People Directorate
Aiming High for Disabled Children Issue 8, Summer 2012
Find out the name of the special young man being presented with the Young Mentor of the Year Award by High Sheriff of Merseyside Colonel John Aml么t OBE on Page 5.
w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
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: Date of Birth: Parent/Carer Name:
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Informatio n and Database
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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Welcome to the summer issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children. Since the last issue we've been busy looking at our Short Breaks Statement, getting ready for our summer programme and continuing to deliver the whole range of activities for children, teenagers and families to take part in. Once published, the Short Breaks Statement will explain what this programme does, who is eligible and how you can access an assessment to support more complex needs. There is also a useful glossary. A list of activities is included and we will soon publish all activities through the Family Information Service page on the Sefton Council website www.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformation Once there, click on the Family Services Directory link. Jake’s Sensory World opened on 28th February and provides a wonderful sensory play facility for disabled children and young people. Based at the newly opened Netherton Activity Centre, work will shortly begin on adding a sensory garden. I'm sure those of you who have been there have had a fabulous time and I hope many more of you get a chance to go along. I hope you all enjoy this edition of Aiming High for Disabled Children. Kind Regards Jacqui Kerr, Manager, Early Intervention and Prevention (11+), Sefton Council
Date:
Database Coordinato r Christine Bates Database Administra tor Glenda Foley
Is your child at risk from scalds? Leaving your child in the bathroom without an adult, even for a second, can lead to them being scalded. Scalds are most likely to happen when a child climbs or falls into a bath of hot water or a sibling runs the hot tap when a younger child is in the bath. Anti-Scald Valves (Thermostatic Mixer Valves or TMVs) can reduce the risk of scalding. Water leaves the hot tap at a temperature between 44 - 48°C. At this
temperature it would take more than 5 minutes to scald your child. The benefits are obvious.
Special Offer Within Sefton we are offering free TMV’s, including installation. This offer is mainly for disabled children. If you would like to find out more about this offer then contact Christine Bates or Glenda Foley on 0151 934 3853 by Friday 27th July 2012.
Summer Programme 2012
This summer will see more disabled children and young people accessing Aiming High services than ever before. On offer will be the ever-popular water sports at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, activities at Dunes Splash World and Jake’s Sensory World, as well as ‘Wheels for All’ adapted bikes and ‘Care for a Pony’ sessions. There will be on-site themed sessions and children and young people will do activities within those themes. There will be baking, arts and crafts, physical and outdoor activities including den building, woodcrafts and a visit from the ‘Animal Man’. Also using the themes will be storytelling sessions from Sefton Libraries. We have chosen to group young people by age range and area so children and young people have more chances to form friendships. Each group will have the same staff so children and young people will know that whether on-site or off-site, they will know most of their peers and the staff.
With over 300 children and young people we will have additional staff alongside our current staff, each trained to support those taking part this summer. This year’s summer programme is developed around feedback received in recent years from children, young people and parents. We’ve met regularly with service providers, funders and the P.A.C.T.S parent forum to create a special and unique service. We hope children and young people have a great summer! Please help us to provide the best services for your children and young people by completing evaluation forms we will send when the programme finishes. Let’s hope the sun comes out! Kind Regards Richard Potts – Development Manager, Aiming High Team
Deafblind Awareness Week Deafblind Awareness Week is taking place from 25th – 29th June, incorporating the birthday of Helen Keller on 27th June. Helen was a famous deafblind woman who broke through her personal isolation to become an author, political activist and lecturer.
What do we mean by Deafblindness? There is no set definition of
deafblindness but a generally accepted description: ‘Persons are regarded as deafblind if their combined sight and hearing impairment causes difficulties with communication, access to information and mobility’.
Sefton Sensory Team Sefton’s Sensory Team work borough wide and are highly experienced and committed to
working with people with hearing impairment and visual impairment, dual sensory loss and deafblindness. If your child or someone else you know is experiencing sensory difficulties, they may be able to assist you by providing an assessment of the person’s needs. To make a referral, contact Sefton Plus on 0845 140 0845.
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Fine art of fund raising with Sheila Our group had a fundraiser with a difference recently. On World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April 2012) parents and carers were tattooed to raise funds for the National Autistic Society, which does great work throughout the UK. The story was covered by local press and the day was a huge success, raising over £1,500! Thank-you to everybody who was involved with the event, particularly Mike Humphreys
from Mike’s Tattoos in Crosby for all his time, support and great work. A daughter of one of our members Jess Purcell (aged 10) also raised £300 for the PSS Sefton Young Carers project. Jess held a sale at her home, where she sold her old toys and books to help raise money. Many great raffle prizes were donated and her sale was a great success. We are all very proud of Jess’s efforts. Well Done Jess. There was also a Mersey Rat Pack night in Waterloo that raised £250, which was very kindly donated to the
‘Thumbs Up’ group in Litherland. Spudztogo Southport in Birkdale is a great family run business that now has a website www.spudztogo.co.uk They provide fresh, seasonal, local (where possible) fruit, vegetables, eggs and great locally made pickles and jams, all at very competitive prices. They deliver all over from Preston to Skelmersdale and Southport to Bootle, with a small charge for delivery. Give them a try and tell them ‘All Together’ sent you.☺
Nothing but the best as footy team is Aiming High Aiming High’s Ability Counts and ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) friendly football teams have had their fair share of success over the past couple of seasons, so it was only fitting that the penalty shoot out during half-time at the recent Bootle F.C. v Everton F.C. Liverpool Senior Cup semi final finished in a draw, meaning a share of the spoils. The boys were invited by Bootle F.C. to provide the half-time entertainment in front of 1,000 spectators. Kevin Black, who coaches the boys at Chesterfield High School, is one of Bootle’s star players. The ASD team also represent Everton in the Community at the LCFA (Liverpool County Football Association) Ability Counts League and looked the part in their Everton kits. Steve Johnson from Everton in the Community commented: “They have
been so excited about the penalty shoot out, and although they were a bit nervous leading up to half-time, they thoroughly enjoyed the evening, particularly the lap of honour at the end of the shoot out.” Jay Tyson Carr who assists Kevin Black at the Chesterfield High session commented: ”One or two of the cheekier lads were looking forward to wearing their Liverpool kits in front of the big Everton support. To see the look on their faces as they walked out onto the pitch was fantastic and the cheers they received following each goal gave them a big buzz”. For further information on disabled football sessions taking place
near you, contact John Doran in the Aiming High team on 0151 288 6811 or by email: John.Doran@sefton.gov.uk Alternatively, contact the team direct at Aiming High / Murtle Turtle on Facebook and Twitter.
Parent looking to set up Williams syndrome support group Williams syndrome is a rare disorder caused by an abnormality in chromosomes, with a wide variation in ability from person to person, each with a unique pattern of emotional, physical and mental strengths and weaknesses.
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A parent in Sefton would like to set up a local group for parents and carers of children with Williams Syndrome. Christine Bates at the Disabled Children’s Information and Database will be sending out the information direct to those families. If you are interested please contact
her on 0151 934 3853. You can find out more about Williams syndrome at the Williams Syndrome Foundation UK website: www.williams-syndrome.org.uk
The gift that gives back for Sefton Buddy It was a friend indeed who received recognition for his role as a mentor at Sefton’s Volunteer Celebration Event, hosted by Volunteer Centre Sefton and Sefton CVS at Bootle Town Hall on 7th June. At the annual event giving recognition to the selfless contributions of Sefton’s army of volunteers, Keiran Maher won Young Mentor of the Year for his participation in the ‘Buddy Up’ Scheme, through which he has supported a young man with learning disabilities to gain confidence and enjoy activities he may not have otherwise engaged in. As a ‘Buddy’, Kieran is helping to break down the barriers that exist between pupils in special and mainstream education. ‘Buddy Up’ is funded by Sefton Council via the Aiming High for Disabled Children project (Early Intervention and Prevention). This year the event was supported
by The Worshipful the Mayor of Sefton Cllr. Kevin Cluskey, the Mayoress of Sefton Cllr. Linda Cluskey, the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Colonel John Amlôt OBE and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Professor Helen Carty. Left-to-right: Buddy Up Project Coordinator, Helen Project Coordinator McKiernan; Young Mentor of the Year, Keiran Maher Helen McKiernan and the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Colonel John said: ‘Kieran is an Amlôt exceptional young ext 242 or by email: man who shows maturity beyond helen.mckiernan@seftoncvs.org.uk his years. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help out. He is For information about Aiming High utterly dependable and always puts for Disabled Children you can other peoples need before his own’. contact Project Lead Sophie Thomson on 0151 934 3830 If you would like more information or by email: about ‘Buddy Up’ you can contact Helen McKiernan on 01704 501 024 Sophie.Thomson@sefton.gov.uk
Time to Relax and Revive New to Netherton Activity Centre, there are now a range of exclusive ‘Relax and Revive’ sessions just for the ladies. Open to all mums and female carers / guardians of disabled children and young people, ‘Relax and Revive’ sessions are weekly classes designed for relaxation, de-stressing and socialising together in an empathetic group. Taking place at the Netherton Activity Centre every Tuesday from 11am – 12pm the classes are free to
attend and are run in partnership with the Sefton Aiming High and Active Lifestyles teams. Sessions incorporate pilates, yoga and elements of tai chi. If you would like to take part in the group or require any additional information please contact Christa Leadbetter Development Officer (Aiming High Team) on 0151 288 6814 or by email: Christa.Leadbetter@sefton.gov.uk Alternatively, contact Aiming High or Murtle Turtle via Facebook / Twitter.
The Sequal Trust The Sequal Trust provides relief to children and adults who are severely disabled and depend on electronic communication aids and adaptations. It is membership based and open to people of all ages with speech, movement and learning difficulties. Where someone’s quality of life can be improved by the provision of an
adapted computer or communication aid, they begin fundraising for that person to provide the equipment recommended by their assessor. The initial approach can be from the person them-self, their family, school or speech and language/occupational therapist. They are responsible for necessary repairs on the equipment and try to arrange upgrades whenever appropriate.
For more information, contact the Sequal Trust on 01691 624 222 or by email: info@thesequaltrust.org.uk If you require funding for equipment, contact Christine Bates at the Disabled Children’s Information and Database on 0151 934 3853 or by email: dcr@sefton.gov.uk Christine holds a list of organisations that may be able to help. 5
ADHD and you
Aukids Bridges Post-Diagnosis Gap AuKids magazine is bridging the support gap experienced by parents after their child’s autism diagnosis, by launching a free ‘Starter’s Special’ dedicated to helping those coming to terms with the condition. ‘Starter’s Special’ launched to mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd and is available online as part of an annual subscription
package. For more information on Time Support Services, contact tori@time-specialist-support.com or visit www.time-specialistsupport.com You can find out about Aukids at www.aukids.co.uk or email them at: aukidsmag@gmail.com
New ASD and ADHD Drop-in Sessions Sefton Parent Partnership have started a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) term-time only drop-in parent support group. It’s on the second Friday of every month from 10am – 12pm. You don’t have to book, just pop along to the Parent Partnership building in the grounds of the Good Shepherd Site, Sterrix Lane, Litherland. L21 0DA.
How’s today been? 'How's today been?' is a FREE smart phone app that has been developed by Janssen to help parents and carers of children with ADHD keep track of how their child's day has been.
Weighted Blankets Weighted blankets, lap pads and shoulder wraparounds result in a calmer, more relaxed state of mind for people with conditions such as autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs), Asperger syndrome and insomnia related conditions. The Weight 2 Go website is recommended by parents: www.weight2goblankets.co.uk If your child has an Occupational Therapist (OT) you may wish to speak with them before making any
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‘ADHD and you’ is an easy to use website offering advice, tips and free tools for all those affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). www.adhdandyou.co.uk
ADDISS
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service provides people-friendly information and resources about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to anyone who needs assistance - parents, sufferers, teachers or health professionals. Whatever you're looking for in ADHD, ADDISS is there to help. www.addiss.co.uk
Living with ADHD ‘Living with ADHD’ is a website that supports those affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helping children and teens to understand and manage their condition, as well as providing resources for parents, carers and teachers to do the same. To find out more visit: www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
Young people with Epilepsy
purchases. If they don’t have an OT there are other professionals who can advise whether an occupational therapy referral would be appropriate.
Young Epilepsy helps young people with epilepsy, parents and families as well as the professionals who work with them. You can call their helpline Monday – Friday, 9am – 1pm on 01342 831 342. You can also email: enquiry@ncype.org.uk For more information about Young Epilepsy, visit: http://youngepilepsy.org.uk
Magazines, Books and Websites Promocon Promocon provides a service to improve life for people with bladder and bowel problems. As part of Disabled Living North West it provides information about a wide range of equipment to help people remain independent and improve their quality of life. For more information call 0161 607 8219 or email: promocon@disabledliving.co.uk Alternatively, you can visit their website http://bit.ly/KPiz3g
“Ready Set Potty” “Ready Set Potty” toilet training for children with Autism and other developmental disorders by Brenda Batts. Jessica Kingsley Publishers £12.99 ISBN 9 781849 058339
The Legal Adviser Finder The Legal Adviser Finder is a useful web page that has replaced the Community Legal Services. You can visit the site at: http://bit.ly/lENX5R You can get free confidential legal advice Monday-Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday 9am – 12.30pm. Calls cost 4p/min but you can get them to call you back.
multi-sensory resources. To find out more visit: www.specialdirect.com
The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society have a resource of books. For a full list of titles visit their online shop on www.autism.org.uk/shop or phone 0808 800 4104.
Special Direct.com Special Direct.com provides expert based home and classroom resources for speaking and listening, speech therapy, autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, inclusion and more. In 2012 they have so far developed 120 new and exciting
Understanding Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing in Children Management Strategies for parents and professionals. ISBN 978-1-84310-521-3 £12.99 Available through Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Caudwell Children Blind Caudwell Children is a charity ensuring every family has access to the equipment, treatments and services they require. They provide specialist equipment for disabled children and inventive, pioneering therapy programmes. They also enable specialist treatments not available in the UK or where there are experts abroad. Programmes include: Destination Dreams – once in a lifetime group holidays for life limited
or terminally ill children and their families. Enable Sport - specifically designed sports equipment for disabled children and young people. Family Service Programme – practical and emotional support for families with disabled children. For more information call 0845 300 1348 or visit www.caudwellchildren.com
Children and Families Bill The Government is planning the biggest change in 30 years to the way children’s and young people’s additional needs are assessed and met in the proposed Children and Families Bill. Read more at www.cafamily.org.uk
Toddlers Group
Henshaws Society for Blind People runs a toddlers group every Tuesday 11am to 1pm at their Merseyside Resource Centre, 10 Duke Street, Liverpool (city centre), L1 5AS. Their summer programme includes trips to Goodison Park and Anfield, Dunes Splash World in Southport and an Olympics Activity Day to name a few. For information about Henshaws and the activities taking place, contact Elaine Stewart and Hannah Frith on 0151 708 7055 / 07854 699 734 or by email: elaine.stewart@henshaws.org.uk / hannah.frith@henshaws.org.uk 7
Strengthening Children’s Centres Contact a Family’s Strengthening Children’s Centres project has excellent links with Sefton’s children’s centres, recently refreshing the skills of staff in order to support families. The project also provides training for parents and carers in a range of areas including: challenging behaviours; disability awareness, sleep problems and managing stress and anxiety. Sefton’s children’s centres are happy to host any parent and carer workshops for you. If you would like to learn more about how this project can help you, call Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555 or visit www.cafamily.org.uk
Summer Holidays at Children’s Centres Children’s centres are already thinking about the summer holidays and have sessions for the whole family available. They are always looking to introduce new programmes so if you have any ideas let your local centre know. If you think you might need some provision where you can drop off and leave your under 5 with additional needs/disability, talk to Kate at Sefton Carers Centre on 0151 288 6063. You can contact all children’s centres via Sefton’s Family Information Service at http://bit.ly/L97qsZ
T.E.A.M Work Available Resource
T.E.A.M is a forward thinking fundraising trust that actively seeks out people who need help and cannot obtain funding themselves. They currently operate in Sefton.
They have a full day of family events at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on Sunday 1st July 2012 from 10.30am so go along and support the T.E.A.M. Funds raised will all go to support disabled children living in Sefton.
Kidz up North
Kidz up North is taking place on Thursday 29th November at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. It has now become a key event in the calendar of families with disabled children, with companies and services using it to launch new equipment and products to support families. For more information please contact the Kidz Team at Disabled Living on 0161 607 8200 or email: info@disabledliving.com More information will be featured in the autumn issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children.
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Many families will know that the Sefton Inclusion Resource Service has closed its doors. At the Disabled Children's Information and Database, Christine Bates and Glenda Foley have inherited some of the books that were available through the Inclusion Resource Service. A full list of the books available will be posted on the Disabled Children's Information and Database page of the Sefton Council website www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr If you don’t have access to a computer, call Christine on 0151 934 3853 and she will post a full list of titles to you. Christine and Glenda also have two double major buggies they can loan out to parents and carers. They don’t have the hoods and aprons and are quite heavy compared to newer models but if you are stuck then call Christine or visit the Disabled Children’s Information and Database web page.
Are you worried about your child accessing the Internet? The Internet can be a fantastic place for children and young people but sometimes things can go wrong and parenting online can be very daunting. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre’s Think You Know website provides information that can make parenting online simple at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents Click ‘Primary’ for valuable advice. You can also contact CEOP on 0870 000 3344.
Couples and Working Tax Credit from April 2012 If you are a couple with children receiving Working Tax Credit, you should be aware of changes to the rules from 6th April 2012. Any couples with children will need to work at least 24 hours a week between them to get Working Tax Credit. At least one of you also needs to work 16 hours a week. If you don’t meet these conditions, your Working Tax Credit will have stopped from 6th April 2012. The Inland Revenue should write to most people who will be affected by this change. There is also information on the HMRC website http://bit.ly/y5PWiL If you are not sure where you stand with your Working Tax Credit, you can ring the Tax Credit helpline on 0345 300 3900.
Reach for the lasers! It’s DJ Megatron! Stephen Ball tells all about Temper Radio Hi fans! It’s DJ Megatron here writing about my pretend radio station, Temper Radio. I have recently started to gig with the Aiming High Team along with Parenting 2000. I did an event recently for Parenting 2000 at Kings Gardens in Southport. This event was one of a kind, as I had a new girl on the block called Emily helping me with my decks and speakers. With pre-gig nerves I worried about a lot of things beforehand. Would my fans find the venue? Would I get away with going mono and just one speaker working? I overcame this barrier by remembering what Martin Dale and Paul Abett from Hugh Baird College had taught me about microphones and speakers during
Sefton’s Parenting Offer The role of a parent or carer is the most important you can have. Parenting isn’t always easy and most of us need advice and support along the way. The Sefton Parenting Team supports the delivery of Sefton’s Parenting Offer, helping to raise your aspirations as parents and helping you to realise your child’s
Equipment The Iguy iPad case is a freestanding foam case for iPad® and iPad 2®. This protective iPad accessory is for kids and grownups alike. It’s lightweight, easy to hold, and can stand on its own two feet, even while holding up your iPad. Cost approx £30-£35.
live performances. Using my headphones as a microphone didn’t sound great but did give me the chance to still communicate with the crowd. I laughed all afternoon as the sun beamed down and the party was pumping! Like a scene from Sunrise raves back-in-the-day (Sunrise was a pirate radio station who organised illegal raves), a flock of geese silhouetted against the sky as I spun tunes to keep the crowd going. The tunes kept coming as the temperature began to drop before one more obstacle; a girl asked for One Direction! Noooo! In the past I have done gigs for the Aiming High Team during the school holiday programmes. My favourite venue is the Gild Hall in Formby, as the music sounds great in there and the venue is huge. I often use my pretend radio to style the gigs I do. I love to rave and create a good party atmosphere! Look out for me at a party near you!
potential. The following programmes are delivered with parents across the borough: Triple P; Incredible Years; Strengthening Families 1014, Family Intervention Programme (FIP) and Teens and Toddlers.
Disabled Children Parents’ Guide: Education
If your child is aged 11 and under and you want to access a programme, contact your local children’s centre via www.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformation If your child is aged 11yrs+ contact the Parenting Team on parenting@sefton.gov.uk
This guide has been prepared for parents of children with special educational needs and parents of disabled children who want to know how to get help for their child at school. To find out more, please call 01267 244 200 or visit: www.cerebra.org.uk
The Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) is a team of designers and engineers producing novel and unique equipment for disabled children. They’ve recently received praise for their oxygen trolley, a modification of the Trunki suitcase. If you think the CIC team may be able to help you in any way, please call 01792 483 688 or email them on rossh@cerebra.org.uk
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Jake’s Sensory World goes from strength-to-strength Recently opened in the brand new Netherton Activity Centre, the popular soft play and sensory location that is Jake’s Sensory World has proven popular with all ages, so much so that a number of additional sessions have now been scheduled for the public. The purpose built leisure and play facility for disabled children and
young people to have fun, relax and play now benefits from a diverse range of timetabled sessions to cater for an extended range of needs. With family drop-in sessions, toddler and child sessions as well as teen and adult sessions, the facility can now cater for an extended range of visitor needs.
Go Kids! Monthly Sessions Coming Up! From 2nd July Go Kids! will be hosting a monthly event for kids with disabilities (0-12 years) and their carers. Taking place at the Go Kids! Play Centre at Skypark International, on Blenheim Way in Speke on the first Tuesday evening of every month 6-8pm, there will be a wide variety of activities, including a sensory
room, drop slide and interactive ball pool to name a few. Entry is £4.50 per child or £6 inc. children’s lunch, with adult food starting from £3.95. For more information, call Barbara Taylor, General Manager, Go Kids on 0151 486 9374. Alternatively, you can visit: www.gokidsplaycentres.com
Jake’s Sensory World features a soft play room and sensory facility within the Netherton Activity Centre. For further information or to book a visit, log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk and follow the Jake’s Sensory World tabs or alternatively find it on Facebook at Jake’s Sensory World.
www.move627.org On www.move627.org you can read all about activities that help young people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related specific learning difficulties. You can also find out what transition (from years 6-7) is and how you can help support children if you are a parent, teacher or health professional. There are lots of easy to play games and fun to do activities on the site. An interactive diary reminds children of tasks and helps them stay on track.
Parent and Carers Support Groups Sefton Carers Centre / Netherton Children’s Centre, Magdalen Square, Netherton. L30 5QH. Each Thursday 9.30 -11.30am. Term time only. Sefton Carers Centre / Parenting 2000, The Lodge, Mornington Road, Southport. PR9 0TS. Each Friday 9.30 -11.30am. Term time only. Rainbow Drops parent led group Netherton Park Centre, Chester Ave, Netherton. L30 1QW. 3.30 5.30pm. “Dandelions” Parent group at Greenacres Nursery and Parent group at The Dovenest Trust Building, Formby Station Car Park
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For further details on times and days please contact Sheila Blacoe on 07711 735 356. Please note it is a members group only. Reach Out After School Family group at Hudson Children’s Centre, Maghull. L31 1FB. For children up to the age of 12. Mondays 3:30 – 5pm for families with children with additional needs. During school holidays it runs from 1.30 - 3.30pm for families with disabled children. Super Sensory Information Buddies - Sefton is a support group raising awareness of Sensory Process Disorder, set up by the parents of Oliver, who has the condition. There is a Facebook page where the group posts useful
links, information and pictures. They are currently awaiting a start date for sessions every other Monday at Cambridge Children’s Centre in Bootle. To find out more visit their Facebook page Super Sensory Information Buddies – Sefton Hemi Chat has an active support group primarily on Facebook, created to support parents, children and adults living with Hemiplegia, aiming to unite families by sharing support, information and life experiences. Find out more at www.hemichat.org or email them at: info@hemichat.org You can also contact them on 0844 802 3203 and of course find them on Facebook.
Get down to Phabkids! sessions for children with additional needs (ages 5-13 yrs) and their siblings at Dunes Splash World in Southport every Monday from 6-8pm for games, sports and swimming. Call Phabkids! on 01695 577 822 to find out more.
A message from P.A.C.T.S Hello to all Parents and Carers P.A.C.T.S is a voluntary parentled group and we work independently from service providers. Our aim is give a collective voice to parents and carers to make a positive difference to our children’s lives. Being involved means you can have your voice heard alongside fellow parents and carers. Please come along and support us. We have recently been busy on your behalf, highlighting both concerns and good practice when liasing with service providers. For example, we have consulted with parents over clinic changes for children with autistic spectrum disorders in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and have presented the ASD Network Group and
Consultants with an information booklet produced by parents, for parents, at the point of diagnosis. We have also worked with the School Transport Department to implement some positive changes following issues identified by parents and carers. We have helped on the consultation for short breaks by presenting input from our parents and carers to inform Sefton Council of the support that is required. We have also provided, free of charge, some sensory sessions at Jake’s Sensory World and more will be available in Sensory Touch in Southport. We are lucky to have been able to employ Joanne Fazakerley, a Development Officer for P.A.C.T.S who has been spreading the word of our organisation and who you will hopefully meet through schools, children’s centres and our public
meetings. Our new website is not yet ready but you can contact us in the meantime on: p.a.c.t.s.sefton@googlemail.com You can support P.A.C.T.S by becoming a Member, School Ambassador, Parent Representative or being elected to the steering group. More information about these roles is available via P.A.C.T.S Reps or once live, at www.pactsefton.org.uk P.A.C.T.S is holding an Information Day to be held at The Gild Hall in Formby on Thursday July 5th from 10am – 2pm with speakers, stalls and information for parents, carers and providers of services in Sefton. Please book a place by calling 07864 913 630 or by email: 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. 07864 913 630 Email: p.a.c.t.s.sefton@googlemail.com
What’s the best way to contact you? Telephone
Post
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School’s Out for DCATCH Sefton’s DCATCH (Disabled Children’s Access To Childcare) Team help the families of young people with additional needs, age 0 19 to access high-quality, affordable and inclusive childcare during the times that parents and carers are at work. School’s Out, a local company providing wraparound and afterschool childcare at their primary school-based premises in Formby, reflected on their recent involvement with the DCATCH Team: “The approach of DCATCH is inspiring and motivating and encouraged me to think deeper into the challenges I have come up against whilst managing my team. It
Turn STEPS into Strides! STEPS (Sefton Training and Enterprise Projects) is providing lots of FREE, interesting training, sessions and events for you to enjoy this summer, with everything from creative art sessions to First Aid and mood sessions to Indian head massage. At the centre you will find a café catering service, training provision for disabled people and holistic therapy sessions. To find out more and access the full summer programme, contact STEPS on 0151 282 5477.
has changed my perspective on how to overcome issues. Tom’s support and involvement has been inspiring, not only to all the team members he has met but most of all the children that attend the setting. I hope that Tom’s connection with the setting continues in the future. Thanks for your patience and support!” The ‘Coaching’ service for childcare settings is just one facility that has been offered by the DCATCH team this year. If you think that DCATCH could support your family or setting and you would like to hear more about what the programme can offer, or if you would like to share your own
"I spy, with my little eye… " "I shall say this only once!"
‘DCATCH Story’, then please contact the team on: 01704 882 036 or by email: DCATCH@sefton.gov.uk
Opportunity Knocks! Sefton’s Transitions Team would like to share two exciting opportunities for young people with disabilities aged 18yrs and over. Both projects are accessed via direct payments from the Local Authority.
Sefton Coast and Countryside Biodiversity Project This exiting project is work-based, giving disabled people the chance to get involved in the Coast and Countryside Rangers’ work, including conservation, woodland management and woodwork skills. The team is based at the Discovery Centre in Ainsdale and look after the coast from Crosby to Southport and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Litherland. If you know or care for a person with disabilities who may be interested in becoming part of the team, contact Ian on 07966 106 970 or Chris on 07974 668 490; they will be happy to meet with you and tell you more about the project.
Southport Community Workshop In a move away from a more traditional day service, the Southport Community Workshop offers a smaller, more enjoyable, real work environment where young people can work at a pace to suit their needs while learning new skills and becoming a valued team member. The Workshop plans to sell its own products from its own store in Southport, meaning young people gain valuable retail experience alongside learning in woodwork, leather craft, metal craft, pottery and further constructive activities to be introduced over the coming year. To find out more, contact Eric Wilbraham on 07779 817 080 or by email: southportcw@aol.co.uk For any questions or queries regarding Transition for young disabled people in Sefton, contact the Transitions Coordinators: Sophie Thomson - 0151 934 3830 Sophie.Thomson@sefton.gov.uk Jane Backland - 0151 934 3845 Jane.Backland@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 12