41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 1
Aiming High for Disabled Children Issue 11, Summer 2013
If you would like to receive Aiming High for Disabled Children by email, contact Christine Bates on dcr@sefton.gov.uk
ation 7 for inform e g a p to rogramme Turn t summer p n ia ll ri b ’s on Sefton aks! of short bre
Ian Bryan from The Co-operative's (Co-op) Merseyside Membership Committee (left) meets members of Southport Junior Phab Club. Find out why on Page 3.
www.sefton.fsd.org.uk
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 2
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 you 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 (below) and the Database Coordinator will contact you. Child’s Name: Date of Birth:
Relationship to child: Family Address:
Telephone: Primary diagnosis: Date:
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Information and Database
2
Across Sefton Council we are adapting to a fast pace of change to the way we deliver services to our communities. To make sure that we get the best possible outcomes from this change, we are working with you to develop an integrated Disability Pathway. Some of you have been involved in the consultation, which has taken in parents, young people, carers, council staff and partners in order to agree specifics around the pathway. Thank you for getting involved, we hope to share some initial ideas about what the Pathway will look like soon. The broad range of children’s disabilities teams and services you will be familiar with now come under a unified Aiming High brand, incorporating family support; short breaks and transitions. Work is ongoing to establish Aiming High online and is expected to be completed in the near future. Finally, I know this is the time of year when you will be planning what activities to enjoy with your children over the summer months, as well as the respite opportunities available to you. In this newsletter you will find information from Sefton Council and partner organisations that you will find useful when planning your summer. Fingers crossed the weather holds up!
Parent/Carer Name:
Signature:
Hello and welcome to the summer edition of Sefton’s Aiming High for Disabled Children Newsletter.
The Good Shepherd Site, Sterrix Lane, Litherland. L21 0DA. Tel: 0151 934 3853 Email: dcr@sefton.gov.uk Web: www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr Database Coordinator Christine Bates
Kind Regards, Jacqui Kerr, Manager, Early Intervention and Prevention Sefton Council.
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 3
Local shoppers help kids with 'Phab' adventure Run by Phabkids, the Junior Phab (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) Club in Southport received a contribution of £2000 towards their annual adventure weekend at the Calvert Trust in the Lake District from the The Co-operative (Co-op) Community Fund. Phabkids provides leisure activities for around fifty local children, aged
between five and 13. Its membership is a mix of those with and without physical and cognitive disabilities, and it aims to promote social inclusion and integration. It is an independent local charity and operates out of Dunes Splash World each Monday evening with the support of Aiming High instructors from Sefton Council.
Children with hearing loss – Parent Drop In
Meet other parents of children with a hearing loss for a chat and a cuppa every 2nd Friday of the month, 1.30-2.30pm at the Venus Centre, 215 Linacre Lane, Bootle, L20 6AD. To find out more, contact Lyn Robinson at Venus on 0151 474 4744 or by email: venusresourcecentre@hotmail.co.uk
Wheels for All!
‘Wheels for All’ have a wide range of cycling equipment so people with disabilities can enjoy cycling. You need to call first to check availability and confirm your booking. You can access Wheels for All at: Dunes Splash World, Southport, Monday-Friday, 9am-10pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8.30am-5pm. Tel: 01704 537160
Litherland Sports Park, MondayFriday 9am-10pm and Sunday 9am5pm. Tel: 0151 288 6288 Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Crosby Coastal Park, Waterloo, Monday-Sunday 9am-10pm. Tel: 0151 966 6868 Find out more at: http://bit.ly/12TiG41
Alan Hughes, organiser of Southport Junior Phab Club, said: “Funding is becoming ever harder to secure, therefore we were delighted to hear that we were successful in securing this grant from local people at The Co-operative.” For more information, contact the Junior Phab Club on 07739 961130.
Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired
The Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired (BTHI) provides financial grants to children and young people up to the age of 25 who have a hearing impairment and to those organisations who provide help to them. There is an application form for individuals and one for groups / educational establishments / charities. The form for individuals can be accessed at http://bit.ly/11qJBBx while the form for groups can be accessed at http://bit.ly/ZvitHJ Once the form is completed it should be returned to: The Secretary, BTHI, 11 Silverthorne Drive, Southport, PR9 9PF. 3
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 4
Cerebra have launched their 2013 Cerebra Children's Awards, recognising the amazing achievements of children with neurological conditions. This year they will be presenting eight lucky winners with an Apple iPad as well as a Cerebra trophy.
To enter, all you need to do is tell them about the child you are nominating and why you think they deserve an award - it could be for their courage; an achievement or simply for being who they are. As part of your entry, Cerebra are looking for you to outline why an iPad would be beneficial to them and if possible they would love to see some photos of the child or young person. The awards are open to children aged 16 and under who have been
Sensory Touch in Southport Sensory Touch in Southport is a multi-sensory environment for children and adults with various abilities and special needs to explore and develop their senses and skills. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, it includes soft play, padded walls and floors and interactive equipment. There is also dynamic sound and lighting effects to tailor the environment for each child.
To use Sensory Touch costs £14 per hour for up to four children aged 0-16yrs, with a charge of £3.50 per child for any additional children. One carer is allowed in free for every child. For more information call 01704 513 811 or email: info@sensorytouch.co.uk You can also visit: www.sensorytouch.co.uk
Holiday home for children with brain related conditions
If your child will be 16yrs or younger in 2014, receives DLA and has a brain related condition you have until 31st July 2013 to submit an application to Cerebra to use their Vallechia holiday home in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Find out more and download an application form at: http://bit.ly/StVaIj
Contact a Family
Contact a Family is a UK wide charity providing advice, information and support for parents of disabled children. You can contact them free from both landlines and mobile phones, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5pm on 0800 808 3555.
Cerebra Ambassadors
Become a Cerebra Ambassador and raise awareness of their work. If you are interested email: elainec@cerebra.org.uk 4
National Deaf Children’s Society
The National Deaf Children's Society have a deaf friendly swimming fact sheet and the useful 'Harvey Gets Grommets' resource. Find out more at: www.ndcs.org.uk or by calling 0800 800 8880.
diagnosed with a neurological condition. The closing date for nominations is Friday 6th September 2013. If you know of anyone who deserves to win an award they would love to hear from you. Just complete and submit a nomination form which is available at http://bit.ly/12lEomr or from Melanie Dean on 01267 242 556 or by email: melanied@cerebra.org.uk
Sefton Travel Team give advice, information and support to young people travelling to college or school via bus, train, cycling or walking. The team provides journey information, bus and train timetables, bus route maps, information on student tickets and recommended walking and cycling routes. You can contact Sefton Travel Team on 0800 073 1767 or by email: sefton.travelteam@sefton.gov.uk
Young Sibs
Young sibs is an online support service for brothers and sisters of disabled children and young people. Find out more at:
www.youngsibs.org.uk
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 5
The Blue Badge A Blue Badge allows people who meet certain disability criteria to park in restricted areas. The Blue Badge belongs to the person, not the car or the driver. If you have a blue badge you can use it in any vehicle you are travelling in. The most common way that people qualify for a blue badge is because they receive the high rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If you get DLA high rate mobility you automatically qualify for a blue badge. From 2013 DLA is being replaced by a Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for people aged 16 and over. This means that the different nations are drawing up new rules that will govern which PIP claimants will be able to get a blue badge. In the PIP rules there are two different ways of qualifying for the mobility component. One is called
the ‘moving around’ criteria which relates to physical disability. The other way of qualifying is called the ‘planning and following a journey’ criteria which does relate to autism. Only people who get the standard or enhanced rate mobility component of PIP under the physical disability criteria will qualify for a blue badge. People who qualify for the mobility component of PIP for reasons relating to ‘planning and following a journey’ will not qualify for a blue badge. It is likely that many people with autism will lose their blue badges after the change. It is still possible to qualify for a blue badge if you meet one of
There have been numerous complaints made to Christine Bates over the years from parents / carers with regard to the difficulties they feel they have experienced in obtaining a Merseytravel Disabled Person’s Travel Pass under the ‘Learning Disability’ category. As a result she recently attended a meeting with Merseytravel, parents and Karen Gray the Parent Support Adviser from Presfield School in Southport to see if they could help Merseytravel make any improvements to the application form. Parents were concerned that their children already experienced many medicals and school assessments and they wanted to see what evidence could be provided using these assessments to assist
Merseytravel to make a fair judgement on whether an individual applicant meets the criteria set by the Department for Transport (DfT). With this in mind, a consultation draft application form was sent out to parents who have provided Christine with an email address for their thoughts and comments and Merseytravel particularly welcomed comments on the following:• Ease of use – is the form clear and helpful? • Supporting information – are there any other specific documents which would give an indication of the nature and severity of the applicant’s disability? e.g. Annual review statements or reports on the applicant’s National Curriculum Level of Attainment.
the other criteria listed above. Christine Bates has written to the Department of Transport with regard to children with Autism and the Blue Badge criteria. The reply she received can be accessed at: www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr
Disabled Person’s Travel Pass Consultation
• Section 3 – Are the questions appropriate? Is it clear why they are asked? Are there any other questions that should be asked? • Section 4 – Are there any other independent professionals with a good knowledge of the applicant’s disability who would be appropriate signatories to this form? Merseytravel listened and welcomed the comments and have made several amendments to the forms and although the consultation period has ended if you do have any relevant comments please contact Mal Ferguson, Projects Liaison Officer on 0151 330 1553 / 07540 677 168 or by email: mal.ferguson@merseytravel.gov.uk You can also write to her at: Merseytravel, PO Box 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN. 5
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 6
Disability Hate Crime Helpline Stop Hate UK is a national organisation working to provide support to victims of Hate Crime and has a 24 hour helpline Stop Learning Disability Hate Crime. If you have experienced, witnessed or know someone who is suffering learning disability hate crime you can contact the helpline
on 0808 802 1155 for support and information. The helpline is free from all landlines and most mobile phones. Calls are confidential and are answered by trained staff. All incidents are reported to the police but the victim’s details will only be shared with their say so. As well as the helpline, you can
text at the standard rate on 07717 989 025 or with text relay for those with speech or hearing impairments on 18001 0800 138 1625.; You can also email talk@stophateuk.org or complete an online form at: www.stophateuk.org/tell
Relate
Toy Library
Definition of Disability
The charity Relate offer free online relationship advice for you and your family at: http://bit.ly/mpeNmV
Check out the new look free Cerebra toy library at: http://bit.ly/14HIkx7
Read the Equality Act 2010 Definition of Disability at: http://bit.ly/Yx2pTu
help? Are you entitled to more parents Extra Housing Benefit for of Disabled children
housing m a private landlord or If you rent your home fro set formula a ve ha nefit regulations Support For association, Housing Be s. ed ne ily ny bedrooms a fam for working out how ma Women And ch of the Families droom is allowed for ea This means that one be following: any adult couple. Venus Resource Centre • A single claimant or Support for women and families ed under 10. • Any two children ag or The Venus Centre in Bootle provides a variety of useful services to the same sex aged 15 • Any two children of support women and families in South Sefton. Support services under. include: 16 or over. The Safer Healthier and Empowerment (SHE) project • Any other adult aged The SHE project is a life skills course that promotes Safety and • Any other child. Heath with an aim to empower women to become more confident in s elsewhere and stays • For a carer who live their every day lives. ent basis to look t on a regular and frequ igh ern ov Venus Debt Advice Service vided there is a you or your partner, pro er aft Do you have money worries? Are you struggling? Need a helping for them to use. ‘spare’ bedroom available hand? es case found that these rul The Venus Centre offers all women a free independent and A recent Court of Appeal y do not the e us ca be nation Laws mi cri Dis ility ab confidential debt advice service. Dis d he breac abled children. Venus Peer Support group allow for the needs of dis Would you like to build self-esteem? Have better communication for you What this could mean skills? Learn problem solving strategies? w ion, local councils can no The Venus Centre is now running group support for young women ult of this landmark decis res is a it As d an ild ch aged 11yrs+ who live in South Sefton. if you have a disabled allow an extra bedroom h another Venus Councelling to share a bedroom wit unreasonable for them Free counselling for women aged over 16yrs. child. ‘Music Wellbeing for Women’ Workshop fall in rent Benefit and have a short If you feel this workshop is something you would be interested in If you receive Housing droom, child needs their own be attending, call the Venus Centre to check when future sessions will because your disabled be taking place. please: For more information, please contact the Venus Centre on ation form: 0151 474 4744 or by email: venusresourcecentre@hotmail.co.uk • Download an applic nefits, or You can ‘Like’ The Venus Centre on Facebook or ‘Follow’ them on www.sefton.gov.uk/be Twitter. to request a form and • Call 0845 140 0845 You can also pop in and see them at: The Venus Centre, 215 Linacre pleased to help you Sefton’s advisors will be Lane, Bootle, L20 6AD. d to. claim what you are entitle 6
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 7
'Aiming High' this summer!
Before the project began in 2008 JUST 363 disabled children enjoyed a short break in Sefton.
In 2012/13 770 disabled children in Sefton had a short break provided through Aiming High funding. The total number of hours of short break experiences provided in 2012/13 was 58,070.
Family Fun Days
An exciting summer of fun is currently being organised by the Sefton Aiming High team for disabled children and young people. This year activities across the borough are set to include ‘Wheels for All’ bikes for the land lovers and water sports at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre for those preferring to make a splash. In addition, there will be a Forest School and visits from the Animal Man to add to the excitement. Care Plans are still being returned at present and the Sefton Aiming High team do request that all families who have not yet returned their completed form do so as soon as possible in order to ensure that your child / young person is able to attend. If you are a professional working with families of disabled children / young people – please ensure that all care plans are sent in as soon as possible. Until all care plans have been submitted the team are unable to confirm the number of days which can be allocated to each young person.
Volunteers
As you may be aware, the Sefton Aiming High team employ a
number of new staff every summer to assist current team members. The week before the activities begin, Aiming High provide a full week of training to all staff to ensure all areas are covered. This time is also used to set up sites and get equipment and resources ready for the summer break activities. Many of the schools in Sefton are finishing at a later date than normal this year, which has had an impact on the staff training and the activity set up of this year’s programme. Due to this, staff training will start a few days later and therefore all summer break activities will not start until Wednesday 31st July. However, Aiming High will still be able to offer a full and exciting summer to everyone attending.
During the summer break, they will also be hosting a number of family fun days for all families to attend. Family Fun Days, 12-4pm: Friday 26th July: Hosted by Sefton Play Council, St. Mary’s Complex, Waverley Street, Bootle, L20 4AP Thursday 29th August: Greenbank High School, Hastings Road, Southport, PR8 2LT. For more information on summer short breaks activities for disabled children and young people, contact the Aiming High team on 0151 288 6811 by email: aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk or visit: www.moveitsefton.co.uk
Book Your Summer Fun
This year all parents / guardians will be invited to attend an Aiming High selection day with your child /children in order to choose what activities they would like to attend during the summer break. Dates will be circulated to all parents/ guardians who have completed and returned their care plans. Selection Days: Saturday 22nd June and Sunday 30th June
7
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 8
Disabilities plays key role in Sefton Sports Awards
Elizabeth Silcock and Sam Tandy, who were recognised for their fantastic contributions in the Richard McGrath Positive Futures category. Sporting stars of all abilities shone this month at the annual Sefton Sports Awards, run by Sefton Council’s Active Sefton department. Organised to celebrate sporting achievement in Sefton, this year’s event was attended by Paralympian Jamie Burdekin alongside Olympians Beth Tweddle and Dan Purvis, who attended the event to meet and greet young people who were in attendance. Jamie Burdekin won the Disabled Male Sports Personality of the Year on the evening after representing Great Britain in his second Paralympic Games in 2012. Close contender James Dixon was highly commended after playing for the England Deaf Cricket squad since 2005 and having travelled worldwide to take part in a World Cup and two Ashes tours.
The family of Jake Hall receive his posthumous Richard McGrath Positive Futures Awards. 8
Sefton’s very own Aiming High team sponsor the Richard McGrath Positive Futures Award, which recognises sporting achievement by disabled young people in Sefton. This year the award was posthumously awarded to Jake Hall following his battle with a rare neuro transmitter disease, a battle he
fought bravely from the age of 12 months until he passed away recently. Jake was the inspiration for Jake’s Sensory World in Netherton. His condition meant he would often struggle to find inclusive leisure facilities which he could visit with his family and as such his family set about working with the Sefton Aiming High team and Active Sefton to create a sensory and soft play facility for disabled children, young people and adults to visit with their friends and family. Jake touched the lives of so many and won the award for his inspirational legacy for other disabled children and young people. Following Jake, Elizabeth Silcock and Sam Tandy were highly commended in the Richard McGrath Positive Futures category. Elizabeth following her continued involvement with the Aiming High programme since 2006 and selection to carry the Paralympic flame into Bootle as part of the London 2012 celebrations. Sam for being an active member of the Positive Futures / Aiming High team since the late 1990’s and captaining the Ability Counts Football team since 2010. To find out more about the amazing work of the Aiming High team, contact them on 0151 288 6811.
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 9
Jake’s Sensory World For families looking for an inclusive leisure facility to visit, Jake’s Sensory World is now running drop in stay and play sessions for all ages and abilities to attend. Housed within the Netherton Activity Centre, this purpose built inclusive leisure facility is proving popular with all ages. 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. 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. Visitors are able to choose from their choice of play zones from the relaxing sensory zone featuring a ball pool, interactive floor, bubble tubes and water bed for peace and quiet to the soft play park zone featuring all the fun of the outdoor park indoors with a singing slide, rolling tubes and tactile walls. For further information on Jake’s Sensory World, the facilities on offer or to read the
brochure and prices – log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk and click the tabs for Jake’s Sensory World.
Quiet Nights at Dunes Splash World
Quiet Nights at Dunes Splash World are back once again and are proving popular with disabled children and young people from across the North West. Open to all disabled children, young people and their families, carers and friends, these exclusive evenings are fun for all the family.
Sessions are now running on Friday evenings on set dates throughout the month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. With water flumes, slides and all the fun of making a splash in the pool these exclusive evenings are designed to provide fun for disabled children and young people. With discounted rates at just £5.50 per person with one carer entering free of charge, this is a fun packed night for the whole family to enjoy.
For more information, or to book a session, please contact the Sefton Aiming High team on Facebook, via email on aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk or by telephone on 0151 288 6811.
9
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 10
Hi Everyone! I have had a very busy spring! In April I had a lovely time with my friends at my 21st Birthday party. Early in May, I went to my sister Suzanne’s University Graduation Ceremony. The weather was fine and sunny
and I had a great time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the Aiming High Whitsun Party because I was rehearsing dance numbers for a local summer show. My friends told me the party was a big success. I’m still enjoying the ‘Active and Able’ sport sessions
at Dunes Splash World on Friday Evenings. We play badminton and football and then go for a one hour swim. Sometimes I go for a work-out in the fitness suite at Dunes Splash World. I go on treadmills, cycling and rowing machines and various pieces of equipment to get fit. For the past two years, I have been working in a local charity shop during my spare time. It is useful, fun and good work experience. I carry out general retail duties such as sorting stock, helping customers and serving at the till. Here’s hoping we all have brilliant summer. Bye for now!
Diane 'Moving On' to what the future holds Southport College, Connexions Greater Merseyside and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The day was also about relaxation and fun, with those who attended able to take part in educational games, watch drama performances, play musical ‘Moving On’ 2013. instruments, enjoy relaxing Local disabled young people were head massage and keep fit with determined to make the most of what friends on the Wii console and big their futures have to offer when they screen. attended the recent ‘Moving On’ Jane Backland at Sefton Council’s event at Dunes Splash World in Transitions team commented on the Southport. pride felt by those who organised the Hosted and organised by Sefton’s event: Transitions Coordinators, ‘Moving “A lot of planning goes into ‘Moving On’ was well attended as young On’ but it is always worth it when you people aged 13-25 were joined by see the young people leaving with families, carers and teachers as they greater confidence about their future. discovered the opportunities This year, as in every year, the event available to them when they leave was packed, which meant that school. Council and voluntary services, and Among those local services speaking charities, had the chance to meet to young people about education, and chat with our amazing young careers and volunteering on the day people and share with them the were Sefton Council’s Aiming High many ways we can help and support Team, Hugh Baird College,
Buddy Up!
If you are aged 13-16yrs and attend either Crosby High or Presfield Schools, you can get involved in the Buddy Up scheme where you can meet new
10
them into adulthood.” For more information, please contact Transitions Coordinators Jane Backland / Sonya Wall on 0151 934 3845 / 3887 or by email: Jane.Backland@sefton.gov.uk / Sonya.Wall@sefton.gov.uk
Preparing for Adulthood
Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) is a 2 year programme funded by the Department for Education to ensure young people with SEN and disabilities achieve paid work, independent living, good health and community inclusion as they move into adulthood. www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk
people, try new things, gain new skills and have fun. If you think this is something you want to try and want to know more, contact Emma at Sefton CVS on 01704 501 024 ext. 213 / 07971 868 105 or by email: emma.lambert@seftoncvs.org.uk
Transitions Drop-In Sessions
Transitions Coordinator Sonya Wall will be holding a drop in session at Thornton College for parents of prospective students on 2nd July, 1.30 – 3.30pm. There will be future sessions taking place, if you would like updates when they are confirmed, contact Sonya Wall on 0151 934 3887 or by email: Sonya.Wall@sefton.gov.uk
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 11
P.A.C.T.S. Update Disability Pathway
Members have asked for feedback around the disability pathway
P.A.C.T.S Coffee Mornings
Thursday 27th June 10.30am-12pm Linaker Children’s Centre Friday 19th July 10.30am-12pm Hatton Hill Children’s Centre Thursday 26th September 10.30am-12pm Linaker Children’s Centre Friday 18th October 10.30am-12pm Hatton Hill Children’s Centre Thursday 28th November 10.30am-12pm Southport Community Service Station
Sefton Advocacy
To have your voice heard about the decisions that affect your life, contact Sefton Advocacy on 01704 500 500 or by email: info@seftonadvocacy.org You can also visit: www.seftonadvocacy.org
consultation event. There is now an update from this event that will be circulated to parents and carers.
Fun Day at Meols Cop
A partnership between P.A.C.T.S and Meols Cop Youth and Community Project provided a family afternoon of fun and games during Easter, with support from community groups, businesses, Formby Rotary Club and Everton FC. Children and young people took part in outdoor climbing, face painting and Baby Ballet demonstrations and workshops to name but a few. Funds raised will be used to provide more fun activity sessions for P.A.C.T.S members.
Help raise money for the National Autistic Society
Dawn from P.A.C.T.S is looking for sponsors for her husband Neil, who cycled to London and then
Working Families
Working Families have a direct contact for the rights of parents of disabled children, you can contact Janet Mearns on 020 7017 0072 or by email: janet.mearns@workingfamilies.org.uk
Autism Parent Programme Halo is a community interest company that provides advice and support to families whose children are disabled or have special educational needs. From September 2013 Halo will be introducing a six week Autism
Parent Programme, one day a week from 10am – 2pm. The programme will help you to understand how you can support your child or children with their communication difficulties and give you the opportunity to discuss your experience with other families. For more information contact Halo on 0151 291 0551 or by email: Halo-cic@hotmail.co.uk
ran the London Marathon to raise money for the National Autistic Society – please support him at: http://bit.ly/11gHeCD
National Carers Week
On Thursday 13th June, Sefton Carers Centre hosted a National Carers Week event at Netherton Children’s Centre with homemade goodies, raffle prizes and lots more. Activities included beauty and holistic therapies and talks from ‘Wheels for All’, Child Brain Injury Trust and OSSME (Outreach Education Support). Information was also available on grants/charities and Summer Activities. Keep checking the P.A.C.T.S Facebook page for updates on all activities https://www.facebook.com/PAC TSefton You can contact the team on 07864 913 630 or by email: Development.pacts@googlemail .com P.A.C.T.S welcome any suggestions about the forum.
Personal Budgets
As part of 'Working Families', KIDS have launched a package for parents and carers that explains personal budgets and how they impact on family life: http://elearning.kids.org.uk
Parent Place
Parent Place is an online discussion forum provided by the National Deaf Children's Society so parents can share experiences. Visit: www.parentplace.org
Unpaid Parental Leave
Employees who have been with their employer at least a year, can now take 18 weeks unpaid parental leave for each of their non-disabled children, to be taken before their child's fifth birthday. 11
41265 Sefton Aiming High 12pp 25/06/2013 15:43 Page 12
Reaching Out With Sign
Sefton’s DCATCH (Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare) Team helps families of young people with additional needs, age 0 – 19 to access high-quality, affordable and inclusive childcare during the times that parents or carers are at work. DCATCH Inclusion Practitioners, Tom Howard and Sandra Coventry, recently delivered a Signing foundation course to a group of childcare practitioners who work within a number of wraparound care settings known to DCATCH. The
foundation course is aimed at providing practitioners with an understanding of how to use signassisted communication and the vocabulary to begin signing sentences with their learners and incorporate its use in stories and songs. The course was well received by each of its attendees who stated that they would definitely recommend the course to others. As part of the course evaluation, Tom and Sandra were delighted to receive the following feedback: “I feel more prepared for children with communication issues knowing I now have basic
The Government has rolled out an entitlement of 15 hours free childcare per week for lower income two year olds in England. In Sefton, there is an estimated target of 552 children who will be eligible for this free entitlement from September 2013. By September 2014 it is estimated that this number will increase to include 40% of the most vulnerable two year olds. From September 2013, eligible two year olds are:
• In families who meet the criteria for free school meals. • Looked after children (or children in care). • Other children at the Local Authority’s discretion. The Two Year Old Offer has very limited funds and places will be allocated based on very strict criteria. The eligibility criteria and application form can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/11mDqje For further information or to refer a child, please contact Sefton Families First on 0151 933 6021 or by email: Families.First@sefton.gov.uk You can also contact your local children’s centre or health visitor for more information.
Watch out for this summer’s brochure outlining activities for disabled children aged 5yrs and under at Sefton’s children’s centres. The brochure is close to being
completed and will be available soon. To find out more, contact Sam Nellist at Sefton Carers Centre on 0151 288 6063 or by email: Sam.Nellist@carers.sefton.gov.uk
Free Early Years Entitlement – Two Year Old Offer
signalong skills. We have been able to pass signs on to the children by introducing signalong story and song times.” “Since beginning the course, I have been using a range of signs throughout sessions for direction, attention, story and song-time. I will continue to incorporate this in my practice and support my staff in doing so too.” If you would benefit from learning and using sign-assisted communication with a child within your care or you feel the practice at your childcare setting could be enhanced through Signalong training, please contact the team on 01704 882 036 or by email: DCATCH@sefton.gov.uk.
Summer Activities at Children’s Centres
12
ARE YOU MOVING?
Dad and Kids Club
The Youth and Community Partnership in Southport is calling on local Fathers to pop along with their children to the Dads and Kids Club. Taking place at Meols Cop Youth and Community Centre every Sunday, 1-4pm, it supports Dads in bonding with their children while enjoying a wide variety of activities, including art, sport and cookery. Additionally, they can get involved in the local community through organised events and fundraising for trips and residentials. For more in formation contact Danny on 07759 532 963 or by email: ycp@live.co.uk If you want to drop by the session, the address is: Meols Cop Youth and Community Centre, Meols Cop Rd, Southport, PR8 6JS
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