Children, Schools and Families
Aiming High for Disabled Children Issue 5, Summer 2011
Star player Sam models the new football strip of Sefton's Ability Counts football team - to find out how Aiming High for Disabled Children supported them and read about their remarkable achievements, go to Page 12. w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
Are you registered Child Health with the Disabled Children’s Development Information and Database? Programme
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)
Are you a parent/carer of a child or young person with health problems? Have you ever struggled to get the right support for your child? Would you like to help improve support and services? Could you help other parents and could they help you? Could you share your views and experiences? If the answer to these questions is YES, then get in touch with Mike Hussey at the Child Health Development Programme on 0151 290 1582 or by email: mike.hussey@knowsley.nhs.uk
For information regarding the Cheshire and Merseyside Child Health Development Programme, please visit the Children and Young People 1st website: www.cyp1.org.uk
Please complete the following information and return it to the address (right) and the Database Coordinator will contact you.
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Information and Database
Child’s Name: Date of Birth: Parent/Carer Name:
The Good Shepherd Site Sterrix Lane, Litherla nd. L21 0DA. Tel: 0151 934 38 53
Relationship to child: Family Address:
Email: dcr@sefton.
gov.uk http://www.sefton.go v.uk/dcr
Telephone: Primary diagnosis: Signature:
2
Date:
Database Coordinato r Christine Bates Database Administra tor Glenda Foley
Coming Soon Jake's Sensory World In Sefton we have agreed to invest a significant sum of Aiming High for Disabled Children Short Breaks Capital Funding on Jake's Sensory World at the new Netherton Activity Centre, anticipated to open to the public in January 2012. The new Netherton Activity Centre presents a fantastic opportunity to relocate Sefton Resource Centre into better and more fit for purpose accommodation. We have consulted with service users about the proposed change, including two recent open events where the proposal was well received. We are planning to hold further consultation with a wider group of potential service users about the move and possible new services that can be offered at Netherton.
Staff and activities currently offered at Kilnyard Road will move into the new centre later this year, meaning there will be no loss of service; until then Kilnyard Road will continue to operate as it does now. The move will be carefully planned so that staff and children are well prepared to make best use of the new, state of the art facilities. Eligibility Criteria I have been working with P.A.C.T.S to think about our new and revised eligibility criteria for short breaks services. We have been helped in our thinking by the publication of guidance by the Department of Education. Enfield is one local authority with some interesting ideas about a core offer and we are interested to see how a similar system would look if adopted in Sefton.
Following agreement at a recent P.A.C.T.S meeting I will present a first draft of the eligibility criteria by mid June. This will be distributed widely for comments and changes to be suggested, meaning a final draft will look very different from the first. This will rightly mean the document is shared and owned by all stakeholders, including parents, carers, children and young people. When the document is circulated please let us know what you think. We need to publish an agreed document on the Sefton MBC website by October 2011 and with your help we can do it! Colin Oxley, Assistant Director for Inclusion, Sefton MBC
Autism Application for Southport Concessionary Community friendly hairdressing Travel Service Station Disabled Children's Information and Database Coordinator, Christine Bates has compiled a list of mobile hairdressers and salons who deal with children and young people who have autism. To find out who can help you with cutting your child’s hair please contact Christine on 0151 934 3853 or by email: dcr@sefton.gov.uk
Time is a Specialist babysitting and befriending service for disabled children and young people in the North West, with a particular focus on those children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). To find out more contact Time on 07942 815 845 or by email: tori@timebabysitting.com
Merseytravel have amended their application form for concessionary travel schemes and young people with a learning disability now have an opportunity to provide relevant additional information to support their application. If your child has previously been turned down it may be worth having a look at the new application forms, which can be obtained from local travel centres.
For further information please visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk then click Home > Access Guide> Concessionary Travel
Southport Community Service Station is a place where disabled people and carers can improve the quality of their life through independent living, whether from help and advice or by finding out what equipment and resources are available to them. It is a user-led facility with a management committee part made up of community members who are themselves living with disability. Opened in Spring 2011, the centre will be fully open by Summer 2011. To find out more please call the centre on 01704 546 654 or by email: southportshopmobility@btopenworld.com Alternatively, you can visit their website: www.southportcss.org.uk If you want to drop in, you can find them at the following address: 27-37 Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport. PR8 1NW.
3
K1DS
Up on Downs
K1DS offers support, friendship and information for parents and families of children who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Up on Downs group is holding a free conference in Sefton on 22nd September from 9am to 4.30pm. It is open to all parents / carers, teachers, teaching assistants and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) who care for or teach children with Downs syndrome.
Whether you are looking for information on diabetes related issues or just want to chat to someone who you can relate to, please contact K1DS on 01704 568 163 or by email: nicky@kidswithdiabetesinsouthport.co.uk Alternatively, you can visit the K1DS website: www.kidswithdiabetesinsouthport.co.uk
‘Kidz Up North’ is one of the 3 largest FREE UK exhibitions dedicated to disabled children, their families, carers and health care professionals. There will be useful information on funding, mobility, communication, education, sensory, leisure and much more… The event takes place from 9.30am – 4.30pm on Thursday, 24th November 2011 at Premier Suite, Middlebrook Exhibitions Centre, the Reebok Stadium, Burnden Way, Bolton. BL6 6JW. If travelling by car take Junction 6 on the M61 and follow signs for the Reebok Stadium. For more information on any ‘Kidz Up North’ events, or to order your FREE entry tickets contact the Exhibition Team at Disabled Living on 0161 607 8221 / 8200 or by email: carmel.hourigan@disabledliving.co.uk Alternatively, you can log onto: www.kidzupnorth.co.uk
Take the right STEPs Sefton Training and Enterprise Projects (STEPs) provides free training courses for Carers and Former Carers. The next timetable is due out June 2011 - September 2011 and includes some of the following courses: ‘Introduction to Sign Language’; ‘Mental Well being Programme’, ‘Lifting and Handling People’ and ‘Autistic Spectrum Disorders’. There are also a variety of other activities, including: an Organic Growing and Gardening Club every Tuesday 1-3pm; Freestyle Art every Friday 10am – 12pm, Watercolours every Friday 1-3pm and Yoga every Friday 1-2pm at a cost of £3 per session. As a carer, you want the chance to relax and STEPs have a therapist on hand to help you do that. Toni is based at STEPs Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and offers affordable treatments from £7, including: full body massage, manicure, pedicure and facials. There is a discounted price for carers with gift vouchers available. To register your interest or to receive the next timetable, or if you would like to book an appointment with Toni, please contact one of the STEPs team on 0151 282 5478.
4
The conference will be held at Bootle Cricket Club, Wadham Road, Bootle. L20 2DD. For more information or to book a place, please call Donna on 07866 663 010 or Julie on 07956 655 446. Alternatively, you can email: donnaprocter@hotmail.co.uk / holly.cottage@blueyonder.co.uk
Liverpool Ambassadors As part of their aim to give independence to disabled children and young people, Whizz Kidz is running the Liverpool Ambassador Club, meeting every 6-8 weeks from 10am-3.30pm during school holidays or Saturdays. Exciting activities include the accredited ‘Skillz For Life’ programme, where children and young people can plan a campaign, play disability sports, make short films and enjoy music and drama sessions to name a few. Places are limited so sign up right away and join the fun! Ambassador Club sessions are held at Princes Primary School, Selborne Street, Liverpool. L8 1YQ. For an application pack or any enquiries please contact Ruth Madeley, Ambassador Club Coordinator (North England) on 07795 325 928 or by email: r.madeley@whizz-kidz.org.uk. To find out more about funding for mobility equipment such as different types of wheelchairs, please visit the following website: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Magazines, Books & Websites Disability Now Disability Now is Britain’s leading disability magazine. To find out more about Disability Now, please visit: www.disabilitynow.org.uk
Aukids A quarterly magazine designed to give good quality, practical advice for parents of young children on the autistic spectrum. For more information, please visit: www.aukids.co.uk
“Aspies on Mental HealthSpeaking for Ourselves” by Luke Beardon / Dean Worton £14.99 isbn 978184905121 In this book, adults with Asperger Syndrome talk about their own mental health experiences.
“Helping children to improve their communication skills” by Deborah M. Plummer £18.99 isbn 9781843109594 This creative book is full of fun and imaginative ideas to help children aged 4-11 with a speech language delay or disorder to develop their communication skills.
Positive Futures There’s loads of stuff happening on your doorstep that’s run by the Positive Futures team whether it’s
after school, at the weekend or in the school holidays. http://www.moveitsefton.co.uk/ teen-positive-futures.html
Fragile X Fragile X is a genetic deformation of the X chromosome that is a direct cause of intellectual disability in children. Discovering that your child has fragile X can be a devastating experience. The Fragile X website provides the opportunity of support from those experiencing similar issues with their children, and to have access to information including the latest medical, psychological and educational research findings. To find out more, visit: www.fragilex.org.uk
Sefton Carers Centre Sefton Carers Centre supports carers through advice and information, as well as helping developing local services and national policies in a way that’s sensitive to them. As part of their service they produce a regular newsletter, with some key information on changes to benefits. To read the June Issue please visit the Sefton Carers Centre website: www.sefton-carers.co.uk
The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. To find out more about NAS, please visit: www.autism.org.uk
PSS – Home Safety Technology: Discreet Solutions for Life Please don’t be put off by the title. The catalogue contains some useful pieces of safety equipment that can be used by families who have children who can put themselves in dangerous situations in the home, overflowing baths, escaping through doors. View the catalogue at the following link: http://bit.ly/lBUZSZ
Contact a Family Contact a Family is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children. To find out more about Contact a Family, visit their website: http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
Fledglings ‘Fledglings’ support parents and carers of children with special needs by finding affordable, practical solutions to problems. Among the wide range of products they offer is the Junior Backpack with Harness (£19.50) for older children who don’t like holding hands but have a tendency to walk off. To view other useful products and find out about the free of charge information service that addresses the individual needs of each child and family, visit: www.fledglings.org.uk
Relate with Scope Caring for a disabled child can put enormous pressure on relationships and family life. Scope is working with relationship experts Relate to provide trained counsellors through the Live Web Chat counselling service. This is available to anyone whose family relationships are in difficulty. The service is free of charge and completely confidential. It’s really easy to chat to one of Relate’s trained counsellors online. If your relationship with a partner, friend or family member is being affected by disability, they can help. To begin talking to a Relate consultant please visit the following web address: http://bit.ly/eullZz To find out more about Scope, contact them on 0808 800 3333 or by email: response@scope.org.uk To find out more about Relate, please visit their website: www.relate.org.uk 5
Infant Scientists Wanted! I-BASIS is a project run by the BASIS (British Autism Study of Infant Siblings) network. It involves working with parents to maximise social communication opportunities for baby siblings of children with autism. The first phase of I-BASIS has been running in Manchester for the last 12 months. Those that have taken part found it enjoyable and helpful in terms of better understanding their baby’s communications. The second phase of the project is about to start and the BASIS network is currently looking to work with more families in the North West. Sessions will take place mostly in the home but parents must be willing to occasionally travel to the Babylab in London; all travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed by BASIS. To find out more about BASIS contact them on 020 7079 0761 or by email: basis@bbk.ac.uk
The Lancelots The Lancelots is a Diabetes UK local voluntary group for Southport, Formby and Ormskirk, offering support to any family affected by childhood diabetes. Along with a great network of parents and carers they have also forged good links with Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk) and Sefton Primary Care Trust (www.seftonpct.nhs.uk). They help fund children to go on Diabetes UK Educational Holidays and for family educational and support weekends. Regular informal meetings are held with parents / carers where they can support each other and chat about living with diabetes. There are also fun, interesting local events such as, bowling, swimming, Easter Treasure Hunts, a Summer Fun Day and a Christmas party. To find out about the Lancelots Fundraising Committee and how you can help or get involved, contact June on 07849 788 993, Angie by email: angiegore@blueyonder.co.uk or visit: www.thelancelotschildrensdiabeticclub.co.uk You can also join their group on Facebook: The Lancelots – Children’s Diabetes Support Network
Ataxia UK - GP Leaflet
‘Ataxia’ means ‘lack of order’. People with ataxia have problems with movement, balance, and speech. Over 10,000 people in the UK have a form of ataxia. Raising awareness of this disorder is a key aim for many support groups. Ataxia UK have recently launched a new leaflet specifically for GPs that provides a summary of the clinical guidelines for ataxia. They are urging their members to take copies to their GPs surgery. You can view the leaflet on their website www.ataxia.org.uk 6
Stay Warm! The following grants and loans are available to homeowners and tenants in privately rented properties. Housing Association / Council Tenants should contact their local Area Housing Office for heating and insulation enquiries – however tenants can still receive advice and energy saving tips to make homes warmer and reduce fuel bills. Grants and schemes that may help families of children with disabilities are: Warm Front; SEARCH; Health Through Warmth and Easier Breathing Scheme. To make referrals or to find out about other available grants, schemes and offers contact Sefton’s Affordable Warmth Workers: Phil Povey - Tel: 0151 934 4436 / 07772 627 708 Email: phil.povey@sefton.gov.uk Christina Chislett - Tel: 0151 934 4705 / 07974 765 310 Email: christina.chislett@sefton.gov.uk
Time to Talk
Getting tongues wagging and bringing families together, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre will be celebrating the National Year of Communication with its very own Family Fun Day for families of children with speech, language and other communication needs. There will be fun and interesting activities for children of all ages, including: art and craft; a story area; communication and technology; information about speech and language; face painting; parent group information; accessible bicycles through ‘Wheels for All’; Bouncy Castle; walking on water balls (charges apply), adventure playground and a café and bistro to refuel! There will also be a climbing wall and water sports but children must be aged 8 years or over to use it and a change of clothes is recommended for those children taking part in water sports. The Family Fun Day will be taking place Sunday 26 June, 10.30am – 2.30pm at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Crosby Coastal Road, Off Cambridge Road, Waterloo. L22 1RR. For further information on the Family Fun Day, please contact Celia Wilson on 0151 247 6080 or by email: celia.wilson@sefton.nhs.uk For information regarding disability friendly facilities and activities at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, please call 0151 966 6860 or visit: www.crosbylakeside.co.uk
ACT ACT has published two new fact sheets written specifically for families of children with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions. ‘Understanding siblings’ needs’ is designed to help parents worried about talking to siblings about their brother or sister’s
life-limiting diagnosis and how it will affect them. It aims to provide reassurance and gives prompts on how to broach the subject and ensure siblings’ needs aren’t forgotten. ‘Spiritual, religious and cultural wishes’ aims to give parents confidence to ask professionals to
Family Roadshow Are you a service provider to families of 0-11 year olds with additional needs? Sefton CVS, West Lancs CVS and Farmer Ted’s are hosting a Family Roadshow to help you give those families a day out that is not only heaps of fun but informative too. At the roadshow there will be various services and organizations at Farmer Ted’s to talk to people, give them information and let them know how they can help as well as putting on fun presentations and activities. Entry is charged per person at a discounted rate: Adults - £5 / Children: Under 1 yr – FREE; Under 3 yrs - £4.50; 3 – 16 yrs - £7 / Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) - £22.50. To book your place and qualify for these discounted rates please contact Charlotte Watkinson by email: Charlotte@wlcvs.org or write to her at: West Lancs CVS, The Ecumenical Centre, Northway, Skelmersdale. WN8 6LU. Payment can be made to Farmer Ted’s on the day by cash, cheque or card.
care for their child in accordance with their values or beliefs. All ACT family resources can be downloaded at www.act.org.uk/families and printed copies are available by contacting ACT on 0117 916 6422 or by email: susannah@act.org.uk
Families in Tune Families of children with additional needs recently hit the right notes as Contact a Family arranged a free Family Music Workshop at the Liverpool Philharmonic. During the workshop there were four fun sessions designed to meet the needs of the whole family. One of the families who went along commented: “Just to let you know myself and my son had a wonderful time! It was completely inclusive and fun for us all. We cannot wait until the next one!” For more information on the work of Contact a Family and to find out what is happening in your area, please visit: www.cafamily.org.uk/inyourarea
Help! Family Support Seminars help! is a series of Family Support Seminars providing information and advice to families of children and young people with autism. Families can book two places on a one day help! seminar for £30, which includes a full resource pack of useful information, advice and support guidelines. For further details of forthcoming seminars and to book a place contact the National Autistic Society (NAS) on 07425 624 592 or by email: help@nas.org.uk Alternatively, you can visit the NAS website: www.autism.org.uk/help
7
Sefton Children’s Centres facilities and specific activities for families with disabled children. Mid Sefton Children’s Centre
Any specific groups/activities for disabled children?
What’s on for Summer 2011?
Waterloo Primary School and Children’s Centre Crosby Road North, Waterloo. L22 0LD. Tel: 0151 928 6539 Email: ccadmin.waterloo@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Every Tuesday, during all school holidays including half term: Family Fun days, with specialist input for speech and language for children above 5 with siblings welcome.
Throughout summer holidays lots of crafts and fun activities. Come in the morning or afternoon, or spend the day at the centre and bring a packed lunch.
Valewood Children’s Centre Valewood Primary School, Sherwood Avenue, Crosby. L23 7YG. Tel: 0151 924 0483 Email: Elaine.Johnston-Valewood@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Every Monday 1-3pm (1-4pm during school holidays): Together Time group for families with disabled children.
A fun session for children with additional needs. Every Monday 1-4pm - advance booking essential. Priority will be given to under 5s but the provision will be for up to 11 yrs olds.
Thornton Children’s Centre Stannyfield Drive, Thornton. L23 4TF. Tel: 0151 934 4991 / 4992 Email: Paula.Askew-Thornton@schools.sefton.gov.uk
No specific group for disabled children although there are a range of activities they can take part in.
If a need is identified disability specific activities can be organised.
Hudson Primary School and Children’s Centre Moorhey Road, Maghull. L31 5LE. Tel: 0151 531 0117 Email: ccfamily.hudson@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Every Monday 3.30 – 5pm: Reach Out after school family group for children with additional needs up to 12 years of age.
Reach Out also runs during the school holidays every Monday 1.30 – 3.30pm
Netherton Children’s Centre Magdalen Square, Netherton. L30 5QH. Tel: 0151 282 1405 Email: Sandra.Mcdonald@sefton.gov.uk
Every Thursday 9.30-11.30am: Special Place support group for families with disabled children.
A range of activities will be available. Specific inclusive activities for disabled children can be arranged and / or support for families to access activities.
The Grange Children’s Centre Stonyfield, Netherton. L30 0QS. Tel: 0151 924 2721 Email: ccfamily@grange.schools.sefton.gov.uk
One day per week during school holidays (including half term): Holiday schemes for children with autism. Whole family welcome, including over 5s.
Sessions for children with autism during the school holidays. Pop in to see the team or ring them if you would like to find out more or give them your ideas for activities. Activities include: den making; cookery, swimming and more…
Linaker Primary Children’s Centre Sefton Street, Southport (Linaker Street Entrance). PR8 5DB. Tel: 01704 532 343 Email: childrenscentre@linakermail.com
Thursday, Monthly 1.30pm onwards: Early support group for families who have concerns about their child’s development, or who have a child with identified additional needs.
A range of activities will be available. Can arrange specific inclusive activities for disabled children and / or support for families to access activities. Early support group will run through school holidays.
Farnborough Road First Steps Children’s Centre Farnborough Road, Birkdale, Southport. PR8 3DF. Tel: 01704 572 579 Email: ccadmin.farnboroughroad@schools.sefton.gov.uk
No specific session for disabled children but where possible they can take part in the variety of activities on offer. If families would prefer something specific to disabilities organised the centre is willing to arrange this.
There will be half-term family activities and sessions. Timetables out soon. Activities specifically for disabled children and their families can be arranged if requested.
Freshfield Children’s Centre Watchyward Lane, Formby. L37 3JT. Tel: 01704 876 567 Ccadmin.freshfield@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Every Tuesday 1 - 2.15pm during school holidays inc. half-term: Together Time family group for disabled children. A play worker will play with the children, make teas, coffees and provide support for parents and carers. Access to a quiet room with soft mats and plenty of toys / music can be arranged.
Together Time will run throughout the summer holidays, as will various sessions will be running. Together Time can be shaped by input of parents and centre is willing to look into options to deliver a session just for children over the holidays. Group will be led by what families feel they need.
Parenting 2000 Children’s Centre The Lodge, Mornington Road, Southport. PR9 0TS. Tel: 01704 380 047 Email: info@parenting2000.org.uk
Every Friday, 9.30 - 11.30am term time only: Special Time support group for families with disabled children. Every Sunday, 10am – 1pm: Positive Futures Autism support group.
Lots of inclusive activities for families with children up to 12 yrs. Specific activities for disabled children can be arranged and / or support for families to access activities.
Kings Meadow Children’s Centre Meadow Lane, Ainsdale, Southport. PR8 3RS. Tel: 01704 571 606 Email: Admin.KingsMeadow@schools.sefton.gov.uk
A range of inclusive sessions and activities.
There will be a range of activities so get in touch if you have ideas or any specific needs.
North Sefton
8
South Sefton Children’s Centre
Any specific groups/activities for disabled children?
What’s on for Summer 2011?
Seaforth Children’s Centre Caradoc Road, Seaforth. L21 4NB. Tel: 0151 286 7807 Email: stella.thomas@sefton.gov.uk
A range of sessions and activities available.
Various inclusive sessions will be running. Happy to put something specific on for disabled children or support families in accessing the mainstream sessions.
Springwell Park Children’s Centre Menai Road, Bootle. L20 6PG. Tel: 0151 288 6055 Email: ccadmin.springwellpark@schools.sefton.gov.uk
Tuesdays (may vary): Springwell have a specialist play session for families with children with additional needs during school holidays.
Activities during school holidays, including half term. Please get in touch to express your interest and find out about dates and times.
Cambridge Children’s Centre Cambridge Road, Bootle. L20 9LQ. Tel: 0151 282 5467 Email: Cathy.Taylor-Cambridge@schools.sefton.gov.uk
A range of inclusive activities and sessions available, no specific session for disabled children. If families would like something specific please contact the centre.
A range of inclusive activities will be available and the centre would be interested in setting something specific up for families with children with additional needs, please contact them if you have any ideas for activities.
Litherland Moss Children’s Centre 201 Moss Lane, Litherland. L21 7NW. Tel: 0151 949 9720 Email: ccadmin.litherlandmoss@schools.sefton.gov.uk
A range of inclusive activities and sessions available, no specific session for disabled children. If families would like something specific please get in touch.
A range of inclusive activities will be available and the centre would be interested in setting something specific up for families with children with additional needs, so please get in touch if you have something in mind.
All Saints Children’s Centre Chestnut Grove, Bootle. L20 4LX. Tel: 0151 288 6420 (ask for the Children’s Centre). Email: admin.allsaints@schools.sefton.gov.uk
A range of inclusive activities and sessions available, no specific session for disabled children. If families would like something specific please get in touch.
There will be a range of activities available, including days out each week, which are often on a Wednesday.
Hatton Hill Primary Alwyn Avenue, Litherland. L21 9NZ. Tel: 0151 928 1255 (ask for the Children’s Centre). Email: ccadmin.hattonhill@schools.sefton.gov.uk
A range of inclusive activities and sessions available, no specific session for disabled children. If families would like something specific please get in touch.
There will be a range of inclusive activities and session available. Happy to put something specific on for disabled children or support families in accessing the mainstream sessions.
Give the children’s centre nearest to you a call on the contact details above and enquire about their summer timetable as some may not yet have been released.
Need some help or support? All centres have one or more family development workers who can provide extra support with family life if you have a child (with additional needs or not) aged 5 or under; all you have to do is book some time to meet with them. They can support you in many ways and refer you to other services that might be able to help.
Don’t want to attend the first session by yourself or need practical support to attend a session? Kate Hurn at Sefton Carers Centre can come along to a session with you. Family development workers will also be happy to meet you prior to discuss support needs for you and your family to enjoy the session.
What about respite for parents and carers? The children’s centres in Sefton recognise that respite is important for families with disabled children. All the specific groups above need a parent or carer to attend with the children (apart from the autistic support group, and potentially the Valewood group), and are designed for the whole family. These groups offer a lot of input from staff for the children. Staff engage the children which can leave carers time to enjoy a cup of tea, talk with other parents, or meet useful contacts – sometimes little pamper sessions have been arranged. Children’s centres are open to looking at options to allow for respite, especially during the school holidays, so get in touch with your local children’s centre or Kate Hurn (0151 288 6064) to express your interest and ideas.
Unsure whether the children’s centre can offer something meaningful for your disabled child? Call the children’s centre concerned or talk to Kate about it on 0151 288 6064.
9
Playtime gets bigger in Sefton! Before Christmas 2010 you and your children were asked how the remainder of the Aiming High for Disabled Children: Transforming Short Breaks programme Capital Developments funding should be invested. You said that you would like the funding used for playground equipment for disabled children. It can now be confirmed that the following equipment will be installed for you to enjoy: • Two wheelchair accessible roundabouts, one to be located at Hesketh Park in Southport and one at Crosby Coastal Park. • A basket swing and a play and leisure 'matterhorn' (a multi activity unit) at Hesketh Park. • Six boat swings to be located at parks throughout the borough. • A range of robust outdoor musical instruments and sensory
equipment to be located at Botanic Park in Southport and Crosby Coastal Park. The equipment is due to be installed and as soon as there is more information it will be published on the P.A.C.T.S website: www.pactsefton.org.uk Short Breaks Success! As part of the initial 3 year Aiming High for Disabled Children programme, every Local Authority has been required to record the numbers of children and young people receiving short breaks in their area. This was to make sure that the funding the Government provided to Sefton was having a positive impact on disabled children and their families. This funding has had a real impact in Sefton, as between 2008 and 2011 the numbers of disabled children receiving short breaks in Sefton has increased by 82%.
The total number of children receiving at least one form of short breaks was: 2008 / 09 - 363 children 2009 / 10 - 440 children 2010 / 11 - 659 children Whilst there are still areas for future development, these figures reflect Sefton's dedication and commitment to developing short breaks for disabled children and their families. Sefton Council would like to to thank all the agencies, parents and disabled young people across Sefton who have been involved in shaping and delivering the Short Breaks programme in the borough. For more information please contact Caroline Bates or Sophie Thomson from the AHDC short breaks team on 0151 934 3870 or email shortbreaks@sefton.gov.uk
Diane’s News During the Spring break, I went on a trip to France to visit my sister Suzanne. We flew from Liverpool to Paris. It was my first time in a plane and flying was really great. In Paris we went to an art gallery and climbed part way up the Eiffel Tower. We also visited Monet's Garden, the Bayeux Tapestry and Rouen. We went to several French cake shops and the cakes were fantastic! In the second week, I went to Stanley High and met up with my friends for Sports and Arts and Crafts. On the Friday we danced the night away at the End of Term Party at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. I enjoyed the music and had a dance with my friend Martin. The food was great too! I am really looking forward to having fun at the Positive Futures activities during the summer holidays. 10
As you can see I put my whole heart into sampling the delights of French food!
After the flight it didn't take long to get back into the clouds! Paris just goes on and on and…
It’s all Flip and no Flop
All it needs is a bit of sugar and lemon and they're done!
Enjoying a flipping fantastic time, disabled children and young people in Sefton took control of the kitchen to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.
Shiver me timbers! It’s Pirate Day at Crosby Lakeside! Arr Me Hearties! Get down to Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre for a Pirate Day on Saturday 9th July 10.30am – 3.30pm. Pirate Day is a Sailability Fundraising Day for the whole family, with a pirate themed fancy dress competition, as well as the following fun activities:
Walk the Plank (change of clothes will be necessary for this activity) Bell Boats Dragon Boats Raft Building Wow Balls
Face Painting Treasure Hunt Sailing Windsurfing Bouncy Castle Barbeque
As well as taking part in the fun activities on offer there will be the opportunity to see what else Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre has to offer, including overnight residential breaks. For more information, please contact Kevin Leavitt, Short Breaks and Inclusion Development Officer, Sefton Positive Futures on 0151 285 5449 or by email: Kevin.Leavitt@sefton.gov.uk
Disabled children at Crosby High took over the kitchens at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre to learn how to make pancakes, learning from the centre chefs about the heritage of Shrove Tuesday and Lent. Commenting on the days events, Steph Beqo, Events Manager at the centre noted, “Crosby Lakeside is keen to be an integral part of the local community and we hope that this event will become a regular feature with local schools.” Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre offers a wide range of inclusive activities for disabled children and young people. For more information please contact Positive Futures on 0151 285 5444 or by email pfinc@sefton.gov.uk For centre specific enquiries, contact Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on 0151 966 6868.
U CLAC Me Up! ‘U CLAC Me Up’ is a new evening session at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre for disabled young people aged 12 years+. It takes place every Tuesday from 5.30-8.30pm. The sessions will be guided by the young people in attendance, giving them the power to decide the direction of the group including what activities, subjects, projects and equipment they cover. Crosby Lakeside’s accessibility means it can be utilised to create truly unique sessions that encourage people of different abilities to try out new and exciting outdoor activities. Costs for the sessions may vary depending on activities but will be decided between group members and Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on an ongoing basis. If you would like to attend or would like further information, please contact Kevin Leavitt on Kevin.Leavitt@sefton.gov.uk
11
Positive Futures The Sefton Positive Futures team provide an extensive range of leisure and short breaks activities for disabled children / young people aged 5-24yrs. Activities take place across Sefton, in partnership with Sefton Youth Service with many taking place in Active Sefton leisure centres. In addition, a number of programmes take place in community centres and local schools. Throughout the school year Positive Futures offer a wide range of activities, these include specialist football sessions, adapted cycling, water sports, mountain biking, youth clubs, arts and drama. As well as providing inclusive sessions that siblings and non disabled children can come along to. Positive Futures also develop a range of specialist sessions including ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) friendly evenings at Dunes Splash World in Southport and
cinema screenings at the Plaza Community Cinema in Waterloo. Positive Futures also provide both specialist and inclusive sessions including residential breaks at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. All Positive Futures activities run throughout the school year, however during the school holidays a number of additional daily and evening activities are provided. Full details on the range of activities available for disabled children can be found online at www.moveitsefton.co.uk Just follow the Positive Futures tab where a full programme of events and activities can be found. To participate in any of the activities offered by the Sefton Positive Futures team, parents / carers are asked to approach a professional who is
Ability Counts Continuing to lead the way in disabled football, Sefton’s Ability Counts football team have been achieving success both on and off the pitch, strutting their stuff in new football kits as a result of a grant received from the Aiming High For Disabled Children project. Ability Counts teams have beaten Everton FC to both the Under 12’s and Under 16’s Merseyside Ability Counts Football League Title’s for disabled young people. Commenting on the kit, Darren Carr, Development Officer for the Positive Futures team noted the impact the new kit had on the team, “Our Ability Counts team are an incredibly dedicated team who enjoy playing the game, learning new skills and
12
honing their technique. The grant has enabled us to purchase kit that has given the team an identity and helped to establish them further.” For more information on activities for disabled children and young people, contact the Positive Futures team direct on 0151 285 5444, log on to www.moveitsefton.co.uk or add the team as a friend on Facebook at Sefton Positive Futures.
The Ability Counts team proudly wear their colours.
involved with their child / children. These include consultants, nurses, teachers, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) etc who can all make a referral to the team. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to discuss a matter with the team, contact Positive Futures on 0151 285 5449 / 5444 or by email: pfinclusion@sefton.gov.uk You can also find the team on Facebook on Sefton Positive Futures. If your child accesses Positive Futures and you know of a family who don’t know about the service, please pass their details on to them. The Positive Futures team actively promote their services to a wide range of professionals but also need parents to pass on the information.
Boogie Wonderland Getting into the boogie, the Sefton Positive Futures team are working with disabled children and their families to enjoy the latest Dance 4 Life craze. Working to keep dancing, a range of disability friendly dance classes are to be made available across the borough, including Dunes Splash World in Southport and Meadows Leisure Centre and Library in Maghull. The sessions are open to all young people aged 5-24yrs and their families to enjoy learning a range of new dance moves and enjoy keeping fit and healthy. Dance 4 Life sessions form part of a range of activities for disabled children, young people and their families in Sefton. For further information contact Positive Futures on 0151 285 5444 or by email: pfinclusion@sefton.gov.uk
Wheely Good Fun Proving wheely successful with participants, the Sefton Positive Futures team have completed another successful Mountain Biking programme running specifically for children with autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). The programme saw the students develop their riding level with one student leading the way in inspiring his fellow students. Initially experiencing difficulty in steering and pedalling at the same time, after completing the course he was able to perform jumps, spins and complete difficult Dimmock runs. John Doran, Development Officer for the Sefton Positive Futures team commented, “The sense of achievement witnessed in the group is incredible. Every boy has made very significant progress but the positive morale and comradeship among the team has lead to friendships, which has provided further support.” The original group of students have now entered the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award. Sefton Positive Futures run a variety of disability specific projects. For further information contact the team direct on 0151 285 5444, by email pfinc@sefton.gov.uk or add the team on Facebook at Sefton Positive Futures.
Positive half-term for disabled young people There was Spring in the air and a spring in their step as disabled young people in Sefton enjoyed the halfterm school holiday. Organised by Positive Futures as part of Sefton’s Aiming High for Disabled Children Transforming Short Breaks programme, the weeklong holiday provided disabled children and young people with a host of fun activities. Activities ranged from arts and crafts, music lessons and activity days at Ainsdale Discovery Centre to the more adventurous activities, including Blokarts, Nintendo Wii Dance Off’s, multi- sports and water sports activities, before culminating in an exciting end of term party.
More than 120 young people attended the programme, with 24 new referrals, which represented a 50% increase. Commenting on the success, Leanne Dunning, Development Officer for the programme said, “We have witnessed a number of new referrals joining us this holiday for the activities on offer with some really positive feedback proving very encouraging, particularly from our newest members.” For further information on activities for disabled children and young people in Sefton, contact Sefton
Richard Potts, Development Manager for Sefton Positive Futures rewards a young person for their endeavours at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. Positive Futures on 0151 285 5444 or by email: pfinclusion@sefton.gov.uk
13
‘Moving On’
Sefton Transitions Careers Event Helping young people ‘Move On’ when they leave school, on 16th March Sefton’s Transitions Coordinators organised an opportunities / careers event targeted specifically at young people with disabilities and their parents / carers. With support from colleagues and students at Arden College in Southport, ‘Moving On’ was held at Dunes Splash World, Southport. Now in its third year, it was arranged in response to requests from parents and young people for more information about post-school opportunities and the different types of services available to support them as they enter adulthood. All disabled young people need access to sufficient information and support to ensure that they reach their goals, grow up and live the lives they want to live and play a full and active role in society. This type of event is proving to be a very successful way of providing the type of information needed for them to start making informed choices about their future. The Transitions Coordinators invited all young people with special educational needs who live in Sefton and attend special or mainstream schools in the borough or surrounding areas.
What better than some well earnt relaxation after a days fact finding?
14
The event was attended by 60 exhibitors, who were there to give out information and advice about the types of services / opportunities available to young people when they leave school. There were a wide range of organisations present, including Job Centre Plus; Connexions Greater Merseyside; Hugh Baird College and Southport College; Adult Health and Social Care, Active Sefton and various training providers.
Concentration is the name of the game with Positive Futures! The young people were supported by their schools and colleges to come along and gather information from the exhibitors and have an informal chat about the types of services on offer. The event was a big success and over 300 young people, families and interested professionals came along to find out more about the type of options on offer to disabled young people. For more information, please contact the Transitions Coordinators on ext. 3845 / 3830 or by email: sophie.thomson@sefton.gov.uk / louise.murray@sefton.gov.uk / jane.backland@sefton.gov.uk
Hello from P.A.C.T.S! A message from the P.A.C.T.S Forum
At a recent P.A.C.T.S Forum meeting we took time to reflect on our achievements so far while extending thanks to Sue Neal from Sefton Carers Centre for helping P.A.C.T.S establish itself as what it is today. The most recent forum took place at the Shoreline Church in Southport on 17th May and was a great success. It was encouraging to see new parents, newly trained representatives and
those from other community groups benefiting from a very informative and interactive presentation to Kevin Leavitt from Positive Futures and Tom Howard from the DCATCH team. We also met Mike Hussey from the Child Health Development Programme and he is eager to link into the forum. The aim of the Child Health Development Programme is to achieve excellence in health
improvement and services for the children and young people of Cheshire and Merseyside. In recent developments funding has been secured from Aiming High Disabled Children. This is crucial to continue developing P.A.C.T.S to support parents having their say and working with service providers to improve services for our children. P.A.C.T.S also participated in the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Network. A paper to support improvements to the diagnostic process has been put forward to the Children’s Trust with the support of Colin Oxley. We would like to thank parents who took part in focus groups that informed the paper. Your involvement is absolutely vital to shaping services for our children and your voice needs to be heard to do this. Think of P.A.C.T.S as your way forward - acting on your behalf to shape the provision for our children and young adults (0-25). If you want to get involved, come along to the next Forum on 22nd September, 10am – 2pm at Crosby Lakeside Activity Centre. Please look for further details on our website http://pactsefton.org.uk/ or contact us on 07864 913 630
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 Susan Neal, Sefton Carers Centre, 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
15
DCATCH Programme Continues Following a highly successful three-year pilot programme, funding has been secured for the continuation of Sefton’s DCATCH (Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare) Service.
DCATCH has been enabling parents and carers of disabled young people, aged 0-19 to access high-quality, inclusive and affordable childcare throughout the borough. Rita Wiseman, of ‘Together for Disabled Children’ hailed the work of the programme, stating: “Sefton has provided invaluable support and leadership to the development of the sector nationally and this has made a big impact in securing the progress of other local authorities”. In addition to the ongoing support and advice offered to families and settings from the programmes’ inclusion practitioners, recent ‘highlights’ of the programme have included: • Free training for parents and practitioners in ‘Autism’, ‘Behaviour’, ‘Problem Solving’ and ‘Working with Parents’. • An Inclusive Play Conference with a keynote speech from the President of the International Play Association. • A ‘Visioning Day’ for parents and
professionals to discuss their wants and needs for the future of inclusive childcare in Sefton. • Work with settings to develop ‘Communication Friendly Spaces’. • Summer programmes in holiday clubs looking at Circus Skills and other inclusive activities. The news, which comes following the Sefton programme being nationally recognised as a Change Champion has been welcomed by parents, carers and childcare providers alike: “DCATCH has been invaluable to me as I have no other means of holiday cover for my son”. “DCATCH has been amazing! The children have learned a lot from my son, and him from them. The staff have been on a massive learning curve, as have I. The DCATCH team have been so supportive and for that we will be eternally grateful”. If you think that DCATCH could support your family or you would like to hear more about what the programme can offer, please call the team on 01704 882 036.
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