aiming high for disabled children summer 2011
DESCRIPTION
Aiming High for Disabled Children Newsletter for Sefton, covers local and national service for children and young people with disabilities and their families. Local services include Short Breaks for Disabled Children, Transitions for disabled young people and DCATCH (childcare service for families with disabilities)TRANSCRIPT
for Disabled ChildrenIssue 5, Summer 2011
Children, Schools and Families
w w w. m o v e i t s e f t o n . c o . u k
Aiming HighAiming High
Star player Sam models the new football strip of Sefton's Ability Countsfootball team - to find out how Aiming High for Disabled Children supportedthem and read about their remarkable achievements, go to Page 12.
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Are you registered with the Disabled Children’sInformation and Database?The Disabled Children’s Information
and Database aims to provide parents
with information both locally and
nationally for families and children
who may require specialist as well as
mainstream services. Alongside this is
an opportunity to identify services that
could make a difference so they can
be best developed for the future.
The database can include children
with:
• Developmental delay
• Physical disability
• Chronic illness / medical condition
• Moderate to severe learning
disability
• Hearing impairment / visual
impairment
• Communication difficulties
What’s in it for my child and me?
A regular newsletter sent direct to
your home giving information about
services, events, benefits and support
available locally and nationally.
As the register is voluntary, you may
have been given a copy of this
newsletter by a third party who
thought it would benefit you.
There is a referral form below. Once
you have returned the referral form (or
you can call the Disabled Children’s
Information and Database on 0151934 3853), you will be contacted to
arrange a home visit to complete a
data collection form.
Christine BatesDatabase Coordinator
Disabled Children’s Information and Database(0-18 years)
Please complete the following information and return it to the address (right) and the
Database Coordinator will contact you.
Child’s Name:
Date of Birth:
Parent/Carer Name:
Relationship to child:
Family Address:
Telephone:
Primary diagnosis:
Signature: Date:
Child Health
Development
ProgrammeAre you a parent/carer of a child
or young person with health
problems? Have you ever
struggled to get the right support
for your child? Would you like to
help improve support and
services? Could you help other
parents and could they help you?
Could you share your views and
experiences?
If the answer to these questions is
YES, then get in touch with Mike
Hussey at the Child Health
Development Programme on
0151 290 1582 or by email:
For information regarding the
Cheshire and Merseyside Child
Health Development Programme,
please visit the Children and
Young People 1st website:
www.cyp1.org.uk
Sefton’s DisabledChildren’sInformation andDatabaseThe Good Shepherd Site Sterrix Lane, Litherland. L21 0DA.
Tel: 0151 934 3853Email: [email protected]://www.sefton.gov.uk/dcr Database CoordinatorChristine BatesDatabase AdministratorGlenda Foley
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Time is a Specialist babysitting
and befriending service for
disabled children and young
people in the North West, with
a particular focus on those
children and young people with
an autistic spectrum disorder
(ASD). To find out more
contact Time on
07942 815 845 or by email:
AutismfriendlyhairdressingDisabled Children's Information and
Database Coordinator, Christine Bates
has compiled a list of mobile
hairdressers and salons who deal with
children and young people who have
autism. To find out who can help you
with cutting your child’s hair please
contact Christine on 0151 934 3853 or
by email: [email protected]
Coming Soon Jake's Sensory World
In Sefton we have agreed to invest a
significant sum of Aiming High for
Disabled Children Short Breaks
Capital Funding on Jake's Sensory
World at the new Netherton Activity
Centre, anticipated to open to the
public in January 2012.
The new Netherton Activity Centre
presents a fantastic opportunity to
relocate Sefton Resource Centre into
better and more fit for purpose
accommodation. We have consulted
with service users about the proposed
change, including two recent open
events where the proposal was well
received. We are planning to hold
further consultation with a wider group
of potential service users about the
move and possible new services that
can be offered at Netherton.
Staff and activities currently offered at
Kilnyard Road will move into the new
centre later this year, meaning there
will be no loss of service; until then
Kilnyard Road will continue to operate
as it does now. The move will be
carefully planned so that staff and
children are well prepared to make
best use of the new, state of the art
facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
I have been working with P.A.C.T.S to
think about our new and revised
eligibility criteria for short breaks
services. We have been helped in our
thinking by the publication of guidance
by the Department of Education.
Enfield is one local authority with some
interesting ideas about a core offer and
we are interested to see how a similar
system would look if adopted in Sefton.
Following agreement at a recent
P.A.C.T.S meeting I will present a first
draft of the eligibility criteria by mid
June. This will be distributed widely
for comments and changes to be
suggested, meaning a final draft will
look very different from the first. This
will rightly mean the document is
shared and owned by all
stakeholders, including parents,
carers, children and young people.
When the document is circulated
please let us know what you think. We
need to publish an agreed document
on the Sefton MBC website by
October 2011 and with your help we
can do it!
Colin Oxley, Assistant Director for Inclusion,Sefton MBC
Southport
Community
Service StationSouthport Community Service Station is
a place where disabled people and
carers can improve the quality of their
life through independent living, whether
from help and advice or by finding out
what equipment and resources are
available to them. It is a user-led facility
with a management committee part
made up of community members who
are themselves living with disability.
Opened in Spring 2011, the centre will
be fully open by Summer 2011. To find
out more please call the centre on
01704 546 654 or by email:
Alternatively, you can visit their website:
www.southportcss.org.uk
If you want to drop in, you can find them
at the following address: 27-37
Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport.
PR8 1NW.
Application for
Concessionary
TravelMerseytravel have amended their
application form for concessionary
travel schemes and young people
with a learning disability now have an
opportunity to provide relevant
additional information to support their
application. If your child has
previously been turned down it may
be worth having a look at the new
application forms, which can be
obtained from local travel centres.
For further information please visit
www.merseytravel.gov.uk then click
Home > Access Guide>
Concessionary Travel
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Up on DownsUp on Downs group is holding a
free conference in Sefton on 22nd
September from 9am to 4.30pm. It
is open to all parents / carers,
teachers,
teaching
assistants and
Special
Educational
Needs Coordinators
(SENCOs) who
care for or teach
children with
Downs syndrome.
The conference will be held at
Bootle Cricket Club, Wadham
Road, Bootle. L20 2DD.
For more information or to book a
place, please call Donna on
07866 663 010 or Julie on
07956 655 446. Alternatively, you
can email:
Take the rightSTEPsSefton Training and Enterprise Projects (STEPs)
provides free training courses for Carers and
Former Carers. The next timetable is due out
June 2011 - September 2011 and includes some
of the following courses: ‘Introduction to Sign
Language’; ‘Mental Well being Programme’,
‘Lifting and Handling People’ and ‘Autistic
Spectrum Disorders’.
There are also a variety of other activities,
including: an Organic Growing and Gardening
Club every Tuesday 1-3pm; Freestyle Art every
Friday 10am – 12pm, Watercolours every Friday
1-3pm and Yoga every Friday 1-2pm at a cost of
£3 per session.
As a carer, you want the chance to relax and
STEPs have a therapist on hand to help you do
that. Toni is based at STEPs Monday to Friday,
9am – 5pm and offers affordable treatments from
£7, including: full body massage, manicure,
pedicure and facials. There is a discounted price
for carers with gift vouchers available.
To register your interest or to receive the next
timetable, or if you would like to book an
appointment with Toni, please contact one of the
STEPs team on 0151 282 5478.
K1DS K1DS offers support, friendship and information for parents and families
of children who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Whether you are looking for information on diabetes related issues or
just want to chat to someone who you can relate to, please contact
K1DS on 01704 568 163 or by email:
[email protected] Alternatively, you can visit
the K1DS website: www.kidswithdiabetesinsouthport.co.uk
‘Kidz Up North’ is one of the 3 largest FREE UK exhibitions
dedicated to disabled children, their families, carers and health care
professionals. There will be useful information on funding, mobility,
communication, education, sensory, leisure and much more…
The event takes place from 9.30am – 4.30pm on Thursday, 24th
November 2011 at Premier Suite, Middlebrook Exhibitions Centre, the
Reebok Stadium, Burnden Way, Bolton. BL6 6JW. If travelling by car
take Junction 6 on the M61 and follow signs for the Reebok Stadium.
For more information on any ‘Kidz Up North’ events, or to order your
FREE entry tickets contact the Exhibition Team at Disabled Living on
0161 607 8221 / 8200 or by email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can log onto: www.kidzupnorth.co.uk
LiverpoolAmbassadors
As part of their aim to give independence to disabled
children and young people, Whizz Kidz is running the
Liverpool Ambassador Club, meeting every 6-8 weeks
from 10am-3.30pm during school holidays or Saturdays.
Exciting activities include the accredited ‘Skillz For Life’
programme, where children and young people can plan a
campaign, play disability sports, make short films and
enjoy music and drama sessions to name a few.
Places are limited so sign up right away and join the fun!
Ambassador Club sessions are held at Princes Primary
School, Selborne Street, Liverpool. L8 1YQ.
For an application pack or any enquiries please contact
Ruth Madeley, Ambassador Club Coordinator (North
England) on 07795 325 928or by email: [email protected].
To find out more about funding for mobility equipment
such as different types of wheelchairs, please visit the
following website: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
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Magazines, Books & Websites
Fledglings
Relate with ScopeCaring for a disabled child can put enormous pressure on relationships
and family life.
Scope is working with relationship experts Relate to provide trained counsellors
through the Live Web Chat counselling service. This is available to anyone whose
family relationships are in difficulty. The service is free of charge and completely
confidential.
It’s really easy to chat to one of Relate’s trained counsellors online. If your
relationship with a partner, friend or family member is being affected by disability, they can help.
To begin talking to a Relate consultant please visit the following web address: http://bit.ly/eullZz
To find out more about Scope, contact them on 0808 800 3333 or by email: [email protected]
To find out more about Relate, please visit their website: www.relate.org.uk
Disability NowDisability Now is Britain’s leadingdisability magazine. To find out moreabout Disability Now, please visit:www.disabilitynow.org.uk
AukidsA quarterly magazine designed to givegood quality, practical advice forparents of young children on theautistic spectrum. For moreinformation, please visit:www.aukids.co.uk
“Aspies on Mental Health-Speaking for Ourselves”by Luke Beardon / Dean Worton
£14.99
isbn 978184905121
In this book, adults with AspergerSyndrome talk about their own mentalhealth experiences.
“Helping children toimprove theircommunication skills”by Deborah M. Plummer
£18.99
isbn 9781843109594
This creative book is full of fun andimaginative ideas to help childrenaged 4-11 with a speech languagedelay or disorder to develop theircommunication skills.
Positive FuturesThere’s loads of stuff happening onyour doorstep that’s run by thePositive Futures team whether it’s
‘Fledglings’ support parents and
carers of children with special needs
by finding affordable, practical
solutions to problems. Among the
wide range of products they offer is
the Junior Backpack with Harness
(£19.50) for older children who don’t
like holding hands but have a
tendency to walk off.
To view other useful products and find
out about the free of charge
information service that addresses the
individual needs of each child and
family, visit: www.fledglings.org.uk
after school, at the weekend or in theschool holidays.http://www.moveitsefton.co.uk/teen-positive-futures.html
Fragile XFragile X is a genetic deformation ofthe X chromosome that is a directcause of intellectual disability inchildren. Discovering that your childhas fragile X can be a devastatingexperience. The Fragile X websiteprovides the opportunity of supportfrom those experiencing similar issueswith their children, and to have accessto information including the latestmedical, psychological andeducational research findings. To find out more, visit:www.fragilex.org.uk
Sefton Carers CentreSefton Carers Centre supports carersthrough advice and information, aswell as helping developing localservices and national policies in a waythat’s sensitive to them. As part oftheir service they produce a regularnewsletter, with some key informationon changes to benefits. To read theJune Issue please visit the SeftonCarers Centre website: www.sefton-carers.co.uk
The National AutisticSociety
The National Autistic Society (NAS) isthe leading UK charity for people withautism (including Asperger syndrome)and their families. To find out more about NAS, pleasevisit: www.autism.org.uk
PSS – Home SafetyTechnology: Discreet
Solutions for Life Please don’t be put off by the title.The catalogue contains some usefulpieces of safety equipment that canbe used by families who have childrenwho can put themselves in dangeroussituations in the home, overflowingbaths, escaping through doors. Viewthe catalogue at the following link:http://bit.ly/lBUZSZ
Contact a FamilyContact a Family is the only UK-widecharity providing advice, informationand support to the parents of alldisabled children.
To find out more about Contact aFamily, visit their website:http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
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Infant Scientists Wanted! I-BASIS is a project run by the BASIS (British Autism Study of Infant Siblings)
network. It involves working with parents to maximise social communication
opportunities for baby siblings of children with autism. The first phase of I-BASIS has
been running in Manchester for the last 12 months. Those that have taken part found
it enjoyable and helpful in terms of better understanding their baby’s communications.
The second phase of the project is about to start and the BASIS network is currently
looking to work with more families in the North West. Sessions will take place mostly
in the home but parents must be willing to occasionally travel to the Babylab in
London; all travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed by BASIS.
To find out more about BASIS contact them on 020 7079 0761 or by email: [email protected]
The LancelotsThe Lancelots is a Diabetes UK local voluntary
group for Southport, Formby and Ormskirk,
offering support to any family affected by
childhood diabetes. Along with a great network of
parents and carers they have also forged good
links with Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk)
and Sefton Primary Care Trust
(www.seftonpct.nhs.uk).
They help fund children to go on Diabetes UK
Educational Holidays and for family educational and
support weekends. Regular informal meetings are
held with parents / carers where they can support
each other and chat about living with diabetes.
There are also fun, interesting local events such as,
bowling, swimming, Easter Treasure Hunts, a
Summer Fun Day and a Christmas party.
To find out about the Lancelots Fundraising
Committee and how you can help or get involved,
contact June on 07849 788 993, Angie by email:
[email protected] visit:
www.thelancelotschildrensdiabeticclub.co.uk
You can also join their group on Facebook:
The Lancelots – Children’s Diabetes Support
Network
Time to TalkGetting tongues wagging and bringing families together, Crosby
Lakeside Adventure Centre will be celebrating the National Year of
Communication with its very own Family Fun Day for families of
children with speech, language and other communication needs.
There will be fun and interesting activities for children of all ages,
including: art and craft; a story area; communication and
technology; information about speech and language; face painting;
parent group information; accessible bicycles through ‘Wheels for
All’; Bouncy Castle; walking on water balls (charges apply),
adventure playground and a café and bistro to refuel! There will
also be a climbing wall and water sports but children must be aged
8 years or over to use it and a change of clothes is recommended
for those children taking part in water sports.
The Family Fun Day will be taking place Sunday 26 June, 10.30am
– 2.30pm at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Crosby Coastal
Road, Off Cambridge Road, Waterloo. L22 1RR.
For further information on the Family Fun Day, please contact Celia
Wilson on 0151 247 6080 or by email:
For information regarding disability friendly facilities and activities at
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, please call 0151 966 6860 or
visit: www.crosbylakeside.co.uk
Ataxia UK - GP Leaflet‘Ataxia’ means ‘lack of order’. People with
ataxia have problems with movement,
balance, and speech. Over 10,000 people in
the UK have a form of ataxia. Raising
awareness of this disorder is a key aim for
many support groups. Ataxia UK have recently
launched a new leaflet specifically for GPs that
provides a summary of the clinical guidelines
for ataxia. They are urging their members to
take copies to their GPs surgery. You can view
the leaflet on their website www.ataxia.org.uk
Stay Warm!The following grants and loans are available to homeowners and
tenants in privately rented properties. Housing Association / Council
Tenants should contact their local Area Housing Office for heating
and insulation enquiries – however tenants can still receive advice
and energy saving tips to make homes warmer and reduce fuel bills.
Grants and schemes that may help families of children with
disabilities are: Warm Front; SEARCH; Health Through Warmthand Easier Breathing Scheme.
To make referrals or to find out about other available grants,
schemes and offers contact Sefton’s Affordable Warmth Workers:
Phil Povey - Tel: 0151 934 4436 / 07772 627 708Email: [email protected]
Christina Chislett - Tel: 0151 934 4705 / 07974 765 310Email: [email protected]
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Family RoadshowAre you a service provider to families of 0-11 year
olds with additional needs? Sefton CVS, West
Lancs CVS and Farmer Ted’s are hosting a Family
Roadshow to help you give those families a day
out that is not only heaps of fun but informative too.
At the roadshow there will be various services and
organizations at Farmer Ted’s to talk to people,
give them information and let them know how they
can help as well as putting on fun presentations
and activities.
Entry is charged per person at a discounted rate:
Adults - £5 / Children: Under 1 yr – FREE;
Under 3 yrs - £4.50; 3 – 16 yrs - £7 /
Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) - £22.50.
To book your place and qualify for these
discounted rates please contact Charlotte
Watkinson by email: [email protected] or write
to her at: West Lancs CVS, The Ecumenical
Centre, Northway, Skelmersdale. WN8 6LU.
Payment can be made to Farmer Ted’s on the day
by cash, cheque or card.
ACT
Families in TuneFamilies of children with additional needs
recently hit the right notes as Contact a
Family arranged a free Family Music
Workshop at the Liverpool Philharmonic.
During the workshop there were four fun
sessions designed to meet the needs of the
whole family.
One of the families who went along
commented:
“Just to let you know myself and my son had
a wonderful time! It was completely inclusive
and fun for us all. We cannot wait until the
next one!”
For more information on the work of Contact
a Family and to find out what is happening in
your area, please visit:
www.cafamily.org.uk/inyourarea
help! is a series of Family Support Seminars providing information and advice to families of
children and young people with autism.
Families can book two places on a one day help! seminar for £30, which includes a full resource
pack of useful information, advice and support guidelines.
For further details of forthcoming seminars and to book a place contact the National Autistic Society (NAS) on 07425 624
592 or by email: [email protected] Alternatively, you can visit the NAS website: www.autism.org.uk/help
Help! Family Support Seminars
ACT has published two new fact
sheets written specifically for
families of children with life-
limiting and life-threatening
conditions.
‘Understanding siblings’ needs’
is designed to help parents
worried about talking to siblings
about their brother or sister’s
life-limiting diagnosis and how it will
affect them. It aims to provide
reassurance and gives prompts on
how to broach the subject and
ensure siblings’ needs aren’t
forgotten.
‘Spiritual, religious and cultural
wishes’ aims to give parents
confidence to ask professionals to
care for their child in accordance
with their values or beliefs.
All ACT family resources can be
downloaded at
www.act.org.uk/families
and printed copies are available
by contacting ACT on
0117 916 6422 or by email:
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Thursday, Monthly 1.30pm onwards:
Early support group for families who
have concerns about their child’s
development, or who have a child
with identified additional needs.
A range of activities will be available.
Can arrange specific inclusive
activities for disabled children and /
or support for families to access
activities. Early support group will run
through school holidays.
Farnborough Road First Steps Children’s CentreFarnborough Road, Birkdale,
Southport. PR8 3DF.
Tel: 01704 572 579Email: [email protected]
No specific session for disabled
children but where possible they can
take part in the variety of activities on
offer. If families would prefer
something specific to disabilities
organised the centre is willing to
arrange this.
There will be half-term family
activities and sessions. Timetables
out soon. Activities specifically for
disabled children and their families
can be arranged if requested.
Freshfield Children’s Centre Watchyward Lane, Formby. L37 3JT.
Tel: 01704 876 [email protected]
Every Tuesday 1 - 2.15pm during
school holidays inc. half-term: Together
Time family group for disabled children.
A play worker will play with the
children, make teas, coffees and
provide support for parents and carers.
Access to a quiet room with soft mats and
plenty of toys / music can be arranged.
Together Time will run throughout the
summer holidays, as will various
sessions will be running. Together
Time can be shaped by input of
parents and centre is willing to look
into options to deliver a session just for
children over the holidays. Group will
be led by what families feel they need.
North Sefton
Parenting 2000 Children’s Centre The Lodge, Mornington Road,
Southport. PR9 0TS.
Tel: 01704 380 047Email: [email protected]
Every Friday, 9.30 - 11.30am term
time only: Special Time support group
for families with disabled children.
Every Sunday, 10am – 1pm: Positive
Futures Autism support group.
Lots of inclusive activities for families
with children up to 12 yrs. Specific
activities for disabled children can be
arranged and / or support for families
to access activities.
A range of inclusive sessions and
activities.
There will be a range of activities so
get in touch if you have ideas or any
specific needs.
Linaker Primary Children’s Centre Sefton Street, Southport
(Linaker Street Entrance). PR8 5DB.
Tel: 01704 532 343Email: [email protected]
Kings Meadow Children’s Centre Meadow Lane, Ainsdale,
Southport. PR8 3RS.
Tel: 01704 571 606Email: [email protected]
Sefton Children’s Centres facilities and specific activitiesfor families with disabled children. Mid Sefton
Children’s Centre Any specificgroups/activities fordisabled children?
What’s on for Summer2011?
Waterloo Primary School and Children’s CentreCrosby Road North, Waterloo. L22 0LD.
Tel: 0151 928 6539Email: [email protected]
Every Tuesday, during all school
holidays including half term: Family
Fun days, with specialist input for
speech and language for children
above 5 with siblings welcome.
Throughout summer holidays lots of
crafts and fun activities. Come in the
morning or afternoon, or spend the
day at the centre and bring a packed
lunch.
Valewood Children’s CentreValewood Primary School,
Sherwood Avenue, Crosby. L23 7YG.
Tel: 0151 924 0483Email: [email protected]
Every Monday 1-3pm (1-4pm during
school holidays): Together Time
group for families with disabled
children.
A fun session for children with
additional needs. Every Monday 1-4pm
- advance booking essential. Priority
will be given to under 5s but the
provision will be for up to 11 yrs olds.
Thornton Children’s Centre Stannyfield Drive, Thornton. L23 4TF.
Tel: 0151 934 4991 / 4992Email: [email protected]
No specific group for disabled
children although there are a range
of activities they can take part in.
If a need is identified disability
specific activities can be organised.
Hudson Primary School and Children’s Centre Moorhey Road, Maghull. L31 5LE.
Tel: 0151 531 0117Email: [email protected]
Every Monday 3.30 – 5pm: Reach
Out after school family group for
children with additional needs up to
12 years of age.
Reach Out also runs during the
school holidays every Monday
1.30 – 3.30pm
Netherton Children’s CentreMagdalen Square, Netherton. L30 5QH.
Tel: 0151 282 1405Email: [email protected]
Every Thursday 9.30-11.30am:
Special Place support group for
families with disabled children.
A range of activities will be available.
Specific inclusive activities for disabled
children can be arranged and / or
support for families to access activities.
The Grange Children’s Centre Stonyfield, Netherton. L30 0QS.
Tel: 0151 924 2721Email: [email protected]
One day per week during school
holidays (including half term): Holiday
schemes for children with autism.
Whole family welcome, including
over 5s.
Sessions for children with autism
during the school holidays. Pop in to
see the team or ring them if you
would like to find out more or give
them your ideas for activities.
Activities include: den making;
cookery, swimming and more…
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Children’s Centre Any specificgroups/activities fordisabled children?
What’s on for Summer2011?
Seaforth Children’s CentreCaradoc Road, Seaforth. L21 4NB.
Tel: 0151 286 7807Email: [email protected]
A range of sessions and activities
available.
Various inclusive sessions will be running.
Happy to put something specific on for
disabled children or support families in
accessing the mainstream sessions.
Springwell Park Children’s CentreMenai Road, Bootle. L20 6PG.
Tel: 0151 288 6055Email: [email protected]
Tuesdays (may vary): Springwell
have a specialist play session for
families with children with additional
needs during school holidays.
Activities during school holidays,
including half term. Please get in
touch to express your interest and find
out about dates and times.
Cambridge Children’s Centre Cambridge Road, Bootle. L20 9LQ.
Tel: 0151 282 5467Email:
A range of inclusive activities and
sessions available, no specific
session for disabled children. If
families would like something specific
please contact the centre.
A range of inclusive activities will be
available and the centre would be
interested in setting something specific
up for families with children with
additional needs, please contact them
if you have any ideas for activities.
Litherland Moss Children’s Centre201 Moss Lane, Litherland. L21 7NW.
Tel: 0151 949 9720Email: [email protected]
A range of inclusive activities and
sessions available, no specific
session for disabled children. If
families would like something specific
please get in touch.
A range of inclusive activities will be
available and the centre would be
interested in setting something specific
up for families with children with
additional needs, so please get in
touch if you have something in mind.
All Saints Children’s CentreChestnut Grove, Bootle. L20 4LX.
Tel: 0151 288 6420 (ask for the Children’s Centre).
Email: [email protected]
A range of inclusive activities and
sessions available, no specific session
for disabled children. If families would like
something specific please get in touch.
There will be a range of activities
available, including days out each
week, which are often on a
Wednesday.
Hatton Hill PrimaryAlwyn Avenue, Litherland. L21 9NZ.
Tel: 0151 928 1255 (ask for the Children’s Centre).
Email: [email protected]
A range of inclusive activities and
sessions available, no specific
session for disabled children. If
families would like something specific
please get in touch.
There will be a range of inclusive
activities and session available. Happy
to put something specific on for
disabled children or support families in
accessing the mainstream sessions.
South Sefton
Give the children’s centre nearest to you a call on the
contact details above and enquire about their summer
timetable as some may not yet have been released.
Need some help or support?
All centres have one or more family development
workers who can provide extra support with family
life if you have a child (with additional needs or not)
aged 5 or under; all you have to do is book some
time to meet with them. They can support you in
many ways and refer you to other services that might
be able to help.
Don’t want to attend the first session by yourself
or need practical support to attend a session?
Kate Hurn at Sefton Carers Centre can come along to
a session with you. Family development workers will
also be happy to meet you prior to discuss support
needs for you and your family to enjoy the session.
Unsure whether the children’s centre can offer
something meaningful for your disabled child?
Call the children’s centre concerned or talk to Kate
about it on 0151 288 6064.
What about respite for parents and carers?
The children’s centres in Sefton recognise that respite
is important for families with disabled children. All the
specific groups above need a parent or carer to
attend with the children (apart from the autistic
support group, and potentially the Valewood group),
and are designed for the whole family.
These groups offer a lot of input from staff for the
children. Staff engage the children which can leave
carers time to enjoy a cup of tea, talk with other
parents, or meet useful contacts – sometimes little
pamper sessions have been arranged. Children’s
centres are open to looking at options to allow for
respite, especially during the school holidays, so
get in touch with your local children’s centre or Kate
Hurn (0151 288 6064) to express your interest and
ideas.
10
Playtime gets bigger in Sefton!Before Christmas 2010 you and your
children were asked how the
remainder of the Aiming High for
Disabled Children: Transforming Short
Breaks programme Capital
Developments funding should be
invested. You said that you would like
the funding used for playground
equipment for disabled children. It can
now be confirmed that the following
equipment will be installed for you to
enjoy:
• Two wheelchair accessible
roundabouts, one to be located at
Hesketh Park in Southport and one
at Crosby Coastal Park.
• A basket swing and a play and
leisure 'matterhorn' (a multi activity
unit) at Hesketh Park.
• Six boat swings to be located at
parks throughout the borough.
• A range of robust outdoor musical
instruments and sensory
equipment to be located at Botanic
Park in Southport and Crosby
Coastal Park.
The equipment is due to be installed
and as soon as there is more
information it will be published on the
P.A.C.T.S website:
www.pactsefton.org.uk
Short Breaks Success!
As part of the initial 3 year Aiming
High for Disabled Children
programme, every Local Authority has
been required to record the numbers
of children and young people
receiving short breaks in their area.
This was to make sure that the
funding the Government provided to
Sefton was having a positive impact
on disabled children and their families.
This funding has had a real impact in
Sefton, as between 2008 and 2011
the numbers of disabled children
receiving short breaks in Sefton has
increased by 82%.
The total number of children receiving
at least one form of short breaks was:
2008 / 09 - 363 children
2009 / 10 - 440 children
2010 / 11 - 659 children
Whilst there are still areas for future
development, these figures reflect
Sefton's dedication and commitment
to developing short breaks for
disabled children and their families.
Sefton Council would like to to thank
all the agencies, parents and disabled
young people across Sefton who
have been involved in shaping and
delivering the Short Breaks
programme in the borough.
For more information please contact
Caroline Bates or Sophie Thomson
from the AHDC short breaks team on
0151 934 3870 or email
During the Spring break, I went on atrip to France to visit my sisterSuzanne. We flew from Liverpool toParis. It was my first time in a planeand flying was really great.
In Paris we went to an art galleryand climbed part way up the EiffelTower. We also visited Monet'sGarden, the Bayeux Tapestry andRouen. We went to several Frenchcake shops and the cakes werefantastic!
In the second week, I went toStanley High and met up with myfriends for Sports and Arts andCrafts. On the Friday we dancedthe night away at the End of TermParty at Crosby Lakeside AdventureCentre. I enjoyed the music and hada dance with my friend Martin. Thefood was great too!
I am really looking forward tohaving fun at the Positive Futuresactivities during the summerholidays.
Diane’s NewsAs you can see I
put my whole
heart into
sampling the
delights of
French food!
After the flight it didn't take long to get back into the
clouds! Paris just goes on and on and…
11
It’s all Flip and no Flop
Enjoying a flipping fantastic time,
disabled children and young people in
Sefton took control of the kitchen to
celebrate Shrove Tuesday.
Disabled children at Crosby High took
over the kitchens at Crosby Lakeside
Adventure Centre to learn how to
make pancakes, learning from the
centre chefs about the heritage of
Shrove Tuesday and Lent.
Commenting on the days events,
Steph Beqo, Events Manager at the
centre noted,
“Crosby Lakeside is keen to be an
integral part of the local community
and we hope that this event will
become a regular feature with local
schools.”
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre
offers a wide range of inclusive
activities for disabled children and
young people. For more information
please contact Positive Futures on
0151 285 5444 or by email
[email protected] centre specific enquiries, contact
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on
0151 966 6868.
All it needs is a bit of sugar
and lemon and they're done!
U CLAC Me Up! ‘U CLAC Me Up’ is a new evening
session at Crosby Lakeside Adventure
Centre for disabled young people aged
12 years+. It takes place every
Tuesday from 5.30-8.30pm.
The sessions will be guided by the
young people in attendance, giving
them the power to decide the direction
of the group including what activities,
subjects, projects and equipment they
cover.
Crosby Lakeside’s accessibility means
it can be utilised to create truly unique
sessions that encourage people of
different abilities to try out new and
exciting outdoor activities. Costs for the
sessions may vary depending on
activities but will be decided between
group members and Crosby Lakeside
Adventure Centre on an ongoing basis.
If you would like to attend or would like
further information, please contact
Kevin Leavitt on
Arr Me Hearties! Get down to Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre for a
Pirate Day on Saturday 9th July 10.30am – 3.30pm.
Pirate Day is a Sailability Fundraising Day for the whole family, with a pirate
themed fancy dress competition, as well as the following fun activities:
Shiver me timbers! It’s Pirate
Day at Crosby Lakeside!
As well as taking part in the fun activities on offer there will be the
opportunity to see what else Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre has to offer,
including overnight residential breaks.
For more information, please contact Kevin Leavitt, Short Breaks and
Inclusion Development Officer, Sefton Positive Futures on 0151 285 5449or by email: [email protected]
Walk the Plank (change of clothes will benecessary for this activity)
Bell Boats
Dragon Boats
Raft Building
Wow Balls
Face Painting
Treasure Hunt
Sailing
Windsurfing
Bouncy Castle
Barbeque
12
BoogieWonderlandGetting into the boogie, the Sefton
Positive Futures team are working
with disabled children and their
families to enjoy the latest Dance 4
Life craze.
Working to keep dancing, a range of
disability friendly dance classes are to
be made available across the
borough, including Dunes Splash
World in Southport and Meadows
Leisure Centre and Library in Maghull.
The sessions are open to all young
people aged 5-24yrs and their families
to enjoy learning a range of new
dance moves and enjoy keeping fit
and healthy.
Dance 4 Life sessions form part of a
range of activities for disabled
children, young people and their
families in Sefton. For further
information contact Positive Futures
on 0151 285 5444 or by email:
Positive FuturesThe Sefton Positive Futures team
provide an extensive range of leisure
and short breaks activities for disabled
children / young people aged 5-24yrs.
Activities take place across Sefton, in
partnership with Sefton Youth Service
with many taking place in Active
Sefton leisure centres. In addition, a
number of programmes take place in
community centres and local schools.
Throughout the school year Positive
Futures offer a wide range of
activities, these include specialist
football sessions, adapted cycling,
water sports, mountain biking, youth
clubs, arts and drama. As well as
providing inclusive sessions that
siblings and non disabled children can
come along to. Positive Futures also
develop a range of specialist sessions
including ASD (autistic spectrum
disorder) friendly evenings at Dunes
Splash World in Southport and
cinema screenings at the Plaza
Community Cinema in Waterloo.
Positive Futures also provide both
specialist and inclusive sessions
including residential breaks at Crosby
Lakeside Adventure Centre.
All Positive Futures activities run
throughout the school year, however
during the school holidays a number
of additional daily and evening
activities are provided.
Full details on the range of activities
available for disabled children can be
found online at
www.moveitsefton.co.uk
Just follow the Positive Futures tab
where a full programme of events and
activities can be found.
To participate in any of the activities
offered by the Sefton Positive Futures
team, parents / carers are asked to
approach a professional who is
Ability Counts Continuing to lead the way in disabled
football, Sefton’s Ability Counts
football team have been achieving
success both on and off the pitch,
strutting their stuff in new football kits
as a result of a grant received from
the Aiming High For Disabled Children
project.
Ability Counts teams have beaten
Everton FC to both the Under 12’s
and Under 16’s Merseyside Ability
Counts Football League
Title’s for disabled young
people.
Commenting on the kit,
Darren Carr, Development
Officer for the Positive
Futures team noted the
impact the new kit had on the
team,
“Our Ability Counts team are
an incredibly dedicated team
who enjoy playing the game,
learning new skills and
honing their technique. The grant has
enabled us to purchase kit that has
given the team an identity and helped
to establish them further.”
For more information on activities for
disabled children and young people,
contact the Positive Futures team
direct on 0151 285 5444, log on to
www.moveitsefton.co.uk or add the
team as a friend on Facebook at
Sefton Positive Futures.
involved with their child / children.
These include consultants, nurses,
teachers, SENCOs (Special
Educational Needs Coordinators) etc
who can all make a referral to the
team. If you have any questions,
concerns or would like to discuss a
matter with the team, contact Positive
Futures on 0151 285 5449 / 5444 or
by email: [email protected] can also find the team on
Facebook on Sefton Positive Futures.
If your child accesses Positive Futures
and you know of a family who don’t
know about the service, please pass
their details on to them. The Positive
Futures team actively promote their
services to a wide range of
professionals but also need parents
to pass on the information.
The Ability Counts team proudly wear
their colours.
13
Wheely Good FunProving wheely successful with participants, the
Sefton Positive Futures team have completed
another successful Mountain Biking programme
running specifically for children with autism,
emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and
metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).
The programme saw the students develop their
riding level with one student leading the way in
inspiring his fellow students. Initially experiencing
difficulty in steering and pedalling at the same time,
after completing the course he was able to perform
jumps, spins and complete difficult Dimmock runs.
John Doran, Development Officer for the Sefton
Positive Futures team commented,
“The sense of achievement witnessed in the group is
incredible. Every boy has made very significant
progress but the positive morale and comradeship
among the team has lead to friendships, which has
provided further support.”
The original group of students have now entered the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award.
Sefton Positive Futures run a variety of disability
specific projects. For further information contact the
team direct on 0151 285 5444, by email
[email protected] or add the team on Facebook
at Sefton Positive Futures.
Richard Potts, Development Manager
for Sefton Positive Futures rewards a
young person for their endeavours at
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre.
Positive Futures on 0151 285 5444 or
by email: [email protected]
There was Spring in the air and a
spring in their step as disabled young
people in Sefton enjoyed the half-
term school holiday.
Organised by Positive Futures as
part of Sefton’s Aiming High for
Disabled Children Transforming
Short Breaks programme, the
weeklong holiday provided disabled
children and young people with a
host of fun activities.
Activities ranged from arts and crafts,
music lessons and activity days at
Ainsdale Discovery Centre to the
more adventurous activities,
including Blokarts, Nintendo Wii
Dance Off’s, multi- sports and water
sports activities, before culminating in
an exciting end of term party.
More than 120 young
people attended the
programme, with 24
new referrals, which
represented a 50%
increase.
Commenting on the
success, Leanne
Dunning,
Development Officer
for the programme
said,
“We have witnessed a
number of new
referrals joining us this holiday for the
activities on offer with some really
positive feedback proving very
encouraging, particularly from our
newest members.”
For further information on activities
for disabled children and young
people in Sefton, contact Sefton
Positive half-term for disabled young people
14
‘Moving On’ Sefton Transitions Careers Event
Helping young people ‘Move On’ when they leave
school, on 16th March Sefton’s Transitions
Coordinators organised an opportunities / careers
event targeted specifically at young people with
disabilities and their parents / carers.
With support from colleagues and
students at Arden College in
Southport, ‘Moving On’ was held at
Dunes Splash World, Southport. Now
in its third year, it was arranged in
response to requests from parents
and young people for more
information about post-school
opportunities and the different types of
services available to support them as
they enter adulthood.
All disabled young people need
access to sufficient information and
support to ensure that they reach their
goals, grow up and live the lives they
want to live and play a full and active
role in society. This type of event is
proving to be a very successful way of
providing the type of information
needed for them to start making
informed choices about their future.
The Transitions Coordinators invited
all young people with special
educational needs who live in Sefton
and attend special or mainstream
schools in the borough or surrounding
areas.
The event was attended by 60
exhibitors, who were there to give out
information and advice about the
types of services / opportunities
available to young people when they
leave school. There were a wide
range of organisations present,
including Job Centre Plus;
Connexions Greater Merseyside;
Hugh Baird College and Southport
College; Adult Health and Social Care,
Active Sefton and various training
providers.
The young people were supported by
their schools and colleges to come
along and gather information from the
exhibitors and have an informal chat
about the types of services on offer.
The event was a big success and
over 300 young people, families and
interested professionals came along
to find out more about the type of
options on offer to disabled young
people.
For more information, please contact
the Transitions Coordinators on ext.
3845 / 3830 or by email:
Concentration is the name of the
game with Positive Futures!
What better than some well earnt
relaxation after a days fact finding?
15
If your child attends school / nursery please give details below
Telephone:
Email:
What’s the best way to contact you?
Telephone Email Post
Parent / Carer contact details
Name:
Child’s Name:
Address:
Please return to Susan Neal, Sefton Carers Centre,
27-37 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool. L22 5RF.
0151 288 6060 Email: [email protected]
Application to join The Parent’s Forum
At a recent P.A.C.T.S Forum meeting
we took time to reflect on our
achievements so far while extending
thanks to Sue Neal from Sefton
Carers Centre for helping P.A.C.T.S
establish itself as what it is today.
The most recent forum took place at
the Shoreline Church in Southport on
17th May and was a great success. It
was encouraging to see new parents,
newly trained representatives and
those from other community groups
benefiting from a very informative and
interactive presentation to Kevin
Leavitt from Positive Futures and Tom
Howard from the DCATCH team.
We also met Mike Hussey from the
Child Health Development
Programme and he is eager to link
into the forum. The aim of the Child
Health Development Programme is to
achieve excellence in health
improvement and services for the
children and young people of
Cheshire and Merseyside.
In recent developments funding has
been secured from Aiming High
Disabled Children. This is crucial to
continue developing P.A.C.T.S to
support parents having their say and
working with service providers to
improve services for our children.
P.A.C.T.S also participated in the
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Network. A
paper to support improvements to the
diagnostic process has been put
forward to the Children’s Trust with the
support of Colin Oxley. We would like
to thank parents who took part in
focus groups that informed the paper.
Your involvement is absolutely vital to
shaping services for our children and
your voice needs to be heard to do
this. Think of P.A.C.T.S as your way
forward - acting on your behalf to
shape the provision for our children
and young adults (0-25). If you want
to get involved, come along to the
next Forum on 22nd September,
10am – 2pm at Crosby Lakeside
Activity Centre.
Please look for further details on our
website http://pactsefton.org.uk/ or
contact us on 07864 913 630
Hello from P.A.C.T.S! -A message from the P.A.C.T.S Forum
16
Are you moving?Don't forget to let us know your new address for you to continue to receive Aiming High for Disabled Children
Please contact Christine Bates, Database Coordinator, Sefton's Disabled Children's Information and
Database on 0151 934 3853 or by Email: [email protected]
DCATCH Programme Continues
DCATCH has been enabling parents
and carers of disabled young people,
aged 0-19 to access high-quality,
inclusive and affordable childcare
throughout the borough.
Rita Wiseman, of ‘Together for
Disabled Children’ hailed the work of
the programme, stating:
“Sefton has provided invaluable
support and leadership to the
development of the sector nationally
and this has made a big impact in
securing the progress of other local
authorities”.
In addition to the ongoing support and
advice offered to families and settings
from the programmes’ inclusion
practitioners, recent ‘highlights’ of the
programme have included:
• Free training for parents and
practitioners in ‘Autism’,
‘Behaviour’, ‘Problem Solving’ and
‘Working with Parents’.
• An Inclusive Play Conference with
a keynote speech from the
President of the International Play
Association.
• A ‘Visioning Day’ for parents and
professionals to discuss their wants
and needs for the future of inclusive
childcare in Sefton.
• Work with settings to develop
‘Communication Friendly Spaces’.
• Summer programmes in holiday
clubs looking at Circus Skills and
other inclusive activities.
The news, which comes following the
Sefton programme being nationally
recognised as a Change Champion
has been welcomed by parents,
carers and childcare providers alike:
“DCATCH has been invaluable to me
as I have no other means of holiday
cover for my son”.
“DCATCH has been amazing! The
children have learned a lot from my
son, and him from them. The staff
have been on a massive learning
curve, as have I. The DCATCH team
have been so supportive and for that
we will be eternally grateful”.
If you think that DCATCH could
support your family or you would like
to hear more about what the
programme can offer, please call the
team on 01704 882 036.
Following a highly
successful three-year pilot
programme, funding has
been secured for the
continuation of Sefton’s
DCATCH (Disabled
Children’s Access to
Childcare) Service.