A Unique Event in Liverpool on November 1, 2018

The Creative Space is where the soul can soar to its innermost imaginings, and the human spirit come alive.

It promises to engage, challenge, delight and tug on the heart strings of all those who engage with it in response to the highs and lows of human endeavours.

It commands that hearts beat in unison to the notes that echo around the homes and concert halls around the world.

And yet still, this most wonderful of platforms has one last bastion - that of equity both on and off the stage, in front of and behind the camera...

to set in motion a Paradigm Shift which gives rise to Accessible Spaces that are not constrained by traditional responses to the unique individuality of each and every one of us, and that recognises the direct correlation between opening up the creative space and its impact on health and wellbeing, inclusive economic growth and GDP.

Our event will introduce delegates to this concept as well as various international initiatives taking place in this field, while our speakers from across the industry will share their journeys, and in particular what worked for them.

There will be ample opportunities to network and participate in the debate throughout the day.

Our event culminates in a spectacular Fundraising Concert to support our future architectural leaders through Fellowships - for going forward, they really are the people who can bring about the Paradigm Shift in city planning.

Our concert takes our event beyond the rhetoric of reducing inequalities to life’s opportunities. First and foremost, we lay before you artistic excellence which has achieved great heights in spite of significant cultural, socio-economic and physical challenges

Ayesha Gavin, James Holt, Grant Logan, Dan White, Robert Winstanley, Asa Murphy, Matthew Wadsworth, Napua Davoy

These challenges, which we hear about so often, thwart the aspirations and physical presence of individuals across the full spectrum of need, despite the rights' protection and intentions of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2010 Equality Act.

Our event doesn’t just talk about how to open up the creative space - we show you what can be achieved in one of the most iconic venues in the world, set in the heart of a City which is A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which gave us the Beatles, and which houses some of the world's greatest works of art and architectural innovation.

Join us as we create this Paradigm Shift and be part of this event which is filled with integrity, purpose in the pursuit of increasing equality of access to life’s opportunities.

Tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raising-the-roof-2018-tickets-49054092110

Further details on the event as well as speakers’ and performers’ bios can be found at http://www.universalinclusion.co.uk/index.php/component/sppagebuilder/10-raising-the-roof-2018?Itemid=0

Twitter: @univinclusion

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion/

#RTR2018 #raisingtheroof2018 #ICCC #diversity #inclusion #culture #disability #art #citizenoftheworld #Liverpool #StGeorgesHall

#CourageandSparkle #DisabilityToday #EvermoreWellbeing #Gooseberry Pink #JigsawMedical #LMALiverpool #MerseysideWomanoftheYear #MWOTY #PinkShoeClub

Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” calls for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

We believe that a peaceful society is one where there is justice and equality for everyone. The onging strife and conflicts around the world are not solutions. It is only peace that will enable a sustainable environment to take shape and allow a sustainable environment taht will help promote peace.

We have a vision of the essence of humanity that is requried to bring about the changes which will lead to real and sustainable peace.

A Recipe for Humanity

Conceived in love, health and wellbeing

Placed in a warm loving place with all the nutrients you need to grow introduced to the sounds and touch of those who love you

Share the time that is needed to prepare for your arrival without the hostility,
Resentment of others and the career jeopardy of those closest to you

Born in place designed to embrace you throughout your birth
which places you and your loved ones in the safest of hands to ease your way

To embrace you in the comfort of your home with all that you require irrespective of your standing or the actions of those around you

To introduce you to the wonder of the world
and your place within its legacy

To instill in you, belief in yourself, aspirations, passion
and a determination to be the best that you can be

To prepare you for the role you have to play
in protecting the rights and lives not only of yourself but of others

To show you how to walk in ways
that leave footsteps that others would be proud to follow

To extend to you the ability
to reach out and touch the souls of others along your way.

 

Jacqueline Winstanley March 2014

 

Liverpool, September 2018. Raising The Roof, the international concert held in support of The International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) International Student Design Competition Fellowships, returns to the iconic St George's Hall in Liverpool on November 1, 2018 with another star-studded line-up celebrating accessibility to life’s opportunities.

The first time Raising The Roof was held in October 2017, it was a resounding success. The glittering fund-raising celebration honoured the winners of the ICCC International Student Design Competition and supported the Fellows and architectural leaders of the future. It had a spectacular line-up of musical and dance talent, which took to the stage in the sumptuous Concert Room at the grade I listed landmark - St George's Hall in Liverpool.

This year Universal Inclusion, hosts and organisers of Raising The Roof, have extended the concept of accessible spaces and inclusion to present a ground-breaking and interactive afternoon seminar, bringing together global thought-leaders, artists, architects, entrepreneurs and key decision makers in all things art and culture.

The seminar will showcase and discuss essential concepts on accessibility to life’s opportunities and opening up the creative space, culminating in a global call-to-action.

Panel speakers include

Ade Adepitan MBE, Elle Exxe, Ayesha Gavin, James Holt, Grant Logan, Jacqueline Winstanley Bsc Hons, Professor Dianne Davis, Mike Cash, Laura Draper, ICCC Competition Winner Fellows

Moderator is Helene Martin Gee, while Seminar Master of Ceremonies is Robert Winstanley

This will be followed by a VIP reception with The Alder Hey Staff Choir by Bernie Whelan, where guests will have the opportunity to mix with the amazing international talent, speakers, dignitaries and guests before settling down for another stunning Raising The Roof concert, which will bring these concepts to life.

The spectacular evening features awards and star performances of music and singing from internationally renowned entertainers:

Jazz Vocalist ‘King of Swing’ Asa Murphy and his Big Band,

The internationally-acclaimed theorbo and lute player Matthew Wadsworth,

Elle Exxe, singer-songwriter who won the Best Female Solo Artist at the Unsigned Music Awards in 2016,

The award-winning Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra and Dancers who have performed worldwide and who are the first and largest youth orchestra in Europe,

James Holt, a solo artist from Bolton and is receiving attention and praise from music industry giants,

Napua Davoy, a most extraordinary musician and song stylist, with the Liverpool Media Academy (LMA) performers.

 It will also celebrate this year's ICCC Award winners for the Caring Citizen of the Humanities, recognising the contributions they have done and continue to make. Concert Master of Ceremonies is Ade Adepitan MBE.

The day’s events are being hosted and organised by Universal Inclusion, led by Seminar and Concert Executive Producer Jacqueline Winstanley, Founder and CEO of Universal Inclusion. The Concert Musical Director is John Kiehl, co-founder of Soundtrack Recording Studios while Ellen Kerr from Merseyside Woman of the Year (MWOTY) is Stage Manager.

As Jacqueline explained, “All that I do through Universal Inclusion and my other initiatives is in line with my deeply-rooted conviction to do what is possible to increase the equality of access to life’s opportunities for everyone.

“Both the Seminar Opening Up the Creative Space and the concert Raising The Roof continue to honour this conviction: the concert celebrates accessibility across spaces - seen in the physical space created through the winning works of the Council for Caring Communities (ICCC) International Student Design Competition Fellowships - and the creative space which is brought to life through music. Music has always been an art that can transcend boundaries and bring people together, and once again, the performers will represent a spectrum of geographic origins, musical styles, and ages.”

Jacqueline continued, “The concert supports the ICCC International Student Design Competition Fellowship, and their work highlights the importance of creating inclusive cities. As we strive to create the paradigm shift across all spaces, it is imperative that the built environment reflects the requirements of our increasingly diverse and ageing population.”

This year’s Raising The Roof production is in partnership with the ICCC* and Liverpool City Council, and supported by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Courage and Sparkle, Disability Today, Disability Rights UK, Evermore Wellbeing, Gooseberry Pink, Jigsaw Medical, LMA Liverpool, Market Accents, Merseyside Woman of the Year (MWOTY), Pink Shoe Club, Soundtrack Recording Studios and St George’s Hall.

The supporting team includes Mike Cash; Noreen Cesareo, Market Accents; Professor Dianne Davis, ICCC Founder; Julie Fernandez; Christine Gong, Co-Founder, Chinese Cultural and Art International Organization; Christoff Karla; Ellen Kerr; Professor Gisela Loehlein, ICCC Vice President for Student Design Competition; Peter Mathius; Emanuel ‘Manny’ Perlman, Alan Smith and Tony Thompson.

*The ICCC acts as a bridge, linking government, civil society organizations, the private sector, universities and the United Nations in enhancing new ways of viewing an integrated society for all ages. These events are also aligned to and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They foster the ICCC program: “Imagining the Possible”.

Tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raising-the-roof-2018-tickets-49054092110

Further details on the event as well as speakers’ and performers’ bios can be found at http://www.universalinclusion.co.uk/index.php/component/sppagebuilder/10-raising-the-roof-2018?Itemid=0

Twitter: @univinclusion

Facebook: @aninclusiveworld

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion/

#RTR2018 #raisingtheroof2018 #ICCC #diversity #inclusion #culture  #disability #art #citizenoftheworld #Liverpool #StGeorgesHall

 

The recent fires within Rivington were featured heavily in the national headlines and brought the community together,  working alongside the firefighters, other emergency services and volunteers to save the historic Terraced Gardens.

This prompted vivid memories of my time as a child, where I spent many hours in the Terraced Gardens within The Leverhulme Estate at Rivington. It transported me to a magical place, filled with intricate pathways, where beams of sunshine reflected off the still waters of the lake.

I can still smell the heady scent of the exotic flowers that filled the air, as my little legs clambered up the seemingly endless steps, archways and intricate pathways where we played endless games of hide and seek.

The succulent glistening fruits which came with war wounds - as the best were always deep within the brambles - were quickly forgotten, made their way into blackberry pies which I can still taste if I close my eyes.

I hadn’t been up to the gardens for a very long time - partly because I have complex health conditions which have now made the route up to the gardens impossible.

Recently I had re-engaged with the gardens when I volunteered with the Research Group that is specifically looking at renovating the Japanese Garden as part of the Lottery Funded renovation, and as part of a project developing inclusive experiences within the overall renovation.

As a sign of their appreciation, the Emergency Services who worked so hard to save the gardens from the fire at Rivington Heritage Trust put on “The Big Thank You “ https://www.2br.co.uk/news/local-news/2673079/rivington-terraced-gardens-to-celebrate-the-end-of-winter-hill-blaze/

This really was a truly spectacular event, made all the more special by the inclusive nature of the event and the practical responses - both prior to and at the event itself.

I have to admit to overcoming a last minute wobble and nearly didn't attend, but I am so glad that I took that leap of faith. On arrival at the designated parking area, there were friendly faces who were well informed about where to go and how I would be transported to the event on The Great Lawn, in what at the time sounded like a rather daunting journey in a mountain-rescue vehicle.

I needn’t have worried! I met with a group of volunteers who escorted me to what I now know to be mountain goats disguised as motor vehicles which navigated the route up to the gardens with ease, and it was actually really exciting to see the gardens emerging on the incredibly smooth ride, considering the Terrain.

Once at The Gardens, the usual apprehension kicked in - How far was it now?.. I needed to be careful so that I didn't fall (- I did want to avoid a third 6-week spell in a cast on crutches)... Would there be somewhere to sit? How do you navigate crutches and a pastie, never mind trying to carry a drink?

And yet, all of these fears just melted away! The Team had thought of everything - a pathway had been laid from the entrance leading to a viewing platform with seating positioned just right.. not too close to the stage, not hidden away out of sight, but right in the heart of the activities... and for those who needed it, an “ Accessible Loo “ was close by too.

It wasn’t too long before another volunteer popped up asking if I needed any help. It was all so refreshing and great to see the responses which had been promised, all put into action in such a positive way.

I spent the next two hours taking it all in - Yes I know, when your whole world revolves around creating inclusive experiences, it's hard to switch off and just enjoy it. It was an intimate event, with just the right balance of food, drinks and activities for the families of the firefighters and others who had literally battled to save this magical place from the raging fires that threatened to engulf it.

The entertainment was great a mix of bands, thank-you speeches and entertainers.

I met some lovely people there. The universe works in mysterious ways and in particular, with the Nan of one of the performers. She is definitely his biggest fan. She started chatting to me about her grandson who was performing at the event, who is from the deaf community, and who will now be taking part in an event I am hosting in November, which I can tell you all about another time.

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to see it out till the end. In true Cinderella-fashion - as those of you reading this who experience chronic pain and fatigue will relate to - I made a timely exit. Once again I was introduced to the delights of the motorised mountain goats, which really did hang onto the hill at times, to see me to my car.

The perfectionist in me picked up on a few points that could have been added to the event to make it a more inclusive experience. Yes of course there is still a way to go to get wheelchair users up to the gardens - unfortunately they could not transfer into the Land-rovers  - I can see some type of zip-wire lift in the future, or a trailer contraption) - and to make this response available at all times. But you know what? Hand on heart, it won me over purely on the efforts made and the continuity of response, from first-point-of-contact till the end of my time within The Gardens that day.

Out of sight, I have to admit to being quite emotional and shedding a few tears as it brought back so many magical memories, alongside the overwhelming sense of honour I felt at be part of such a wonderful renovation project which truly has inclusion at the heart of it.

If you want to find out more about the project or become a volunteer contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Emanuel "Manny" C. Perlman - lyric tenor, composer, performing/recording artist, spiritual/civic leader, lecturer and World Peace Ambassador.

Manny is the Founder and President of Destination Peace International Inc. Its mission is to create harmony throughout the world by bringing people together regardless of religious affiliation or cultural differences through music, conflict resolution, peace curriculum and a universal language.

Manny has performed throughout the United States and Europe. The legendary talk show host, Larry King, compared him to a combination Caruso and Mel Tormé. Manny earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Voice from Rhode Island College and a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the Wurzweiller School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. He received a Doctorate in Music, honoris causa, from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Manny has lectured and performed twice at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. He has performed humanitarian programs twice throughout Cuba and premiered an original show entitled A Life of Coincidences at the Players Club in New York City. Manny has performed at the Capitol Rotunda and the Arlington National Cemetery with the United States Marine Band and in a holiday concert with the United States Naval Academy Band. He has performed at the Mormon Tabernacle in Bethesda, Maryland and in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Manny is strategic advisor to the Director of the Department of Social Impact and Innovation at the University of California in San Diego, Women4Empowerment (W4E), and Alliance4Empowerment.

Manny has four recordings including Generations:Father and Son, Face to Face, Spiritual Ambrosia (Arabesque) and Destination Peace (Cala Records).
Manny has performed with the Baltimore Symphony, lectured on the life of Leonard Bernstein with revered BSO conductor Marin Alsop, and in 2010 was presented with the Baltimore county community's "Volunteer of the Year" award.

With John Kiehl, co-founder and co-owner of the Academy/Grammy Award winning SoundTrackStudios and eminent voice pedagogue, Professor William Riley (Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, etc.), he is an app conceptualizer and developer. Together they also facilitate The Construct Institute (TCI). Members of the TCI include actor Richard Dreyfuss, Don Beck (Spiral Dynamics) and singer, Peter Yarrow.

In addition to Manny's musical talents he has been a psychiatric Social Worker, field instructor, social work supervisor and team coordinator at the Long Island Jewish Hillside Hospital in Queens, NY. He has been married to wife, Janice Jotkowitz, for 42 years and together they are the proud parents of 3 sons and their wives: Steven & Deborah, Benjamin & Bethany, and Marc. They are the proud grandparents of Abner, Muriel, Maximilian and Julius.

 

Website: http://www.destinationpeace.org/

Blog: https://destinationpeaceblog.wordpress.com/

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