future.
This is good news, welcomed by your Eaglescliffe ward councillors, but it is
not quite the end of the story.  Tees Valley Music Service is organised by
Stockton Borough Council but is funded by the four Tees Valley Authorities.
We need councillors and schools in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar &
Cleveland to unite with those in Stockton in support of the service otherwise it could still close."

Before ward surgery I did manage a lesson on tackling the intricacies of Windows 7 and Word 2010.  Why it has to be so complicated is beyond me - but a much clearer way of tackling after my lesson with Karen from Compupal, I am pleased to say.  I link back to the STEPS article.  Amazing what we can do if someone can just show is in a nice and pleasant way :-)