An Amazing Film, Reminders, Money & Lego 18th November 2016 Dear All OK, so maybe we’re blowing our own trumpet, but we really are proud of this film…
Reasonable Adjustments (the film of the booklet) This is a short film (just under 9 minutes) about Reasonable Adjustments. Presented by children and young people in their own words… http://www.sendfamilyvoices.org/film
We would like to thank the twelve children and young people who talk about their experiences of reasonable adjustments, what works and why it's important. SEND Family Voices co-created this film with families, local schools and excellent support from Sarah Herbert (Lead Education Advisor, SEND, Achieving for Children), filmmaker & editor Matthew Dodd-Noble and cameras on loan from Electra cameras. The music was written by Daniel Rustage, a local music student.
The flu jab – a short film A short video from NHS England (2 minutes 30 seconds) on the flu jab – illustrating what to expect for anyone with learning difficulties – or who just might be nervous. https://youtu.be/TYgH181Xijs
Reminders… #1 Children & Young People’s Plan 2017- 2020 We have been asked by the Councils to provide feedback on behalf of our community families of children with additional needs. There are significant financial constraints over the next few years – so it is important to have your say. If you can, please come to our next public meeting on this subject. Tuesday 22nd November – 7pm to 9th Cakes and hot drinks The Terrace Room, York House, Twickenham, TW2 3AA What we discuss at the meetings will provide depth and feeling to the information collected via the on-line surveys. Deadline for these is 30th November 2016. Richmond: https://consultation.richmond.gov.uk/afc/cypp16 Kingston: www.kingston.gov.uk/cypp
#2 Coffee, Cake & Chat These are informal meetings where you can meet other parents. Any questions at all, please ask and we always do our best to find an answer (and usually do). Friday 25th November - 10am to 12noon at MeToo&Co, The CrossWay Centre, Twickenham, TW1 2PD * * creche available. Contact Fiona: fiona@metooandco.org.uk
What’s new on the Local Offer A new page on applying for schools – still under development. Karen at the Local Offer would welcome your feedback! https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/education/applying-for-schools If you would like to comment on the page above, or any other aspect of the Local Offer, please use the Local Offer Contact page: https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/enquiries/new Accessible playgrounds and the like… both Kingston and Richmond Councils work in partnership with DisabledGo to offer information on accessible venues. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/pages/home/leisure-activities-and-shortbreaks/accessibility-and-facilities-in-the-local-area The following letter has been issued regarding the funding of Short Breaks activities (note the December 9th deadline): https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/blog_articles/751-aiming-high-funding-for-activities Girls on the Autism Spectrum - 'the Big Shout' conference early in the New Year. https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/events/22627-girls-on-the-autism-spectrum-the-big-shoutconference?term=the+big+shout And, of course, our new film! https://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/blog_articles/754-reasonable-adjustments-the-film-of-thebooklet
Brief news from SEND Family Voices It’s just over two years since we founded SEND Family Voices, and less than that since we formally started working jointly across Kingston and Richmond. We’re delighted to say that Richmond NAS are now formally represented on the SEND Family Voices steering group, and we are looking forward to welcoming a named representative from MeToo&Co. The individual groups that are part of the steering group all retain their own individual identity and focus; the strength comes from our shared experiences.
Questions on NHS services - Richmond “The NHS continues to be under enormous financial pressure, with a projected £900 million budgetary shortfall in south west London in five years' time. Current ideas include a potential reduction in the number of acute hospitals in south west London. Would you like to ask questions to NHS commissioners, or comment on the changes? If yes, come along to this event… Wednesday 7th December – 5.30pm onwards Duke Street Church, Richmond (near Richmond Theatre) “
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/major-change-in-richmonds-nhs-have-your-say-free-eventtickets-28656815306?mc_cid=cfec670d85&mc_eid=d00cf268c6
Making Money Easier [to understand] “This set of free guides provides basic explanations for all things finance and money related. These are aimed at people with learning disabilities, but could be equally useful to anyone who finds themselves lost in financial jargon and small print. There are six separate booklets which you can download individually here.” https://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/making-money-easier
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Ruils are offering you an opportunity to go along to their next Have Your Say meeting and ask Colin Morris from the Department of Works and Pensions about Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you or someone you know is receiving Disabled Living Allowance (DLA) and is approaching or already over 16 years of age, this could be your chance to ask questions and find out more. Thursday 24th November - 2pm to 3:30pm The Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT. http://ruils.co.uk/get-involved/your-say/
“The way I see it” Of those who are registered blind or partially sighted, 93% retain some useful vision – although often not enough to read a book or watch a film. This can lead to misunderstanding and confusion. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/nov/14/the-way-i-see-it-living-with-partialblindness-rp
Lego!! Some of us find this news very exciting! “The world's biggest Lego store opens in London on Thursday marked by the unveiling of a six-metre high 200,000-brick Big Ben.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/17/worlds-largest-lego-store-opens-in-leicestersquare/ As ever, if you have any queries at all, please ask and we'll always do our best to find an answer. With best wishes, Romany (for Richmond) and Caroline North (for Kingston) Phone: 07469 746 145 www.sendfamilyvoices.org