Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Aiming High for Disabled Children, Sefton's newsletter for families of disabled children and young people.
Citation preview
for Disabled ChildrenIssue 8, Summer 2012
People Directorate
w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
Aiming HighAiming High
Find out the name of the special young man being presented with the Young Mentor of
the Year Award by High Sheriff of Merseyside Colonel John Amlôt OBE on Page 5.
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’s Informationand DatabaseThe 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 theDisabled 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 learningdisability
• Hearing impairment / visualimpairment
• 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
Welcome to thesummer issue ofAiming High forDisabled Children.Since the last issuewe've been busylooking at our Short
Breaks Statement,getting ready for our summerprogramme and continuing to deliverthe whole range of activities forchildren, teenagers and families totake part in.
Once published, the Short BreaksStatement will explain what thisprogramme does, who is eligible andhow you can access an assessmentto support more complex needs.There is also a useful glossary. A listof activities is included and we willsoon publish all activities through theFamily Information Service page onthe Sefton Council websitewww.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformationOnce there, click on the FamilyServices Directory link.
Jake’s Sensory World opened on28th February and provides awonderful sensory play facility fordisabled children and young people.Based at the newly opened NethertonActivity Centre, work will shortly beginon adding a sensory garden. I'm surethose of you who have been therehave had a fabulous time and I hopemany more of you get a chance to goalong.
I hope you all enjoy this edition ofAiming High for Disabled Children.
Kind Regards
Jacqui Kerr, Manager, EarlyIntervention and Prevention (11+),Sefton Council
3
Summer Programme 2012This summer will see more disabled children and youngpeople accessing Aiming High services than ever before. Onoffer will be the ever-popular water sports at Crosby LakesideAdventure Centre, activities at Dunes Splash World andJake’s Sensory World, as well as ‘Wheels for All’ adaptedbikes and ‘Care for a Pony’ sessions.
There will be on-site themed sessions and children andyoung people will do activities within those themes. Therewill be baking, arts and crafts, physical and outdooractivities including den building, woodcrafts and a visitfrom the ‘Animal Man’. Also using the themes will be story-telling sessions from Sefton Libraries.
We have chosen to group young people by age range andarea so children and young people have more chances toform friendships. Each group will have the same staff sochildren and young people will know that whether on-siteor off-site, they will know most of their peers and the staff.
Is your child at risk from scalds? Leaving your child in the bathroomwithout an adult, even for a second,can lead to them being scalded.Scalds are most likely to happenwhen a child climbs or falls into abath of hot water or a sibling runsthe hot tap when a younger child isin the bath.
Anti-Scald Valves (ThermostaticMixer Valves or TMVs) can reducethe risk of scalding. Water leavesthe hot tap at a temperaturebetween 44 - 48°C. At this
temperature it would take more than5 minutes to scald your child. Thebenefits are obvious.
Special Offer
Within Sefton we are offering freeTMV’s, including installation.
This offer is mainly for disabledchildren.
If you would like to find outmore about this offer thencontact Christine Bates orGlenda Foley on 0151 9343853 by Friday 27th July 2012.
With over 300 children and young people we will haveadditional staff alongside our current staff, each trained tosupport those taking part this summer.
This year’s summer programme is developed aroundfeedback received in recent years from children, youngpeople and parents. We’ve met regularly with serviceproviders, funders and the P.A.C.T.S parent forum tocreate a special and unique service. We hope children andyoung people have a great summer!
Please help us to provide the best services for yourchildren and young people by completing evaluation formswe will send when the programme finishes.
Let’s hope the sun comes out!
Kind Regards
Richard Potts – Development Manager, Aiming High Team
Deafblind Awareness Week Deafblind Awareness Week istaking place from 25th – 29thJune, incorporating the birthdayof Helen Keller on 27th June.Helen was a famous deafblindwoman who broke through herpersonal isolation to become anauthor, political activist andlecturer.
What do we mean byDeafblindness?
There is no set definition of
deafblindness but a generallyaccepted description: ‘Personsare regarded as deafblind iftheir combined sight andhearing impairment causesdifficulties with communication,access to information andmobility’.
Sefton Sensory Team
Sefton’s Sensory Team workborough wide and are highlyexperienced and committed to
working with people withhearing impairment and visualimpairment, dual sensory lossand deafblindness.
If your child or someone elseyou know is experiencingsensory difficulties, they maybe able to assist you byproviding an assessment ofthe person’s needs. To make areferral, contact Sefton Pluson 0845 140 0845.
4
Aiming High’s Ability Counts and ASD(autistic spectrum disorder) friendlyfootball teams have had their fair shareof success over the past couple ofseasons, so it was only fitting that thepenalty shoot out during half-time atthe recent Bootle F.C. v Everton F.C.Liverpool Senior Cup semi finalfinished in a draw, meaning a share ofthe spoils.
The boys were invited by Bootle F.C. toprovide the half-time entertainment infront of 1,000 spectators. Kevin Black,who coaches the boys at ChesterfieldHigh School, is one of Bootle’s starplayers.
The ASD team also represent Evertonin the Community at the LCFA(Liverpool County Football Association)Ability Counts League and looked thepart in their Everton kits.
Steve Johnson from Everton in theCommunity commented: “They have
been so excited about the penaltyshoot out, and although they were a bitnervous leading up to half-time, theythoroughly enjoyed the evening,particularly the lap of honour at the endof the shoot out.”
Jay Tyson Carr who assists KevinBlack at the Chesterfield High sessioncommented: ”One or two of thecheekier lads were looking forward towearing their Liverpool kits in front ofthe big Evertonsupport. To see thelook on their faces asthey walked out ontothe pitch was fantasticand the cheers theyreceived followingeach goal gave thema big buzz”.
For further informationon disabled footballsessions taking place
Nothing but the best as footy team is Aiming Highnear you, contact John Doran in theAiming High team on 0151 288 6811 or by email:[email protected],contact theteam direct atAiming High /Murtle Turtle onFacebook andTwitter.
Parent looking to set up Williams syndrome support groupWilliams syndrome is a raredisorder caused by an abnormalityin chromosomes, with a widevariation in ability from person toperson, each with a unique patternof emotional, physical and mentalstrengths and weaknesses.
A parent in Sefton would like to setup a local group for parents andcarers of children with WilliamsSyndrome. Christine Bates at theDisabled Children’s Information andDatabase will be sending out theinformation direct to those families.If you are interested please contact
her on 0151 934 3853.
You can find out more aboutWilliams syndrome at the WilliamsSyndrome Foundation UK website:www.williams-syndrome.org.uk
Our group hada fundraiserwith adifferencerecently. OnWorld AutismAwareness
Day (2nd April 2012) parents andcarers were tattooed to raise funds forthe National Autistic Society, whichdoes great work throughout the UK.The story was covered by local pressand the day was a huge success,raising over £1,500! Thank-you toeverybody who was involved with theevent, particularly Mike Humphreys
from Mike’s Tattoos in Crosby for allhis time, support and great work.
A daughter of one of our membersJess Purcell (aged 10) also raised£300 for the PSS Sefton YoungCarers project. Jess held a sale at herhome, where she sold her old toysand books to help raise money. Manygreat raffle prizes were donated andher sale was a great success. We areall very proud of Jess’s efforts. WellDone Jess.
There was also a Mersey Rat Packnight in Waterloo that raised £250,which was very kindly donated to the
Fine art of fund raising with Sheila‘Thumbs Up’group inLitherland.
Spudztogo Southport in Birkdale is agreat family run business that nowhas a website www.spudztogo.co.uk
They provide fresh, seasonal, local(where possible) fruit, vegetables,eggs and great locally made picklesand jams, all at very competitiveprices. They deliver all over fromPreston to Skelmersdale andSouthport to Bootle, with a smallcharge for delivery. Give them a tryand tell them ‘All Together’ sent you.☺
5
It was a friend indeed whoreceived recognition for hisrole as a mentor at Sefton’sVolunteer Celebration Event,hosted by Volunteer CentreSefton and Sefton CVS atBootle Town Hall on 7th June.
At the annual event givingrecognition to the selflesscontributions of Sefton’s army ofvolunteers, Keiran Maher won YoungMentor of the Year for hisparticipation in the ‘Buddy Up’Scheme, through which he hassupported a young man with learningdisabilities to gain confidence andenjoy activities he may not haveotherwise engaged in. As a ‘Buddy’,Kieran is helping to break down thebarriers that exist between pupils inspecial and mainstream education.‘Buddy Up’ is funded by SeftonCouncil via the Aiming High forDisabled Children project (EarlyIntervention and Prevention).
This year the event was supported
The gift that gives back for Sefton Buddy by The Worshipfulthe Mayor ofSefton Cllr. KevinCluskey, theMayoress of SeftonCllr. Linda Cluskey,the High Sheriff ofMerseyside,Colonel John AmlôtOBE and DeputyLieutenant ofMerseyside,Professor HelenCarty.
Project CoordinatorHelen McKiernansaid: ‘Kieran is anexceptional youngman who shows maturity beyondhis years. He is always willing to gothe extra mile to help out. He isutterly dependable and always putsother peoples need before his own’.
If you would like more informationabout ‘Buddy Up’ you can contactHelen McKiernan on 01704 501 024
ext 242 or by email:[email protected]
For information about Aiming Highfor Disabled Children you cancontact Project Lead SophieThomson on 0151 934 3830or by email:[email protected]
The Sequal Trust provides relief tochildren and adults who areseverely disabled and depend onelectronic communication aids andadaptations. It is membershipbased and open to people of allages with speech, movement andlearning difficulties.
Where someone’s quality of life canbe improved by the provision of an
adapted computer orcommunication aid, they begin fund-raising for that person to provide theequipment recommended by theirassessor. The initial approach canbe from the person them-self, theirfamily, school or speech andlanguage/occupational therapist.They are responsible for necessaryrepairs on the equipment and try toarrange upgrades wheneverappropriate.
The Sequal TrustFor more information, contact the Sequal Trust on 01691 624 222 or by email:[email protected]
If you require funding for equipment,contact Christine Bates at theDisabled Children’s Information andDatabase on 0151 934 3853 or byemail: [email protected] holds a list of organisationsthat may be able to help.
New to Netherton Activity Centre, there are now a range ofexclusive ‘Relax and Revive’ sessions just for the ladies.
Open to all mums and female carers / guardians ofdisabled children and young people, ‘Relax and Revive’sessions are weekly classes designed for relaxation, de-stressing and socialising together in an empatheticgroup.
Taking place at the Netherton Activity Centre everyTuesday from 11am – 12pm the classes are free to
attend and are run in partnership with the Sefton AimingHigh and Active Lifestyles teams. Sessions incorporatepilates, yoga and elements of tai chi.
If you would like to take part in the group or require anyadditional information please contact Christa LeadbetterDevelopment Officer (Aiming High Team) on 0151 2886814 or by email: [email protected], contact Aiming High or Murtle Turtle viaFacebook / Twitter.
Time to Relax and Revive
Left-to-right: Buddy Up Project Coordinator, Helen
McKiernan; Young Mentor of the Year, Keiran Maher
and the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Colonel John
Amlôt
6
Living withADHD‘Living with ADHD’ is a website thatsupports those affected by attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), helping children and teensto understand and manage theircondition, as well as providingresources for parents, carers andteachers to do the same. To find outmore visit:www.livingwithadhd.co.uk
New ASD and ADHDDrop-in SessionsSefton Parent Partnership have started a new Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) term-time onlydrop-in parent support group. It’s on the second Friday of every month from10am – 12pm. You don’t have to book, just pop along to the ParentPartnership building in the grounds of the Good Shepherd Site, SterrixLane, Litherland. L21 0DA.
ADHD and you‘ADHD and you’ is an easy to usewebsite offering advice, tips andfree tools for all those affected byAttention Deficit HyperactivityDisorder (ADHD).www.adhdandyou.co.uk
ADDISSThe National Attention DeficitDisorder Information and SupportService provides people-friendlyinformation and resources aboutattention deficit hyperactivitydisorder to anyone who needsassistance - parents, sufferers,teachers or health professionals.Whatever you're looking for inADHD, ADDISS is there to help.www.addiss.co.uk
How’s today been? 'How's today been?' is a FREE smart phone appthat has been developed by Janssen to helpparents and carers of children with ADHD keeptrack of how their child's day has been.
AuKids magazine is bridging thesupport gap experienced by parentsafter their child’s autism diagnosis,by launching a free ‘Starter’sSpecial’ dedicated to helping thosecoming to terms with the condition.‘Starter’s Special’ launched to markWorld Autism Awareness Day onApril 2nd and is available online aspart of an annual subscription
package.
For more information on TimeSupport Services, [email protected] visit www.time-specialist-support.com
You can find out about Aukids atwww.aukids.co.uk or email themat: [email protected]
Aukids Bridges Post-DiagnosisGap
Young peoplewith EpilepsyYoung Epilepsy helps young peoplewith epilepsy, parents and familiesas well as the professionals whowork with them. You can call theirhelpline Monday – Friday, 9am –1pm on 01342 831 342. You canalso email: [email protected] more information about YoungEpilepsy, visit:http://youngepilepsy.org.uk
Weighted blankets, lap pads andshoulder wraparounds result in acalmer, more relaxed state of mindfor people with conditions such asautistic spectrum disorders (ASDs),attention-deficit hyperactivitydisorders (ADHDs), Aspergersyndrome and insomnia relatedconditions. The Weight 2 Gowebsite is recommended byparents:www.weight2goblankets.co.uk
If your child has an OccupationalTherapist (OT) you may wish tospeak with them before making any
Weighted Blankets
purchases. If they don’t have an OTthere are other professionals whocan advise whether an occupationaltherapy referral would beappropriate.
7
Magazines, Books and Websites
Promocon
Promocon provides a service toimprove life for people with bladderand bowel problems. As part ofDisabled Living North West itprovides information about a widerange of equipment to help peopleremain independent and improvetheir quality of life. For moreinformation call 0161 607 8219 oremail:[email protected], you can visit theirwebsite http://bit.ly/KPiz3g
“Ready Set Potty”
“Ready Set Potty” toilet training forchildren with Autism and otherdevelopmental disorders by BrendaBatts. Jessica Kingsley Publishers £12.99ISBN 9 781849 058339
The Legal Adviser Finder
The Legal Adviser Finder is a usefulweb page that has replaced theCommunity Legal Services. You canvisit the site at: http://bit.ly/lENX5RYou can get free confidential legaladvice Monday-Friday 9am – 8pmand Saturday 9am – 12.30pm. Callscost 4p/min but you can get them tocall you back.
Special Direct.com
Special Direct.com provides expertbased home and classroomresources for speaking andlistening, speech therapy, autisticspectrum disorders, ADHD,dyslexia, dyspraxia, fine and grossmotor skills, handwriting, inclusionand more. In 2012 they have so fardeveloped 120 new and exciting
multi-sensory resources. To find outmore visit: www.specialdirect.com
The National AutisticSociety
The National Autistic Society have aresource of books. For a full list oftitles visit their online shop onwww.autism.org.uk/shop or phone0808 800 4104.
Understanding RegulationDisorders of Sensory
Processing in Children
Management Strategies for parentsand professionals.
ISBN 978-1-84310-521-3 £12.99Available through Jessica KingsleyPublishers
Caudwell Children is a charityensuring every family has access tothe equipment, treatments andservices they require.
They provide specialist equipmentfor disabled children and inventive,pioneering therapy programmes.They also enable specialisttreatments not available in the UK orwhere there are experts abroad.Programmes include:
Destination Dreams – once in alifetime group holidays for life limited
Caudwell Childrenor terminally ill children and theirfamilies.
Enable Sport - specificallydesigned sports equipment fordisabled children and young people.
Family Service Programme –practical and emotional support forfamilies with disabled children.
For more information call 0845 300 1348 or visitwww.caudwellchildren.com
The Government is planning the biggest change in 30 years to the waychildren’s and young people’s additional needs are assessed and met in theproposed Children and Families Bill. Read more at www.cafamily.org.uk
Children andFamilies Bill
BlindToddlersGroupHenshaws Society for BlindPeople runs a toddlersgroup every Tuesday 11amto 1pm at their MerseysideResource Centre, 10 DukeStreet, Liverpool (citycentre), L1 5AS. Theirsummer programmeincludes trips to GoodisonPark and Anfield, DunesSplash World in Southportand an Olympics ActivityDay to name a few. Forinformation aboutHenshaws and the activitiestaking place, contact ElaineStewart and Hannah Frithon 0151 708 7055 /07854 699 734 or byemail:[email protected] /[email protected]
8
Strengthening Children’s CentresContact a Family’s Strengthening Children’s Centres project has excellentlinks with Sefton’s children’s centres, recently refreshing the skills of staff inorder to support families. The project also provides training for parents andcarers in a range of areas including: challenging behaviours; disabilityawareness, sleep problems and managing stress and anxiety. Sefton’schildren’s centres are happy to host any parent and carer workshops foryou. If you would like to learn more about how this project can help you, callContact a Family on 0808 808 3555 or visit www.cafamily.org.uk
Summer Holidays at Children’s Centres Children’s centres are already thinking about the summer holidays and havesessions for the whole family available. They are always looking tointroduce new programmes so if you have any ideas let your local centreknow. If you think you might need some provision where you can drop offand leave your under 5 with additional needs/disability, talk to Kate at SeftonCarers Centre on 0151 288 6063. You can contact all children’s centres viaSefton’s Family Information Service at http://bit.ly/L97qsZ
Are youworried aboutyour childaccessing theInternet?The Internet can be a fantastic placefor children and young people butsometimes things can go wrong andparenting online can be verydaunting.
The Child Exploitation and OnlineProtection (CEOP) Centre’s Think
You Know website providesinformation that can make parentingonline simple atwww.thinkuknow.co.uk/parentsClick ‘Primary’ for valuable advice.You can also contact CEOP on0870 000 3344.Available
Resource Many families will know thatthe Sefton Inclusion ResourceService has closed its doors.At the Disabled Children'sInformation and Database,Christine Bates and GlendaFoley have inherited some ofthe books that were availablethrough the InclusionResource Service. A full list ofthe books available will beposted on the DisabledChildren's Information andDatabase page of the SeftonCouncil websitewww.sefton.gov.uk/dcrIf you don’t have access to acomputer, call Christine on0151 934 3853 and she willpost a full list of titles to you.
Christine and Glenda also havetwo double major buggies theycan loan out to parents andcarers. They don’t have thehoods and aprons and arequite heavy compared tonewer models but if you arestuck then call Christine orvisit the Disabled Children’sInformation and Database webpage.
Kidz up NorthKidz up North is taking place onThursday 29th November at theReebok Stadium in Bolton.
It has now become a key event inthe calendar of families withdisabled children, with companiesand services using it to launch newequipment and products to supportfamilies. For more informationplease contact the Kidz Team atDisabled Living on 0161 607 8200 or email:[email protected] Moreinformation will be featured in theautumn issue of Aiming High forDisabled Children.
Couples andWorking TaxCredit fromApril 2012If you are a couple with childrenreceiving Working Tax Credit, youshould be aware of changes to therules from 6th April 2012. Anycouples with children will need towork at least 24 hours a weekbetween them to get Working TaxCredit. At least one of you alsoneeds to work 16 hours a week. Ifyou don’t meet these conditions,your Working Tax Credit will havestopped from 6th April 2012.
The Inland Revenue should write tomost people who will be affected bythis change. There is alsoinformation on the HMRC websitehttp://bit.ly/y5PWiL
If you are not sure where you standwith your Working Tax Credit, youcan ring the Tax Credit helpline on0345 300 3900.
T.E.A.M WorkT.E.A.M is a forward thinkingfundraising trust that actively seeksout people who need help andcannot obtain funding themselves.They currently operate in Sefton.
They have a full day of family eventsat Crosby Lakeside AdventureCentre on Sunday 1st July 2012from 10.30am so go along andsupport the T.E.A.M. Funds raisedwill all go to support disabledchildren living in Sefton.
9
Sefton’sParenting OfferThe role of a parent or carer is themost important you can have.Parenting isn’t always easy andmost of us need advice and supportalong the way.
The Sefton Parenting Teamsupports the delivery of Sefton’sParenting Offer, helping to raiseyour aspirations as parents andhelping you to realise your child’s
Reach for the lasers! It’s DJ Megatron!
Hi fans!
It’s DJ Megatron here writing aboutmy pretend radio station, TemperRadio. I have recently started to gigwith the Aiming High Team alongwith Parenting 2000. I did an eventrecently for Parenting 2000 at KingsGardens in Southport. This eventwas one of a kind, as I had a newgirl on the block called Emily helpingme with my decks and speakers.
With pre-gig nerves I worried abouta lot of things beforehand. Wouldmy fans find the venue? Would I getaway with going mono and just onespeaker working? I overcame thisbarrier by remembering what MartinDale and Paul Abett from HughBaird College had taught me aboutmicrophones and speakers during
live performances. Using myheadphones as a microphone didn’tsound great but did give me thechance to still communicate with thecrowd.
I laughed all afternoon as the sunbeamed down and the party waspumping! Like a scene from Sunriseraves back-in-the-day (Sunrise wasa pirate radio station who organisedillegal raves), a flock of geesesilhouetted against the sky as I spuntunes to keep the crowd going. Thetunes kept coming as thetemperature began to drop beforeone more obstacle; a girl asked forOne Direction! Noooo!
In the past I have done gigs for theAiming High Team during the schoolholiday programmes. My favouritevenue is the Gild Hall in Formby, asthe music sounds great in there andthe venue is huge. I often use mypretend radio to style the gigs I do. Ilove to rave and create a good partyatmosphere! Look out for me at aparty near you!
Stephen Ball tells all about Temper Radio
The Iguy iPad case is afreestanding foam case for iPad®and iPad 2®. This protective iPadaccessory is for kids and grownupsalike. It’s lightweight, easy to hold,and can stand on its own two feet,even while holding up your iPad.Cost approx £30-£35.
Equipment
Disabled Children Parents’ Guide:EducationThis guide has been prepared forparents of children with specialeducational needs and parents ofdisabled children who want to knowhow to get help for their child atschool. To find out more, please call 01267 244 200 or visit:www.cerebra.org.uk
The Cerebra Innovation Centre(CIC) is a team of designers andengineers producing novel andunique equipment for disabledchildren. They’ve recently receivedpraise for their oxygen trolley, amodification of the Trunki suitcase.
If you think the CIC team may beable to help you in any way, pleasecall 01792 483 688 or email them [email protected]
potential. The following programmesare delivered with parents acrossthe borough: Triple P; IncredibleYears; Strengthening Families 10-14, Family Intervention Programme(FIP) and Teens and Toddlers.
If your child is aged 11 and underand you want to access aprogramme, contact your localchildren’s centre viawww.sefton.gov.uk/familyinformationIf your child is aged 11yrs+ contactthe Parenting Team [email protected]
10
Jake’s Sensory Worldgoes from strength-to-strength
Recently opened in the brand newNetherton Activity Centre, thepopular soft play and sensorylocation that is Jake’s SensoryWorld has proven popular with allages, so much so that a number ofadditional sessions have nowbeen scheduled for the public.
The purpose built leisure and playfacility for disabled children and
young people to have fun, relaxand play now benefits from adiverse range of timetabledsessions to cater for an extendedrange of needs. With family drop-in sessions, toddler and childsessions as well as teen and adultsessions, the facility can now caterfor an extended range of visitorneeds.
Jake’s Sensory World features asoft play room and sensory facilitywithin the Netherton ActivityCentre. For further information orto book a visit, log on towww.moveitsefton.co.uk andfollow the Jake’s Sensory Worldtabs or alternatively find it onFacebook at Jake’s SensoryWorld.
Sefton Carers Centre / NethertonChildren’s Centre, MagdalenSquare, Netherton. L30 5QH. EachThursday 9.30 -11.30am. Term timeonly.
Sefton Carers Centre / Parenting2000, The Lodge, Mornington Road,Southport. PR9 0TS. Each Friday9.30 -11.30am. Term time only.
Rainbow Drops parent led groupNetherton Park Centre, ChesterAve, Netherton. L30 1QW. 3.30 -5.30pm.
“Dandelions” Parent group at Greenacres Nursery andParent group at The Dovenest Trust Building,Formby Station Car Park
Parent and Carers Support GroupsFor further details on times anddays please contact Sheila Blacoeon 07711 735 356. Please note it isa members group only.
Reach Out After School
Family group at Hudson Children’sCentre, Maghull. L31 1FB. Forchildren up to the age of 12.Mondays 3:30 – 5pm for familieswith children with additional needs.During school holidays it runs from1.30 - 3.30pm for families withdisabled children.
Super Sensory InformationBuddies - Sefton is a supportgroup raising awareness of SensoryProcess Disorder, set up by theparents of Oliver, who has thecondition. There is a Facebookpage where the group posts useful
links, informationand pictures. Theyare currently awaiting a start datefor sessions every other Monday atCambridge Children’s Centre inBootle. To find out more visit theirFacebook page Super SensoryInformation Buddies – Sefton
Hemi Chat has an active supportgroup primarily on Facebook,created to support parents, childrenand adults living with Hemiplegia,aiming to unite families by sharingsupport, information and lifeexperiences. Find out more atwww.hemichat.org or email themat: [email protected] You canalso contact them on 0844 8023203 and of course find them onFacebook.
On www.move627.org you can read allabout activities that help young people withattention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and related specific learningdifficulties. You can also find out whattransition (from years 6-7) is and how youcan help support children if you are aparent, teacher or health professional.
There are lots of easy to play games andfun to do activities on the site. Aninteractive diary reminds children of tasksand helps them stay on track.
www.move627.orgGo Kids! Monthly SessionsComing Up!From 2nd July Go Kids! will behosting a monthly event for kidswith disabilities (0-12 years) andtheir carers. Taking place at theGo Kids! Play Centre at SkyparkInternational, on Blenheim Wayin Speke on the first Tuesdayevening of every month 6-8pm,there will be a wide variety ofactivities, including a sensory
room, drop slide and interactiveball pool to name a few. Entry is£4.50 per child or £6 inc.children’s lunch, with adult foodstarting from £3.95. For moreinformation, call Barbara Taylor,General Manager, Go Kids on0151 486 9374. Alternatively,you can visit:www.gokidsplaycentres.com
11
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.
07864 913 630 Email: [email protected]
Application to join The Parent’s Forum
A message from P.A.C.T.SHello to all Parentsand CarersP.A.C.T.S is a voluntary parent-led group and we workindependently from serviceproviders. Our aim is give acollective voice to parents andcarers to make a positivedifference to our children’slives. Being involved meansyou can have your voice heardalongside fellow parents andcarers. Please come along andsupport us.
We have recently been busy onyour behalf, highlighting bothconcerns and good practice whenliasing with service providers. Forexample, we have consulted withparents over clinic changes forchildren with autistic spectrumdisorders in Alder Hey Children’sHospital and have presented theASD Network Group and
Consultants with an informationbooklet produced by parents, forparents, at the point of diagnosis.
We have also worked with theSchool Transport Department toimplement some positive changesfollowing issues identified byparents and carers.
We have helped on the consultationfor short breaks by presenting inputfrom our parents and carers toinform Sefton Council of the supportthat is required.
We have also provided, free ofcharge, some sensory sessions atJake’s Sensory World and more willbe available in Sensory Touch inSouthport.
We are lucky to have been able toemploy Joanne Fazakerley, aDevelopment Officer for P.A.C.T.Swho has been spreading the wordof our organisation and who you willhopefully meet through schools,children’s centres and our public
meetings.
Our new website is not yet readybut you can contact us in themeantime on:[email protected]
You can support P.A.C.T.S bybecoming a Member, SchoolAmbassador, Parent Representativeor being elected to the steeringgroup. More information about theseroles is available via P.A.C.T.S Repsor once live, atwww.pactsefton.org.uk
P.A.C.T.S is holding anInformation Day to be held at TheGild Hall in Formby on ThursdayJuly 5th from 10am – 2pm withspeakers, stalls and informationfor parents, carers and providersof services in Sefton. Pleasebook a place by calling 07864 913 630 or by email:[email protected]
Get down to Phabkids! sessions for children with additional needs(ages 5-13 yrs) and their siblings at Dunes Splash World inSouthport every Monday from 6-8pm for games, sports andswimming.
Call Phabkids! on 01695 577 822 to find out more.
12
School’s Out for DCATCHhas changed my perspective on how
to overcome issues. Tom’s support
and involvement has been inspiring,
not only to all the team members he
has met but most of all the children
that attend the setting. I hope that
Tom’s connection with the setting
continues in the future. Thanks for
your patience and support!”
The ‘Coaching’ service for childcare
settings is just one facility that has
been offered by the DCATCH team
this year.
If you think that DCATCH could
support your family or setting and
you would like to hear more about
what the programme can offer, or if
you would like to share your own
‘DCATCH Story’, then please contact
the team on: 01704 882 036 or by
email: [email protected]
"I spy, with my
little eye… "
"I shall say this
only once!"
Sefton’s DCATCH (DisabledChildren’s Access To Childcare)Team help the families of youngpeople with additional needs, age 0 -19 to access high-quality, affordableand inclusive childcare during thetimes that parents and carers are atwork.
School’s Out, a local company
providing wraparound and after-
school childcare at their primary
school-based premises in Formby,
reflected on their recent involvement
with the DCATCH Team:
“The approach of DCATCH is
inspiring and motivating and
encouraged me to think deeper into
the challenges I have come up
against whilst managing my team. It
Sefton’s Transitions Team would liketo share two exciting opportunitiesfor young people with disabilitiesaged 18yrs and over. Both projectsare accessed via direct paymentsfrom the Local Authority.
Sefton Coast and CountrysideBiodiversity Project
This exiting project is work-based,giving disabled people the chance toget involved in the Coast andCountryside Rangers’ work, includingconservation, woodland managementand woodwork skills. The team isbased at the Discovery Centre inAinsdale and look after the coast fromCrosby to Southport and RimroseValley Country Park in Litherland.
If you know or care for a person withdisabilities who may be interested inbecoming part of the team, contactIan on 07966 106 970 or Chris on07974 668 490; they will be happy tomeet with you and tell you more aboutthe project.
Opportunity Knocks!Southport Community Workshop
In a move away from a more traditional dayservice, the Southport CommunityWorkshop offers a smaller, more enjoyable,real work environment where young peoplecan work at a pace to suit their needs whilelearning new skills and becoming a valuedteam member.
The Workshop plans to sell its own productsfrom its own store in Southport, meaningyoung people gain valuable retail experiencealongside learning in woodwork, leathercraft, metal craft, pottery and furtherconstructive activities to be introduced overthe coming year.
To find out more, contact Eric Wilbraham on07779 817 080 or by email:[email protected]
For any questions or queries regardingTransition for young disabled people inSefton, contact the Transitions Coordinators:
Sophie Thomson - 0151 934 3830 [email protected]
Jane Backland - 0151 934 3845 [email protected]
Turn STEPSintoStrides! STEPS (Sefton Trainingand Enterprise Projects)is providing lots ofFREE, interestingtraining, sessions andevents for you to enjoythis summer, witheverything from creativeart sessions to First Aidand mood sessions toIndian head massage. Atthe centre you will find acafé catering service,training provision fordisabled people andholistic therapy sessions.To find out more andaccess the full summerprogramme, contactSTEPS on 0151 2825477.
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]
