Wandsworth Summer 2015 News from the Office 2 Meet our youngest fundraiser! 11

News from Family Workers 3-6 Disability Living Allowance 12

Independent Support 7 Local news and activities 14

Positive Parent Action 8 Contact a Family events 15-19

Workshops at a glance 10 Booking form 20

Wandsworth Contact a Family, 1 Siward Road, London SW17 0LA Tel: 020 8947 5260 Email: wandsworth.office@cafamily.org.uk Charity number: 284912

Core funded by the London Borough of Wandsworth

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News from the Wandsworth Office Hello to everyone. How lovely to have lighter mornings and evenings as we head into the spring. We are still working hard with parents and professionals around the Special Educational Needs and Disability Reforms. Everyone who has a child or young person with special educational needs will be affected in some way. Those of you whose child or young person has a statement will hopefully be aware of the transfer process to a new Education Health and Care Plan. These transfers cannot happen all at once so until your child’s age group is affected, your current statement will continue to be valid. If you have any queries about this, please call us so we can arrange an appointment with our Independent Support service. Many of you will be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child. We have an article about this further on in our newsletter. We are currently campaigning under the slogan ‘Love DLA’ – see our Facebook page or website for more information about this. We still come across families who have been missing out on this benefit and it is our aim to ensure that every family in Wandsworth who is entitled to the benefit is aware of that. If you have time, please get involved in this by posting a ‘selfie’ pic with the reasons why you love DLA – to be added to our gallery – these different ways of highlighting issues can be very effective. As we go to print, we are also waiting for the outcome of the DLA takeaway campaign where a family are challenging the decision to stop DLA after a child has been in hospital for a length of time – more on this next time. This issue also has some very novel and welcome new fundraising initiatives from our families including our youngest ever fund-raiser – we are always so very grateful for any amount raised by you to enable us to help more families to access our events. Please, do keep them coming. Our steering group of local parents has met twice this year and we have planned our summer activities with input and ideas from them. It’s a very friendly committee – please do think about joining us for the two-monthly meetings and then we can hear about what we can do improve things for as many families as possible. We look forward to hearing from you or seeing you at our Drop in sessions/workshops/holiday activities/office visits. Best wishes from us all, Ati, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Jan, Meagan, Mohammed, Rosie and Yinka.

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Charlotte Amison, Family Worker, Battersea Tel: 020 8947 5260/ 07831 725126 Email: charlotte.amison@cafamily.org.uk I am available Monday to Friday for families with disabled children aged 0-13 years in the Battersea area.

Drop-in advice sessions These sessions provide an opportunity for your child with special needs and/or their siblings to play alongside others in a safe and informal environment and for you to meet with other local parents to share tips and experiences. I will be there to offer information and advice on any matters relating to your child with special needs, so even if your child is at school, please do come along! When: All on Wednesdays 15 April, 22 April, 29 April, 06 May, 13 May, 20 May, 03

June, 10 June, 17 June, 24 June, 01 July, 08 July & 15 July 2015 Where: Chesterton Children’s Centre, Dagnall Street, SW11 5DT Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm Guest Speakers at Drop-in dates: Meagan Leggett Independent Support: 22 April & 17 June 2015 Mohammed Ismail Somalian Family Worker: 22 April & 17 June 2015 Stay & Play sessions in partnership with Somerset Children’s Centre I will be available at the following centre’s to support with completing forms and giving information and advice. When: Wednesday 15 April & 17 June 2015 Where: Bridge Centre, 120 Battersea Bridge Road

SW11 3AF Time: 9.00am –10.45am When: Tuesday 05 May Time: 9.30am – 11.00am When: Thursday 16 July 2015 Time: 10.00am – 11.30am Where: Somerset Children’s Centre, 157-159 Battersea Church Road, SW11 3ND Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Support Group Jan McCarthy and I will be running an ADHD support group to give families more information about ADHD with input from guest speakers. When: All Tuesdays 23 June, 30 June, 7 July & 14 July 2015 Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Where: Shaftesbury Park Primary School, Ashbury Road, Battersea, SW11 5UW Please contact the office to book your place: 020 8947 5260. It is important that you attend all four sessions. Please note there are no crèche facilities available.

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News from Yinka Aina Family Worker Putney & Roehampton Tel: 020 8789 0012 / 07908 826927 Email: yinka.aina@cafamily.org.uk Available 9.00am to 4.00pm Mondays to Fridays. For families and children: 0-13 years in Putney and Roehampton

I am based at Eastwood Centre for Children and Families offering Family support work to parents of children with special needs. Please contact me if you need advice and support. Recent feedback from a parent: “Contact a Family has made a real difference to me and my children. I feel like they have impacted on my life for the better and helped me in so many ways”. Contact a Family Drop in and tea/coffee mornings: These sessions offer a great opportunity to meet with me and discuss concerns, get support and advice in an informal setting. Please see the dates below for the sessions. I look forward to seeing you there! January February March

Tea coffee mornings Tuesdays 10.00am – 11.00am Where: 166, Roehampton Lane, London. SW15 4HR

07 April

05 May 02 June

Drop in sessions Tuesdays 1.00pm – 3.00pm Where: 166, Roehampton Lane, London. SW15 4HR

14 April 19 May 09 June

Advice and drop in sessions (Sessions are Term time only): Yinka and Jel (Family worker at the Enhanced Children Centre) run advice sessions where we offer information to families. Please see dates and time below. April May June/July July Mondays 09.30am – 11.00am Where: Enhanced Children’s Centre, 5 Merton Road, London. SW18 5ST

20 April

04 May 18 May

01 June 15 June

06 July 20 July

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News from Mohammed, Family Support Worker Tooting locality (under 13’s) Tel: 020 8947 5260 / 07908 816786 Email: Mohammed.ismail@cafamily.org.uk For families and children: 0-13

Feedback from parents and professionals I wanted to share with you some of the feedback I have had: “Thanks so much for your input Mohammed - much appreciated. I received the Wand Card a couple of days ago - thanks so much for applying for it for me. The people at Cineworld were lovely when I used it this morning” (parent) “Such a solid piece of work. Many thanks” (professional) Case Study I wanted to share some recent support work with a family. The parent feedback: “Just wanted to let you know that the Cerebra panel met yesterday and have approved the grant for 80% of the pushchair bill, isn't that good news?” As a result of working with the above family they managed to secure the following:

DLA awarded with higher rates, now better of £138 per week. Additional £85 per week through Child Tax Credit, as a result of DLA, Carers Allowance-Awarded, now better of £61.35 a week. Secured £1300 in total from three grant applications. 2 year old application submitted. Secured a Motability Car big enough for the whole family, as a result of the DLA

Higher Rate mobility. And many other wonderful services, so they have fed back the following outcomes:

Feeling less isolated Are better able to deal with stress Are better informed about how to get the support they need. Are better informed about their rights to benefits and grants. Are more confident

Somali group: I am continuing these sessions on the second Friday of each month at the Early Years’ Service, 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA THIS IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call to book your place. When: Friday 12 June and Friday 10 July Where: Early Years’ Service, 1 Siward Road, London SW17 0LA Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm

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News from Jan, Family Worker Tel: 020 8947 5260 / 07532 082437 Email: Jan.mccarthy@cafamily.org.uk I am available Monday to Wednesday. If you do make an appointment for a 1-1 session please let me know if you cannot make it as soon as possible so that I can then

offer this to someone else. I am looking forward to offering support to any of you with young people 13+ over the next term. Apart from the completing of DLAs, we had two very well attended workshops one on Transition into Adulthood and another on Bullying. For the past few weeks I have been running the Cygnet programme with Charlotte Amison, for parents of children with autism. We already have a waiting list for the next sessions but are happy to add other parents’ names to this list. Cygnet : We have another course of Cygnet sessions planned in April for parents of teenagers with Autism. These are to be held in the evenings. We are very happy to give you more information about the sessions and what it involves. If you are interested in the Cygnet programme please call either myself or Charlotte Amison on the office number 020 8947 5260. Preparing for the Summer holidays and safe travel When: Wednesday 10 June Where: The Early Years Service 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Finding things to do during the holidays that are accessible and affordable can be a challenge. Did you know there are lots of local activities that are easy to get to – some are free! We will give you ideas and useful information about where to take your children during the holiday. Transport for London representatives will be coming along to this session to speak about the services they offer for disabled people and how users can get the most out of them. Many of us aren’t aware of the options available, from help from staff and information before you travel and on your journey, to travel mentoring and the Travel Support card. To book please call 020 8947 5260 or email Wandsworth.office@cafamily.org.uk Supporting your child moving from Primary to Secondary school in September When: Wednesday 17 June Where: The Early Years Service 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm This session is for parents of children with EHC plans/statements or any additional need who currently attend a mainstream school and will be transferring into a mainstream secondary school with or without a base/special unit. To book please call 020 8947 5260 or email Wandsworth.office@cafamily.org.uk

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News from Meagan Leggett, Independent Supporter Meagan Leggett is Contact a Family’s Independent Supporter and can be contacted on 020 8947 5260 or email ISWandsworth@cafamily.org.uk Since September, Education Health and Care Plans have started to replace Statements of Special Educational Needs, and the process of transferring over to the new system is taking place gradually until April 2018. In this school year (2014/15), children and young people with Statements who are in Year 5, Year 9 and Reception will be converting to EHCPs. It’s important to know that no child who has a Statement will lose it because of the changes to the new system. Our Independent Supporter service is up and running and we are helping families in finding their way through the new system of getting EHC Plans, whether it is a conversion from a Statement or a completely new request. So far, I’ve supported families through each of the stages of getting an EHC Plan. Some parents want to make their own request for assessment directly to the Local Authority, and so I’ve helped them to write their letter and to gather the reports and evidence to support their own request. For other families, a request for an EHCP Needs Assessment is made by the school, or the Early Years Team. I’ve helped parents to write their child’s story, and worked with families to think about their aspirations for the child. We’ve reviewed reports from professionals, and attended Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings with parents, and helped parents comment on draft plans. One of the important parts of working in the new process is to think about “outcomes” for the child or young person, and this is something that everyone involved: parents, young people and professionals continue to need help with thinking through and writing them in the EHC Plan. It’s a new system and the process can be a bit daunting but we’re available to help guide you through it. We can also support young people aged 16 and over directly if they would like assistance too. Independent Support workshops year 5 parents I am running 2 workshops for Year 5 parents converting from Statements to EHCPs When: Tues 28 April Where: The Early Years Service 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA Time: Morning session 10.00pm – 11.30am Evening session 7.00pm – 8.30pm To book your place at either session please contact me on 020 8947 5260 or email ISWandsworth@cafamily.org.uk Please note: There are no crèche facilities available

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Positive Parent Action

Elizabeth Nasse is the forum’s facilitator (Mon, Tues, Thurs, term time) Email: elizabeth.nasse@cafamily.org.uk or positiveparentaction@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.positiveparentaction.org.uk Phone: 020 8947 5260 Address: c/o Contact a Family, 1 Siward Road, London SW17 0LA.

Positive Parent Action (PPA) is Wandsworth’s parent forum. We are a group of parents and carers of disabled children (aged 0-25 years) aiming to improve provision for all local families, whose children have additional needs. We are currently funded by a Department for Education grant and are part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. Any parent or carer in Wandsworth caring for a child (0-25 years) with additional needs is welcome to join the forum. We provide a parental view in Council meetings and our ongoing involvement has included parent/carer representation on SEND decision making panels, parents Co-Chairing and acting as reps in SEND implementation meetings and reviewing documentation. We are hoping to do the same kind of thing in Health and have recently joined a newly formed Southwest London Children and Young People’s Network, including NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups and the NHS in Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton. In March we helped the Council run a conference entitled ‘Making our Voices’ heard. This event focussed on the importance of listening to young people’s views and involving them in preparing for adult life. We also ran an evening SEND information session with Contact a Family at the Early Years Centre. It was a good opportunity for parents and carers to meet Council officers in person and to hear about how the new SEND systems work and what help is available. In the summer term we are hoping to get a group of parent/carers together to talk to Wandsworth’s school transport manager, to share thoughts on what works well and what doesn’t. We are in contact with over 300 local families and always need more people to join the steering group and the wider forum. You can choose the level of involvement that suits you, for example; joining the steering group, joining our mailing list, liking our Facebook page, using our website etc. If you’re interested please get in touch. If you’re not on-line and or you’d prefer to be contacted by phone or post, please let us have your contact details. We will keep you updated on meetings and events through our newsletters, our website and Facebook page www.positiveparentaction.org.uk.

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Workshops at the Enhanced Children’s Centre In response to what parents and carers have asked for, we will be running more workshops, if any of the topics are of interest, please let us know. The trainers have all got experience of working with families on these issues. Understanding Behaviour: for parents who have concerns about their child’s behavior. This is a series and parent / carers are required to attend all three sessions. When: Wednesday 10 June, Thursday 18 June and Wednesday 01 July Where: Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST Time: 10.00am -12.00pm Tea / coffee will be provided. Do call the office for more information. To book a place and/or reserve any creche places, please contact us on 020 8947 5260 by so we can make the arrangements. Coping with Emotions around Diagnosis: an opportunity to discuss coping strategies to help you get through some of the challenges. When: Wednesday 08 July Where: Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm refreshments provided. Tea / coffee will be provided. Do call the office for more information. To book a place and/or reserve any crèche places, please contact us on 020 8947 5260 by so we can make the arrangements. Toileting: offering some practical tips to help you start the process of getting your child to use the toilet appropriately. When: Wednesday 13 May Where: Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm refreshments provided. Tea / coffee will be provided. Do call the office for more information. To book a place and/or reserve any crèche places, please contact us on 020 8947 5260 by so we can make the arrangements. Down's Syndrome Association: Transition to adult life workshop The Down’s Syndrome association is running this workshop for parents and carers of young people with Down’s Syndrome. When: Saturday 25 April Where: Langdon Down Centre, 2a Langdon Park, Teddington TW11 9PS Time: 10am – 3pm including lunch This is not being run by Contact a Family. Please get in touch with Lesley Black if you have any questions on 0333 1212300 (this is not a premium rate number).

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At a glance: Calendar of groups and meetings Name of group Date and time Venue Contact Battersea Drop In No booking necessary

Wednesdays Starting 15 April. 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Chesterton Children’s Centre Dagnall Street, SW11 5DT

Char 07831 725 126

Battersea: Somerset children’s stay and play session

Wed 15 April Wed 17 June 9.00 – 10.45am Tues 05 May 9.30 – 11.00am Thurs 16 July 10.00am – 11.30am

Bridge Centre, 120 Battersea Bridge Road SW11 3AF Somerset Children’s Centre 157-159 Battersea Church Road, SW11 3ND

Char 07831 725 126

Roehampton Drop In No booking necessary

Tuesdays 14 April, 19 May, 09 June 1.00pm – 3.00pm

166 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4HR

Yinka 07908 826 927

Roehampton Tea / Coffee mornings No booking necessary

Tuesdays 07 April, 05 May, 02 June 10.00am – 11.00am

166 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4HR

Yinka 07908 826 927

Joint Roehampton and ECC Drop In No booking necessary

Mondays 06 & 20 April 04 & 18 May 01 June 9.30am – 11.00am

Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST

Yinka 07908 826 927

Somali Tooting Booked session

Fridays 10 June, 12 July 10.00am – 12.00pm

Early Years’ Service 1 Siward Road SW17 0LA

Mohammed 07908 816 786

ADHD group Booked session

Tuesdays 23 & 30 June, 07 & 14 July 10.00am – 12.00pm

Shaftesbury Park Primary School Ashbury Road SW11 5UW

Char or Jan 020 8947 5260

Preparing for summer (safe travel) Booked session

Wed 10 June 10.00am – 12.00pm

Early Years’ Service 1 Siward Road SW17 0LA

Ati or Jan 020 8947 5260

Supporting your child moving from Primary to Secondary school in September Booked session

Wed 17 June 10.00am – 1.00pm

The Early Years Service 1 Siward Road SW17 0LA

Jan 020 8947 5260

Workshop: Understanding Behaviour (series of 3 sessions) Booked session

Wed 10 June Thurs 18 June Wed 01 July 10.00am-12.00pm

Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST

Rosie or Ati 020 8947 5260

Workshop: Toileting Booked session

Wed 13 May 10.00am – 12.00pm

Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST

Rosie or Ati 020 8947 5260

Workshop: Coping with your emotions Booked session

Wed 08 July 10.00am-12.00pm

Enhanced Children’s Centre 5 Merton Road SW18 5ST

Rosie or Ati 020 8947 5260

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FUNDRAISING! Meet Oliver Bush: Our youngest fundraiser!

Oliver Bush, whose brother Adam is disabled, gave a cheque to Contact a Family Wandsworth to show his appreciation for the trips and events he and his family have enjoyed with the team. Oliver, aged eight, said in a card which enclosed his donation: “Thank you for all the trips and outings you have taken me and my family to. We all love them, especially Adam, because they are fun and exciting. Please find attached a donation to the amazing and fun Contact a Family to say a big thank you.” We are delighted with Oliver’s incredible generosity. He is one

of our youngest fundraisers and his contribution will help us offer more trips and outings to other families. Oliver’s act shows the strength of feeling for Contact a Family’s support to families with disabled children in Wandsworth and we are very grateful. Oliver’s mum Bibi added; “Oliver is so thoughtful and always putting others before himself. It is indeed a true blessing that he is so unselfish and takes diligent care of his brothers especially Adam who as you know is severely disabled. Oliver’s donation was inspired by Contact a Family. I would explain to him the best I can about Contact a Family and he was particularly keen on words like 'Donations', 'Charity' and 'Fundraising', once he was the owner of his own funds, he generously declared he will make a donation to CaF! We are extremely happy and so proud of Oliver for his caring and considerate attitude.” Thank you Oliver from everyone at Contact a Family Wandsworth - you are a super star! Tooting Bec mum up for London Marathon challenge!

Julia Gerrard, is mum to Shola, aged five, who has Autism and global developmental delay. She has always been grateful for the help she got from charity Contact a Family when her daughter was diagnosed with Autism. And now she wants to give back. Despite being a busy mum and carer for her daughter and a dance and fitness instructor, Julia has managed to meet the

challenge of training through the hard winter months for the London Marathon. Now she is looking forward to joining tens of thousands of awe inspiring runners and fundraisers pounding 26 miles of the capital’s streets on Sunday, 26 April. Julia said: “I’m so thankful for the advice and support I received from Contact a Family. I felt lost and alone when I was approached by a Family Worker from Contact a Family Wandsworth. Without Contact a Family, I would not have known that DLA existed, and the extra money has really improved my daughter’s quality of life and taken a huge amount of stress away from me. I am a much healthier mum for it!” To donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/juls_gerrard

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Ice Bucket Challenge strikes again! A huge thank you to one of our parents, Suzy Balmbro for donating funds after enduring an Ice bucket Challenge! We hope you have recovered?! We really appreciate it Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – the common myths

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for disabled children and is there to help meet the extra costs of bringing up a disabled child. However, less than half of all disabled children are getting it. While some disabled children won’t qualify for DLA, many families are missing out because they think they can’t claim. Derek Sinclair from Contact a Family’s national Helpline looks at some of common myths about DLA. Myth 1 – My child’s disability won’t count One of the main reasons many parents haven’t claimed is because they’re not sure whether their child is ‘disabled enough’. DLA is not just a benefit for

children with physical disabilities – you can also claim if your child has learning disabilities, developmental delay, an autistic spectrum disorder or behavioural conditions. In fact you can claim for any disabled child so long as they need more care or watching over than other children of the same age who are not disabled. DLA is not just for those children with the most complex disabilities. It is paid at different rates depending on how much extra help your child needs. So while children with the greatest needs may qualify for DLA at the higher rates, a child with fewer needs may still get DLA payments but at a lower rate. Myth 2 – You need to wait for a diagnosis to claim DLA You can claim DLA so long as it is clear that there is some sort of underlying condition - whether physical, mental or behavioural – and as a result of this your child either needs extra care or help in getting around. You don't have to wait for the condition to be diagnosed. Myth 3 – My child is not old enough to claim DLA

DLA has two types of payment. The mobility component can only be paid from age 3 years. However the care component can be paid from age 3 months (or from birth if your child is terminally ill). It is true that the younger your child is, the harder it can be to get DLA. Because all infants need a lot of care it can be more difficult to show that your child needs more help than others of the same age. However, if your child needs a different type of care, or care has to be provided more often or takes longer than with other infants, you should make a claim.

Myth 4 – I can’t claim DLA because I am working and have a high income DLA is not means tested so it doesn’t matter what income or savings you have or whether you are working or not.

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Myth 5 – there is no point in claiming DLA as the money will be taken off from my other benefits DLA is never deducted from other benefits so you will always be better off. In fact getting DLA can lead to other extra support. For instance if you get child tax credit and are awarded DLA, your weekly tax credit payments should increase by at least £59 once you let the Tax Credits Office know. Restrictions on claiming DLA If your child has recently come to the UK you may have to wait to claim DLA. A child usually has to have been in the UK for 104 weeks out of the last 3 years before DLA can be paid. This is called the past presence test. The waiting time is reduced for children aged under 3 years. Terminally ill children and some children whose family members have lived in another European Union country are exempt from the past presence test. Your child can’t normally claim DLA if they are subject to immigration control. For more information about DLA get a copy of our free guide to ‘Claiming DLA for children’ from the Contact a Family Helpline (0808 808 3555) or via www.cafamily.org.uk. Contact a Family HELPLINE

About our helpline: For information and advice on any aspect of caring for a disabled child, parents can call our freephone helpline and talk to one of our parent advisers. Our helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5.00pm, on our freephone number 0808 808 3555. You can also email us at helpline@cafamily.org.uk or post an enquiry on Facebook or Twitter at any time and we will get back to you as soon as we can. How we can help you: Our parent advisers will help you with any issue around raising a disabled child, whatever your concern or question. We offer families confidential advice on any issue including.

Pictures from Home exhibition

Thank you to everyone who came to our Pictures from Home exhibition and made the event a huge success. Over 150 people visited our exhibition of photographs celebrating the everyday lives of families who have a disabled child.

The exhibition combined the work of award-winning photographer Amanda Harman with a selection of photos submitted by families.

We were delighted to see that Wandsworth parent Rachel Nixon sent in a photo of her daughter Holly. Rachel said “I had asked Holly to pose in front of the camera for me but and she decided to face away. She doesn’t like eye contact and finds posing in a photo hard and I like the way this came out” By sharing the ups and downs, joys and difficulties of day-to-day life, Pictures from Home aimed to promote a positive, varied image of disabled children and their families.

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Local News and activities Special Ice Hockey The Werewolves of London Special Ice hockey club offers a special needs ice hockey programme for children and adults who have Developmental Disabilities such as Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome and other Learning Disabilities. Beginners and Non-skaters aged from 5 years up to and including adults are all welcome! When: Saturday afternoon training sessions Where: Streatham Ice & Leisure Centre 390 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 6HX For more information please contact either Mike Dwyer at mike@werewolvesoflondon.org.uk or visit their website www.werewolvesoflondon.org.uk Battersea Park Recumbent bikes

Battersea Park Recumbents have extensive experience in adapting a wide variety of bikes to suit most needs.

WAND card holders can go for free with one carer. Where: Battersea Park Centre, Battersea Park, Carriage Drive North, LONDON, SW11 4NJ (NB they have moved and are now adjacent to The Children's Zoo on the North Carriage

Drive. Nearest entrance Chelsea Bridge). Telephone: 020 7228 6843 Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm (or dusk), last hire, 4.30pm (times may change during winter). Cinema Exhibitors Association card This is a national card that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. The card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.

Application forms are available from cinemas across the UK supporting this card. To apply for the card you will need to show that you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance or are a registered blind person.

A processing fee of £6.00 is chargeable per card. This is to be sent along with the completed application. You can download an application form and find out more information at www.ceacard.co.uk

The National Key Scheme – opening doors to independent living If you have a health condition or disability (particularly if you’re a

wheelchair-user) finding an accessible toilet that’s clean, tidy and available for you to use can be a challenge. And they’re often kept locked. Under Radar’s scheme, special locks are installed on public disabled toilet doors to give disabled people priority access. Local authorities have adopted the scheme and ‘Radar toilets’ can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, stores, bus/train stations and other locations nationwide. To find out more visit: www.disabilityrightsuk.org Important: They only sell Radar NKS keys to people who require use of the toilet facilities due to their disability or health condition.

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Events news from Ati Ismailmiya, Inclusion Coordinator Tel: 020 8947 5260 Email: Atifa.ismailmiya@cafamily.org.uk If you have ideas about future activities and fundraising ideas please get in touch. My usual working days are: Tuesday - Thursday Please complete and sign the following page and send the form back to us by 5pm on Thursday 23 April 2015 to

Contact a Family, 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA or you can scan and email the form to wandsworth.office@cafamily.org.uk or you can send your request directly in the body of an email at the same address – please provide your full name, contact details, the number of adults and children and which event/s you would like to attend. A few points to remember: *Priority is given to families who have not been to any trips before. Theme parks and theatre trips: These are very popular so priority is given to families who have not been before and then we operate a waiting list. We have limited funding so we want to make sure everyone gets a chance to attend! *We are reducing our postage cost which is why email and text messaging are our preferred methods of communication when we confirm your place/s. So please do check your emails and make sure it’s not in your spam folder! We will of course send a letter if you do not have access to emails or a computer. *If you apply for an event and are allocated a space / spaces then please try to pay by the payment deadline. If you are unable to make the payment by the deadline please call us on 020 8947 5260. An extension for paying can be arranged but only if you call us before the deadline. *If you have not paid us by the deadline or have not called us to let us know when you will pay by then we will automatically offer the tickets / places to another family on the waiting list – you will not be sent a reminder. We want to reduce our costs i.e. phone calls / sending letters which is why we don’t send reminder letters and any extra funding we have we put towards another activity! *If you are collected by coach from the EYC the coach can only drop you back at the EYC. Individual drop-offs cannot be made. Places will only be allocated to families and children registered with Contact a Family. We can’t allocate places to people who are not registered with us i.e. extended family or friends. Please also indicate if you require assistance on the day or if your child is a wheelchair user so that we can accommodate your needs in advance. We will let you know by text, letter or email if you have been allocated places at any of the events. We will also let you know where and when to meet us.

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My First Ballet: Swan Lake (suitable for children aged 3+)

The English National Ballet has recreated this especially for children. But what’s it all about? The evil magician Rothbart has turned the beautiful princess Odette into a swan: only at night can she return to human form. Will Prince Siegfried be able to save her, or will he fall for Rothbart’s sorcery?

When: Saturday 16 May Where: New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon. Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: 2.00pm (running time 1 hour 20 minutes) Cost: £5.00 per person We only have a limited number of tickets. Priority will be given to families who have not been on any theatre trips in the past three years. We operate a waiting list so please apply even if you have been before and we will let you know if places become available. Sealife London and London Eye

Located on the Southbank, within the historic County Hall building, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. What’s there to see? The awesome Sharks, the huge Stingray, the graceful Turtles or the Octopus and so much more! We will also allocate London Eye tickets. You don’t have to go on the same day as they expire within a year*

When: Wednesday 27 May Where: Sealife, Waterloo London. Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: Meeting at 10.00am. *Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. We will allocate both tickets on the day. Cost: £4.00 per person We only have a limited number of tickets. Priority will be given to families who have not been to Sealife in the past three years.

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Look Out Discovery Centre

The Look Out Discovery Centre has over 90 exhibits suitable for children of all ages. Toddlers and younger children love the indoor stream, mini supermarket and soft play area. Older children through to adults will be fascinated by the hands-on science exhibits and puzzles. Learn some incredible facts about the local wildlife. The Woodland and Water Zone is outside but under cover.

The adventure play area features the infant play trail which is suitable for younger children aged between 3 and 6 years old. The play area for older children aged 7 to 11 years old has a magnificent fort as its centrepiece. The all-ability play area is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible. The tables and seating, which surround the area, are perfect for picnicking.

Situated in more than 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, the centre is the perfect starting point for a wide variety of walks suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities.

When: Thursday 30 July 2015 Where: Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £5.00 per person Fun Mornings

Come and join us for a fun morning! Children under 8 are welcome to come along and play outside, make cards and use the play facilities in the Early Years centre. Light refreshments are available. When: Wednesday 04 August & Wednesday 11 August Where: The Early Years Service, 1 Siward Road London SW17 0LA Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm Cost: £1 per child

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Legoland

Legoland has over 55 interactive rides and attractions. Fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with a Viking Fleet, join Lego divers on a magical underwater adventure on Atlantis Submarine Voyage or enjoy their amazing Lego Star Wars Miniland Model Display!

When: Wednesday 05 August 2015 Where: Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £10.00 per person We only have a limited number of tickets. We operate a waiting list so please apply even if you have been before and we will let you know if places become available. Priority will be given to families who have not been to any theme parks in the past three years. Brighton

Brighton has it all – sun, sea, ice cream, rides, sealife, the Brighton wheel and shopping! When: Wednesday 12 August 2015 Where: Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £6.00 per person

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Mid Hants Steam Railway

The Watercress Line makes an ideal day out for all ages and interests, whether it is learning about the railway during World War II or enjoying a heritage train ride on an original steam railway! We will leave here by coach and arrive at Ropley Station which has its own engine yard. We will then board the train to Alresford station and enjoy the scenic route which takes 90 minutes. There will be activities for the children at Ropley station. There will be an option to board the train to Alsresford station.

You can look at their website for more information: http://tinyurl.com/obrdrhv or you can email or call Ati and she will send you a leaflet. When: Thursday 20 August 2015 Where: Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £8.00 per person Picnic and sports in Battersea Park!

Join us for a summer picnic in the park and lots of sports activities with the team at Disability Sports Coach! Full details will be confirmed nearer the time and once your booking has been confirmed. When: Thursday 27 August 2015 Where: Battersea Park – meeting point to be confirmed.

Time: Meet at the park 11.00am. Full details will be provided once we have confirmed your place.

Cost: £2.00 per child

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EVENTS BOOKING FORM – PLEASE DETACH AND POST/FAX OR EMAIL wandsworth.office@cafamily.co.uk TO US BY 5pm on Thursday 23 April. PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT WITH THIS FORM. THIS IS AN APPLICATION FORM ONLY – WE WILL LET YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PLACE. Event Date Time Cost No of

Adults No of Children

Ages of Children

My First Ballet: Swan Lake

Sat 16 May 2.00pm

£5.00 per person

Sealife Wed 27 May

10.00am £4.00 per person

Look Out Discovery centre

Thurs 30 July

Day trip £5.00 per person

Fun Morning Tues 04 Aug

10.30am – 12.30pm

£1.00 per child

Legoland *(£2.00 under 3’s)

Wed 05 Aug

Day trip £10.00 per person*

Fun Morning Tues 11 Aug

10.30am – 12.30pm

£1.00 per child

Brighton Wed 12 Aug

Day trip £6.00 per person

Mid Hants Railway Thurs 20 Aug

Day trip £8.00 per person

Battersea Park picnic and sports event

Thurs 27 Aug

Meet at 11am

£2.00 per child

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