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Aiming High for Disabled Children Newsletter with up-to-date information and news for children and young people with disabilities and their parents, carers and families
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for Disabled ChildrenIssue 6, Autumn 2011
Children, Schools and Families
w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
Aiming HighAiming High
Lots of disabled children and young people took the chance to say “thank-you” this summer as they enjoyed a fantastic array of fun andstimulating activities all over Sefton. To find out more go to Page 9
2
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:
Relationship to child:
Family Address:
Telephone:
Primary diagnosis:
Signature: Date:
Sefton’s DisabledChildren’sInformation andDatabaseThe Good Shepherd Site Sterrix Lane, Litherland. L21 0DA.
Tel: 0151 934 3853Email: [email protected]://www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr Database CoordinatorChristine BatesDatabase AdministratorGlenda Foley
Are you registered with the Disabled Children’sInformation 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 BatesDatabase Coordinator
The Sefton ParentPartnershipThe Sefton Parent Partnership
provides accurate, impartial
information, advice and support
to parents whose children are
disabled or who have Special
Educational Needs. The service
has been significantly reduced,
but is still running ADHD
(attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder) and ASD (autistic
spectrum disorder) programmes
with the help of volunteers, and
are still offering free counselling
for parents. Unfortunately they
no longer offer other popular
therapies.
Despite the reduction in service,
the Sefton Parent Partnerhip
have expert knowledge and may
be able to signpost you to the
services you want. You can
contact Christine and Wendy on
0151 291 0551.
3
SteppingForwardThe Shaw Trust have introduced
Stepping Forward, a programme
which aims to reduce the number of
young people, aged 14-18 (or 25 for
those with a learning difficulty or
disability in Merseyside), who are, or
are at risk of becoming, not in
education, employment or training
(NEET). This is in order to improve
their education, employability and
personal skills and to enable them
to progress into work or further
learning.
It will be a new and innovative
programme for up to 18 weeks
using a range of new methods to
engage young people, who will also
be able to access funding through
the Young People’s Learning
Agency (YPLA) bursary and will be
supported with travel expenses.
The Shaw Trust are currently
recruiting for the programme and
welcome referrals. If you would like
to find out more contact Michael at
Shaw Trust on 07595 085 603.Breakaway Northwest CIC (Community Integrated Care) specialise in
providing respite for families and time to be together if they have to focus
attention on a family member with Special Needs.
It is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of qualified key workers
operating on a one-to-one basis to develop children and young people
aged 5-25 years to the best of their capabilities. Key workers are there to
help in lots of ways, such as organising pick-up and drop-off on a
wheelchair friendly minibus or arranging ‘Care in the Community’.
To find out more about Breakaway Northwest and what they can do for
you, contact Ken on 07545 574 533 or Diana on 07988 329 255.
Alternatively, you can email: [email protected] or
visit their website: www.breakawaynorthwest.co.uk
KensingtonFoundationThe Kensington Foundation
promotes the relief of
homelessness, poverty, deprivation
and distress. Projects they currently
fund and manage include: Daisy
Chain Project, providing holiday
accommodation for respite breaks;
the Crisis Grant Line for grant-aid to
those in need of assistance, and
Jack In The Box, providing free toys
for families in need.
For more information contact the
Kensington Foundation on
01253 761 444 or by email:
[email protected], you can visit their
website:
www.kensingtonfoundation.com
Debt AdviceSefton Carers Centre have an
experienced debt advisor to help
you with advice on your mortgage,
rent, utility arrears etc.
To receive this assistance, you need
to be registered with the Carers
Centre. To register contact them on
0151 288 6060 or find them at
South Road, Waterloo. L22 5RF.
CAPCAP (Christians Against Poverty) is
a national debt counselling charity
with a network of 160 centres based
in local churches. CAP offers hope
and a solution to anyone in debt
through its unique, in-depth service.
To find out more contact CAP on
01274 760 720 or by email:
[email protected] Alternatively, you
can visit their website:
www.capuk.org
Having a Voice!The ‘Giving Voice’ campaign is
designed to ‘give voice’ to people
with speech, language and
communication needs to ensure
those needs, and those of their
carers and families, are met. They
aim to demonstrate how speech
and language therapy makes a
difference to individuals and
communities across the UK.
To safeguard the future of speech
and language therapy services, it is
vital that our decision makers
understand that therapy is a cost
saving, life transforming service.
To find out more and get involved
please visit the Giving Voice
website: www.givingvoiceuk.orgYou can contact the campaign team
on 020 7378 3012 or by email:
A Hands on Approach to AutismA Hands on Approach is a national annual conference organised by
professionals and parents in partnership.
It will be taking place on 2nd November 2011 from 8.50am- 5pm at The
Pinewood House Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport. SK2 7JE.
Tickets cost £100 for professionals and £35 for parents.
For more information contact Tanya Farley on 07966 399 709
4
Keeping an eye onthe timeThe ‘Time Timer’ is now available
from Special Direct with an optional
audible signal (beep beep). This is
useful for children who need an
audible prompt to help with time
perception.
To find out more visit the Special
Direct website:
www.specialdirect.com
TrabasackThe Trabasack and Trabasack Mini
are portable laptray bags for users
of wheelchairs, buggies and therapy
chairs.
They have one flat side and a
cushion insert on the other so the
bag sits comfortably on the user's
lap. They can be carried on the
back, over the shoulder, or attached
to a buggy or wheelchair using
adjustable straps.
The Trabasack has curved edges to
hug the body’s contours, while the
Trabasack Mini is perfect for holding
A4 paper.
For more information please
contact Fledglings on
0845 458 1124 or visit:
www.fledglings.org.uk
Help with Water Charges The United Utilities Trust Fund is helping people in United Utilities
areas who are unable to meet the cost of water charges. In certain
cases, the Trust can also consider giving some help to meet other
essential bills, household needs or priority debts.
To apply for a grant - use an application form at the following web-
page www.uutf.org.uk/app.htm or for more information visit:
www.uutf.org.uk/Contact_Us.htm
Alternatively, you can contact United Utilities Trust Fund on 0845 1791791 or write to them at United Utilities Trust Fund, FREEPOST
RLYY-JHEJ-XCXS, Sutton Coldfield. B72 1TJ.
Need
somewhere to
change your
child?Southport Community Service
Station is making their facility
available to parents of disabled
children to use as a changing area.
Please note that they are unable to
provide staff assistance. You can
find the centre at the following
address: 27-37 ScarisbrickAvenue, Southport. PR8 1NW.
Swimming no longerstatutory athydro poolStatutory Saturday swimming at
the hydro pool in Southport
District General Hospital is no
longer available due to limited
demand. However, if you want to
book a session for yourself then
please contact Jane Galbraith at
the hospital on 01704 704 150.
Sessions cost £25 per hour and
are available on weekends.
Would you like the
chance to have
your questions
and views
heard by key
decision
makers
responsible for
providing services for your children?
As part of the national Carers Rights
Day, Sefton Carers Centre is
organising two ‘Question Time’
styled events, where the panel will
include senior figures from Health
and Social Care. Parent Carer
Question Time will be hosted in
partnership with P.A.C.T.S (Parents
and Carers Team Sefton). The key
themes being discussed by the
audience and guest panel are
‘Money Matters’ and the challenges
posed by funding and service
reductions at the forefront of carers’
Parent Carers Question Timethoughts.
The morning
session is
specifically for
parents and will
take place on
Friday 2nd
December from
10am-2pm at
the following address: RAFA Club,
Victoria Road, Freshfield, Formby.
L37 1LG. Complimentary
refreshments will be provided
including tea, coffee and biscuits.
For full details of the panel, check
out the November issue of Sefton
Carers Contact Magazine or visit
the P.A.C.T.S website for regular
updates www.pactsefton.org.uk
To attend, submit a question or for
more information contact Sefton
Carers Centre on 0151 288 6060.
5
SeftonLibrariesAll Sefton Libraries have at least twoactivities each week aimed at theunder 4s. These are fun events andchildren can make as much noise asthey want!
At Storytime there is an activity andcolouring, as well as a story and acouple of rhymes. At Rhymetimechildren sing along and play theirinstruments to nursery rhymes andsongs; afterwards they can enjoycolouring-in with their friends.
To find out more about what’s on offerfor children at Sefton Libraries, pleasevisit the following weblink:http://bit.ly/pN6BVr
If you don’t have access to theInternet then please contact Sefton’sContact Centre on 0800 140 0845 tofind the location and contact number for your local library.
Magazines, Books and WebsitesWorking Families
‘Working Families’ is the UK’s
leading work-life balance
organization for parents and carers
and their employers. They have free
Legal Helpline for parents and
carers as well as a Facebook page,
which you can ‘Like’ and therefore
keep up-to-date with their activities.
They have also produced the
following booklets:
‘From child to adult: aguide to disability,transition and familyfinance’ to read please visit:
http://bit.ly/r0KuLK
‘Getting into Work’which can be found at:http://bit.ly/oDDuJn
The Nystagmus NetworkThe Nystagmus Network has
published two story cards about
Northwick the Bear with nystagmus
to help children, teachers and others
understand what it’s like to have this
unusual eye condition. To find out
more, visit the following link:
www.nystagmusnet.org
Parent Place‘Parent Place’ is an online
discussion forum for parents of deaf
children to share their experiences,
worries and advice. For more
information visit:
www.ndcs.org.uk/parentplace
The BuzzThe Buzz gives deaf young people
the opportunity to make new friends
and find out about activities and
events, chat about things that matter
to them and play games. For more
information visit:
www.ndcsbuzz.org.uk
Cleft Palate and DeafnessThis book explains what a Cleft
Palate is and the type of deafness
commonly associated with it. To
find out how you can register to
download or order a copy, visit:
www.ndcs.org.uk
Anger ManagementGames for Children By Deborah M. Plummer
ISBN 9781843106289
Helping Children to Copewith Change, Stress andAnxiety.By Deborah M. Plummer
ISBN 9781843109600
From Anxiety to MeltdownBy Deborah Lipsky
ISBN 9781849058438
The National AutisticSociety
The National Autistic Society (NAS)
has released a new catalogue of
publications. Contact them by email:
[email protected] or visit
their website www.autism.org.ukto request a copy.
Learning AboutFriendship
‘Learning About Friendship’ is a set
of stories to support social skills
training in children with Asperger
syndrome and high functioning
autism.
By K. I. Al-Ghani
ISBN 9781849051453
It’s Raining Cats and DogsThis is a humorous book that offers
an insight into the mind of someone
on the autistic spectrum.
By Michael Barton
ISBN 9780956713001
Wrong PlanetWrong Planet is a web communitydesigned for those with autism,Asperger syndrome, ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder), PDDs (pervasivedevelopment disorders) and otherneurological differences. Alsodesigned for parents, carers andprofessionals, there are discussionforums, articles, features, blogs anda chatroom. Find out more atwww.wrongplanet.net
Every Little CountsIf you employ a PA (personalassistant) or nanny you are classedas a ‘micro employer’. The CitizensAdvice Bureau has produced anAdvice Guide at http://bit.ly/oHLVkb
Whizz KidzWhizz Kidz has started a newwebsite for children with mobilityneeds, visit www.kidz-unlimited.org.uk to findout more.
6
The
Way
We Talk‘The Way We Talk’ is a new film
from the ‘Hello’ campaign showing
how speech, language and
communication needs can appear in
children. It is narrated through the
words of Oliver (aged 8), Attiyyah
(15), Luke (4), Jamie (15), Barnaby
(6), Aiden (7) and Alex (6).
You can help children with a
communication difficulty by
understanding more about their
needs. Watch ‘The Way We Talk’ at
www.hello.org.uk and visit
www.talkingtrouble.info
Families at the ‘Sefton Up on
Downs’ group recently organised
a useful and well-attended event
at Bootle Cricket Club.
Professionals, school
representatives and parents
joined together with the Downs
Syndrome Association to look at
the areas of development for
children with Downs syndrome,
including:
• Developing language and
communication skills.
• Accessing the Curriculum
• Developing numeracy and
A Helping
HandThe Sefton Helping Hand Serviceare in need of good qualityfurniture donations, which can becollected from your home andredistributed to residents who arein need within the Borough ofSefton. They can only collect andre-distribute from propertieswithin the Borough of Sefton.
To arrange a collection or if youare in need of furniture, pleasecontact Sefton Helping HandService on 0151 932 9008.
Please note we can only takefurniture that is in good repair.Upholstered furniture must stillhave a label attached that statesits compliance to fire retardantregulations.
www.seftonhelpinghands.btck.co.uk
Take the
Right STEPSSTEPS (Sefton Training and
Enterprise Projects) provide free or
low cost training courses and
therapy sessions for carers and
former carers.
Upcoming courses include: First Aid
for Carers; Weight Management,
Autism Awareness and a 5 week
Mental Well being programme
beginning Monday 3rd October,
1-3pm. There are many more useful
courses to choose from, please ask
the STEPS team for a full list of
available training courses up to
November 2011.
Therapies include: yoga at £3 per
session; zumba at £3 per session;
body massage from £10-15; facial
at 12); manicure and pedicure at
£12 each respectively, with a file and
polish for £7 and monthly hopi ear
candles, reflexology and reiki at £17.
For more information on STEPS
and courses and therapies they can
provide, contact them on
0151 282 5477 or by email:
Sensory TouchLocated in Southport, ‘Sensory
Touch’ is a multi-sensory
environment where your child or
young person can indulge in
escapism away from everyday
distractions and enjoy enhanced
relaxation and contemplation.
This tailored environment is for all
abilities, with staff on hand to offer
advice or help you structure your
sessions. Facilities include sensory
rooms, a soft play area, UV
relaxation area and lots of toys and
games suitable for your child or
young person.
Sessions cost £45 per hour for
either a person or group, with
support staff admitted free.
To find out more contact Sensory
Touch on 01704 513 811 or by
email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can visit their
website: www.sensorytouch.co.uk
Up on Downsmathematics skills
in primary school.
• Developing age appropriate
behaviour and independent
learning
If you would like more information
on Downs Syndrome Association
resources you can contact Donna
Proctor on 07866 663 010 or by
email:
[email protected] Julie Ryan on 07956 655 446or by email:
‘Sefton Up on Downs’ are holding
a Christmas Party on SundayDecember 11th from 1 – 5pm,
for families of children with
Downs syndrome. The party is
taking place at Crosby Comrades
Club, Liverpool Road, Crosby.
L23 5TG.
For more information please
contact Julie Ryan on 07956 655446 or by email:
[email protected] Donna Procter on 07866 663010 or by email:
7
In good time for Christmas shopping, the colourful
Lego Store has opened in Liverpool One! Situated
on South John Street next door to Accessorize, the
opening hours are: Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 8pm;
Saturday: 9am - 7pm and Sunday: 11am - 5pm.
Family Life‘Family Life’ is a new two-year
project working with children’s
centres and parent groups in
England to raise awareness of the
relationship issues that many
families face when caring for a
disabled child. There will be a
dedicated relationships enquiry
service, training / workshops and
new resources for families. For
more details contact Yvonne
McGahren, Relationships
Information Officer by email:
Syndromes Without A NameUK – Family Stories
Are you a family living without a
The Family Services Directory is an online directory of
local and national services for children, young people
and families. All you need to know in one place!
Use it to find out what’s in your local area and where
to turn for advice and support. Services include:
Disability and Special Needs; Family Services;
Schools and SureStart Children’s Centres; Health;
Clubs and Activities; Jobs, Grants and Training; Sport
and Recreation and Adult Social Care.
To access the directory visit
www.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformation
You can also access the directory via an information
kiosk within many of Sefton’s SureStart Children’s
Centres.
If you do not have access to the Internet or prefer to
speak to an advisor please contact Sefton Families
Information Service on 0800 0197 219 or by Email:
Family Services Directory
diagnosis? SWAN UK want families
to share their stories on a new blog.
If you wish to find out more or share
your story contact Lauren Roberts
on 020 7704 3141 or by email:
Patient Registry forFreidrich's Ataxia
Ataxia UK are undertaking a 4 year
project to develop a patient registry
for Friedreich’s Ataxia. The study will
gather vital information about the
condition and help patients gain a
better understanding of their
prognosis. If you are affected by
Friedreich’s Ataxia and wish to find
out more visit the Ataxia UK
website: www.ataxia.org.uk
Is your child eligible for a new GovernmentBursary Payment?
Parents might be unaware that the
new bursary is available from
September 2011 for 16 to 19 year
olds in further education. This is
being introduced as a replacement
for the Educational Maintenance
Allowance. The most vulnerable
students will be guaranteed a
payment of £1,200 per year.
To find out if your son or daughter
are eligible for a payment of £1,200
call Contact a Family’s Helpline on
0808 808 3555 or email them at:
....News....News....News....News....News....News....News....News....
Go Lego Crazy!
Kidz Up North ExhibitionA FREE UK exhibition dedicated to disabled children, their
families and carers, and the health care professionals who
work with them.
Information on funding, mobility, seating, beds, communication,
access, education, toys, transport, style, sensory, sports,
leisure and much more…
Thursday, 24th November 2011 - 9.30am – 4.30pm, Reebok
Stadium, Premier Suite, Middlebrook Exhibitions Centre,
Burnden Way, Bolton. BL6 6JW. Junction 6, M61.
Find Answers at MerseytravelThe Merseytravel advisory panel is being replaced
with customer panels in each district, every ten weeks.
They will be open to the public and involve local
politicians and Merseytravel staff.
If parents and carers have had issues obtaining a
learning disability bus pass for their child, this would be
an appropriate place to raise those issues. As yet
times and dates are unknown but Christine Bates,
Disabled Children’s Information and Database
Coordinator, will signpost parents and carers when
they are available. Alternatively, you can contact
Merseytravel on 0151 227 5181 for more information.
8
All TogetherSefton
Welcome to Sheila, a new columnist
for Aiming High for Disabled Children.
Sheila oversees 'All Together Sefton',
a Facebook page exclusively for
parents and carers of people with
disabilities. She will be using this
column to share information that
could benefit parents and carers, of
children and young people with
learning difficulties or disabilities.
While she’s working tirelessly to
share information with other parents
and carers, she is also a dedicated
Mum to 3 children, one of whom is
diagnosed with autism.
For her introductory column, Sheila
has been interviewed by Christine
Bates of the Disabled Children’s
Information and Database.
Why did you set up the page?
‘I feel very strongly about families like
mine being not just supported, but
well informed. We have lots of groups
and professionals supporting parents
within Sefton, but recognised there
were still groups of parents / carers
who are missing out on information
and support, which can lead to
families becoming quite isolated.
The Facebook page provides
information from local groups, and
parents and carers can let off steam
between themselves. Parents and
carers need a facility that meets the
needs of their family life outside of
office hours so they can ask
questions within the privacy of a
closed group and gain feedback
from others in a similar position.’
How do you link with other
agencies?
‘I link in with lots of other agencies
such as the Disabled Children’s
Information and Database and Sefton
Carers Centre, using everyone’s
areas of expertise to provide good
quality information for parents.
When there are areas of concern
raised by parents I will link to the
P.A.C.T.S Forum to enable them to
raise issues at a higher level, then
P.A.C.T.S will feed back to the
group.’
Where do you feel your area of
expertise will fit in?
‘I feel that my experience of being a
parent with a child on the autistic
spectrum is a good place to start and I
have discussed with several people
the possibility of developing an
information pack for parents/carers of
newly diagnosed autistic children. My
aim with the pack is to take away that
feeling of knowing your child’s
diagnosis but not knowing help is out
there and where to find it. I hope that
eventually the pack will be given to
families at the diagnosis stage. This
idea has been brought to the
P.A.C.T.S Parent Forum, Sefton
Carers Centre and the Disabled
Children’s Information and Database
and up to now has been well received
and supported.’
What’s been the response from
parents and carers?
‘We have over 60 members already,
include parents, carers and some
professionals posting supportive
messages and further information.
There are also groups who can post
information and details of fund raising
events, such as Crosby RDA and
‘Thumbs Up’ to name just two. I hope
our group continues to grow and that
it will continue to make families feel
well informed and well supported.’
Amongst the useful information, Sheila isconstantly updated with positive feedback fromparents and carers, which she has compiled forthis issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children:
‘I think it’s great! It’s often hard knowing
where to look for advice and information,
particularly if you are just starting out. It’s
also nice to be with people who are going, or
have gone through the same things as us
and can fully understand and appreciate our
concerns and difficulties.’
‘It's a really good way of sharing information
and thanks to you Sheila it's always topical
and kept up to date. Thank you.’
‘I think it is great. Well done. xx’
Sheila’s top tip for this issue is Emma’s ArtisanBreads in Formby, who are selling a gluten free
range of cakes and treats to eat-in or take-away, with
an additional charge to eat-in. There are also gluten
free birthday cakes and they soon hope to add gluten
free bread and pasta to their range. You can contact
Emma direct on 01704 830 124.
9
This year’s summer holiday schemes
were packed with exciting opportunities
for disabled children of all ages in Sefton.
Funding from Sefton's Aiming High for
Disabled Children meant that summer
holiday activities took place throughout
the six week break and this year were
designed to be as accessible as possible,
catering for more young people with
complex needs, including a significant
number who had never accessed
summer schemes before. These were
designed and delivered by a variety of
providers including - Sefton Positive
Futures, Sefton Resource Centre, The
Well Young Persons Project, Crosby High
School, Rowan Park School, Merefield
School and various Children’s Centres.
This meant that over 370 disabled
childen and young people accessed
summer activities funded by Aiming High
for Disabled Children and their families
had a short break from their caring
responsibilities.
Feedback from parents and children has
been extremely positive and we are in the
process of evaluating it so that we can
learn from your experiences and build on
our successes for next year.
Short Breaks Update by Colin Oxley, Assistant Director, InclusionI am writing this following one of our
most successful years in supporting
parents and carers through providing
enjoyable short breaks for their disabled
children. The general feedback we
have so far is positive, though we
recognise that there are always
improvements to be made. A lot of the
improvement this year has been due to
the effective partnership working with
P.A.C.T.S in planning the programme.
We are working closely with them on a
detailed evaluation of this summer to
keep improving as we begin planning
for summer 2012!
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank all of the staff involved from
Sefton Resource Centre and Positive
Futures, including all of the extra casual
staff and volunteers, who worked so
hard to make this summer programme
successful.
One of the things that parents have said
to us is that they would like to have a
single point of access for Short Breaks
services so we are combining the
Resource Centre and Positive Futures
teams into a new Short Breaks service.
We have appointed Caroline Bates as
Head of Service and she will be
assisted by two deputies – Karen
O’Farrell and Richard Potts. The new
management team are thinking about
the development of the new team,
including trying to come up with a new
name for the service – any ideas
welcome!
I would like to emphasise that the new
service will offer a range of Short
Breaks – some in inclusive settings and
some in settings solely for disabled
children. We will continue to work with
P.A.C.T.S to make sure that the service
develops in ways that meet the needs
of our children and families.
Parents and carers have also told us
that they would like easier access to
services and I have tried to capture this
in our draft Short Breaks statement.
This is already on the P.A.C.T.S website
and I would welcome your views. We
need to put the statement on the Sefton
website in October and I am proposing
that we should use the draft statement
initially, while emphasising it is a draft
and may change in the light of any
comments received. I would hope that
we would have a very clear idea of what
you think of the statement by Christmas
so that a final version can be placed on
the Sefton Council website by January
2012.
I hope that the changes we are making
are working for our children and families
but please let us have your views so
that we can continue to improve
services together.
Fun theGreatestResourcefor SeftonFun was the greatest resource for
children and young people with
moderate-to-severe disabilities in
Sefton over the course of an action
packed end to the summer.
castle, fancy dress and visits off site to
Dunes Splash World in Southport;
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre;
bowling, Chester Zoo and Alton Towers.
A key date in August was the ‘Walking
with Giants’ convention in Liverpool.
‘Walking with Giants’ is a charity
dedicated to supporting individuals
and families affected by Primordial
Dwarfism. Families from across the
world attended the weeklong
convention held in Liverpool’s Marriott
Hotel. Sefton Resource Centre
provided lots of activities for the
children and their siblings whilst
parents and carers attended the
conference.
To find out more, please contact
Karen O’Farrell on 0151 934 5862 or
by email:
Karen.O’[email protected]
Sefton’s BiggestSummer Ever
With funding from Aiming High for
Disabled Children, Sefton Resource
Centre staff and volunteers provided
fun, safe, stimulating activities for 102
children and young people aged from
3-19 years. Activities were spread over
6 sites, ranging from 5-10 days
depending on the age group and
included: baking; teddy bears picnics;
getting messy; water play; a bouncy
A young lady sticks to the task at hand
with Sefton Resource Centre!
10
Young people keep theball rolling for 2012Ability was the name of the game as
disabled young people heralded the
London 2012 Olympics in a
disability football tournament and
roadshow at Litherland Sports Park.
Hosted in partnership by Sefton
Positive Futures, Active Sefton and
Liverpool County Football
Association, the tournament was
part of a series of sporting and
cultural events taking place across
the UK, which saw hundreds of
thousands of people participating in
events to celebrate the ‘One Year to
Go’ countdown to the Olympic and
Paralympic Games.
The celebration event for young
people with physical, sensory or
learning barriers was used to raise
awareness of the fantastic work that
is being undertaken by various
agencies and clubs, and to
showcase the amazing skill and
commitment levels of disabled
young people in the local area.
The tournament comprised of Under
13 and Under 16 categories and
was also open to established teams
or new teams formed from individual
entrants who wanted to get
involved.
An entertaining and informative
highlight of the day for all players,
coaches and parents were the
displays by members of the Great
Britain Blind Football and Cerebral
Palsy Football squads.
Sefton Positive Futures entered
their development players, who
despite having less experience in
the Under 16 category than rival
teams, improved greatly throughout
the course of the tournament.
The group gained pride from their
‘Most Sporting Team of the
Tournament’ award, gladly collected
by team Captain Richard Geeson,
as well as receiving participation
medals and enjoying the odd goal
celebration along the way. In a
gripping final Everton FC ran out
worthy winners against the team
from Knowsley MBC.
The Sefton Positive Futures team
run a number of disabled and
inclusive football sessions across
the borough. For further information
on your nearest activity, contact the
team direct on 0151 285 5444, by
email: [email protected] via Facebook at Sefton Positive
Futures.
A young player demonstrates the
Cruyff turn at Litherland Sports Park.
Young people in Sefton have been
moving to their own beat and
creating their own unique sounds as
part of stimulating activities from the
Well Young Person Project.
‘On The Beat’ gave young people
the opportunity to explore digital
music technology and create their
own pieces, regardless of their
ability or experience.
Music professionals and technicians
from MoMusic supported the young
people and introduced them to
cutting edge studio technology,
where they gained the knowledge,
confidence and self-esteem to
create music with professional
production levels.
As well as the skills garnered in the
studio, they had the chance to
express themselves through their
productions. Working with
professional MCs, they articulated
their own thoughts and feelings
through music and addressed
issues affecting them and their
peers. The culmination of the fun
and hard work in the studio was
their own CD of unique
compositions, including their music
and lyrics.
The Well Young Person Project
aimed to use the project to inspire
and motivate young people to
express themselves and learn more
in the modern world, with music and
music technology proving excellent
platforms through which to do this.
To find out more about what the
Well Young Person Project has to
offer for young people with learning
On The Beat
Young people get on the same
frequency with MoMusic…
difficulties or disabilities, contact
Julie Rimmer on 0151 934 3194 or
by email: [email protected]
11
One young man enjoyed Positive
Futures summer activities so much he
set up home!
Sizzling Summer Fun with
As part of its summer sizzler of
activities, Sefton Positive Futures
provided a range of thing to do.
From water sports and Blokarts to
themed arts and crafts, ‘Wheels for
All’ and family fun days, there was
something for everyone to enjoy on
the summer long programme.
Nearly 160 disabled children and
young people accessed the
programmes delivered by Positive
Futures with lots of positive
feedback from parents and carers:
"As a parent this summer has
helped me immensely, my boys
have had a full and fun summer
whilst I have been given some much
needed time for myself. My son who
has never been able to ride a bike
because of his disability has now
learnt how to as a result of the
‘Wheels for All’ sessions, which is a
fantastic achievement. Access to
this provision has had a hugely
positive effect. The staff
were wonderful and
always approachable".
Another key aspect of
the programme
highlighted by parents
and carers was the
increase in physical
skills, confidence and
the development of
friendships:
"All of the sessions with
Positive Futures went so
well. My daughter has
subsequently forged a
friendship with another young girl
and they now meet regularly within
their own time".
Sefton Positive Futures run a
number of disability specific and
inclusive activities for disabled
children and young people in
Sefton. To find out further
information, log on to
www.moveitsefton.co.uk or join
the team on Facebook at Sefton
Positive Futures.
Short breaks in Sefton are not only
fun and enriching for those involved,
but also incredibly varied. The
choices on offer are the result of
contributions from lots of dedicated
services working together.
Sefton Youth Service is one such
service, placing emphasis on fun,
safety and personal development.
Youth Service sessions take place
in nine youth centers borough wide
including Orrell Mount Youth Centre
and Queens Road Neighbourhood
Centre in Bootle and The Escape
Youth Centre at Netherton Activity
Centre (NAC). The Youth Service,
with financial and staffing support
from Sefton Positive Futures,
delivers ten Short Breaks sessions
(30-35 hours) per week offering
disabled young people aged 11-25
years the opportunity to participate
in activities and experiences that will
develop their skills, knowledge and
self confidence, these include:
developing bids for Aiming High for
Disabled Children (AHDC) funding,
learning about sexual health and
personal safety, understanding
aspects of the cultures around them
and enabling young people to
achieve accreditation through
Youth Service Short Break Sessionsprojects and the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
All activities and projects take place
in a safe and supportive
environment where young people
can be with their friends, socialise,
have fun, learn and be themselves.
Everything the young people do is
based on their identified needs and
involves their input every step of the
way, with recorded outcomes
leading to accreditations through
their participation.
To find out more about Sefton Youth
Service and what it can offer your
child or a young person you care
for, contact them on 0151 934 4949or by email:
It was the need for speed on Formby Beach this
summer…
12
environment. The group
understands that the children are of
different abilities and have additional
needs. If my son came out with
something inappropriate it is not
judged – making it a lot less
stressful!”
“It’s really helpful as the summer
holidays can be so stressful.”
“Everything arranged is ‘needs led’
and very much enjoyed and
appreciated.”
Fun and well-being were the only
things being prescribed to families in
Sefton over the course of four days
of summer activities.
With funding from Aiming High for
Disabled Children, Sefton’s Well
Young Person team and Crosby
High Specialist Humanities College
came together once more to run
their fourth annual ‘Family Fun’
event.
Activities began on Monday with
families asked to think about the
‘Five Ways to Well being’, with
themes including: ‘To connect’;
‘Take notice’; ‘Be active’, ‘Keep
learning’ and ‘Give of yourself’.
Following this session the afternoon
was spent watching ‘Harry Potter
and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’ at
the Plaza Community Cinema in
Waterloo.
Tuesday was spent with Kev Leavitt
of Active Sefton at the Crosby
Lakeside Adventure Centre. At the
centre families enjoyed raft building,
bell boat racing and for those not
wanting to get wet there was the
formidable climbing wall.
On Wednesday there was a Nature
Day at Crosby High, which was
organised collaboratively between
the Sefton Well Young Person team;
Crosby High; City Rice Lane Farm;
Shy Lowen Horse and Pony
Sanctuary; Steve Riley’s Nature
Trail, S and R Birds, who brought
their wonderful birds of prey and
O.P.E.R.A (Older Person’s Enabling
Resource and Action), who provided
massage and relaxation therapy.
Thursday was spent at Brockhole
in the Lake District, the highlight of
which was a boat trip on Lake
Windermere, with families
encouraged to explore the scenic
surroundings.
Both Crosby High and the Well
Young Person team were
encouraged by positive feedback
they received from families,
“It enables my son to have fun
family activities with friends and
extended family in a safe
Family Event is “Well Fun”!
“I don’t know how I would have
coped without the respite they gave
me. The children felt good about
themselves because of what they’d
achieved, with their behaviour, and
with the things they did.”
Parent, Valewood Children’s Centre.
“My child was happier, more
confident and more independent.”
Parent, Hudson Children’s Centre.
To find out what Sefton’s children’s
centres are offering and what you
can do over the half-term holiday, a
full table of the sessions for children
with additional needs can be found
at the following link:
http://bit.ly/rjomQN You can also
access this on the P.A.C.T.S website:
http://pactsefton.org.uk/Alternatively, for a hard copy of the
programme or timetable for your
nearest centre, call Kate Hurn at
Sefton Carers Centre on
0151 288 6063.
Summer time was playtime for
children’s centres across Sefton. A
variety of sessions were provided by
seven children’s centres across the
borough for families of children with
additional needs, including outings,
play sessions, arts and crafts and
respite.
The centres developed the sessions
by working with parents, Sefton
Carers Centre, Aiming High for
Disabled Children, The Disabled
Children’s Information and
Database, and Homestart. They
also communicated with other
national and local organisations to
ensure those who accessed the
sessions got the information and
support they needed from other
appropriate agencies. For example,
they helped families complete grant
applications, found out about where
certain referrals were up to, and
gave support around managing
behaviour.
The summer programme run by
Sefton’s children’s centres has
received very positive feedback:
Summer Holidays in Sefton’s Children’s Centres
The Grange Children's Centre
introduce the innovative half-boy half
launching pad during their summer
programme…
Stick insects were among the many
stars during Family Fun Week!
13
What our friends said on Facebook…‘Thanks to all the staff at Positive
Futures, Sophie has had a great six
weeks holiday, would be lost without
you. Thank-you x’
Sharon Gwynne, Parent
‘Keziah has got her last Positive
Futures session tomorrow. Thank-
you to all the staff, especially Alex!
Keziah has had a lovely time, and I
have enjoyed a break and time to
spend some one-on-one time with
Elisha, Keziah's little sister. :)’
Clair Louise Vaughan, Parent
‘Positive Futures have been brilliant,
with loads of activities for my son.
He was signed up for Crosby
Lakeside Adventure Centre and is
doing 6 days, each with 6 hours of
watersports.’
Deborah Ann Clarke, Parent
people please log on to
www.moveitsefton.co.uk
Making a splash Lakeside style,
pupils from Merefield School have
been enjoying a summer break with
a difference thanks to funding from
Aiming High for Disabled Children.
Merefield School have been able to
utilise the funding to run a summer
holiday programme for their pupils
with the most profound and complex
disabilities.
Arranged through the Sefton
Positive Futures team, pupils have
been visiting Crosby Lakeside
Adventure Centre every
Wednesday to access a range of
water sports activities including
power boating and dinghies.
Caroline Bates, Senior Development
Manager for the Sefton Positive
Futures team highlighted feedback
received from staff at Merefield
School and reiterated the
achievements of the students,
“We have had fantastic feedback
from the staff at the facility and from
Merefield School who have
informed us that the children loved
the activities and have made the
staff a thank you card to show their
gratitude for their time at the facility,
as for many it was their first visit to
Crosby Lakeside.”
For further information on activities
taking place at Crosby Lakeside
Adventure Centre visit
www.crosbylakeside.co.uk or for
further information on disabled
activities for children and young
Making a Splash!
The water at Crosby Lakeside wasn’t
quite clear enough to see to the
bottom!
Aaaand relax!…
Everyone together: new arrivals
quickly settle in a hive of activity.
Arrivals not Departures in SeftonIt was about ‘The
Arrivals’ not
‘Departures’ for
young people in
Sefton this
summer, as they
were given a
chance to spread
their wings and
belong.
Supported by
funding from
Aiming High for
Disabled Children,
‘The Arrivals’ was a unique project
designed to help young people
develop a sense of belonging,
supporting those who feel they are
at the margins of social groups both
inside and outside of school.
Using creative arts such as
storytelling, excerpts from novels,
painting, drawing and poetry, ‘The
Arrivals’ project tackles issues such
as bullying, loneliness, transition,
relationships, xenophobia and
racism.
The young people began to identify
with the main characters in the
works discussed, relating their
sense of otherness to their own
experiences and those of their
peers in the group.
To find out more about ‘The
Arrivals’, contact Julie Rimmer on
0151 934 3194 or by email:
Join us online, just look for Sefton Positive Futures!
14
Thornton College
Thornton College is a specialist
centre dedicated to providing a
caring and supporting environment
for young people with learning
difficulties and/or physical
disabilities. Purpose built on the site
of the former Thornton Primary
School, the centre is run as a
partnership between Hugh Baird
College and Sefton Council.
Thornton College has a team of
experienced specialist teachers and
support teams from Hugh Baird
College who are working in
collaboration with Sefton’s special
schools. Sixteen students from the
special schools joined the College in
September and more will join them
in September 2012.
The teachers and support teams
build on the prior learning of
students and provide a progression
route to help the students develop
their skills to achieve their potential.
This may include further study at
College, employment or supported
employment, and independent
living.
Students will study a variety of
courses to help them to develop
independence and life enhancing
skills:
• ‘Daily Living Skills’, including
healthy eating and cooking.
• ‘Community Life Skills’, which will
help students to participate in the
community and develop skills to
plan and undertake trips,
including independent travelling.
• ICT, Maths and Communications
for everyday life.
Thornton College has exceptional
facilities, with a media suite,
refectory, state of the art specialist
classrooms and a bedsit, where
students can develop independent
living skills with the help of teachers
and support teams.
Matt Wilson, Thornton College
Manager said “Thornton College is
one of only two colleges of its kind
in the country. It is already making a
difference to the lives of some of the
young people in Sefton and we are
looking forward to welcoming more
students in the future.”
Thornton College will be holding an
open afternoon in November, to find
out more please contact Sophie
Thomson, Transitions Coordinator
on 0151 934 3830 or by email:
15
Next Parent’s
ForumThere’s a P.A.C.T.S Forum
taking place at Netherton
Activity Centre (NAC) on
18th January 2012,
commencing at 10am. It will
give everyone an
opportunity to look at the
new Jake’s Sensory World
and speak to the selected
panel, who are yet to be
confirmed. Netherton
Activity Centre, Glovers
Lane, Netherton. L30 3TL.
P.A.C.T.S - Parent and CarersTeam SeftonIf you are a parent orcarer of a child or youngperson 0-25 years withadditional needs orbelong to a group ofparents you can getinvolved with P.A.C.T.Sand 'Have Your Say'. The P.A.C.T.S Vision is to join
parents together with a collective
‘voice’ to work with service
providers to help shape services to
meet the needs of disabled
children and their families.
The team have had a very busy
few months working with Sefton
Council on behalf of parents of
disabled children and will continue
to do so in the future.
P.A.C.T.S have been involved in
many key projects and
developments, including:
Helping shape the summer holiday
activities for disabled children in
Sefton alongside Sefton Positive
Futures, Sefton Resource Centre,
children’s centres for their family
days and Merefield School, Rowan
Park School and Crosby High
School for their summer schemes.
Did your child access any of these
activities? Please contact the team
and let them know whether or not
your child attended. If your child
did attend, tell P.A.C.T.S about
your experiences. Were they
good? If so what aspects did you
enjoy? Would you change
anything? If so, what would you
change?
If your child did not access any
activities, please let P.A.C.T.S
know why. You can find online
forms on their website. All the
feedback will be used to help as
many children access some form
of summer activity as possible and
make the activities better for our
children.
Also on the P.A.C.T.S website
there is a consultation document
from Sefton, regarding the core
offer of Short Breaks. Please have
a read and give your comments
either directly to Colin Oxley or
through P.A.C.T.S. If you don’t
have access to the Internet please
contact P.A.C.T.S on 07864 913
630 or Christine Bates at the
Disabled Children’s Information
and Database on 0151 934 3853
and a copy will be sent to you.
The deadline for consultation has
been extended to encourage as
much discussion and feedback as
possible.
P.A.C.T.S have also been involved
in the Children’s Centres Review
and there is some information on
our website for you to read and to
comment on if you wish. It is
important to feedback your views
on the children’s centres as the
proposals may change the
services they offer.
All these things are important
steps in making services available
and accessible for disabled
children.
You can find out more about
P.A.C.T.S by visiting their website:
www.pactsefton.org.uk
If your child attends school / nursery please give details below
Telephone:
Email:
What’s the best way to contact you?
Telephone Email Post
Parent / Carer contact details
Name:
Child’s Name:
Address:
Please return to P.A.C.T.S (Parent and Carers Team Sefton),
c/o 27-37 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 5RF.
0151 288 6060 Email: [email protected]
Application to join The Parent’s Forum
16
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: [email protected]
An “Inny” and an“Outy” for DCATCH
During the school summer break,
both practitioners were invited to
help plan and deliver inclusive play
sessions in a number of private and
voluntary sector holiday clubs.
Children attending the clubs ranged
in age from 4-12 years and all were
encouraged to participate in
activities, including: ‘I can Animate’
movie making sessions featuring
alien animations; a variety of games
using basic signing to support
language and making a variety of
very loud and colourful musical
instruments using a collection of
recycled “junk”.
As well as being great fun, the
sessions gave them the chance to
work with childcare staff in the
settings, helping them to think and
reflect on how to make sure holiday
club activities are accessible to all
children who attend.
Staff at the various locations
provided glowing feedback:
‘This was brilliant, the children loved
it and were so engaged!’
‘It has been lovely to have the
chance to really stop and think
about what we do.’
The sessions proved to be a great
success and the practitioners are
planning to make them a regular
feature of their ongoing programme
of staff support and coaching.
DCATCH (Disabled Children’s
Access to Childcare) helps the
families of young people with
additional needs, aged 0-19 years
to access high-quality, affordable
and inclusive childcare during the
times that parents / carers are at
work.
If you think that DCATCH could
support your family or setting or you
would like to hear more about what
the programme can offer, please
give the team a call on
01704 882 036.
Alternatively, if you have a DCATCH
story you would like to share with
them and possibly be published in
Aiming High for Disabled Children,
please email:
Going out to bring
children in, the DCATCH
Inclusion Practitioners
were kept very busy over
the summer.
It lived in the forest and had big claws!... Nooo silly DCATCH! This is how you put your hands
together!
