ISSUE 20 / SPRING 2013
Children and Families Bill The long anticipated Children and Families Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on Monday 4th February and was published on Tuesday 5th February 2013. The Bill’s second reading took place on Monday 25th February. In addition to SEN, adoption and family law reforms were covered in the draft bill. It also includes provisions on flexible working, virtual school heads for looked after children and changes to the inspection/review of childcare. It is expected that these new requirements will come into force in September 2014. The changes will include: •
an Education, Health and Social Care plan for children and young people up to the age of 25 (this will replace a Statement of SEN)
•
each Local Authority must publish a Local Offer describing what provision they expect to be available to children and young people in their area
•
a new SEN Code of Practice will need to be written.
The full Bill, along with a factsheet, can be viewed at www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/ departmentalinformation/childrenandfamiliesbill Article courtesy of Parent Partnership www.lincolnshireparentpartnership.org.uk (see p.8 for more Parent Partnership news)
The newsletter for families with children or young people with disabilities in Lincolnshire now incorporating Short Breaks
Inside this issue 3
Changing Places
6-7
Grantham College News
9
SILCS Social Groups
10
Private Fostering
12-13 Teeth Time or Time for Teeth? 14
Children’s Centres sensory rooms
19
Lincolnshire Football Association
23
Tourette’s Action
24
Lincoln Ambassador’s Club
Our Short Break activity timetables and provider details can now be found on the www.cwdsi.co.uk website or by contacting 01522 553536
2 LETTERS FROM OUR READERS
Letters
from our readers Dear 4all efit I’ve been trying to understand all the ben and changes and things like Universal Credit k I’m thin I it Personal Budgets, but have to adm more confused now than when I star ted! clear Can you point me in the direction of a nges explanation that will tell me how the cha will affect my family? L Davies system It’s true that changes to the benefit a little are about to happen and they can be confusing! er Look in the next edition of 4all (summ 2013, which will be out in July) for our ich we special report on benefit changes, wh hope will make things clearer. rmation In the meantime, there is lots of info sions on the Department of Work and Pen at website at www.dwp.gov.uk and also www.gov.uk n of To keep updated with the progressio ase Personal Budgets in Lincolnshire, ple ne refer to www.cwdsi.co.uk or telepho . Rosemary Akrill on 07920 182307
Dear 4all Last year my fa mily and I were very fortunate to receive a Shor t Breaks grant w h ich we used for a holiday to Bu tlins in Skegnes s. We were extrem ely grateful for this oppor tunity and it was incred ibly good for us all to get away as a family. I won dered if any gra nts are available this ye ar, and how I co uld apply? Mrs Ellison Unfortunately, the Short Break s grants that were made av ailable in 2012 were a “one-off ” opp ortunity and ar e not available this year. There are char ities and organ isations that may be able to help with fund in g for a holiday. Why n ot try Happy H olidays at www.happyd ayscharity.org (article on page 16)? There is a waiting list but they do try to help as quickly as poss ib le. Bookings are st ill available at b oth the Short Breaks heavily subsidised bre aks at Butlins Skegness in (caravans@c arersfederati on.co.uk; 07545 91672 3) and at The T h omas Centre in Louth (www .thethomasc entre.co.uk; 01507 36346 3). Other Short B reaks activities can be found online at www .cwdsi.co.uk
Dear 4all We’re going on a much-needed holiday to Spain in the summer but need to figure out how to take my son’s wheelchair. I know it can go on the plane but wondered if you have any ideas to make this easier? Mrs Lianne Cambourne The airport or the airline you’re flying with will be able to give you advice on how this can be managed but if you don’t want the worry, UK firm Mobility Abroad offers a service whereby travellers to several holiday hotspots can arrange to hire mobility equipment before they leave and have it waiting at their accommodation upon arrival. The company can currently deliver items to areas within a number of popular destinations, including the Costa del Sol, Mallorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Cyprus, Gran Canaria and the Algarve, and operates a number of mobility shops throughout mainland Europe to ensure hassle-free booking and reliable delivery. For more information contact 0871 277 0888 or visit www.mobilityabroad.com We would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts on the magazine, what’s going on in your life or anything you would like to share with us and our readers. Contact us at: 4all@lincolnshire.gov.uk
NEWS
Changing Places in Lincolnshire Standard disabled toilet facilities do not meet the needs of all people, especially those who need assistance with their personal care. Changing Places toilets have extra facilities and space so that those using them can do so comfortably in a safe and clean environment and without any health and safety risks. Each Changing Places toilet will include equipment such as a height adjustable adult sized changing table, tracking and hoists, and space for at least two people. Additionally you do not have to be using the facilities in the building to access Changing Places facilities. To find out more about Changing Places, have a look at their website - www.changing-places.org which also has details of suitable toilets around the country. There are also Enhanced Toilet facilities, which are similar to Changing Places but may not necessarily have all the extra features. We review 2 of Lincolnshire’s Changing Places: ●
Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston: the Changing Places provision at the Princess Royal Sports Arena is excellent. The entire building is on one level and has several disabled toilet facilities and changing rooms incorporated into the mainstream changing facilities. The swimming pool also has a hoist to enable disabled swimmers to enter the water. The official Changing Places room has access from the front door to the reception area, swimming pool, gym and all other areas of the complex. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful.
●
Horncastle Leisure Centre: the sports complex is all on one level and there is access to all areas. Disabled parking is right outside the building and all other parking is elsewhere. This facility has an Inclusive Fitness Initiative Provisional Level Award – to find out more about this award please go to www.efds.co.uk/inclusive_fitness/theifimark The key to the Changing Places toilet is kept in reception and the staff are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
There are more Changing Places in Lincoln, Louth, North Kesteven and Skegness, while Enhanced Provision disabled toilets can be found in Bourne, Gainsborough, Grantham, Lincoln, Skegness, Sleaford and Spalding.
Look out for the Changing Places sign
Family Services Directory to re-launch The Family Services Directory, which is the on-line directory of the Family Information Service, is undergoing a refresh and will soon have a slightly new design with improved search facilities, making it a much better resource for families and professionals wanting to find local services for families and children. The Directory itself can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd but is also part of the wider information on-line for parents at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/parents that includes pages about schools, disability, the Family Information Service and much, much more. We will be refreshing the content and researching new services to make the Family Services Directory a more useful resource, but if you know of a support group, voluntary organisation or other service that ought to be on the Directory, please let us know by email at fis@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635.
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4 NEWS
Well Done Charlie! Charlie is a Year 5 pupil who is sight impaired. He attends Waddington Redwood Primary School in Lincoln and is always full of ideas and enthusiasm for life both in and out of school. Charlie has successfully raised £110 for the Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society who are going to use the money to support Lynx Goalball Club. Goalball is a sport that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages who are sight impaired and their sighted siblings Charlie has raised the money through setting up and running a small business designing and selling book marks at 25p each. He came up with the idea during a wet playtime at school and along with a friend has successfully established a popular business within school. He has been involved with the orders, publicity and production of over 400 bookmarks. Designs have been various from animals to “One Direction” and the quality is always great!
The newly formed Lynx Goalball club caters for visually impaired persons of any age group and their siblings. Meetings are at the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth on the second Saturday of each month from 10am until 12.30pm. Help and support is available from our volunteers (accredited via Goalball UK coaching courses). So whether you are new to the sport or a regular player you are welcome to join us. All equipment will be provided - all you need to bring to get started is yourself! Goalball Sessions at the Meridian Centre in 2013: ● Saturday 13th April ● Saturday 11th May ● Saturday 8th June ● Saturday 13th July We welcome any enquiries or if you want any further information without commitment about the club and its goals for the future, please feel free to contact one of the following: Dorothy Selfe (Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society): 01507 605604; Tony Beeston (Chairman): 07425 158862; or Garry Humphreys (Coach): 07721 721554.
NEWS
Dare to be Different Update Our group “Dare to be Different” were successful in receiving funding from Carers Connect. With this money were able to invite all our group members out for a Christmas meal (it seems a very long time ago now!). We thought so many of us miss out on going to a Christmas party, that we could create our own and enjoy some yummy food together in a relaxed atmosphere. We also went on a group visit to see Father Christmas at the amazing Winter Wonderland at Baytree. We all had such a good time and a giggle all going out together. The park is taking shape! Phase one and two are now completed. There is some new equipment in the park, including a basket swing, bouncy seat and standing spinner. Phase three is where we really get involved, as a tender has gone out to three park developers and “Dare to be Different” will be on the panel with the council when the quotes come in. We had already seen some fantastic designs, so are really looking forward to seeing the final plans! We came across some difficulties taking on the park regarding responsibility of VAT on the equipment and maintenance of the park as it is council owned. We will be working in partnership with South Kesteven District Council with regards Phase Three. Phase Four is where we will be fundraising to develop and build an access path to the park and link the two areas (toddler and older children’s area) together. There is still a lot to do, but this third phase will see some truly accessible play equipment that can be enjoyed by everyone! “Dare to be Different” meets on the first Wednesday of the month (during term time) at Bourne Children’s Centre. All parents, carers, grandparents and friends are welcome. Please contact Laura on 07980 753606 or Kate on 07889 178599. Our email is: ltdaretobedifferent@gmail.com
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6 NEWS
Grantham College News The First Level Learning area at Grantham College has continued to increase the number of LLDD students who are attending educational courses at the college, some who have complex needs and other conditions, particularly those with Autism and Asperger’s. Additional trained staff has been employed to ensure standards are maintained to support the delivery of qualifications and pastoral care, as well as generally ensure that all students receive adequate support. During the summer break the Personal Care facilities for this area have been revamped to produce a brand new state of the art purpose built “Personal Care” suite. The £95,000 build has revolutionised the existing facility and replaced it with a high–tech bespoke suite specifically designed for learners who require assistance with toileting, showering and personal hygiene needs. The contemporary turquoise and blue colour scheme gives the suite a relaxing and fresh feel, which is calming for the users and for the staff.
The suite is accessed by the use of personal electronic key fobs which offer excellent security and peace of mind for the user. The project was as a result of a successful bid through the EFA Demographic Growth Fund and designed by architects R, G & P of Leicester. Personal care assistants Terri Sentence and Trish Elmer love the new facility, saying that “It is a lot easier to manage the care needs of the learners. We no longer have to struggle with the hoist and it really helps the learners with their independence.” The enterprise initiatives continue to develop with horticulture classes now being delivered at Allington Manor, Grantham. Café.com located on Hornsby Road has seen a big increase in customers during the last few months which is felt may be the result of the installation of a “Stokes of Lincoln” coffee machine, which provides a variety of different types of beverages, as well as some refurbishments involving the kitchen area and new signage. The students continue to benefit from gaining valuable work experience in this environment.
NEWS
The British Hen Welfare Trust Grantham College learners from the First Level Learning curriculum area ran a charity event in aid of the British Hen Welfare Trust – Free Range Friday. This event raised a total of £150 and all of the learners and staff involved greatly enjoyed creating the cakes, biscuits and centrepieces for the event which everyone in the college was talking about for weeks afterwards.
7
Special thanks must go to the team of students of the First Level Learning Department at Grantham College, Lincolnshire.They created their own adverts, made chicken centrepieces and baked a huge variety of lovely cakes and scones to sell. The event was a huge success and in addition to raising a whopping £150 they got the whole college talking about the benefits of free range eggs.“ (taken from the BHWT newsletter - www.bhwt.org.uk)
“Free Range Friday is really catching on around the country. From Inverness to London, from Grantham to Bath, in schools and colleges, offices and homes, our supporters have been busy baking cakes, quiches and other goodies to raise funds on Free Range Friday event and contributed towards the grand total (so far) of over £3,000.
Parent’s Evening On Wednesday 23rd January from 4pm – 6pm a Parent Forum/Open evening will be held at the College to allow new and existing students/parents to visit the College and view the facilities. For further information please contact Lisa Smith, Curriculum Manager, Learning Development at Grantham College on 01476 404394 or email lsmith@grantham.ac.uk
Computing for children with autism
Computing can be of great use to children with autism. For recording and writing at school or at home, some children will find it easier and more interesting to use a computer than write by hand – there can also be increased motivation and reward from seeing neat print compared to poor handwriting. Some programmes such as Inclusive Writer and Writing With Symbols 2000 can provide on-screen word/picture collections for additional support. Certain hardware, such as the IntelliKey keyboard, combined with word bank and word prediction software, can allow users to record by selecting words or phrases. Software is also available that can help develop sentence skills through the use of images and text-to-speech functions – also look out for computer versions of symbol communication systems, such as Rebus or Makaton. Simple communication devices, such as the BIGmack message recorder, can help a pupil join in classroom daily activities. Simple games involving switches and touchscreens can also promote an understanding of “cause and effect”, which in turn could promote interaction with the wider world. For more information log on to www.inclusion.me.uk
e-Learning Training Do you work with or care for children or young people with disabilities? Volunteers, professionals and parents/carers are reminded of the free opportunity to enrol on a certificated e-learning training course available through the Short Breaks team. This course will allow you to develop knowledge and learning about issues relating to working with or caring for children and young people who are disabled and/or sensory impaired. The course has over 40 hours of learning at Level 2 of the National Occupational Standards in Care, Youth, Play and Work. To enrol onto this training course, please send an email stating your full name and title, whether you want to undertake the course of study as an independent person, a parent/carer or whether you work for an organisation. For more information, or to register, email shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk
8 NEWS
News from Parent Partnership Children and Families Bill (continued)
Letter from Minister to CDC regarding the Children and Families Bill Edward Timpson, the Minister responsible for SEN and Disability within the Department for Education, has written to the Council for Disabled Children with some reassurances about the new law. The letter includes information on: • the inclusion of an explicit parental right to request an assessment of their child’s SEN • the requirement of Local Authorities to consult parents and young people in preparing Education, Health and Care Plans • the provision for those on Apprenticeships to have an Education, Health and Care Plan • provisions for the new SEN Code of Practice to be consulted upon • the work of the SEN and disability pathfinders.
Local News Lincolnshire County Council Review of Admissions and Exclusions A group of local Councillors recently published their review into school admissions and exclusions. Much of this report concentrated on children with SEN. It seems that some schools have encouraged parents of children with SEN to request places at another school or have unofficially excluded children. Unofficial (illegal) exclusions include being asked to keep your child at home for part (or all) of the day without the correct exclusion paperwork. Children have a right to be in school for the whole day. and part time attendance should only be put in place with parental agreement. If your child has been excluded – whether permanently, officially or unofficially – and you would like to know more about your rights, please call our helpline on 01522 553351.
Transition to Secondary School Workshop Parent Partnership will once again be working with members of the Specialist Teaching and Applied Psychology Service (STAPS) to put on a workshop about the transition from primary to secondary schools for children with SEN. The date is 19th March in Lincoln. Drop-ins – informal meetings for parents to talk to SEN professionals including educational psychologists, dyslexia outreach and social communication (ASD) outreach teachers, sensory education support services. Dates are:
30th April - Horncastle 14th May - Spalding
Please call 01522 553351, or visit www.lincolnshireparentpartnership.org.uk
NEWS
Thank you to schools 4all would like to say a big “thank you” to schools who have helped us promote the 4all database and newsletter to families. Enabling us to register a family and offer them information about local services helps us to understand these needs better, which we can use to help the Local Authority and our partners develop better services. And of course, anyone registered automatically receives a copy of the 4all newsletter, which from feedback we get, is very well received. For more information about registering, or if you are a school wanting resources to pass on to families, please call 0800 195 1635 or email 4all@lincolnshire.gov.uk
SILCS Social Groups SILCS have recently been successful in being allocated funding from Short Breaks to help facilitate social groups for children with sensory impairment in Lincolnshire. A Deaf Youth Club is now successfully running every fortnight (Friday 7pm – 9pm) in Sleaford at the Youth Centre. This is showing to be a great success, as each session more young people are attending and we hope it will continues to grow and be a successful social provision for deaf young people in Lincolnshire. We are working in partnership with Navigation SCS in Lincoln, and our first MSI parent/carer forum was on 2nd March at The New Life Centre in Sleaford. The outcome from the meeting was to give children and adults the opportunity to meet up and socialise. The venue which Navigation provides has great facilities including a sensory room, and we hope to organise different activities including swimming.
We have also opened a new Boston children’s group in partnership with Lincoln Deaf Children’s Society and Grantham Deaf Children’s Society. This group will be held once a month, on a Saturday from 10am – 12pm. The first meeting was at Brothertoft Village Hall, Boston on 2nd March, with more planned. We are planning on continuing with Chance to Meet social activities throughout 2013 and the first meeting was held in Lincoln at The Lincoln Bowl on Saturday 16th February. There were two age groups booked: the under 12s bowled from 10am –12pm, and the 12s and over bowled from 1pm – 3pm. We look forward to seeing children, young people, parents and carers at these social activities. For more information contact SILCS on 01522 848295 or email: sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk
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10 PRIVATE FOSTERING
Private Fostering… did you know?
Private fostering is when a child is under 16 years of age (or under 18 years of age if they have a disability) and they live with somebody who is not a close relative, so not their grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts or uncles, for a period of 28 days or more.
The law states that if a child is being privately fostered, their parents or private foster carers must inform their Local Authority of the arrangement. This is in order to protect the child’s welfare and to ensure that the child, carers and parents are receiving the correct level of help and support. Once the Local Authority has been informed about a private fostering arrangement, they must arrange for a Social Worker to visit and make an assessment of the suitability of the placement within seven working days. The Social Worker will talk to the child on their own to make sure they are happy with the arrangement and carry out checks on all adults in the household. Where the arrangement is deemed suitable, the Local Authority will continue to carry out regular
visits and discuss any concerns that may exist, communicate with the birth parents at appropriate times and assist the private foster carers with advice and support where appropriate for as long as the arrangement lasts. If the arrangement is considered unsuitable, the parents may have to make alternative arrangements. In some cases this can mean the child going into care. Privately fostered children and their families should receive the same level of service as those children who are being Looked After in the Local Authority. Revisions to the Private Fostering Procedure include clearer guidance on when Police Checks are carried out on prospective private foster carers and any adults living within the household. For more information and to view the procedure visit: http://lincolnshirechildcare.proceduresonline .com/chapters/p_private_fost.html For general information on fostering and adoption in Lincolnshire, go to www.fosteringlincs.co.uk, call 0800 093 3099 or email fosteringandadoptionenquiries@lincolnshire. gov.uk.
South Kesteven Children's Centres South Kesteven Children's Centres offer a warm and friendly welcome to all families and carers with children aged 0 to 19 years. We offer a fantastic variety of activities and drop in sessions along with helpful advice and services, which are all free unless otherwise stated. As well as being fun for both children and adults, the activities are designed to help with your child's language, social skills, development, behaviour and health. Our experienced and friendly team can support you and provide advice around all of the above. We offer sessions for children under 5 on “Exploring the World” for children including “Little Explorers” and “Messy Play”, musical and physical activities, story and rhyme and healthy eating.
For parents we offer family support, help and advice on all aspects of being a parent and advice and support with relationships. We also offer help getting back into training and work and with managing your finances. Children's Centres also provide support for families with children with additional needs and young parents groups. For more information on any of the groups or services on offer at your local Children's Centres in South Kesteven, please contact Donna Cartmell on 01780 764072. For other Children’s Centres in Lincolnshire go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres or call 0800 195 1635.
DISABLED & HOSPITAL STAYS | COOL2CARE 11
Disabled and Hospital Stays The benefits that disabled people receive may be affected when they are admitted to hospital. This applies to people receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component or Attendance Allowance (AA).
goes back into hospital after being at home for 28 or fewer days, the two periods are linked. The number of days spent in hospital will be added together for each linked stay and benefit will stop after a total of 28 or 84 days, depending on the person’s age.
The benefit is usually affected after a It is important that the Disability person has been in hospital for and Carers Service (DCS) is told more than: about admissions to hospital, as not • 28 days, for people aged 16 doing so could result in a and over recoverable overpayment. This may • 84 days, for children under 16 apply even if the recipient was not years old. able to tell the DCS themselves. Linking rules for shorter periods of time in hospital may mean that these days are also taken into account. This means that if a person
People getting Carer’s Allowance (CA), where the person they care for is admitted to hospital, could also be affected.
COOL2CARE are a national care worker service supporting families with disabled children and young people. We recruit, train and place Personal Assistants (PAs) with families of youngsters with a disability or special needs. We can offer personalised packages from buddying/befriending to domiciliary care. COOL2CARE have a wealth of experience in supporting families and successfully matching PA’s with the right family to find that ideal balance. We are able to support you in answering any questions you may have and guide you through the whole process. For further information about our services contact: karen.hoe@cool2care.net or call on 07889 405950 or krissy.green@cool2care.net or call 07889 405951. Why not visit our website for further information at www.cool2care.co.uk
If you have questions about how DLA, AA or CA can be affected when a claimant goes into hospital, or need to tell us about a relevant hospital stay, please contact the DLA/AA Helpline on 08457 123456.
“It is important that the Disability and Carers Service (DCS) is told about admissions to hospital, as not doing so could result in a recoverable overpayment.”
12 TIME FOR TEETH
Teeth Time or Time for Teeth? Caring for a child with additional needs has many challenges for parents, making the routine everyday tasks a potentially demanding daily battle. Looking after teeth and mouth care can be very difficult. We all know that an unhealthy mouth can cause pain, discomfort and infections so making sure that good oral health is maintained is vital to avoid unnecessary treatment that can be traumatic for all concerned. Children may require their mouth care by a third party; assistance with self care or teaching, reminding and encouraging. There is a wealth of advice out there but keeping it as simple as possible with some signposting for more specialist information can help. Brushing Teeth and gums should be brushed two times every day especially last thing at night and at one other time in the day. First thing in the morning might be a difficult time with bathing, dressing etc so it can be done later in the morning or after lunch, when a more relaxed time is available.
brush while the other distracts, holds hands or encourages. Diet If foods and drinks that contain sugar are given lots of times during the day or night the chance of the teeth decaying increases. To help limit or prevent tooth decay: • keep any sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes • ask your dietician for help and guidance if a high calorie diet is needed and for some ideas for tooth friendly snacks • always ask your doctor or chemist for sugar-free medicines.
A suitably sized brush needs to be used with a smear or pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Ask your dentist for help and advice on what strength fluoride to use. Non-foaming and non-flavoured pastes are available.
Visiting the Dentist It is very important that any child with additional needs sees a dentist regularly as soon as teeth start to appear. Story boards can be useful as well as story books about visiting the dentist.
Electric brushes with an oscillating/rotating action are more effective than manual ones and can be used if they are accepted. Adapted manual brushes are available so ask your dentist for more details or see The Good Teeth Guide leaflet (link on next page).
Find a dentist that understands the additional needs that your child may have - ask friends and family for help or recommendations.
If brushing causes distress a different area can be brushed at different times. Distractions such as music, television or brushing teeth in the bath can make it easier. It can take two to brush – one to
Fear and anxiety can be expressed in many ways if verbal communication is difficult, and this can be stressful for parents and carers but also the dental team.Your dentist may decide to refer into the Special Care Dental Service provided by Lincolnshire Community Health Service.
TIME FOR TEETH | DIDGERIDOO SOUND THERAPY 13 Useful information Websites • www.northwestdentalhealth.nhs.uk/ File.ashx?id=5887 - The Good Teeth Guide for Parents and Carer of Children with Extra Needs – really good leaflet to download • www.dlf.org.uk – oral hygiene aids • www.bsdh.org.uk – British Society for Disability and Oral Health • www.autism.org.uk – good leaflet to download and printable about visiting the dentist • www.dentocare.co.uk – special needs oral care range of products
To find a dentist Dental helpline number for Lincolnshire 01522 515386 (Monday to Friday 9am – 2pm) NHS Choices is also useful at www.nhs.uk to find a local dentist. Books • “Hannah Goes to the Dentist“ by Helen and Cleve Dorman, CP publishing, ISBN 1-903275-03-2 This is a good factual book with photographs • “Molly at the Dentist” by Angie Sage ISBN 1-86233-281-9 This is a lovely pop up book for the younger age group For more information, email gina.hargrave@lincs-chs.nhs.uk, Oral Health Promoter for Lincolnshire Community Health Service NHS Trust.
Didgeridoo Sound Therapy free mp3 trial Australian born, Gregg Chapman has been playing the didgeridoo and helping children with disabilities to relax at special needs schools and disability organisations throughout Lincolnshire and beyond. Listening to the didgeridoo entrains the brain waves to states of deep relaxation so Didgeridoo Sound Therapy has proven beneficial for stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Gregg is offering a monthly download of didgeridoo sound therapy from his website at www.greggchapman.com/shop by a monthly donation. The first month is a free trial and you can cancel or suspend at any time. Each month you will receive a didgeridoo meditation download from my website. Once downloaded, you can save the mp3 file to an mp3 player or iPod or you can burn it to CD.
Gregg is also a full time therapist and specialises in non-content therapy including Neuro Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Technique, Hypnosis, Reiki, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and Energy Psychology. These techniques can be fast at resolving problems compared to conventional techniques. Based at Waddington, Lincolnshire, he has helped clients with many problems including stress, habits, fears, phobias, anxiety, weight loss, emotional problems and just about anything that no longer serves you. For more information about how Gregg can help you and your family to find peace and well-ness contact gregg@greggchapman.com or telephone: 01400 220272.
14 CHILDREN’S CENTRES SENSORY ROOMS
Children’s Centres sensory rooms Children’s Centres offer a range of services and activities for all families and carers with children from birth to 19 years throughout Lincolnshire. There are Children’s Centre services throughout the county, ensuring that every community has access to services and support. You’re welcome at any Centre where you can access a fantastic variety of activities, free drop-in sessions and helpful services. All Centres offer: child and family health services; advice and information for families; childcare and early education (some on-site and some through partnership working with local providers); support for parents on a range of issues; and training and employment advice. They also have a range of services and facilities which are particularly beneficial to families with children who have additional needs. Some Centres have sensory rooms with special equipment and toys, as well as additional services such as speech and language services, physiotherapy, and some host support groups for parents of children with disabilities. To find out where your nearest sensory room is, please contact the Family Information Service on 0800 195 1635 or visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres where you can access information about services local to you.
Charlie and the Children’s Centre Once a fortnight, a very excited little boy named Charlie and his mum Tracy use the sensory room at Waddington Children’s Centre. Charlie has Downs Syndrome and has just celebrated his 3rd birthday. Tracy and Charlie already attended the Centre’s Jellybean music session when she found out about the sensory room. The sensory room at Waddington Children’s Centre has things like a bubble machine, tactile baskets, torches and soft seating. Tracy says, “Every time we go, the room is set up differently, and I love to see him developing and learning something new from the experience. I let Charlie take the lead, so sometimes we do relaxing activities and sometimes it’s more stimulating, but he always loves it and looks forward to going”. To book a session in the sensory room at Waddington Children’s Centre, call 01522 721750.
Charlie and his parents have been coming to the Centre for about a year and he adores our music sessions and loves exploring the sensory room. During this time he has made some firm friendships and huge progress, in all areas. Charlie is now extremely confident in this setting, leading Daddy by the hand through the door during his last visit! The transformation is truly remarkable due to their contagious determination. Charlie is a lovely little boy and he brings his adorable smile with him every time he visits. He lights up our day and I am sure he has an extremely bright future ahead of him. Alison Sullivan,Waddington Children’s Centre
HOLIDAYS 15
Virgin Holidays – adapted beach wheelchairs
Travel operator Virgin Holidays has launched a complimentary beach wheelchair service for customers staying in selected hotels in Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia. The specially designed wheelchairs are equipped with oversized wheels for easier movement across sand, sunshades and storage space for essential items. Nicola Davis, a Virgin Holidays employee and wheelchair user, had the idea after holidaying in the Caribbean. “I have used beach wheelchairs in Florida for many years – then I travelled to the Caribbean, and found out that none of the hotels offered them. I really missed being able to spend time on the beach with my children and realised that many people were missing on one of the most important parts of a Caribbean holiday”. The beach wheelchairs are one of several facilities for disabled people and limited mobility customers offered by the company’s Special Assistance team. Others include accessible transfers, adapted vehicle hire and medical equipment hire, plus information about accessible accommodation and organised excursions to theme parks and other attractions. For more information, call 0844 557 3998 or email special.assistance@virginholidays.com
and a little closer to home…. Skegness beach is no longer a no-go area for people in wheelchairs thanks to an innovative project. Beach-friendly wheelchairs with extra-large wheels have been introduced by the East Coast Local Action Group, providing disabled people with easy and comfortable access to enjoy the sun, sea and sand to the full. The group is working with East Lindsey District Council to operate the scheme, which comes thanks to £8,424 worth of Lottery funding. The beach wheelchairs are designed to be used on soft terrain where ordinary wheelchairs would sink into the surface. This makes them ideal for the beach, and will enable users to not only access the beach but also go into the water. The District Council is loaning out the wheelchairs on behalf of the Local Action Group. There are two beach wheelchairs available for hire in Skegness, both at the Embassy Theatre, and the cost is a £20-a-day returnable deposit. Another two wheelchairs are available further up the coast - one in Sutton-on-Sea and another in Mablethorpe. To hire one of the wheelchairs, or for more details, please contact: • Skegness – 0845 674 0505 • Mablethorpe – 01507 473641 • Sutton on Sea – 01507 443765
16 HOLIDAYS
Accessible beach huts at Boscombe, Bournemouth Fully disabled accessible beach huts are available to hire at Bournemouth’s multi-award winning Boscombe Seafront. Dubbed the Seagull and the Windbreak, the huts feature high colour contrast surfaces and flooring to assist visually impaired users, dual height kitchen units equipped with a gas stove and communal outside area with a fresh water fountain. The huts incorporate high quality design, visual flair and unique function. The inside of each hut is a highly adaptable and flexible space capable of accommodating up to four wheelchair users at once. Also present is a mobility scooter charging point, alongside improved accessible toilets, convenient parking and a wooden beach track way enabling easy access to the beach. For more information contact Boscombe Beach Office on 01202 451773 or visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/seafront
Happy Days family holidays! Happy Days are a national children’s charity dedicated to providing holidays, residential trips, days out and theatre trips for disadvantaged young people with special needs. The children that Happy Days help all come from different backgrounds and cultures and suffer from many different conditions. Happy Days offer help to those with learning difficulties, physical or mental disabilities and with acute, chronic or life limiting illnesses. Happy Days will fund family holidays for children aged 3 to 17 that have special needs, across various pre-determined holiday locations around the UK. Please be aware that they have a strict remit of who they will support: the application is means
Flying with an autistic child Manchester Airport has developed an information pack about travelling via an airport with an autistic child, which is packed full of hints and ideas to make travel easier. From taking advantage of parking facilities, express check-ins, on-board Medi seats and the importance of explaining to airport and airline staff, as well as fellow passengers, that you are travelling with someone with autism. To download the information pack, please visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/ Content/TravellingwithChildren
tested (families must have an annual income of below £25,000) and requires a letter from a medical professional linked to your child recommending a short break. Please note: they have a very long waiting list at present and it could take up to sixteen months before funding becomes available. However, they endeavour that every child on their waiting list will have a holiday. For more information, please call on 01582 755999 or email Mandy Bilbrough at enquiries@happydayscharity.org. An application form can be downloaded from www.happydayscharity.org/funding_holidays. html
FAMILY FUND TRAVEL INSURANCE | DATABASE UPDATE 17
Family Fund Travel Insurance It can be difficult to find affordable travel insurance for families with disabled or seriously ill children or young people. Sometimes the cost of the travel insurance alone can mean that a family break away is unachievable. Holiday Direct Insurance is Family Fund’s chosen partner to administer and promote travel insurance to its families. As independent insurance brokers authorised by the Financial Services Authority, Holiday Direct Insurance is able to provide advice on all aspects of travel insurance. Get your quote now by going to Holiday Direct Insurance. This travel insurance policy is available for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged up to 18 years old. Also available for families with a
disabled or seriously ill young person aged from 18 to 23 years who is going on a family break and is in full-time education at the time of travel. For more information and to book your Family Fund Travel Insurance please go to http://www.holidaydirectinsurance.co.uk/ Family_Fund_Travel_Insurance.aspx You will need the Family Fund code FF0712 to insert when prompted. For more information about Family Fund go to www.familyfund.org.uk
Updating the 4all database
Updating the 4all database
To ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest newsletter and information, please let us know of any changes in your child or young person’s address, school, diagnosis and needs. Your name: Your child’s name: Address: Postcode: Telephone:
Child’s date of birth*:
Changes in needs: Please return your update form to:
*We need this to check we have the right person.
4all Development Co-ordinator, 4all database (c/o Family Information If you are a professional and would like to receive 4all, please contact the address Service), FREEPOST, PO Box 841, shown or phone 0800 195 1635. Lincoln, LN1 1ZE
18 THINGS TO DO
AYS W L A S ’ E R E TH ROOM FEORR… ANOTH Short Breaks Kayaking Sessions 9 March; 13 April; 10 May &14 June 2 pm - 3 pm Introduction to Kayaking for the Special Needs child Lincoln & District Scouts Water Activities The Priory, City Academy Skellingthorpe Road Lincoln, County Call Angie Riggall on 07939 047414 or Clive Tebb on 07966 038677 or email angela.riggall@gmail.com
k/join
scouts.org.u
Copyright © 2009 The Scout Association, Registered Charity Numbers(s) 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)
Scouting and Guiding for all Scouts and Guides are about fun, challenge and adventure, making friends and trying new things. All young people aged 6 - 25 are welcome, and with the emphasis on participation rather than meeting certain standards, there is something for everyone. There are many Scout and Guide groups across Lincolnshire, covering different ages. With badges and challenges to earn, and achieve, young people are encouraged to develop and learn. For more information, and to find a local Scout group (inc Beavers, Cubs and Scouts), go to www.scouts.org.uk and enter your postcode. Local Guide groups (inc Rainbows, Brownies and Guides) can be found at www.girlguiding.org.uk by filling in the “Join Us” enquiry form.
Aiming Higher Dance Group The Aiming Higher dance group at Scredington has now been running successfully for three years.
After we received funding from Short Breaks, Lincolnshire Dance was delighted to receive funding for a further two quarters. We are very grateful to The Evan Cornish Grassroots fund and The Woodward Charitable Trust for making this possible. The group is now well established with participants working together, supporting each other and developing their skills and knowledge of dance. The participant’s technique, balance and strength have greatly improved. Their teamwork, decision making, confidence and creativity has blossomed and in return I have learnt so much from my participants. We have been able to create wonderful dance pieces in various styles depending on the children’s tastes. If someone has a favourite song it can be downloaded and then we will create a dance to it. We have danced to pop, rock, bollywood, 80's and jazz but so far no takers of classical! This has been great fun for all of us! We will be starting a new term of ten Aiming Higher sessions shortly, and hope to run more after Easter. We would love to see some new faces. So if you are interested please get in touch with Katrina Brackenbury at Lincolnshire Dance on 01522 522525. Classes are £5 and are held at Scredington Community Centre, near Sleaford.
THINGS TO DO 19
Lincolnshire Football Association Have you ever played football before? Have you ever wanted to play football before? Or do you just want to try something new? Lincolnshire Football Association is committed fully to the ethos of football for all and would like to see as many people involved as possible no matter the experience or ability. Lincolnshire currently has 15 disability teams across the county, a disability league and an elite programme for those with higher abilities, so plenty for you all to get involved in no matter what your background within football is. There are opportunities for those under 16 as well as 16+ and Lincolnshire FA can support you in finding a team that is right for you or find you a taster session if you would like to try it out. For those of you that may already play, whether this is at school or within a club, we currently host an FA Disability Player Development Centre within Lincolnshire which is a step on the elite player pathway. This is for individuals aged 12 - 16 that have impairments such as learning disability, amputee, hearing impairment, visual impairment and cerebral palsy.
This is open to anyone that meets the criteria and will not prevent you from maintaining playing in your current team - rather this is an opportunity for you to get spotted and progress to a higher level, maybe even England/GB! If you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved with disability football within Lincolnshire no matter what level, whether it is as a player, a referee or as part of the committee for the league, please get in touch with Leanne Woodhead, Football Development Officer (Inclusion) at Lincolnshire Football Association - email leanne.woodhead@lincolnshirefa.com, or call 0844 967 0708 / 07944 635726.
England Talent Day When: Where:
6th April 2013 Sincil Bank, Lincoln
Time: 10am – 12.30pm Age: Year 7-11 at school
Lincolnshire FA and the FA are hosting an England Talent Day. This is open to anyone male or female in year 7 - 11 at school that are interested in getting involved with or have experience within football that have any of the following disabilities: deaf, partially sighted, blind, amputee, learning disability or cerebral palsy. This will be an opportunity to get seen for elite opportunities at both regional and international levels as well as getting signposted to local teams. If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in this day, please get in touch with Leanne Woodhead, Football Development Officer (Inclusion): telephone 0844 967 0708 / 07944 635726 or email leanne.woodhead@lincolnshirefa.com
:
20 NEWS
Roll up! Roll up! For the CANadda Summer Bazaar! Come along on Sunday 9th June 2pm - 6pm at the Village Hall and Village Green, Bishop Norton Hall, Glentham. There will be a raffle, craft fair, refreshments, tombola, lucky dip, Native American Indian with stall, secret garden, writing adversary and waffles and ice cream. Sue Allen, author of “The Mayflower” will be signing books at 3pm and the BBQ starts at 4pm. There are lots more things to see and do for all the family and entry is free. CANadda is a neurodiversity group that supports people with autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and ADHD. For more information call 01522 880922 or go online at www.canadda.org.uk
Stay safe on-line Many young people use social forums on the internet to make new friends, chat to existing ones and share their experiences. Whilst this can be a good way of finding people with shared interests, from the same type of disability, to types of music and leisure activities, it is important that you keep safe. Top tips include being careful not to give out too much personal information like where you live, or other contact details and don’t arrange to meet anyone without letting someone know where you are going. There is some useful information about staying safe on-line at www.teeninfolincs.co.uk
February is LGBT History Month. What is LGBT? Well Key Stage 4 children at St Christopher’s School had an opportunity to find out recently. LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans. Some of the students in years 9, 10 and 11 took part in workshops to help them increase awareness of this area. This included discussions on Anti-Bullying, stereotypes and improving awareness of the detrimental effect homophobic language can have on some people. The workshops were delivered by Lincolnshire County Council’s Anti Bullying Officer, Sophie Whitehead. Sophie has told us that her Anti Bullying work comes in many forms and this is just one area of how Lincolnshire Children’s Services are working to educate children with regards to respecting diversity and equality. A similar project was delivered at Sincil Sports College in 2012. Stonewall, a leading Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Charity, work closely with the
Anti-Bullying and School Improvement teams to support work around homophobia and homophobic language. Stonewall recently released a publication called The School Report 2012 which is a survey of more than 1,600 gay young people from throughout the country. The report found that homophobic bullying continues to be widespread in some of Britain’s schools, with more than half (55%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils experiencing direct bullying. Homophobic language is also a concern with almost all (99%) of gay young people hearing the phrases “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school and 96% of gay pupils hearing homophobic language such as “poof” or “lezza”. Ofsted are also keen to reduce homophobic language in schools and so have now included it into their inspection criteria. More information and support can be found at www.stonewall.org.uk, www.queeryouth.org.uk or www.mermaidsuk.org.uk and on the Facebook page “LGBT Youth Lincolnshire”.
LINCOLN DRILL HALL 21
Lincoln Drill Hall
Lincoln Drill Hall is continuing to develop its range of activities for children and young people with additional needs. The city-based venue was delighted to receive some Short Breaks funding from Lincolnshire County Council in the autumn and has teamed up with artists from Rhubarb Theatre to deliver a series of drama, dance and music workshops at St Christopher’s School in Lincoln throughout the spring term. Then on 2nd and 3rd April from 10am - 3pm, they will be running two free Easter-themed days of arts fun open to any children with additional needs aged 7yrs+ (this is part of the venue’s Children's Festival which runs from 25th March to 4th April). Then during May half term on 28th and 29th May, they will be running two more free workshops days for older children aged 11+ (see note below). The funding also enabled the venue to run a very successful signed performance of Peter Pan
in December which they will be doing again with Cinderella on Saturday 14th December 2013 (which is already on sale) and for the second time running, a “relaxed performance” of the panto was also staged where it’s not so dark in the auditorium, the volume is lower and nobody minds if you walk around or shout out. This year’s relaxed performance will be on Friday 20th December and, yes it’s already on sale too! As well as all of this, DeafLincs is currently working with the venue’s FishTank Youth Theatre to teach them some BSL and make their shows on 29th and 30th March accessible to a deaf audience and the Drill Hall is continuing to provide its increasingly popular Butterfly Club party nights for young people aged 14+ (next one is on 22nd May).
Note - For the workshops, please bring snacks, a packed lunch and drinks for whole day. Although the artists have lots of experience working with young people, they are not carers, therefore if your child needs additional assistance, please provide a carer. Please note the venue has a Changing Places Toilet. To find out more, or to book tickets, contact Lincoln Drill Hall on 01522 873891 or Rhubarb Theatre on 01400 275133. www.lincolndrillhall.com and www.rhubarbtheatre.co.uk
22 LPCC COFFEE MORNINGS | COASTAL ECO CENTRE
Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council (LPCC) Coffee Mornings No need to book! Meet other parents of children with disabilities and additional needs. Where and when? ● Boston 10am - 11.30am: 18th March, 20th May and 8th July New England Hotel, Wide Bargate, Boston, PE21 6SH ● Lincoln 12.30pm - 2pm: 20th March, 22nd May & 10th July The Homestead, St John’s Park, Canwick Road, Lincoln ● Skegness 11am - 12.30pm: 26th April & 28th June The Vine Hotel (Best Western),Vine Road, Seacroft, Skegness, PE25 3DB ● Spalding 10am - 11.30am: 16th April & 25th June The Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding, PE11 2AJ ● Louth 10am - 11.30am: 12th March, 7th May & 2nd July Best Western, Kenwick Park Hotel, Kenwick Park Estate, Louth, LN11 8NR ● Grantham 10.30am - 12pm: 20th March, 15th May & 3rd July The Angel & Royal Hotel, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6PN ● Sleaford 10am – 11.30am: 22nd April & 24th June Cogglesford Mill, East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ ● Market Rasen – new venue requested by our network. Contact us for more details. New to our coffee mornings? If you are after a bit of encouragement to come and meet with us, then phone Coralie on 07779 456627. For other information contact LPCC on 0845 331 1310 or email enquiries@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk
Coastal Eco Centre Activities
The aim of the Coastal Eco Centre in Skegness is to give children and young people with disabilities and additional needs the chance to become involved in exciting outdoor events and camping activities in an innovative and accessible way. The Eco Centre offers ranger-led activities including shelter building, mini-beast hunts, “Wildwood Art”, “Music in the Woodland” and camping. These activities run all year round and are suitable for small groups and can be combined into a larger package of activities. Prices for these sessions range from £2 to £5 per person. Wednesday After-School Clubs from 4pm to 6pm - this is a fun and exciting way for parents to come along and play with their children and a fantastic way to re-engage people of all ages in the natural environment with all of the wide ranging benefits this brings.
Parent & child outdoor holiday adventure activities ● Woodland and shelter building - Monday 15th & 22nd July 12pm - 3pm and Wednesday 21st & 28th August ● Mini-beasts, pond dipping and nature detectives - Wednesday 17th & 24th July 12pm - 3pm ● Daytime camping, campfire and marshmallow toasting - Friday 19th & 26th July 12pm - 3pm
Sculpture, natural arts, crafts and lantern making - Wednesday 14th & 21st August 12pm - 3pm ● Team building, games and outdoor activities Monday 5th & 12th August ● Bird box making and habitat creation - Friday 2nd, 9th & 16th August ● Bushcraft and exploration activities - Monday 19th & 26th August ●
Booking is recommended, as is a pre-visit to the Centre to check the facilities and activities are suitable – call 01754 765746 for more information about the range of activities available, email paul.charles@seagullrecycling.org.uk or go online at www.seagullrecycling.org.uk
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SUPPORT GROUPS 23
Tourette’s Action: New Lincolnshire Support Group by Mal Twelvetrees
After my grandson was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome I made contact with Tourette’s Action, the national support organisation. They were great and supplied written information for the family and for the school. We were relieved to learn that Aidan's condition was not because of anything the family did or did not do. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition resulting in involuntary tics such as blinking, head nodding, leg jerking etc (motor tics) and such as grunting, throat clearing, whistles etc (vocal tics). Swearing is very rare. Aidan’s parents were also pleased that from Tourette’s Action, the school learned that tics are not done for attention or to be naughty. The child can't help doing them and needs extra understanding and support. Tourette’s Action supports many local groups but I was disappointed to learn that there was not one in Lincolnshire. I decided to set one up and with great assistance from Julie Collier from Tourette’s Action, we had our first meeting last July in the Guildhall, Grantham. Four families attended. There were ten adults including Julie and me, and five children. Julie gave a short talk about how Tourette’s Action can help families with a member who has Tourette's syndrome. Mums and Dads swapped experiences and tips over coffee, and the children really got on well together. Since then we have been joined by three more families. We have had a really interesting talk by Jane Fowlie about her university research into Tourette's
Syndrome and had a super afternoon at Belton House. The children played in the adventure playground and then in the indoor play area whilst the adults chatted over coffee. Kay and Bill, two of our members who are teachers, gave invaluable advice to others in the group about issues to do with their children's schooling. We plan to have more speakers and social events in the coming year. In February we had our first experience of our new meeting place at Lincoln Central Children's Centre in St Andrews Place, Lincoln. It has a meeting room with a small kitchen, a play area, and a fenced garden full of toys. (Our children range in age from reception class to secondary school and attend special schools and mainstream). We plan to meet once a month at the Children's Centre. Our next meeting is Saturday 9th March 12.30pm to 2.30pm. If you are a family with a member who has Tourette’s Syndrome we would love to welcome you to our meeting (bring a packed lunch). You will meet other similar families and your children will realise that they are not the only one who has tics. You will hopefully enjoy chat with others who have met similar problems and your child will enjoy a play in the new place, with new friends. We are an accepting group in a great venue and look forward to meeting you. For more information and meeting dates, call Mal on 01400 251467. Tourette’s Action can be found online at www.tourettes-action.org.uk, or phone their helpline 0300 777 8427.
update CANadda is now a part of the Lincolnshire Learning Disability Coalition. There is a website if you would like to have a look at what the Lincolnshire Learning Disability Coalition is all about: http://www.linkage.org.uk/policy-and-campaigns/current-campaigns/join-the-lincolnshire-lear ning-disability-coalition/. There is an easy read area on this website. Please be aware this group has only recently been formed. There is a wide range of information on the CANadda website at www.canadda.org.uk, including other useful websites and groups, as well as planned meeting dates through the year, which are usually held at Washingborough Village Hall. Alternatively, call 01522 716899 or email debbie.canadda@yahoo.co.uk
24 SUPPORT GROUPS
Lincoln Ambassador Club Are you a physically disabled person aged 10 - 25? Are you interested in making new friends and having fun? Do you want to be part of an exciting new club that has loads of activities and events throughout the year? If you answered “yes” then the Lincoln Ambassador Club is for you! At the club you will have loads of opportunities to meet up with other young people, learn new skills, get a work placement and go on days out! The Ambassador Club is all about fun and friendship and is for anyone aged 10 – 25 years old and runs from 10am to 3.30pm every eight weeks. We want you to get the most out of your club: you will have a chance to play new sports; learn key life skills; manage your own campaign (including the budget); apply to become a Young Leader; learn wheelchair skills, and take part in drama and music activities! Our club dates are: • 11th April • 30th May • 26th July • 28th September - plus more dates to follow Being an Ambassador and coming to the club is free. We only have 15 places available on a first-come-first-served basis, so to book your place and become a Whizz-Kidz Ambassador please email ambassadors@whizz-kidz.org.uk or call 0800 151 3350.
C.A.S.A
(Carers Are Special Also)
On the 4th April C.A.S.A. will be holding a sensory event at the Lacey Gardens Children Centre in Louth from 10.30am to 12.30pm, with a variety of sensory items including ultraviolet lights, dens and whaka tubes, a quiet area, fake snow etc. Children who have attended previously have had a great time and it’s an opportunity for parents to have a chance for a catch-up and hopefully a peaceful cuppa! The next regular get together dates for the C.A.S.A support group are: 18th April; 2nd May; 16th May; 6th June; 20th June; 4th July; and 18th July when parent/carers of children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs are welcomed to share a cuppa, biscuit and a chat at the Children’s Centre at Lacey Gardens in Louth between 9.30am and 11am. New attendees are very much welcomed, so please do pop-in and support the group whilst meeting with other parents/carers who have similar needs to you. Outings for the future are in the planning stage, but last holiday the group (including a Dad who was very welcome) went to the Falconry Centre for a really enjoyable day. The children were excellent all happy together and saw meercats, other interesting animals and had a go at holding snakes and lizards which was much enjoyed. All went home very happy and tired. For more details on what goes on and further events, contact Michelle Mazzarella on 07917 161889 or email michelle.mazzarella@hotmail.co.uk
LPCC Cinema
Dates for the diary: • The Muppets (U) - Sunday 28th April at 2.45pm (for 3pm start) St Norbert’s Catholic Hall, St Thomas’ Road, Spalding, PE11 2XX
• Skyfall (12) - Sunday 19th May at 2.45pm (for 3pm start) Leasingham Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Leasingham, Sleaford, NG34 8LD
Entrance £2 donation per person and everyone is welcome. Popcorn, nachos and drinks are available (allergy-aware catering). For more information, please contact the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council on 0845 33 11 310, email cinema@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk or go to the website – www.lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk
SUPPORT GROUPS 25
Lincolnshire Downs Syndrome Support Group Lincolnshire Downs Syndrome support group is an inspiring charity which aims to provide help, advice and support for people with Downs Syndrome, their family and friends. We were first established in 1983 and are affiliated to the National Downs Syndrome Association which, since 1970, has accumulated more than 20,000 members! Our committee consists of parents and health care professionals who have been working together for almost 30 years to help achieve the best for people with Downs Syndrome.
Specialist Teaching and Applied Psychology Service – STAPS
Specialist Dyslexia Outreach Teacher Monday 9.30am – 11.30am (term time only) North
South
Lesley Shapcott
Katie Akerman
01427 787178 (option 3)
01205 317871
Social Communication (including Autistic Spectrum) Outreach Teacher – part of the Pathfinder Outreach Anne Tait
(covering secondary settings in Lincoln, north of Lincoln and North Hykeham)
Tuesday 1.30pm – 3.30pm (term time only) 01427 787178 (option 2)
Educational Psychologists Every Tuesday 1.30pm – 4pm Call 01522 554673 and ask for the Helpline
Over the years that we’ve been up and running, we’ve offered support and advice to parents new to Downs Syndrome, and for a period of time to parents/carers that have a child with Downs Syndrome. Just knowing somebody is there to listen and to lean on a little can make a huge difference somebody’s life. Support isn’t the only thing we can offer though - we pride ourselves on organising a variety of different and exciting fundraising events too! Other activities include: providing funding for activities for people with Downs Syndrome; arranging various courses and speakers for those seeking more information on a specific topic; holding social events to give parents/carers and people with Downs Syndrome the chance to meet up and discuss their experiences; and of course, ensuring every single person involved has plenty of fun! A group of us regularly meet up with our children in different places and would welcome anybody that wanted to join us. It's enjoyable for the adults to have a friendly chat and for the children to play together. We are planning a summer BBQ on Sunday 9th June at Woodland Waters, a mini prom for the children and young adults, and our 30th anniversary ball on Saturday 19th October at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. If you need support, advice or any further information on anything mentioned above, please contact a member of our committee on our group phone number: 07901 769805 or email Danielle King on dek0181@hotmail.com Visit our website www.lincsdownsyndrome.org.uk and find us on Facebook!
26 USEFUL CONTACTS
Useful contacts Some services available for children and young people who are disabled and their families
Name
Contact info
Action for Young Carers
Email: ayc@carersfederation.co.uk Tel: 01205 358834
Action for Blind People
Email: loughborough@actionforblindpeople.org.uk Tel: 01509 632400
Action for Children
Email: disabilitylincolnshire@actionforchildren.org.uk Tel: 01522 546516
Carers Assessment
Email: carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 01522 782224
Children’s Centres
Find your nearest Children’s Centre at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/childrenscentres
Children’s Services, Social Care Team - Children with Disabilities Team
Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782111, www.cwdsi.co.uk
Customer Service Centre
Referrals to Children With Disabilites Social Care Team are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 546516
Deaf Lincs
Voice: 01522 554932 minicom: 01522 554933 fax: 01522 554934 SMS: 07702 820539 email: info@deaflincs.com web: www.deaflincs.com
Early Support Care Co-ordination Team
Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782111 Or county co-ordinator is Jon Hird: 07795 968494
Exclusion National Helplines
Children’s Legacy Centre: 0845 345 4345 from 9am to 6.30pm ACE (Advisory Centre for Education): 0808 800 5793 - 10am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday
Family Information Service
Family Information Service at: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fis or Tel: 0800 195 1635 Mon to Fri 8am - 6pm or email: fis@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Family Service Directory
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd
KIDS Strut
KIDS and Strut in the Community, Commerce House, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4HY Strut: 01522 557292 KIDS: 01482 467540
Lincolnshire Helplines
Choice Advice (for help with school admissions – 01522 552509 Autism Outreach - Tuesday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on 01427 787178 Dyslexia Outreach - Monday 9.30am to 11.30am - 01427 787178
Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council
Email: enquiries@lincolnshireparentcarercouncil.org.uk PO Box 1183, Spalding, Lincs PE11 9EE
USEFUL CONTACTS 27
Name
Contact info
Movement 2 Specialist Equipment Hire
Tel: 0116 2609 510 Mob: 07811 287378 www.movement2.co.uk
National Helplines
Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA) can offer free, legal advice to parents on SEND - www.ipsea.org.uk 0800 018 4016 IPSEA Tribunal Helplines - 0845 602 9579
Occupational Therapy (O.T.) Team
Referrals are via the Customer Service Centre, Tel: 01522 782111
Parent Carers of CWDSI (Children Email: parentcarersofcwdsi@lincolnshire.gov.uk With Disabilities and Sensory Tel: 01522 554214 Impairment) Parent Partnership
Tel: 01522 553351 Email: parentpartnership@lincolnshire.gov.uk www.lincolnshireparentpartnership.org.uk
Portage
Lincoln & District: 07710 796695 Spalding & District: 07935 417289 Louth & District: 07900 604923 West Linsdey & District: 01427 615498 Bourne & District: 01778 425203 Boston & District: 01205 363395 Spilsby & District: 07787 629042 Grantham & District: 07857 689664
Relate Counselling Service
Relate Lincolnshire Tel: 0845 166 4110
Sensory Education and Support Service
Referrals can be made directly to the service. Tel: 01522 553364/8
Sensory Impairment Lincolnshire County Council Service (SILCS)
SILCS can be contacted on tel: 01522 848295 Email: sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk or visit www.silcs.org.uk
Short Breaks Team
Family Information Service, tel: 0800 195 1635 or email: shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk or www.cwdsi.co.uk
Specialist Changing Facilities
www.cwdsi.co.uk
Specialist Nurse Trainers for Children with Disabilities
Contact the team, Tel: 01522 521186
Teeninfolincs - information and advice for Lincolnshire Teenagers
www.teeninfolincs.co.uk
Speech and Language Team
Specialist Hearing Impairment, Grantham Health Clinic, St. Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT, Tel: 01476 577368; www.cwdsi.co.uk
Toy Libraries
Witham Park, Waterside South, Lincoln LN5 7JN, Tel: 01522 546215 Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough DN11 2AL Tel: 01427 676655
Training
For more information about registering for the programme contact shortbreaks@lincolnshire.gov.uk
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USEFUL INFORMATION
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Contacts
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FREEPHONE: 0800 195 1635 Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01522 782033 Fax: 01522 516137 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ 4alldatabase Email: 4all@lincolnshire.gov.uk