ISSUE 19 / WINTER 2012
Olympic Legacy What a year it’s been for sport! The whole country got caught up in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, igniting enthusiasm for a whole range of sporting disciplines. Young people from Lincolnshire represented the country at both Olympics and Paralympics and are to be congratulated for the dedication and effort it has taken to get to that level. Read some of their stories inside. As part of the Olympic and Paralympic legacy, children and young people from Lincolnshire including those with disabilities and additional needs have been involved in a wide range of sporting activities at a local level through the Live and Learn Like a Champion initiative (p.6) and many local sport and activity groups. Encouragement, support, determination and self-belief has enabled Lincolnshire’s national sporting success and these qualities are important at a local level, whatever the sport and whatever the ability. Pictures - Sophie Wells (top) – Paralympic Dressage team gold and silver medallist, and Individual Dressage silver medallist (p.7); Keiran Tscherniawsky (middle) – Paralympic competitor in the F33 Seated Discus (p.7); Lili Curtis (bottom) – Olympic torch bearer (p.5)
The newsletter for families with children or young people with disabilities in Lincolnshire now incorporating Short Breaks
Inside this issue 3 5 6 12-13 14-15 18-19 22 23 27 28-29
Ace Inclusive Sports Club Shine a Light Live and Learn Like a Champion Short Breaks Activity Awareness Day Out and About with Short Breaks PGL Weekend The 10th Autism Conference Parent Partnership update A Time of Transition Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2012
Our Short Break activity timetables and provider details can now be found on the www.cwdsi.co.uk website or by contacting 01522 553536
2 LETTERS FROM OUR READERS
Letters
from our readers Dear 4all
trying My son is autistic and I’m constantly what to find out what is available to him and r things he can access. I have seen you s booklet of information on the service have a available across the county, but I don’t copy. Can you send me one please? Many thanks Mrs Turner
py to The Short Breaks team are more than hap post out hard copies of their “Services in much a Lincolnshire” booklet.The booklet is very one stop information shop for families and le in organisations about the services availab who ple peo Lincolnshire for children and young are disabled and/or sensory impaired.The details booklet is full of information and contact in the of all organisations that provide services county. ting If you would like one of these booklets pos out to you, please email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or telephone 01522 553536.
www.wheelmate.com offers a free iPhone app (also on the App Store) giving directions to accessible toilets and parking spaces for the 1.2million wheelchair users in the UK. Users can also add to the locations if they find more not previously listed.
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
Can you help please? My frie nd has a key which is called a ‘radar’ key an d she says it would be very useful for me to have when out and about and needing a toilet for my son who uses a wheelchair. Can you tell m e more? The Radar Nati onal Key Schem e offers disable people indepen d dent access to sp ecially locked public toilets aro und kept locked to en the countr y. The toilets are sure they are cl ean, available and useable wh en needed, and are usually mor spacious. e Keys can be bou ght from Fledgl ings - ring 0845 458 1124 or em ail: enquiries@fle dglings.org.uk , or alternatively go to www.rad ar-shop.org.u k Radar have pro duced an iPhon e App that can help you locate your nearest Ra dar to out and about w ith directions how ilet when to get there (available from App Store for £ 4.99). Hope this helps.
Dear 4all ecial blems finding sp metimes I am having pro little girl who so y m r fo r ea w his is under ms at school. T le b ro p ce en n problems has inconti ter and causing gh au d y m g in upsett u any ates. Have yo sm as cl er h h lease? it w list suppliers, p ia ec sp n o n io informat Troubled Mum e edglings’ catalogu Fl at ok lo a ve eir Again, ha org.uk or ring th s. g n li g d le .f w on-line at ww 5 458 1124. helpline on 084 believe ed charity, who er st gi re a e ar d offer Fledglings changed lives’ an ns tio lu so g in nal nd that ‘fi bled and additio sa di r fo s ct du ro affordable p ve an If they do not ha needs children. they are to your concern er sw an te ia ed th imm e – they are wor on d fin d an y tr willing to contacting!!
NEWS
Ace Inclusive Sports Club
Willoughby Parent Plus Group The Parent Plus Group at Willoughby have been very active with lots going on as usual. We had a great trip to Rand Farm in June, a super day out on our coach trip to Twycross Zoo at the start of the long school summer break in July and a “Holiday Special” activity for our families in July at The Willoughby Village Hall with children's entertainer Andy Carando.
ACE Inclusive Sports Club is a unique sports club where both disabled and able bodied youngsters aged 7 - 16 years can participate in sport together. Members get the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports including kurling, boccia, rounders, hockey or wheelchair football. Pete, who has a daughter with spina bifida, ensures that there are no barriers to prevent any child participating in sport regardless of their disabilities or abilities. The club currently has children attending with Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and cystic fibrosis as well as able bodied siblings and youngsters completing Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The club is a voluntary organisation run by Pete and Lyn McDonnell plus a dedicated group of parents and volunteers. Sessions are held every Saturday morning from 10am - 11am at the West Lindsey Sports Centre in Gainsborough, costing £3 per child each session, or £5 for siblings. ACE has now been running for over six years and has developed a friendly, family environment where parents can join in and volunteer or are able to sit and natter. If the 2012 Olympics or Paralympics has inspired your child to get involved in sports, email Pete about joining ACE or volunteering at the club at bigmac12@btinternet.com or phone Lyn on 01427 610084.Visit the group’s website at www.acesports.org.uk
More recently, our weekly term time meetings have remained busy every Tuesday morning with several new parents joining us. We had an interesting “Stress Awareness Workshop” with Michael Pitcher from Lincolnshire Mental Health Training Network and to compliment this, Gregg Chapman delivered a Didgeridoo Sound Therapy session - bringing us all some deep relaxation to boost our energy and vitality before half term! Presently we are organising literacy and numeracy sessions to give parents better skills in understanding and supporting their children with school work. And we are looking forward to Carol Wilson returning from The Pelican Trust with another British Sign Language course. At the AGM in September it was decided to continue to fund the hall hire for our weekly yoga class during term time on Monday mornings in Alford. In addition, Lynne Wyles, our local Family Support Worker, frequently attends our regular Tuesday Coffee Mornings to work with parents and of course we will end the year with our annual Christmas Dinner which we are all looking forward to! Check out our website for more information www.parentplusgroup.co.uk or email Andrea for any further details at admin@parentplusgroup.co.uk
3
4 NEWS
Sleaford Laffletics Club Are you looking for something to do on a Saturday morning? Were you inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics? Do you want to keep fit and have fun whilst doing so? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then maybe The Laffletics Club is able to help! The Laffletics Club is an adapted sports club that enables young people of any ability to participate and have fun whilst gaining new skills and socialising with other like-minded people. The Laffletics Club, now in its eighth year, takes place from 10am to 11.30am on a Saturday at Northgate Sports Hall in Sleaford. We encourage teamwork, but also promote inclusion, and help individuals to achieve their own goals. It takes place indoors, and we therefore cover most indoor activities including: boccia; kurling; hockey; basketball; athletics; javelin; fun relays; and obstacle courses. We have members
ranging from 6 - 25 years. People of all abilities are encouraged to try all games (we adapt to suit ability and mobility). Our members have various disabilities including: Downs Syndrome; learning difficulties; cerebral palsy; autism; and behavioural problems. Our morning activities vary. We also run an award scheme, where vouchers can be won for best behaviour, effort, teamwork and most improved. These vouchers are awarded every ten weeks. Come along and meet the team: Thelma and Sally (Secretary & Chair) are both Level 1 athletics coaches, Paul (Head Coach) has Level 2 athletics certificate, and Gill (committee member) has Level 1. The first week is free and after this it costs just ÂŁ2 per week. For more information contact Thelma on 01529 413204 or Sally on 01529 469558. Check us out on our website www.laffletics.co.uk
Photo: Sleaford Town Council Club of the Year 2012. Sleaford Standard Club of the Year 2012. Paul, Coach Award 2012. Thelma, NK Contribution to Sport Award 2012. Paul, Olympic torch bearer and Thelma, Paralympic torch bearer. Nominated and shortlisted for Sports Partnership Club of the Year Award, November 2012
NEWS
Shine a Light Earlier this year, the London 2012 Olympics became personally significant for Lili Curtis, 13, from Louth who was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in Melton Mowbray. In May 2011 Lili’s mum, Maggie, had nominated Lili to carry the Olympic flame but never expected her to get through the rigorous selection panel. The nomination described Lili as a very determined young lady who, over the years, has dealt with several ear operations to try to combat her hearing loss, along with complex investigations which finally established she had a rare genetic
syndrome which affects her heart and liver. Lili has never let these things phase her and she is very proud of her hearing aids which she believes make her different. In March of this year, Lili received confirmation about her place in the Olympic torch relay, having been selected to run on 3rd July 2012 in Melton Mowbray - a two hour drive from her home in Louth. Initially she was slightly disappointed that her family and friends wouldn’t be able to see her run, though on the day it turned out that Lili was to run the final lunchtime leg into Long Field School, with more than a thousand school children, a TV crew and Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show waiting to cheer her on! The crowds along the route also cheered her on and the final extra leg into the school field was a once in a lifetime experience. As Lili told BBC East Midlands TV, “It felt like I was famous – it was amazing.”
Lynx Goalball Club The newly formed Lynx Goalball club caters for visually impaired persons of any age group and their siblings. Meetings are at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth on the second Saturday of each month from 10am until 12.30am. Help and support is available from our volunteers (accredited via Goalball UK coaching courses). So whether you are new to the sport or a regular player you are welcome to join us. All equipment will be provided - all you need to bring to get started is yourself! Goalball sessions at the Meridian Centre in 2012/2013 •
Saturday 10th November - Saturday 8th December
•
Saturday 12th January - Saturday 9th February
•
Saturday 9th March - Saturday 13th April
•
Saturday 11th May – Saturday 8th June
We welcome any enquiries or if you want any further information, without commitment, about the club and it’s goals for the future, please contact Tony Beeston (Chair) on 07425 158864, Garry Humphreys (Coach) on 07721 721554 or Dorothy Selfe (Lincoln and District Blind Society) on 01754 605604.
5
6 NEWS
Live & Learn like a Champion Over the last eighteen months CfBT, on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council, have rolled out their ‘Live and Learn Like a Champion’ legacy programme. Based on the seven Olympic and Paralympic Values, this exciting and innovative programme aims to leave a legacy beyond the 2012 Games, impacting on the children and young people of Lincolnshire throughout their lives focusing on sport, music, art and culture. The Live and Learn programme has offered a wide range of high quality opportunities for children and young people to ‘Live the Values’, including the nationally acclaimed and endorsed Live and Learn like a Champion ‘Legacy Log Award Scheme’. This scheme involves young people completing a series of challenges linked to the Olympic & Paralympic Values with their achievements being recognised and celebrated as they collect their LLC Stickers and are awarded their Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal certificates. Other highlights have included the wide range of Live and Learn competitions for schools linked to the Values including photography and cookery competitions, and the sensational ‘We Live, We Learn’ anthem. Co-ordinated by the Lincolnshire Music Service and written by Lincolnshire school children; this anthem was performed by school children and the ACM Gospel Choir to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic flame. Up to 70,000 children and young people in Lincolnshire schools are now also making their Live and Learn 2012 Legacy Pledges, completing Legacy Postcards identifying which Value means the most to them and what they are promising to do in the future in relation to this Value to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their family and friends. These will be collated and posted by CfBT on the 2012 Virtual Pledge Wall.
CfBT and Lincolnshire County Council have been delighted with the outstanding response to their Live and Learn like a Champion legacy programme. High praise has also come from Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, who states: “Live and Learn Like a Champion is encouraging children and young people to fulfil their potential. I am proud that partners such as CfBT Education Services are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in sport, the arts, music and leadership opportunities.” Following additional funding from the County Council, the Live and Learn like a Champion Legacy Plus programme has been devised. This will focus on promoting a legacy of health, and healthy physical activity. This programme includes exciting opportunities for children and young people of all abilities to experience and learn about physical activity, fitness and movement programmes, healthy competition within sport and healthy eating. This will be rolled out to all Lincolnshire primary schools early in 2013. For more information, contact Stuart Allison at CfBT on 01522 553285 or email SAllison@cfbt.com
NEWS
Ready for the Golden Girl Next Challenge
Sophie Wells (22) was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which affects her feet, ankles and hands, resulting in the loss of a few of her fingers.
Twenty year old Kieran Tscherniawsky, of Heckington, competed in the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the F33 seated discus, coming 10th out of 20 athletes in the event. He described it as a “wonderful experience”. His grandmother Molly Burrows said: "We are tremendously proud of him, no-one can describe the feeling. "When we think back to him as a child it is amazing just how far he has come. Kieran was born with cerebral palsy and he initially gained interest in sport when he was at Stoke Mandeville. As well as discus he enjoys wheelchair basketball and weight-lifting. Now he's a Paralympian." In the Heroes' Parade in London after the games, Kieran shared a float with double Olympic Gold medallist Mo Farah. Molly said that the Heroes' Parade was “absolutely fantastic”, adding: "It was a wonderful experience and all the helpers, organisers and everyone who was a part of it were just amazing." Kieran is starting winter training for his next big competition, the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Athletes World Championships in Lyon, France. "Kieran can't wait for the 2016 Paralympics," said Molly. "And he's already said he's going to be more determined than ever, although I didn't think it was possible for him to be more determined! "We need to get through to people, especially children, that being born with a disability does not mean that you can't get to the top. "As long as you have the right attitude nothing is impossible and Kieran is the living proof of that." Kieran is currently studying to qualify as a fitness instructor. [Article source with thanks to The Sleaford Standard]
Sophie studies Sports Development at the University of Lincoln, though she postponed the course in order to compete in the Paralympics, and did brilliantly, winning a gold medal in the Team Dressage Grade IV on 2nd September. This was followed by another silver medal in the Individual Dressage Grade IV Freestyle on her horse, Pinocchio, and another silver in the Individual Grade IV Championship Test. Sophie was a little sad she had made a mistake and not achieved more, but as far as the people of Lincolnshire are concerned we think she was brilliant and with her help the Great Britain team achieved a gold medal in dressage. Sophie was chosen to compete in the Paralympic dressage team after a successful performance at the Hartpury Final Selection Trials. Sophie is an avid rider with a number of championships already behind her, on her usual horses Pinocchio and Valerius. She was a reserve at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, and won gold in both the team and individual dressage at the 2011, 2010 and 2009 European Championships. She has also successfully competed in non-Paralympic competitions. Well done Sophie! [Our thanks to the Lincolnite for their help with this article]
7
8 NEWS
Disability Hub Club The aim of a Disability Hub Club is to welcome disabled swimmers to the world of swimming, assess skills and potential and provide information on and signpost to clubs and swim schools in the area to enable the swimmers to develop further. During an initial assessment session, swimmers will be asked to complete basic swim skills and assessment tasks to determine their ability level, and will then be directed to appropriate swimming provision best suited to the individual swimmer. City of Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club is proud to have been designated the Amateur Swimming Association’s Disability Hub Club for the northern part of Lincolnshire. Pentaqua is proud to have a number of disabled swimmers as members who are involved in the club at different levels from the learn to swim programme, through to competing on the national stage, and even setting British Disability Records. The club anticipates that at least one of their swimmers may appear at the next Paralympics in 2016.
More information on Disability Sport is available from: •
www.disabilitysport.org.uk - Disability sports events information
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www.cpsport.org - Cerebral Palsy information
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www.britishswimming.org - Disability information via British Swimming
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www.specialolympics.org.uk - Special Olympics information
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www.mencap.org.uk
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www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
If you want to find out more about disability swimming, please check any of the links below, or if you're interested in joining Pentaqua, please contact 07952 552090 or visit www.pentaqua.org The Disability Hub Club for the South of Lincolnshire is Deepings Swimming Club, based at Deepings Leisure Centre. For more information on swimming opportunities for disabled swimmers in the south of the county, please contact Deepings Swimming Club’s Disability Officer, Lynn Chapman, on 01775 630543 or visit www.deepingssc.co.uk
COOL2CARE
Big Society is Cool Cool2care, a local Personal Assistant (PA) introductory service that recruits, screens, trains and matches PAs to work with families of children and young people with a disability, is the latest winner of the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award. Children and young people with disabilities are entitled to a range of support including Personal Assistants – a dedicated carer to help with tasks from washing and feeding to helping them and their family enjoy a social life. While this provides essential help for the parents of disabled children, many find it daunting to recruit and hire someone to work so closely with their child. Cool2Care was set up in 2007 by Phil Conway, who as the father of a disabled child saw how overwhelming it could be to hire a Personal Assistant. The social enterprise matches a PA to the needs of the child and family, providing them with on-going support for a number of hours a week. PAs help to encourage life skills, to increase emotional wellbeing, develop new skills and relationships and give parents a much needed break. Over the last 4 years Cool2Care has successfully matched a PA with over 1000 disabled children and young adults across the country. As a Social Enterprise any profits generated from Cool2Care are either reinvested for future growth or donated to charities supporting disabled children. On June 21st, Number 10 held an event for all this year’s winners to collect their award in the presence of the Prime Minister. Congratulating Cool2Care on the award, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Getting the right support and finding a carer are really important steps for any family with disabled children, and this service is helping to match thousands of families with the much-valued help they need. “Congratulations to Cool2Care and all the incredible Personal Assistants making such a huge difference to the lives of parents and children around the country – a great example of the Big Society.” Care Services Minister Paul Burstow invited Cool2Care to the Department of Health in Westminster to receive the award and take part in
a discussion with other charity organisations. Presenting the award, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “Cool2Care has worked very hard to help change the lives of families with disabled young people. Through its work, parents are able to rely on a specialist assistant who is tailored to their child’s needs. I am very pleased to be presenting them with this award to recognise this and I look forward to seeing how this charity continues to improve their local communities.” Accepting the award, Phil Conway, Chief Executive of Cool2Care, said: “We are thrilled to receive this Big Society Award. It is recognition of the hard work we do every day to help families with disabled young people find the support they need. This helps the parents with caring, and enables the disabled young person to build friendships and get involved in community activities. Working with disabled children is a lot of fun – it really is cool to care!” If you are seeking a few hours a week of care for a child or young person, looking for that crucial role model and much needed extra support, please contact Krissy Green or Karen Hoe on 0845 123 5484 or email karen.hoe@cool2care.co.uk or krissy.green@cool2care.co.uk
9
10 INDIVIDUAL GRANT SCHEME
An Evaluation Of The Individual Grant Scheme – 2011/12 The purpose behind the individual grant scheme has been to help Lincolnshire County Council develop its Personal Budgets programme. This scheme gave a one-off opportunity for parents of disabled and/or sensory impaired children to apply for an individual grant. It was aimed at families who have not been assessed by the Children with Disabilities Team and who do not have a social worker. The families who successfully applied for, and used, this individual grant have provided us with valuable information for the Personal Budget consultation. It has also helped with the subsequent planning into what sort of services/activities parents and children see as making a difference to their lives and what they would buy when given the opportunity. This information is helping us with planning for the move towards implementing Personal Budgets over the next year. We have evaluated the success of the individual grant scheme. Almost without exception, families have told us that it made their life as a carer better. It improved their relationships with their other children and made a significant difference to the life of their child who was disabled and/or sensory impaired. Families used the money in a range of ways; the most popular involved buddying arrangements, clubs, day trips, a family break, equipment and sports activities. Families told us… “We have done things together that I would not usually be able to afford, the quality time has been so important.”
“The activities we were now able to afford have helped [our son] with independence and social skills and helped him to be able to work as a team.” “The grant enabled us to have a family break, we have had such a fantastic time and the children had an experience they will never forget.” Numerous other comments from parents referred to the benefits of computer equipment that they used the grant for. Other activities that they said their child benefited from included: short break holidays enjoyed as a family; all-terrain wheelchairs enabling them to enjoy walking; tag-along bikes so they could enjoy cycling; and much more. The outcome benefits of the Individual Grants last year are helping to inform our robust Stakeholder Steering Group which we now have in place to support the future development of Personal Budgets within Children’s Services Social Care. Regular updates of this development can be found on the Personal Budgets section within our www.cwdsi.co.uk web pages or email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk
LGO | MYCHOICEMYCARE 11
Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) The LGO deals with complaints about local government services and are happy to work with children and young people. It is their job is to investigate complaints in a fair and independent way – not taking sides. It is a free service too! They can consider complaints about things that have gone wrong, the way a service has been given or the way a decision has been made. In regard to children and young people, they can look at things like: • how Social Care Services have assessed the needs of a child or young person with disabilities and whether the help and support that was agreed has been given • have Social Care Services properly investigated reports of a child at risk of being harmed • were the needs of looked after young people, or those leaving care, assessed properly • have the homeless been supported • why are there delays in dealing with housing benefits
• was an admission or exclusion appeal dealt with properly and has an excluded child been provided with correct education • has the Council failed a special needs child in its education needs. Their role is to look at the complaint and decide whether LGO can investigate it, should it be referred to another agency, or should it go through the Council’s own complaints procedure first. If they decide they can investigate a complaint, they will give it a high priority. If it goes to the Council first, they will track it through the system and keep the complainant informed of progress. They aim to resolve all complaints as quickly as possible, but it must be accepted it can take several months or even longer. Whatever happens, their role is to update throughout the process. When a fault is found with the way someone has been treated or how a service has been provided, the LGO aims to get things put right. They can ask that the Council, or sometimes a school, help by:
MyChoiceMyCare is a new service for Lincolnshire residents aged 18 and over which aims to improve the quality of life for adults in the county. The website has a large number of sections including mobility, transitions from children’s services, personal care, legal and financial options which give lots of information about services available. The website also has a Directory of Services, and a section where enquirers can request an email or phone call to discuss a particular issue with a trained adviser. Go to http://mychoicemycare.org.uk/ to find out more.
• holding a new appeal hearing • providing the assessment of needs that the young person has been waiting for • providing the services set out in a statement of special educational needs or community care assessment • and they can ask the council to change their procedures to try to make sure the problem does not happen again. They are also in a position to ask for compensation for the young person if they have missed out on services they should have received and it is difficult to make up for lost time, or they have been particularly badly treated. The money can often be paid into a fund and used for things like extra education or support. To contact the LGO Advice Team call 0300 061 0614; text “call back” to 0762 480 4299; email advice@lgo.org.uk; fax 024 7682 0001; or write to the Local Government Ombudsman, PO Box 4771, Coventry CV4 0EH. For further information go to the website – www.lgo.org.uk
Cllr Graham Marsh, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: "As a Lincolnshire resident, you deserve high-quality care and we strive to help everyone live as independently as possible within the community. This site will help you, your family, carer or provider, view a wealth of information and the range of choices available in the county, giving you the power to choose and access the help you need - tailored to you." As well as the website, you can contact the MyChoiceMyCare service by phone on 01522 782155 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). In an emergency outside of these house, please call 01522 782333.
12 SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITY AWARENESS DAY
Short Breaks Activity Day On 16th September, Short Breaks organised an Activity Awareness Day at Tattershall Lakes to make parents, carers, children and young people conscious of the activities, provision and information that there is available to them in Lincolnshire. The aim of the day was to allow children and young people to try out activities they perhaps didn’t know existed or that they could access within the county. Above all else the main aim was to have fun! Thanks to Lincolnshire Sports Partnership bringing their inflatable marquees, the day was able to go by without the elements getting involved! Fortunately the weather was not an issue at all and towards lunchtime the sun came out which allowed families to enjoy the surroundings and scenery. Throughout the day there were a regular series of activities going on in the marquees for children and young people to try out. These included: Digeridoo Sound Therapy; SILCS – art and craft; Off The Bench – street golf; SoundLINCS – music workshop; Kodokan Judo; Lincoln City FC Sports Education Trust – boccia; and Laffletics – target throwing. Also providing activities throughout the day were: Lincoln and District Scout Association – water sports; Frontline Activities – Wheelchair Lasertag; Leisure Connection – The Pod and climbing wall; Action for Blind People - blind cricket; Duke of Edinburgh; Steve Robinson Archery; and Lincolnshire Sports Partnership provided their adapted bike. Whilst the majority of providers put on an activity, the rest were inside the main room where a number of stands offered smaller interactive activities, games and prizes for children and young people. For parents and carers there was information about what services and provision are available to them and their children in Lincolnshire. Movement2 were on hand to supply equipment to facilitate activities throughout the day.
SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITY AWARENESS DAY 13
The day was a massive success as over 200 people attended from all across Lincolnshire. The feedback on the day was excellent as one child said: “I’ve never been on a canoe before, I got splashed and it was funny! We went round and round in circles. I really want to do it again!” A parent said: “I never would’ve thought about taking my daughter to archery, but she absolutely loved it! I don’t think I’ve seen such a big smile on her face for so long, I will definitely be following that up.” Action for Children were offering their buddying service on the day for parents and carers to allow an hour or two to look around and soak in the information whilst their child was looked after enjoying the activities.
One parent commented: “It was lovely to be able to watch our child enjoying activities while my husband and I sat and had lunch.” It wasn’t only the parents, carers, children and young people who attended the day that found it useful. The providers of activities and provisions who attended the day found it very worthwhile and have shown an interest in branching out with their activities to other areas of the county. Short Breaks would like to thank all of the providers that attended the day, especially to those that put on activities inside and outside. More information about all the services featured in this article is available on our website www.cwdsi.co.uk
14 OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHORT BREAKS
Out and About with Short Breaks Check out the Short Breaks website - www.cwdsi.co.uk - for information on specific dates, times and venues across our County! Details can be found on ‘Short Breaks’ and What’s on Today’
Steve Robinson Archery
soundLINCS
Offering creative music workshops in six venues across Lincolnshire: • Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham • Marjoram Hall, Gosberton Risegate (Spalding) • St Giles Community Centre, Lincoln • Riverhead Theatre, Louth • Embassy Theatre, Skegness • National Centre for Craft and Design (formerly The Hub), Sleaford. The workshops offer all participants the chance to express themselves through exploring traditional instruments, finding their own voice and experimenting with cutting edge music technologies. Booking is essential to ensure that their musicians know who is attending, so they can plan suitable activities. Each session is £5 per family for 2 hours and £3 per family for 1 hour. For more information please contact Annamarie or Laura on 01522 510073 or email info@soundlincs.org
Archery coaching for people at all levels of fitness and ability. From blind archers to those in wheelchairs, archery represents a sport that can be enjoyed by all, with opportunities to compete, learn and socialise. Sessions are held Fridays at New York Village Hall 6.30pm to 7.30pm and Saturdays at Woodthorpe Hall Leisure Park near Alford 10am to 2pm. For more information please contact Steve on 07752 807871.
Lincolnshire Dance
Lincolnshire Dance’s Aiming Higher programme is a series of dynamic dance sessions for young people with disabilities. Providing opportunities for young people with additional needs to embrace dance and music whilst exploring new ways of interaction and expression. Each group is led by an experienced team of dancers and care workers supported by volunteers. Sessions are held on Mondays at Scredington Community Centre, 6.15pm to 7.45pm. For more information please
contact Lincolnshire Dance on 01522 522525.
Lincoln City FC Sport & Education Trust
(formerly known as LCFC) The MAC (Multi Activity Club) is an after school sports provision for children with disabilities. Offering facilities to deliver Tri-Golf, indoor cricket & hockey as well as inclusive sports like boccia, bowling and New Age Kurling, as well as the great fundamental skill games involving throwing, catching, kicking and different movements. The MAC has all the equipment and the know-how to provide games for a range of abilities. Why not give them a try on Wednesdays (term time) 5.30pm to 7pm at The Showroom, Lincoln? For more information please contact LCFC on 01522 563792.
Kodokan Judo Club
Judo is known as the gentle way. It’s an Olympic sport and is great for fitness, discipline and meeting new friends. Kodokan Judo Club is affiliated with the British Judo Association.
OUT AND ABOUT WITH SHORT BREAKS 15
Why not come to a session? Kodokan runs on Tuesdays 6pm to 7.15pm at The Priory City of Lincoln Academy.
LPCC Cinema Dates for the diary:
For more information please contact Gary Brown on 07865 980058.
The Search for Santa Paws
Disability Target Shooting Club
Sunday 9th December at 2.45pm (for 3pm start) St Norbert’s Catholic Hall, St Thomas’ Road, Spalding, PE11 2XX
Lincoln Target Shooting Club caters for air pistol and air rifle, both .177 calibre. New members have the opportunity to try six firing points with auto target changers, club pistols and rifles. The club will provide coaching for both disciplines if required and caters for all abilities. For more information, contact Ian Paulger on 07850 789343.
Brave Sunday 27th January at 3.45pm (for 4pm start) Leasingham Village Hall, Leasingham, Sleaford, NG34 8LD
Frontline Combat Ice Age: Continental Drift
Do you want to try something that is a fun, fast and exciting activity for people of all ages and abilities?
Sunday 10th February at 2.45pm (for 3pm start)
Wheelchair Laser Tag is a fully inclusive activity, not aimed solely for wheelchair users, and is open to all, with or without a disability. This incorporates the latest Laser Tagging equipment with lightweight sports wheelchairs. Sessions are held at Lincoln Showground (gate 5) on Wednesday 5pm - 7pm and Saturday 3pm - 5pm. For more information please contact Matthew Gooding on 07576 012756.
Hubbert’s Bridge Community Centre, Hubbert’s Bridge, Boston, PE20 3SG
Entry £2 donation per person and everyone is welcome. Popcorn, nachos and drinks are available (allergy-aware catering). For more information, please contact the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council on 0845 33 11 310, email cinema@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk or go to the website – www.lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk
16 LINCOLN DRILL HALL
Lincoln Drill Hall It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Lincoln Drill Hall! As Christmas approaches The Drill Hall is extremely excited to let you know that they are gearing up for several new events and opportunities that are coming to Lincoln this Christmas and New Year. On Wednesday 12th December, The Drill Hall is hosting the Butterfly Club - a regular party night for people with disabilities. The last party night on 24th October was a blast and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, so why not pop along to their festive party, have a little dance and meet up with friends? If you can’t make it to the Christmas party then don’t worry as the next one will be 27th February. Please note that The Drill Hall does not offer one-to-one support at these events but there is a fully equipped Changing Place Toilet and all are welcome! (Advisory age of 14+).
Lincoln Drill Hall has reached a milestone in the steps towards offering new, diverse and accessible arts. By obtaining funding from Short Breaks to work with Rhubarb Theatre Company, and other Lincolnshire artists and arts companies, under the banner of the “Buzz Club”, Lincoln Drill Hall are able to work with children and young
Lincoln Drill Hall is also thrilled to let you know that following last year’s record breaking panto, the much loved story of Peter Pan has been chosen for this year’s festive show. Bursting with magical Fairy Dust, Peter Pan will be full of fun, laughter and magical enchantment including well known songs and a spectacular flying sequence from London to Neverland via Lincoln’s own Drill Hall. Tickets are £14.50 (£10.50 concessions) and £44 family (2 adults and 2 children). Running from Thursday 13th December to Wednesday 5th January, times vary. To book tickets, and for a full list of times and dates of performances, check www.lincolndrillhall.com or call the Box Office on 01522 873894. Key dates for the pantomime: Saturday 15th December at 6pm is a signed performance and Friday 21st December at 6pm is the relaxed performance. By Hook or by Crook, don’t forget to book!
people with additional needs. Weekly clubs will be set up around Lincoln using drama, music, dance and prop making that will culminate in performances at Lincoln Drill Hall as part of the Children’s Festival running from 25th March to 4th April. The clubs will run from January 2013 and take place weekly
(watch this space for times and dates!), from venues such as St Francis, St Christopher and Navigation. If you would like more information after Christmas please contact either Rhubarb Theatre Company on 01400 275133, email info@rhubarbtheatre.co.uk, or contact Lincoln Drill Hall on 01522 873891.
LINCOLNSHIRE YMCA @ THE SHOWROOM 17
Lincolnshire YMCA has been awarded funding from Short Breaks to develop a series of positive activities for children and young people with disabilities at The Showroom, the charity’s world class youth facility in the south of Lincoln City. The programme will offer activities twice a week and will get underway before Christmas with a variety of Monday evening activities at the Multi-Activity Club, such as new age kurling, boccia, sitting volleyball and Zumba. Also, Lincolnshire’s largest indoor climbing wall, The Showroom Climbing Centre, will be hosting a specialist Short Breaks club on Sunday afternoons. The funding will also enable Lincolnshire YMCA to expand their current offer for climbing facilities with the purchase of a custom built, mobile climbing wall. The wall will be one of just two mobile, wheelchair accessible walls in the UK and will be used at schools, community venues and The Showroom to offer climbing to young people with complex health needs at locations throughout Lincolnshire. Entre-Prises will begin construction of
the mobile wall next month, with completion due for the New Year. The Showroom opened in April 2011 and has since delivered positive activities to thousands of local young people from all walks of life. Simon Nicoll, who applied for the funding on behalf of Lincolnshire YMCA, said “We’re so pleased to be able to offer access to Short Breaks activities at The Showroom. With the support of our team, young people will be able to experience new challenges in a safe and social environment.” He went on to say that “The mobile climbing wall ensures that all young people with disabilities have access to this exciting activity irrespective of where they are in the county.” Short Breaks Climbing Club will begin on Sunday 2nd December 1pm to 2.30pm and the Short Breaks Multi-Activity Club will begin on Monday 3rd December 6.30pm to 8pm. For more information about The Showroom please go to www.theshowroom.org.uk or call 01522 508360.
18 PGL WEEKEND We would like to share a huge success story with you about children with sensory impairment. CfBT kindly offered some funding that had been granted to Short Breaks, to give an opportunity for children and young people to attend a weekend break at PGL, Caythorpe. Short Breaks in partnership with SESS (Sensory Education Support Service) and SILCS (Sensory Impairment Lincolnshire County Service) offered the break to their cohort of families county-wide.
became more and more confident and formed friendship groups that hopefully will last a long time, made all the 2am, 3am and 5am fun interruptions worthwhile”.
Although PGL staff are fully qualified, SILCS gave a 2 hour raising awareness session specifically with hearing and sight loss in mind.
Michelle went on to praise the PGL staff: “I cannot praise the enthusiasm or willingness of the staff at PGL enough - they really helped make this weekend so amazing for the children. The SILCS staff, parents and carers were all first class and added to a wonderfully supportive group, all ready to laugh at all times whether it was day or night and for this I would like to say - Thank you!”
Michelle Dixon of SILCS was the group leader for this weekend, responsible for taking 24 children with sight, hearing loss and dual sensory impairment for an activities weekend. The children ranged from six to eighteen years old and came from all over Lincolnshire, a couple knew each other, but mostly the children had never met. A majority had not been away from home before, some used sign language to communicate, and others had never had the opportunity to climb a tree, let alone be able to go down a massive, very quick, zip wire. Throw into the mix a guide dog, and this was a weekend not to be forgotten. Michelle said, “What could have turned out to be a nightmare weekend in fact turned into one of my personal top ten weekends. How? I’m not really sure, but looking at the faces of the 24 children we took to PGL at Caythorpe, observing how they
The kids dived into all activities. It all began with a fabulous bonfire on the Friday night, including many melted marshmallows and slightly rude songs (mainly geared to toilet humour) which caused much hilarity with the children and adults alike. Then from the Saturday morning they tried huge zip wires, assault courses, trampolining games, climbing, abseiling, archery, fencing, giant swings and problem solving. The highlight being the disco on the Saturday night with a signer, who was a great mover, with the bass turned up to add to the throbbing atmosphere and a group of hard of hearing teenagers who were desperate to know what all the new songs were.
PGL WEEKEND 19 The kids loved having a chance to sleep in bunk beds, eating goodies in their rooms from the PGL tuck shop - they really had the time of their lives. After the weekend we asked the children to fill in some evaluation sheets, which said it all! All Zhildren completed the forms, all giving a 10 out of 10 and asking if they could come again. Only one gave a 9 - as the juice was too weak(!). We need to remember that these children don’t get the chance to mix with others with similar needs on a regular basis. The majority when asked what they liked wrote “everything”, and one 7 year old girl who is severely sight impaired said “I made a friend who was just like me”. We asked parents/carers to offer feedback too. One couple said: “We had a lovely hotel weekend break away while our son was at PGL to catch-up on our anniversary, only 2 months late…” We are now making plans to form a Facebook page for this group of children, young people and parents/carers, to view the 550+ photos, make comments and keep their new friendships. Short Breaks would sincerely like to thank CfBT for being able to offer this opportunity and our thanks to SILCS too for helping make this weekend such a great success. If you would like to find out more about SILCS Chance to Meet Groups, please contact sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk or 01522 848295.
For more information on Short Breaks visit the website at www.cwdsi.co.uk, email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 553536.
20 SHORT BREAK CARAVANS | NLP
Short Break caravans 2013 season “The caravan short break was fantastic for us, we really needed the break. It was very affordable. The whole family, autistic child and siblings, loved it!”
rides and family entertainment at the main Butlin’s resort, all included in the price of £180. Breaks are Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday during April to October. Caravan 53 has been adapted for wheelchair access and has a purpose made bedroom/wet room with hoist, specialised bed and shower. Caravan 128 is designed to cater for children with autism or who demonstrate challenging behaviour. If you live in Lincolnshire and have a child under the age of 18 years with a diagnosed condition then please ring the Booking Line on 07545 916723 to register your interest for next season.
2012 has seen another successful season for the 2 Short Break caravans funded by Lincolnshire County Council. The caravans are based at the Butlin’s Caravan Village near Skegness which enables families to access the indoor Splash Pool,
Bookings are now closed for 2012 but will re-open mid January for bookings for 2013. If you have already enjoyed a break or previously made an enquiry then you will automatically receive notification. Alternatively, you can email caravans@carersfederation.co.uk with your details.
NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming The Art and Science of Personal Excellence NLP is essentially about mastering the sensory processes that we use to help us interact with the world in the most constructive way. NLP techniques are generally fast and effective with re-programming problems such as stress, worries, fears, phobias, traumas, emotional problems and just about anything that we think, say and do. Athletes use NLP to help them to perform to the best of their ability and it has proven beneficial for businesses, schools, universities and for anyone who wants to learn to become a master of their own destiny. For more information about locations, availability and the different prices available, please contact NLP Practitioner Gregg Chapman on 01400 220272 or gregg@greggchapman.com
SUPPORT GROUPS 21
Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council (LPCC) Coffee Mornings
No need to book! Meet other parents of children with disabilities and additional needs. Where and when? • Boston 10am - 11.30am: 21st January & 18th March New England Hotel, Wide Bargate, Boston, PE21 6SH • Lincoln 12.30pm - 2pm: 23rd January & 20th March The Homestead, St John’s Park, Canwick Road, Lincoln, • Skegness 11am - 12.30pm: 8th February & 26th April The Vine Hotel (Best Western),Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB • Spalding 10am - 11.30am: 12th February & 16th April The Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding, PE11 2AJ • Louth 10am - 11.30am: 15th January & 12th March Best Western, Kenwick Park Hotel, Kenwick Park Estate, Louth, LN11 8NR • Grantham 10.30am - 12pm: 23rd January & 13th March The Angel & Royal Hotel, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN • Sleaford 10am – 11.30am: 4th February & 22nd April Cogglesford Mill, East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ New to our coffee mornings? If you are after a bit of encouragement to come and meet with us, then phone Coralie on 07779 456627. For other information contact LPCC on 0845 331 1310 or email enquiries@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk
Transitions Info Event Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council will be holding a Transitions Information event on 5th February in Lincoln and during March in the Spalding area. If you would like more details please email enquiries@lincolnshireparent carercouncil.org.uk or phone 0845 33 11 310 and leave a message.
C.A.S.A
(Carers Are Special Also)
Welcome parents/carers of children and young people with all disabilities and or additional needs to their support group which is held at Children’s Centre, Lacey Gardens, Louth every two weeks on a Thursday morning 9.30am-11am Current dates are 6th December and 20th December 2012 For more details on what goes on and further events, contact by Michelle Mazzarella on 07917 61889 or email: michelle.mazzarella@hotmail.co.uk Come along and enjoy a cuppa, biscuit and a chat.
ESCO Drop In Clinics From the beginning of May the Early Support Care Co-ordination service (ESCO) have introduced ‘drop-in’ clinics at 21 Children’s Centres around the county for parents/carers who have children with disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or sensory needs. The clinics enable parents or carers to have 1:1 consultations with an Early Support key worker from the children with disabilities service and are bookable direct through the Customer Service Centre (CSC) on 01522 782111. The drop-in clinics form part of a new service offer for ESCO which recently extended provision from under 5’s to children in the 0-13 age range. From June this has been extended to all children and young people up to 18 years of age who have disabilities (to include autism), sensory loss and/or complex medical needs. Working closely with the CSC, the idea was developed in response to parents wanting face-to face consultations, help with problem solving and bespoke signposting to universal and targeted services to include Lincolnshire’s Short Breaks programme. Parents can choose a clinic nearest to the family home or place of work and at a time to suit them. For more information about ESCO’s new service offer contact Jon Hird, ESCO practice supervisor, on 01522 552389 or 07795 968494.
22 AUTISM CONFERENCE | POSTURAL CARE
The 10th Lincolnshire Autistic Conference The Lincolnshire Autistic Society and the Specialist Outreach Teachers (STAPS) invite you to attend the 10th Lincolnshire Autistic Conference on Thursday 21st March 2013 at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, 9am (for 9.30am start) to 3.30pm. The day will be led by Dr Luke Beardon from The Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, and the key sessions for the day will be “Exploding the Autism Myths”, “Anxiety” and “Sensory Differences”.
Lincolnshire Helplines
This is a day for professionals, parents and carers, and anyone interested in understanding and supporting autism. There will be information stands and displays, though there is no crèche facility.
• Choice Advice (for help with school admissions): 01522 552509 • Social Communication Outreach: Tuesdays 1.30pm – 3.30pm on 01427 787178 • Dyslexia Outreach: Mondays 9.30am – 11.30am on 01427 787178
Cost: Professionals £65; Teaching Assistants £40; Parents/carers £30 (price includes tea/coffee and buffet lunch)
• IPSEA can offer free, legal advice to parents on SEND: 0800 018 4016 • IPSEA Tribunal Helpline: 0845 602 9579
To book a place: contact Anne Tait on 01427 787178 or 07826 859097, or email anne.tait@lincolnshire.gov.uk
• Children’s Legal Centre: 0845 345 4345 9am – 6.30pm
National Helplines
Exclusions National Helpline
Postural Care Training Do you support someone who finds it hard to move? If the answer is yes then you need to know about Postural Care.
problems with body shape. The earlier you start to protect body shape the better – but it’s never too late.
People who find it hard to move are at risk of developing changes in their body shape. These changes can make life much more difficult for the person and for those caring for them, but they are also preventable.
We will teach you how and why the body changes shape, pain profiling, how to support problems with temperature regulation, safety planning and help think about how to put the theory into practice.
Postural Care CIC is training people to protect body shape using therapeutic positioning, particularly at night. This form of therapy is very gentle and based on common sense principles. Night positioning (involving the long hours spent in bed, usually about a third of the year), helps to gently position the person you support to prevent stresses on joints or even to restore existing
The course will provide you with practical skills that you can adapt and develop to suit your needs. For more information about postural care please visit www.mencap.org.uk/posturalcare The next local course is on the 8th and 9th January 9am to 4pm at Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln. To book a place on the course or to talk to the team please call Sarah on 01827 304 938 or 07729 552 626.
PARENT PARTNERSHIP 23
Parent Partnership
Update On Special Educational Needs
National News
In early September, the Government produced draft legislation on reform of provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabled children and young people. Many of the proposals had been discussed for some time. There will be a new SEN Code of Practice issued and the new legislation will come into force from autumn 2014. To date, we don’t know how these proposals will be implemented in Lincolnshire, but several other local authorities have been working as Pathfinder regions, testing the new proposals. A useful website to find out more about the work of the Pathfinder projects in Northampton and Leicester is www.aspireforsend.org.uk. Here is a brief summary of the main points of the SEN proposals: • The draft Bill will replace Part IV of the Education Act 1996 and Section 139A of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 • The definition of special educational needs will remain the same • Local authorities and clinical commissioning Other national news includes the introduction of new guidance on school exclusions. Although much of the guidance remains the same, there are a few important changes. The Independent Appeal Panel - which parents could appeal to about a permanent exclusion that had been upheld by governors – has now been replaced by an Independent Review Panel (IRP). Parents can ask for an SEN expert to be on this panel to decide if the school could have done more in terms of meeting their special
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groups must make arrangements for jointly commissioning services for children with SEN in their area Local authorities must produce information on the education, health and care services it expects to be available locally (the local offer) Statutory assessments and statements of SEN are replaced by education, health and care need assessments and education, health and care (EHC) plans EHC plans extend statutory rights into the further education and training sector for the first time, with the exception of apprenticeships There are no new duties on health and social care in relation to delivering the content of an EHC plan and the plan will cease when a young person is no longer in education and training All of the provisions in the Bill will apply to academies in full The parent or young person must participate in compulsory mediation before they can appeal to the Tribunal.
educational needs. However, the IRP cannot order a school to reinstate a child or young person. Importantly, parents can now appeal to the First Tier SEND Tribunal about a permanent exclusion, if they believe the decision to permanently exclude involves disability discrimination. If the Tribunal decide that disability discrimination did take place and they overturn the permanent exclusion, they have the power to order that a child or young person is reinstated to a school.
Parent Partnership Website We are currently upgrading our website and there will be regular updates on local and national SEN news, plus all our leaflets and help sheets on education to download.
Local SEN News
The “drop in” sessions that we have been facilitating with specialists from SEND teams within Children’s Services, continue to be well received by both parents and professionals. We plan to continue with these, and Transition Workshops for parents wanting to know more about transfer to secondary school. We will publicise the dates on our website and also send out details to parent groups and schools. If you would like Parent Partnership to organise other workshops or information sessions about aspects of special educational needs, then please let us know. For further information visit www.lincolnshireparent partnership.org.uk or call us on 01522 553351.
24 SUPPORT GROUPS
Charlotte’s Tandems
My elder daughter, Charlotte, now aged 15, has severe learning difficulties and autism. She is non-verbal and finding things to keep her busy and active is difficult. We have found that cycling on a tandem is perfect. She can wave her hands around and make her loud repetitive noises, as much as she likes, without getting me too annoyed. We are able to have regular rides as a family and go on longer rides with organised groups, such as the Tandem Club. We also take the tandem on holiday with us and use it to explore new places. She would be unable to ride her own bike, as she has no road sense and doesn't know how to use the brakes. Since she loves riding the tandem so much, we decided to get more tandems to lend out. Adam, from Cheshire, would not ride his own bike, so his mum, Sam, borrowed a tandem from us. After riding it for a while, he suddenly gained enough confidence to ride his own bike. Sukham, from Daventry, had a stroke when he was 7 and his right side is still very weak. He and his fiancé can now go on bikes rides together on the tandem they borrowed from us. Tandem riding does not work out for all, but with our tandems being available to borrow for no charge, it's worth a try, isn't it? For many of our borrowers, it is the first time that their family has been able to ride together. We now have a range of tandems spread around the UK that are available to hire for free. Full details, including lots of feedback from our borrowers, can be found on the Charlotte's Tandems website, www.charlottes tandems.weebly. com or on the “Charlotte's Tandems” Facebook Group.
The Tree House On the first Wednesday morning of each month during term time, a group of parents gather together at The Tree House Children’s Centre in East Kirkby near Spilsby for a chat with Mandy Sylvester, the portage worker from Eresby Special School in Spilsby. These parents all have children with additional needs, some who go to mainstream school and some who attend a special school. The group is
Grantham Autistic Information Network
We are a group set up to support the parents and carers of children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum. We hold a coffee morning every Monday from 10.30am until 12noon (not Bank Holidays) at Belton Lane Children's and Community Centre, Princess Drive, Grantham. Look on our website www.gain-grantham.co.uk - for further details. We also hold talks on topics of interest and hold an annual and very successful picnic in the Paddock in September each year. On Saturday 8th December we have a Christmas Party with disco, buffet, games, a quiet room and soft play area at Sandon School, Grantham. Santa will be making an appearance with presents for all. If more information is required, please go to our website, Facebook page, Twitter page, telephone us on 01476 855070 or email mailus@gain-grantham.co.uk open to any parents who would like to talk to others who may have some idea of what they are going through or who would like to know what else is out there to support them. The setting is welcoming, the drinks are hot, the biscuits are tasty and the atmosphere is friendly. What more could you want? For more information about the group, please contact Jane Robinson either by telephone on 01790 763246 or by email at jane@thetreehousechildrenscentre.co.uk
SUPPORT GROUPS 25
Scallywags Lincs Providing activities to families in and around the Mablethorpe area
Scallywags’ members have enjoyed a fun packed summer filled with an Olympics Fun Picnic, Summer Party, bowling, swimming, sports activities and coffee mornings. If you are the parent/carer of a child with disabilities and/or additional needs aged 18 or under, Scallywags is the group for you! Scallywags Lincs is based in and around Mablethorpe, and provides activities throughout the school holidays for families of children with additional needs. The group is warm, friendly and welcoming and provides an opportunity for parents/carers, siblings and the child with disabilities/additional needs, to meet and make friends with others in similar circumstances. A programme of events for members is organised for school holidays and can include: bowling;
Dare To Be Different Inclusive Play Park update…..
Our vision to create a play space where children of all ages and all abilities can come together in an inviting and interesting space, not only to play together but to learn about difference and create harmony and integration is gathering momentum. Firstly we would like to say a massive thank you to anyone who completed the online survey at ‘Survey Monkey’. We had an impressive response of 125 people! The outcome of which showed overwhelmingly that local people feel the play equipment in Bourne is outdated, lacks stimulation even for those without a disability, and is completely inaccessible for children with physical disabilities. Some parents even have to avoid going near the play area as it’s so upsetting for their children to see other children playing and not being able to join in. South Kesteven District Council is at present rejuvenating the play area on Recreation Road in Bourne using Section 106 money. Phase 1 of this development has been completed in the form of
swimming; coffee mornings; and sports activities (which may include soft play, bouncy castle, sports wall, kurling, badminton, trampolining, table tennis and much more). Scallywags’ activities provide the children with a chance to play with a selection of toys and activities and socialise with other children in similar circumstances. The parents and carers remain responsible for their children at all times, however they have the opportunity to chat and relax over a cup of tea or coffee. There is also a selection of books and toys available for members to borrow. Scallywags Lincs also provide subsidised horse riding. To take part in the activities, you have to become a member a cost of only £5 per family per year. To find out more, contact us via our website at http://scallywagslincs.webs.com, email us at scallywagslincs@hotmail.co.uk, or alternatively ring Jacqui Hurren on 01507 479889. the toddler area. We have had several meetings with Phil Jordan, the Council Community Leisure Officer, where we raised our concerns that there was no inclusive play equipment outlined in Phase 2 which would be accessible to children with disabilities. As a result of these meetings Phase 2 has been put on hold while we have been meeting with various playground equipment companies, putting together a design, getting quotes and researching funding avenues. Although the design and funding process will delay completion of Phase 2, we feel it will result in a fantastic play space that will benefit the whole community and be an area that the town can be proud of, setting a bench mark for other areas to aspire to. Anyone who would like to become involved in the project, please join us at a ‘Dare to be Different’ meeting at the Bourne Children’s Centre on the first Wednesday of the month from 10am till 12noon. If you would like some more information, email Laura at ltdaretobedifferent@gmail.com
Working Families' booklets “From Child to Adult: a Guide to Disability, Transition and Family Finance” and “Getting Into Work” are now available to download on the Working Families' website www.workingfamilies.org.uk. For more information and advice on rights at work, call their parent and carer’s helpline on 0300 012 0312.
26 DofE AWARD | COASTAL ECO CENTRE
Duke of Edinburgh Award news As the DofE expedition season draws to a close for another year it has been fantastic to see so many young people not only planning for but enjoying their Expeditions too. Groups around the county have also been involved in some very interesting projects for their other sections. St Francis School got involved with Lincolnshire Heritage and became ‘Church Detectives’ for their Volunteering Section, and produced a leaflet detailing the history and condition of three local churches. “Congratulations” go to St Bernard’s School in Louth as one group have just completed their Bronze Award. Young people also enjoyed sailing and climbing as part of their Activity-themed Gold Residential in August. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who facilitated this. Staff and volunteers have been out and about over the summer - perhaps you saw them at the Lincolnshire Show or the Waddington Air Show. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Short Breaks Activity Day at Tattershall Lakes and hope that you all did too. For more information about The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, contact Jacky Secker on 01522 552007.
Team ‘Lipstick’ certainly knows how to have FUN
Coastal Eco Centre, Skegness This is a place full of activity for all ages on the outskirts of Skegness. How about woodland management, conservation, having a go at making charcoal, horticulture machine maintenance, art based activities, or woodwork skills for starters. There is a community room used by locals for meetings and events. Scouts, Guides and support groups visit often and now with the help of a small Short Breaks grant to purchase tipi tents, specialised tools, camping equipment and a classroom, innovative ‘Short Breaks Experiences’ are offered to children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. The include activities based around “Bushcraft”, “Outdoor Activities”, “Woodland Activities”, “Gardening”, “Outdoor and Play Activities to Improve Confidence” and many more. These are
normally delivered in response to need and user’s availability so we can deliver sessions at a time to suit users. No two Short Break Experiences will be the same as they will be designed in a bespoke manner for each person. Activities happen all the year round with some Christmas events based around “Making Christmas Decorations”, “Outdoor Art” and holiday activities around the Christmas and New Year period, but as yet we have no firm dates. Ring 01754 765746, email paul.charles@seagullrecycling. org.uk or enquiries@seagullrecycling.org
A TIME OF TRANSITION 27
A Time of Transition When Jane Jeffries had her second baby, she had no reason to think that anything unusual might happen. Jane was a healthy 26 year old when her first son, Tom, had been born perfectly normally two years before. So when Luke was later born with Down’s Syndrome, it was, quite naturally, a shock to Jane and her husband, Chris. Doctors told them that Luke was unlikely to walk, talk or be independent, but Jane had other ideas. “I thought: ‘Right, we’ll treat him as a normal baby’ and I was determined that he would be successful” says Jane (45) who lives with her family in Deeping St James, Lincolnshire. Nineteen years on and the whole family - dad Chris (45), brother Tom (21) and sister Phoebe (15) – are rightly proud of what Luke has achieved. He loves socialising and has just finished a year as head boy at a special needs school in Bourne, Lincolnshire. Luke, pictured here as a schoolboy, belongs to a cheerleading group and is a popular member of the local gang show, as well as being an amateur actor. He can make his own lunch and has lots of friends. Luke’s had a happy and successful childhood, with Jane keeping her promise to treat him the same as her other children – even to the extent of putting him on the naughty step when he was younger! But this summer, like thousands of other parents, Chris and Jane will be facing the unknown regarding Luke’s future.
‘The Transition’, as it is known when special needs children leave school, is a testing time for families and Jane and Chris know that they must look to the future on Luke’s behalf.
and Jane hope Luke will eventually move into supported accommodation where he will live with other disabled youngsters, looked after by carers.
“Mums naturally have a unique bond with a child who has special need,” says Jane, a part-time hairdresser. “I love all my children equally but because Luke is so dependent on me I feel very protective towards him.”
“It’s something I often think about,” says Jane. “But I feel blessed that we have had Luke, because through him I’ve met so many special parents who are now my close friends. Without him, I’d never have met them.
Jane says that the family now faces the prospect of letting Luke grow up and gain some independence, but she admits it’s a challenge.
“Before I had Luke, I knew nothing about disability and he has taught us all a great deal. Everyone loves Luke and I’m just glad that he and all my children are happy – that’s all I want for all of them.”
“In many ways, it’s easier when special needs children are babies,” says Jane. “You are in control then. When Luke was a baby, I could never imagine him being a man and shaving!” Luke will now begin a one year ‘Life skills for working and living’ course at college and afterwards, Jane hopes he will get some kind of work. They will soon have to face the challenges of girlfriends and socialising – not easy as Luke is vulnerable and cannot go out on his own. As Jane is so protective of Luke, she is very conscious of her own mortality and often worries about leaving him behind – a concern shared by any parents of a special needs child. For that reason Chris
For more information about Transition, contact the Children’s Team on 01522 782111, or on-line at both www.cwdsi.co.uk and http://mychoicemycare.org.uk/
28 LINCOLNSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS
Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2012 Almost 50 sportsmen and women, clubs, coaches and volunteers were shortlisted for the Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2012. With more than 100 nominations, 15 categories, a fantastic year of sport, and more interest in the Sports Awards than ever before, the shortlisting process for our panel of five was extremely hard. All of our candidates have had a successful year in sport or physical activity, and we’d like to congratulate every single nominee and shortlisted candidate on a fantastic year in sport. We were delighted to welcome John Inverdale back to present awards, which took place at the Lincolnshire Events Centre on Thursday 8th November. A few of the categories are listed below, with the full list of categories, winners and runners-up on the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership website at www.lincolnshiresports.com: The Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award is presented to an individual who has displayed an outstanding level of personal achievement at district, county, regional, national or international level WINNER Jamie Carter (from Binbrook, near Market Rasen) Wheelchair Racing athlete Jamie Carter competed for GB at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, despite only starting his sport two years ago. Jamie, who has cerebral palsy, was highlighted as having potential in wheelchair basketball, table tennis, boccia and athletics. Although he was already a successful wheelchair basketball player, in 2010 he began wheelchair racing. Jamie was selected for the T34 100m and 200m at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The teenager from Binbrook currently attends the Grimsby Institute, and is a member of the Cleethorpes Athletic Club. He won the Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award at the Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2011.
Jamie is the British record holder for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and European record holder for 1500m in the T34 category wheelchair race. RUNNERS-UP Lee Cupit (from Scopwick near Lincoln) 18 year old Lee Cupit is an athlete from Scopwick near Lincoln. He is 1st in the World for Under 17s in his classification and 2nd in the UK for all ages. In May, Lee competed in the UK School Games at the Olympic Park from the 6th – 9th May 2012. He threw 10.30m in shotput and came back with Gold. Lee was nominated for all the hard work and dedication he puts in to his shotput competitions. Jack Hodgson (from Gainsborough) Jack was recently a Torchbearer for London 2012, carrying the torch through Winthorpe in Skegness. He has subsequently used his Torch to visit local sports club, schools, church groups, etc, to encourage others to take up sport and to prove to them that you can achieve great things in life. Jack is ranked No 3 in the UK (mainstream athletes). He was won many medals, including a Commonwealth Gold medal. Jack is also a qualified Gold Standard judo referee and he often referees local competitions. He has been selected to join The Paralympics Inspiration Programme – a programme of 80 athletes who are being considered for the Paralympics in 2016. This involved him being at the Olympic Village in August with the athletes preparing for the games. He was nominated for this by the Paralympic Judo Manager Dave Sanders, who is monitoring all his performances with a view to him joining the GB Visually Impaired Judo Squad. The Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award is sponsored by Design by Distraction
The Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award is presented to an individual who has displayed an outstanding level of personal achievement at district, county, regional,
LINCOLNSHIRE SPORTS AWARDS 29 national or international level WINNER Sophie Wells (from Harby, near Newark – student at University of Lincoln, born in Lincoln) 22 year old Sophie Wells is a Para-Dressage rider from Harby, near Newark. She is also a student at the University of Lincoln. As the first dressage rider to compete in both the able-bodied and para categories at the Young Rider European Championships, Sophie, who was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, was selected onto the development programme for World Class Riders in 2003 and has been focused on the London 2012 Games since then. Competing with her horse Pinocchio (Noki) at the London 2012 Games, with Valerius (Reese) as her reserve horse, Sophie won one Gold Medal and two Silver Medals at the Paralympic Games this summer. Sophie claimed Gold in the Team Championship Grade IV, and two Silver Medals in the Individual Championship Test Grade IV and Individual Freestyle Test Grade IV. On her return to Lincolnshire following the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Sophie has been visiting local schools and events, talking about her experiences at the Games. RUNNERS-UP Kieran Tscherniawsky (from Heckington near Sleaford) 20 year old Kieran Tscherniawsky is a seated discus thrower from Heckington. Although he initially started playing wheelchair basketball and tried powerlifting before finding his sport of seated discus, Kieran has accomplished a large amount in a short space of time. In 2011, Kieran won a Gold Medal at the English Senior Championships and a Silver Medal at the Paralympic World Cup. In 2012, he was selected to represent Great
Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and finished 10th in his event, the Men’s Discus Throw F32/33/34, in the Olympic Stadium setting a new Regional Record with a throw of 29.05m. Rob Welbourn (from Deeping St. James) 25 year old Rob Welbourn is a swimmer from Deeping St. James in South Lincolnshire. This summer, Rob represented Great Britain for the third time at a Paralympic Games. In Athens, Rob won a Gold Medal in the 4x100m freestyle replay and a silver medal in the 400m freestyle event. Four years later in Beijing, he repeated his performance by winning a Gold Medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay and a Silver Medal in the 400m freestyle. At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Rob finished third and won a Bronze Medal in his event, the Men’s 400m Freestyle S10. He also competed in the 200m Individual Medley, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. In major competitions, Rob has won a total of 27 medals: five golds, nine silvers and 13 bronze. The Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award is sponsored by SCS Technology Solutions
The Lincolnshire Sports Personality of the Year award 2012 recognises one individual who has excelled in their category and displayed an outstanding level of personal achievement Every winner from each of the 15 categories has been placed into this category. WINNER Sophie Wells The Lincolnshire Sports Personality of the Year award has been sponsored by Danwood
For more information about the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, go to www.lincolnshiresports.com From left: Jamie Carter, Kieran Tscherniawsky, Sophie Wells
30 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 Blind People
Email: loughborough@actionforblindpeople.org.uk Tel: 01509 632400
Action for Children
Email: disabilitylincolnshire@actionforchildren.org.uk Tel: 01522 546516
Carers Assessment
Email: carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 01522 782224
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 Co-ordination Team
Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782111 Or county co-ordinator is Jon Hird: 07795 968494
Exclusion National Helplines
Children’s Legacy Centre: 0845 345 4345 from 9am to 6.30pm ACE (Advisory Centre for Education): 0808 800 5793 - 10am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday
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 Helplines
Choice Advice (for help with school admissions – 01522 552509 Autism Outreach - Tuesday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on 01427 787178 Dyslexia Outreach - Monday 9.30am to 11.30am - 01427 787178
Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council
Email: enquiries@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk PO Box 1183, Spalding, Lincs PE11 9EE www.lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk
USEFUL CONTACTS 31
Name
Contact info
Movement 2 Specialist Equipment Hire
Tel: 0116 2609 510 Mob: 07811 287378 www.movement2.co.uk
National Helplines
IPSEA can offer free, legal advice to parents on SEND - 0800 018 4016 IPSEA Tribunal Helplines - 0845 602 9579
Occupational Therapy (O.T.) Team
Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre, Tel: 01522 782111
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 Linsdey & 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. Catherine’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
32
USEFUL INFORMATION
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Contacts
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FREEPHONE: 0800 195 1635 Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01522 782033 Fax: 01522 516137 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ 4alldatabase Email: 4all@lincolnshire.gov.uk