Children, Schools and Families
Aiming High for Disabled Children Issue 6, Autumn 2011
Lots of disabled children and young people took the chance to say “thank-you� this summer as they enjoyed a fantastic array of fun and stimulating activities all over Sefton. To find out more go to Page 9 w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
Are you registered The Sefton with the Disabled Children’s Parent Information and Database? Partnership The Disabled Children’s Information and Database aims to provide parents with information both locally and nationally for families and children who may require specialist as well as mainstream services. Alongside this is an opportunity to identify services that could make a difference so they can be best developed for the future. The database can include children with: • Developmental delay • Physical disability • Chronic illness / medical condition • Moderate to severe learning disability • Hearing impairment / visual impairment • Communication difficulties
What’s in it for my child and me? A regular newsletter sent direct to your home giving information about services, events, benefits and support available locally and nationally. As the register is voluntary, you may have been given a copy of this newsletter by a third party who thought it would benefit you. There is a referral form below. Once you have returned the referral form (or you can call the Disabled Children’s Information and Database on 0151 934 3853), you will be contacted to arrange a home visit to complete a data collection form. Christine Bates Database Coordinator
Disabled Children’s Information and Database
The Sefton Parent Partnership provides accurate, impartial information, advice and support to parents whose children are disabled or who have Special Educational Needs. The service has been significantly reduced, but is still running ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) programmes with the help of volunteers, and are still offering free counselling for parents. Unfortunately they no longer offer other popular therapies. Despite the reduction in service, the Sefton Parent Partnerhip have expert knowledge and may be able to signpost you to the services you want. You can contact Christine and Wendy on 0151 291 0551.
(0-18 years) Please complete the following information and return it to the address (right) and the Database Coordinator will contact you. Child’s Name: Date of Birth:
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Information and Database The Good Shepherd Site Sterrix Lane, Litherla nd. L21 0DA. Tel: 0151 934 38 53
Parent/Carer Name: Relationship to child: Family Address:
Email: dcr@sefton .gov.u
k http://www.sefton.go v.uk/dcr
Database Coordinato r Christine Bates Database Administra tor Glenda Foley
Telephone: Primary diagnosis: Signature:
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Date:
Having a Voice! The ‘Giving Voice’ campaign is designed to ‘give voice’ to people with speech, language and communication needs to ensure those needs, and those of their carers and families, are met. They aim to demonstrate how speech and language therapy makes a difference to individuals and communities across the UK.
To safeguard the future of speech and language therapy services, it is vital that our decision makers understand that therapy is a cost saving, life transforming service. To find out more and get involved please visit the Giving Voice website: www.givingvoiceuk.org You can contact the campaign team on 020 7378 3012 or by email: info@rcslt.org
A Hands on Approach to Autism A Hands on Approach is a national annual conference organised by professionals and parents in partnership. It will be taking place on 2nd November 2011 from 8.50am- 5pm at The Pinewood House Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport. SK2 7JE. Tickets cost £100 for professionals and £35 for parents. For more information contact Tanya Farley on 07966 399 709
Breakaway Northwest CIC (Community Integrated Care) specialise in providing respite for families and time to be together if they have to focus attention on a family member with Special Needs. It is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of qualified key workers operating on a one-to-one basis to develop children and young people aged 5-25 years to the best of their capabilities. Key workers are there to help in lots of ways, such as organising pick-up and drop-off on a wheelchair friendly minibus or arranging ‘Care in the Community’. To find out more about Breakaway Northwest and what they can do for you, contact Ken on 07545 574 533 or Diana on 07988 329 255. Alternatively, you can email: enquiries@breakawaynorthwest.co.uk or visit their website: www.breakawaynorthwest.co.uk
Debt Advice CAP Sefton Carers Centre have an experienced debt advisor to help you with advice on your mortgage, rent, utility arrears etc. To receive this assistance, you need to be registered with the Carers Centre. To register contact them on 0151 288 6060 or find them at South Road, Waterloo. L22 5RF.
CAP (Christians Against Poverty) is a national debt counselling charity with a network of 160 centres based in local churches. CAP offers hope and a solution to anyone in debt through its unique, in-depth service. To find out more contact CAP on 01274 760 720 or by email: info@capuk.org Alternatively, you can visit their website: www.capuk.org
Stepping Forward The Shaw Trust have introduced Stepping Forward, a programme which aims to reduce the number of young people, aged 14-18 (or 25 for those with a learning difficulty or disability in Merseyside), who are, or are at risk of becoming, not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is in order to improve their education, employability and personal skills and to enable them to progress into work or further learning. It will be a new and innovative programme for up to 18 weeks using a range of new methods to engage young people, who will also be able to access funding through the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) bursary and will be supported with travel expenses. The Shaw Trust are currently recruiting for the programme and welcome referrals. If you would like to find out more contact Michael at Shaw Trust on 07595 085 603.
Kensington Foundation The Kensington Foundation promotes the relief of homelessness, poverty, deprivation and distress. Projects they currently fund and manage include: Daisy Chain Project, providing holiday accommodation for respite breaks; the Crisis Grant Line for grant-aid to those in need of assistance, and Jack In The Box, providing free toys for families in need. For more information contact the Kensington Foundation on 01253 761 444 or by email: kentrust1@hotmail.com Alternatively, you can visit their website: www.kensingtonfoundation.com
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Keeping an eye on the time The ‘Time Timer’ is now available from Special Direct with an optional audible signal (beep beep). This is useful for children who need an audible prompt to help with time perception. To find out more visit the Special Direct website: www.specialdirect.com
Need somewhere to change your child? Southport Community Service Station is making their facility available to parents of disabled children to use as a changing area. Please note that they are unable to provide staff assistance. You can find the centre at the following address: 27-37 Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport. PR8 1NW.
Swimming no longer statutory at hydro pool Statutory Saturday swimming at the hydro pool in Southport District General Hospital is no longer available due to limited demand. However, if you want to book a session for yourself then please contact Jane Galbraith at the hospital on 01704 704 150. Sessions cost £25 per hour and are available on weekends.
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Trabasack The Trabasack and Trabasack Mini are portable laptray bags for users of wheelchairs, buggies and therapy chairs. They have one flat side and a cushion insert on the other so the bag sits comfortably on the user's lap. They can be carried on the back, over the shoulder, or attached to a buggy or wheelchair using
adjustable straps. The Trabasack has curved edges to hug the body’s contours, while the Trabasack Mini is perfect for holding A4 paper. For more information please contact Fledglings on 0845 458 1124 or visit: www.fledglings.org.uk
Parent Carers Question Time Would you like the chance to have your questions and views heard by key decision makers responsible for providing services for your children? As part of the national Carers Rights Day, Sefton Carers Centre is organising two ‘Question Time’ styled events, where the panel will include senior figures from Health and Social Care. Parent Carer Question Time will be hosted in partnership with P.A.C.T.S (Parents and Carers Team Sefton). The key themes being discussed by the audience and guest panel are ‘Money Matters’ and the challenges posed by funding and service reductions at the forefront of carers’
thoughts. The morning session is specifically for parents and will take place on Friday 2nd December from 10am-2pm at the following address: RAFA Club, Victoria Road, Freshfield, Formby. L37 1LG. Complimentary refreshments will be provided including tea, coffee and biscuits. For full details of the panel, check out the November issue of Sefton Carers Contact Magazine or visit the P.A.C.T.S website for regular updates www.pactsefton.org.uk To attend, submit a question or for more information contact Sefton Carers Centre on 0151 288 6060.
Help with Water Charges The United Utilities Trust Fund is helping people in United Utilities areas who are unable to meet the cost of water charges. In certain cases, the Trust can also consider giving some help to meet other essential bills, household needs or priority debts. To apply for a grant - use an application form at the following webpage www.uutf.org.uk/app.htm or for more information visit: www.uutf.org.uk/Contact_Us.htm Alternatively, you can contact United Utilities Trust Fund on 0845 179 1791 or write to them at United Utilities Trust Fund, FREEPOST RLYY-JHEJ-XCXS, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1TJ.
Magazines, Books and Websites Working Families ‘Working Families’ is the UK’s leading work-life balance organization for parents and carers and their employers. They have free Legal Helpline for parents and carers as well as a Facebook page, which you can ‘Like’ and therefore keep up-to-date with their activities. They have also produced the following booklets:
‘From child to adult: a guide to disability, transition and family finance’ to read please visit: http://bit.ly/r0KuLK
‘Getting into Work’ which can be found at: http://bit.ly/oDDuJn
Cleft Palate and Deafness This book explains what a Cleft Palate is and the type of deafness commonly associated with it. To find out how you can register to download or order a copy, visit: www.ndcs.org.uk
Anger Management Games for Children By Deborah M. Plummer ISBN 9781843106289
Every Little Counts
Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety. By Deborah M. Plummer ISBN 9781843109600
The Nystagmus Network has published two story cards about Northwick the Bear with nystagmus to help children, teachers and others understand what it’s like to have this unusual eye condition. To find out more, visit the following link: www.nystagmusnet.org
Parent Place ‘Parent Place’ is an online discussion forum for parents of deaf children to share their experiences, worries and advice. For more information visit: www.ndcs.org.uk/parentplace
The Buzz The Buzz gives deaf young people the opportunity to make new friends and find out about activities and events, chat about things that matter to them and play games. For more information visit: www.ndcsbuzz.org.uk
If you employ a PA (personal assistant) or nanny you are classed as a ‘micro employer’. The Citizens Advice Bureau has produced an Advice Guide at http://bit.ly/oHLVkb
Whizz Kidz
From Anxiety to Meltdown The Nystagmus Network
Wrong Planet
Wrong Planet is a web community designed for those with autism, Asperger syndrome, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), PDDs (pervasive development disorders) and other neurological differences. Also designed for parents, carers and professionals, there are discussion forums, articles, features, blogs and a chatroom. Find out more at www.wrongplanet.net
By Deborah Lipsky ISBN 9781849058438
The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society (NAS) has released a new catalogue of publications. Contact them by email: publications@nas.org.uk or visit their website www.autism.org.uk to request a copy.
Learning About Friendship ‘Learning About Friendship’ is a set of stories to support social skills training in children with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism. By K. I. Al-Ghani ISBN 9781849051453
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs This is a humorous book that offers an insight into the mind of someone on the autistic spectrum. By Michael Barton ISBN 9780956713001
Whizz Kidz has started a new website for children with mobility needs, visit www.kidz-unlimited.org.uk to find out more.
Sefton Libraries All Sefton Libraries have at least two activities each week aimed at the under 4s. These are fun events and children can make as much noise as they want! At Storytime there is an activity and colouring, as well as a story and a couple of rhymes. At Rhymetime children sing along and play their instruments to nursery rhymes and songs; afterwards they can enjoy colouring-in with their friends. To find out more about what’s on offer for children at Sefton Libraries, please visit the following weblink: http://bit.ly/pN6BVr If you don’t have access to the Internet then please contact Sefton’s Contact Centre on 0800 140 0845 to find the location and contact number for your local library. 5
Sensory Touch Located in Southport, ‘Sensory Touch’ is a multi-sensory environment where your child or young person can indulge in escapism away from everyday distractions and enjoy enhanced relaxation and contemplation. This tailored environment is for all abilities, with staff on hand to offer advice or help you structure your sessions. Facilities include sensory rooms, a soft play area, UV relaxation area and lots of toys and games suitable for your child or young person. Sessions cost £45 per hour for either a person or group, with support staff admitted free. To find out more contact Sensory Touch on 01704 513 811 or by email: info@sensorytouch.co.uk Alternatively, you can visit their website: www.sensorytouch.co.uk
A Helping Hand The Sefton Helping Hand Service are in need of good quality furniture donations, which can be collected from your home and redistributed to residents who are in need within the Borough of Sefton. They can only collect and re-distribute from properties within the Borough of Sefton. To arrange a collection or if you are in need of furniture, please contact Sefton Helping Hand Service on 0151 932 9008. Please note we can only take furniture that is in good repair. Upholstered furniture must still have a label attached that states its compliance to fire retardant regulations. www.seftonhelpinghands.btck.co.uk
Up on Downs Families at the ‘Sefton Up on Downs’ group recently organised a useful and well-attended event at Bootle Cricket Club. Professionals, school representatives and parents joined together with the Downs Syndrome Association to look at the areas of development for children with Downs syndrome, including: • Developing language and communication skills. • Accessing the Curriculum • Developing numeracy and ‘Sefton Up on Downs’ are holding a Christmas Party on Sunday December 11th from 1 – 5pm, for families of children with Downs syndrome. The party is taking place at Crosby Comrades Club, Liverpool Road, Crosby. L23 5TG.
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mathematics skills in primary school. • Developing age appropriate behaviour and independent learning If you would like more information on Downs Syndrome Association resources you can contact Donna Proctor on 07866 663 010 or by email: donnaprocter@hotmail.co.uk or Julie Ryan on 07956 655 446 or by email: juliechalk@blueyonder.co.uk
For more information please contact Julie Ryan on 07956 655 446 or by email: juliechalk@blueyonder.co.uk or Donna Procter on 07866 663 010 or by email: donnaprocter@hotmail.co.uk
The Way We Talk ‘The Way We Talk’ is a new film from the ‘Hello’ campaign showing how speech, language and communication needs can appear in children. It is narrated through the words of Oliver (aged 8), Attiyyah (15), Luke (4), Jamie (15), Barnaby (6), Aiden (7) and Alex (6). You can help children with a communication difficulty by understanding more about their needs. Watch ‘The Way We Talk’ at www.hello.org.uk and visit www.talkingtrouble.info
Take the Right STEPS STEPS (Sefton Training and Enterprise Projects) provide free or low cost training courses and therapy sessions for carers and former carers. Upcoming courses include: First Aid for Carers; Weight Management, Autism Awareness and a 5 week Mental Well being programme beginning Monday 3rd October, 1-3pm. There are many more useful courses to choose from, please ask the STEPS team for a full list of available training courses up to November 2011. Therapies include: yoga at £3 per session; zumba at £3 per session; body massage from £10-15; facial at 12); manicure and pedicure at £12 each respectively, with a file and polish for £7 and monthly hopi ear candles, reflexology and reiki at £17. For more information on STEPS and courses and therapies they can provide, contact them on 0151 282 5477 or by email: Rebecca.Elliott@carers.sefton.gov.uk
Family Services Directory Go Lego Crazy! The Family Services Directory is an online directory of local and national services for children, young people and families. All you need to know in one place! Use it to find out what’s in your local area and where to turn for advice and support. Services include: Disability and Special Needs; Family Services; Schools and SureStart Children’s Centres; Health; Clubs and Activities; Jobs, Grants and Training; Sport and Recreation and Adult Social Care. To access the directory visit www.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformation You can also access the directory via an information kiosk within many of Sefton’s SureStart Children’s Centres. If you do not have access to the Internet or prefer to speak to an advisor please contact Sefton Families Information Service on 0800 0197 219 or by Email: fis@sefton.gov.uk
Kidz Up North Exhibition A FREE UK exhibition dedicated to disabled children, their families and carers, and the health care professionals who work with them. Information on funding, mobility, seating, beds, communication, access, education, toys, transport, style, sensory, sports, leisure and much more… Thursday, 24th November 2011 - 9.30am – 4.30pm, Reebok Stadium, Premier Suite, Middlebrook Exhibitions Centre, Burnden Way, Bolton. BL6 6JW. Junction 6, M61.
In good time for Christmas shopping, the colourful Lego Store has opened in Liverpool One! Situated on South John Street next door to Accessorize, the opening hours are: Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 8pm; Saturday: 9am - 7pm and Sunday: 11am - 5pm.
Find Answers at Merseytravel The Merseytravel advisory panel is being replaced with customer panels in each district, every ten weeks. They will be open to the public and involve local politicians and Merseytravel staff. If parents and carers have had issues obtaining a learning disability bus pass for their child, this would be an appropriate place to raise those issues. As yet times and dates are unknown but Christine Bates, Disabled Children’s Information and Database Coordinator, will signpost parents and carers when they are available. Alternatively, you can contact Merseytravel on 0151 227 5181 for more information.
....News....News....News....News....News....News....News....News.... Family Life ‘Family Life’ is a new two-year project working with children’s centres and parent groups in England to raise awareness of the relationship issues that many families face when caring for a disabled child. There will be a dedicated relationships enquiry service, training / workshops and new resources for families. For more details contact Yvonne McGahren, Relationships Information Officer by email: yvonne.mcgahren@cafamily.org.uk
Syndromes Without A Name UK – Family Stories Are you a family living without a
diagnosis? SWAN UK want families to share their stories on a new blog. If you wish to find out more or share your story contact Lauren Roberts on 020 7704 3141 or by email: SWAN@geneticalliance.org.uk
Patient Registry for Freidrich's Ataxia Ataxia UK are undertaking a 4 year project to develop a patient registry for Friedreich’s Ataxia. The study will gather vital information about the condition and help patients gain a better understanding of their prognosis. If you are affected by Friedreich’s Ataxia and wish to find out more visit the Ataxia UK website: www.ataxia.org.uk
Is your child eligible for a new Government Bursary Payment? Parents might be unaware that the new bursary is available from September 2011 for 16 to 19 year olds in further education. This is being introduced as a replacement for the Educational Maintenance Allowance. The most vulnerable students will be guaranteed a payment of £1,200 per year. To find out if your son or daughter are eligible for a payment of £1,200 call Contact a Family’s Helpline on 0808 808 3555 or email them at: info@cafamily.org.uk
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All Together Sefton Welcome to Sheila, a new columnist for Aiming High for Disabled Children. Sheila oversees 'All Together Sefton', a Facebook page exclusively for parents and carers of people with disabilities. She will be using this column to share information that could benefit parents and carers, of children and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. While she’s working tirelessly to share information with other parents and carers, she is also a dedicated Mum to 3 children, one of whom is diagnosed with autism. For her introductory column, Sheila has been interviewed by Christine Bates of the Disabled Children’s Information and Database. Why did you set up the page? ‘I feel very strongly about families like mine being not just supported, but well informed. We have lots of groups and professionals supporting parents within Sefton, but recognised there were still groups of parents / carers who are missing out on information and support, which can lead to families becoming quite isolated. The Facebook page provides
information from local groups, and parents and carers can let off steam between themselves. Parents and carers need a facility that meets the needs of their family life outside of office hours so they can ask questions within the privacy of a closed group and gain feedback from others in a similar position.’ How do you link with other agencies? ‘I link in with lots of other agencies such as the Disabled Children’s Information and Database and Sefton Carers Centre, using everyone’s areas of expertise to provide good quality information for parents. When there are areas of concern raised by parents I will link to the P.A.C.T.S Forum to enable them to raise issues at a higher level, then P.A.C.T.S will feed back to the group.’ Where do you feel your area of expertise will fit in? ‘I feel that my experience of being a parent with a child on the autistic spectrum is a good place to start and I
Amongst the useful information, Sheila is constantly updated with positive feedback from parents and carers, which she has compiled for this issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children:
‘I think it’s great! It’s often hard knowing where to look for advice and information, particularly if you are just starting out. It’s also nice to be with people who are going, or have gone through the same things as us and can fully understand and appreciate our concerns and difficulties.’
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have discussed with several people the possibility of developing an information pack for parents/carers of newly diagnosed autistic children. My aim with the pack is to take away that feeling of knowing your child’s diagnosis but not knowing help is out there and where to find it. I hope that eventually the pack will be given to families at the diagnosis stage. This idea has been brought to the P.A.C.T.S Parent Forum, Sefton Carers Centre and the Disabled Children’s Information and Database and up to now has been well received and supported.’ What’s been the response from parents and carers? ‘We have over 60 members already, include parents, carers and some professionals posting supportive messages and further information. There are also groups who can post information and details of fund raising events, such as Crosby RDA and ‘Thumbs Up’ to name just two. I hope our group continues to grow and that it will continue to make families feel well informed and well supported.’
‘It's a really good way of sharing information and thanks to you Sheila it's always topical and kept up to date. Thank you.’ ‘I think it is great. Well done. xx’ Sheila’s top tip for this issue is Emma’s Artisan Breads in Formby, who are selling a gluten free range of cakes and treats to eat-in or take-away, with an additional charge to eat-in. There are also gluten free birthday cakes and they soon hope to add gluten free bread and pasta to their range. You can contact Emma direct on 01704 830 124.
Short Breaks Update by Colin Oxley, Assistant Director, Inclusion
Sefton’s Biggest Summer Ever This year’s summer holiday schemes were packed with exciting opportunities for disabled children of all ages in Sefton. Funding from Sefton's Aiming High for Disabled Children meant that summer holiday activities took place throughout the six week break and this year were designed to be as accessible as possible, catering for more young people with complex needs, including a significant number who had never accessed summer schemes before. These were designed and delivered by a variety of providers including - Sefton Positive Futures, Sefton Resource Centre, The Well Young Persons Project, Crosby High School, Rowan Park School, Merefield School and various Children’s Centres. This meant that over 370 disabled childen and young people accessed summer activities funded by Aiming High for Disabled Children and their families had a short break from their caring responsibilities. Feedback from parents and children has been extremely positive and we are in the process of evaluating it so that we can learn from your experiences and build on our successes for next year.
Fun the Greatest Resource for Sefton Fun was the greatest resource for children and young people with moderate-to-severe disabilities in Sefton over the course of an action packed end to the summer. A young lady sticks to the task at hand with Sefton Resource Centre!
I am writing this following one of our most successful years in supporting parents and carers through providing enjoyable short breaks for their disabled children. The general feedback we have so far is positive, though we recognise that there are always improvements to be made. A lot of the improvement this year has been due to the effective partnership working with P.A.C.T.S in planning the programme. We are working closely with them on a detailed evaluation of this summer to keep improving as we begin planning for summer 2012! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff involved from Sefton Resource Centre and Positive Futures, including all of the extra casual staff and volunteers, who worked so hard to make this summer programme successful. One of the things that parents have said to us is that they would like to have a single point of access for Short Breaks services so we are combining the Resource Centre and Positive Futures teams into a new Short Breaks service. We have appointed Caroline Bates as Head of Service and she will be assisted by two deputies – Karen O’Farrell and Richard Potts. The new management team are thinking about the development of the new team,
including trying to come up with a new name for the service – any ideas welcome! I would like to emphasise that the new service will offer a range of Short Breaks – some in inclusive settings and some in settings solely for disabled children. We will continue to work with P.A.C.T.S to make sure that the service develops in ways that meet the needs of our children and families. Parents and carers have also told us that they would like easier access to services and I have tried to capture this in our draft Short Breaks statement. This is already on the P.A.C.T.S website and I would welcome your views. We need to put the statement on the Sefton website in October and I am proposing that we should use the draft statement initially, while emphasising it is a draft and may change in the light of any comments received. I would hope that we would have a very clear idea of what you think of the statement by Christmas so that a final version can be placed on the Sefton Council website by January 2012. I hope that the changes we are making are working for our children and families but please let us have your views so that we can continue to improve services together.
With funding from Aiming High for Disabled Children, Sefton Resource Centre staff and volunteers provided fun, safe, stimulating activities for 102 children and young people aged from 3-19 years. Activities were spread over 6 sites, ranging from 5-10 days depending on the age group and included: baking; teddy bears picnics; getting messy; water play; a bouncy
castle, fancy dress and visits off site to Dunes Splash World in Southport; Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre; bowling, Chester Zoo and Alton Towers. A key date in August was the ‘Walking with Giants’ convention in Liverpool. ‘Walking with Giants’ is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Primordial Dwarfism. Families from across the world attended the weeklong convention held in Liverpool’s Marriott Hotel. Sefton Resource Centre provided lots of activities for the children and their siblings whilst parents and carers attended the conference. To find out more, please contact Karen O’Farrell on 0151 934 5862 or by email: Karen.O’Farrell@sefton.gov.uk 9
Young people keep the ball rolling for 2012 Ability was the name of the game as disabled young people heralded the London 2012 Olympics in a disability football tournament and roadshow at Litherland Sports Park. Hosted in partnership by Sefton Positive Futures, Active Sefton and Liverpool County Football Association, the tournament was part of a series of sporting and
A young player demonstrates the Cruyff turn at Litherland Sports Park.
On The Beat Young people in Sefton have been moving to their own beat and creating their own unique sounds as part of stimulating activities from the Well Young Person Project. ‘On The Beat’ gave young people the opportunity to explore digital music technology and create their own pieces, regardless of their ability or experience. Music professionals and technicians from MoMusic supported the young people and introduced them to cutting edge studio technology, where they gained the knowledge, confidence and self-esteem to create music with professional production levels.
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cultural events taking place across the UK, which saw hundreds of thousands of people participating in events to celebrate the ‘One Year to Go’ countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The celebration event for young people with physical, sensory or learning barriers was used to raise awareness of the fantastic work that is being undertaken by various agencies and clubs, and to showcase the amazing skill and commitment levels of disabled young people in the local area. The tournament comprised of Under 13 and Under 16 categories and was also open to established teams or new teams formed from individual entrants who wanted to get involved. An entertaining and informative highlight of the day for all players, coaches and parents were the displays by members of the Great Britain Blind Football and Cerebral
As well as the skills garnered in the studio, they had the chance to express themselves through their productions. Working with professional MCs, they articulated their own thoughts and feelings through music and addressed issues affecting them and their peers. The culmination of the fun and hard work in the studio was their own CD of unique compositions, including their music and lyrics. The Well Young Person Project aimed to use the project to inspire and motivate young people to express themselves and learn more in the modern world, with music and music technology proving excellent platforms through which to do this. To find out more about what the Well Young Person Project has to offer for young people with learning
Palsy Football squads. Sefton Positive Futures entered their development players, who despite having less experience in the Under 16 category than rival teams, improved greatly throughout the course of the tournament. The group gained pride from their ‘Most Sporting Team of the Tournament’ award, gladly collected by team Captain Richard Geeson, as well as receiving participation medals and enjoying the odd goal celebration along the way. In a gripping final Everton FC ran out worthy winners against the team from Knowsley MBC. The Sefton Positive Futures team run a number of disabled and inclusive football sessions across the borough. For further information on your nearest activity, contact the team direct on 0151 285 5444, by email: promotions@sefton.gov.uk or via Facebook at Sefton Positive Futures.
Young people get on the same frequency with MoMusic… difficulties or disabilities, contact Julie Rimmer on 0151 934 3194 or by email: Julie.Rimmer@sefton.gov.uk
Sizzling Summer Fun with
One young man enjoyed Positive Futures summer activities so much he set up home! As part of its summer sizzler of activities, Sefton Positive Futures provided a range of thing to do. From water sports and Blokarts to themed arts and crafts, ‘Wheels for All’ and family fun days, there was something for everyone to enjoy on the summer long programme. Nearly 160 disabled children and young people accessed the programmes delivered by Positive Futures with lots of positive
feedback from parents and carers: friendship with another young girl and they now meet regularly within "As a parent this summer has their own time". helped me immensely, my boys have had a full and fun summer Sefton Positive Futures run a whilst I have been given some much number of disability specific and needed time for myself. My son who inclusive activities for disabled has never been able to ride a bike children and young people in because of his disability has now Sefton. To find out further learnt how to as a result of the information, log on to ‘Wheels for All’ sessions, which is a www.moveitsefton.co.uk or join fantastic achievement. Access to the team on Facebook at Sefton this provision has had a hugely Positive Futures. positive effect. The staff were wonderful and always approachable". Another key aspect of the programme highlighted by parents and carers was the increase in physical skills, confidence and the development of friendships: "All of the sessions with Positive Futures went so well. My daughter has It was the need for speed on Formby Beach this subsequently forged a summer…
Youth Service Short Break Sessions
Short breaks in Sefton are not only fun and enriching for those involved, but also incredibly varied. The choices on offer are the result of contributions from lots of dedicated services working together. Sefton Youth Service is one such service, placing emphasis on fun, safety and personal development. Youth Service sessions take place in nine youth centers borough wide
including Orrell Mount Youth Centre and Queens Road Neighbourhood Centre in Bootle and The Escape Youth Centre at Netherton Activity Centre (NAC). The Youth Service, with financial and staffing support from Sefton Positive Futures, delivers ten Short Breaks sessions (30-35 hours) per week offering disabled young people aged 11-25 years the opportunity to participate in activities and experiences that will develop their skills, knowledge and self confidence, these include: developing bids for Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) funding, learning about sexual health and personal safety, understanding aspects of the cultures around them and enabling young people to achieve accreditation through
projects and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. All activities and projects take place in a safe and supportive environment where young people can be with their friends, socialise, have fun, learn and be themselves. Everything the young people do is based on their identified needs and involves their input every step of the way, with recorded outcomes leading to accreditations through their participation. To find out more about Sefton Youth Service and what it can offer your child or a young person you care for, contact them on 0151 934 4949 or by email: Youth.Service@sefton.gov.uk
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Summer Holidays in Sefton’s Children’s Centres Summer time was playtime for children’s centres across Sefton. A variety of sessions were provided by seven children’s centres across the borough for families of children with
The Grange Children's Centre introduce the innovative half-boy half launching pad during their summer programme…
additional needs, including outings, play sessions, arts and crafts and respite. The centres developed the sessions by working with parents, Sefton Carers Centre, Aiming High for Disabled Children, The Disabled Children’s Information and Database, and Homestart. They also communicated with other national and local organisations to ensure those who accessed the sessions got the information and support they needed from other appropriate agencies. For example, they helped families complete grant applications, found out about where certain referrals were up to, and gave support around managing behaviour. The summer programme run by Sefton’s children’s centres has received very positive feedback:
“I don’t know how I would have coped without the respite they gave me. The children felt good about themselves because of what they’d achieved, with their behaviour, and with the things they did.” Parent, Valewood Children’s Centre. “My child was happier, more confident and more independent.” Parent, Hudson Children’s Centre. To find out what Sefton’s children’s centres are offering and what you can do over the half-term holiday, a full table of the sessions for children with additional needs can be found at the following link: http://bit.ly/rjomQN You can also access this on the P.A.C.T.S website: http://pactsefton.org.uk/ Alternatively, for a hard copy of the programme or timetable for your nearest centre, call Kate Hurn at Sefton Carers Centre on 0151 288 6063.
Family Event is “Well Fun”! Fun and well-being were the only things being prescribed to families in Sefton over the course of four days of summer activities. With funding from Aiming High for Disabled Children, Sefton’s Well Young Person team and Crosby High Specialist Humanities College came together once more to run their fourth annual ‘Family Fun’ event. Activities began on Monday with families asked to think about the ‘Five Ways to Well being’, with themes including: ‘To connect’; ‘Take notice’; ‘Be active’, ‘Keep learning’ and ‘Give of yourself’. Following this session the afternoon was spent watching ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ at the Plaza Community Cinema in Waterloo. Tuesday was spent with Kev Leavitt of Active Sefton at the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. At the centre families enjoyed raft building, bell boat racing and for those not 12
wanting to get wet there was the formidable climbing wall. On Wednesday there was a Nature Day at Crosby High, which was organised collaboratively between the Sefton Well Young Person team; Crosby High; City Rice Lane Farm; Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary; Steve Riley’s Nature Trail, S and R Birds, who brought their wonderful birds of prey and O.P.E.R.A (Older Person’s Enabling Resource and Action), who provided massage and relaxation therapy. Thursday was spent at Brockhole in the Lake District, the highlight of which was a boat trip on Lake Windermere, with families encouraged to explore the scenic surroundings. Both Crosby High and the Well Young Person team were encouraged by positive feedback they received from families, “It enables my son to have fun family activities with friends and extended family in a safe
environment. The group understands that the children are of different abilities and have additional needs. If my son came out with something inappropriate it is not judged – making it a lot less stressful!” “It’s really helpful as the summer holidays can be so stressful.” “Everything arranged is ‘needs led’ and very much enjoyed and appreciated.”
Stick insects were among the many stars during Family Fun Week!
Making a Splash! Making a splash Lakeside style, pupils from Merefield School have been enjoying a summer break with a difference thanks to funding from Aiming High for Disabled Children. Merefield School have been able to utilise the funding to run a summer holiday programme for their pupils with the most profound and complex disabilities. Arranged through the Sefton Positive Futures team, pupils have been visiting Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre every Wednesday to access a range of water sports activities including power boating and dinghies. Caroline Bates, Senior Development Manager for the Sefton Positive
Futures team highlighted feedback received from staff at Merefield School and reiterated the achievements of the students, “We have had fantastic feedback from the staff at the facility and from Merefield School who have informed us that the children loved the activities and have made the staff a thank you card to show their gratitude for their time at the facility, as for many it was their first visit to Crosby Lakeside.” For further information on activities taking place at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre visit www.crosbylakeside.co.uk or for further information on disabled activities for children and young
The water at Crosby Lakeside wasn’t quite clear enough to see to the bottom!
Aaaand relax!… people please log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk
Arrivals not Departures in Sefton
Everyone together: new arrivals quickly settle in a hive of activity.
It was about ‘The Arrivals’ not ‘Departures’ for young people in Sefton this summer, as they were given a chance to spread their wings and belong. Supported by funding from Aiming High for Disabled Children, ‘The Arrivals’ was a unique project designed to help young people develop a sense of belonging, supporting those who feel they are at the margins of social groups both
inside and outside of school. Using creative arts such as storytelling, excerpts from novels, painting, drawing and poetry, ‘The Arrivals’ project tackles issues such as bullying, loneliness, transition, relationships, xenophobia and racism. The young people began to identify with the main characters in the works discussed, relating their sense of otherness to their own experiences and those of their peers in the group. To find out more about ‘The Arrivals’, contact Julie Rimmer on 0151 934 3194 or by email: Julie.Rimmer@sefton.gov.uk
What our friends said on Facebook… ‘Thanks to all the staff at Positive Futures, Sophie has had a great six weeks holiday, would be lost without you. Thank-you x’ Sharon Gwynne, Parent
‘Keziah has got her last Positive Futures session tomorrow. Thankyou to all the staff, especially Alex! Keziah has had a lovely time, and I have enjoyed a break and time to spend some one-on-one time with Elisha, Keziah's little sister. :)’ Clair Louise Vaughan, Parent
‘Positive Futures have been brilliant, with loads of activities for my son. He was signed up for Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and is doing 6 days, each with 6 hours of watersports.’ Deborah Ann Clarke, Parent
Join us online, just look for Sefton Positive Futures! 13
Thornton College
Thornton College is a specialist centre dedicated to providing a caring and supporting environment for young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities. Purpose built on the site of the former Thornton Primary School, the centre is run as a partnership between Hugh Baird College and Sefton Council. Thornton College has a team of experienced specialist teachers and support teams from Hugh Baird College who are working in collaboration with Sefton’s special schools. Sixteen students from the special schools joined the College in September and more will join them in September 2012. The teachers and support teams build on the prior learning of students and provide a progression route to help the students develop their skills to achieve their potential. This may include further study at College, employment or supported employment, and independent living. Students will study a variety of courses to help them to develop independence and life enhancing skills:
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• ‘Daily Living Skills’, including healthy eating and cooking. • ‘Community Life Skills’, which will help students to participate in the community and develop skills to plan and undertake trips, including independent travelling. • ICT, Maths and Communications for everyday life. Thornton College has exceptional facilities, with a media suite, refectory, state of the art specialist classrooms and a bedsit, where students can develop independent living skills with the help of teachers and support teams.
Matt Wilson, Thornton College Manager said “Thornton College is one of only two colleges of its kind in the country. It is already making a difference to the lives of some of the young people in Sefton and we are looking forward to welcoming more students in the future.” Thornton College will be holding an open afternoon in November, to find out more please contact Sophie Thomson, Transitions Coordinator on 0151 934 3830 or by email: Sophie.Thomson@sefton.gov.uk
P.A.C.T.S - Parent and Carers Team Sefton If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person 0-25 years with additional needs or belong to a group of parents you can get involved with P.A.C.T.S and 'Have Your Say'. The P.A.C.T.S Vision is to join parents together with a collective ‘voice’ to work with service providers to help shape services to meet the needs of disabled children and their families. The team have had a very busy few months working with Sefton Council on behalf of parents of disabled children and will continue to do so in the future. P.A.C.T.S have been involved in many key projects and developments, including: Helping shape the summer holiday activities for disabled children in Sefton alongside Sefton Positive Futures, Sefton Resource Centre, children’s centres for their family days and Merefield School, Rowan Park School and Crosby High School for their summer schemes. Did your child access any of these activities? Please contact the team
and let them know whether or not your child attended. If your child did attend, tell P.A.C.T.S about your experiences. Were they good? If so what aspects did you enjoy? Would you change anything? If so, what would you change? If your child did not access any activities, please let P.A.C.T.S know why. You can find online forms on their website. All the feedback will be used to help as many children access some form of summer activity as possible and make the activities better for our children. Also on the P.A.C.T.S website there is a consultation document from Sefton, regarding the core offer of Short Breaks. Please have a read and give your comments either directly to Colin Oxley or through P.A.C.T.S. If you don’t have access to the Internet please contact P.A.C.T.S on 07864 913 630 or Christine Bates at the Disabled Children’s Information and Database on 0151 934 3853 and a copy will be sent to you. The deadline for consultation has been extended to encourage as much discussion and feedback as possible.
P.A.C.T.S have also been involved in the Children’s Centres Review and there is some information on our website for you to read and to comment on if you wish. It is important to feedback your views on the children’s centres as the proposals may change the services they offer. All these things are important steps in making services available and accessible for disabled children. You can find out more about P.A.C.T.S by visiting their website: www.pactsefton.org.uk
Next Parent’s Forum m There’s a P.A.C.T.S Foru n taking place at Netherto on ) AC (N Activity Centre 18th January 2012, will commencing at 10am. It give everyone an opportunity to look at the rld new Jake’s Sensory Wo ted and speak to the selec panel, who are yet to be confirmed. Netherton Activity Centre, Glovers L. Lane, Netherton. L30 3T
Application to join The Parent’s Forum Parent / Carer contact details
If your child attends school / nursery please give details below
Name: Child’s Name: Address: Telephone: Email: Please return to P.A.C.T.S (Parent and Carers Team Sefton), c/o 27-37 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 5RF. 0151 288 6060 Email: susan.neal@carers.sefton.gov.uk
What’s the best way to contact you? Telephone
Post
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An “Inny” and an “Outy” for DCATCH Going out to bring children in, the DCATCH Inclusion Practitioners were kept very busy over the summer.
It lived in the forest and had big claws!...
During the school summer break, both practitioners were invited to help plan and deliver inclusive play sessions in a number of private and voluntary sector holiday clubs. Children attending the clubs ranged in age from 4-12 years and all were encouraged to participate in activities, including: ‘I can Animate’ movie making sessions featuring alien animations; a variety of games using basic signing to support language and making a variety of very loud and colourful musical instruments using a collection of recycled “junk”. As well as being great fun, the sessions gave them the chance to work with childcare staff in the settings, helping them to think and reflect on how to make sure holiday club activities are accessible to all children who attend. Staff at the various locations provided glowing feedback: ‘This was brilliant, the children loved it and were so engaged!’ ‘It has been lovely to have the
chance to really stop and think about what we do.’ The sessions proved to be a great success and the practitioners are planning to make them a regular feature of their ongoing programme of staff support and coaching. DCATCH (Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare) helps the families of young people with additional needs, aged 0-19 years to access high-quality, affordable and inclusive childcare during the times that parents / carers are at work. If you think that DCATCH could support your family or setting or you would like to hear more about what the programme can offer, please give the team a call on 01704 882 036. Alternatively, if you have a DCATCH story you would like to share with them and possibly be published in Aiming High for Disabled Children, please email: DCATCH@sefton.gov.uk
Nooo silly DCATCH! This is how you put your hands together!
Are you moving? Don't forget to let us know your new address for you to continue to receive Aiming High for Disabled Children Please contact Christine Bates, Database Coordinator, Sefton's Disabled Children's Information and Database on 0151 934 3853 or by Email: dcr@sefton.gov.uk 16