Three things about the Local Offer, Events & Links galore 28th June 2015 Dear All Lots of events, meetings and things to do (and read); must get more onto the Local Offer… see below how you can do this.
Three things about the Local Offer 1. Events and Activities Our Dear All’s are very well respected for the breadth of information they offer and their tone of independence… and the Local Offer borrows from our research. Increasingly we are asked to advertise events and activities (not a problem!) – and it occurred that perhaps providers don’t yet realise that if they contact Karen Lowry (Local Offer Content Mgr) they are able to get an account that will enable them to upload their events directly onto the Local Offer – this will give them a wider, public window. Karen Lowry can be contacted here: sendlocaloffer@achievingforchildren.org.uk 2. Queries and Concerns One of the legal requirements of the Local Offer is that it must facilitate family’s feedback, respond to it and publish it. If you have a query about a local service, or a question that you are struggling with, or a recommendation – please send it to the Local Offer feedback page. That way, your feedback and any response will be published (anonymously) – and that will help other families. Your personal details will not be sent to the service providers or professionals. You can leave feedback here:
http://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/enquiries/new
3. Launch and Flyer The official ‘poster’ advertising the Local Offer launch event (fun for the whole family; children and young people alike) and the flyer can be found on our Facebook page. If you would like paper copies of either of these for your own groups or networks, please reply to this e-mail with your request. You can book onto the Local Offer launch event here: http://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/events/14352-official-launch-of-the-local-offer-for-kingstonand-richmond?date=2015-07-13
Supported Internships available “Supported Internships are an employment based course which gives post 16 students with learning disabilities / difficulties the opportunity to develop employability skills in a real work place surrounded by other working people. They use a Partnership approach. Kingston College are working with Balance CIC (a Supported Employment Organisation) and Places for People Leisure are acting as the Host Employer. Is it for your young person? For ages 16-24, with a Statement of special education needs, a Learning Disability Assessment or an EHC plan. Some places are still available on this internship programme for a September start. Interviews will be held over the next 2 weeks. The deadline to receive applications is Friday 3rd July “ http://www.afclocaloffer.org.uk/blog_articles/133-kingston-college-in-partnership-withbalance-supported-internships-places-still-available-closing-date-3rd-july
Transition to Adulthood protocol… This ‘Transition’ describes the time at which a child moves from children’s services, to adult services – as they legally become an adult (no longer a child in the eyes of the law). The draft protocol (available on request) aims to describe the steps through this process for the child and family. The author is keen to have comments from as many families as possible. It’s our children who are the subject of this document – so if you can, please take a look and send your comments to Becky Powell, becky.powell@achievingforchildren.org.uk and use 'transition protocol feedback' in the subject bar. Deadline for feedback is Monday 6th July.
Meeting and/or Events, for… for Hearing Impaired & Visually Impaired “Come and join us at Knollmead’s Summer Party - for hearing impaired and visually impaired children and their families: Wednesday 1st July - 3.30pm to 5.30pm Knollmead School, Knollmead, Tolworth, KT5 9QP …lots of exciting games and sporty fun, as well as a picnic, face paints and much more. RSVP: Louise Painter lpaint2@knollmead.rbksch.org Tel. 0208 337 3778 Representatives from the NDCS and the SDCS will be there with lots of helpful information.” those working with Cerebal Palsy “ A training session on Cerebral Palsy; for parents, carers, volunteers and those working with children with CP or similar conditions. This workshop is suitable for those involved in the care of children with cerebral palsy, other physical and mobility difficulties or other neurological impairments that affect movement and co-ordination. Friday, 3rd July, 10am to 12noon The Cross way, St.Stephens, Twickenham The aim of the training will be to provide an overview of CP. This will include: what is CP, what causes CP, the different types/presentations of CP and the focus/principles of intervention for each one. To book your place please email info@metooandco.org.uk “ for ADHD “ A talk on ‘Alternatives to Medication’. Not only do we [ADHD Richmond] have Dr Neil Rutterford who is one of the country’s best known practitioners of Neuro-feedback from LANC , but we can also now confirm Deborah Colson, nutritional therapist, who works with children with ADHD and other neuro-developmental disorders, and author of Optimum Nutrition for your Child. Tuesday July 7th – 11am to 1pm Richmond Royal, Kew Foot Road, Richmond, Surrey This is going to be yet another cracking meeting so let us know if you’d like to join us ! info@adhdrichmond.org “ for Aspergers & High Functioning Autism “New after school groups in Richmond for children with a disability &/or Asperger’s Syndrome: Flyers - for children with complex health and/or disabilities between ages 5 & 11 Ribbons & Kite - for children with Asperger’s or high functioning autism - ages of 5 & 18 For more information please contact:
Justine.Flood@enhanceable.org 07904 229 583 or Hannah.Brice@enhanceable.org ” Finally… Richmond Mencap has published their summer activity programme for 8-17 year olds with learning disabilities. For more information please visit http://www.jestongraphics.co.uk/richmondmencap/whatwedo/holiday-fun/summer-fun/
Family Fun – 22nd August The Integrated Service for Children with Disabilities (ISCD) at Achieving for Children is holding a Family Fun Day again this year. Previously this event has been run for the children and young people with disabilities living within The Royal Borough of Kingston. This year, for the first time, children and young people who live within The London Borough of Richmond are also invited. The fabulous ‘Colourscape’ is a part of this afternoon and you will need to book a timed slot with one of the Inclusion managers (details in the attached Family Fun invitation) to enjoy this experience. If you’ve never heard of Colorscape, more information can be found here: http://www.eyemusic.org.uk/Colourscape/index.html The Family Fun will be held on: Saturday the 22nd of August 2015 - 13:00-16:00 The Moor Lane Centre – Chessington - KT9 2AA. Please note: “Families who plan on attending will only be able to enter the Family Fun Day if they bring their invitation along (available on request). This is to ensure that only the target audience for this event can gain entry to the premises on the day.”
Links The Council for Disabled Children published their Summer newsletter this week. Articles include: “Minister's Q&A from Edward Timpson, Children and Families Minister Case Law Reviews by Steve Broach in a series to review the SEND reforms Short Breaks Partnership case studies that showcase effective delivery Case Studies highlighting innovative practice and delivery in the sector Top Resources from our networks, members and across the voluntary sector” You can read it here: http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/news/january-june2015/the-summer-edition-of-the-digest-is-now-available Counting the Costs Launched in July 2014, The Extra Costs Commission has spent the last year exploring the extra costs faced by disabled people and their families. The Commission has considered evidence about the problem of extra costs and identified solutions for driving down these costs. You can read the final report here: http://www.scope.org.uk/Get-Involved/Campaigns/Extracosts/Extra-costs-commission/Full-Report Living with Mr Worry – tips from a mum An article from Special Needs Jungle on how one family copes with the child’s anxieties. Watching your child learn to cope with worry can be heart breaking – here are some tips. http://www.specialneedsjungle.com/living-with-mr-worry-tips-from-a-mum/ As ever, if you have any queries at all, please ask and I'll do my best to find an answer. With best wishes, Romany RSFV phone: 07469 746 145 www.richmondsendfamilyvoice.org