Last night on 27th October 2011, at the AGM at Maccabi North Manchester, I was voted onto the Management Committee of Outreach, Community and Residential Services

In his Chairman’s report, Dr. Peter Elton, Director of Public Health for NHS Bury said ‘I am delighted that Outreach has been able to continue to improve the support we give to our service users whilst remaining in financial balance. It is the quality of our services that has made Outreach attractive to the Local Authorities as they have placed more residents with us.’

I hope to bring my expertise in property to the organization. ‘This is an amazing opportunity to give me an insight into housing provision for people with learning disability long term mental health needs, and help raise the bar in the future’

David Raynes, my brother and Outreach Service User, said ‘I am really really proud of my big sister that she is getting involved. Really proud and happy’

At the AGM we also heard from John Boyington CBE, Managing Director NE Manchester (Incorporating NHS Bury, NHS Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale and NHS Oldham)

About Outreach

Outreach is a voluntary organization that is registered with the Charity Commission. We were established in 1977 after parents/carers identified that there was a need.

We provide indiviualised Residential and Community services for Jewish and non-Jewish adults with learning disabilities and/or long term mental health needs.

Outreach have a Domiciliary registered Community Support Team and elen Residential Services within Prestwich and outlying areas, which encourages ordinary living and community involvement with mainstream community.

People within Outreach’s care are encouraged to develop independent living skills (according to their ability) and receive support from our staff to facilitate this.

For more information contact Chief Executive Akilah Akinola  http://www.outreach.co.uk/

Or to donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/outreachcommunity

'Frame a view, don’t merely exhibit it'
Extract from 101 I learned at Architecture School Matthew Frederick

Although a wall of windows, a shop front or curtain walling may seen most appropriate for a dramatic view, richer experiences are often found in views that are carefully selected, framed, screened or even denied.

Each view should relate to an experience, an activity, a time of day even a time of year and framed accordingly.

Light Play. Similarly orientation and shadows cast can be rewarding. Tadao Ando’s churches, bathe crosses formed in the negative, in light. At Gorton Monastery, light is cast on statues of saints on a specific day of the year.

Screen. In India, views are screened and then framed. Most notably at the Taj Mahal, but also in Palace Architecture, where screens were used to hide Women's gaze from public sight.

Experience. The best views are lying in bed watching a sunset, washing up and staring out the window, or window seats to watch the world go by.

At David Chipperfields Hepworth gallery, a view is screened at first to deny the view and then, a window seat is placed to enjoy the view. The screen becomes an object, and light floods around it. In the corridor space the view floods the neutral internal corridor with colour

Focal Point. At Mies Van der Rohe’s Barcelona pavilion and enclosed, walled garden is treated with respect, by placing a statue as a focal point. At my house the eye is led, from the front door, through the house to the back wall of the gardens, heightened by a series of frames and screens.

Grand Designs here we come!!! Only joking. As lovely as Kevin McCloud is, projects never quite run smoothly when he's around. 

I am absolutely delighted to announce that I've won my first new build house project as Raynes Architecture

'we're thrilled that Lisa's bringing her vision, optimism and integrity to our corner of the Peak District' says Dr. Kate Fletcher, reader in Sustainable Fashion, London College of Fashion

Hope to keep you posted as designs develop.

Coming up to a year old, I've done several things to provide both professional and business support for me during my first year. The SPG, WiP, Blue Orchid and Mentoring.

As I was initially setting up, I contacted the RIBA, of which I've been a member for many years, but not really used and  I was advised by Belinda Irlam-Mowbray to join the SPG (the RIBA NW Solo Practitioners Group. (and the MSA but I'll save that one for another day/year)

A year in, several meetings and the infamous Treasure Hunt later, the SPG has come into it’s own. Not only does it provide CPD, but advice on professional architectural matters and lately an ally who can support me on live projects and provide that essential back-up to clients. We are hoping to update the website http://www.spgnw.co.uk/

Women in property, of course, has provided an invaluable platform, mentoring and access to professional contacts across manchester and the north west.

In addition, I managed to access the last round of the NWDA funding for a business mentoring programme, which I'm in the middle of. Initial business support came from from Phil Bell of Blue Orchid, which stood me in good stead. And accountants Finton Doyle are helping to keep me on track.

So in all as a solo practitioner one is in need of all the support you can get.