65257 the information exchange newsletter 3

Rotherham Disabled Children and Young People’s Information Exchange

The Information

e change ‘Strong’ success!

Cameron West, a pupil in class 4F at Bramley Sunnyside Junior School, was pleased to receive not just one, but two fantastic letter responses relating to his Viking themed story ‘The Legend of Scandovnagio the Dragon’.

Cameron really struggled in school last year, due to a diagnosis of Autism and transition from infant to junior school.

This year (thanks to the excellent support he receives from staff and his friends in his class) Cameron is

Summer 2014

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producing some great work; including his exciting story about Viking village hero ‘Ulf’; who saves his village from the evil dragon ‘Scandovnagio’.

Cameron’s story was sent to Joyce Thacker (Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s services in Rotherham) to let her know about the brilliant work that staff at Bramley Sunnyside are doing with Cameron.

It was a lovely surprise when Joyce Thacker wrote a letter to Cameron, to praise and encourage him. Shortly after Cameron received a response from Jeremy Strong the popular (and very funny) children’s author which was the icing on the cake.

Cameron’s family are delighted that such busy people took the time to read his story, and send him such lovely replies and would like to give special thanks to Miss Francis and Mr Bennett who got a special mention in the story as ‘the people who helped make this possible’. Also many thanks to Cameron’s friends in school (in particular class 4F).

Onesies on for National Autism Day A big congratulation is in order for the Autism Communication Team, Chat n Chill and The Rotherham Branch of the National Autistic society for dressing in their best onesies to raise money on World Autism Awareness day. NAS Rotherham are pictured right.

The seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day was on 2nd April 2014. Autism organizations around the world celebrated the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

Picture courtesy of the Rotherham

www.rotherham.gov.uk/shortbreaks

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SUPPORT GROUPS, FORUMS/NETWORKS and SERVIVES

W

elcome to the Summer edition of the ‘The Exchange’. As the summer holidays are fast approaching we have tried to find the best activities both in and out of the Rotherham area to keep you and your family busy throughout the holidays.

RaCAS group

BASH is a support group for parents/carers in the

The RaCAS group is a support group for parents with children who have additional needs or are awaiting diagnosis.

Brinsworth area who have a child/children with an additional need. The group meet termly in one of the primary and secondary schools.

The group talk about any issues that have happened in or outside school and have planned talks from outside agents.

The group offer support and a listening ear.

For more details please contact: Catherine Hancox on 07462324043

It is run by parents who themselves have children with additional needs, so understand the frustration you may be going through.

Rawmarsh Children’s Centre Tel: 01709 336898

Merlin’s Magic Wand Children’s Charity Merlin’s Magic Wand Children’s Charity believe in putting the magic back into the childhoods of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children, and they make this happen by arranging great days out at Merlin Entertainments Group attractions, such as Alton Towers Resort and the EDF Energy London Eye. If you would like to apply for a day out courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand, please go to their website www.merlinsmagicwand.org and fill out the online application form. They are currently prioritising applicants that they have not previously supported.

Rainbows House is a brand new service.

We provide accommodation, life skills opportunities, flexible and emergency short breaks for young people with additional needs and learning disabilities aged 16 and over.

Short breaks offers parents and carer’s a welldeserved break. This can be an overnight stay , a weekend or a longer break. Rainbows House is equipped to accommodate a range of needs, which offers you peace of mind, seven days a week.

Referrals and enquiries can be made by emailing n.west@rainbowshouse.co.uk, or by contacting Nichola West - Service Manager - Director on 01709 252810 You can also visit the website www.rainbowshouse.co.uk

IN IT TOGETHER event (Working through change, Rotherham’s 0-25 SEN and disabilities Local Offer) 4th July 2014, 10am to 3pm at the New York Stadium.

As part of the Special Educational Needs and Disability reforms we are working with a wide range of partners, including parents, carers, children and young people to develop Rotherham’s Local Offer. The Local Offer will be a place where people can find the information they need about the services available in their area for children and young people with special educational needs and/ or a disability.

From September 2014 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) will begin to replace Statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and over a period of time existing Statements of SEN will be transferred over to EHCP’s.

The event will provide children/young people, parents/carers, schools, services and providers with an opportunity to come together and learn from each other.

If you would like further information please email karen.surtees@rotherham.gov.uk If you would like to help us develop our Local Offer, please contact Paula Williams LocalSENDOffer@rotherham.gov.uk

SUPPORT GROUPS, FORUMS/NETWORKS and SERVIVES Accessible Swimming Lessons The leisure centres at Rotherham, Maltby, Aston and Wath provide dedicated accessible swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. They have excellent facilities that cater for all. These include individual and shared changing areas, shower chairs, gradual steps, chair and sling hoists for disabled pool access.

Aston: 0114 294 2580 Central: 01709 722555 Wath: 01709 870120 Maltby: 01709 797100

DREAM is a project funded by the Big Lottery that provides a range of volunteering opportunities for people aged 18 and above with learning disabilities.

They offer a variety of activities including craft based activities, group volunteering through to a supported volunteering project.

To access services please contact: Richard Ripley Telephone: 01709 8344463 Email: richard.ripley@varotherham.org.uk To volunteer please contact: Catherine Wood Telephone: 01709 834445 Email: catherine.wood@varotherham.org.uk

Caudwell Children Charity will be running a four day Expressive Arts Holiday Programme in Rotherham during the Summer Holidays which is completely cost-free and open to children with additional needs in Rotherham and surrounding areas. Between 18th-21st August they are running a cost-free activity programme, providing four days of drama, music and set design that can lead to accredited certification through ASDAN (Award Scheme, Development and Accreditation Network).

If you would like to book a place or discuss this further, please contact: Emily Buttery Short Breaks Coordinator Telephone: 01782 600 263, 07805 424 925 or 01782 600 639 Email: emily.buttery@caudwellchildren.com Sheffield United Spinners have been delivering cricket sessions in Rotherham SEN schools for approximately 3 years and are the South Yorkshire YCB development Task group for Physical and Learning disabilities. Cricket sessions are held on Mondays at Bawtry Road and several other sports with the Mavericks are held on Wednesdays.

For further details contact Sheffield United Spinners: John Housley 0114 2464481 john@housley4627.fsnet.co.uk or Tony Postle 07984042662 apostle1@blackberry.orange.co.uk Contact Bob Moody 07443051708 for details on the Mavericks.

The Mise project (Music in Special Education)

The Yours Project provides fun active short breaks for disabled children ages 0-19 years. If you need help in any way to engage your son or daughter in an activity please let them know. n The yours project website www.yoursproject.org.uk n The yours project Facebook page – search in Facebook for – The Yours Project n Telephone Hannah on 01709 830 154

As part of the Integrated Youth Support Services, the Mise Project, staffed by professional youth workers, delivers high quality music provision for young people with special educational needs.

We have recording studios and a rehearsal space and provide tuition in guitar, singing, bass, keyboards, drums, songwriting, sound engineering and performance. We run one-to-one bespoke tuition as well as group sessions.

We are based at Herringthorpe Valley Youth Centre, Chaucer Road, Rotherham.

For further information please get in touch with Richard Masters or Matt Ellis on 01709 828107 Email: richard.masters@rotherham.gov.uk

SUPPORT GROUPS, FORUMS/NETWORKS and SERVIVES Autism friendly films are special screenings of children’s films, where subtle changes to the traditional cinema environment have been made, including: n Lights are left on low n The sound is turned down n No trailers or adverts n It’s ok for people to move around

Sheffield For details call 08712 240 240 or visit: www.myvue.com/ For more information, please visit: www.savoyworksop.co.uk

Whether you enjoy bowling, relaxing in our stylish bar or playing pool, Rotherham Superbowl is the perfect place for you. It’s not just bowling It’s Superbowling all abilities welcome.

Email: info@rotherhamsuperbowl.co.uk phone: 01709 559026 now to book or contact the Rotherham Branch of the National Autistic Society on 07554439427 to join their family bowing days out.

Rotherham Integrated Youth Support Service provide summer holiday breaks for two or three nights for the whole family at Habershon House in Filey.

To qualify, the disabled child in the family needs to be aged 13 years upwards.

Contact Dianne Jarvis on 01709851755 or email dianne.jarvis@rotherham.gov.uk

Why not access the services below over the holidays to find a range of activities to do over the holidays

National Citizen Service (NCS) is open to all 16 and 17-year-olds in England (or aged up to 25, if they have a disability).

It gives young people the chance to undertake exciting and challenging activities whilst having fun.

Both Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and Rotherham Integrated Youth Support Service are running sessions. If you would like to take part in these activities contact the relevant service below: Rotherham United Community Sports Trust Call: 01709 827767 Mobile: 07961534717 or email: krichardson@rotherhamunited.net Rotherham Integrated Youth Support Service please phone 01709 822053 or email jackie.abrams@rotherham.gov.uk

offer free and impartial information and advice on a range of local services and activities such as childcare, activities and support services.

You can contact us on freephone 0800 0730230 or visit our website www.rotherhamfis.co.uk

Rotherham Gismo is a free online directory that gives you access to hundreds of services and community groups across Rotherham in a single search. Visit the website at www.rotherhamgismo.org.uk/gismo_directory/ and start your search today.

For up-to-date information on activities and forthcoming events for disabled children or to download the latest Short Breaks Statement go to: www.rotherham.gov.uk and search for short breaks or contact Andy Lound on 01709 336423 Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council can accept no liability for errors or omissions. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Ref: 65257/JUNE 2014 Design & Publication by RMBC Design Studio (01709) 823583

National Citizen Service Program