4All Newsletter - Summer 2012

ISSUE 18 / SUMMER 2012

Five go to the Palace The newsletter for families with children or young people with disabilities in Lincolnshire now incorporating Short Breaks

Inside this issue

The group from St. Francis School after receiving their Gold DofE Awards at St. James Palace in March. Also in the photograph are: Barry Sinclair - DofE Field Worker, Mrs Hoffman - Head Teacher, Mr Goulding MBE - Chair of Governors, Phil Brown - Regional Director, Central England

In the last issue of 4all, we told you about the achievement of pupils from St Francis Special School in Lincoln, who had achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Since then, the boys were visited at the school on 27th March by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Robin Battle, who came to congratulate them personally on their achievement.

The following day on the 28th March, and with not a rucksack or muddy boot to be seen, the group from St Francis School travelled

to St James’ Palace in London to receive their Gold Award from the Duke of Edinburgh.

Staff from St Francis School, who accompanied the boys, said: “It was a very proud moment to see our students at the palace and to have shared their Duke of Edinburgh award journey”.

Congratulations to you all.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, contact Jacky Secker on 01522 225007.

2

Letters

4-6

Youth Cabinet

7-11

Support Groups

15

Personal Budgets

16-17

Water Activities

24-25

Action for Children Holiday Clubs

28-29

Useful Contacts

30

Short Breaks Activity Day

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 Summer holidays are on the way and my son, who has disabilities, was lucky enough to enjoy some “short breaks” last year near where we live. Will there be any for him to attend this holiday? If so, where can I find out about them?

Our Short Breaks Activities Timetables are now available on our website; www.cwdsi.co.uk and are updated each month! Also see our Summer Fun article on page 22. There are also activities and events listed on www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd

Dear Short Breaks Just a note to say thank you so much for the grant you awarded to my daughter Angelina. She thoroughly enjoyed her residential trip to Wales and loves her horse riding.

With many kind regards Christina Elliot Thank you – we are so glad she had a good time!

Parents were invited to apply for a one-off individual grant to access a Short Break opportunity that would make a difference to their child, and their application was then assessed by a resource panel.

The outcome of this one-off scheme has given the Short Breaks service valuable information to help us plan towards the implementation of Personal Budgets (update on p.15) and at the same time gave many children and young people across the county some fantastic opportunities that they may otherwise not have had.

Dear Short Breaks Team I wanted to write and offer my family’s sincere thanks for the subsidy you offer to families taking a holiday at The Thomas Centre.

It is very generous and greatly appreciated and I know that even though most families who go from Lincolnshire probably never contact you (it’s taken me 3 months!), they are all so, so grateful.

It can be a lonely, unremitting road at times when you have a child with a disability (and also wonderful and joyful at others!) – your generosity gives families like ours quality time together.

Many, many thanks.

Amy Webster

Dear Short Breaks Team My daughter has autism and although currently is in a mains tream school, will be moving to a special school next term and cannot cope with the stress attending mainstream activities out of school. ``` What are the criteria for the “short break” programme activit ies which I understand from this newsletter happen in holidays and at weekends too?

The government legislation and guidance says that we must have a range of short break services and activities for the following groups of children, young people and their families; • Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have severe learning disabili ties or behaviour which is challenging • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Severe learning disabilities and/or those children and young people whose challenging behaviour is associated with other impairments • Complex health needs including those with disability and life limiting

conditions, and/ or those with associated impairments such as cognitive or sensor y impairments and/or have moving/handling needs and/or require special equipment/adaptations.

However Lincolnshire County Council is also keen that Short Break activities are available to all children and young people with disabilities and their families. They aim to offer positive experience in many different ways.

It might also be worth talking to the special school your daughter is moving to, as she may be able to attend an after school and holiday club which have been set up by Action for Children. Look on p.24 for the summer timetable.

We hope this helps you.

Dear 4All I know I can self-refer my daughter for short-term buddying, but where can I go for longer term suppor t? d Short Breaks have commissioned Action for Children to offer a heavily subsidise to. r buddying, volunteer and sitting service, which you can self-refer your daughte Action for Children’s contact details are disabilitylincolnshire@actionforschool. org.uk or telephone 01522 546516.

For support and advice on a longer term Personal Assistant Service, we have a long standing contract with Pendrals (tel: 01526 833803) and we have recently supported Cool2Care to recruit Personal Assistants to work in Lincolnshire, which again is self-referral. Cool2Care can be contacted on 07889 405949 or 07889 405950, or email kia.hogan@cool2care.net or karen.hoe@cool2care.co.uk 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

Duke of Edinburgh Award - what next?

More pupils from St Francis School, Lincoln, are busy preparing for their next Bronze and Silver expeditions.

The Eresby School in Spilsby also have plans in the pipeline to undertake the Award Scheme.

St Bernard’s School in Louth have recently registered and are preparing for their first expedition season.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to all young people aged 14-25, and includes a number of challenges. Young people achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections (five if they’re going for Gold). They’ll find themselves helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, going on an expedition and taking part in a residential activity (Gold only).

John Fielding Community School in Boston will be out on their Bronze expedition before the end of term.

Students at St Lawrence School, Horncastle, hope to have completed their Bronze Award before leaving school this summer.

Neurodiversity Alert Card/ Wristband

Do you feel a card or wristband would be useful for your child or young adult to carry, in case of a problem when out and about?

This scheme has been supported by the Big Lottery and the Lincolnshire Police and is produced

by CANadda.

On receipt of details and proof of diagnosis, they will send you a FREE Neurodiversity Alert Card or wristband. If you would like an extra card or wristband it will cost £1 each, and the same for any replacements.

For more information see www.canadda.org.uk or telephone 01522 716899.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, contact Jacky Secker on 01522 225007.

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

3

4

YOUTH CABINET

The Youth Cabinet explained

The Youth Cabinet is a group of elected young people aged 13-19 that aim to change things for the better for young people in the county.

Up to 4 people are represented from each of Lincolnshire’s 7 district areas, and there are an additional 4 regional representatives for the UK Youth Parliament.

Youth Cabinet is NOT about party politics. It is about issues that young people in Lincolnshire feel are important and having a means of raising these with decision makers.

Elections take place very 2 years and all secondary schools are informed how to participate and are asked to provide the opportunity

Youth Cabinet at the House of Commons set for “The King’s Speech”

to their students to both stand for election and vote.

Young people may also become involved at other times.

Youth Cabinets are developing links with students councils and other youth groups to find out what is important and will decide their own priorities based on this.

Alastair Read, Lincolnshire East Lindsey rep

YOUTH CABINET

Wet in the Woods!

A group of young people aged 14-17 who were recently elected onto Lincolnshire Youth Cabinet (a county consultation/lobby group) met on a rainy April weekend at High Ropes Adventure, near Market Rasen, to take part in some fun activities and to learn more about the role.

There are several Cabinet members with additional needs of various sorts. Their fantastic achievements in being elected to the Youth Cabinet and fully participating in the residential weekend just go to show that, whatever your difficulties, if you have a positive attitude the sky’s the limit!

Youth Cabinet profile: Alistair Read in my school assembly. I also spoke

Alistair was elected as an East Lindsey representative. Alistair has additional needs (autism) and attends mainstream school. He is also pictured on p.4 on the House of Commons set of “The King’s Speech”. This is what he had to say about his early experience of Cabinet life: How did you hear about the chance to get involved and stand for Youth Cabinet? I saw a poster advertising it and it was announced

to Mum before finally applying and she was very supportive.

What made you want to do it?

It is a good experience for representing young people and putting views forward and is good practice for later on as I may consider becoming a Councillor or MP later on in my life. It will also be good for my CV for employers to look at. I am very interested in politics and current affairs; I like watching the Andrew Marr Show,

PMQ’S (Prime Ministers Questions), Question Time and Sunday Politics Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Who supported you to apply? My Mum was very supportive as I wasn’t completely sure if I would be any good or not! My Mum helped me to build up confidence in myself and I looked at the old C4YP website (now www.teeninfolincs.co.uk) and the UKYP (UK Youth Parliament) annual sitting video. I then finally sent in my application form by email and forwarded it to my Headteacher. Ms Shore and Mr Carr were proud of me!

What do you want to achieve?

I pledged to campaign for fibre optic broadband in rural parts of the county as it is essential for businesses to upload and download data extremely fast. It is also vital for getting the economy moving and its vital infrastructure. It is also useful for students, teachers and citizens. I

5

6

YOUTH CABINET

also want teachers to make lessons more interesting and some teachers to be stricter.

How did you find the residential induction? I did archery and the blindfold night walk which was quite scary! I however finished it which was quite impressive. I would have rather slept at home in my own bed.

As you can imagine I had a fairly late night as there was a lot of talking in the bedroom as at most outbound type holiday e.g. PGL. And one of the boys phoned a girl in the other bedroom and put it on loud speaker. It was tricky sleeping on the top bunk! I didn’t get much sleep. It was OK but I’d rather have slept at home with the shower and basin en-suite!

You went to Wimbledon Film Studios for the Blu-Ray launch of the Iron Lady. How was it? It was fun. I left home early. Unfortunately the train at Newark Northgate was about 20 to 30 minutes late. We also got behind another train between Peterborough and London Kings Cross. We then got the London Underground from Kings Cross/St Pancras on the Victoria line train to Seven Sisters!

which bring down the total rating of the film.

We stopped at Vauxhall and changed for the over ground train to Wimbledon. We then went to the cinema and watched the Iron Lady film. It had very good acting and very good comedy scenes, however there weren’t very many House Of Commons scenes and had far too much dementia and vision scenes

Alistair’s first Cabinet meeting will take place in June. We hope to catch up with Alistair later on with an update to how he is getting on. For more information see Alistair’s website http://sites.google.com/sites/ areadlyc

Without the dementia and visions and more House of Commons scenes it would have been a 4/5 star film overall! I personally would give it 3 stars overall. The set was fantastic - it was so much like the real House of Commons. The photos show how realistic the set was. I stood up and spoke unlike many people there.

Youth Cabinet profile: Holly Girven

Last year I did a young disabled leader course with RADAR, a disability rights charity. I feel that this has given me confidence to do other things and to take part in activities and to join groups I may not have otherwise.

I am a keen swimmer and swim for East Midlands. This has also given me confidence and it is nice to be able to compete in able-bodied competitions as well as disability competitions. I thoroughly enjoy swimming and swim at least once a week.

My name is Holly Girven, I am 15 years old and I attend Queen Elizabeth’s High School in Gainsborough. I have Brittle Bone disease and am in a wheelchair but I still do as many things as I can.

I have been in the Guiding Association for 10 years and am currently finishing off my Baden Powell Challenge. I went to Switzerland with Guides and that was a fantastic experience. Throughout my time with Guiding I have done

many things; not many things are impossible if you just ask for help (often things are easily adapted).

I have recently being elected onto the Lincolnshire Youth Cabinet and feel that if I had not done the course with Radar, I would not have had the confidence to put myself forward for the Lincolnshire Youth Cabinet and I am looking forward to starting work with the Cabinet.

I think that there are so many opportunities for disabled people; all you have to do is find them. I have had so many amazing experiences that I am grateful for.

For more information about Lincolnshire Youth Cabinet www.teeninfolincs.co.uk/yourvoice or www.twitter.com/LincsYC

SUPPORT GROUPS

KIDS Family Fun Day at Rand Farm Park excellent. It is a large place and we were unsure exactly where to go.

We were greeted by a member of KIDS staff outside who explained everything in full. It was an excellent day out and chance to see the other families outside crèche. Fabulous to see the staff in a social environment.

Overall we’ve had a wonderful family time, thank you!”

Before leaving Rand Farm Park, all the families were given a KIDS’ cotton goodie bag which had a pot of bubbles in for the children to enjoy and key rings and information signposting leaflets for their families.

On 1st April, KIDS arranged a Family Fun Day for 38 disabled children, their parents/carers and their siblings to Rand Farm Park in Lincolnshire.

Together with the families’ contribution towards the cost of the day out, Short Breaks funded their transport, entrance fees and lunches for the disabled children and their families who attend the KIDS’ crèches in Skegness, Louth, Boston, Sleaford, Birchwood, Lincoln North and Gainsborough. For some families it was the first time they had visited a farm.

Alfie’s family commented: “A wonderful day and amazing to see just how many families benefit from the crèches and the support they

offer. A great family fun day.”

KIDS’ staff were on hand throughout the day to offer support and ensure that the families had a ‘stress free’ day. The weather was glorious and the families enjoyed stroking and feeding the animals, playing in the soft play and outdoor play parks, tractor rides around the Farm Park and lunch served in the shade of a marquee.

Sharissa’s mum said: “I found that it was very beneficial strengthening families seeing other families meeting up and chatting. I would like to thank KIDS for this fantastic day.

Fun day had by all.”

Megan’s family wrote: “Our family experience today at Rand Farm was

Following the success of this event, families have requested more opportunities to meet socially in addition to the support they benefit from during the regular crèche sessions and so the Senior Practitioners working at the Lincoln City North, Birchwood and Gainsborough Children’s Centres have organised a diamond jubilee party for families who attend their crèches.

Recognising the importance of families having these shared positive experiences, KIDS has also organised for families to have access to a beach hut at Skegness, to help families who want to arrange a day trip to the seaside have somewhere to shelter from too much sun or escape from the rain.

The beach hut is available throughout the summer season until the end of September and can be booked by contacting KIDS on 07818 594256.

7

8

SUPPORT GROUPS

Dare to be Different Our vision - to create a play space where children of any age and all abilities can play together.

Shovelling Snow workshop Dare To Be Different is a group of parents and carers of children who have a wide range of disabilities.

We mainly come together to share our experiences, offer support and above all to celebrate our wonderful children.

As a group we are looking at the play areas in and around Bourne available to children with disabilities.

We feel that it is very important that our children get the same play opportunities as those without disabilities. The play areas currently available in this area are not very accessible for disabled children for a variety of reasons.

At present the play equipment in Bourne is very limited, in need of repair and lacks an environment of stimulating and adventurous play.

Our vision is to create a play space where children of all abilities can come together in an inviting and interesting space. There is no park or equipment to play on in Bourne if

your child has a physical disability; a visit to a play park should be part of everybody’s childhood memories.

In order to build a case for improved play facilities for disabled children, we have put together a small survey for people to fill in about their experiences of the local play areas in order to collect evidence to take to our funders.

If you would like to become more involved with this issue, please do come along and join us at a Dare to Be Different meeting which are held at the Children’s Centre in Bourne between 10am and 12pm on the first Wednesday of every month.

Alternatively you could just fill in our short survey at Survey Monkey at the following link http://www. surveymonkey.com/s/DXYDSBH. If you would rather have this survey sent to you via email just let us know by emailing Laura at ltdaretobedifferent@gmail.com

Please note there is still one opportunity left to attend Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council workshops: “Shovelling in a Blizzard” at Belchford and Fulletby Village Hall, Main Road, Belchford, LN11 9LF (near Horncastle).

The first workshop is Tuesday 25th September, followed by Tuesday 2nd October, Tuesday 9th October and Tuesday 16th October.

Need to arrive 10.45am for 11am start, working to 1pm, followed by lunch and the cost is £10 all inclusive for the day (non returnable). Book all 4 workshops at once for special oneoff cost of £38.

PLUS… an advanced programme to come; but only for those who attended all 4 initial workshops Hurry! Book your places now either by telephone 0845 33 11 310 (please leave a message) or email: enquiries@ lincolnshireparentcarercouncil. org.uk

SUPPORT GROUPS

Butterfly Club – Ages 16+

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council (LPCC) Coffee Mornings

Come join us on our regular party nights: Wednesday 18th July, Wednesday 24th October and Wednesday 12th December – all 7pm – 10pm in our Café Bar.

No need to book! Meet other parents of children with disabilities and additional needs.

Great music, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a chance to meet new people whilst strutting your stuff on the dance floor.

• Boston 10am - 11.30am: 24th September & 19th November New England Hotel, Wide Bargate, Boston, PE21 6SH • Lincoln 12.30pm - 2pm: 19th September & 21st November The Homestead, St John’s Park, Canwick Road, Lincoln, • Skegness 11am - 12.30pm: 14th September & 7th December The Vine Hotel (Best Western), Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB • Spalding 10am - 11.30am: 18th September & 4th December The Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding, PE11 2AJ • Louth 10am - 11.30am: 11th September & 6th November Best Western, Kenwick Park Hotel, Kenwick Park Estate, Louth, LN11 8NR • Grantham 10.30am - 12pm: 13th September & 15th November The Angel & Royal Hotel, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN • Sleaford 10.30am - 12pm: 1st October & 3rd December Cogglesford Mill, East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ

The night is held at the Café Bar, Lincoln Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1EY Tickets cost £3 in advance or £4 on the day. To book your tickets please call 01522 873894.

Please note: we do not offer one to one support at these events but we do have a fully equipped Changing Place toilet, so why not bring someone along?

Christmas Pantomime advance notice A very early note to let you know that the Drill Hall’s Christmas pantomime this year is Peter Pan. It will be running from Thursday 13th December to Wednesday 2nd January. This year there is a signed performance on Saturday 15th December and a relaxed performance on Saturday 21st December. Both the signed and relaxed performances are at 6pm.

More information at www.lincolndrillhall.com or call the Box Office on 01522 873894.

Where and when?

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

Rasen Information Exchange Tuesday 17th July 2012 Drop in and see us between 10am and 3pm at the Salvation Army and have a chat and a cuppa.

Advice, community support services and local groups.

Contact Stella Tuplin at the Market Rasen Hub, 20 Union Street, Market Rasen, LN8 3AA on 01673 844556 or email: rasenhub@live.co.uk

9

10 SUPPORT GROUPS

Special Friends for Special Needs Support Group ASD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Behaviour/ Development Disorders Working in partnership with Lincoln ADHD Group and Boston Norfolk Lodge Children’s Centre Special Friends for Special Needs Support Group are now able to provide more ongoing support with a monthly early evening meeting at Playtowers in Boston.

The group offers support and play from 5pm - 6pm, and is followed by bowling at the adjacent Boston Bowl from 6pm - 7pm, at a cost of £6 per child.

There is also a drop-in every second Tuesday of the month at Boston Norfolk Lodge Children’s Centre from 12.30pm - 2.30pm. Please note this is Special Friend’s new daytime venue.

For more details, email kirton.autism@btinternet.com or call Sharon or Neil on 07570 441731.

Dates for 2012: Playtowers evening meeting & bowling

Boston Norfolk Lodge Drop-in

5th July (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm) 2nd August (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm) 6th September (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm) 4th October (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm) 1st November (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm) 6th December (5pm - 6pm; 6pm - 7pm)

17th July (12.30pm - 2.30pm) 21st August (12.30pm - 2.30pm) 18th September (12.30pm - 2.30pm) 16th October (12.30pm - 2.30pm) 20th November (12.30pm - 2.30pm) 18th December (12.30pm - 2.30pm)

SENity Support Group Currently meet every Thursday in term-time 9.30am until 11am at: Lincoln North Children Centre Welbourn Gardens Ermine East Lincoln LN2 2DD tel: 01522 544801 (under school age children are welcome).

Also see Facebook page: SENity Support Group.

Lindsey is representing families with SEN children and young people on the Parents Supporting Parents group who are open to all parents and look to provide activities for parents.

They are currently planning an 80’s disco night and regular curry nights.

Skegness and District Voice A support group set up by parents for parents who have children with special and educational needs. With an aim to provide support and information through a weekly group that meets on a Monday morning at the Sure Start Children’s Centre, Brunswick Drive Skegness 9am to 12pm. All are welcome to drop in for a cup of tea and have a chat.

The group now have a Magic 123 course facilitator who is part of the committee, supported by group funds. There are plans for guest speakers in the future on a number of subjects including ADHD and autism.

During the summer holiday the group are planning to book the local Youth Centre twice a week for activities for member’s families to attend for holiday activities.

For more information on all of the above please contact Group Leader Darren Hunter on 07908 200349 or email dhunter474@btinternet.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

C.A.S.A

(Carers Are Special Also) C.A.S.A, who normally meet at the Children’s Centre, Lacey Gardens in Louth on Thursday mornings 9.30am - 11am, have two exciting/ fun events for the summer: Uniform Swap: Thursday 26th July 1pm - 2pm All good condition uniform (that is no longer required or fits) from Louth and surrounding village schools can be taken along and swapped for uniform for the new school if changing this coming year or for different sizes if continuing in same school – great opportunity!!

Sensory Event: Thursday 2nd August 11am – 1pm Sensory lighting, fibre optics and light tubes, lots of sensory toys, and a sensory suitcase. There will also be fake snow to play in and a vibrating snake. In the quiet room there will be an atomiser with different scents i.e. lavender and calm lighting to aid calming down.

Most of the adults end up in here.

Wonder why…

For more information, contact Michelle Mazzarella on 07917 161889.

Scallywags Lincs Providing activities to families in and around the Mablethorpe area 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 being organised for the summer holidays and so far includes: bowling, swimming, coffee mornings and sports activities (which can include soft play, bouncy castle, sports wall, curling, badminton, table tennis) and much more.

At this summer’s coffee and play sessions we are hoping to include a Mini Olympics, a picnic and tea party.

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, though they have the opportunity to chat and relax over a cup of tea or coffee. Scallywags 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 www.scallywagslincs. webs.com, email us at scallywagslincs@hotmail.co.uk or ring Jacqui Hurren on 01507 479889.

11

12 NEWS

a holiday service for disabled people

Can Do Holidays is not just a website listing of properties. It’s a very personal service to help select the best accommodation (with adaptions) for the travel needs of people with disabilities.

Can Do Holidays was founded

by Lisa Newton to help disabled people holiday with confidence. Lisa is a highly experienced trainer in disabled access and handling skills, using her knowledge and experience through Can Do Holidays to give customers peace of mind by only

listing properties that have been personally inspected and found to meet exacting standards.

contact Lisa and her team who will help make the arrangements for the perfect holiday for the whole family.

This part of the service is free.

There is a website providing a selection of the properties that are offered, giving general information and the degree of adaptation, plus a detailed report that includes full information about the adaptations, many photographs and even video tours. What you see is what you get, with no unwanted surprises.

Can Do Holidays Charles Roberts Office Park Charles Street Horbury Wakefield WF4 5FH

Interested families are encouraged to find properties on this website then

www.candoholidays.com

For more details contact:

Telephone: 0800 298 3052 Email: enquiries@candoholidays.com

London Calling

Transport for London (TfL) have introduced a travel support card for disabled people specifying what help they need and which can then be shown to TfL staff.

See www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ gettingaround/accessibilityguides/default.aspx for this and other transport information.

First Great Western, First Capital Connect and Southern Trains have launched a “Priority Seating Card Scheme” which is particularly useful for people with hidden disabilities.

Travellers can apply for a card which they can use to request the use of a “Priority Seat” in the event it is already occupied. Application forms

can be found on-line at each of the train company’s websites.

And don’t forget the London smart phone app, which shows accessible stations, hotels, attractions and travel options around London download free at www.inclusivelondon.com

NEWS 13

Parent Partnership Update on Special Educational Needs The recent “drop in” sessions where parents could come along and meet SEN professionals on an informal basis – were well received.

We plan to put on more of these sessions later in the year, plus some more Transition Workshops, looking at the move from Primary 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.

Recently a group of County Councillors and Church Representatives have been looking into school admissions and exclusions in Lincolnshire. Although the review is now nearly complete, it is still possible for parents to send information about their own experiences of these matters. To do so, contact Tracy Johnson on 01522 552222, or tracy.johnson@ lincolnshire.gov.uk

Support and Aspiration: A New Approach to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) In mid May the government published a response to the consultation on the SEND Green Paper “Support and Aspiration”. This response sets out the government’s intentions in taking forward their plans for Special Educational Needs and Disability. It seems these plans will be included in a planned Children and Families Bill this summer with the following intentions: • Every local authority to develop and publish a local offer of support for children, young people and families - including from early years settings, schools and colleges and the voluntary sector, and from health and social care services • A new, single assessment process and education, health and care plan from birth to 25 with arrangements comparable to statements for young people over 16 - whether they are in school or at college - this is a significant change and will help us to get better transitions to adult life, independence and the world of work

• All families with an education, health and care plan to be offered a personal budget for their support • Ensuring that services for disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs are planned and commissioned jointly by local authorities and clinical commissioning groups and that there are clear duties on all of the agencies involved, building on the reforms to the health services introduced by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and drawing on the recommendations of the Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum • Parents to have the right to express a preference for any state funded school, including academies and free schools, and have their preference considered under the same criteria as for maintained schools • Families to try mediation before they appeal to the tribunal • And it will seek a power to trial giving children the right to appeal to the tribunal.

For further information visit www. lincolnshireparentpartnership. org.uk or call us on 01522 553351.

14 NEWS

The 14th Annual Lincoln Autism Conference Wednesday 14th November 2012 at Branston Hall Hotel near Lincoln Two staff from ULHT, Specialist Health Visitor for Children with Disabilities, Sue Holtby, and Community Learning Disability Nurse for Children, Carol Bentley, are making preparations for their 14th Annual Autism Conference to be held in November.

Approximately 185 parents and professionals come together each year to enhance their understanding of autistic spectrum disorders by listening to useful and interesting information presented by a range of speakers. Unfortunately there are always others on a waiting list to attend as the conference has become so popular over the years.

During the day there are two main

sessions and then a time for 5 smaller workshops sessions. Informative displays are available to browse during lunch and coffee breaks.

This year regular speaker, Geoff Evans, will be back to share his many years of experience and expertise.

Also a young man with autism, Dean Beadle, will be speaking about his life in education and also addressing the topic of sexuality and relationships in a small session.

Whilst there are some arrangements still to be made, other topics may include: Using Stories to Aid Social Understanding; The Sensation of Touch – issues and solutions; and Practical Strategies for Behaviour

Management, but as the programme is not yet finalised, further details will be sent out at the beginning of September, along with application forms.

Branston Hall Hotel is a lovely venue. However, with the numbers the conference attracts, space in the main room can be limited. Sue and Carol try to accommodate as many delegates as possible so as not to disappoint people wanting to attend, and also to keep costs to parents down as low as possible.

Contact sue.holtby@ulh.nhs.uk and carol.bentley@ulh.nhs.uk from September onwards for more information.

help! Managing Anger About the help! Managing Anger parent seminar help! Managing Anger is a one day Parent Seminar which provides information and advice to parents and carers of children affected by autism.

The seminar will support families to discuss why children with autism often have challenges with anger; use a low arousal approach for support through stressful situations; explore the cycle of anger and possible support strategies; examine strategies for

managing feelings and provide a help! resource pack of information Family seminar – free for two family members Families can book two places on a one day help! Managing Anger seminar which includes a full resource pack of useful information, advice and support guidelines. help! Managing Anger is delivered by experienced and trained professionals who are licensed to use the NAS help! seminars.

Where and when?

Springfields Conference Centre, Camelgate, Spalding, PE21 6ET Thursday 27th September 2012 10am - 2.30pm Contact us to book a place Tel: 01522 554673 or email: education_psychology@ lincolnshire.gov.uk Address: Specialist Teaching and Applied Psychology Service (S.T.A.P.S.), The Vicarage, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YL

NEWS 15

World of Work at Grantham College

by Lee Redshaw, apprentice studying for a qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in the Classroom within the First Level Learning Department at Grantham College Grantham College’s First Level Learning department has recently set up am eBay enterprise initiative to prepare LLDD learners for the “world of work”.

opportunity to sell unwanted items on eBay for a small fee. Some of the profits made help towards reducing the cost of the learner’s residential experience in the summer term.

Students were interviewed for positions to work within the eBay enterprise and six lucky students were chosen.

eBay helps the students with their communications and administration skills, with practical skills such as wrapping and packing parcels and taking photographs, as well as using their writing, information technology and maths skills.

Two students work in the enterprise for a half term and then they swap round.

The scheme operates by offering the staff of Grantham College the

“The scheme has been quite a success and I hope we can expand

it in the new academic year” Steve Picton (Grantham College Enterprise Manager) “It’s good fun and it’s great that the students have a part in it. It helps us to learn skills for life.” - Christian Winters (student) “It’s a very good place to work at; I learn a lot from working here.” Richard Quigley (student) For more information about the courses and training at Grantham College, contact 01476 400200.

Personal Budgets update In the Spring 2012 edition of the 4All magazine we told you about plans to work towards implementing personal budgets for children and young people who are disabled and their families in Lincolnshire.

Progress: So far we have: • Established a consultation group of parent/carers to help develop personal budgets in order to get us ready to begin the pilot group in September • Identified the first round of work to be undertaken by the parent/

carer consultation group, which includes working on the Resource Allocation System and developing the model for support planning we will be using • Established a group of

representatives from agencies across the county, including parent representatives, to take responsibility for shaping services and overseeing the implementation • Held the first of the consultation events with children and young people to find out their views about personal budgets.

For further information contact Barbara Simpson via shortbreaks@ lincolnshire.gov.uk or visit www.cwdsi.co.uk and go to “Towards Personal Budgets”

16 WATER ACTIVITIES

Boston Rowing Club

Boston Rowing Club (BRC) have a commitment to provide rowing for all, and have specially adapted boats and trained coaches to assist a large range of disabilities from wheelchair users to those hard of hearing and sight, to those with learning disabilities.

At present BRC provide their assisted coaching sessions on a Saturday from 10am - 12pm. This time is chosen purposely to coincide with normal coached sessions so

as to make the experience one of feeling included within the friendly and fun atmosphere of the club.

Once any rower has reached a certain level of competence as with all rowers, they will be invited to other sessions, or may have specially planned sessions where specific needs are required.

of BRC, the members are willing to arrange for crew boats in doubles, quads and up to an eight crew when required.

For more information please visit www.bostonrowingclub.co.uk or contact us at bostonrowingclub@ gmail.com

Adaptive rowing does not always have to be in single boats either, because of the inclusive nature

Lincoln Districts Scouts Water Activities for Children with Special Needs In May 2011 instructors from Lincoln District Scouts Water Activities began taking children with special needs onto the water in a selection of kayaks and canoes.

All those who attended the first sessions came every month until September. Luckily for all paddlers, the weather remained dry for most of the sessions which ensured all participants had a good time.

The 2012 season has already begun with the Instructors out

regularly, even in our unsettled and unpredictable weather!

issues, all attendees must be able to swim a short distance.

Once again, we are very happy to provide sessions for children with special needs and their families on the following dates:

Each paddler needs to wear suitable clothing – trousers/shorts (not jeans); old trainers; T-shirt and/or a jumper plus a waterproof coat and a hat if the weather is cold and windy.

• Saturday 14th July • Saturday 11th August • Saturday 8th September Paddle sessions are from 2pm – 4pm, and will cost £5 per child or £10 for a family. Due to safety

To make a booking or to find out more, please contact Clive Tebb on 07966 038677, Angie Riggall on 07939 047414, or email paddlers2go@ntlworld.com

WATER ACTIVITIES

Hykeham Sailability – sailing for people with any disability Sailability is the part of the Royal Yachting Association which organises sailing for anybody with any disability. It has branches around the country and encourages sailing at all levels from the absolute beginner to those who represent their country at the Paralympics. We welcome anybody with any disability; with sailing experience or with no experience in a boat at all.

Our RYA qualified instructors (both disabled and able-bodied) can teach you the ropes and give you the confidence to sail by yourself.

They can take you through different qualifications, can improve your racing techniques, or they can just sail the boat while you enjoy the ride.

All Sailability sessions are run by a RYA qualified Senior Instructor and manned by qualified instructors and experienced sailors. Sailing is always accompanied by a Safety Boat manned by a qualified powerboat driver and a crew-member. All sailors and helpers wear life jackets or buoyancy aids when on or near the water.

We provide waterproofs and life jackets but you should wear warm comfortable trousers, jumpers and trainers. It is generally colder on the water than on land so a scarf, hat and gloves will sometimes be useful, as well as an anorak. You should also bring a change of clothes and a towel (although we hope you won’t have to use them!).

Unfortunately we cannot act as carers but your own carer will be very welcome, and might even get a sail!

Hykeham Sailability usually meets on Friday afternoons between the beginning of May and the end of September but check with us for your first session.

Hykeham Sailability operates at the Hykeham Sailing Club on Apex Lake in North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9SP For more information, visit www.hykehamsailability.com or contact us on 0844 8488 992.

17

18 NEWS

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership Discounted inclusive bike hire

Fully inclusive fitness facilities

Inclusive bikes can be hired at four venues in Lincolnshire thanks to Bike 4 Life.

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 are at least two inclusive sites in every district of Lincolnshire - visit www.lincolnshiresports.com/ifi for more full details of the sites.

Key contact: Sarah Ferneyhough 01522 585580, sarah.ferneyhough@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

School holidays are the perfect time to hire wheelchair bikes, handcycles, tricycles, three-wheeler tandems, traditional bikes and more, all at a discounted rate for families with disabilities.

We have four sites in Lincolnshire: Bardney Heritage Centre, Lincoln; Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne; Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln; Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth Visit www.lincolnshiresports.com/ bike4life to watch a short video about the scheme, and information about opening times and prices.

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!

The pack contains information about activities in Lincolnshire and a DVD with lots of videos about what you can do and where.

To request your free pack please text “Activities Pack’” with your name and address to 07984 881 712.

Key contact: Hayley Cook 01522 585 580, hayley.cook@ lincolnshiresports.co.uk

soundLINCS

Making Noise in the Centre and the Village Creative music workshops taking place in six venues across Lincolnshire. 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.

Workshop activities and equipment are constantly adapted and developed to reflect participant’s interests, abilities and needs.

The six venues are: • Grantham – Guildhall Arts Centre • Gosberton Risegate (Spalding) – Marjoram Hall • Lincoln – St Giles Community Centre

• Louth – Riverhead Theatre • Skegness - Embassy Theatre • Sleaford – The Hub Booking is essential to ensure our musicians know who is attending so they can plan suitable workshop activities and bring the right equipment. Each session costs £5 per family for 2 hours, and £3 per family for 1 hour (payable on entry).

New sessions are being added all the time so keep an eye on the website!

Go to www.soundlincs.org For full details of all available sessions (including lengths, times and locations) please visit the website, call Annamarie or Laura on 01522 510073, or email info@soundlincs.org

Making Noise on Tour A brand new concept and creative offer from the soundLINCS team.

Making Noise on Tour is a fully accessible and sensational experience that you won’t want to miss! It’s immersive, interactive, inspirational and draws on the creative sights and sounds from Making Noise groups.

It’s touring Lincolnshire during Autumn/Winter 2012.

Please keep visiting www.soundlincs.org to learn when it’s coming near you!

NEWS 19

Lincolnshire Shadow Transition Board www.cwdsi.co.uk website.

The Lincolnshire Shadow Transition Board is a group for teenagers and young people, who either have physical disabilities, are on the autistic spectrum or have learning difficulties and/or sensory impairments. The group’s main work is to act as a consultative body for organisations such as Lincolnshire County Council and Action for Children.

It has participated in many projects including the Children’s Commissioners’ Take Over Day; the production of the DVD “Meet Your Care Workers Show” for those going into care; formed part of

many interview panels including the one for the Executive Director for Operations at Action for Children; and regularly attend and contribute to the Lincolnshire Transition Service Governance Board.

Check it Out Now the group has also been asked to visit and evaluate short break provision around the county from the perspective of children and young people.

The results of their findings will be fed back to the providers as well as being published on the

This will mean not only young people, but parents/carers will also be able to view their comments before their own child may start a new club/group. This new “Check It Out” group will be looking at, for example, cost of the provision, personal support once there, location and transport and what would make somebody want to keep going i.e. was it fun, interesting, were there similar peers etc We are continuously updating our www.cwdsi.co.uk website with as much useful information as possible as things are ever changing, so please keep an eye out for this new “Check It Out” group’s reports.

If you experience any difficulty in accessing this website, or you would like to suggest other articles you would find helpful on there, please get in touch at shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or 01522 553536.

Supported Childcare Supported Childcare Funding is used to support short term access to childcare as part of a holistic family support plan. This funding is available to all families who meet the eligibility criteria, including children with a disability.

The process for referring families for access to this funding sits with locality teams and professional colleagues who will complete referrals for eligible families.

Each case will be assessed on an individual basis and initial enquiries should be made at your local Children’s Centre.

The Family Information Service can find your nearest centre for you or search online. Professionals will complete a referral form with families and send this to the locality team for consideration. Call the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635 or search on-line

at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ childrenscentres Where funding is agreed, this will be monitored alongside the Early Years Entitlements for 2, 3 & 4 Year Olds, to ensure families access the appropriate funding to support their child’s needs.

For further information regarding this funding, please contact your local Children’s Centre or speak to your lead professional directly.

20 NEWS

Relate has been working for the people of Lincolnshire for over 40 years, and has centres across the county, including Lincoln, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Gainsborough, Grantham, Boston, Sleaford, Skegness, Louth, Mablethorpe, Spilsby & Spalding.

Our specialised counsellors are highly trained to work with individuals, couples, families and children and will help you find the best way forward whatever the problem.

Here at Relate, we understand that as rewarding as caring for a disabled child can be, it can put your family relationships under extra strain.

Couples caring for a disabled child are at greater risk of experiencing problems in their relationship, but we know that having a little extra support can really help to strengthen your family and relationships and help you to enjoy a fulfilling family life.

We currently have funding available to provide counselling sessions to

families of a child with a disability – for more information about this or any of our services, please contact us on 0845 166 4110 or email enquiries@relate-lincs.org.uk.

Information can also be found on our website, www.relate-lincs.org.uk or on Facebook, Relate Lincolnshire Relate’s national website is at www.relate.org.uk and also has information for parents at www.relateforparents.org.uk

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 £180 (typical cost £500+). 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.

Stop Press!

New multi purpose gym, therapy and sensory room just opened!

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

NEWS

Resources for Families at Lincoln Toy Library With funding from Short Breaks, the Lincoln Toy Library has extended its range of toys and equipment for all children and has set up a new Resource Centre to help meet the needs of families of children with additional needs up to the age of 10 years.

Situated at the downstream end of Waterside South, Lincoln, with car parking on site, The Lincoln Toy Library is open to everybody and hires out toys and equipment at a very low cost to families, carers and professional in the childcare field. It also has a soft play area with an interactive ball pool and sensory area for children aged five

PAACT Gaming Club Bring your hand-held gaming devices and join in the fun. We have a Wii, a PS3 and Nintendo DS XL ready to be played on, plus traditional board games.

Games Club takes place the second Saturday of the month at Holy Cross Church Hall, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 7RB from 2pm - 4pm.

Suitable for age 8 to adult.

years and under.

The toy library is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am – 3pm, and Saturday from 10am - 1pm.

A smaller number of resources are also available for hire through the Gainsborough Toy Library, based at the Gainsborough Children’s Centre, near the bus station. They also have a mobile unit which goes out into the community.

The resources available will include some equipment which would not normally be purchased by families because of the outlay, such as Snap projectors and Ultra Violet materials.

STEPS Special Toys Educational Postal Service Steps is a developmental adapted toy and switch library suitable for profoundly disabled children across the UK. Families can borrow from the extensive library of over 3000 specially adapted toys and switches to play with in the comfort of their own home.

Parents/carers must stay to support.

They have a variety of subsidised membership, which they fundraise extensively to support.

For more information email paact1@googlemail.com or 07935 222963.

For more information contact: 01803 214124 or go on-line at www.stepscharity.org

Price £2 including refreshments.

For more information contact: Lincoln Toy Library, Witham Park House, Waterside South, Lincoln, LN5 7JN Tel. 01522 546215

Netbuddy www.netbuddy.org.uk Netbuddy have launched a new forum for dads to talk about the issues directly affecting them. Dads Talk is a place for dads and other male carers to meet up, exchange ideas & views, and offer support.

We’ve already had a few dads introduce themselves, but we’d love to hear from more of you, so please drop in and say hello.

They have also been working with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) to create a new Audiology info pack - available at www.netbuddy.org.uk/infopacks/audiology

21

22 NEWS

Summer fun If you are looking for leisure activities or organised groups this summer, look on-line at the activity calendar at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd or contact the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635.

What’s On Guide Summer 2012

We also have 2 resources that might be helpful:

Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings in and around Lincolnshire Whether you’re staying in the county this summer or going out and about, there will be an autism friendly screening of a film in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas.

Boredom Busters

Every month Odeon cinemas have an autism friendly screening of a film in selected Odeon cinemas – Lincoln being one of them. Contact them on 0800 138 3315 or look online at www.odeon.co.uk If you want to find out what activities, clubs and events in Lincolnshire are on this summer, check out the “The 2012 What’s On Guide”. It’s a useful guide as to what activities and events are happening near you this summer across the county.

Whatever your plans for this summer are, it can sometimes be tricky to come up with ideas to keep your children entertained. If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas for activities with children over the summer break, check out the “Boredom Busters” booklet from the Family Information Service. It’s full of fun ideas to do at home and out and about.

To download your copy of Boredom Busters, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ parents/caring-for-children/ family-information-service/ leisure-activities, and click the “Downloads” tab at the top.

To download your copy of the “2012 What’s On Guide” go to the same web address page shown for “Boredom Busters” (left) and click on the “Downloads” tab.

The “What’s On Guide” is unlikely to be available until just before the summer holidays so we can try to ensure it has as much information as possible.

Both booklets can be sent out in hard copy if necessary – contact the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635 or email fis@ lincolnshire.gov.uk. We will send the “What’s On Guide” out when it is ready.

You can catch all the latest news on which film they are showing with dates and times by visiting: www.dimensions-uk.org/ autismfriendly. You can also find a list of other participating Odeon cinemas around the UK. If you’re going a bit further afield than Lincoln this summer, then make sure you check out the following cinemas surrounding Lincolnshire: • Broadway Cinema, Nottingham Tel: 01159 526611 Email: info@broadway.org.uk www.broadway.org.uk/groups/ supportive_environment_ screening • Phoenix Square Cinema, Leicester Tel: 01162 422800 www.phoenix.org.uk • Junction Cinema, Goole Tel: 01405 763652 Email: info@junctiongoole.co.uk www.junctiongoole.co.uk Don’t forget your CEA card (available from www.cinemauk.org.uk/ ceacard) so the support worker/ carer can get in for free!

NEWS 23

Paralympic Tickets With everyone having witnessed the Olympic torch in Lincolnshire recently, Olympic and Paralympic fever is firmly gripping the county.

One of our Short Break providers, Off The Bench, managed to secure some tickets for the Paralympic Games and chose to reward members of the wider Short Breaks project.

Off The Bench obtained the tickets from Street Games’ “Give and Go” campaign; allowing young people to attend sporting events who are not normally able or given the chance.

This chance is made extra special due to the extremely rare nature of witnessing this event in the UK. On behalf of the Shadow Transition Board from Action for Children,

LPCC Film Show We Bought a Zoo Sunday 30th September Leasingham Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Leasingham, Sleaford NG34 8LD 3.45pm for 4pm start.

Entry £1.50.

Contact 07534 691620 or email cinema@ lincolnshireparentcarercouncil. org.uk

Aaron (pictured) was selected to attend.

“He works really hard”, said Alison Buckley-Jones of Action for Children.

“He’s always willing and able; he gets involved in everything and even sits on our interview panels”.

Aaron is one of the young people who is part of the “Check It Out” group who have become Short Break’s critical friends; travelling around the county reviewing activities and clubs for children with disabilities and/or sensory impairment.

Pete Genders from Off The Bench wanted to make sure the tickets benefited the broader area of Short Breaks: “Off The Bench have been honoured to receive these tickets and we could not think of a better way to

use them, than to give young people involved in the wider Short Breaks project a chance to experience this once in lifetime opportunity.”

Off The Bench is a voluntary organisation that enhances the lives of young people and communities through a range of fun and exciting projects, from sports through to media and design.

Pete went on to say: “Short Breaks is such a fantastic programme to be involved in and we are proud to be flying the flag for Lincolnshire Short Breaks and the London 2012 Olympics.”

For more information on Off The Bench, visit www.otblincs.org.uk

A testimonial from the parent of Angus who attends Action for Children holiday and after school clubs Holiday Clubs are crucial for our sanity over the long summer holidays. The breaks from school are so difficult for him and the concept of no school and lack of routine is so difficult for children such as Angus he is severely autistic and has limited communication, and routine and stability are crucial.

Angus loves coming to the holiday clubs as the staff are familiar and the routine of attending is “safe” and comfortable for him, with no surprises. We have to ensure that every single day of the lengthy school breaks are filled with structure and a schedule of activity and sometimes the creativity of

“Angus-led days” proves really difficult. We also recognise how vital it is, to give our daughter some quality “normal” time.

The staff that run both the after school clubs and holiday clubs are consistent and knowledgeable about Angus’s needs as an individual. They allow him the freedom to have fun, in a controlled, safe environment and we know that he is safe and extremely well cared for and the staff strive to give him an enjoyable, fun, safe place to play and grow and learn. Big thanks to everyone!

Go to page 24-25 for the Action for Children holiday club summer timetable.

24 ACTION FOR CHILDREN HOLIDAY CLUBS

Action for Children Holiday Clubs

Week Commencing

23rd July

30th July

6th August

13th August

20th August

27th August

Monday

Tuesday

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne (trip out from Bourne) 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne (trip out from Bourne) 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Holiday provision 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Holiday provision 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

BANK HOLIDAY

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 9am - 5pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

ACTION FOR CHILDREN HOLIDAY CLUBS 25 For more information and to book a place, please contact Action for Children on 01522 546516.

Please note that children cannot be left at any of the holiday clubs without reserving a place first.

For a testimonial about the Action for Children Holiday Clubs, see p.23.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne (trip out from Bourne) 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm St Francis School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm Willoughby School, Bourne (trip out from Bourne) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Holiday provision 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Holiday provision 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Holiday provision 10am - 3pm Sandon School, Grantham (held at Earlesfield Youth Club) 1pm - 6pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 9am - 5pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 9am - 5pm Aegir/Warrenwood Schools, Gainsborough 10am - 3pm John Fielding School, Boston (trip out from Boston) 10am - 3pm Queen’s Park School, Lincoln 10am - 3pm

St Bernard’s and St Lawrence Schools joint holiday provision (likely to be at St Bernard’s) 10am - 3pm Garth School, Spalding (trip out from Spalding) 9am - 5pm

26 NEWS

Our Life Our Choice DVD

This is an inspirational and aspirational animated DVD which has used the personal experiences of 25 young people who have a range of disabilities to celebrate their achievements and also show the difficulties they have faced.

The DVD is split into sections each focussing on a particular aspect of the young people’s lives: Education; Jobs; Leisure; Independence; Transport; and Future.

Growing up can be hard for anyone, but it can be even more difficult if you’re not involved with the direction of your own future – this is often the reality that young people with a disability face.

Produced in partnership with Electric Egg, the DVD has been born out of consultations with the Lincolnshire Shadow Transition Board and gives centre stage to a group who often find it hard to get their voices heard.

To obtain your DVD email: ourchoice@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Short Breaks Activity Timetables Our Short Breaks Activities Timetables are now available on our website - www.cwdsi.co.uk - and are updated each month!

There is a fantastic range of Short Breaks clubs and activities taking place throughout Lincolnshire.

From archery to wheelchair basketball and Lasertag, and after school clubs to dance, there is something for all ages and abilities.

For a complete list of all our Short Break providers and contact details, along with a timetable of events, please visit the Short Breaks website www.cwdsi.co.uk

For more information, email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 553536.

NEWS 27

Early Years Entitlement Funding for 2 year olds

Lincolnshire has been delivering a two year old pilot scheme since 2009, through which funding has been provided to 171 of the most disadvantaged two year olds to enable them to access up to 10 hours of early years provision per week over 38 weeks per year.

Government funding ceased in March 2011. However Lincolnshire committed to increase the funding for two year olds to provide 360

places during 2012/13. Funding has also increased to offer eligible 2 year olds 15 hours per week and will have the option to be accessed as a “stretched” offer over 48 weeks per year (with settings who chose to deliver this model).

Further government funding will be re-introduced in 2013, which means up to 1,700 two year olds could gain from this opportunity each year.

If as a parent you would like to know if a child would be eligible for 2 year old funding at an early years provider, please speak to your child’s professional or your local Children’s Centre. For more information, contact the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635 or discuss this with your local childcare provider who will offer you more details.

28 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

Exclusions National Helplines

Children’s Legal 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

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

USEFUL CONTACTS 29

Name

Contact info

Movement 2

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

National Helplines

IPSEA can offer free, legal advice to parents on SEND - 0800 018 4016 IPSEA Tribunal Helpline - 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 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 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

30 USEFUL CONTACTS

Family Awareness Activities Day

Family Fu n

Face Painting!

!

y!

er Arch

Wall Climbing!

Sailing!

Buddying!

Venue: Tattershall Lakes | Sunday 16th September 2012 | 10am 3pm For families who have children with disabilities and/or sensory impairment Action for Children’s Buddying service: Parents and carers have the opportunity to walk around the stalls or have lunch whilst the young person is enjoying themselves. To use this service please pre book by contacting Action for Children on 01522 546516 For more information on this event contact: 01522 553536 or email: shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk

NOTES

notes:

31

32 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 782033 Fax: 01522 516137

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.