Breakthrough for Josh as he works through lockdown
CHARITY HAS BEEN VITAL FOR AUTISTIC SON
A MOTHER has described the crushing effect of lockdown on her autistic son.
Joshua Lloyd-Taylor is one of many people being supported by Breakthrough UK, a charity which, led by disabled people, supports other disabled people to work and live independently.
The 29-year-old’s mum, Sharon Lloyd-Andrews, has given an insight into the effect restrictions can have on some of the most people in society, as Manchester’s Covaid-19 appeal raises money to support them.
The Covaid-19 appeal has seen the Manchester Evening News forces with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to support charities like Breakthrough-UK, which has been a lifeline to Sharon and her son. The appeal has so far raised £70,000, thanks to your generous support.
In Josh’s case, the charity’s support is helping to ease the feelings of confusion and isolation which lockdown’s constraints have triggered in him.
Josh, Sharon says, ‘took lockdown measures personally,’ as if he had been singled out.
“He really took it to heart and he said he didn’t think it was fair, that’s what he kept saying,” Sharon told the M.E.N. “Lack of understanding might be a part of it but I think predominantly it was just not really understanding why, because everybody’s going on about coronavirus but it’s not something that he can see or understand.”
Central to Josh’s autism is an attachment to routine, and a difficulty coping with change.
And lockdown has brought ‘real, abrupt change’ into his life, as it has for so many others.
“We normally have to figure things out for months in advance so that he gets used to an idea...he became really depressed and lost all motivation.
“He was just going back to bed and staying there all day basically.”
Josh has been unable to attend football sessions - he has played football for Manchester City’s ‘One City Disability’ team since he was at secondary school - and drama classes held at The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre in Chorlton.
“They set up a Whatsapp group so they can still stay in touch with each other, but that was only something that we found out in the last few weeks,” Sharon said.
“Drama and dance that he did at The Edge, they started up a Zoom call so he did that every Thursday at ten o’clock, that finished last week. Most of his clubs have shut for summer now, and for the one that doesn’t close over the summer, we’re still waiting to hear if they can open again.”
Breakthrough UK have provided support for Josh over lockdown in the form of weekly phone calls.
How you can donate Visit
to give. All money raised through Covaid-19 will be used to support the region’s most vulnerable people, including elderly people with no support network, people with health conditions, those fleeing domestic violence, rough sleepers, people struggling with caring for others, workers who have lost their jobs and families pushed onto the breadline.
Any amount you can spare, no matter how big or small, is helping to make a huge difference.
All the money raised will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester Mayor’s charity.
IF YOU’RE keen to get away from the city and reconnect with the great outdoors, there’s no better base for a Derbyshire break than Morley Hayes hotel and golf complex.
Just a 90-minute drive from Manchester, and conveniently located between Derby and Nottingham, the award-winning four-star country hideaway is perfect for those looking to escape from it all.
Boasting luxury rooms with stunning countryside views; golf courses and an all-weather driving range; and a choice of on-site bars and restaurants, Morley Hayes is the ideal place to call home at the end of a busy day’s sight-seeing.
Will you explore the glorious Peak District and the historic Chatsworth estate? Or go looking for thrills at Alton Towers? Or maybe you’d prefer to stay closer to the hotel and sample the worldclass golfing facilities and fine dining?
Whichever you choose, here’s why Morley Hayes is the perfect base for your Derbyshire leisure break.
THE HOTEL
Needless to say, special comes as standard at the award-winning four-star Morley Hayes. Its luxury rooms and lavish suites offer the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day on the golf course or exploring the Peak District.
Each boasts its own private terrace or balcony where you can look out on to the famous parkland golf course and take in spectacular views of the Derbyshire countryside beyond.
The breathtaking scenery is matched by beautiful interiors, complete with all the facilities you’d expect from a four-star hotel, including luxury bathrooms with Molton Brown Toiletries, satellite TV, WiFi and high-speed internet access.
The hotel even offers its guests complimentary use of five Electric Vehicle charging points.
TEEING OFF
The world-class golfing facilities at Morley Hayes are an ideal way to be social and keep active, but stay a safe distance from others.
Nestled in the midst of the Derbyshire countryside, the short nine-hole Tower Course and the superb 18-hole Championship Manor Course provide opportunities for golfers of all abilities to practise their game or play competitively.
Combined with the driving range, Tower Cafe, Golf Academy, purpose-built pavilion, golf shop, and Spike Bar, Morley Hayes offers everything a golfer needs.
SOMETHING TO EAT
Morley Hayes is home to three restaurants offering a range of dining experiences from informal bar snacks to the very best in fine dining.
The Dovecote has earned an enviable reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Derbyshire, utilising the very best locally-sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes.
At the moment, The Dovecote is only open during the day, serving delicious afternoon teas, Sunday roasts, and champagne breakfasts for that extraspecial treat.
Roosters Bar & Restaurant, open from noon daily, welcomes guests for a quiet drink or something tasty from the all-day menu. Drink and dine in the comfortable restaurant or, when the weather permits, relax outside in the courtyard where the stunning scenery complements the delicious food.
The Spike Bar, housed in the Golf Pavilion, is open daily from 8am. Tuck in to a hearty all-day breakfast before tackling the golf course, or recoup depleted energy reserves after a game with a satisfying meal from the all-day menu. Enjoy a relaxing drink with family and friends, or simply take some time out watching Sky Sports TV.
The Tower Cafe is situated in the newlydesigned driving range, serving hot and cold food and drink from 8am until 10pm every day.
Every detail has been carefully thought out with a comfortable lounge area to sit and enjoy a leisurely drink and snack.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Special leisure-break offers and seasonal offers are available at the award-winning four-star Morley Hayes, as well as attraction ticket offers and convenient shuttle-bus services, providing the ultimate luxury break at fantastic value.
To find out more, reserve a table, get a room or book a tee time, call 01332 780480 or see www.morleyhayes.com