Passionate Blog

New book on bereavement given warm welcome at Compton Hospice launch

2009-11-03T13:40:02+00:00

We are thrilled at the reception given to the book written by Compton Hospice bereavement counsellor, Dodie Graves, at an official launch at the charity.

Wolverhampton’s mayor, Councillor Surjan Singh Duhra was among the many guests who attended the event at The Cedars recently.

Dodie has used her considerable experience in working with grieving relatives, having counselled for more than 15 years, to write Talking with Bereaved People – An Approach for Structured and Sensitive Communication.

As well as the mayor, Dodie was joined by members of her bereavement visiting team from the hospice, health workers, Passionate Media director, Carol Garrington and a number of people whom she has counselled over the years.

All proceeds from the sale of the book are to be donated by Dodie to Compton Hospice.

“I was very touched by the things guests said at the launch, about the work we do here at Compton, and pleased of the fact I have been able to use my experiences to write this book, and hopefully help many others in the future,” said Dodie.

“My hope is that it will not just help bereavement counsellors like myself, but many workers and volunteers who regularly come into contact with people who have suffered bereavement, such as voluntary agencies, church pastoral teams, hospice and hospital staff, trainers and social workers.

“My book is by no means a complete guide to the subject, but I hope if offers some guidance on conversations which can help the grieving person cope with their loss. “I am also delighted that money raised will be used to help Compton, so it will hopefully be of use on many levels.”

The book, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, is available now online and at all good book stores. It’s published at £17.99 and can be bought online.

Darlaston restaurant curries favour with kidney cancer charity

2009-10-07T15:42:29+01:00

Suki's Bar and Indian restaurant is getting involved in a special awareness week in aid of kidney cancer later this month, so please go along and try out the kidney bean curry and give them some support - it really is for an excellent cause.

Britain's Biggest Curry Party is aimed at raising awareness of kidney cancer - one of the least known forms of cancer - which kills almost 4,000 people each year.

Despite the number of deaths - more than are killed on Britain's roads each year - a recent survey revealed a shockingly low awareness of the disease.

The research showed that even fewer people had any idea what caused it – primarily, believed to be smoking.

The event has been organised by the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, the UK’s leading kidney cancer specialist charity, which was set up by the broadcaster after he was diagnosed with the disease.

Bharat Patel, owner of Suki’s, said he had been shocked to learn that a person is diagnosed with kidney cancer in this country every hour, and wanted to help inform others about the dangers.

“I was really taken by the idea for curry parties, as it’s the best food to share with others,” said Bharat.

“In turn, it then gives us a great opportunity to share information with our customers. “If people can have a great time, raise some money for a worthy cause, and find out about something which could ultimately help save their lives, that has to be good.

“We chose kidney beans for the obvious reasons, but as an added bonus, they are also a great source of cholesterol-lowering fibre and are well-known for having loads of health benefits,” he added. The menu includes a kebab starter, made using kidney beans, with three main curry dishes, all including the pulse, one with lamb, one with chicken, and a vegetarian choice.

For every kidney bean dish sold during that week, the restaurant will donate half of the money to the kidney cancer charity, and will be displaying posters about the disease and giving out leaflets to customers.

“The dishes our chefs have come up with are fantastic, and something a little different, so please give them a try and help us to raise as much as possible. Even if you order something else, there’s nothing to stop you making a donation – our staff will be more than happy to help,” he added.

The special curry dishes will be on the menu at Suki’s from Monday, October 19 to Saturday 24.

The special menu
starter
Sukis Shammi Kebab

Creamy mashed potatoes and kidney beans mixed together with chefs special spices, lightly fried, and served with a side salad and mint dip

Mains

Rajmah Tikka Curry

Kidney beans and tender pieces of our chicken tikka cooked together in a tomato curry sauce with fresh onions.

Lamb Maharaja

Lamb and Kidney beans cooked with garlic in a rich onion and tomato curry sauce

Rajmah Raseela (V)

Kidney beans cooked in our rich curry sauce with a hint of cream.

The survey was carried out by YouGov, and involved 2,145 British adults.
Warning signs of kidney cancer include: • blood in the urine. • abnormal urine colour • upper abdominal pain or back pain • unintentional weight loss of more than 5% body weight • swelling or enlargement of the abdomen • vision abnormalities and paleness.

October special offer - promote yourselves for less with our help

2009-10-06T14:39:57+01:00

A HUGE thank you to Libby Hill, of Small Talk for the following testimonial - we are thrilled with the results we helped achieve, and really pleased at what it has done for her business.

And with our October special offers, anyone hoping to repeat the success can now do so for less.

For October only, we are offering some great deals on podcasts and press releases.

Libby Hill, managing director SmallTalk said:

"Passionate Media produced a press release on my Small Talk language groups, followed by an audio podcast and then a further press release on Languageland training for nurseries and schools.

I had a tremendous response from the first press release, with coverage in the Uttoxeter Post & Times, Uttoxeter Advertiser, Staffordshire Newsletter, Express & Star, Lichfield Gazette and others.

This led to several new individual clients and very importantly initiated some attention from the manager of the Lichfield area children’s centres. They commissioned me to run four groups initially and there are also plans for six more of these in the near future.

The greater impact of this is that I can now meet and establish links with all the major NHS and Social Services staff that are important in establishing and building my reputation.

With regard to the podcast, I have to admit I was unsure about the impact of this new style of PR. I went along with the idea because I have known Passionate Media for some time in other businesses and trusted their judgement. The results have been fantastic.

a Hungarian family living in

Russia

found my web site on Google and listened to the podcast. They had several therapists in Britain and Europe from which to choose but because they heard my voice on the podcast, they felt I was someone in whom they could trust and wanted me to see their child.We therefore arranged that they visit Staffordshire on their way to a walking holiday in Switzerland so I could I could assess and advise on what was required.

The same week I went on BBC Radio Derby to be interviewed about Chris Eubank’s lisp (and promote SmallTalk). One of the researchers had listened to my podcast and decided I was the expert commentator they were looking for.I am now their regular point of contact for whenever they have anything relevant and need a comment.

The second press release about Languageland training appeared in the Uttoxeter Advertiser and The Staffordshire Primary Times. This has gained more individual clients and encouraged several nurseries to sign up for training in their establishments.

So thank you very much Passionate Media!"

Want to see how the same could work for your business? Then there's no better time than the present.

For this month only, we are offering to script, record and edit a podcast of up to 10 minutes for just £197 plus VAT - a fantastic opportunity to try out this service if it is something you have been thinking about doing but not got around to, or weren't really sure of the benefits.

Please speak to our new media director Neil, who can talk you through the whole process, including advice on the best way of using the podcast once it is ready, to ensure it really gets heard.

As well as that, we are also offering press releases for just £299 plus VAT - a great time to make the most of our expertise in spotting and producing stories that will really work.

Promote a new service, highlight some charity work you are doing, or shout about your successes - whatever your needs, we can help you achieve maximum coverage. Contact us to find out more.

Compton bereavement counsellor's major new book set to boost hospice

2009-10-06T14:20:31+01:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Compton Hospice bereavement counsellor Dodie Gray, who has turned author to help others who regularly work with people who have lost loved ones, publishing a new book which will also raise money for the charity.

Mrs Graves has used her considerable experience in working with grieving relatives, having counselled for more than 15 years, to write Talking with Bereaved People – An Approach for Structured and Sensitive Communication.

As bereavement service co-ordinator for Compton, Mrs Graves recruits, trains and supervises a team of voluntary bereavement visitors, and has an excellent understanding of the approach and skills needed to deal with the delicate and often difficult subject of grief.

The book is aimed at anyone working with bereaved people, including counsellors, voluntary bereavement agencies, church pastoral teams, hospice and hospital staff, trainers and social workers.

“Lots of people feel awkward about what to talk about with a bereaved person once they have got past offering their condolences, but the person who has suffered the loss will often need to talk in order to come to terms with their grief,” explained Mrs Graves.

“I have written the book to assist those working with bereaved people, to offer some guidance on conversations which can really help the grieving person cope with their loss. It will also raise money for Compton Hospice, which does wonderful work to help people during their lives, as well as those they leave behind.

“I have tried to structure the book so that the advice I give is flexible and can be adapted, rather than just offering prescriptive instruction, which to the bereaved person, may end up sounding a little mechanical.

“People working with someone who is mourning need to be good at active listening, and be aware of the many issues surrounding bereavement, some of which I aim to address with in the book.”

Mrs Graves outlines six practical elements in the book for conversing with bereaved people, along with advice on how to use this to talk to individuals and groups, along with anecdotes, case studies and useful creative activities that can help each process.

Sue Chance, head of PR and fundraising at Compton, said she was delighted that so many other people would now be able to benefit from the experience and sensitivity of Mrs Graves.

“We have always been aware of how lucky we are to have someone like Dodie at Compton, and now, thanks to her book, her experience and approaches can be shared with many, many more professionals.

“We are also extremely grateful that Dodie has decided to donate the proceeds from the book to Compton, where it will help many more people in life, as well as bereavement.”

Hospice staff and volunteers will be invited to find out more about the book at an event at The Cedars on Friday, October 23 at 2pm.

The book, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, is available now online and at all good book stores. It’s published at £17.99 and can be bought online for around £12.99. All royalties and profits will go to Compton Hospice.

Bloggers unite in festive theatre campaign to boost children's cancer charity

2009-09-27T09:28:58+01:00

Photo by Ell Brown on Flickr

UK parent bloggers are joining forces to laugh their socks off while raising cash for a children’s cancer charity.

Bloggers are signing up for The Great Panto Review 2009 which will benefit NACCPO – The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents’ Organisations.

Leading theatres in England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to give bloggers access so their reviews can spread ‘word of mouth’ throughout the blogospshere.

Cardiff’s New Theatre where John Barrowman is appearing as Robin Hood and the Birmingham Hippodrome where Ray Quinn and Joe Pasquale will star in Sleeping Beauty were among the first to pledge to welcome the bloggers and back the charity effort.

Writers taking part will be asked to donate to NACCPO, while readers will also be asked to give generously.

Panto reviews will also be published on the bloggers’ own sites as well as being promoted through social media platforms such as facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon and Digg. Contributors, many of whom are also members at www.britishmummybloggers.co.uk, are currently contacting more theatres large and small to request review tickets or places at panto media previews.

Have a Lovely Time editor and mum of two Linda Jones said she came up with the idea after being approached by several large corporations including Disney and Ford to write about their products and wanted to harness the resulting ‘word of mouth’ to do something positive at Christmas time.

She said: “It has been very exciting to see how well this has taken off so far. The bloggers and their families who are reviewing the shows are over the moon and we have had nothing but positive feedback from theatres approached.

“The idea was inspired by the fact that my family loved John Barrowman at the Birmingham Hippodrome last year and as Aladdin the year before.

“I wanted to be able to share that laughter with other bloggers, as well as promoting the Great British panto and raising money for a wonderful charity.

“NACCPO fundraiser Rachael Olley has contributed to Have a Lovely Time so I was well aware of the work they do. As the site is all about having fun, especially on holiday and NACCPO help families with short breaks, we wanted to do something to help.”

Susanna Scott, who founded www.britishmummybloggers.co.uk added: “I hope that in a year when some families will be weighing up whether they can afford to go and see a panto, our reports will help give the Great British panto a shot in the arm.

“We have more than 600 members, who each have a loyal readership of anything from dozens to hundreds of thousands of readers, so the potential audience is huge.”

NACCPO fundraiser Rachael Olley added: “To see the star names in productions backing this campaign is great for us. We rely on fundraising and applaud the bloggers for their innovative way of bringing in money which will be used to support children with cancer.”

"We are entirely dependant on fundraising to continue our services - we do not receive any government or statutory funding so every penny is gratefully received.

“The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisations (NACCPO) is made up of parent run organisations that have common aims of working together to support children and young adults with cancer.”

• Please donate to The Great Panto Review 2009.

>And please join our Facebook group so we can keep in touch. You don't have to have got your hands on review tickets or even be planning to write a review. Please join to show your support.

Double your giving in Compton Hospice Will Week

2009-09-22T16:12:32+01:00

COMPTON Hospice is offering the chance to double the contribution you make during their Make a Will Week.

By taking part in the week, from Monday October 5 to Saturday October 10, you can get your Will written by a solicitor at a heavily discounted rate and provide funds to the Wolverhampton hospice at the same time.

During the week a dozen solicitors' branches across the Midlands will be offering to write a basic Will for just £60 and make a donation of £30 to the hospice for every Will completed.

"The Will week gives people the chance to make sure they are properly prepared for the future with a professionally drawn up Will at a bargain price and support a really good cause at the same time," said Karen Phillips, head of corporate funding at Compton Hospice.

For more details or a booking form see the Compton Hospice website.

Inspirational speaker to boost credit crunch beating business conference

2009-09-22T11:59:04+01:00

INSPIRATIONAL charity boss Sheila Brown will share her top tips for success with an audience of entrepreneurs at a Cannock business exhibition to help firms overcome the credit crunch.

Mrs Brown OBE, chief executive at Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, will be one of the key speakers at the Wings business network exhibition, being held at Chase Park (Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club), Church Lane, Hatherton, on Friday October 16 from 9am to 4pm.

And support of a different kind is hoped for at the event, as another charity is asking businesswomen attending to donate unwanted bras.

Mrs Brown founded Newlife Foundation, and trading company, Newlife Trading, almost 20 years ago after her son, Greg, was diagnosed with a rare condition called Noonan’s Syndrome and autism.

With a multi-million pound turnover, Newlife is one of the largest employers in the area and still growing. The recycling company now provides products and services to most of the UK’s major retailers and supermarkets and the services and activities raise funds to help disabled children across the UK.

Mrs Brown will recount lessons she has learned along the way to help encourage local business people to achieve more.

Newlife Foundation is the UK’s leading children’s disability charity specialising in support to aid children affected by all disabilities. As well as funding equipment grants and research, the charity also offers support from specially trained nurses and campaigns for a fairer deal for children to access essential equipment and services.

“We are delighted Sheila will be joining us, ” said Carol Garrington, marketing director at Passionate Media, Bridgtown and exhibition organiser.

“The word inspirational is over-used but totally justified in Sheila’s case.”

She explained that the event will be an opportunity for members of Wings – the Women’s Networking Group – to showcase their many businesses, but is also open to non-members, and businessmen too.

“Our members run some wonderful and varied businesses, and we want to help them promote what they do, but the day is about much more than that,” she explained.

“We want to get as many Midlands

firms along as possible, to help them network, make some great contacts, and hopefully learn something too.

Also included in the day, will be a morning workshop by Academy of High Achievers on increasing sales performance and an afternoon workshop by Passionate Media an introduction to social media for business.

“Besides Sheila, we have some fantastic speakers and workshops, offering priceless advice on a range of things from making the most of social networking and podcasts to how to increase your sales performance.”

The event also has a charitable element to it, with representatives from Compton Hospice and National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisation holding a “clothes amnesty” to help raise funds.

Compton Hospice is appealing for business women to clean out their wardrobes and take along any posh frocks or accessories they may have and no longer need, which will then be sold at a fashion show fund raiser due to be held in November.

The National Alliance of Childhood Cancer Parents Organisation (NACCPO) will also leave a bra bin at the exhibition, for women to donate their old bras, in support of the Stafford-based charity.

* To find out more, or book a place or a stall, ring Carol on 01543 468621.

The Great Panto Review 2009 - Please support NACCPO and bloggers!

2009-09-21T21:32:31+01:00

Photo by Sallycat101 on Flickr

HAVING been invited to sample what's on offer from the likes of Disney, Butlins and the Frankfurt Motor Show, we knew that marketeers are plugging into the 'word of mouth' buzz created by bloggers.

We wanted to harness that power to do something positive and today posted about a 'collaborative blogging project' which can hopefully have parent bloggers laughing their socks off, while also making a difference to children's charity, NACCPO.

Please read this to understand more.

If you'd like to support NACCPO, whether or not you'll be visiting a panto this year, please visit our Justgiving page. I have set a target for the time being which I hope is realistic. This may change, depending how we go.

Thank you!

Communities unite to help African children

2009-09-18T16:47:20+01:00

Photo from Hands At Work on Flickr

SCHOOL, church and community groups from Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley are uniting to fund hands-on work by volunteers to help children affected by Aids in South Africa.

In July next year a group of volunteers including businessmen, mums, and churchgoers is set to visit South Africa to help two charities providing life-saving support for orphaned and vulnerable children.

The visit to the White River region (Mpmumalanga) will be the culmination of a community-wide fundraising collaboration uniting the two villages, known as the Link4Life project.

This includes eight pupils from both Great Wyrley High School and Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School, as well as two teachers from each school. Eleven people from Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay are also going, plus two youth workers.

Charities being helped are Hands@work – A Christian charity working to help those orphaned by or otherwise affected by HIV/Aids and Mercy Air – another Christian charity which uses aircraft to reach people in need. Mercy Air is often involved in medical evacuations and aid relief flights.

Those who take part in the trip will shadow charity workers as well as providing practical help such as working on building or gardening projects, packaging food, clothing and medication. More information can be found here.

A series of fundraising events and initiatives is planned to help fund the volunteers’ visit and these kick off on Saturday October 3 with a musical evening at Great Wyrley Community Centre, in Landywood Lane, which is £5 a ticket and includes variety of musical styles - from swing to pop.

The visit is being led by Reverend Richard Westwood, from St Andrew’s Church in Great Wyrley, and his wife Rose, who have already visited the region twice and wanted to spread the word about the charities and offer them more help.

Rev Westwood said: “Those who take part in the visit will accompany, watch and encourage some of the work being done and where appropriate, help in practical ways.”

But Rev Westwood is also very keen to stress the project is a community-wide effort and thank supporters for all their help so far. St Andrew’s, Salem and Great Wyrley Methodist churches are also boosting awareness.

He said: “There has been a wonderful response. All who have pledged their support were enthusiastic about the project. We really want to have plenty of people involved and there are roles in the coming months for everyone who want to play a part, even if they don't plan to come on the visit itself.”

One supporter is Andy Evans, managing director at Bridgtown-based EDS Couriers.

Andy said: “This is a phenomenal visit which can transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Anything we can do at EDS to help the volunteers will be an absolute pleasure.”

Making money from commercial writing workshops - London and Birmingham

2009-09-17T09:19:20+01:00

WE'VE confirmed dates and venues for our next workshops for freelance journalists wanting to boost their income with commercial writing work.

Prices have been set at a rate to be affordable in these tough times and we are keen to make sure the sessions are excellent value for money.

Places are limited to ensure feedback is specific enough to attendees' particular questions.

Testimonials from previous attendees can be found here.

Dates are:

Friends' House, Euston Road, London, Saturday November 14.

Priory Rooms, Bull Street, Birmingham, Saturday November 28

Itinerary:

This is a day-long training event including practical exercises with instant feedback.

Areas covered will include:

Ethics - Is commercial writing for you? How can you or should you juggle this with a career in freelance journalism? What are the conflicts of interest and how can they be avoided?

Writing style - How does it differ from more objective styles of writing?

How to get work - What's the point of networking? Getting the most from contacts. Finding 'strategic alliances' to go after more/bigger work.

Getting paid - Advice based on experience of contracts and order forms, with templates provided.

Clients from hell? Guidance on how to deal with and strengthen relationships with corporate clients.

Exercises will include:

Writing different sorts of copy

Networking practice

There will be a 45 minute break for lunch. Two servings of tea and coffee are included in the cost of the workshops. Lunch is not provided.

LONDON -

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm

Venue: Room 18, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London

Cost: £125 including VAT

BIRMINGHAM

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2009

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm

Venue: The Priory Rooms Meeting & Conference Centre, Bull Street, Birmingham (Lloyd Room)

Cost: £125 including VAT

About the trainers:

Linda Jones:

Managing director of Passionate Media, agency working on copywriting, PR, blogging, podcasting and other marketing support/editorial services for a range of customers. The company was started in 2003 to allow Linda to work around her children. She is an established media trainer, working with in-house teams and with individuals. She is also the author of The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World. As a journalist she has worked as an editor overseas, a regional news editor and a regular contributor to national magazines and newspapers.

Carol Garrington

Award-winning marketing director at Passionate Media and oversees sales, business development and the financial aspects of the business. Carol offers realistic advice on contracts, dealing with clients, charging and getting paid. She also runs a flourishing network for businesswomen in the West Midlands, Wings, and will give advice on where and how to meet potential customers.

If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Carol at carol@passionatemedia.co.uk for more to book your place.

Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis as places are limited.

Friends' House:

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Priory Rooms:

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