KtoA Magazine - The Spring issue: Transition

Kidz to Adultz Knowledge to Action

Issue 25

The Spring issue: Transition

Featuring:

• Charity spotlight: Hft

• Find a funder: Caudwell Children

• Specialist college student celebrates five years working at Premier Inn

• Behind the business: Meet the sisters who have created a successful ceramics brand

• Q&A with author Graham Caldow

• Moving out and moving on up: Housing transition options for young people

• Flycheese: The inclusive animation studio where dreams take flight

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With the clocks having sprung forward, it’s time to welcome you to our Spring edition and look towards the future for our theme of transition.

In this issue, we explore the different types of transition young people with disabilities can consider, allowing for more choice and control over their lives.

We highlight the various routes into employment including vocational training with specialist colleges, placements at creative

studios, or even becoming your own boss as a business owner. We also discuss housing options - from residential and supported to independent living – and our what’s on section has a special feature celebrating inclusive nightclubs.

you would like to talk

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the next issue of Kidz to Adultz magazine, please call us on 0161 214 5959 or email us

Behind the business:

Meet the sisters who have created a successful ceramics brand

Emily and Olivia from Hertfordshire are the inspirational young co-founders of Wheely Good Ceramics. We pulled them away from their pottery wheel and paint brushes to tell us more about the business and their hopes for the future.

Their journey began back in 2022 when Olivia, who had hopes of being a jeweller, felt lost and unsure. She says: ‘I graduated from university with a degree in politics and was applying for jobs and getting nowhere due to the competitive market. I became very low mentally as I didn’t know my life purpose.’ It was at this time that she turned her hand to pottery and started teaching herself how to use the wheel as a form of art therapy

Emily is paralysed from the shoulders down due to a rare virus which attacked her spinal cord when she was thirteen. She had already graduated with a master’s degree in geography and sustainability, but during the summer of 2022 she was teaching herself to paint with her mouth. Initially practicing painting on paper, she struggled to find inspiration, as well as finding a large blank page rather daunting. Olivia had the genius idea for Emily to paint on her ceramics instead.

Fast forward to the summer of 2023.

With Emily preparing to start her new role in aviation inclusivity the sisters had more time together to make and paint more pots. They began posting their ceramics journey on social media in June

“Many people love our story and sisterly bond and find my story to be very inspirational. We didn’t try with the videos to begin with, we just made them about us and people seemed to just like us for us!”

Emily

when their account was only at two hundred followers. With hard work, dedication – and the benefits of one of their posts going viral - they started to gain traction. They now have over ninety thousand followers on both Instagram and TikTok!

Due to the popularity of their ceramics, and an influx of international commissions, Olivia was able to put the jewellery selling aside and now manages Wheely Good Ceramics full-time. They have found the perfect balance. Emily works in accessibility and air travel advocating for inclusivity in aviation, alongside mouth-painting the ceramics in the evenings and at the weekend. Olivia says:

‘There

is so much more behind the scenes with creating ceramics and running a business in general,

so I deal with all of that, enabling Emily to just paint as she pleases.’

Social media has allowed Emily and Olivia to connect with so many people and build a huge demand for their ceramics. people love our story and sisterly bond and find my story to be very inspirational. We didn’t try with the videos to begin with, we just made them about us and people seemed to just like us for us!’ says Emily.

Olivia advises: ‘If you are trying to monetise a hobby, we would say use social media as much as you can. We live in a digital age where everything and everyone is online, allowing you to reach hundreds of thousands of people, and so many potential customers. For example, we have more customers from the US and Australia than we do from the UK! However, there are a lot of sacrifices to be made too, don’t be naive and expect everything to be smooth sailing. Running a business isn’t easy, you must wear so many different hats and learn lots of skills along the way.’

Emily and Olivia say their goals for the future include continuing to grow their online following to provide an even bigger platform to advocate for Emily’s mission - influencing policy change and trying to reduce barriers for individuals with disabilities to travel.

Olivia would also like to provide classes for others to learn pottery and give those with disabilities a space to be creative and monetise their skills. The future plans for Wheely Good Ceramics include hopes to make adaptive ceramics such as plates and mugs for those who have limited mobility, and to raise awareness of the challenges people with disabilities face, all whilst having a positive impact and instigating change.

You can follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @ wheelygoodceramics. Sign up to know when their next ceramics collection goes live on www.wheelygoodceramics.com

Manchester Central, Manchester North Friday 11th October 2024

Free entry

100+ exhibitors

Fun zone

CPD seminars

Accessible facilities

New parent and carers

connection hub

For children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and the people who support them

Specialist college student celebrates five years working at Premier Inn

James Lewis, who has Down’s Syndrome, is celebrating five years as a housekeeper at the Premier Inn Wrexham North after training in Hospitality at specialist further education college, Derwen College.

James Lewis

James started training as a housekeeper as part of his Hospitality vocational pathway at Derwen College. Not only does he love his job, but he’s become a vital part of the hotel team thanks to his skills, hard work, and enthusiasm.

James says: ‘I like everything about my job and do it all on my own.’

The college has a small training hotel, which is modelled on a three-bedroom Premier Inn and was created with support from Novus Property Solutions. Named Hotel 751, it was the first Premier Inn training centre of its kind in the country and opened to guests in 2019. Hotel 751 comprises a reception area, three en-suite bedrooms and a linen room all set to Premier Inn standard, creating a real-life work setting for learners.

As James became more confident in his housekeeping skills, he travelled to an external work placement at Premier Inn once a week. Knowing how well he had done at his work placement, the hotel’s Wrexham North location were keen to offer him his first job.

Derwen College’s Work Experience and Supported Internship Coordinator, Abi Baker, says: ‘We are so proud of James for all his hard work during work experience in our training hotel, and then externally.’

‘We were delighted to work with Premier Inn to help him transition into paid employment in Wrexham. Congratulations James on five years of paid employment!’

According to charity Mencap, fewer than 5% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work. These partnerships between specialist colleges and employers are key in improving this statistic.

Simon Ewins, Managing Director for Premier Inn and Restaurants and Whitbread Executive Sponsor for Disability Inclusion said: ‘As an inclusive employer, our longstanding college partnerships – and of

“I like my job, my uniform, and friends here. My job makes me proud.”

course the graduates who have gone on to work for Premier Inn – are incredibly important to us. Congratulations to James for celebrating five years with us, we are incredibly proud to have him as part of our Premier Inn team and we’re delighted to be part of his journey.’

James Lewis

James moved out two years ago and now lives with his friend, another former Derwen College student, in supported living in Wrexham and travels independently on the bus to work. He also works at the Hope House Hospice Shop two mornings a week, where he helps sort donations.

Derwen College

Specialist further education college, Derwen College, is a vibrant environment which provides vocational and independence training for sixteen to twenty-five yearolds with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The college is proud to be a ‘place of possibility’ and its graduates are proud to contribute to their communities, with many gaining the skills necessary to go on to secure employment and increased independence. The majority of students follow vocational pathways in Horticulture, Performing Arts, Hospitality and Food, Retail and Enterprise, Business Support and Enterprise or Sports and Fitness.

Many students work in the college’s ‘Marketplace’ in Shropshire, where they learn skills working in a garden centre and shop, café, restaurant, and a small training hotel, all of which are open to the public. As the

students’ skills develop, the college partners with businesses to provide meaningful external work placements.

A ‘Learning for Life’ pathway helps students who aren’t yet work-ready to develop teamworking, communication and social skills. A bespoke Nurture programme also supports students with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) to transition to adulthood.

The college encourages students to thrive in all aspects of their lives, and supports students’ health, wellbeing, and selfconfidence with a varied curriculum of sports, enrichment, and life skills. The College has a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme and a vocal Student Union Board. For more information about the programmes and pathways at Derwen College, visit www.derwen.ac.uk

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creativity flourishes

Hi, I’m Paul Brown, the Managing Director at Flycheese Studio - where creativity knows no bounds! We’re a digital art studio specializing in stop-motion animation (think Wallace and Gromit or Chicken Run). But what sets us apart isn’t just our passion for animation; it’s our commitment to providing opportunities and training for individuals who are neurodiverse or in need of extra support.

Last year marked a significant milestone for us – our tenth year in operation – and we celebrated by forging a partnership with Aardman Studio. Teaming up with Vanessa, the Director of Aardman Academy, and Pauline, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, we hosted a two-day joint workshop that left a lasting impact. One of our participants even went on to train at Aardman Academy and is currently mastering the art of stopmotion animation. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on our upcoming collaborations with Aardman Studio – whether it’s a workshop, course, or animation festival, there’s something exciting in the works!

At Flycheese Studio, we’re not just about honing artistic skills; we’re about making a difference. Our partnership with the National Autistic Society for World Autism Week is just one example of how we use our art to raise awareness and support important causes.

The success stories of our students speaks volumes. From pursuing higher education to achieving degrees and even becoming staff members, our students’ journeys exemplify the transformative power of our supportive environment. Our students get the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, learn social skills and gain valuable shop floor experience.

“Paul is great at pushing me to do my best, never letting me give up when I’m onto something good”

Archie Balciuna, student

anything is possible in this dynamic and everevolving field.

Every eighteen months, we proudly showcase our students’ work at the Light Cinema Sheffield during our VIP screening. Last year, we were honoured to have Dan Ojari, the Oscar-nominated director of Aardman’s Robin Robin, present awards to our talented cohort. You can relive the magic of last year’s showcase and explore our students’ films on our YouTube channel. It’s a testament to their dedication and creativity.

Our top tip if you’re aspiring to work in animation or digital art is to be obsessed and hardworking. With passion and dedication,

Join us at Flycheese Studio, where dreams take flight and creativity flourishes. Whether you’re looking to embark on a new artistic journey or simply want to immerse yourself in a supportive environment, there’s a place for you here. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Find out more about Flycheese at www.flycheese.com and visit their Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/ @FlycheeseStudio.

They can also be found at @flycheese on Instagram and Facebook.

Caudwell Children Changing Lives, Changing Society, Changing Charity

The charity Caudwell Children aims to create a world where autistic and disabled children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve.

Caudwell Children’s range of services for children and families are designed to remove some of the barriers that autistic and disabled children face, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Since being founded in 2000, Caudwell Children have been constantly evolving, providing a wide range of practical and emotional support services for children and young people aged up to twenty-four, and campaigning to create a more inclusive world for everyone. In 2019 they opened their purpose-built Caudwell International Children’s Centre.

Last year, Caudwell Children:

• Made 197 donations of mobility equipment.

• Provided 5,508 sensory packs.

• Completed 2,700 autism assessments and post-diagnosis support sessions.

• Made 61 donations of disability sports equipment.

• Supported 2,498 children on their short breaks.

• Completed 716 treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy sessions.

• Supported 24 young people on their employability programme.

• Completed 457 workshops.

Find a funder

Meet William

William, aged thirteen, has Bilateral Talipes and is autistic.

Sharon, William’s mum, applied to Caudwell Children for funding towards a sports wheelchair which would allow him to participate in wheelchair rugby.

The difference receiving his new wheelchair has made to Willliam’s life is amazing. He’s had the opportunity to play in a cup final for his team, Sheffield Eagles. William also attended his team’s annual awards ceremony and won the Shooting Star award!

Sharon said: ‘We’re incredibly proud of William, but we are so thankful to Caudwell Children. A massive thank you once again.’

How can they help you?

Caudwell Children provides a wide range of core services, including family support, children’s mobility and sensory equipment, treatment and therapies, short breaks, workshops and more.

They also offer families charity funded and self-funded autism assessments by their in-house clinical team at their centre. The centre is a calm and safe space for children, with a mixture of quiet zones, specialist facilities, sensory rooms, and a garden, which allows their team to develop a comprehensive profile for each child during their assessment.

For more information about Caudwell Children’s services visit www.caudwellchildren.com

Meet Minnie

Minnie finds it difficult to communicate with her family and friends. She didn’t understand why she was different and why she felt the way she did, which made her feel upset and lonely.

Minnie’s mum, Amy, had tried to get help but felt like everyone dismissed her when she repeatedly raised her concerns.

Eventually Amy found Caudwell Children and applied for an autism assessment at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre.

With an in-house multi-disciplinary team and an award-winning centre designed in direct consultation with autistic children, Caudwell Children provide comprehensive child-centred assessments and postdiagnostic support.

Bringing a child for an assessment can be a daunting experience but the dedicated family support team and pre-visit planning helped Minnie and Amy feel at ease.

After visiting the centre, Amy commented: ‘For the first time I feel like I have been listened to as a parent. Minnie enjoyed her time at the centre and especially loved the sensory room with the lights and swing.’

Since attending for an assessment, Amy received a comprehensive report detailing Minnie’s strengths and challenges with practical advice alongside Minnie’s formal diagnosis.

Amy added: ‘Now I can explain to Minnie why she might think and feel things differently to her friends, this has given me the confidence to speak more openly about autism and how it affects us as a family.’

What’s on?

Nights out

Bubble Club

Co-created by learning disabled and non-disabled people, the Bubble Club’s inclusive club nights feature DJ’s, live music, experimental performances, and an open mic stage. The music is turned up in the main room but there will also be a care corner where you can relax, and there is wheelchair access throughout. They’ve also just launched the DJ Factory, a brand-new project from the Bubble Club supporting learning disabled DJs to break into the industry.

Bubble Club’s next event is taking you back to the 90’s in New York and the birth of hip-hop. Prepare yourself for popping, locking, break dancing and rap battles.

Wednesday 1 May, at 93 Feet East in Brick Lane, London. Tickets are £7-10 with support worker tickets for free.

Under One Roof

This club night at music venue YES in Manchester opens up the dancefloor to adults with learning and physical disabilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment

to get down. The events also include sets by disabled DJs and they’re always showcasing and encouraging new talent.

Tickets are only £6 and carers go free.

Under One Roof’s most recent event on April 10th was a sold-out success! Keep an eye on their @underoneroofraving Facebook page to find out when they’re next making moves.

The Acapulco Club

This nightclub in Halifax threw their first ‘All Inclusive SEN Party’ in December 2023. It was such a good night out that they had to get everyone back on the dancefloor in March 2024 – even the BBC turned up!

These SEN Party nights are designed to be a welcoming space for teenagers and adults with special educational needs (SEN), their friends and families. The Acapulco gets transformed into a sensory-friendly space, with considerations for lighting and sound levels so everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the music.

They’re planning their next party for the summer so look out for tickets coming soon.

Bubble Club

Events and shows

Eureka! SENDay

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax

Sunday 19 May

Eureka! is full of interactive exhibits designed to inspire enquiring minds to find out about themselves and the world around them. This special event is a relaxed day for visitors with sensory conditions such as autism. They are limiting ticket availability so that it won’t be as busy, there will be a Chill Out Room if you need some time away and you can borrow a pair of ear defenders so it’s not so loud. Their team are also trained in disability awareness so will support you to have a great day out.

Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical

Southbank Centre, London

Saturday 1 June, 2.30pm

Give in to the sway of hip-hop beats as this modern twist on the classic story pulls you under its spell - but look out for the rat catcher’s catchy tunes! Featuring a talented cast of beatboxers, musicians and special guest performances, get ready for a night of vocal wizardry for all the family.

This performance is relaxed, captioned, and British Sign Language interpreted. A chillout space and noise-cancelling headphones are available.

Marvellous Myth Hunter

Half Moon Theatre, London

Saturday 22 June, 11am and 2pm

Dust off your maps and strap on your jetpacks for a journey around the world. The Myth Hunter needs your help to find the most amazing stories known to humankind. Join them for daring escapes, swordfights, weird creatures, interactive games and the chance to become an honorary member of The Myth Hunter Academy.

These performances are relaxed, and you can book pre-show touch tours.

TV

Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood

BBC iPlayer

Join Daniel Tiger and his friends Chrissie, who has cerebral palsy, and Max, who is autistic, as they learn and play in the Neighbourhood of Make-Believe.

Chrissie wears leg braces and uses forearm crutches to walk, just like a lot of kids with cerebral palsy do! She loves to dance and act and ride horses — she just needs a little help getting onto her horse. Max likes to play by himself and it takes him a bit of extra time to warm up to new people and things. Daniel Tiger and Chrissie help make situations calmer so Max can play with them too.

Pablo

BBC iPlayer

Five-year-old Pablo is on the autistic spectrum. He creates imaginary friends who

come to life, and together they go on fun adventures and figure out how to cope with tricky day-to-day situations.

Pablo and his colourful animated friends are all voiced by people with autism, who also worked on story ideas and co-wrote scripts to help bring their ideas and perspectives to life.

The Assembly

BBC iPlayer

The Assembly sees a cast of thirty-five autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled people - who range in age from eighteen to seventy-seven, and include musicians, artists, writers and students - bring their unique approach to the celebrity interview.

They come together to question A-list actor Michael Sheen. Expect profound revelation, glorious chaos and a lot of laughs.

Pablo

Color my World with Love

Kendall is a talented artist with Down’s Syndrome who creates beautiful Impressionist paintings which reflect how she sees her subjects. Her life takes an exciting turn when she meets Brad, who also has Down’s Syndrome, at a cooking class and romance blooms.

Not wanting Kendall to experience heartbreak, her mum tries to slow things down. But with the help of Nic, a longtime family friend of Brad’s, she slowly accepts that Kendall is ready to - and should - live her own life.

Books

The Magic is You, The Magic is Me

Written by Christine McGuinness, illustrated by Hannah Jayne Lewin

Sometimes even the best of friends can have a bad day and, when they do, it might be time to go on the hunt for that missing magic spark. But where could it be?

Christine McGuinness’s three children have autism, and she received her own adult diagnosis in 2021. In her latest book for children, she takes readers on the trip of a lifetime – to the beach, the forest, beneath the ocean waves and right up to the moon! –but still home in time for tea.

Sport

Wheelchair Rugby League

Challenge Cup final

Sheffield, UK

1 June

Amputee Football European Championships

Haute-Savoie, France

1 – 8 June

World Para Powerlifting World Cup

Manchester, UK

19 - 26 June

Wimbledon Wheelchair Tennis Championships

London, UK

10 - 14 July

We are Schuchmann.

Our aim is to support children with disabilities so that they can become more mobile and independent. Our products represent more than just products. They become companions for life. And last of all, we want to get the market moving – with real innovations in rehabilitation equipment which fulfil the maximum demands on functionality, design and safety.

smilla.

Moving out and moving on up: Housing transition options for young people

Dimensions, one of the country’s largest not-for-profit organisations supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, offer personalised care to enable them to have choice and control in their lives.

For KtoA Magazine, the Dimensions team outline the opportunities and obstacles that young people with disabilities face in their transition journey, and highlight the support they can provide for housing and independent living.

Understanding the maze of adult support options is complex but critical. Some colleges are part of adult support providers whose living options may not be right for your child. Some local authorities may nudge you towards living options that are similarly not suitable. There’s a lot to think about –starting with support, housing, and financial arrangements.

When considering what property will best suit the person’s needs and become a place they

can call home, it’s important to realise that as they mature and grow, gaining new skills and independence, their needs will likely change over time.

Both private and social housing lets are becoming increasingly scarce, and even when a vacancy arises, how can all parties be sure that this property is suitable and tenants well matched? Dimensions is one of the only support providers to employ dedicated housing brokers whose role is to look at everyone individually, to support and understand the right environment for them, considering their specific needs, age, location, and personality.

Dimensions constantly seek innovative new solutions to address this need. Highgreave in Sheffield was an old disused care facility

and offered an opportunity to create a new home for people with complex needs. Highgreave now offers a place for up to five young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live in individual flats, learning the skills needed for independent living; and is becoming an important resource within the local community.

Navigating transition: a case study by Edward’s support team and family

Edward was at a college for children with disabilities throughout his teens but returned to living with his parents after college. A social worker recognised that Dimensions could meet his needs. Eight months of intensive planning followed Edward’s referral to us and ten months into his support – in his own flat –the choice and control he exerts over his life continues to grow.

Eva and Andy, Edward’s parents, said: ‘We were put in touch with a few other families by Edward’s social worker and the staff at Edward’s old school. Principally, those whose children had been through transition a year or two previously. They were knowledgeable in recommending providers and helping us understand the process and procedures involved – from power of attorney to needs assessments. With Ed’s social worker’s help, we concluded that supported living was the optimum type of support for Ed.’

What were your priorities for Edward through the transition process?

Sandra, Locality Manager at Dimensions, explains: ‘We prioritise getting the right home and support team. We secured transition funding from the local authority which was vital. It provided behaviour support input – in the shape of a Functional Behaviour Analysis – to help us all understand the roots of his challenging behaviour, and to plan in light of this. It meant we could recruit his team well in advance and create a “Getting To Know You” period with the team spending time with Edward in the family home, which we know substantially reduces the chance of failure.’

What would you say to parents whose child is entering their teens?

Sandra says: ‘By the time your child is fourteen or fifteen, you should have contacted both your child’s college and your local authority to get an idea of the adult support options available and start the planning process. Listen to the adult social care professionals in your area, develop a vision for the adult support you eventually want for your child, and take the lead.’

Edwards’ Support Worker, Nigel responded: ‘I’ve seen people having very different transition experiences, but a common factor in good transitions is early involvement from a clear-minded family. Parents’ priorities, preferences and approach to partnership working are some of the ingredients that can make that difference.’

‘It’s nice when a family asks the support team for advice and listens to our thoughts. That’s the point where we’ve ‘‘earned our stripes’’ –we’ve built a trusting, robust partnership.’

Want to find out more? Please email business-development@dimensions-uk.org, or to speak to one of the Dimensions Family Consultants on 0300 303 9161.

Edward and his parents

The charity creating a world where adults with learning disabilities can live their life, their way

The team at Hft shares with KtoA Magazine how they support adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible and the importance of using a person-focused approach to empower them to live with more choice and control.

Charity Spotlight

Hft provides a range of services across England and Wales, from supported living to residential care, and a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. The charity also enables adults with learning disabilities to take part in daily activities, develop friendships and find meaningful employment. Their personcentred approach underlines everything Hft does to ensure the people it supports always come first.

Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft, says: ‘We recognise that a learning disability is different for everyone. Everyone is unique and so it’s vital that we use a person-centred approach to promote inclusion and enable independence for every person we support.’

‘Unfortunately, people with learning disabilities are still too often shut out of the society we all share and prevented from working towards their dreams and aspirations. Many can’t live where or with whom they choose. Some don’t get to decide what they do for work. Others aren’t able to try the hobbies they want to try or simply make the choices they want to make.’

Through its varied services, Hft works to open doors for people with learning disabilities, changing society and creating solutions so that they are supported to live their best lives possible.

Transition – getting it right

The transition between children’s services and adult social care is a particularly important time for those who draw on care and support and can have a monumental impact on someone’s ability to live an independent life. Getting it wrong can lead to poor outcomes and can prevent young people from having the level of autonomy and control they desire.

Getting it right, however, can set young people up for the rest of their lives.

Hft’s transition service for sixteen to twenty-five year olds in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, is the perfect example of just how important transition services are and why we need them. This specific service

aims to improve the transition process for young people who are moving from children’s services to adult services, or from their family home into a social care support setting.

Ian Earey, Head of Care and Support for Hft’s East region, explains: ‘The day someone turns eighteen is the day they move from children’s to adult social care. It is such a quick turnaround and, as a result, people with learning disabilities often transition into settings that aren’t appropriate for them, because it’s the only place available. Six years ago, we realised that something needed to change and tried to identify how we could make this process better for everyone

“I’m proud of the difference we’ve been able to make through this service to many young people.”

Ian Earey, Head of Care and Support for Hft’s East region

involved. That’s when our Biggleswade service came into existence.’

One of Hft’s aims is to limit the amount of disruption experienced. With the help of the local authority, they work with young people before they are ready to move to their new service, so they can identify exactly what support they might need and what they would like to achieve when they do move to the new setting. This could be anything from reducing their support hours to gaining enough confidence to leave the house alone. Ian shares that: ‘One of the people we supported through the transition process was in a dark place when they came to us, following a period of emotional abuse. They were unable to leave their room and often

want to reach by the end of their time at the service. And, in just fifteen months, they had achieved everything in their pathway and was a more confident, independent individual. As a result, their support requirements were reduced by two thirds.’

By focusing on each individual as exactly that, an individual, Hft has enabled independence and has prevented young people from getting lost in a system that may otherwise not have supported their goals and aspirations.

‘With less than five months of intense support from staff at the service, the individual had set clear goals and aspirations that they

If you’d like to find out more about Hft’s services in your area, please visit www.hft.org.uk.

Exhibition dates for your diary

Hospitality at its finest – inclusive cafes

Although a percentage of disabled people are unemployed because they are unable to work, many members of the disabled community are restricted by barriers such as discrimination, lack of support and availability, employer concerns, attitudes, and stereotyping.

This is why KtoA Magazine wants to highlight examples of cafés and coffee shops which are working to improve accessibility and offer equal employment opportunities – leading the way in the hospitality sector.

Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as nondisabled people, and three times as likely to be economically inactive. (Scope)

Café Leep

26 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 1AB

Café Leep is a not-for-profit Leeds-based café which supports adults with learning disabilities to gain work experience and catering qualifications.

They offer a training scheme for adults with a learning disability who want to learn how to work in catering. The scheme involves helping to run the café and studying for a NVQ Level 2 in Food Safety, as well as having fun and building confidence! The scheme encourages learners to:

• Cook and prepare food.

• Serve customers.

• Develop barista skills.

• Handle money and work tills.

• Work in a team.

www.leep1.co.uk/cafe-leep

East Midlands

18 Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2ES

Crocus Café is Nottingham’s longest-running community café. It’s run by Real Lives, a not-for-profit social care company working across Nottinghamshire County who support clients with mental health and multiple needs. They offer voluntary placements at the Crocus Café to help build their confidence and promote community and social inclusion.

The café not only offers placement opportunities, but also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes with a focus on being fair trade and locally sourced. An all-rounder!

www.crocuscafe.com

South-West

PROPS Café

The Vassall Centre, Bristol, BS16 2QQ

The PROPS Café is a space which serves and celebrates the diverse needs and perspectives of everyone in the community, especially those too often excluded from accessing public spaces.

They’ve partnered with local coffee roasters, Blind Owl Coffee, to source coffee as well as offer bespoke barista training to support PROPS trainees to work in the café. They also have catering project trainees who make their delicious baked goods.

The café has a vibrant atmosphere, and this is a reflection of the trainees’ hard work and dedication to hospitality.

www.propsbristol.org/props-cafe-a-spacefor-everyone-in-our-community

South

Fair Shot Café

3 Slingsby Place, London, WC2E 9AB

Fair Shot is a lively café and charity which seeks to improve the lives of young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism through equal employment opportunities and delicious coffee!

100% of Fair Shot sales get re-invested into enabling those with learning disabilities an equal and fair chance at finding and sustaining employment. To date, Fair Shot have supported thirty-six young adults out of unemployment, and a large majority of their learners are ready for a work environment thanks to the Fair Shot scheme.

www.fairshot.co.uk

Scotland

Makers Café

Unit 3, Makers Village, Alloa, FK10 2DE

Makers Café is the community hub of the charity Scottish Autism, who provide vocational opportunities for people aged sixteen-and-over with autism and learning disabilities who may otherwise lack support and therefore struggle to thrive in work environments. It offers an inclusive environment where they can overcome barriers and engage in confidence-building workplace experiences.

Makers Café comprises a community cafe, shop, gallery, and kitchen garden. They also provide a varied programme of activities and opportunities, including curating their gallery.

www.makersalloa.org

Hattie One Step at a Time

This article was written by Just 4 Children. Just4Children are fundraising to help with the cost of Napa London and to access specialist equipment to enable Hattie to lead an independent life.

Hattie is three years of age and lives in Liverpool. She has Dipelgic Cerebral palsy, and her dream is to be able to walk independently. Hattie was born at 34 weeks. We believe somewhere between her waters breaking at 29 weeks and delivery that Hattie has picked up an infection which has caused part of her brain to be damaged. Hattie did not get her official diagnosis of cerebral palsy until she was 22 months old, which changed our whole lives and left the future for her unknown.

Hattie’s life is not like a typical toddler. She is unable to walk independently, can balance no longer than a few minutes and has countless hospital appointments. She needs daily physio which is vital to help rewire her brain around the damage, we also do weekly Conductive Education and Hydrotherapy.

Hattie One Step at a Time

#cp #liverpool

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Hattie’s progress is very slow and we have recently been offered a place at Napa London for a 3 week intense physio programme with the hope this will give her the best chance to get her walking independently and get her the strongest she can be before starting mainstream school in September. We are doing a sponsored walk in April and fundraising to help towards the cost of taking her to London to help her achieve her independence and any specialised equipment that will help her in the future.

Hattie is the most happiest, determined, hard working little girl, so if you can help her in any way to give her a head start in life we would be forever grateful.

Thankyou for taking the time to read.

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with author Graham Caldow

In his new book What’s Possible? Plan a Better Future for Your Young Adult with Additional Needs, Graham outlines the tools he has created to guide children and young adults with additional needs to not only live independently and securely, but be fulfilled by finding their purpose.

Graham sat down with KtoA Magazine to share his experiences as a parent of a young adult with additional needs, why he decided to write a book dedicated to planning a better future, and how important it is to celebrate every win.

Tell us about yourself

Firstly, and most importantly, I’m a husband and a father to two amazing daughters. My youngest daughter has developmental language disorder (DLD) which makes many parts of her life a challenge. I’m also now an author, a blogger, and a YouTuber after spending twenty years running my own business. I’m passionate about supporting other families as they support their young people to live their best possible lives. I want my legacy for my daughter to be that she continues to live the life she wants, long after I’m no longer around to support her.

Why did you decide to write What’s Possible?

As my daughter got older, I realised I wouldn’t always be around to support her. I saw she needed a plan for her life. From my business experience, I know it’s important to plan and make considered decisions today that will impact the future. I saw that my daughter needed a life plan which would provide clarity on what she needed in the present, and the future, to make it easier to identify options and choose those that would enable her to be safe, secure, and live a rewarding and fulfilling life. So, I developed a life plan model specifically designed to support young people with additional needs.

After supporting her in developing her life plan - and seeing the impact it’s had on how she sees her future and the peace of mind it’s given us as a family - I wanted to share what I had learned. I believe we are all part of a community and the more we share with each other, the easier it makes the journey for all of us.

“I believe we are all part of a community and the more we share with each other, the easier it makes the journey for all of us.”

Can you talk us through the different lines?

Yes, the lines come from our Route Map. For a long time now, we have seen there were four main aspects of our daughter’s life which we needed to support her with. We likened these to train lines - hence the name Route Map. Each of those four lines has various stops along it. Some stops might not apply to everyone, and some people might even add their own stops specific to them.

So, the Daily Living line relates to everyday skills our children need to live both inside and outside the home and to look after themselves. Along that line are several stops like Home Skills, Cooking, Shopping, Selfcare, and Travel, etc. This is the line that can be started early, especially around skills like cooking.

The Relationships line is about people. Our young people need human connection as much as anyone else, even if they don’t always find it easy interacting with others. Relationships with family and friends are dynamic and often change over time, and having a script helps our young people better navigate these changes. Even relationships that are more static, like with people they meet briefly, still have rules and scripts that can help the encounter go smoothly.

The Purpose line is all about the transition from school to college and beyond. This line is more linear than the others because age determines which stop they are at. But fulltime education finishes one day, and it’s better to have a plan for what’s next than to stand near that cliff-edge we all fear. Having a purpose to our children’s day, whether paid or voluntary, not only prevents boredom but also enables them to engage with the world. While a lot of what our children might do depends on where we live, there are stops we can plan for, and points along the journey, to make having a purpose to their day a reality.

The Financial line is all about ensuring our young person has financial security and isn’t left without the money they need to live a safe life. There is a lot we can do to ensure this, whatever our level of income. The key is financial organisation as well giving them as many money management skills as possible. After all, our legacy isn’t only about the money we leave, but it’s as much about the habits and attitudes we leave them with.

What advice would you give for transitioning into further education or employment?

Plan the journey ahead. Don’t rely on chance to take you there. Make your own luck by having a vision of where your young person

wants to go and involving them in the discussion as much as possible. Research what options are out there and decide which is the best option to get them to where they want to be long term. Think about how all of the lines work together. For example, Travel on the Daily Living line might be an important skill to focus on if they want to move on to college or a supported internship.

Do you have any ‘top tips’?

I think the big one is never giving up. We are our children’s life coach, and it’s our job to help them keep going. Also celebrate every win and make sure they know how awesome they are. We all get too many negative inputs in our lives, but this is especially true for our young people. So, every time they achieve something, use it as an opportunity to remind them of what’s possible.

What’s Possible? Plan a Better Future for Your Young Adult with Additional Needs is available now. You can find out more about Graham’s work at redgiraffesolutions.com

Disabled Living

Who we are & what we do:

Disabled Living

A charity which provides impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled children, adults, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. We have a range of services which you can access via our helpline, through the website or at our Kidz to Adultz exhibitions. www.disabledliving.co.uk

Equipz

The team comprises occupational therapists, trusted assessors, moving and handling specialists, physiotherapists, nurses and continence specialists. We respond to enquiries via our helpline and website. Some people opt to visit the Disabled Living Centre based in Manchester for a free equipment assessment.

Helpline: 0161 214 4590 | www.disabledliving.co.uk/equipment

Bladder & Bowel UK

The team provide information and advice for children, young people and adults with bladder and bowel problems. We provide a confidential helpline managed by a team of specialist nurses and knowledgeable information staff. In addition, the website offers a wide range of downloadable free resources.

Helpline: 0161 214 4591 | www.bbuk.org.uk

Kidz to Adultz

We organise the largest FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, young adults, their families, carers and the professionals who support them, with over 100 exhibitors at each event. We currently deliver five events nationally in Coventry, Farnborough, Newport, Edinburgh and Manchester. www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk

Training

We run a comprehensive training programme for professionals and carers. Most of our courses are accredited by Open Awards and others provide CPD opportunities. Our training courses can be ‘tailor made’ to suit your organisations requirements and can be delivered throughout the UK. www.disabledliving.co.uk/training