Shine Together Magazine - April 2018

Spring 2018 Issue 22

Your final

Celebrating Shine40+...

Our biggest conference ever

Green spaces...

Can they help manage your pain?

The fight for fortification...

Together magazine?

Data protection. What you need to know and how it could affect you

Why we’re backing flour power!

Plus lots more exciting Shine news inside!

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Spring 2018

Your final copy of Together Magazine?

It could be. On 25th May 2018 new data protection rules come into play, meaning we won’t be able to write to, call or e-mail you unless you have given explicit consent for us to do so.

General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR as it’s better known, affects all organisations who hold personal data. Here at Shine, we hold your data.

When you register to become a member, make a donation, fundraise or volunteer for Shine, we capture information to help us say thank you and to keep you informed about the work we’re doing to improve the lives of people living with or affected

by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

For those of you unfamiliar with the principles of Data Protection, here’s a brief summary which shows how your data is used and protected by Shine.

Lawfulness, fairness & transparency

Processing must be lawful, fair and transparent

Purpose limitation

Personal data must be collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in an incompatible way

Data Minimisation

Personal data must be adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary to achieve the purposes for which it was collected

Accuracy

Personal data must be accurate and kept up to date and collector must take reasonable steps to rectify or erase inaccurate data

Storage limitation

Personal data must not be kept in identifiable form for longer than is necessary

Integrity and confidentiality

Personal data must be processed in a way that ensures security of the data and protects it from unauthorised use

Accountability

Controllers must demonstrate compliance with the principles

Don’t delay, act today!

If, by Friday 25th May, you have not specifically told us that you are happy for Shine to contact you (and just as importantly, how!), we are no longer legally allowed to keep you informed of things like events in your area, news and developments specific to the conditions or indeed, send you publications like Together.

Spring 2018 Until now, as long as you hadn’t told us that you didn’t want to hear from Shine, it was fine for us to keep in touch - GDPR has changed that.

So what does that mean for you?

“I joined Shine, of course I want to hear from you” That’s great! Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

GDPR marks the death of ‘passive consent’.

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What does that mean for Shine?

Simply put, we have a lot of work to do between now and Friday 25th May. Included with your Together Magazine you’ll find a personalised form which lists all of the current contact information we hold for you as well as a declaration of consent for you to complete and return using the freepost address included on your form.

If you’ve ever hunted through a leaflet from your bank, or energy supplier looking for the tiny box which says ‘tick here if you do not wish to receive marketing materials”, this is passive consent - fail to tick the box and soon you find yourself inundated with offers, promotions etc.

Alternatively, you can log onto www.checkmydata.shinecharity.org.uk and enter the 16 digit unique reference number provided on your form where you’ll be able to verify and give consent online.

GDPR has changed the game. Now you must tick the box to say you do want to hear from these companies (and us!), which should mean less unsolicited mail and phone calls.

Or if you’d prefer, simply give us a call on 01733 555988 and a member of our team will be able to update your records and take consent verbally (calls may be recorded to ensure we can provide evidence).

“But I’ve already given my consent?”

As frustrating as it may be, the definition of consent has changed under GDPR, meaning the way in which we used to define it may no longer be compliant with the new regulations. What’s more, they specifically state that organisations must be able to provide evidence of when and how consent was gained.

As a result, we’re asking everyone to update their consent, asking that you actively ‘opt-in’ and confirm how you wish to be contacted.

Of course, it also means that we need to check to make sure the current contact details we have for you are still up to date.

“But surely if there’s something really important you’ll tell me?”

We’d love to, but we really can’t. The fines imposed on organisations found to have breached GDPR are significantly higher, as much as 4% of annual turnover. This would be catastrophic for Shine, and something we simply cannot risk.

In short, if you have not given explicit consent by Friday 25th May we are simply unable to contact you going forward, but remember, you can withdraw your consent at any time and needn’t feel tied in by giving it at this stage.

Please cut out, keep and tick the boxes to make sure you’ve done everything you need to so that we can keep in touch.

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I have written or called or given my consent online to be contacted

by Shine

I have checked and confirmed all my current contact details

I have let Shine know of any change to my contact details

I have had confirmation from Shine that my consent has been received

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Spring 2018

A warm welcome to the team Jan! Shine is delighted to welcome Jan Tippett as the new Education Lead.

Jan, the parent of someone with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, has been a teacher of English in secondary schools and an examiner and moderator for English A Level, before becoming a field worker for a charity for children with brain injuries.

Helping our youngsters find their way in a brave new world Are you a parent, carer, guardian or teacher supporting a child with spina bifida or hydrocephalus?

Shine’s new education service aims to boost support for you and your child at home and in school.

We believe that everyone should have the right to good education, yet for many children with these conditions, whose young lives are disrupted by appointments, hospital stays and the daily struggle with an often hidden learning disability, school can be a daunting place.

Shine’s new education service aims to help children discover the world around them with specialist support and fulfill their potential in mainstream life.

The programme will provide: • New Benny & Bella Bear Club resources to help children learn through the adventures of our popular bears: Benny, who has hydrocephalus, and Bella, who has spina bifida • New educational resources, activities and guidance to enable teachers and support staff reach out to children with complex physical disabilities and learning needs.

• Guidance for professionals courtesy of Shine’s specialist team, who know just the right support each child needs at home, in school and beyond.

• Reassurance and support for families who can often feel ‘at breaking point’ when coping with educational issues.

• Access to expert advice on education legislation matters, so children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus can experience the same quality of education and life chances as everyone else.

Education Reforms in England and Wales: This spring, Shine families in England experience the full extent of changes in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system, following the Children and Families Act in 2014, while families in Wales will soon learn of proposed changes to SEN when it becomes Additional Learning Needs, with the passing of the new bill by the Welsh Assembly in 2018. In England, SEN Support and Education Health and Care Plans are replacing School Action, Action Plus and Statements.

In Wales, when the new bill becomes law, ALN reforms should help to end the disagreements and appeals that occured with the statementing procedure.

A new animated film explains the changes in Wales, which can be viewed online at http://bit.ly/2t8RpTo At time of going to press, there are no confirmed changes announced for children and families in Northern Ireland.

Spring 2018

How to remap your world and get more out of life with specialist equipment Sometimes, when you have a disability or illness the everyday things you do can become more difficult.

Making adaptations or purchasing equipment can really help, such as changing the height of your armchair or buying a lightweight kettle.

But there is so much equipment out there. How do you know where to start?

One way is to ask other people what they have found useful, and to try equipment out whenever you can.

Independent living centres up and down the country have a range of equipment to try, from tap turners to bath lifts, and with no pressure to buy. They usually have specialist advisers on hand too.

Some larger equipment and adaptations can be provided free of charge to help maintain or improve your independence at home. To access these, you normally need to be assessed by an occupational therapist from your local council.

We are all unique and sometimes the equipment or adaptation you need doesn’t exist yet, but help is at hand. The charity Remap (www.remap.org.uk) custom makes equipment to help disabled people live more independent lives.

Examples include adapting a saddle to allow a child with disability to ride safely, adding a buggy board to a wheelchair, or fixing an electric foot raiser to a standard armchair.

The service is free and you can refer yourself, but it is often useful to discuss the issues you are experiencing first with an occupational or physiotherapist.

At the Shine Health Hub we have an adapted kitchen with a range of equipment to try out. If you’re aged 16 or above, make an appointment today and try it for yourself.

Our occupational therapist can provide advice at the clinic, or by email at kathy.allen@shinecharity.org.uk or over the phone, 01733 555988.

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Spring 2018 “Sharon, and Robin, the health adviser, explained everything, including how to use a catheter. It calmed me down: it gave confidence in an uncertain future.

“Sharon helped us to navigate the health system and benefits. DLA is a huge form, you need to know how to complete it. We didn’t get it the first time, we had to appeal. Sharon guided us on what to include, and we were successful the second time.

How is Maryam progressing?

Maryam’s Story Maryam sits on mum’s lap, the picture of health.

You would never know that she has a complex set of problems that will affect her for the rest of her life. Now nearly two, Maryam is sister to brothers, Yusuf and Mikhail. Mum Natalia tells the story: “I was diagnosed at 20 weeks. The doctor told me that Maryam had the full spectrum of problems that children with spina bifida can face. He said the baby could die in the womb. I should think about ending the pregnancy…

“I was in shock. I felt all alone, as if someone had died.

“There was no-one on hand to guide me. It would have helped to have someone there at diagnosis.

It takes time for it to sink in. If I’d seen a child like Maryam while I was pregnant, it would have helped.”

Getting good support early on “When we met Sharon, the Shine support worker, things began to change. I asked about support groups, as much for the boys, so they could meet other children like Maryam, to show them it was ok...

They love her to bits and are very gentle with her.

“Maryam is not able to walk.

She has little leg splints, and a frame which helps her to stand and play.

I do stretches on her legs everyday, to keep the muscle tone good.

“Maryam has a neuropathic bladder which doesn’t empty properly. She needs a catheter, and medication three times a day.

“Maryam also has hydrocephalus and had a shunt fitted at one month old. It’s working well, but there is always the risk of infection so we have regular checks with the hospital neuro team and trips to A&E... We have to work hard to keep her well.

“To stimulate her development, I use bright toys, more play time and interaction to make sure she’s not behind.

“I can feel down at times. Maryam needs a lot of care, but I’m not scared or upset. Through Shine I know that other parents are coping as well. It helps to have that emotional support.

“…I am hoping that Maryam

will grow up to be a confident person. With the support of Shine I feel that will happen, for sure. No matter how hard it is at the moment things can get better. Never lose hope for a better future…”

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Carolyn’s little miracle…

At 81, Great Grandma Carolyn Warrington is upbeat and youthful.

A keen Shine supporter, Carolyn explains what having Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus has meant for her.

“I think young people are lovely. I watched Glastonbury all weekend. My daughter went there. We went to see Madness at Sheffield Arena for my 80th birthday.” She laughs.

“I used to help at a lunch club down the road. One day I felt a bit strange and collapsed. They took me to hospital, fearing I’d had a stroke.

“I learnt that I had NPH. We’re not clear what caused it. I had meningitis as a little girl which they think may be a link.

“It’s frustrating – I can’t do what I want to do. I don’t feel ill, I just don’t want to do anything. I’ve not done anything today. I used to cook, bake. I liked making things but can’t do that now. I feel useless.” She yawns.

“Hydro affects the way I walk, the way I think… it slows you down. I fall asleep a lot. I go to the loo a lot and wear a thick pad at night. I can’t walk on my own. I can go upstairs with handrails but feel as if I will fall…”

Carolyn lives alone; her husband died nine years ago.

“We’d go on birdwatching holidays… I helped with the

townswomen’s guild, and with young people at school, and took part in pantomime – I really miss that. I taught keep fit – now I walk using a trolley with wheels!

“I’m stuck in the house all the time. Fortunately, I have a good network of people; I have a carer – it costs but is a real help – and good neighbours who take me to hospital.

“I’d like to have a shunt fitted but worry that I will get an infection and make it worse.”

Nine months have passed. Carolyn has had a shunt* fitted, at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, which she can see from her house.

“People say I look much brighter, and the outcome has been marvellous – a miracle – and the staff couldn’t have been kinder… I don’t know what I’d have done without the NHS. Shine are there too - I chatted with a lady at Shine which really helped.

I still need someone with me if I go outside, as my balance is still affected, but I can manage much better and get around the house. I don’t feel so doddery. I had a lot of falls before this procedure. I feel much better and don’t fall asleep in the day the way I used to. I now see more of my friends and family and have lots of telephone calls.”

Carolyn’s advice for anyone needing a shunt? “…don’t be frightened – go for it.

I can’t believe what it’s done for me.” *A surgically fitted tube which drains excess fluid from the brain to the stomach.

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Spring 2018

Shine 40Plus The fifth Shine40Plus Conference took place in Telford in March.

This increasingly popular event attracted 70 member delegates, partners, parents and carers from all around the UK. Delegates enjoyed discovering more about the Lifestyle, Leisure and Laughter theme, with presentations by members and external speakers, workshops, corporate stands, Shine’s Heritage Exhibition and the launch of Shine’s Virtual Challenge 2018 fundraising initiative (see p15).

Shine was delighted to receive a National Lottery Awards for All grant for the conference and to support the future development of the group.

March’s conference was chaired by Mike Brown, Shine board member and retired Head of Maths and Science

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Shine now has more than 3,500 members aged 40 and over.

“…It’s been a privilege for the Shine

staff involved to work directly with members to develop the conference and the future has never looked brighter for members who are 40 and over…”

Dave Isom, Shine Services Development Manager

Spring 2018

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Why green spaces will make you smile Television presenter, garden designer and writer, Mark Lane, is a firm believer that green is good for you.

Today, Mark Lane’s busy career covers garden design, television presenting (with the BBC at the RHS Flower Shows and BBC Gardeners’ World), writing for magazines and being a charity ambassador. But it wasn’t always that way.

Following a car accident 15 years ago, resulting in surgery that was complicated by his spina bifida, Mark’s mobility was greatly affected.

Mark tells the story: “I now use a wheelchair permanently. I felt like I had hit a brick wall. I didn’t know what to do. I went through a 10year rehabilitation and severe depression and was bedbound.

So I know what it is like to go through tough times.

“Fortunately, my partner Jasen was there to pick me up. He has been my rock. I was also referred to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital which changed my way of thinking. While there I did horticultural therapy. I enjoyed being outside, the beauty of the landscape, sowing seeds.”

When you’ve had enough, think green...

Mark, who has also had a successful publishing career, continues: “Studies have shown that spending 20 minutes looking at greenery can reduce the need for pain medication by up to 70%. It has certainly helped me reduce my morphine intake. Being outside touching plants grounded me. I forgot about everything that was going on physically and mentally.

“The horticultural therapist encouraged me to explore garden design. I soon realised this is my calling. I dream, eat, live everything about plants and design!

Mark, now the ‘Health, Wellbeing and Community’ ambassador for the environmental community charity Groundwork and an ambassador for the gardening disability charity Thrive, reflects: “There is always a way to create an accessible space.

You just need to think logically and ‘outside the box’.

Levelling a surface, moving or widening a path, creating turning points, using stabilising mesh on grass so wheels can cross safely - that kind of thing, and to fit people’s budget. There is no reason why a person in a wheelchair can’t do everything – with raised beds and tables, long handled tools, appropriate borders…

Advice for Shine members?

“For me it’s about pacing. Don’t think you have to get everything done in a day. Take regular breaks. Break down your day into bite sized chunks and realise that the world isn’t going to end if you don’t get that done by the end of the day!

“It’s also important to be open, honest and clear and explain what you need so that others understand, and to make the most of the friends and support out there. My long standing partner Jasen and friends know me well. They give me a hand with site surveys and look out for me when I need to rest and recharge my batteries.

“No matter how bad or dark things can get there is light at the end of the tunnel as long as you persist and tap into support from organisations such as Shine and gain joy from activities such as gardening.

“Seeing someone smile - creating a garden to make someone smile and want to go outside and forget their pain for a few moments - that means everything to me.”

Mark would love to hear from Shine members about how accessible you find the places you visit.

Further details at www.accessiblegardens.org.uk or email reviews@accessiblegardens.org.uk @MarkLaneDesigns

JOIN OUR FIGHT FOR

FORTIFICATION ••••• YOUR CALL TO ACTION

Our campaign to introduce mandatory fortification of flour with Folic Acid For many years, Shine has fought for the introduction of mandatory fortification. Long standing research has shown increasing your Folic Acid intake prior to conception reduces the chances of a Neural Tube Defect (NTD) developing during pregnancy. cur Whilst current guidelines recommend that women take a 400mcg dose of Folic Acid every day for at least three months before trying for a baby, recent statistics show that supplementation is failing to significantly reduce the number of pregnancies affected. That is not to say it is not effective, but with approximately 40% of UK pregnancies found to be unplanned, it is often a case of ‘too little too late’ in terms of receiving the necessary advice and support.

We feel it is time for the government to act and will be relaunching our campaign this May in light of new findings which have dispelled the previous idea that a ‘safe upper limit’ should be adhered to.

Check out our Folic Acid Facts and see below, how you can join us in the Fight for Fortification and help us improve the lives of countless children and adults whilst reducing distress for families.

Some Folic Acid Facts: • Folic acid has been proved to reduce the chance of pregnancy affected by NTD. • It needs to be taken well before conception to work - supplements have not been successful.

• Only 31% of women take the right dose at the right time, with many more not starting until they’re already pregnant, when it’s too late.

• Around 75% of women of childbearing age have blood folate below the level which protects them best from developing an NTD during pregnancy • Men are often low in folate, not just women.

• Many teenagers are clinically deficient in folate, risking their long term health • Low folate increases the risk of dementia, depression and anaemia • Folic acid may reduce death by strokes • USA and Canada have fortified for 20 years with reduction in NTD pregnancies by as many as 50% in some areas • 81 countries fortify common foods round the world.

Please call, e-mail or write to your local MP As a community, we need your support. We’ve listed everything you need to know about why this is so important, and why we need you to call, write or e-mail your MP and ask them to attend our special parliamentary briefing on Wednesday 2nd May. To coincide with our annual Folic Acid Awareness Day, we’ll be holding a Q & A in parliament talking to MP’s directly about the benefits of fortification and we need you to help us get them there.

The briefing, due to be hosted by Owen Smith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will see Shine bring together experts from the world of science, health and nutrition in a bid to follow in the footsteps of 81 countries world wide which, since introducing fortification, have all seen their rates of NTD affected pregnancy fall.

A template letter is available to download from our website: www.shinecharity.org.uk/information/fortification

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Spring 2018

Thank you Fundraisers!

We are proud of all our fundraisers, and especially our young ones!

Here are just some of the amazing things you have done…

Shine Northern Ireland say

“Thank you, Colin!”

When Colin McCourt, from Portadown, Armagh, took part in the Dublin Marathon to raise funds for Shine, his friends and family felt so inspired that they raised a fantastic £1763.51, including Gift Aid! Colin, whose daughter Maggie has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, says: “Shine has been there for us from the moment of Maggie’s diagnosis at her 20 week scan. We will always be grateful for their continued help and support.”

SunShine Walk & Wheel Sunshine Walks will take place in the summer for Shine members, friends and families to take part in.

Events will be taking place across Northern Ireland, Wales and England, involving a sponsored walk/wheel followed by a picnic. (You knew there’d be food involved somewhere!)

Are you up for a Virtual Challenge?

You can run it, walk it, push it, bus it, swim it or cycle it! Set yourself a personal challenge to be proud of by signing up to our Virtual Challenge and raise money for Shine at the same time. The choice is yours: choose your distance, pace, venue and when it takes place (anytime in June).

Whether it’s a walk around your local park, a bus/car journey to visit a friend, or swimming the distance of the Channel in your local swimming pool over a month - it all counts towards your target. You can also choose what type of ‘transport’ you will use; wheelchair, power chair, swim, cycle, walk or even public transport!

Interested? Contact fundraising@shinecharity.org.uk or call 01733 555988 to get involved in the Virtual Challenge and Sunshine Walk!

Why Beth’s Riding High…

When Shine member Beth Edwards mentioned on social media that she needed a new wheelchair, a generous donor gave her the funds to buy a new one.

Beth was so delighted that she gave an equivalent donation to Shine! Now she can enjoy crowd-surfing at more rock festivals such as Download!

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Leave a gift to Shine in your will Fashion fundraiser Huge thanks to the Garth Maelwg Senior Section Girl Guides based in Llanharren, South Wales, for raising over £386 for Shine by hosting a fashion fundraiser!

Shine’s Bella Bear made a guest appearance and thanks to the support of Event Tech UK, Llanharren Rugby Club and Shaltons Hairdressers, the night was a great success. Daisy Norton, member of the Senior Section said: “We were very excited to see what would happen... The event exceeded our expectations and it was very rewarding to be part of it. Despite the dreadful weather, the amount raised showed the audience’s generosity and enjoyment of the evening.”

Hicks Karate School We are delighted that Hicks Karate School in Peterborough has chosen Shine as its charity of the year!

Whether you are ‘Little Ninjas’ or more mature fans, karate can be a great way to improve concentration and coordination, gain confidence and improve wellbeing.

“Many years ago we were personally touched by Spina Bifida, and have been active supporters of Shine’s fundraising ever since, to help other people benefit from the research and help that Shine gives. We feel that gifts left in our wills as a legacy will continue to provide funds long after we have gone… The benefits are twofold as they reduce the inheritance tax for our relatives and provide much needed help to the charity.” (Mrs L, Legacy Pledger) A legacy may be the largest gift most of us ever make, and it can be very rewarding to think about the causes you want to support through a gift in your will.

Legacies have a significant impact for Shine, averaging up to 10% of the charity’s income each year. That’s equivalent to supporting more than 1,000 members, an entire region, or new wellbeing programme!

Making a will, and keeping it up-to-date, is important to ensure your family and the causes you care about are legally provided for after you are gone.

With the help of a local professional advisor such as a solicitor, it’s easy to make or amend your will and set out any gifts you want to make. (If you’ve already made a will, they can add a ‘codicil’ to update it.)

By acting now, you could be helping Shine for literally generations to come, and that really is something to feel good about.

If you would like to know more about supporting Shine through a gift in your will, please contact us on 01733 555988 or legacies@shinecharity.org.uk

Everyone can leave the world a better place…

Shine is delighted to be welcomed as the 200th member of Remember A Charity!

This consortium campaigns to raise awareness and increase legacy giving as a lasting way to support good causes, and to make it easier for anyone who wants to leave a gift in their will. To find out more visit http://bit.ly/2pihkTr

Shine Events for Members…

To find out more or book up for an event, phone us on 01733 555988 or email events@shinecharity.org.uk We also put details of events on our website www.shinecharity.org.uk

Shine England In the South-East and Central 17th March - Easter Party, 2-5pm.

For families with children under 16.

The Carey Centre, Anstey Road, Reading RG1 7JR 12th May - Family Day, 10.30am.

(For families with children under 16.) Godstone Farm, Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8LX. Booking essential 1st July - Shine Surrey Picnic, 2pm onwards, The Old Pheasantry, Merrywood Grove, Mogador, Surrey, KT20 7HF 14th July - Sunshine Walk and Wheel, The Priory, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RL

Shining Through Life...

Members from the Grantham and Stoke-on-Trent areas have enjoyed joining other Shine members at our new event series “Shining Through Life”, and we are looking to run more of these events in the coming months. Keep your eye on our social media posts and the events page on the website!

In the North…

Staffordshire Play & Stay - for children and their families meets quarterly at My Space in NewcastleUnder-Lyme, Staffordshire Staffordshire Adults Group - monthly social get together, activities and trips Shine Teenies - for families with young children in Merseyside/Wirral/ Cheshire and Lancashire meets three times a year in Liverpool

The Shine Blue Blobbers group are planning visits to: Madame Tussauds (18th March), The Wallace Collection (15th April), The Sky Garden (13th May), Picnic in Kensington Gardens (10th June), Day trip to Southend (16th July), Cutty Sark and Greenwich Museum (12th August ).

Please note: venues may change

We also run events in Manchester – contact events@shinecharity.org.uk for more

In Cambridgeshire the 0-5s group will run on 11th April and 9th May. We are also looking to organise a Northants family day in the spring/ early summer.

North East Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Support Group.

Fourth Sunday of the month, Tim Lamb Centre, Rising Sun Country Park, Whitley Road, NewcastleUpon-Tyne

13th May Family Event 1:30-3:30pm at S.N.A.P (Special Needs Adventure Playground) Pye Green Road, Cannock, WS11 5RW. £5 per family.

Places limited – book soon!

Shine York Little Stars bimonthly opportunity for children and families in the North and East Yorkshire area to meet up for a play session or outing together

Shine Bradford Little Stars for parents and carers of pre-school children. Second Thursday of the month, 10am-12noon. Toy Library, St Luke’s Hospital, Little Horton Lane, Bradford

Shine Cymru Thursday 26th April - Mid Wales Social event - Newtown Wednesday 23 May - South Wales Social - Margam Park Wednesday 30 May - South Wales Ser Bach - Trip to Folly Farm Saturday 2 June - North Wales Ser Bach - Day out (venue TBC) Thursday 7 June - Shine Cymru Caring Now and for the Future: event for all ages / members / carers and parents - Cardiff June (Date TBC) - Susie Sunshine Walk and Picnic - Llandudno Saturday 14 July - Sunshine Walk Barry Island Saturday 28 July - Sunshine Walk Swansea

Shine Northern Ireland Saturday 2nd June, SEN Day for Parents (venue tbc). Education information day for parents. Jan Tippett (Shine’s National Education Lead), the Children’s Law Centre and the Special Education Needs Advice Centre will be presenting on topics such as legislation matters, advocating for your child, and support for your child’s learning Saturday 9th June, Try It Day, Antrim Forum. If you have spina bifida or hydrocephalus, this free event is an opportunity to have fun trying out sports and activities such as boccia, golf, dance, cheerleading and Baby Sensory

Here to help...

Please do send any comments or enquiries to us: P: Together Shine, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UQ

01733 555988

www.shinecharity.org.uk

ShineUKCharity

Twitter.com/SHINEUKCharity

©Shine Registered Charity No 249338 Company Number: 877990 Please let us know if any of your contact details have changed No content can be re-published without the prior consent of Shine, but Together is here to be shared far and wide, so do shout away and share articles online!

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing. The information provided does not constitute legal or professional advice, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.