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People Directorate
Aiming High for Disabled Children Issue 7, Spring 2012
Meet Jake and find out about Jake's Sensory World on Page 13. Also, find out the achievements of another very special young man on Page 3.
w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
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Are you registered with the Disabled Children’s Information and Database? 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 (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:
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Information and Database
Date of Birth: Parent/Carer Name: Relationship to child: Family Address:
The Good Shepherd Site Sterrix Lane, Litherlan d. L21 0DA.
Tel: 0151 934 38 53 Email: dcr@sefton .gov.uk http://www.sefton.go v.uk/dcr
Telephone: Primary diagnosis: Signature:
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Hello, my name is Olive Carey and I am Head of Early Intervention and Prevention Services. As part of the People Directorate Leadership team I am responsible for the Sefton Short Breaks and Aiming High Strategy. I know that Colin Oxley did an immense amount of work to develop a vibrant and inclusive Aiming High vision and I hope to build on his legacy. Since January 2012 I have been meeting colleagues, practitioners, parents and providers across both the maintained and the voluntary sector. I have been assured and impressed by your commitment, passion and openness to support, nurture and develop our children and young people to lead fulfilling and inclusive lives. The current Sefton offer of flexible and creative services enables many families to work, play and plan their lives whilst children and young people access services, experiences and social interactions to develop their potential. I aim to provide a vibrant, fair and responsive Short Breaks Policy that builds on the current good practice that you all value. I look forward to working with you in the coming year.
Date:
Database Coordinato r Christine Bates Database Administra tor Glenda Foley
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Cerebra Children’s Awards
Left to right: Elliot’s Mum; Elliot and actress Francesca Martinez.
It was a night on the big stage as a Drama student from Sefton won an ‘Overall Achievement’ Award at the annual Cerebra Children’s Awards. As a child Elliot was diagnosed with arrested hydrocephalus, severe dyspraxia, multi-sensory integration difficulties, low muscle tone and Asperger Syndrome, resulting in years of therapy and difficulties in school. Despite his problems Elliot discovered a talent for Drama and gained a GCSE equivalent at just 10 years old, winning festivals for pieces he composed himself and being awarded a bursary at Liverpool Drama Festival at the age of 11. With the help of a scribe Elliot gained four GCSEs in the last year, comprising two Bs in
Mathematics, an A in RE and a B in English Language. He has also represented his high school at public speaking competitions. Every Saturday he gives up his time to teach Drama in the community, building the confidence and self-esteem of those he teaches. Recently he has worked with his occupational therapist to help younger children with Autism develop social skills through Drama. Elliot’s Mum nominated him for the award and stressed how proud she was of him, ‘We wanted to let you know that your family and all who have struggled with you and supported you on your climb are immensely proud of you. You’re not just an A student but an A* student." The awards celebrate the amazing achievements of
children Cerebra help, as well as parents, carers, volunteers and siblings who support them. The 2011 awards were hosted by comedian and actress Francesca Martinez as Cerebra celebrated its 10th year in operation. Francesca, who herself has cerebral palsy but prefers to be described as “wobbly” was inspired by the young people she encountered at the event: “The amazing achievements of these young people are incredibly inspiring and highlight the power of positive thinking, courage and determination”. For more information regarding the work of Cerebra, please visit www.cerebra.org.uk Go to the following page for Elliot's inside track on the Annual Cerebra Awards.
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Cerebra Children's Awards - The Inside Track My name is Elliot and I received a special award for Outstanding Achievement at Cerebra’s annual Awards. My Take on Life I had no idea I had even been nominated for the award, let alone won! I don’t see myself as different or special – just as someone who can do some things well, but there are other things that I have to work really hard at. Also I have to accept that there are some things that I will never be able to do – for example, I have a scribe to help me with my studies. My take on life is that you can’t choose what life throws at you, but you can choose your attitude! Positively Different When we pulled into the driveway of the hotel it was a real WOW factor. It was truly going to be a grand occasion! The awards ceremony was opened by Chris Jones, Chief Executive at Cerebra. Up next was Francesca Martinez, a comedienne and actress. Everyone was laughing, especially at the way she described her cerebral palsy as “Wobbly,” which she thought was a much better word. She delivered a set of funny, sometimes risky, yet thought provoking material. Ultimately, she highlighted that it is okay to be different.
Amazing Winners After that there was a lovely meal. I really enjoyed the triple chocolate dessert! On the evening it was one winner’s 10th Birthday and after the rendition of Happy Birthday, small cup cakes were handed out to everyone in the room (I saved mine to have a midnight feast in the hotel room later!). It was now time for the main event of the evening... the awards (I still hadn’t seen my picture in the programme and was completely in the dark). Winners included a First Prize for Henry Hughes, a 6 year old boy who cares for his sister. Second Prize was Helaina Stone who despite a rare genetic disorder lives her life to the full, with her Mother speaking emotionally about the way people first see the disability and not the child. The Education Award was won by Josh who despite having Asperger syndrome and being only 7 years of age, gained an A* in GCSE Spanish. This was followed by Birthday Girl Elise Fullard who won an award for Sporting Achievement. Bashir, a 17 year old boy with Down’s syndrome nominated his father Ally for an award, giving an emotional tribute. Bashir was followed by Lisa Fishwick, who gives her free time to support other parents of children with Smith Magenis syndrome, a condition her
daughter Grace is diagnosed with. Grace was all smiles as Lisa was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Before Bashir’s speech an award was given that was close to my heart as Simon Parton (who couldn’t attend) won the Brilliant Brother Award. My brother Oliver has been very patient throughout my endless therapies and additional attention I receive, so I appreciate everything people like Simon go through. Surprise Surprise! The next part of the evening I was not prepared for! Flabbergasted was the only word to describe me! As I heard my story being read out I thought to myself “I haven’t had it easy these last 16 years!” I loved the video but wondered how they had got all those images…Mum, of course! I couldn’t be cross as she spoke of how incredibly proud she was of me (tissues at the ready). Receiving an award has made me realise that I should keep believing in myself and has given me the courage and aspiration to keep on going, despite my difficulties. I want to finish with a great big “Thank-you” to all at Cerebra for a wonderful night to remember. Learn more about the work of Cerebra at www.cerebra.org.uk
The Activate Tandem Buggy The Activate Tandem Buggy has been designed to cater for the needs of families that have a child with special needs and a younger sibling. The Tandem Seat unit offers a good level of postural support, with additional headrests, trunk supports and harnessing. The Sibling Seat system works from birth with the Mimmo Baby Car Seat that is designed to be used in a vehicle, and then also attaches to the rear of the Tandem Buggy Frame with 4
an adaptor bracket. As the younger sibling grows, they then use the Ergo Toddler Seat that attaches to the same attachment points.
The initial cost is £1,800. Due to the cost you may decide to approach a charity, to find out how you may be able to do this, contact Christine Bates, Disabled Children’s Information and Database Coordinator on 0151 934 3838 or by email: Christine.Bates@sefton.gov.uk You can visit Activate at http://www.activateforkids.co.u k/tandem.htm or call them on Tel: 01722 340 600
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Scope Response Scope Response is a free service offering information, advice and support to disabled people, families and professionals. Scope’s Regional Response Workers work with people of all ages with cerebral palsy their families and carers that may need a higher level of advice and support. This varies from home visits to telephone advice and support to ensure children and families receive the appropriate services.
You can contact Scope on 0808 800 33 33 or text SCOPE, plus your message to 80039. Alternatively, you can Type Talk from a text phone on 18001 followed by 0808 800 3333. Email: response@scope.org.uk Visit: www.scope.org.uk / www.dialuk.info Scope Response, PO Box 833, Milton Keynes. MK12 5NY (Please include SAE for a reply).
Cerebra
Cerebra Innovation Centre The Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) is a small team of designers and engineers producing novel and
ASBAH (Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) is now Shine (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Information Networking Equality). The local contact is Angela Lansley, Support and Development Worker at SHINE who can be contacted on 0151 733 8392 or by email: angela.lansley@shinecharity.org.uk Website http://www.shinecharity.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/SHINE.charity Facebook: www.facebook.com/SHINE Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShineUKCharity
ODEON Cinemas
Lending Library Cerebra has a postal lending library of books and DVDs relating to neurological conditions and a variety of sensory equipment. Anyone can borrow items and it's free to return them by using Cerebra’s freepost address for books or a courier service they arrange for sensory equipment. You can borrow two books at a time and one sensory item for a month at a time.
SHINE
unique equipment for disabled children. The CIC undertake many design projects initiated by members of the charity and develop, design and produce products to help in the daily lives of children with neurological conditions. They aim to reduce some of the social stigma of disabilities with stylish yet functional products. You contact them on 01792 483 688 or by email: cic@cerebra.org.uk
The ODEON cinema at Liverpool’s Switch Island complex will be staging monthly autism friendly film screenings. This is part of a national programme resulting from work between ODEON and disability and autism charity Dimensions. The screenings mean that people with autism will have better access and improved choice in an environment sympathetic to their needs.
Cerebra Celebration at Shy Lowen Cerebra celebrated its 10th year in 2011 with a day at the Shy Lowen Horse Sanctuary for local families, who joined local Cerebra contact Emma Hayes. On the day there was a visit from Father Christmas and the chance for the children to ride the ponies at the sanctuary. Every Saturday from 11-12pm children can meet the horses and ponies, in order to visit the sanctuary parents and carers should contact Bernie on 07960 230 548.
Lewis enjoys his pony ride with some helpers from Shy Lowen 5
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Scope for Greater Understanding The perceived ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality displayed by children with cerebral palsy, good moods in school followed by a bad temper at home is usually related to one defined cause – they are over tired. Their disability makes physical and mental demands on them they don’t realise are there as they become
normalised as part of their everyday routines. If you or someone you know is a parent or carer of a child with cerebral palsy you can find more information or advice regarding their condition or behaviour by calling Scope on 0808 800 3333.
Junior Club is Phab! Dunes Splash World in Southport plays host to Phabkids nights for 5-13 year olds ‘who are able and those who are not so able’. They take place every Monday, 6-8pm and include exciting, fun activities such as various sports, games and swimming in an environment where they can meet friends and make new ones. Phabkids also organise outings, parties and adventure holidays. Southport Junior Phab Club - Tel: 01704 880 561 Registered Charity No. 1094817 in England and Wales
PDSA for pets in need of vets PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) no longer provides PDSA Pet Care for people who acquire multiple pets and can’t commit to their long-term health and welfare. If you are able to make this kind of commitment, whether with a single or multiple pets, you can qualify for PDSA Vet Care if you: • Live within the catchment area of a PDSA PetAid hospital or practice service. • Receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. Please note you may be asked to contribute to PDSA for treatment your pet receives. Tel: 0800 731 2502 if you need to find your local PDSA. 6
Services available through the National Autistic Society All criminal justice professionals may come into contact with someone who has autism. At www.autism.org.uk you will find useful information on autism and strategies for dealing with those who have it. The National Autistic Society’s (NAS) ‘Position statement: crime and autism’ highlights how misunderstandings can arise and can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/xFZ1Ce You can also view ‘Legal firms with experience of dealing with autism spectrum disorders’ at http://bit.ly/zZ52QR As witnesses or victims, people on the autistic spectrum may find ‘The Witness Intermediary Scheme’ useful for help and support with the criminal justice process. Call the Autism Helpline on 0808 8004 104 open from 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Time Timer App Parents love the Time Timer App for the Iphone as it helps children to understand the concept of time through 3 different settings, with a bright red disc that disappears as time elapses. It can be accessed at the online Apple Store and typing Time Timer App into the search. Alternatively you can find it at local stockists.
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Carers! Are your needs being met too? As a carer I see that we often fail to address our own needs. Did you know you there’s loads of help and support out there? These include: • Free carers assessment with your local carers centre. • Free yearly health checks with your GP. • Free flu jabs. • Free entry to attractions (with proof of DLA award). • Reduced-cost beauty and relaxation treatments at S.T.E.P.S. • Free socials and coffee mornings at various places across Sefton. • Free training in how to deal with various conditions through Sefton Carers Centre / S.T.E.P.S. • Free manual handling training.
Fledglings Fledglings have produced a catalogue of useful products for disabled teens and young adults, along with their regular products for disabled children and families. These include: Waterproof swimwear elasticated at the waist and tops of the legs to contain liquids and solids. A strong harness and walking rein suitable for young people with up to 38” waist (available up to 47”) and particularly useful for those who are hyperactive or who have no sense of danger. Find out about their full range of products at www.fledglings.org.uk or order a catalogue on 0845 458 1124.
• Free counselling. • Financial help on selected Open University courses. • Access to a wide range of information if you register your child with Christine at the Disabled Children’s Information and Database. The “All Together Sefton” Facebook group now has 95 members and is growing all the time. The group is a private group specifically for parents and carers that can’t be accessed by anyone outside the group. It’s so important for parents and carers to know they’re not on their own and communicate and share with others in the same situation. When several parents / carers raise the same issue, P.A.C.T.S assist us to get the answers we need. Well done to
those who participate and continue to make valuable contributions. JOIN US NOW! TELL YOUR FRIENDS! The ‘Little Stars Coffee Group’ is set up by two local mums as just a place to meet other parents like you. The first meeting took place in Bootle on 1st February but will take place in other venues. Find out more at the ‘LITTLE STARS COFFEE GROUP’ Facebook page. Alternatively you can find out dates and times by contacting Christine Bates (number below). ‘Thumbs Up Sefton’ have places available at their Saturday morning group for children with additional needs aged between 3-18 years. Contact Christine Bates for further information on 0151 934 3853.
Training Rainbow Opportunities Drops The Merseyside Joint Training Partnership is providing a wide range of programmes that both parents / carers and professionals may find useful. They are FREE to member agencies of the Joint Training Partnership (JTP) as well as all family members, self-advocates and those who receive support from agencies who are part of the JTP. Nonmembers must pay £50 per person, per day. You can find out how you can access a course email Colin Prior at the JTP on mpip@btconnect.com or call 0151 287 7977. If places are available he will forward your enquiry to Norma Georgeson at Sefton Council’s People Development team, who can be contacted on 0151 330 5744.
Rainbow Drops is a parent led playgroup for children with additional needs. The centre is in a secure location where parents and carers can de-stress over a hot beverage while play workers interact with the children and their siblings. Facilities include a crèche, computer room and an outdoor area with animals and a bouncy castle! The group asks for £1 contribution per family for the use of the facilities. Sessions are held every Saturday from 3.30 – 5.30pm at Netherton Park Centre, Chester Avenue, Netherton. L30 1QW. To fnd out more, call the centre on 0151 285 5211.
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Magazines, Books and Websites Looking after someone: a guide to carers' rights and benefits 2011 / 12 This Contact Carers UK guide sets what rights carers have and how they can get financial and practical help. You can download a copy at http://bit.ly/ziKVUM or order a copy on 020 7378 4999.
Special Needs Pushchairs If your child needs something more specialised than the average pushchair then check out www.specialneedspushchairs.co.uk or give them a call on 01363 881 110.
Social Situation Stories by Alison Harris isbn 9781906213312 Stories for teaching social and life skills to children with Autism and related disabilities.
Aukids Magazine For further information on the AuKids positive parenting magazine and how to subscribe for just £10 a year, visit www.aukids.co.uk
Jennifer Anzin Jennifer Anzin has worked with children with special needs for over 25 years. She writes free stories for children from 2 and half years and up, to help them deal with anger and impulse control and attention deficit
issues or dealing with bullying. You can download her entertaining stories at http://bit.ly/aGH9iP
Family Sign Language The Family Sign Language website is a free, fun way for families with deaf childen aged 0-5 years to learn basic British Sign Language. Find out more at: www.familysignlanguage.org.uk or call the National Deaf Children Society (NDCS) Freephone on 0808 800 8880 to order a DVD.
Disability Now Looking for an adapted property to holiday? Try www.disabilitynow.org.uk
Radar Key Find up-to-date details of nearby accessible toilets where you can use a Radar Key, which can be accessed at www.radar.org.uk You can also use Radar National Key Scheme App, which you can purchase at the Apple Store and type Radar Key into the search.
The Down’s Syndrome Association The Down’s Syndrome Association have an information sheet regarding the Personal Independence Payment and frequently asked questions produced by the Department of Working Pensions at http://bit.ly/tj6aev
Living with ADHD This website supports those who come into contact with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), such as parents / carers and teachers and also provides resources for children and teenagers with the condition. Find out more at: www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
Explosive Children By Ross W. Greene Explosive Children is a new approach for understanding and parenting frustrated, chronically inflexible children. Includes ways to help children with temper problems. If your child is easily frustrated and/or prone to violent / obscene outbursts this could be essential reading.
Wheels for All ‘Wheels for All’ promotes cycling for people with differing needs, with a range of cycling equipment available to meet the requirements of those with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Taster sessions are designed to encourage disabled people of all ages to try cycling. Cycles are easy to use with qualified staff providing full instruction on how to use the cycles. ‘Wheels for All’ centres can be found at Dunes Splash World in Southport, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and Litherland Sports Park. For more information contact ‘Wheels for All’ on 0151 934 4638.
Facebook Pages Personal Independence There is now a Working Families Payment FAQs Facebook page. You can 'Like' it. Also, ‘Waving not drowning’ has a Facebook group. If you're already on Facebook, join the group and add your comments and questions about combining paid work and caring. To join go to www.facebook.com
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Through the Department of Working Pensions’ (DWP) engagement with disabled people and their representatives they have been asked questions about Personal Independence Payment and are now aware of areas of misunderstanding. They have responded with answers to the most common questions and concerns through an FAQs document that can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/uxDqKl These questions may change according to the outcome of The Welfare Reform Bill and in turn the statutory framework for Personal Independence Payment completing its passage through Parliament.
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Imagine the Difference Scope have produced ‘Imagine the Difference’, a free resource to help children at Key Stages 1 and 2 understand that everyone is different and it’s a positive thing. Written and reviewed by teachers in consultation with Scope, it contains everything you need to deliver fun and thought-provoking lessons that explore the issues surrounding difference and disability. For more information or to download the resource visit: http://www.scope.org.uk/imaginethedifference/
SEN National Advice Service Contact a Family has been awarded the Department for Education contract for a Special Educational Needs (SEN) advisory service. The new SEN National Advice Service will be a one-stop shop on all education issues for parents and other family members caring for a child with SEN. The helpline will give parents and carers personalised, indepth advice from trained advisers. The online service provides more general advice, guidance and family engagement, via email, website, Facebook and Twitter. The Contact a Family service will cover a broad
range of issues related to SEN in any educational setting, including: Early years / portage; Individual Education Plans (IEPs); Statutory Assessments; Statements; transition planning; home education, bullying and school transport to name a few. To contact the helpline service Tel: 0808 808 3555 helpline@cafamily.org.uk The helpline is open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm. You can also find information at www.cafamily.org.uk/families/SE N.html
Would you like help in dealing with those awkward questions? ‘Speakeasy’ is a course developed by the Family Planning Association (FPA) for parents or carers seeking support communicating with their children and teenagers on difficult topics such as relationships and sex. Speakeasy encourages parents to provide positive sex and relationships education in the home and take on the role of sex and relationships educator.
Speakeasy objectives: ● Identify parents’ needs, fears, concerns and hopes. ● Provide a safe and comfortable environment for learning. ● Help parents access relevant information and support in their role as sex and relationships educators. ● Develop parents’ confidence, sensitivity and skills in relation to
their children’s sex and relationships education. Speakeasy are developing a followon course with advice and support dealing with adolescence and puberty during transition years of children with additional needs. For more information on courses, you can call Karen McNally on 0151 222 8103.
Parent and Carers Support Group Netherton Children’s Centre, Magdalen Square, Netherton. Each Thursday (Term Time only) 9.30 - 11.30am Join the Parent and Carers Support Group in 2012 for: 8th March, 10.30 - 11.30am Feeling adventurous? Climbing at Awesome Walls,
Liverpool. Approx £3 per person. Limited availability. Booking essential. Please contact Maria Wilson at the support group or ring Sefton Carers Centre on 0151 288 6062. 15th March Neil Smith from the Sefton Parenting Programmes (to include one-to-one work) 22nd March Holistic Therapies by Michelle
Further guest speakers/events to be booked include: ‘Food and Mood’ by Anne Marie Morrison from Sefton CVS. General Health Checks by a Health Professional (blood pressure, weight, cholesterol etc). ‘Creative Alternatives’, offering art based / creative activities. Any other ideas for guest speakers and events are welcome.
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Sefton is Aiming High! After weeks of planning and preparation, Sefton’s new Aiming High Team are finally in their new office in Netherton Activity Centre. The Aiming High Team will provide services for all of Sefton’s disabled children and young people and their families. Previously Sefton Resource Centre dealt mainly with moderate to severe/complex disabilities and Sefton Positive Futures with mild to moderate. Changes at Sefton Council have led to an amalgamation of both teams to become the Aiming High Team. The new Aiming High Team will offer existing activities for disabled children and young people and
create new developments boroughwide and within the new Jake’s Sensory World, which you can find out more about on Page 13. The Aiming High Team are working on this summer’s provision which will consist of water sports, family days, ‘Wheels for All’, arts and crafts, sports and general play and fun in various settings across the borough. They will soon be sending out information to parents of all children and young people who are registered with Sefton Resource Centre and Sefton Positive Futures or those on the Special Educational Needs (SEN)
schools database. If you don’t think we have your child’s details and would like them to be considered for the programme please contact the Aiming High Team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk In addition to the summer programme please remember the Aiming High Team still have plenty of activities all year around. If you would like to see what is available please log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk and follow the Aiming High tabs.
He Shoots…He Scores! Raising money for charity, the Sefton Positive Futures Ability Counts Football team recently joined forces with local football hero Jamie Carragher. Working to raise money for disabled young people in Sefton, members of the team used a training session to raise funds for the 23 Foundation, which supports children’s groups in the Sefton area. Putting their skills to the test, the boys held a sponsored penalty shoot out against Bootle FC’s goalkeeper Mark Mawdsley and impressed the Bucks stopper by scoring the vast majority of the spot kicks.
“I had no chance of saving a lot of the penalties,” Mark commented, “The boys showed great technique and power with their shots. I joined in the training session after the penalties and was so impressed by the lads abilities given the barriers they have to overcome. It came as no surprise to me that they won the recent Ability Counts League.” The abilities and generous nature of the boys was further supported by programme leader, John Doran, Development Officer for the Aiming High Team (formerly Positive Futures), “ When we suggested that we have a bit of fun with a penalty competition, it was the lads themselves who asked if we could make it a sponsored event and give the money to disabled kids through Jamie’s charity. It’s exactly the kind of thing that we expected from this group of boys. They have grown in confidence and responsibility over the course of the programme, and have constantly overcome their personal barriers and drawn compliments from opponents and officials for their sportsmanship and attitude. The parents and carers of the boys should also be thanked for their support and fund raising as well as coaches Jay Tyson, Darren Carr, Kevin Black and Carl Ennis for their fantastic work and commitment to the Team.” For further information on similar activities, please contact the Aiming High Team direct on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
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Proud OAK on Fire in Sefton Choosing to dowse rather than light fires, members of the Aiming High Team (formerly Sefton Positive Futures) Outdoor Activities Klub (OAK) have successfully completed another stage in their Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award qualification. Proud to have their DofE books signed by the programme leader, the boys took part in the Fire Safety course at Buckley Hill Fire Station, which they attended for 12 weeks before passing with flying colours. Commenting on the boys achievements, Tom Sefton of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service recognised the considerable efforts of the boys: “They were a great bunch of lads who really committed themselves to learning about fire safety and the Fire Service. The course is not easy and a lot of dedication and concentration is needed, the lads showed plenty of this and I am proud of their achievements.” Completed as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, the boys have actively participated in a range of activities over the past twelve months as part of the OAK programme, including mountain biking and various water sports.
Left to right: Christopher Jones, Michael Cririe, Christopher Bond, Tom Gardener, Michael Barwise and Kieran Bibby with Tom Sefton of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service. Set up by the Sefton Positive Futures team (now the Aiming High Team), the programme is designed to give young people with Aspergers, mild learning difficulties and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactive disorder) the opportunity to participate in more extreme activities that would normally fall outside their expected capabilities. For further information on similar activities and groups, please contact the Aiming High Team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
Short Breaks Evaluation 2011 A big “Thank-you” to everyone who took the time to complete the evaluation form and tell us about your experience of last year’s summer holiday provision. Out of the 379 children who attended a summer scheme last year, we received 175 completed evaluations from their families. Your comments, feedback and ideas are invaluable to us when it comes to planning future holiday schemes. Planning has already started for this year’s holiday schemes and we have used your feedback to make some changes. Aiming High for Disabled Children Short Breaks funding will be used to provide summer schemes for disabled children. Summer activities will be provided by the Aiming High Team, Crosby High and the Well Young Peoples Project, Children’s
Centres and Merefield and Rowan Park Special Schools. Merefield and Rowan Park will run specialist summer schemes for children with very complex needs who attend their schools and do not access other summer holiday provision. Once identified these children and their families will be contacted individually. We will be writing out to everyone shortly with the dates of schemes. There will be a form to fill in to tell us about your child’s disability and support needs. Further details can also be found in the article from the Aiming High Team in this newsletter. If you do not receive a letter by the end of February or know of families who haven't, please contact the Aiming High Team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
Facebook / Twitter For up to the minute news and updates why not join us on Facebook? The Sefton Aiming High Team are on Facebook and provide updates on lots of fun activities that are taking place across the borough - just look us up at Aiming High. Alternatively, why not join Murtle the Turtle for updates on activities for disabled children and young people on Facebook or join Murtle on Twitter for disability updates and the latest ideas for family fun in Sefton straight to your mobile. Just look up Murtle Turtle. 11
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s w e N s Toffees Sweet Diane’
on Ability
Continuing to participate at the highest level, boys from the Ability Counts football team were recently handpicked to represent Everton Football Club. Participating at the Liverpool County FA / Merseyside Sports Partnership Ability Counts football league, Everton FC chose to enter a team that was entirely made up of boys who had attended the Aiming High ASD friendly football sessions. Taking place at Dunes Splash World, Southport, the football sessions were initially established by the former Positive Futures (now the Aiming High Team) team as a fun session for young boys and girls with a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum who enjoy playing football rather than taking part in skills led sessions. Despite not focusing on skills led sessions, all those who have attended have improved significantly, with the skill set of the boys increasing so much that the coaches chose to enter the boys en-masse to represent Everton Football Club. Despite being three years younger than most of their competitors the team competed to the best of their ability, showing a high level of skill
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and quality throughout and were a credit to themselves, the Everton badge and the borough of Sefton, according to John Doran, Development Officer for the Sefton the Aiming High Team, “This session was originally formed for the boys to have fun from kicking a ball around. The nature of the boys meant that some of them were perturbed by the structure of the competitive game, however their enthusiasm and willingness to learn prompted the coaches to make the session more structured and some skill base disciplines were introduced. Our coach Mark Kelly and Steve Johnson of Everton in the Community have shown considerable skill and patience in moulding the boys into a very promising team. The success of the session only goes to highlight once again that with the correct coaching, understanding and support all children can overcome their barriers.” Although the boys were not successful in winning the recent competition, the dedication of the team was felt as they chose to travel from Southport to Aigburth for the games, which took place midweek. According to John Doran, “it will be no surprise to see them lifting the trophy in years to come.” For further information on activities for children and young people on the autistic spectrum, please contact the Aiming High Team direct on 0151 288 6811 or email aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk
Here I am before going out to meet friends.
…and here's Diane with the weather! Hi everyone, Since my last newsletter I have started a Business Administration course at Hugh Baird College in Bootle. I travel by train from Southport so I have to get up very early. A couple of times I fell asleep on the way home, but fortunately Southport is the end of the line! The ‘Work in Progress’ youth club at Alchemy, which I go to every Thursday evening is going from strength to strength. I chat to my friends while we all sit round the table drinking cups of tea or coffee. There are loads of activities to keep us busy. Several of us enjoy cooking. One evening we cooked baked beans, scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. Everyone thought the meal was brilliant! We play CDs and dance. Our taste in music is pretty wide rangingElvis, Abba, S Club 7, Grease, Britney, Kings of Leon, Alicia Keys, Adele and Alexis Jordan. Some of us play games on the Nintendo Wii or do arts and crafts. I am really looking forward to the Aiming High Valentines Ball and other events this Half Term, which I will give you all the low-down in the next issue of this newsletter.
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Jake’s Sensory World
Visitors can immerse themselves in a magical journey through the Light Tunnel.
The soft play room is a fun-filled place for visitors to express themselves and be engaged through play and social interaction.
The Sensory Room is a great place for children and adults to enjoy sound and lighting that stimulates and relaxes.
Developed from the vision of two parents, Jake’s Sensory World is a new development within Sefton designed exclusively for the needs of disabled visitors. Built in partnership between Sefton Council’s Active Sefton department with Aiming High for Disabled Children capital funding and Jake’s Mum Jo and her friend Ruth, the new leisure facility is designed to incorporate both a soft padded inclusive location for play as well as foam padded sensory facility for visitors to enjoy stimulation and relaxation. Jake’s Sensory World is housed within the Netherton Activity Centre,
which offers a combined leisure centre and library complex as well as outdoor football facilities to enhance the offering for visitors of Jake’s Sensory World. Open for all visitors to enjoy, Jake’s Sensory World has a range of visiting options including drop-in sessions, private bookings and group visits, along with the opportunity for visitors to enjoy private party bookings with a full range of catering facilities. Providing an inclusive location for all visitors, access to Jake’s Sensory World has been made as easy as possible with both the Sensory Room and Soft play area featuring a
ceiling-tracking hoist to enable visitors to access all areas of the facility. In addition, the centre is fully accessible for wheelchair users and there are two disabled toilets / changing rooms which have been designed in line with the Changing Places campaign and include hydraulic changing beds and tracked ceiling hoists. For further information on Jake’s Sensory World and the facilities on offer or to read our brochure and prices – log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk and click the tabs for Jake’s Sensory World. Alternatively, visit Jake's Sensory World on Facebook.
Designed exclusively for children and young people with a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum, ‘Quiet Nights’ have all the fun of Splash World but, as their name suggests, are on the quiet side. With lighting dimmed, some rides switched off and additional ones made available, the music is kept low until everyone is comfortable with the setting as they work together to enjoy the rides, slides and bubble pool in a comfortable environment. For visitors wanting to make an extra big splash why not try ‘Splashability’? Open to all families, carers and friends of disabled children / young people there are
more exclusive evenings taking place at Dunes Splash World each month, with all rides and slides available for maximum enjoyment. ‘Splashability’ and ‘Quiet Nights’ both open from 6:30 - 8:30pm. For a full list of dates for the next session, please visit www.moveitsefton.co.uk/aiming-high or join the team on Facebook at Sefton Aiming High.
Splashability Having fun with friends after a busy week at school or college is a great way to start the weekend and what better way than to make a splash at Dunes Splash World in Southport? Taking place on selected Fridays each month, the centre hosts two exclusive evenings catering for disabled children and young people and their families, friends and carers to come along and enjoy the excitement and fun of this water park.
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Buddy Up!
By Helen McKiernan at the Buddy Up Scheme ‘Buddy Up’ is a mentoring project for disabled children aged 13 to 16 years. Funded by Aiming High for Disabled Children, it seeks to match young people in special education with a supporter from a mainstream school to help them access activities in their local community. It also aims to provide short breaks for parents / carers. On 26th June, ‘Buddy Up’ were fortunate enough to be offered a day of watersports for 10 young people at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre (CLAC). The day was organised by Kev Leavitt from Positive Futures (now Aiming High) with Dave Cook of Canoe England instructing the young people with his son Josh, a qualified coach and mentor on ‘Buddy Up’. Over the course of the day young people made the most of the excellent facilities at the adventure centre. A sunny day saw eight nervous young people arrive at the lake with a mix of excitement and trepidation. After putting on their waterproofs and life jackets they headed out on two canoes
that were bound together. Before long they were singing, rocking the boats and jumping from one boat to another before a spot of lunch, then heading out in single kayaks before the first victim capsized to hearty cheers! The day finished with young people enjoying ‘gladiator’ style sessions on the bow of the boat, with the loser ducked in the lake and the bravest souls taking the ‘swim of doom’ underneath the boat from front to back. Finally, there was time for everyone to jump off the jetty, including the instructors!
Thanks to the encouragement of Dave and Josh, a group of nervous young people made incredible strides, gaining new skills and confidence as they made friends and whetted their appetite for more water sport activities on a day to remember. A massive thank-you is extended to Dave and Josh, as well as Kev Leavitt for making the day happen. Helen McKiernan, Project Coordinator
This young man makes a splash with his 'buddies' at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre!
Work in Progress Socialising with friends and having fun is something all teenagers enjoy doing and with ‘Work in Progress’ running throughout the borough there’s something to enjoy every week. ‘Work in Progress’ is a young disabled adults social group, which runs in Southport and Bootle on a weekly basis year round. Working to create and maintain positive
relationships between young people, these fun sessions enable them to increase their independence and confidence while having fun with friends. Work in Progress is delivered in the Alchemy Centre, Southport every Thursday from 6:30– 8:30pm and in partnership with Sefton Youth Service at Queens
Road Neighbourhood Centre in Bootle from 6:30 – 9pm. If you would like further information about Work in Progress or alternative activities for disabled young adults, please contact Leanne Dunning in the Sefton Aiming High Team on 0151 288 6820 or email: Leanne.Dunning@sefton.gov.uk
To find out more about Transitions for disabled young people in Sefton, contact Transitions Coordinators Sophie Thomson on 0151 934 3830 or by email: Sophie.Thomson@sefton.gov.uk or Jane Backland on 0151 934 3845 or by email: Jane.Backland@sefton.gov.uk 14
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P.A.C.T.S -
Parent and Carers Team Sefton P.A.C.T.S want you to know that if you are a parent or carer of a child or young person 0-25 years with additional needs, you can get involved with P.A.C.T.S and “Have Your Say”. The P.A.C.T.S Vision is to bring parents together with a collective voice to work with service providers to meet the needs of disabled children and their families, with parents and carers actively involved in making key decisions. We have been busy working with Sefton Council on behalf of parents and carers of disabled children and continue to do so. Recent highlights include: • A specialist transport consultation, where raised issues have been presented to Peter Morgan, Strategic Director for the People Directorate at Sefton
Council; we are in the process of getting feedback on those issues. • Co-chairs meeting with former Assistant Director, Colin Oxley and Director for Young People and Families, Colin Pettigrew, to ensure P.A.C.T.S have a point of contact within Sefton’s People Directorate after Colin Oxley’s retirement. We were reassured that Sefton Council would continue to work closely with P.A.C.T.S. • Our Reps are involved in new working groups, including ‘Minority Workers’, ‘Health Priorities’ and ‘Workforce Development’. New P.A.C.T.S projects are coming up on which we need your feedback and involvement, these include: • The Education Focus Group will be looking at how looking for a school for your child can be made easier and less
stressful, as well as looking at other educational issues faced by families. • P.A.C.T.S planning Summer Holiday activities, the Aiming High steering group and Children with Additional Needs group. • Forum meetings, with daytime and evening sessions available so please come along and look out for details on the P.A.C.T.S website and other information outlets. • The opportunity to become a Parent Rep and get more involved in the work of P.A.C.T.S. For more information see our website www.pactsefton.org.uk If in the meantime you have any issues you want us to look into, please drop us a line at p.a.c.t.s.sefton@googlemail.com
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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DCATCH unearth a real Gem! Sefton’s DCATCH, (Disabled Children’s Access To Childcare) Team have been inviting Parents and Childcare Settings to contact the team with their ‘DCATCH Stories’ as part of their evaluation of 2011.
trepidation about potentially losing some of the support I had built up over the years. As a single parent of a disabled child I had fought to stay in work with virtually no childcare support other than family.
Beth’s new friend, Crossroads’ Gemma Parkes. DCATCH helps the families of young people with additional needs, age 0 -19 to access high-quality, affordable and inclusive childcare during the times that parents/carers are at work. Below is the story of Val (a parent who moved to Sefton last year), who is now accessing home-based support from Crossroads Care, one of the local care agencies working in partnership with DCATCH.
Beth is all smiles on Formby Beach with her Mum Val and partner Michael.
Crossroads provides a wide range of help and practical support through a network of dedicated and fully trained community based support workers. Here is Val’s story: ‘On moving to Formby from St. Helens this summer I was full of
Nothing like DCATCH exists in St. Helens, so you can imagine my surprise when I was introduced to the service very promptly following my move. Sandra Coventry from DCATCH was excellent - knowledgeable, professional and caring. She quickly arranged support to cover work hours and my daughter Beth now has a new friend called Gemma (who really is a Gem!). All of my fears and trepidation about moving have now completely gone and my only regret is that I'd not moved earlier! Many thanks DCATCH’. If you think that DCATCH could support your family or setting, you would like to hear more about what the programme can offer, or if you would like to share your own DCATCH story, then please contact the team on 01704 882036 or by email: DCATCH@sefton.gov.uk
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