4all Newsletter - Spring 2012 by Lincolnshire County Council

ISSUE 17 / SPRING 2012

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award It’s a first at St Francis Special School

Five students from St Francis Special School have achieved their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. They are the first Gold Award group from the school and everyone is extremely proud and excited about their achievements. They did their Practice Expedition along the Norfolk Coastal Path from Hunstanton to Cromer. It was the first long distance walk they had done and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, blisters and all. Their Qualifying Expedition was done as part of Lincolnshire’s Annual Open Expeditions for young people with Additional

Needs. Their walks took in parts of the Humber Estuary, local coastal and woodland paths. Their Residential section activities varied from sailing on the Tall Ships to a Green Woodworking Residential at Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney, Lincolnshire. The students all travel to London in March with their parents to receive their Gold Awards from The Duke of Edinburgh at St. James Palace. A very proud DofE support team from St. Francis Special School will be at the Palace to watch them receive their Awards. Contact: Jacky Secker on 01636 89817 or email jacky.secker@ lincolnshire.gov.uk

The newsletter for families with children or young people with disabilities in Lincolnshire now incorporating Short Breaks

Inside this issue 2

Letters from our readers

Personal budgets and self-directed support

7-9

Support groups

PAWS project

HCPT – The Pilgrim Trust

CEA Card • LPCC Cinema • ODEON Cinema autism friendly screenings

Short Breaks Eco Experience

16-17

KIDS Strut

Short Breaks caravans

Disability swimming sessions

PAACT

Lincolnshire Community Foundation

24-27

Short Breaks activities timetables

Making Noise – getting children and young people involved in music making

SILCS Chance to Meet groups

KIDS Créche

32-33

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Letters

from our readers

Dear 4All Finding things for my child to do in the school holidays is a nightmare. Do you know of any all day clubs please? Action 4 Children are contracted through Short Breaks to deliver after-school and holiday clubs. Details of all the dates are in the calendar pages of this newsletter, or contact A4C directly on 01522 546516. They also provide a buddying service too. You could also give the Family Information Service a call on 0800 195 1635 as they have details of holiday clubs and activities throughout Lincolnshire.

Hello The purpose of this email is to say thank you for subsidising a trip our family took to The Thomas Centre near Louth during the last October half term. My son Brandon has quite severe autism and it was fabulous to spend time in such a wonderful environment, surrounded by families who understood the condition. Having daily access to the swimming pool was fantastic; both my children loved this and by the end of the week our daughter Hattie, who was only 3 at the time, built up her confidence tremendously in the water. Anyway, I just wanted to say a big thank you for enabling us to enjoy this trip at such a low cost. It was really appreciated and we hope to return to the Thomas Centre again this year. Kind Regards Helen Raeburn

Safety in the car Fledglings’ customer Pauline Campbell wrote to us: “I would like to share this information with other parents in your next newsletter. My daughter has autism and she was forever taking her seat belt off in the taxi to school. I hated the idea of having to restrain her in a houdini harness.... I came across this product, the Bucklesafe and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is portable, easy to use, fits all cars and is not too expensive (£9.95). I think it would make a difference to a lot of families.” We have contacted this company who kindly offered a 10% discount for all Fledglings’ customers who purchase the Bucklesafe product. Just quote FLEDG12 when ordering from their website www.bucklesafe.co.uk Fledglings will also receive a donation of £1 for every item sold. We are grateful to Pauline for making us aware of this product

Am I entitled to a carers assessment? As a carer it is your right to have a carer’s needs assessment. The term ‘carer’ should not be confused with a paid care worker, or care assistant, who receives payment for looking after someone. Being in receipt of Carers Allowance does not mean you are a paid carer. You can have your needs assessed even if the person you are caring for does not want to be assessed themselves. It gives you the opportunity to express your feelings and needs as a carer. The aim is to find out what impact your caring responsibilities have on your life, and to find ways to support you. The assessment is not about judging your ability and the way in which you carry out your caring role, but to ensure that your needs are being taken into account. Deciding whether or not to have a carer’s needs assessment is entirely up to you. You can complete the carer’s needs assessment on your own, with or without the person you care for being present, or ask a friend or advocate to be present to support you. To prepare for your assessment, keep a diary of all the tasks you currently perform to help the person you care for. The Carers Team Lincolnshire County Council 01522 782224

Dear 4All I would like a ‘one stop shop’ to be able to find out information from different services and providers, is there such a thing? We have created the www.cwdsi.co.uk website for exactly that. Take a look and let us know what you think and what else you would like adding.

We would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts on the magazine, what’s going on in your life or anything you would like to share with us and our readers. Contact us at: 4All@lincolnshire.gov.uk

4ALL UPDATE

4all Update The 4all newsletter came into being to provide a means for families to gain information and if they so desired to share their knowledge, and ups and downs with other families, to help them also. Parents tell us that they look forward to receiving their copy and find it very useful which we are very pleased about: “4ll database has been an excellent source for information for a wide range of activities for children. My daughter attended the activities at least once a week, which increased her confidence a great deal because mum didn’t have to go with her, and I felt that she was safe and happy and didn’t have to keep checking on her every half hour. The other information I found extremely brilliant were the holiday homes which I could access easily and I’ve passed this information on many times to parents who have children with disabilities” (Parent) It was originally only available to those who registered on the 4all database but in past 18 months has been more widely available. Newsletters are produced 3 times a year and currently are delivered to schools, other establishments and practitioners. Due to the present economic climate it has been decided that there is a need to reduce the number we send out. To guarantee a copy, families need to ensure their child/young person with a disability or additional need is entered onto the 4all database.

We are already aware that under the present system some families are receiving more than one copy which again is added cost. If you currently receive a copy through school or other settings and would like to continue to receive 4all, please email the 4all co-ordinator at 4all@ lincolnshire.gov.uk with your full contact details (inc. phone number) and she will contact you in regard to adding your child or young person to the database. The 4all database’s main purpose is to provide statistics to help and support in the planning and development of services for children/young people with disabilities and or additional needs in our county. The more children/ young people with disabilities and or additional needs that join the database the greater the awareness of their needs now and in the future.

Personal or identifiable information is never included in any statistics and all information is covered by data protection. Professionals: please note we are also reducing the numbers send out to yourselves. It will be available as a download, or can be emailed to you if you send your email details to us. To ensure that the families who have been receiving newsletters from yourselves continue to do so, please encourage them to join the 4all database on the free phone number – 0800 195 1635 or 4all@ lincolnshire.gov.uk so the child/ young person names, details and needs can be added to the database and they will be guaranteed a copy via the postal service. It is currently available, with all back copies, on: www.lincolnshire.gov. uk/4all-newsletter

Updating the 4all database To ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest newsletter and information, please let us know of any changes in your child or young person’s address, school, diagnosis and needs. Your name:

Your child’s name:

Address: Postcode: Telephone:

Child’s date of birth*:

Changes in needs: Please return your update form to:

*We need this to check we have the right person.

4all Development Co-ordinator, 4all database (c/o Family Information If you are a professional and would like to receive 4all, please contact the address Service) FREEPOST, PO Box 841, shown or phone 0800 195 1635. Lincoln, LN1 1ZE

NEWS

Help Us Help You Would you be interested in reading articles on finance and saving, transport, or family holidays which provide support for families with disabilities? Would articles on the best deals for equipment interest you? We would love to hear from you to receive your thoughts on what you would like to read about in the 4all newsletter in the future.

Do you find reading how other families cope with their child’s disability interesting, inspiring, or reassuring, or not of interest?

We want to make sure we are providing what you would like so it becomes more your newsletter. Send your thoughts to 4all@ lincolnshire.gov.uk or 4all, Customer Service Centre, Witham Park House, Waterside South, Lincoln LN5 7JN.

Contact a Family news Contact a Family, working with the Department for Education, have now included in their services the Special Educational Needs advisory service which is part of their integrated Helpline/Online service for families. It will be staffed by fully trained, experienced SEN advisors providing one to one, in depth and personalised advice and be a country-wide one-stop-shop for parents/carers who are caring for a child with SEN, additional needs or disabilities on all education issues, including: Early years/ portage, School Action and Action Plus, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), statutory assessments, Statements, transition planning, 139A assessments and post-16 provision, home education, bullying, exclusions, school transport,

medical needs in school and school attendance, 16-19 Bursary Fund and appeals. All parents want their children to do well at school but some children need more support than others to achieve their potential because they have a disability, medical condition or other additional needs As part of their Family Life project, Contact a Family have also teamed up with Relate to offer families free online access to Relate’s trained relationship consultants. This can be an opportunity to discuss issues regarding other family members, or to look for information on strengthening family life and can be a great way to let off steam whilst getting some really useful, practical advice.

Through the Family Life project they are also looking to work with Children Centre professionals to strengthen family relationships. The charity will also offer an online service for more general advice and guidance via email, the charity’s website, facebook and Twitter to help families to engage with Contact a Family and with each other. Contact a Family’s helpline (0808 808 3555), visit the SEN National Advice Service online www.cafamily.org.uk/ families/SEN or post a query on facebook (www.facebook.com/ contactafamily), twitter (twitter. com/contactafamily) or email (helpline@cafamily.org.uk)

NEWS

Personal budgets and self-directed support Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Services are in the process of introducing personal budgets for disabled and/or sensory impaired children and their families.

In order to take forward the introduction, planning and implementation of personal budgets, we are involved in the following activities:

Through this, the Council provides money directly to the family in the form of a personal budget. It means that the parent can decide, with their child, what care and support they want using a personal budget, so they have control over the care they get, who provides it and when they get it.

• establishing a stakeholder group comprising parent/ carers and professionals from across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors with an agreed implementation plan • establishing a children’s consultation group • establishing a parent/carer consultation group • establishing a personal budget pilot group involving families with a disabled and/or sensory impaired child currently working with social care to learn from their experience and make sure things work well. We will then extend this program to a wider group of families.

Families may already know about Direct Payments; however, a personal budget will ensure more flexibility and greater control. For a family to be granted a personal budget, the local authority will assess the child’s and family’s needs and decide on the personal budget to be allocated. How the family spends their money will be as flexible as possible, providing it meets the support plan that has been identified with the child/young person. A personal budget allows the parent/carer and child to; • feel more in control of their support • be more creative with support packages • have a greater choice of short break opportunities • become more involved in their local community activities • know the cost of their support package to help make the transition to adulthood • plan support within their budget and choose options that work for them.

Lincolnshire will be developing a simple pathway for children and families. They will work with In Control, a national charity which has pioneered the concept of selfdirected support and developed individual budgets as a way for people to take charge of their support. They use seven steps to illustrate the process involved: 1. Need some help. Child and family needing some help - referral to Children’s Services. 2. Making the most of resources. Look at all the resources at their disposal, which includes existing resources and support available to the family. These resources may be added to with a personal budget.

3. Making a plan. This will contain all important information about the child and family. It draws together key people and is centred on the child and immediate family. 4. Agreeing a plan. Ensuring the plan will deliver the identified outcomes, that money is managed transparently, that the budget is sufficient, that contingency is in place and that any safeguarding concerns are addressed in the plan. 5. Managing support. Many families may need ongoing support to manage their plan and child’s personal budget. Help is given to help find and organise support in a way that suits the family. 6. Living my life. The best part, getting on with their life with the support they need. 7. Review, change, agree. Carrying out regular reviews to ensure that all is going well, that money is used for what it should be and that anything they’ve learned from the previous 12 months is included in any redesigned support plan. Some other authorities are more advanced in the development of personal budgets, and we want to learn from their experiences. However, we want to make sure that parent/carers, children and young people and professionals are involved from the outset so that together we can develop the best possible approach to personal budgets. If you would like further information, or to contribute ideas please contact barbara.simpson@ lincolnshire.gov.uk or telephone 07939 265782.

NEWS

Independent Travel Training Independent Travel Training is one to one training designed to equip young people with additional needs with the confidence and skills required to travel independently, confidently and safely whether it be on foot, by cycle or public transport. Independent Travel Training is facilitated by Independent Travel Trainers, who are accredited through the Open College Network. With the consent of parents or carers, trainers will accompany a young person throughout their whole journey, empowering them to manage every aspect of their journey independently, for example: • Personal safety • Finding their way • Road safety, walking, cycling and bus safety • Planning a journey • Using a bus pass and paying a fare • Using buses and trains • Solving problems, what if...? Trainers can also help to train staff in Lincolnshire schools to deliver Independent Travel Training. Independent Travel Training is for 14 to 25 year olds with additional needs who attend school or college in Lincolnshire who are entitled to transport provided by Lincolnshire County Council. Should you wish to refer a young person for ITT, or require further information please do not hesitate to contact the Independent Travel Training team on 01522 782020; E-mail: Transportation_Group @lincolnshire.gov.uk or logon to www.maxrespect.org.uk

Inclusive London iPhone app will give visitors to London accessibility information on the go growing register of a hundred thousand London businesses, of which 30,000 have detailed access information. The site also allows visitors to post reviews of the places they have visited.

A new free iPhone app has been launched to give greater freedom to people with specific access requirements who are planning a trip to the capital. Linked to the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) InclusiveLondon.com website, the app provides a range of information to people with access needs, including those with disabilities, older people and parents with young children and buggies. The app provides people with greater flexibility and power to locate accessible places while on the move around the capital. Visitors can use it to locate accessible hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, museums, art galleries, tourist attractions and London 2012 venues. It enables them to easily find businesses that meet their requirements from an ever

Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, said: “InclusiveLondon.com has proven to be a valuable resource for people visiting the capital and the new free app will make finding accessible places even easier. As we work to improve accessibility before and after the Games, I encourage businesses across the city to do all they can to improve access and help people make the most of their time in London.” Grant Kennedy, Managing Director of Direct Enquiries said, “Visitors to London can now use the Inclusive London App to find business and places that meet their specific access requirements, such as wheelchair or pushchair access, parking, baby changing and accessible toilets.” Direct Enquiries developed InclusiveLondon.com for the GLA and the popularity of the website is such that it has received more than seven million hits. The app is available to download free from www. inclusivelondon.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Do you manage a Support Group for families who have children/young people with disabilities/additional needs? If so, we would be happy to include your group in 4all. We are frequently asked about support groups and know there are never enough, so do let us know so we can share your details. Maybe it is your regular meeting dates or a special event

you are having, do let us know! We send out 3 newsletters a year and the Summer edition will reach families before schools break up in July. Contact 4all on freephone 0800 195 1635 or 4all@ lincolnshire.gov.uk and we will get back to you.

C.A.S.A

(Carers Are Special Also) Chat and support,

tea, coffee, biscuits available

Dare To Be Different A support group in Bourne which has been started by a group of parents who were feeling isolated from their mainstream peers, and came together for companionship, support, advice and most importantly to celebrate their children’s differences... along with coffee, tea and lots of cake! (And the occasional curry and a glass of wine!) They welcome any parent, carer, grandparent, uncle, aunt or friend to this friendly group and have now moved premises and are happily settled into Bourne Children’s Centre, meeting the first Wednesday of each month 10am to 12 noon. They are all very pleased with their new venue and numbers of attendees are now increasing. There is an ongoing programme planned throughout the year starting with an aromatherapist to talk with them in March on the subject of what can help parents/carers. They will all be leaving feeling calm and relaxed!!!

Where Children’s Centre, Lacey Gardens, Louth

When Every Thursday

Time 9.30am - 11am

Contact Michelle Mazzarella 07917 161889 Rachel Askwith 07776 327632 Andrea Stanley 01507 607087

Tell us what you want and we will try and provide it

“There is no one better to truly understand how you feel, or who can share the ups and down’s, than a parent/carer who has been there too”

For any further information, please feel free to contact Laura by phone or text on: 07980 753606, or by email ltdaretobedifferent@gmail. com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council (LPCC) Coffee Mornings Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council welcome you to join them at their regular coffee mornings around the county. These are set up to give carers of children with

disabilities and additional needs the opportunity to get together in an informal setting. There is no need to book, just turn up.

Please contact Coralie on 0777 945 6627 or 0845 33 11310 or email: enquiries@ lincolnshireparentcarercouncil. org.uk

Location

Venue

Date

Boston 10am - 11.30am

New England Hotel Wide Bargate, Boston PE21 6SH

21st May 2012 2nd July 2012

Lincoln 12.30pm - 2pm

The Homestead, St Johns Park, Canwick Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln LN 4 2RS

23rd May 2012 18th July 2012

Skegness 11am - 12.30pm

The Vine Hotel (Best Western), Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness PE25 3DB

29th June 2012 13th July 2012

Spalding 10am - 11.30am

The Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding PE11 2AJ

12th June 2012 3rd July 2012

Louth 10am - 11.30am

Best Western, Kenwick Park Hotel Kenwick Park Estate, Louth LN11 8NR

8th May 2012 3rd July 2012

Grantham 10.30am - 12pm

The Angel and Royal Hotel, High Street, Grantham NG31 6PN

17th May 2012 12th July 2012

Sleaford 10am - 11.30am

Cogglesford Mill, East Road, Sleaford NG32 7EQ

21st May 2012 16th July 2012

Big Coffee Morning, Lincoln 10.15am - 3.30pm

Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln LN1 3DY

18th June 2012

Butterfly Club – ages 16+ Party night on Wednesday 21st March at the Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY 7pm-10pm

Tickets—£3pp in advance and £4pp on the night. To book ring 01522 873894 (please note that one-to-one support is not available, so if support is needed, please

bring someone along). Great music, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the chance to meet new people. Remember the Drill Hall has “Changing Places” status.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Sharing Minds Drop in Parent Support Group My name is Emma Slack. My husband Mark and I decided to set up our own parent support group to help others. Two of our children have Special Needs: one with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Global Delay, Epilepsy, and the other with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome. It has been a tough few years, but we have gained knowledge and a variety of different professionals have become involved with us. We feel we could be very helpful to other families with similar

circumstances to share our knowledge and experiences, even if we just lend a listening ear. Support is something we all need, surrounded by like minded people who understand. We will try our best to help, and if we don’t have the answer we will find someone who does. Come for a cuppa and a chat and discuss your child/children’s needs, and your own. We look forward to meeting you!

Venue: Sunset House Bed and Breakfast, Main Road, Friskney, Boston, Lincs PE22 8QS Tel: 01754 820821 or 07841041685 Email: emmaslack22@yahoo.co.uk Meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month from 10.30am 12.30pm (Wednesday 28th March, 25th April, 30th May, 27th June, 25th July). Sessions will run through the school holidays up to and including November.

SENity Support Group Hello my name is Lindsay, I am a mum of four girls (and two stepsons) and out of the six of them I have two with ASD, ADHD and one daughter going though the diagnosis process for ADD. When my daughter was diagnosed aged three, I being a single mum of four did not know where to turn, and eventually had a breakdown. Then the TAC team and a Social Worker became involved and I had the opportunity to learn but found I had to search for information and fight for everything. I felt very isolated as other mums I met through toddler groups etc didn’t

understand about Abigail’s issues so I didn’t go again. Through chatting with parents who had children with additional needs at school I realised others felt the same. So with support from the staff at the local Sure Start Children’s Centre the SENity Support Group came about. We are a parent and carer group supporting each other, providing a place to meet and talk, share ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ but also to celebrate children’s achievements too. We provide information about professional support, invite speakers

to talk, keep parents informed about events and who can help! We welcome families with children with different needs and disabilities appreciating we all have similar problems along the way and so can support each other. We currently meet every Thursday in term time 9.30am till 11am at Lincoln North Children Centre, Welbourn House, Welbourn Gardens, Ermine East, Lincoln, LN2 2DD, tel: 01522 544801 (under school age children are welcome). We have plans for holiday activities too. We also have a Facebook page: SENity Support Group.

Wednesday Club Youth Group for young people with Special Needs aged 11 to 25

Meet every Wednesday at Focus One Youth Centre in Boston from 6pm to 8pm.

Registered Charity run by a committee of parents Contact: 01205 352744

10 NEWS

PAWS - A unique service for you and your family! From Dogs for the Disabled If there is a child with autism in your family, or autism concerns you from a personal or professional perspective, the PAWS project could well have a big impact. PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) has grown from the work of Dogs for the Disabled, an innovative charity that has developed the training of assistance dogs to work effectively with children with autism. In the course of this work itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been observed that there is a special chemistry between the dog and the child, the dog having an incredible calming effect when a child with autism is angry, anxious or distressed. They can distract a child away from disruptive or dangerous behaviour and create a space for the parent or carer to take control of a situation. These observations have led us to believe that whilst for some there will always be a need for a fully trained assistance dog, a well trained family pet dog can also have a massively beneficial impact. PAWS has been set up by Dogs for the Disabled, to bring together the parents and carers of children with autism to share experiences and to explore the helping potential that a pet dog might have within their family. Alongside our workshops, working in partnership with the National Autistic Society and Lincoln University, we have been awarded a three year grant to carry out

research into the relationship between dogs and humans, funded by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.

The next workshops where all the information can be found are at University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park LN2 2LG

The results are already encouraging; a child who refused to clean his teeth will now do so happily if the family dog has his teeth brushed at the same time; a young lad who had real problems with his school uniform now sets off to school happy, proud and appropriately dressed, providing the dog goes with them, wearing a school tie too!

Workshop 1: Monday 18th June 2012 (10am start, 3pm finish approx.)

Through the PAWS project you can also meet other people who may be facing the same challenges as you, so come along to our workshops, many of which are held at your local Dogs Trust centres throughout the UK, and learn more. Find out about the types of dog that might suit your family and how to train them to help you with the caring role. To find out more contact PAWS@ dogsforthedisabled.org; telephone 01295 759836.

Workshop 2: Monday 16th July 2012 (10am start, 3pm finish approx.) Workshop 3: Monday 20th August 2012 (10am start, 3pm finish approx.) Parents are required to attend all three sessions to be fully equipped with all the necessary information. Website: http://paws. dogsforthedisabled.org Please note that the PAWS Project is a different service to the Autism Assistance Dog Service also offered by Dogs for the Disabled. Pet dogs will not be able to receive public access rights or full assistance dog status i.e. entry into shopping centres etc.

NEWS 11

Turn2us to access benefits and grants We hear it practically everyday – 13.5 million people live in poverty in the UK, including 3.8 million children – and the numbers are rising. Financial hardship reasons are complex - stressful life situations, such as bereavement, job loss, family breakdown, ill health, disability and caring for someone are all significant factors especially if these changes mean someone is no longer able to work. The rising cost of living and UK’s current economic situation effects

personal finances, causing many people to struggle to make ends meet.

Use the free, accessible website www.turn2us.org.uk where there is:

This is where Turn2us can help there are funds available through welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – but access is frustrating!

• A benefits checker • A grants research section • A confidential ‘MyTurn2us@ account • Information and support on a wide range of financial subjects.

Turn2us are there to help people in financial need – online, by telephone and face to face through partner organisations.

Alternatively call on: 0808 802 2000 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.

Cool2Care launches new local service Cool2Care are a local Personal Assistant (PA) introductory service who recruits, screens, trains and matches PAs to work with families of children and young people with a disability or additional need. Whist new to Lincolnshire, we are a national organisation who have been successfully working in North East Lincolnshire area for nearly two years where we have helped many families to gain vital time off from caring. We have helped families with widely differing needs, from needing help with physical care in the home to helping the young person to access outdoor activities. Many families have told us that our PAs have also helped develop their child’s

confidence and social skills by accompanying them on shopping trips or spending an afternoon at the cinema. If you require anything from just 2 hours a week support, Karen and Krissy at Cool2Care can work with you to help match your requirements to the availability of an experienced PA. If you would like to chat further about how we can find the right PA for you, please contact Krissy on 07889 405 951 or 0845 123 5484 or e-mail: krissy. green@cool2care.co.uk, or Karen on 07889 405 950 or 0845 123 5484 or e-mail: Karen.hoe@ cool2care.co.uk

Please take a look at our website at www.cool2care.co.uk for further information. We would also like to speak with people wanting to apply for PAs roles in Lincolnshire too. We are looking for enthusiastic carers who want to make a big difference to a young person’s life. For further information, please contact Krissy or register online at www.cool2care.co.uk

12 NEWS

HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust was formed in 1956 when a young doctor, Michael Strode, took four children with disabilities to Lourdes. From the outset he insisted that they should be treated just like other pilgrims, and should be accommodated in hotels rather than hospitals. Since this small beginning when he took 4 children, the charity has grown to the level it has today where the charity can offer over 2,000 children with disabilities or social or emotional needs a free week of unforgettable fun and friendship. Although the charity has been around for over 55 years, it took until 2004 for a local group to be set up by Sarah Webster to give the children of Lincolnshire the same opportunities as elsewhere in the UK. The group raised funds and took their first group of 10 children to Lourdes in 2006 which coincided with the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations and was a magical trip. Each group consists of a group leader (currently myself), deputy leader, a group nurse and a number of helpers. Each child is assigned the minimum of 1 helper or more depending on the individual needs of the child. We provide 24 hour care and have a ‘babysitting’ rota to ensure all the children in our care are safe at all times. To date the local group – Lincoln 106 have taken a total of 33 children. We view this holiday for the children as an opportunity for respite for their parents who can have a week free

to spend with the rest of the family while we take care of their children. All helpers undergo training at a preparation day so they know what to expect and all have an enhanced CRB check. The charity move their offices out to Lourdes for Easter week and set up a medical centre. There are always Doctors on hand to deal with any emergencies. We stay in a lovely hotel in Lourdes who deal with any unusual dietary requirements we may have. Last Easter we took 6 children who all had a wonderful time. We arranged a variety of trips including a day in Gavarnie in the Pyrenees, where the children enjoyed a short pony ride in the clean air of the mountains amongst some spectacular scenery. We visited the caves at Betharram which end up with a short boat and train ride deep down in the caves. We visited an Animal Park where the children were able to touch and interact with the animals. We sing lots of songs and enjoy café visits where we are made to feel extremely welcome. We keep the children occupied and busy for the whole week.

The trip is free for the children. All we ask for is a maximum £20 spending money so the children can bring back presents. We have to heavily rely on fundraising. It currently costs over £700 per child for flight, food and accommodation for a week but we also have to raise the necessary funds to pay for the trips. Due to the high cost we can only travel every 2 years. We do take recommendations for children to travel with us but we can never promise to take a child. Each child has to have a completed medical questionnaire with information from their Doctor. This is submitted to the Trust Doctor at the charity’s Headquarters in Rugby and they will make the decision on if the child is allowed to travel with our group based on the ability to meet the child’s individual needs. If anyone would like to help us raise funds and raise the awareness of our group, or would like more information, please contact Linda Hawbrook on 01522 801247.

NEWS 13

The

Thomas Centre

The autism-friendly holiday specialist in the UK

The whole family can enjoy a relaxing break at the thomas centre The Thomas Centre provides “Short Breaks” for Lincolnshire Families. We focus on providing a break for the whole family with a range of facilities available on site for everyone to enjoy. We offer weekend (Fri – Mon) and midweek (Mon – Fri) breaks throughout the year at a subsidised cost of £160. We offer a safe environment for guests of all ages and abilities and our park near Louth specifically caters for visitors with autism, complex needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. Accommodation for your “Short Break” is in Andrew’s Lodge, a 5* bungalow. This luxury lodge includes a fully fitted kitchen, open plan dining and living room, 2 twin bedrooms and a wet room with bath and shower. A large patio overlooks the 25 acre site.

Our on-site facilities include: • Outdoor Play Park • Indoor Soft Play Area • Pedal Go Cart Track • Heated Indoor Swimming Pool • Private Woodlands • Football Field • Trampoline • Skittle Alley and Play Barn • Josie’s Corner Community Room Plus more new facilities coming soon!

To access a short break at The Thomas Centre please contact Katie or Jan directly on 01507 363463 or email katie@thethomascentre.co.uk

www.thethomascentre.co.uk

14 NEWS

CEA Card The CEA Card is a national concessionary card developed by the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association for UK cinemas in order to allow people with disabilities to obtain one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.

Now, around 90 per cent of UK cinemas are supporting the scheme from the large national chains to smaller independent operators.

To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or both of the following criteria:

This site allows you to download and print an application form these are also available at some participating cinemas. Please read the CEA card terms and conditions before returning the form.

a) Be in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance; b) Be a registered blind person. The aim of the CEA Card is to provide a consistent voluntary approach to the provision of complimentary tickets for people with disabilities. In the past this was done on a site-by site-basis.

For further information on the scheme, including a list of participating cinemas, please visit www.cinemauk.org.uk/ceacard.

There is an administration charge of £5.50 for the card, which lasts for one year. The CEA Card is administered and run by The Card Network. For general card enquiries, please call their enquiry line: 0845 123 1292.

LPCC Cinema

Useful Websites Yourlocalcinema.com allows you to identify cinemas in your area playing subtitled/and or audiodescribed films. Please visit www. yourlocalcinema.com website for further details. Artsline provides a comprehensive information service on more general access information for cinemas and other entertainment venues. Their website is www. artsline.org.uk The RNIB offers information about audio description services in cinemas, on DVD, on digital television and in theatres. Their web address is www.rnib.org.uk

Professional cinematic equipment Refreshments for sale...Allergy aware catering! Popcorn, nachos, salsa, home made cheese sauce, drinks...

Monte Carlo

The Big Year

is coming to...

Leasingham Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Leasingham, Sleaford NG34 8LD

Hubberts Bridge Community Centre, Langrick Road, Hubberts Bridge, Near Boston PE20 3SG

On Sunday 22nd April 2012 3.45pm for 4pm start

On Sunday 20th May 2012 2.45pm for 3pm start

Only £1.50 entry fee per person

Everyone Welcome!

To join us, call now on: 07534 691620

Or email: cinema@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council To join our growing network, or for more information, visit www.lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk or call 0845 3311310. Registered Charity No. 1141060

NEWS 15

Autism Friendly Sceenings

Didgeridoo Sound Therapy! How Bizarre??

Sensory friendly screenings for people with autism and people with learning disibilities every month at more than 80 ODEON Cinemas in the UK and Ireland. Autism Friendly Screenings are bought to you by learning disability and autism support provider, Dimensions and cinema group ODEON in a joint campaign to improve people’s access to the cinema. For the latest news on Autism Friendly Screenings and participating cinemas please visit www. dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly Cinema tickets can be purchased as normal from the cinema box office or online via the ODEON website www.odeon.co.uk or through the accessibility helpline on 0800 1383315 between 11am and 8pm. • Lights are left low and the volume is turned down • There are no trailers before the film • People can move around the cinema and make noise as they feel comfortable • People can bring their own food and drink • People with autism and people with sensory differences can attend the cinema with their friends, siblings and other family members in an inclusive environment • Support workers/carers can attend for free with a CEA Card.

Australian born, Gregg Chapman discovered a unique form of therapy while playing his didgeridoo at a backyard barbecue over the summer of 2009. While playing his didge around the camp fire, a friend who had been having pain in her shoulder asked him to play around the troubled area with the didgeridoo. A few days later, her pain had gone. Since then he has worked with a range of client groups and is now partially funded by Lincolnshire County Council’s Short Break Service to offer didgeridoo sound therapy sessions to schools and organisations for children with disabilities. The Australian didgeridoo is traditionally made from dead eucalyptus trees that have been hollowed out by termites. It is believed to be one of the oldest woodwind instruments in the world and holds important cultural values to the native Aboriginals of Australia.

The hypnotic sounds and vibrations of the didgeridoo have a soothing effect on the mind, body and our natural energy system. For children with disabilities, it may help them to become more relaxed and may also relieve a broad range of physical conditions. Gregg also delivers didgeridoo relaxation sessions for the public and sees individuals for private consultations. He has also worked with other organisations such as Sense where for one 94 year old gentleman, it completely changed his life. One week after attending a didge session, he completely forgot that he needed pain killers for his troubling knees and is now going to dance lessons. If you would like to know more information, please contact Gregg or go to his website at www.didgesoundtherapy. co.uk Email: info@ didgesoundtherapy.co.uk Phone: 01400 220 272

16 NEWS

Short Break Eco Experience Giving children and young people with disabilities and additional needs the chance to become involved in outdoor and camping activities in an innovative and accessible way.

Short Break Eco Experiences offer: • A unique opportunity to engage fully in the experience of outdoor activities • Short daytime and overnight camping experiences • The chance to be involved in conservation and horticulture sessions • The opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors in the countryside • Develop valuable skills and an understanding of eco- related issues • The chance to reconnect and re-engage with the natural environment and all its benefits • The opportunity to be involved in woodland activities

• • •

A series of tutor led exploration sessions Spend time in a caring environment at our 14 acre Eco Centre Outdoor adventure activities.

Each ‘Short Break Experience’ will be unique to the individuals involved. It will be designed in a bespoke manner for each person or group. Groups will need to bring their own bedding and personal items but camp beds, tents and activities are provided at the Eco Centre. First Aid cover is provided free of charge during the daytime and a full suite of risk assessments is available to ensure safety is adhered to at all times. It is strongly recommended that the person leading the event visits the Eco Centre to talk to staff and familiarise themselves with the layout and type of activities available. Camping activities are priced individually but are normally between £15 to £40 per person,

with daytime activities normally costing £5 per person per session. Seagull Recycling Ltd, The Willows Business Park, Unit 1 Hassall Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 3TB. Call 01754 765746. Visit our website: www.seagullrecycling.org.uk See calender for specific activity days.

Seagull Recycling Centre offers: Innovative Personal & Community Support and Development Projects, Recycling, Environmental Programmes, Training & Education at The Coastal Eco Centre in Skegness.

Free your mind Free your choice

KIDS Strut My name is Emma Pritchard and I have recently taken over as Activities Team Leader with KIDS Strut in Lincoln. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to everyone and express how excited I am at the prospect of my future with KIDS Strut! KIDS Strut is a Lincolnshire based charity dedicated to providing support for children with disabilities and their families.

We run trips and activities (Playdays) during every school holiday and run After School Clubs during term-time. We also organise Family Activity Days for families with disabled children. We are reaching further afield than ever before to offer Family Days throughout Lincolnshire this year, with our first trial Family Days to be held in Louth, Mablethorpe and Spalding during February and March.

For further information on our Activity Days, After School Clubs and future Family Activity Days please ring 01522 527292 or email emma.pritchard@kids.org. uk

NEWS 17

KIDS Strut Activity Days – ages 8 to 19 A schedule of trips and activities is produced prior to school holidays and parents are advised to ring regarding reservations and specific needs. Prices and times vary depending on the nature of the

activity. The meeting place is usually at the KIDS Strut office on Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, LN2 4HX. Activities will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis as

places may be limited. It is essential to contact Emma Pritchard for a registration form so that you are kept up-todate on all forthcoming events.

KIDS Strut After School Clubs – 8 to 19 Term time only Monday 4pm - 7pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln Tuesday 4pm - 7.30pm North Hykeham Youth Centre

Wednesday 4pm - 7pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln

rate of £1.25 for transport if required.

Friday 4pm - 7.30pm North Hykeham Youth Centre

Contact Emma Pritchard, Activities Team Leader at KIDS Strut on 01522 527292 or email emma. pritchard@kids.org.uk

Price per session: £8.50 plus a flat

Action For Blind People Action For Blind People has recently been successful in securing funding to develop provision for blind and partially sighted children and families in Lincolnshire. Action for Blind People, in partnership with Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society, and South Lincolnshire Society will deliver children and family support from January 2012 to March 2013. The primary goal is to develop visually impaired children and young people’s self esteem, confidence and independence. The project will provide peer support for parents, visual awareness training and capacity building for mainstream leisure venues, day events and residential weekends for children and families.

Action will also provide family support services from the specialist children and family coordinators where there are individual needs. For further information contact the Action children’s service team on 01509 632 400 or Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society 01507 605604. 20-22nd April - family weekend at Pine Lodge, Tetford, Lincolnshire, including accommodation for the whole family and a range of specialist activities for children with a visual impairment and their siblings. Contact Tony 01509 632400. 12th May - monthly goalball session which take place on the second Saturday of each month. Contact Dorothy 01507 605604.

29th July - 4th August – residential activity at Bradwell on Sea, Essex with transport provided from a pick up point in Lincolnshire. This residential includes a wide variety of both water based activities and activity based sessions, including sailing, canoeing, high ropes, caving and a day trip to Maldon. Contact Tony 01509 632400. October (Date to be confirmed) family weekend at a venue chosen by the parents in Lincolnshire, including accommodation for the whole family and a range of specialist activities for children with a visual impairment and their siblings. Contact Tony 01509 632400.

18 NEWS

Short Break Caravans Bookings now open for 2012!

“My whole family really enjoyed their holiday, would love to be able to do it again next year. Everything we expected plus more!”

The Short Break caravan scheme was launched by Lincolnshire County Council in 2011 with two caravans available for children and young people up to the age of 18 years who are disabled, sensory impaired or demonstrate challenging behaviour, particularly children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The Carers Federation Ltd has undertaken the contract for booking and facilitating the short breaks and aims to ensure that families have a highly enjoyable holiday experience for 2012! Breaks are available from Monday to Friday, or Friday to Monday, at a cost of £180 all year round which enables families to access the family entertainment, splash water world, outdoor pool, funfair and rides at the main Butlin’s resort. Caravan 53 has been adapted for wheelchair users and has a purpose made bedroom/wet room with hoist, specialised bed, toilet and shower. The caravan has an easy access ramp, parking space, and is situated at Butlin’s, Skegness. Additional accommodation includes a double bedroom with ensuite shower and a double pullout in the living room area, thereby sleeping up to 5 guests. (A video clip

is available to view online at www. cwdsi.co.uk, click on short breaks and follow the link to short break videos). “Thanks for a brilliant time, it made life so much easier with wet room and wide doors etc.”

Caravan 128 has been designed for children with autism or communication difficulties and is set in a quieter location of the Butlin’s village. It has been adapted with magnet door openings, remote control heater, safety locks on windows, cupboards and doors. The caravan can sleep up to 7 guests with a single bedroom, double bedroom, twin room and double pull out in the lounge area. Additional facilities include a shower and corner bath with a separate toilet. There is a regular park train which families can use for transportation to the main resort. Both caravans are equipped with a TV, DVD player, CD player, Wii

console, kettle, toaster, microwave and adapted cutlery. The caravans are heated and furnished to a high standard. Pillows and duvets are provided but guests will need to take their own duvet covers, pillowcases and bed sheets. Feedback from families who accessed the caravans in 2011 was extremely positive and additional items have been purchased as recommended by parents and carers, including extra pillows, a hoover, and an additional Wii game. 100% of families felt the caravan breaks represent good value for money. 100% said their family has benefited from a caravan break. Bookings can be made via the Carers Federation Booking Line on 07595 916723. Alternatively you can email enquiries to caravans@ carersfederation.co.uk Once a booking has been made you will be sent an ‘easy to complete’ form to ensure that your family meets the criteria.

NEWS 19

Parent Partnership update on Special Educational Needs Parent Partnership has been working with the Specialist Teaching and Applied Psychology Service and the Sensory Education Support Service to plan some “Drop In” sessions for parents of children with SEN. The aim is that parents will be able to speak to professionals to discuss any concerns or questions they may have about their child’s education. There will be one or two representatives from each service, so it is unlikely that professionals there will know individual children but they will be able to give advice and speak to relevant colleagues later. The first “Drop Ins” took place at Grantham Family Centre on Tuesday 13th March, with the next at Skegness Children’s Centre on Tuesday 15th May. There is no need to book, just call in between 10am and 12 noon. We also worked with specialist services to put on some more Transition Workshops for parents whose children will be moving to secondary school in the next year. These took place in late February and early March and we hope to repeat them next year, in other parts of the county. If you would like Parent Partnership to organise other workshops or information sessions about aspects of special educational needs, then please let us know. Other activities which the team have taken part in include: further

legal training from our colleagues at IPSEA; the development of a Parent Participation Strategy for the Local Authority; training on the National SENCO Award for newly appointed SENCOs; the Local Authority working group for the Post 16 Education Strategy; and the Lincs Parent Carer Council Coffee Morning. As we go to press, there is no news yet on the Government’s proposals for Special Educational Needs and Disability but this is due out in the spring. As soon as we know anything we will put details on our website and send out an email alert for those who have signed up from our website. We try to keep up to date about local and national news and consultations and add details to the website. Allocation of secondary school places Proposed Statements of Special Education Needs for children changing school this September were issued in February. Parents were invited to name their preferred school before the Statement was finalised. If you wish to discuss this or have concerns, please call our helpline on 01522 553351. For children who don’t have Statements of SEN (but who may still have SEN), the Local Authority issued the allocation of secondary

school places on 1st March. Primary School places will be offered in late April. The Choice Advice service is based within Parent Partnership and can offer help to parents whose children haven’t been offered their first choice of school (except children with statements as school places are allocated differently). There is a Choice Advice section on the Parent Partnership website, with details on the Appeal process. If further help is needed the Choice Advisers can be contacted on 01522 553509 (Monday – Thursday). For further information visit www. lincolnshireparentpartnership. org.uk or call us on 01522 553351. Helplines Autism Outreach - Tuesday from 1.30pm – 3.30pm on 01427 787178 Dyslexia Outreach - Monday 9.30am – 11.30am - 01427 787178 Exclusions National Helplines: Children’s Legal Centre - 0845 345 4345 from 9am to 6.30pm ACE (Advisory Centre for Education) 0808 8005793 from 10am to 1pm, Monday – Thursday

20 NEWS

Disability Swimming Sessions Details of participating Leisure Centres are listed below

Location

Call

Information

Bourne Leisure Centre, Borne

01778 421435

3pm - 4pm Thurs, Disability session

Castle Swimming Pool, Spalding

01775 710496

12pm - 1pm Mon Disability session, 6pm - 7pm Thurs Disability Club,

Deeping Leisure Centre, Deeping St James

01778 344072

5pm - 6pm Sat, Disabled Swimming Club - term time and holidays

Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham

01476 581930

Please call facility for timings

Meridian, Louth

01507 607650

Disabled groups 6pm - 7pm Tues, Special Olympics 7pm - 8pm Tues

North Kesteven Sports Centre, North Hykeham

01522 883311

7.30pm - 8.30pm Mon, Disability session

Princess Royal Sports Arena, Boston

01205 358666

11am - 12pm Thur, Disabled swim sessions

Skegness Swimming Pool, Skegness

01754 610675

8pm - 9pm Tues, Disabled Swim

Stamford Leisure Centre, Stamford

01780 765522

Disability session 3pm - 4pm Weds, term time

Wragby Swimming Pool, Wragby

01673 857776

Aquasplash Swim School 5.30pm 6.30pm Tues, 4.30pm - 5.30pm Fri, special needs children always welcome

Enjoy the Easter Holidays with Action for Children

Fun packed days with experienced and qualified staff. Activities will include: Easter egg hunts, days out, cooking, art and drama, music and movement and much much more... We are running clubs in the following areas: Spalding, Grantham, Bourne, Lincoln, Louth, Horncastle, Gainsborough, Boston Clubs run from: 10am until 3pm and cost ÂŁ12.00 a session. For more information call the Action for Children Office on 01522 546516

NEWS 21

A story about size By Laura Tilley My beautiful daughter Izzy was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Sotos syndrome. I knew there was something different about her from 6 months old. After lots of talks and tests, she was diagnosed with Sotos syndrome when she was nearly 6. Izzy is now 8. This is a bit about her and Sotos syndrome. Sotos syndrome (cerebral gigantism) is a rare genetic growth condition. Mutation or deletion in the NSD1 gene causes Sotos. This gene provides instructions for making protein involved in normal growth and development. The physical signs of Sotos include accelerated growth (particularly in childhood), facial characteristics, advanced bone age, large head, large hands and feet, flat feet that roll inwards, often described as clumsy and poorly co-ordinated due to their floppy muscles, epilepsy and scoliosis is also common. Accompanying these physical signs are poor fine and gross motor skills, behavioural problems, poor concentration, difficulty with social interactions, impetuous behaviour, reliance on routines, poor sleep

patterns, delayed speech and language development and learning disability. It has at times been a very tough journey, learning and dealing with the behaviours and the size of a very quickly growing child, trying to keep up with clothing her (which is a challenge in itself being like a beanpole and Izzy’s feet are so skinny, she is not even on the measurement scale!) Izzy sometimes uses a wheelchair, sometimes she gets tired, sometimes nervous. She has poor depth perception, so although her functional eyesight seems ok, she cannot always identify the ground and differing levels and textures. She also has nystagmus which affects the way she sees things. I feel blessed to have such a healthy and happy child who has an incredible sense of humour (and the strength of an ox). A child who has a fantastic and loving personality, will listen and respond to you better if you sing, a child who struggles with their speech and will smile sweetly and tell people to ‘die’ (as she cannot say ‘b’ and bye). A child that gets frustrated and becomes so angry she could

combust, but can immerse herself in her own world and be content. A child who will jump, run and dance (that is her intention, although to onlookers, more of a wobble) down a street full of people loudly saying hi (and not being offended by those that don’t respond). She can be a Jekyll and Hyde character, and takes seconds to switch, but is also deeply loving and affectionate. The most challenging aspect of any child having this syndrome is their size. Whilst Izzy looks older than her age, developmentally she is much younger and at times she has been judged by this. Izzy has taught me to look at the world in a very different way. Each milestone takes much longer to achieve, but you have so much more time to appreciate each and every step. Izzy has such fantastic friends and family around her that have helped and supported our journey all the way, along with all the staff at the Willoughby school, she is certainly safe and secure in the person that she is. For more information about Sotos syndrome, go to www. childgrowthfoundation.org

‘All About Me’ This is a booklet that can be downloaded from the new Short Breaks website: www.cwdsi.co.uk which when completed, could be taken on any short break activity. It can be fun to fill it in with the help of your child/children and could also give them more confidence about going to the activity, knowing that

the staff will be able to understand them more easily. It will be very helpful for staff and others who attend the activity to get to know about what your child/children likes, dislikes and what sort of help they may need. Staff and others at the various activities have found this booklet

really helpful, it helps to build a strong bond with your child/children and can enhance their enjoyment of the activity! For any queries email: shortbreaks @lincolnshire.gov.uk

22 NEWS

PAACT (Parents And Autistic Children Together) and Autism Care UK PAACT (Parents And Autistic Children Together) and Autism Care UK will welcome Professor Tony Attwood to Lincoln for a major workshop on 19th May 2012 from 9am to 4.30pm at The Engine Shed, Lincoln University. Professor Tony Atwood is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism spectrum disorders since he qualified as a clinical psychologist in England in 1975. He works in private practice in Brisbane, but is also adjunct professor at Griffith University, Queensland. His book Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide for Parents and Professionals has sold over 350,000 copies and has been translated into over twenty languages. He has worked with over 6,000 individuals of all ages with Asperger’s syndrome or an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tony presents workshops and runs training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with Asperger’s syndrome all over

the world and is a prolific author of scientific papers and books on the subject. His latest book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, was published in October 2006. The morning workshop will be: Managing Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety, Sadness and Anger The presentation explains why children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome are more prone to develop mood disorders and also explains strategies that can help such individuals learn about and manage emotions. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy includes affective education and cognitive restructuring, i.e. improving the understanding of emotions and changing the way the person perceives and responds to emotions. The concept of an emotional toolbox is used to provide a greater range of strategies to manage feelings.

In the afternoon: Cognitive Abilities: A Different Way of Thinking and Learning Profile. The unusual profile of cognitive abilities associated with Asperger’s syndrome is described with an emphasis on the profile of intellectual abilities, problems with executive function, attention and weak central coherence. Strategies are described to improve attention, organisational skills and academic achievement. Ticket prices which includes lunch and refreshments: Professionals: PAACT Members £85 Non Members £90 Parent, Carer or Person with ASD: PAACT Members £60 Non Members £65 Full information and booking details are available on the PAACT website: www.paact.org.uk or email: paact1@googlemail.com or telephone: 07935 222963.

On a low income?

Check now with your own energy supplier for a possible rebate! If you are a family with a disabled child and on a low income, it’s important that you call your energy supplier to see whether you qualify for a discount or a rebate worth up to £120 under the government’s New Warm Home Discount

Scheme. Set up by government to ensure that energy companies offer discounted rates to vulnerable, low income groups, the Warm Home Discount Scheme replaces the ‘social tariffs’ offered by energy companies.

Some of the energy companies have included families with disabled children on a low income among the groups to benefit. More information at www.direct.gov.uk/ warmhome

NEWS 23

Lincolnshire Community Foundation The Colin Batts Family Trust for children and young people Lincolnshire Community Foundation is pleased to announce they are managing this new Trust for Lincolnshire. Funds are available to assist children and young people achieve their goals and ambitions.

14, then why not contact the Lincolnshire Community Foundation to see whether your group is eligible to apply for a grant.

Grants of up to £500 are available to individuals and not for profit community groups to give young people the opportunity to participate in activities not usually accessible to them or to improve their quality of life.

We anticipate providing small grants to playgroups, sports clubs, preschools, drama/dance groups, youth clubs and schools (provided there is a PTA and the project can be accessed out of school hours). This is also an opportunity for families suffering hardship to improve the lives of their children.

If you are involved in running a voluntary group that provides services or activities for children and young people aged up to

Grants are available for startup costs, project costs including equipment, activities, educational outings etc.

Eligible groups will have a set of rules, a child protection policy and bank account. Community Foundation staff can give help developing these documents and form filling. They could also arrange to visit your or your project to find out more about how it reaches those most in need. To obtain an application form or to chat about your project, please contact Sue Fortune on 01529 305825. Closing Date 1st August 2012

Haven Cottage judged ‘Outstanding’ As a result of an unannounced Ofsted Inspection on 6th and 7th December 2011, the residential short break service for children with disabilities at Haven Cottage, Boston, was judged to be Outstanding in all areas. “The outcomes achieved by young people are outstanding insofar as their positive experiences of their short breaks, and also taking into account the bigger picture of family support”.

The Inspector was shown around the Home by two young people who were staying at the time and very much valued their feedback about the service provided and the staff team. The evidence provided to the Inspector was gathered from a number of sources and included photographs and displays of the children enjoying activities at Haven Cottage. Confidential feedback was also provided by parents, carers, and children and young people who use the service.

The achievement of an Outstanding judgement reflects the commitment of the team to the children and young people we care for, and the strong ethos of working together with parents and carers, with children and young people themselves and all agencies who work in partnership to achieve positive outcomes. Haven Cottage tel: 01205 361388

24 SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITES TIMETABLE

East and West Lindsey

Monday

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

Disabled Groups Meridian, Louth 6pm-7pm, Contact tel: 01507 607650

Tuesday

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

Special Swimming Olympics, Meridian, Louth 6pm-8pm, Contact tel: 01507 607650

KIDS Crèche, Skegness Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

Wednesday

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

Louth St Bernard’s School Holiday Club In school holidays, 10am-3pm, £12 session, 5-19 yrs

Thursday

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

C.A.S.A (Carers Are Also Special) 9.30am-11am every Thursday at Children’s Centre, Lacey Gardens, Louth

Louth St Bernard’s School After School Club 3.30pm5pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

KIDS Crèche, Skegness Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

Friday

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

Gainsborough Action for Children Alternate weeks Youth Groups 5pm-8pm, £3.00 session, 11-19 yrs Community Groups 5pm8pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Seagull Recycling – Daytime/ Overnight Camp Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Woodland Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Seagull Recycling – Craft, Recycling, ‘Home Made’ & Thrifty Re-use Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit

Seagull Recycling – Daytime/Overnight Camp Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Seagull Recycling – Craft, Recycling, ‘Home Made’ and Thrifty Re-use Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Seagull Recycling – Outdoor & Bushcraft Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Saturday

Sunday

KIDS Crèche Gainsborough Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

Seagull Recycling - Wild Children - Go Wild Outdoors 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm, £3.00 per person

KIDS Crèche Louth Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITES TIMETABLE 25

Information on the activities timetables are correct at time of printing. For more up-to-date information go to: lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd or cwdsi.co.uk. If you want to include your club on these pages, please contact us.

Louth St Bernard’s School Holiday Club In school holidays 10am-3pm, £12 session 5-19 yrs

Horncastle After School Club, St Lawrence School 3.15pm-3.45pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Gainsborough Aegir After School Clubs 3pm4.30pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Gainsborough Aegir Holiday Provision 10am-3pm in school holiday, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Disabled Swim Session, Skegness Swimming Pool 8pm-9pm Contact tel: 01754 610675

Louth St Bernard’s After School Club 3.30pm-5pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Louth St Bernards School Holiday Club In school holidays 10am-3pm, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Parent Partnership SEN Drop In Session on Tuesday 15th May 10am12pm at Skegness Children’s Centre no cost and no need to book

Horncastle After School Club St Lawrence School 3.15pm-3.45pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Gainsborough Aegir School Holiday Provision 10am-3pm in school holidays, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Gainsborough Warren Wood School After School Club 3pm-4.30pm £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Louth St Bernard’s School Holiday Club In school holidays, 10am-3pm, £12 session, 5-19 yrs

Louth Youth Group, Youth Centre Louth 1st and 3rd Thursday in month, 5.30pm-7pm, £3.00 session, 11-19 yrs

Outdoor & Bushcraft Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit

Steve Robinson Archery Woodthorpe Hall Leisure Park, 10am-2pm

Seagull Recycling – Woodland Activities Open every weekend and school holidays from March until October. Dates can be arranged to suit the individual or group

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

KIDS Crèche, Louth Children’s Centre 10am-1pm

Rand Farm Park near Market Rasen 10am-4pm every day except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day

Horncastle Saturday Club 1st and 3rd Saturday in month at Youth centre, Horncastle, 10am-11.30am, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

26 SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITES TIMETABLE

South Holland, South Kesteven & Boston Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Disability Swimming Session Castle Swimming Pool, Spalding 12pm-1pm, Contact tel: 01775 710596

Boston Gym/swim Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre 4.15pm-6.15pm, £3.00 session, 11-19 yrs

Garth School (Spalding) after school club 3.30pm-5pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

KIDS Crèche, Boston Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

Aquasplash Swim School, Wragby Swimming Pool, 3.30pm-6.30pm, Contact tel: 01673 857776

Wednesday Club Youth Group Focus One Youth Centre, Boston. 11-25 yrs. Every Wednesday 6pm-8pm

Boston John Fielding School Holiday Provision 10am-3pm in school holidays, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Garth School (Spalding) after school club 3.30pm5pm £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

KIDS Crèche, Boston Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm Stamford Children’s Centre 12.15pm-3.15pm Boston John Fielding School After School Club 3.30pm-5pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Thursday

Saturday

Sandon School (Grantham) after school club 3.15pm-4.45pm, £3.00 session, 15-13 yrs

Disability Swimming Session Bourne Leisure Centre, 3pm-4pm, Contact tel: 01778 421435

Boston John Fielding School After School Club 3.30pm-5pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Disability Swimming Club, Castle Swimming Pool, Spalding, 6pm-7pm, Contact tel: 01775 710496

Boston John Fielding School Holiday Provision 10am-3pm in school holidays, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Disabled Swim Sessions Princess Royal Sports Arena, Boston, 11am-12pm, Contact tel: 01205 358666

Friday

Boston Bowl 2nd and 4th Weds in Month, Boston Bowling, Fishtort, £3.00 session, 15-19 yrs

KIDS Crèche, Sutton Bridge Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm Spalding Children’s Centre 12.15pm -3.15pm Can do Sports Club Every other Saturday at Surfleet Village Hall, Station Road, Surfleet. Contact Coralie for further details, Mob: 07913 616797

Grantham Youth Club, Earlesfield Youth Club Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 6.30pm-8pm, £3.00 session, 13-19 yrs Grantham Disco – Barcode Night Club Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm-8pm £3.00 session, 13-19 yrs Spalding Bowling – Alleycatz bowling alley Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 6.30pm-8pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs Spalding Youth Club Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 6.30pm-8pm, £3.00 session, 13-19 yrs

Ambergate School (Grantham) after school club 3.45pm-5.15pm, £3.00 session, 14-19 yrs Steve Robinson Archery New York 6.30pm-7.30pm Aquasplash Swim School Wragby Swimming Pool, 4.30pm-5.30pm, Contact tel: 01673 857776 KIDS Crèche, Stamford Children’s Centre 10am-1pm Disabled Swimming Club Deeping Leisure Centre, Deeping St James, 5pm-6pm - term time and holidays, Contact tel: 01778 344072

Willoughby School (Bourne) after school club 3pm-6pm £6.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Grantham Activites – Swingbridge Children’s Centre Every 2nd Saturday of the month 10am-1pm, £6.00 session, 5-13 yrs

SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITES TIMETABLE 27

Lincoln & North Kesteven Information on the activities timetables are correct at time of printing. For more up-to-date information go to: lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd or cwdsi.co.uk. If you want to include your club on these pages, please contact us. KIDS Strut, Lincoln Queens Park School 4pm-7pm

Monday

Tuesday

KIDS Crèche, Lincoln North Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm Sleaford Children’s Centre 1pm-4pm

Friday

Saturday

Washingborough Bowl 1st and 3rd Monday in month, 6.30pm-8pm, 5-18 yrs 18 June 2012, 16 July 2012 and 20 August 2012

PAWS Workshop at University of Lincoln Riseholme Park, LN2 2LG 18th June, 16th July and 20th August, 10am-3pm. Contact: PAWS@dogsforthedisabled. org, Tel: 01295 759836 Wheelchair Basketball NK Leisure Centre 6pm-7.30pm

KIDS Strut North Hykeham Youth Centre 4pm-7.30pm, Lincoln Queen’s Park

Lincoln Queen’s Park After School Club 3pm-4.30pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Lincoln Queen’s Park Holiday Provision in school holidays 10am-3pm £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

KIDS Strut, Lincoln Queens Park School 4pm-7pm

KIDS Crèche Birchwood Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm Lincoln North Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

Butterfly Club Inclusive party night for people with disabilities for ages 16+. Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY. Next party night 21st March. Contact tel: 01522 873894

Lincoln Queen’s Park School After School Club 3pm-4.30 pm, £3.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Lincoln Queen’s Park Holiday Provision in school holidays 10am-3pm, £12.00 session, 5-19 yrs

Birchwood Youth Group 1st and 3rd Thursday 7pm-8.30pm, 11-19yrs

Wednesday

Thursday

Disability Swimming Session North Kesteven Sports Centre 7.30pm-10.30pm Contact tel: 01522 883311

North Hykeham Youth Group 2nd and 4th Thursday 7pm -8.30pm, 11-19 yrs KIDS Strut North Hykeham Youth Centre 4pm-7.30pm

KIDS Crèche, Birchwood Children’s Centre 9.15am-12.15pm

KIDS Crèche, Sleaford Children’s Centre 10am-1pm, 19th May

Lincoln Drama Group Birchwood Children’s Centre 1st and 3rd Saturday in month, 10am-12pm, £3.00 session, 5-13 yrs

PAACT and Autism UK Workshops by Professor Tony Attwood at the Engine Shed, University of Lincoln Contact: PAACT1@googlemail. com or tel: 07935 222963

Lincoln Activities Club Birchwood Children’s Centre 1st and 3rd Saturday of month 1.30pm-2pm, 5-18 yrs Goalball sessions in Louth Meridian Centre Tel: 01507 603809

28 NEWS

Be Robin Hood Steve Robinson of Steve Robinson Archery says “For 30 years I worked as a mechanic spending my time working on heavy vehicles which were used to go out and help keep people connected to their utilities. Pressure was part of my working day especially during bad weather when it was critical to keep people in such a rural county connected. Naturally, like thousands of other people, I found it necessary to take part in an activity that would help to relieve the stress and I settled, some 25 years ago, on archery.

“Working alone so much of the time, I found archery a great relief as I got to meet lots of like minded people and made some excellent friends with whom I could go shooting and socialise.”

“About 5 years ago I decided that it was time to give up the day job and spend more time introducing the sport I love to other people and to that end I have been working as a full time archery coach ever since. Today I divide my time between coaching at my club, Acorn Archers, who meet at Carrington Village Hall on Thursdays and coaching those with disabilities and special needs around the county. One group I coach meets on Friday nights from 6.30pm-7.30pm at New York Village Hall and is a group of mixed ability archers who all love to get together to shoot, chat and let off a bit of steam. “It really doesn’t matter what your abilities or disabilities, anyone can benefit from taking up a sport as rewarding as archery. There is no commitment to a team so nobody to let down if you don’t feel up to attending a coaching session and you can learn and practice at

your own pace. We provide all the equipment and coaching necessary so anyone can have a go at archery and see if they like it. “With 25 years archery under my belt” Steve says, “I reckon I can get just about anybody shooting but be warned; once you are hooked, you are really hooked!” For more information on groups near you or if you would like a taster session at your own club please contact Steve on 01205 280175.

‘Off the Bench’ presents Wheelchair Lasertag Perfect for all aged 8 years up, wheelchair lasertag is a brand new concept to the UK and possibly the world. Traditional lasertag has been with us in the UK for around 10 years and introducing wheelchairs is going to make this game a favourite for families everywhere. Lincolnshire is the second county in the UK to have this kind of facility, for a better idea of what’s on

offer please see www. wheelchairlasertag.co.uk, a business based in the south who have been operating events over the last year. Our own website will be up and running soon, in the meantime please contact Matthew on 01522 809028 for more details. The games will travel around the county to provide a local session as

well as the option to attend larger events based at the permanent site on the Lincolnshire Showground. If you have any ideas for a venue near you please get in touch, school/ village halls or playing fields will be perfect. If you would like to be kept informed about the dates and locations of events please contact Matthew to be added to our database.

NEWS 29

Making Noise in All Sorts of Places! Children and young people with special needs get involved in music-making has grown more in confidence at every session and we really enjoy seeing her progressing both musically and socially,” says Heather, mother to an eight year old who usually finds social interaction a huge challenge. “Adults are also made to feel at ease, and the great bonus of Making Noise is the support which we parents and carers are now giving each other.” Families and carers are always welcome to join in. Children and young people with disabilities, sensory impairments and other special needs are Making Noise in Lincolnshire thanks to the creative music-making workshops which are taking place in community venues all over the county. Experienced music facilitators from soundLINCS – Lincolnshire Music Development Agency - have been busy with Making Noise for the last 12 months, working in venues ranging from theatres, galleries and museums to arts centres, schools and village halls. At each weekly session, participants are encouraged and enabled to transform their own ideas and experiences into music, with a mix of instrumental, computer-based and vocal activities ensuring that confidence, musicality and communication skills grow week by week.

“We have to be very flexible in order to accommodate each participant’s needs,” says sound-LINCS music facilitator Mike Nicholls, who has run Making Noise sessions in the Riverhead Theatre in Louth, the Embassy Theatre in Skegness and in Mablethorpe community hall. “As the sessions are weekly, we really get to know every group member and develop an understanding of the challenges they face. This enables us to prepare a plan for each individual to develop their enjoyment of music-making and enable them to derive most benefit from group activities.”

The benefit spreads to the families and carers too. “My daughter

Check out the soundLINCS website for details of where Making Noise is happening next. For more information on Making Noise, contact Laura Meggett at soundLINCS on 01522 510073, email laura@soundlincs.org or visit www.soundlincs.org

30 NEWS

Chance to meet... Groups for parents, carers, children and young people with a sensory loss

Our Chance to Meet Group meetings held on 13th and 14th of February were a great success, and we would like to thank Grantham Deaf Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sociality for organising the Grantham event for us. Also we would like to thank everyone who attended these events and involved themselves in the future planning of the Chance to Meet Groups. Following on from these meetings where we discussed with parents, carers, children and young people what events and development they would like to see in Lincolnshire, we are pleased to announce our first Chance to Meet groups will be held in March. The feedback from parents, requested that these events should be held in different areas of Lincolnshire and were not restricted to a particular sensory

loss. However some parents felt that at times there is a need for parents, carers, children and young people to meet people who do have the same sensory loss. So to meet these requests we are holding three events on the same day and different professionals will attend.

These activities in March are open to all age groups with a sensory impairment their parent, carers and siblings, and will be held in Boston, Lincoln, and Grantham.

Date/Time

Venue

Organisations

31st March 2012 10am - 12pm

Boston Bowling (PlayTowers), Rochford Tower Lane, Boston PE21 9RH

SENSE, SILCS, SESS

31st March 2012 1pm - 3pm

Grantham Bowl, Dysart Road, Grantham NG31 7LE

SILCS, SESS

31st March 10am - 12pm

Lincoln Bowl, Washingborough Road, Lincoln LN4 1EF

SILCS, SESS, Action for Blind

Everyone welcome and a voluntary contribution of ÂŁ1 per child or young person. If you are available please contact SILCS to inform them which date and venue you are available to attend SILCS: Email: sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk Tel: 01522 848295 Mobile: 07702 939165 Fax: 01522 699709

NEWS 31

KIDS Créche About KIDS KIDS is a national charity providing a wide range of services supporting disabled children, young people and their families. KIDS have been providing services for children and families for over 40 years. Currently KIDS works with approximately 8000 disabled children and young people each year. All our services are driven by an overarching commitment to a more inclusive society and our passionate belief that disabled children and young people have a right to be included on an equal basis. Crèche Sessions KIDS have been commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council to deliver crèche facilities for disabled children and those with complex health needs across the county. Crèches will be available twice a week from Children’s Centres in the following districts: Lincoln - Birchwood and Lincoln North West Lindsey - Gainsborough East Lindsey - Louth and Skegness South Holland - Spalding and Sutton Bridge North Kesteven - Sleaford South Kesteven - Stamford Boston - St Christopher’s KIDS crèche sessions bring parents and carers together with their preschool children, so that they can benefit from the advice and support of other parents, professionals and KIDS’ staff.

We will ensure that young children feel safe and are warmly welcomed into the crèche. They will be supported to participate in both structured and free play activities that will assist communication, concentration, learning, physical, imagination and social skills. The sessions will cater for the individual developmental needs of each child. Sessions will follow a similar format so that children become familiar with the routine and they will include music and songs, creative, sensory, imaginative and exploratory play activities.

Crèche sessions last for 1 hour and 59 minutes, with an additional parent support hour - usually before or after the crèche. A discretionary parental contribution of up to £2.50 per crèche is applied. All funds will be used towards additional events and family activities, chosen by parents attending the crèche. For further information please contact:

Children will be offered different tactile and sensory experiences to help them develop a range of skills and they will be able to choose activities for themselves.

KIDS Commerce House Outer Circle Road LINCOLN LN2 4HY

Staff are highly trained in order to meet the individual needs of children attending.

Telephone: 01522 542937 mobile: 07818 594256 website: www.kids.org.uk

Parent Support KIDS is committed to working in partnership with parents. Parents and carers will receive a warm welcome to the crèche facilities and will be invited to join the parents support hour at the beginning or end of each session. Parents repeatedly tell us that other parents offer the best advice and support. KIDS is happy to facilitate this. The crèches enable parents to have a short break, some time for themselves and their children to have some fun, cared for by our qualified staff team.

32 LINCOLNSHIRE SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership Discounted inclusive bike hire

Inclusive bikes can be hired at four venues in Lincolnshire thanks to Bike 4 Life. School holidays are the perfect time to hire wheelchair bikes, handcycles, tricycles, threewheeler tandems, traditional bikes and more, all at a discounted rate for families with disabilities. Visit: Bardney Heritage Centre, Lincoln Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth Key Contact: Sarah Ferneyhough, 01522 585580, sarah.ferneyhough@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Fully inclusive fitness facilities

Disabled people in Lincolnshire can access 17 fully inclusive fitness facilities across the county, which have gained Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation. This has ensured facilities in Lincolnshire are fully accessible, purchasing new fitness equipment, trained members of staff and using inclusive marketing and policies. There is at least two inclusive sites in every district of Lincolnshire. Key Contact: Sarah Ferneyhough, 01522 585580, sarah.ferneyhough@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Request a free sports activities pack

Are you looking for sports activities throughout the week, over the weekend or during the school holidays? We’ve compiled an activities pack specifically for families with disabilities, and we can send you a free copy! To request your pack please text ‘Activities Pack’ with your name and address to 07984 881712.

football, and may be picked for the performance pathway to play sport at a national level. Every year, children at County Athlete Assessment Days are directed to local clubs or straight onto the performance pathway with the possibility of competing at the Paralympics. Contact us or ask your teacher.

Key Contact: Hayley Cook, 01522 585580, hayley.cook@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk.

Key Contact: Amelia Buchanan, 01522 585580, amelia.buchanan @lincolnshiresports.co.uk.

Inclusive talent camps

Goalball sessions start in Louth

Children with disabilities are being encouraged to join a Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis or Swimming talent camp between now and July 2012. Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has been selected by four National Governing Bodies of Sport to deliver talent camps which look for talented youngsters to take part in sport. Contact us or ask your teacher. Key Contact: Amelia Buchanan, 01522 585580, amelia.buchanan @lincolnshiresports.co.uk.

County Athlete Assessment Days

Children with disabilities can try Table Tennis, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics and

New goalball sessions will start at The Meridian Centre, Louth in May. Goalball is a Paralympic sport played by people with sight loss, but anyone can play at these new sessions by wearing eye shields ensuring everyone is equal. The sessions will start on Saturday 12th May 2012, and run every second Saturday of the month. It has been developed by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society, East Midlands Goalball and East Lindsey District Council. Key Contact: Dorothy Selfe (Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society), 01507 603809, dorothy@llbs. co.uk.

LINCOLNSHIRE SPORTS PARTNERSHIP 33

Wheelchair Basketball sessions in Lincoln, Grantham and Stamford Anyone with a lower limb disability can play wheelchair basketball, and there are clubs in Lincolnshire. Wheelchair basketball is the biggest disability sport in the UK, and second in the World. You don’t have to be a wheelchair user to play, and chairs can be provided. Sessions in Lincoln run every Monday from 6pm – 7.30pm at North Kesteven Leisure Centre. Key Contact: Hugh Sargent, 07880 706848. And, we are starting a club in the Grantham and Stamford area. Key Contact: Graham Birkett, 07881 803622.

New Inclusive Rounders Game

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has developed a new game of inclusive rounders which will be rolled out nationally to schools across the country. After launching the first ever Wheelchair Rounders last year, the Partnership has been asked to develop another game for children with all impairments. The sessions currently take place as part of a lunch or after school activity. For more information about setting up Wheelchair Rounders or Inclusive Rounders in your school, contact us or ask your teacher. Key Contact: Rachel Belcher, 01522 585580, rachel.belcher@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Inclusive Sports Zone at Lincolnshire Show

or club, or setting up a competition, Sport Makers is inclusive for all (including those with a disability or sensory impairment) and encourages everyone to make sport happen.

The Sports Zone is the best way to have fun and get active with Olympic and Paralympic sports including Canoeing, Football, Goalball, Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball.

For more information, visit www.sportmakers.co.uk.

Children and adults can take part in inclusive sports at the Lincolnshire Show in June.

Look out for some exciting challenges and competitions to celebrate the London 2012 Games in The Sports Zone. Key Contact: Marc Rhodes, 01522 585580, marc.rhodes@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Inclusive School Games Special and Mainstream Schools across Lincolnshire have signed up to the Lincolnshire 2012 School Games which will take place in Lincoln in June.

Thousands of young people across the county have been taking part in competitive sports such as Boccia, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics and New Age Kurling. Your school can take part too – ask your teacher or visit www. yourschoolgames.com. Key Contact: Gareth Short, 01522 585580, gareth.short@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Sport Makers needed

Youngsters aged 16 plus can become Sport Makers and make sport happen locally. Whether it’s organising a friendly football match, supporting an event

Key Contact: Lizzie Couling, 01522 585580, lizzie.couling@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

Lincolnshire launches new sports library

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and Running Imp have launched a new sports library. Community groups and clubs will be able to hire sports equipment to start up new clubs or for projects and events, which may not be sustainable for the club to buy. From portable basketball hoops, complete sports day packs to 7m x 8.5m inflatable marquees there is a vast range of items. Key Contact: Trevor Jones, 01522 585580, trevor.jones@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk Visit www.lincolnshiresports.com for information about any of our projects.

34 USEFUL CONTACTS

Useful contacts Some services available for children and young people who are disabled and their families

Name

Contact info

Action for Young Carers

Email: ayc@carersfederation.co.uk Tel: 01205 358834

Action for Children

Email: disabilitylincolnshire@actionforchildren.org.uk Tel: 01522 546516

Carers Assessment

Tel: 01522 782224 Email: carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Children’s Centres

Find your nearest Children’s Centre at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Children’s Services, Social Care Team – Children with Disabilities Team

Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782111, www.cwdsi.co.uk

Customer Service Centre

Referrals to CWD Social Care Team are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 546516

Deaf Lincs

Voice: 01522 554932 minicom: 01522 554933 fax: 01522 554934 sms: 07702 820539 email: info@deaflincs.com web: www.deaflincs.com

Early Support Care Coordination Team

Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782111 Or county co-ordinator is Jon Hird: 07795 968494

Family Information Service

Family Information Service at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fis or Tel: 0800 195 1635 Mon to Fri 8am – 6pm or email: fis@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Family Service Directory

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd

KIDS Strut

KIDS and Strut in the Community, Commerce House, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4HY Strut: 01522 557292 KIDS: 01482 467540

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council

Tel: 0845 3311310 Email: enquiries@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil. org.uk. PO Box 1183, Spalding, Lincs PE11 9EE www.lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk

Movement 2

Tel: 0116 2609510 Mob: 07811 287378 Web: www.movement2.co.uk

Occupational Therapy (O.T.) Team

Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre, tel: 01522 782111

USEFUL CONTACTS 35

Name

Contact info

Parent Carers of CWDSI

Email: parentcarersofcwdsi@lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 01522 554214

Parent Partnership

Tel: 01522 553351 Email: parentpartnership@lincolnshire.gov.uk www.lincolnshireparentpartnership.org.uk

Portage

Lincoln & District: 07710 796695 Spalding & District: 07935 417289 Louth & District: 07900 604923 West Lindsey & District: 01427 615498 Bourne & District: 01778 425203 Boston & District: 01205 363395 Spilsby & District: 07787 629042 Grantham & District: 07857 689664

Relate Counselling Service

Relate Lincolnshire tel: 0845 166 4110

Sensory Education and Support Service

Referrals can be made directly to the service. Tel: 01522 553364/8

Sensory Impairment Lincolnshire County Council Service (SILCS)

SILCS can be contacted on tel: 01522 848295 Email: sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk, or visit: www.silcs.org.uk

Short Breaks Team

Family Information Service, tel: 0800 195 1635 or email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or www.cwdsi.co.uk

Specialist Changing Facilities

www.cwdsi.co.uk

Specialist Nurse Trainers for Children with Disabilities

Contact the team, tel: 01522 521186

Teeninfolincs - information and advice for Lincolnshire teenagers

www.teeninfolincs.co.uk

Speech and Language Team

Specialist Hearing Impairment, Grantham Health Clinic, St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Grantham NG31 6TT. Tel: 01476 577368; www.cwdsi.co.uk

Toy Libraries

Witham Park, Waterside South, Lincoln LN5 7JN. Tel: 01522 546215 Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough DN11 2AL. Tel: 01427 676655

Training

For more information about registering for the programme contact shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk

36 USEFUL INFORMATION

Alternative Language This information can be provided in another language or format. For all enquiries please contact 01522 782060 Polish Ta informacja jest także dostępna w innym języku i formacie. Razie jakichkolwiek pytań zadzwoń pod powyższy numer. Portuguese Esta informação pode ser fornecida em outro idioma ou formato. Para quaisquer inquéritos, contacte o número acima. Russian Эта информация может быть предоставлена другом формате. По все вопросам мвышеуказанному номеру.

Contacts FREEPHONE: 0800 195 1635 Monday to Friday 8.00am–6.00pm GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01522 782 033 Fax: 01522 516 137

Lithuanian

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ 4alldatabase

Ši informacija gali būti pateikta kitoje kalboje ar formate. Visiem pasiteiravimam prašome susisiekti su viršuj nurodytu numeriu.

Email: 4all@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Latvian Ja nepieciešams, šo informāciju varat saņemt citā valodā vai citā formātā. Uzziņām, lūdzu zvaniet pa augstāk norādīto tālruni. Slovak Táto informácia môže byť poskytnutá v inom jazyku alebo formáte. So všetkými otázkami sa prosím obráťte na vyššie uvedené číslo.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. LCC is not responsible for the content or reliability of any of the

websites or responsible for the provision of any of the services listed in this publication and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in them. LCC is not responsible for the services provided by any organisation that appears in this publication. Listings shall not be taken as an endorsement of any kind.