[LEE]

From Ananova

Helen Adams backs Get On campaign

Big Brother's Helen Adams is backing a Christmas campaign to promote literacy.

Its aim is to promote training courses for people who want to improve their writing skills.

The Get On campaign says a lack of writing confidence can put people off sending Christmas cards.

Helen, who is dyslexic herself, says she often has to get boyfriend Paul Clarke to check her spelling.

"Being dyslexic, I can understand how large amounts of writing can sometimes seem daunting," she said.

"I often ask Paul to check my spelling and grammar, but he's not always around to help and that can cause problems.

"People who get by struggling with their writing could risk losing contact with friends and miss out on the fun of catching up on Christmas news.

"I would urge them to 'Get On' in 2002 by enrolling on one of the many thousands of free courses available."

The Get On campaign aims to raise awareness of adult basic skills issues and encourage people with numeracy and literacy problems to sign up for training.

Free advice about the campaign, which is part of the government's Skills for Life strategy, is available by calling 08000 150 650.

[Kaz]

Good for Helen!!

It must take guts for her to admit this in public, so why oh why don't the national press give this type of story the coverage it deserves?

I know it is annoying how she doesnt get recognised for doin a good deed like this - she has got guts for admitting something ike this to the nation!

[LEE]

I agree Kaz. The newspapers, especially the tabloids, are very quick to print negative things, why can't they print the good as well.

[Sticks]

It seems that Big Brother 2000 the issue highlighted by Craig was the shabby treatment given by the health service to people with Down Syndome.

This year Helen highlights the problem of Dyslexia and the fact it can be overcome.

Would it be pompous to say that Big Brother has been fulfilling a useful social function.

[Mark]

Sticks the thing with Joanne was she needed a heart and lung transplant, and she is Down Syndome.

I am not actually sure if England have people specialised to do this, thats why they had to send her to America - costing way more then they expected.

It is just as well its not on the NHS, as they could have a very long wait!

I also agree that Big Brother has been fulfilling a useful social function.

Mark :rudolph::rudolph:

ps. Not sure if anyone knows, how is a lung transplant done??

[Kaz]

It wouldn't be pompous at all, Sticks - but the message doesn't seem to have got across to our 'beloved' tabloid press, who only seem able and willing to print the worst about everyone.

Oh, don't get me started about the tabloids again....!!!

[Sticks]

Originally posted by Mark
Sticks the thing with Joanne was she needed a heart and lung transplant, and she is Down Syndome.

I am not actually sure if England have people specialised to do this, thats why they had to send her to America - costing way more then they expected.

This simply was not the case. Joanne was denied a place on the waiting list because she had Down Syndrome. There was no clinical reason, in fact the health authority that refused her, in the face of adverse publicity backed down and she got on the "waiting list" (I still would like to know if she had her opperation here or the US)

My sister's first child has down syndrome and my sister has had trouble with her education authority providing the specialist care that is due, by law because my neace has had a statement of special educational needs.

[LEE]

Yes Sticks, you're right. I remember this at the time. I think that it is scandalous that people with Downs Syndrome should be denied treatment in this way.

What happened to Joanne in the end? Did she have her op? I wasn't really following Big Brother last year so don't remember what happened.

[Mark]

Don't think she's had it yet.....

They are still looking for donations.

Click here


Mark :rudolph:

[Mark]

There is a picture of Helen on this campaign here

Mark

I love that top Helen wears!!

[sweetlittlesara]

yeh my mum wanted me to wear a top like that...