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THE newsletter for families of disabled children and young people in Sefton, Merseyside
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for Disabled ChildrenIssue 10, Spring 2013
Aiming HighAiming High
Our recent evaluation of the Aiming High for Disabled Children told us that approximately 50% of youmight prefer to receive your copy of Aiming High for Disabled Children by email. If you would prefer to receive the magazine by email contact Christine Bates on 0151 934 3853 or by email:[email protected] To find out more about the results from our evaluation, turn to Page 3
How do you want to receive AHDC
The Aiming High for Disabled Children editorial team recently visited Rowan Park School to takephotographs for the Transitions Guide and couldn’t resist putting Head Girl, Talita on the cover!
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Disabled Children’s Information and Database(0-18 years)Please complete the following information and return it to the address (right) and theDatabase Coordinator will contact you.
Child’s Name:
Date of Birth:
Parent/Carer Name:
Relationship to child:
Family Address:
Telephone:
Primary diagnosis:
Signature: Date:
The Good Shepherd Site, Sterrix Lane, Litherland. L21 0DA.Tel: 0151 934 3853Email: [email protected] Web: www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr Database Coordinator Christine Bates Database Administrator Glenda Foley
Are you registered with the Disabled Children’sInformation and Database?The Disabled Children’s Informationand Database aims to provideparents with information both locallyand nationally for families andchildren who may require specialistas well as mainstream services.Alongside this is an opportunity toidentify services that could make adifference so they can be bestdeveloped for the future.The database can include childrenwith:• 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 toyour home giving information aboutservices, events, benefits andsupport available locally andnationally.As the register is voluntary, you mayhave been given a copy of thisnewsletter by a third party whothought it would benefit you.There is a referral form below. Onceyou have returned the referral form(or you can call the DisabledChildren’s Information and Databaseon 0151 934 3853), you will becontacted to arrange a home visit tocomplete a data collection form.Christine BatesDatabase Coordinator
Hello and welcome to 2013’s first editionof Aiming High for Disabled Children. I want to begin with the DisabilityPathway, which will define Sefton’s offerfor its residents with disabilities. It will bedesigned to deliver improved outcomesfor our disabled children and we want asmany of you to have a say as possible.With the support of P.A.C.T.S (Parentsand Carers Team Sefton) someconsultation has already taken place butmore is scheduled in March, with specificdates to be confirmed. You can find outmore about the disability pathwayoverleaf on Page 3. On Page 11 you willfind details of how you can join P.A.C.T.S,which I advise you to do. In a period ofsuch transition it’s important that you tellus as a Local Authority what we’re doingwell and where we can improve.DCATCH (Disabled Children’s Access toChildcare) is a fantastic service that weknow is worth its weight in gold to many ofyou reading this newsletter. The servicerecently underwent a consultation thatmany of you will have taken part in andwill mean this valuable service remainssustainable moving forward. You can findout more about the consultation on theback page of this newsletter.Finally, in the last issue we asked you totake part in the evaluation of thenewsletter, a summary of which can befound on Page 3. I want to take thisopportunity to thank those who took partin the consultation and a special thanks toP.A.C.T.S, who were vital to the process. I hope you enjoy this issue. If you there’sanything that you would like to seefeatured in future issues, please contactChristine Bates on the contact detailsbelow.Kind Regards, Jacqui Kerr, Manager, Early Intervention and Prevention (11+),Sefton Council
Sefton’s Disabled Children’s Information and Database
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Merseytravel Customer ForumsDo you have any problems withaccessing / using public transport inMerseyside? If, so Merseytravel hostcustomer forums across Sefton. Thenext forum takes place on 16th April at2pm at Christ Church on Lord Street inSouthport (PR8 1AA). You arewelcome to attend and can get moreinformation on the forums by calling0151 330 1200. Christine Bates will be meeting up witha representative from Merseytravel toraise the issue of free concessionarypasses for young people with alearning disability and why somechildren are asked to attend a medical
assessment when parents have all theinformation from medical professionalsand school confirming a child has alearning disability. If you have been refused a pass or feelstrongly about that the process is unfairthen please either contact Christine.She will not be able to discussindividual cases at these meetings butmay be able to bring your issues to theattention of managers. To find outmore, contact Christine Bates,Disabled Children’s Information andDatabase Coordinator on 0151 934 3853 or by email:[email protected]
The Results are in!In the Autumn 2012 issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children, we included an evaluation form for thenewsletter, which was also replicated in an online form. Stand out parts of the feedback that will inform itsdelivery in future are:
Over 80% of respondents feel the newsletter is delivered at appropriate times. While positive, thisstill indicates that nearly 20% feel this area could be improved, which we will seek to do.Over 65% of respondents said they would prefer to receive a digital copy, whether by email oronline. We will now endeavour to identify those of you who want to consume the newsletter in thisway and begin the process.Almost 40% of you have said of sharing our online version with you further you would like morefrequent issues or updates than at present. In line with the stated desire to access it online we willevaluate how possible this will be.95% feel the newsletter is easy to read and almost 90% of you feel there’s nothing you would add to it. 90% of respondents are registered on the Disabled Children’s Information and Database. 80% of you feel the newsletter has been of a direct benefit to you. While happy with this figure werecognise again that a sizeable proportion of readers aren’t feeling a direct benefit and we needto know why.
Anticipated to be set up by March2013, Sefton is developing a newDisability Pathway with the purpose ofproviding the right support at the righttime and in the right place for disabledchildren and young people and theirfamilies. This will support them toreach their full potential and lead toimproved outcomes. The Disability Pathway will besupported by Susan Hayward andJane Harrison at ‘Together forChange’. Susan and Jane haveextensive experience of working withlocal authorities to develop services fordisabled children and young people,including the Short Breaks agenda. For more information on the DisabilityPathway and how it can help you andyour family, please contact Susan andJane at ‘Together for Change’ on07738 896 444 / 07718 193 532 or byemail:[email protected] /[email protected]
The rightpath fordisabilitiesin Sefton
Wheels for AllThe ‘Wheels for All’ session at Litherland Sports Park will start again inthe spring around March / April. They run on a Wednesday, 3.30 - 5pmand are suitable for young people age 8 years and over. There’s a wide range of cycling equipment to enable almost everyonewhatever their ability to enjoy cycling.If you would like more information please contact Ann Gaynor atLitherland Sports Park on 0151 288 6288.
80%
65%
40%
95%90%80%
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Sefton Carers Centre runs ‘SpecialPlace’ disability support groups inNetherton and Southport. In Netherton the sessions takeplace every Thursday morningduring term time from 9.30 –11.30am at Netherton Children’sCentre, Magdalen Square,Netherton, L30 5QH. Theprogramme up to Easter includes avariety of guest speakers. On 28th February 2013, BethanRoberts, Sleep Practitioner forCerebra will provide help and adviceon sleep issues, while there will alsobe a therapy led clinic. BeverlySearle, CEO at Unique will coverrare chromosome conditions on 7thMarch followed a week later byGeoff Swainson at Sefton OPERA,who will also provide ademonstration of relaxationtechniques and therapies. The last
session at Netherton before Easterwill be on 21st March, when ‘UniqueKids and Co’ provide a talk onspecialist services for disabledchildren, including childcare andsocial activities.The Southport group takes placeevery term time Friday from 9.30-11.30am at Parenting 2000 onMornington Road. On 1st, 8th and15th March there will be the chanceto get those creative juices flowingat expressive arts workshops andon 22nd March Sue at SeftonCarers Centre will deliver a sessionfocussed on therapies.There are more sessions to beconfirmed at Parenting 2000 suchas nail art, ‘Speak Easy’, sensoryoccupational therapy and an ADHDnurse.To find out more or to put forwardany suggestions for future sessions,contact Sefton Carers Centre on0151 288 6060.
A ‘Special Place’ in Sefton
The Travel Chair fits into a standardairline seat giving firm, posturalsupport for disabled children so youcan sit with them during the flight. It issuitable for children from 3 – 11years, depending on their size andweight. It is quick to install and can fitinto the overhead locker. The TravelChair can be purchased orhired by the general public – to findout how visit http://bit.ly/YYx39E It is also available through someairlines who offer the product as partof their service at no extra cost butmake sure you check availability withthem first.
Take to theskies withthe TravelChair
Cinema a‘special’ placefor children andtheir familiesThe ‘Special Screenings’ at PlazaCommunity Cinema in Crosby haveproved very popular, with someglowing feedback! “It’s the best resource inSefton”“Staff make you feel reallywelcome”“It’s great for all the familyto go along!”To find out more about what’s on at PlazaCommunity Cinema, visithttp://plazacinema.org.uk
Lagan’sFoundation
Supported by Alder Hey Children'sNHS Foundation Trust, Lagan’sFoundation is the only charity in theUK to provide support and homecare to families with babies andchildren age 5 years and under whoare diagnosed with acquired orcongenital heart defects and / or thefeeding difficulties associated withthose defects. Lagan’s foundationunderstand the stresses caused bynon-feeding and the possible failureto thrive and are offering support toparents.
“Me” timeLagan’s will supply fully trained ,CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)checked and NSPCC ChildProtection Certified volunteers toyour home to help in any way theycan and give you some “me” time.
With a minimum of two hours helpper week, the service is completelyflexible and controlled by you,although you are not allowed toleave the premises while care isprovided. To receive this supportyour child must be age five yearsand under with a heart defect orfeeding difficulty. To complete theapplication you can self-refer or aska health visitor, specialist nurse oryour consultant doctor. Homesupport is regulated by the CareQuality Commission. To find out more about how you canapply for home support, contactLagan’s Foundation on 01204 468300 / 07879 663 304 or by email:[email protected] For moreinformation on the charity visit:www.lagans.org.uk
Did You Know?The Disabled Children’s
Information and Databasehas 1023 children and youngpeople registered, with 309
girls and 714 boys.
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The first Tuesday of every monthfrom 6 - 8pm means ‘Magic Tuesday’for disabled children, their parents /carers and families at Ocean Plaza inSouthport. It’s £2.50 per child withadults admitted free, and the facility isclosed to the general public to ensurethere’s more space to play for thosechildren and families who go alongand enjoy the “magic”! For moreinformation on ‘Magic Tuesdays’please call 01704 778 444 or find outmore at the Playtown website:www.playtownsouthport.com
Enjoy the“Magic” atPlaytown!
Kidz unlimited in work experienceAs part of Whizz-Kidz, ‘KidzUnlimited’ have lots of new andexciting work placements acrossthe UK designed for youngwheelchair users, with current
opportunities in retail / customerservices; human resources;hairdressing; hospitality; IT,finance and law. They can also help you to find aplacement if you haven’t seen oneyou want to go for and have so farsupported over 200 young peopleto gain experience of work and
further their career prospects.Visit Kidz Unlimited athttp://bit.ly/m40wjB for advice onchoosing a career, and finding awork placement near you. If youhave any questions and want tofind out more, email Claire [email protected]
World Autism Awareness Day(WAAD) is on Tuesday 2nd April2013 and there are loads of ways youcan show your support. You can findmore information regarding WAAD atthe following link:http://bit.ly/11ecVALHere are three great ideas:1. Update your Facebook status to
tell your friends you are supportingWorld Autism Awareness Day.
2. Raise awareness in yourcommunity by telling someoneabout your experience of autism.
3. Host your own fundraising eventfor WAAD and get involved in theWAAD Skydive. Find out more athttp://bit.ly/XRLfv4
In Sefton there are several supportgroups. Sefton Parent Partnership(SPP) have an ASD (autisticspectrum disorder) and ADHD(attention-deficit hyperactivitydisorder) group that runs from 10am– 12noon on the second Friday ofeach month (excluding schoolholidays) at the Good Shepherd Site,Sterrix Lane, Litherland, L21 0DA.
Please contact the SPP on 0151 2910551 for more information on timesand dates. Parents run a groupcalled ‘Rainbow Drops’ group, wheredisabled children, young people andtheir families are welcomed. It’s heldevery Saturday from 3.30-5.30pm atNetherton Community Centre onChester Avenue in Netherton. Sefton Council can sometimes offerplaces to parents / carers on the ASDand ADHD courses they run for staff.If you are interested please contactNorma Georgeson on 0151 9342872 to check availability.
World Autism Awareness Dayand support groups in Sefton
Sefton Carers Saturday Club is aself-help group for carers providingleisure and sport activities as well asshort breaks. The group meet at theSally Eccleston Hall, Moss Lane inLitherland each Saturday from12noon - 5pm. It has activities for everyone toenjoy including pool, music,puzzles, computer games,television and days out.The club is looking for new membersto join, especially young people intransition into adulthood fromspecialist provision in Sefton. If you would like to find out moreplease contact George Cureton,Sefton Carers Saturday Club on0151 474 7725.
Sefton CarersSaturday Club
Calderstone Park is one of the mostdisabled-friendly parks in Merseyside.There is a sensory garden alongsidethe accessible ‘Changing Places’toilet, which also includes additionalequipment of a height adjustable,adult sized changing bench, privacyscreen and hoist by the Park’sGeorgian mansion. Changing Placesfacilities can also be found atNewsham Park and Croxteth HallPark.To find out more about ‘ChangingPlaces’ toilets and where they arelocated locally, visit: www.changing-places.org
‘ChangingPlaces’ at CalderstonePark
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Sensory toys tested by Mums
http://on.fb.me/TQtpNv
Are you self employed?Information guide toclaiming tax credits
http://bit.ly/UIvx9v
Social stories that youcan Personalize
http://www.sandbox-learning.com
Information oncommunication aids/
sensory toyshttp://bit.ly/SOdSbd
Respond‘Respond’ works with children andadults with learning disabilities whohave experienced abuse, trauma orhave abused others. Respond usepsychotherapy, advocacy,campaigning and other support.Respond also runs a free helplineon 0808 808 0700. If you calloutside opening hours, leave amessage and someone will getback to you. For more informationvisit: http://www.respond.org.uk
Voice UKVoice UK is a national charitysupporting people with learningdisabilities and other vulnerablepeople who have experienced crimeor abuse. Carers, parents andprofessionals can access theirhelpline on 0808 802 8686 (Mon-Fri,9am – 5pm) or can email them at:[email protected] Formore information you can visitwww.voiceuk.org.uk
The ChallengingBehaviour Foundation
The Challenging BehaviourFoundation provides telephone andemail support from a Family SupportWorker on challenging behaviourassociated with severe learningdisabilities and related issues. Tel:0845 602 7885 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) oremail: [email protected] Free information sheets and DVDsare offered about providing goodsupport for people who have alearning disability and whosebehaviour is described aschallenging. Find out more at: www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk
The Disability LawService
The Disability Law Service providestelephone or email advice oncommunity care law and is free todisabled people and their family /
carers. You can call them on 0207 791 9800(Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm) or by email:[email protected] For moreinformation, visit: www.dls.org.uk
Mencap Direct Adviceand Information Service
Mencap Direct Advice andInformation Service provides adviceand information on all issuesrelevant to people with learningdisabilities and their families. Advicelines are open from 9-5pm.Monday to Friday on 0808 808 1111or by email: [email protected] more information on Mencap,visit: www.mencap.org.uk
Deaf Friendly SwimmingDeaf-friendly swimming have auseful factsheet showing simplesteps that can be taken to ensureyour deaf child can swim safely withtheir friends and peers. The NationalDeaf Children's Society (NDCS)also produce a book titled ‘Harveygets grommets’, which helpschildren to understand thetemporary deafness caused by glueear. To read the factsheet, visit thefollowing link: http://bit.ly/XcrI9o If you are a member of the NDCSyou can download the publication orcontact NDCS on the freephonehelpline 0808 800 8880 or by email:[email protected]
Magazines, Books and Websites
The charity Unique Kidz and Co hasbeen set up by parents and aspiresto meet the needs of disabledchildren and their families inLancaster. They will be sharing theirinsight from establishing the charity ata parent carer group at NethertonChildren’s Centre on 21st March
Gain a ‘Unique’ insight into settingup a disabled children’s charity
2012. The parent carer group is runat Sefton Carers Centre from 9.30-11.30am during term time only. Tofind out more about these sessionsand the event on 21st March, contactAnn Summers at Sefton CarersCentre on 0151 288 6060. To find outmore about Unique Kidz and Co visit:www.uniquekidzandco.org.uk
BrailleBooksDo you have any books inBraille you are not using?Netherton Activity Centre Library islooking for donations to supportsome of the children who visit thelibrary. If you have any books youwould like to donate, please contactJayne O’Connell at the library on0151 288 6802.
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Sometimes the cost of travelinsurance can mean families ofdisabled children and youngpeople can not enjoy a familybreak together. The Family Fundhas chosen independent insurancebrokers Holiday Direct Insurance toadminister and promote travel
Travel Insurance for families of disabled childreninsurance to families.A travel insurance policy isavailable for families raising adisabled or seriously ill child agedup to 18 years old and those witha disabled or seriously ill youngperson aged 18-23yrs who is infull-time education when a family
The Cerebra Children’s Club is an interactiveonline resource where children with brainrelated conditions can send in their own workand contributions to share with other childrenand their families, while families receive an
Cerebra Children’s Club
If you receive the Higher RateMobility Component of the DisabilityLiving Allowance, you can learn todrive at 16. As a customer, you canlearn to drive in your Motability car aslong as:• You have a provisional licence. • You are listed as a permitted driver
on the Certificate of MotorInsurance.
• You are accompanied by a driver
who is over 21 and has held theirlicence for at least three years.
You can apply for your provisionallicence three months before your16th birthday by completing an onlineapplication at direct.gov.uk or byobtaining a D1 application form fromyour local post office.If you are a Motability customer agedbetween 16 and 24, you may beeligible for help towards the cost oflessons. Find out more at:http://bit.ly/X7GbBY
Young Drivers
break takes place. For more information and to bookyour Family Fund travel insurancevisit: http://bit.ly/XJlZ9uOnce you have accessed the webpage you will need the FamilyFund code FF0712 to insert whenprompted.
The Fun Factor is an indoor playcentre in Sefton Lane in Maghull,which offers a discount for disabledchildren. You will need to providesome evidence of disability livingallowance or something similar. Find out more atwww.thefunfactor.co.uk/admissionor give them a call on 0151 526 6332.
Enjoy the FunFactor‘Sing, Sign and Say’ is a
communications group for parentsand children at Playtown inSouthport. Taking place everyWednesday, with sessions at10.30am and 11.30am, you don’tneed to book in advance so justturn up and join in the fun! Thesessions are run by Chris Gerring,who some of you may know fromhis time working in Sefton’sSpeech and Language TherapyServices.
In Southport, Maureen Doyle has setup ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ to raisedeaf awareness, introduce themanual alphabet and provide easysign language lessons to help localpeople and organisations, givingthem the chance to learn andpractice these basic communicationskills. Sessions are for people of allages, with nominal charges andconcessions. If you would be interested in findingout when the sessions are on, pleasegive Maureen a call on 01704 546626 / 07960 984 306 or visit: www.practicemakesperfect.org.uk
Practice MakesPerfect for theright signals
Sing, Sign and SayCrelling Harnesses offer a full rangeof seatbelts and harnesses forchildren and adults with specialneeds. The belts and harnesses aredesigned to offer postural support, aswell as restraint for those withlearning difficulties and challengingbehaviour. For more information visit:www.crelling.com You can contact them on 01253 852 298 or by email:[email protected]
Crelling Harnesses
‘Tom Tag’ is a colourful daily checklistthat clips to your child’s school bag sothey always know what to take toschool ... and to bring home again!
TomTag
emailed copy of a children’s magazine twice ayear, emailed newsletters twice a year and awelcome pack and membership certificate.To find out more about the Cerebra Children’sClub visit: http://bit.ly/YhDm3V
There's also a visual planner to helpstudents with organisation. For moreinformation visit:www.orkidideas.com/index.htmlYou can contact Orkid Ideas on01904 213 123 or by email:[email protected]
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Fundraising trust T.E.A.M(Together Everyone AchievesMore) are raising funds for aholiday lodge for Sefton’s disabledchildren, young people and theirfamilies to use for a short break.The lodge will be adapted toinclude a hoist and be accessiblefor as many families as possible.In order to help raise funds,T.E.A.M have organised the‘Snowden Challenge’ and arelooking for as many volunteers aspossible to join the challenge andraise much needed funds. Charitypacks containing sponsorshipforms are available from CrosbyLakeside Adventure Centre for£20. Last year the walk upSnowden Mountain, the highestpeak in Wales, raised £5,500.For more information or to find outhow you can get involved, contactKieran Owens at T.E.A.M on 07507 672 971 or by email:[email protected]
NoMountaintoo high forT.E.A.M inSefton What do you see when you look
at a person with Down'ssyndrome? Hope? Talent? In Sefton webelieve that people with Down’ssyndrome can play an importantrole in society and enjoy greatlives, that’s why we’ll becelebrating Down’s syndromeAwareness Week from 18th –23rd March, with a parent supportgroup coffee morning on 21stMarch to recognise theachievements of our children andyoung people with the disability.The venue is yet to be confirmed,but if you would like moreinformation contact ChristineBates, Disabled Children’sInformation and DatabaseCoordinator on 0151 934 3853 or by emailing Donna [email protected] For Down's syndrome help andinformation, visit: www.downs-syndrome.org.ukor call 0333 1212 300.
Down’sSyndromeAwarenessWeek 18th-23rd March 2013
‘Meet other parents of children witha hearing loss’ has been organisedby the Sefton and West Lancs DeafChildren’s Society to help parents /carers and children with hearingloss to meet each other; siblingsand friends can also go along andjoin the fun!Sessions are built around demand.Please contact parent Carolyn Dixdirectly by email: [email protected] ortext her on 07950 243 159 to find outmore or organise a session in yourarea.Sefton and West Lancs DeafChildren’s Society (SWLDCS) alsohave a Facebook page. Search forthem and ask to join; it’s fun and agreat way to engage with otherparents / carers quickly.
‘Meet otherparents ofchildren witha hearing loss’
We would like to take the opportunityto recognise the Crosby and DistrictLions Club and Crosby Rotary Clubfor recently providing funds for a localfamily who were struggling with workthey had undertaken. Anotherexample of the generosity and greatwork that happens in Sefton’scommunities.
Pat on the backfor local charities
Hi Everyone In September I returned to Hugh BairdCollege to do another year of my BusinessAdministration Course. I enjoy answering thephone, taking messages and doing work inthe practical office as well as general lessons. At our ‘Work in Progress’ youth club onThursday nights, as well as music and Wii, weare cooking different meals each week. Myfavourite one so far is curry and rice because Ilike really spicy food.At Christmas the youth club gang went to seethe Cinderella pantomime at SouthportTheatre, “Oh no, we didn’t! Oh yes we did!” Itwas fantastic!
I’ve had a busy time since Christmas. Ihave been taking part in the West EndPlayers pantomime- ‘Dick Whittington andHis Cat’. I was a member of the dancetroupe and filled in a number of small parts. I’ve enjoyed dancing the night away at twoof my friends’ birthday parties. A snowyevening didn’t stop the fun at Hannah’s 21stcelebration and a great time was also hadby all at Chelsea’s 18th birthday party. Bye until next time,
Diane
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Making a splash Lakeside style,young people in Sefton are nowable to enjoy a range of wet and drysports activities as part of the new‘U Clac Me Up’ programme ofactivities.Taking place at Crosby LakesideAdventure Centre, the new weeklyactivity programme runs everySaturday and is open to childrenand young people aged 8-12yrs.With a range of activities on offer,disabled children and young peoplecan try out a variety of watersportsincluding: bell boating, kayaking,sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.With specially adapted boats andequipment, the team at CrosbyLakeside Adventure Centre are ableto provide specialist support on thewater to enable disabled childrenand young people to enjoy apositive and fun learningexperience.If waterside activities aren’t yoursport of choice, there are a varietyof dry activities for land lovers
U Clac Me Upincluding climbing, orienteering andenvironment focused activities, all ofwhich are supported by highlyqualified CRB accredited supportstaff.Commenting on the programme,Kevin Leavitt, Development Officerfor the Sefton Aiming High teamnoted the variety of sports activitiesavailable on the ‘U Clac Me Up’programme,“This popular programme providesan all round exciting and funweekend of activities. It’s a greatopportunity to learn new skills andtry out a new sport and we havehad fantastic feedback from youngpeople who have taken part.”If you would like further informationon activities provided through ‘UClac Me Up’, please contact KevinLeavitt direct on 0151 288 6929 orby [email protected] log on towww.moveitsefton.co.uk/aiminghigh
Young people get down Lakeside style!
Making aSplash!Making a splash in a fun, inclusive environmenthas been made a possibility for hundreds offamilies at Dunes Splash World with Sefton’sAiming High team.Unique disability specific sessions running at thewater theme park mean families, carers andfriends can socialise in a safe environment freefrom prejudice while being supervised by aqualified and understanding team.Dunes Splash World is the ultimate escape forchildren and can be very bright and noisy withits pools, activity areas, slides, rides, water playfeatures and high lighting levels. The exclusivesessions mean that the pools are less crowdedand less noisy while the lighting is adapted toensure it is fully accessible by all families.All staff at Dunes Splash World have basicautism awareness training to ensure they areequipped to deal with situations that arise whilethe use of whistles is banned so thatparticipants won’t be alarmed by any sudden orloud noises.Working through a strong partnership withSefton’s Sport and Recreation Team theexclusive sessions have been so successfulthat they have been rolled out year round andare attended by families from across the UK.These sessions have enabled the Aiming Highteam and staff at Dunes Splash World toengage families in other programmes andalleviate the isolation and frustration of childrenand young people with disabilities.Richard Potts, Development Manager forAiming High stated:‘This is a great project to be part of and the hardwork of the teams at Dunes Splash World andSefton Sport and Recreation alongside theAiming High team has led to a service that wasnot only needed but is also valued by children,young people and families alike.’Feedback from parents included:‘Fantastic – it’s brilliant to be able to dosomething as a family, not excluding one childor the other’.‘Thank you to everyone. The help you all give isfantastic. Also Splash World is a great idea’.For a list of dates for sessions or if you wouldlike any further information about projects thathave been developed by the Aiming HighTeam, please feel free to contact them on 0151 288 6811 or alternatively atwww.moveitsefton.co.uk by following the‘Aiming High’ tabs.
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Working to “break the boredom” ofdisabled young people in Sefton,both children and adults combinedforces this month to find a solution.Addressing the issue of a continuingdemand for sessions and activitiessuitable, in particular, for youngpeople with ADHD (attention-deficithyperactivity disorder), the AimingHigh and Positive Futures teamswithin Sefton Council hosted twoconsultation events at CrosbyLakeside Adventure Centre to seekthe views of young people.As a result of the consultation, theAiming High and Positive Futuresteams are now running a number ofoutdoor wet and dry adventureactivities including bell boating,canoeing, kayaking, climbing,adventure walks and biking, with thefirst programme already being fullybooked.“Break the boredom” sessions aredesigned to provide engaging andenergetic outdoor activities for
Aiming High Team and PositiveFutures set to “Break the Boredom”
The popularsensory andsoft playfacility, Jake’sSensoryWorld recently
celebrated its first year with aChristmas party that featured aChristmas grotto, with Santa Claushanding presents to children asvisitors of all ages had a great time.Featuring both a soft paddedinclusive location for play as well asfoam padded sensory facility forvisitors to enjoy stimulation andrelaxation, the leisure attraction hasrecently expanded its range ofsessions with group bookings, partiesand drop-in sessions now available.Jake’s Sensory World is housedwithin the Netherton Activity Centre(NAC), which offers a combinedleisure centre and library complex, as
Soft Play Proves Popular with Santa
children and young people withADHD and are running throughoutthe year. If you would like to bookyour pupils onto the next programme,or would like further information forparents / carers / guardians orteachers, please contact the AimingHigh or Active Outdoors team directon 0151 288 6811 (Aiming High) or0151 966 6868 (Active Outdoors) orby email:[email protected](Aiming High) /[email protected](Active Outdoors).
Catch me if you can!
well as outdoor football facilities toenhance the offering for visitors toJake’s Sensory World. Providing an inclusive location for allvisitors, access to Jake’s SensoryWorld has been made as easy aspossible with both the sensory roomand soft play area featuring a ceilingtracking hoist to enable visitors toaccess all areas of the facility. Inaddition, the centre is fully accessiblefor wheelchair users and there aretwo disabled toilets / changing rooms,which have been designed in linewith the ‘Changing Places’ campaignand include hydraulic changing bedsand tracked ceiling hoists.For further information on Jake’sSensory World, the facilities on offeror to read its brochure and prices –log on to www.moveitsefton.co.ukand click the tabs for Jake’s SensoryWorld.
The Aiming HighTeam are alreadybusy planning thisyear’s summerprogramme.Given thefeedbackreceived last year, the team is hoping torun plenty of activities across the boroughthat disabled children and young peoplecan engage in and fully enjoy.Letters will shortly be forwardedrequesting that parents update theirchild(s) care plan and are offering theopportunity for this to be done online atwww.moveitsefton.co.uk or if theyprefer, hand writing it and sending it to theAiming High team. All details will beexplained in the letter.The February half-term flyer will be readyvery soon and programmes for the SpringBreak and Whitsun will offer plenty moreopportunities for children to have fun, trynew experiences and create newfriendships. All information about holidayprogrammes and regular weeklyactivities is available for you to view atwww.moveitsefton.co.uk followingthe ‘Aiming High’ tabs or alternativelyat Sefton’s Family Services Directoryat www.sefton.fsd.org.uk and clickon the ‘Disability and Special Needs’section. Details will be sent to all regularattendees. If you are aware of a familythat do not access Aiming Highactivities but would like to come to thesummer programme, or indeed the fullyearly activities, then pleaseencourage them to contact the AimingHigh team on the details below.If you are not sure if your child or childrenare registered with the Aiming High Teamthen please do not hesitate to contactthem on 0151 288 6811 or by email:[email protected]
Aiming HighTeam HolidayProgrammes2013
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Do something new in 2013and join P.A.C.T.S As you are aware cuts inservices are on-going, so nowmore than ever, it is vital thatwe work with serviceproviders to ensure thatservices are suitable, safe andmeaningful for children andthat cuts are not made thatdisadvantage them or theirfamilies. P.A.C.T.S areencouraged that so far serviceproviders within Sefton havelistened and have indicatedthat they will continue to doso. The group continue to lookfor areas of good practice andfeed them back and build onthem whilst still identifyingareas where things could bedone better.
P.A.C.T.S will be sending out a bi-monthly newsletter to members in2013 via email, the Facebook page,website and will keep you up to dateon any meetings they attend onyour behalf, and any furtherP.A.C.T.S meetings or open daysthat are planned. The group will alsopost flyers locally and sendinformation via as many of Sefton’sschools as possible.P.A.C.T.S are actively seeking newparent representatives, anyone witha couple of hours spare a month iswelcome to come and chat withthem to see if you would beinterested in joining the team.Joanne Fazakerly, the P.A.C.T.SDevelopment Officer will be holdingcoffee mornings throughout theborough for any parents to come
along and find out what they do. The next coffee morning will be from10.30am-12noon at NethertonChildren’s Centre, MagdalenSquare, Netherton, L30 5QH on 8thMarch 2013. There will also be oneat Southport Community ServiceStation, 23 – 35 Scarisbrick Avenue,Southport, PR8 1NW. A date for thisvenue and others will be advertisedvia the P.A.C.T.S Facebook page.If you have any issues, questions orpoints to raise please contact theteam at:[email protected] or formore information visit:www.pactsefton.org.uk You canalso interact with the group at theirFacebook page:www.facebook.com/PACTSefton
Telephone:
Email:
What’s the best way to contact you?
Telephone Email Post
Parent / Carer contact details
Name:
Address:
Child’s Name:
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 ForumIf your child attends school / nursery please give details below
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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]
A service-user consultation has beentaking place around the DCATCH(Disabled Children’s Access ToChildcare) Service.DCATCH offers parents of disabledchildren aged 0 – 19 access toaffordable, high quality, inclusivechildcare in order that they can work,attend training or volunteer.Following a huge rise in newreferrals, DCATCH has been obligedto freeze its caseload. This hasallowed those involved with DCATCHto address the challenge of making
DCATCH Consultationthe service more financiallysustainable.A full consultation involving parents,childcare settings and agencies,childminders and other SeftonCouncil services has now takenplace. Viewpoints were collected byquestionnaire then followed up byfocus groups which examined thedifferent ideas put forward. The focus groups were led by awardwinning, internationally acclaimedcomedian, writer, presenter and actorDr. Laurence Clarke. Laurence has
featured as a guest reporter on BBC2′s Newsnight while being the subject(alongside his family) of a BBC1documentary called “We Won’t Dropthe Baby”. A number of suggestions and optionsregarding the future of DCATCHhave now been collected. TheDCATCH team are hoping to be in aposition to present this information inlate February / early March 2013.Please also note that the DCATCHService has now been relocated toNetherton Activity Centre, GloversLane, Netherton, L30 3TL. If youthink that DCATCH could supportyour family, you can contact the teamon 0151 288 6812.
Are you or someone you knowconfused about what you’re going todo when you leave school?Taking place from 10am-2.30pm onApril 23rd at Dunes Splash World inSouthport, ‘Moving On’ is atransitions event with over sixty stallswhere disabled young people canfind loads of useful ideas abouteducation, employment and trainingwhen they leave school. Stallholderswill include, among others: localcolleges, Job Centre Plus, trainingproviders, social care, welfare rightsand day services. As well as the serious business ofpreparing for your future, there willalso be lots of fun stuff too! Hosting the event will be Sefton’sbrilliant Transitions Coordinators,Jane Backland and Sonya Wall, whowill be on hand alongside thestallholders to answer any queries orprovide help where they can with thesupport of dedicated, clued-upvolunteers. Taking place every year, the ‘MovingOn’ event is an essential date in the
‘Moving On’ Up as disabled youngpeople take their next steps
The Sefton Transitions Teamhas recently welcomed SonyaWall as their new TransitionsCoordinator joining JaneBackland. Some of you mayalready know Sonya from hertime working in the Childrenwith Disabilities social workteam. She worked in that teamfor ten years and has a vastexperience of working withdisabled young people. You can contact Sonya Wallon 0151 934 3830 or by email:[email protected]
calendar for disabled young peopleand their families and is not to bemissed. Make sure go along anddon’t miss out on future support thatcould make a real difference to adultlife.For more information, please contactJane Backland / Sonya Wall,Transitions Coordinators on 0151 934 3845 / 3830 or by email:[email protected] /[email protected]
Meet Sonya Wall,TransitionsCoordinator
Between October andDecember 2012, 394
disabled children in Seftonaccessed a short break,
with a total of 16,015 hoursof short breaks enjoyed by
disabled children andyoung people!
