Grapevine newsletter

a summer to remember

Wow, what a summer we’ve had! We organised 17 events for our families over the six-week holiday. We’ve been on coach trips to the beach at Littlehampton, Kew Gardens and Diggerland, and have had other trips across London including a tour of Wembley stadium, storytelling sessions at Peckham Library, a visit to the London Fire Brigade Museum, an Olympic Big Day Out at Dulwich College and a theatre trip in the West End. As always one of our favourite trips of the summer was the trip to the beach. We enjoyed fish and chips and ice creams on the beach, built sandcastles and played frisbee like pros.

"We haven’t been

to a beach in 12

years, it’s the first

time my youngest

has ever seen the

sea."

The paper for parents and carers of children with additional needs in Southwark

autumn 2012 contents Contact a Family news 2 staff changes plus drop-ins and events

news from head office 3 advice and resources for families

our summer events 4 reports and photos including the Olympic Big Day Out

summer of sport 6 Disabled heroes of the Olympics and Paralympics

what’s on locally 7 free children’s centre drop-ins

This is a shorter issue of Grapevine than usual, as we are recruiting our new manager. Please look out for our email update for more information about what’s on and local news. Work continues as normal and we hope you enjoy our usual spread of news and photos from another packed summer!

2 Grapevine Autumn 2012

Contact a Family news

news from the office

Ian moves on Ian Carpenter, our Inclusion Coordinator, is sadly leaving us. He has been offered a job working for Mencap, where he will be the new National Sports Manager. “I have really enjoyed my time at Contact a Family, and have loved getting to know many of you on the events. I would have loved to stay longer, but my new job with Mencap was an offer I couldn’t turn down. I wish everyone the best of luck in the future.”

search for a new manager

we’re still in the process of recruiting a new manager to replace Naomi. We already have interviews scheduled and will update you as soon as we can.

events and drop-ins

drop-ins Come and speak to a family worker at one of our weekly drop-in sessions around the borough. Wednesdays 9.30am–12pm, Sunshine House 4.30–6.30pm, Cambridge House (by appointment) Thursdays 9.30am–12pm: Sunshine House Fridays 9.30am–12pm: Rye Oak Children’s Centre (term-time only)

DLA workshops If your Disability Living Allowance is up for renewal, please contact us and we will book you onto one of our DLA Workshops. At the workshop, family workers will help you fill in the applications and offer assistance and advice.

Tuesday 23 October

Tuesday 13 November

Tuesday 11 December

9.45am–1pm, Sunshine House Please note: we are now unable to offer one to one appointments to fill in DLA renewals.

coffee mornings Come and join us for a delicious coffee and a chat with some of our family workers and parents.

Tuesday 30 October

Tuesday 27 November

Tuesday 18 December

10am–12pm, Park Life Café, Burgess Park

There’s also a big play area for children to explore.

For more information about any of our events or drop-ins, or to book your place where necessary, please call the office: 020 7358 7799

Grapevine Autumn 2012 3

news from Head Office

SEN National Advice Service

Nearly 2,600 families who care for children with additional needs got in touch with Contact a Family’s new SEN National Advice Service in its first six months to get advice and information about their child’s education. The high demand for Contact a Family’s SEN National Advice Service echoes findings of a survey we carried out earlier this year that showed that their child’s education – both now and in the future – was the main concern of families. Almost half the enquiries to the SEN National Advice Service were about levels of support in schools and procedures for getting extra help, including the statementing process. Other areas of concern included appeals and exclusions. Anne Brook, Head of Information and Advice at Contact a Family, says: “Our unique service provides a one-stop shop which at last means that parents and carers who have concerns about any aspect of their child’s education can access in-depth and personalised advice from fully trained and experienced SEN advisers in one place.” Call the SEN National Advice Service today to help resolve any education issues you may have, on 0808 808 3555.

free resource packs for parent groups Contact a Family’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Information Project has produced free resource packs for parent groups in England. These packs are designed to support parent groups in the work they do around providing information to families. In the pack is a checklist of services that parents may need to know about at different stages in their child’s development. If your support group would like one of these packs or you would like to find out more about the project, please contact the SEND Information Team at sendinfo@cafamily.org.uk

information and advice for families Contact a Family’s latest updated parent guides include: Help with Council Tax Bills The Tax Credits Guide Father’s Guide Grandparents To order your free copy of any of our guides, telephone our helpline on 0808 808 3555.

Southwark children and young people’s advocacy Linda Cleverly left her post as Child and Young Person Advocate at Cambridge House in early September. She is retiring! She wanted to pass on her best wishes to all the children, young people, parents and professionals in Southwark who knew her. Linda said, “I have benefited so much from knowing children, young people and their families; their determination and positive attitudes have been an inspiration. “I am looking forward to spending more time with my grandson who has Down’s syndrome.” Linda's role as child and young person advocate at Cambridge House is being filled by Vicky Cowin, who is an experienced advocate. If you wish to discuss the possibility of Vicky offering advocacy support to your child or young person, please contact her at: vcowin@ch1889.org, phone the office on: 0207 358 7007, or ring or text the mobile number: 07932 210 936.

4 Grapevine Autumn 2012

events

Fire Brigade Museum We took four families to the London Fire Brigade Museum in Borough on Friday 10 August. We had a tour around the museum and learnt about the different types of fire engines throughout the ages. The kids even got to dress up in fire fighter uniforms!

“I’ve never known Liam to be so

excited.”

“Today has been really interesting,

and I never knew this place was so

close. I only live down the road.”

Diggerland We took 13 families on a coach trip to Diggerland in Kent. There were over 20 different rides and attractions for us to try, and many of our families took the opportunity to try them all. There were adrenaline rides, an indoor play barn, jeep rides, train rides around the park, digger challenges and stunt shows.

“My favourite thing was getting to

drive the jeep.”

“Thieri loves diggers and JCBs, so

today was his dream come true.”

Wembley Stadium

This year we organised our first ever trip to Wembley stadium. Twelve families came along for the day. We met our families at London Bridge and travelled on the tube all the way to the stadium. We were treated to a great tour around the stadium. We got to sit in the stands, walk on the pitch, visit the changing rooms where the England team get ready before their games, pretend to answer questions from reporters in the media room, and we even got to touch the FA Cup in the royal box.

“We never travel on the tube. I’m really pleased

we have now.”

“I just can’t believe it, we’ve had a fantastic day.”

Grapevine Autumn 2012 5

events

Dora the Explorer On Wednesday 29 August we went to see the live show of the popular Dora the Explorer TV programme at the Apollo Theatre near Piccadilly Circus. We joined Dora and her friends as they searched for her teddy bear Osito all the way to the City of Lost Toys.

“This is absolutely brilliant, what a

great idea to come here.”

“Zoey loves the TV programme,

so this is fantastic.”

Burgess Park We held six gatherings at Burgess Park this summer. They were by far our best-attended events, with up to 25 families attending each week. Families had an ice cream on us, and the children loved the new play area. It was fantastic to see our families explore the refurbished park.

“It has been good to get out of the

house and do something with all

the kids each Monday.”

“Summer has been a stressful

time... this has helped a lot.”

Olympic Big Day Out On Saturday 18 August, we held our biggest summer event of the year with over 300 families attending to take part in Olympic sporting activities. Our Big Day Out brought families and children together from across London to enjoy a day of sunshine, ice cream, fun and sports. Hosted by Dulwich College, children and parents enjoyed sporting events with full coaching including swimming, climbing, archery and athletics. These days have enormous value for our families, and throughout the Olympic Big Day Out our staff were in the thick of it, helping out at different events, face painting and listening to what parents said about the day. One parent told us: "I decided to to give the boys a day out as they feel more relaxed when there's other children with disabilities around them. Doing things with children that have also got the same disability helps a lot." Another parent said: "For me it's about gaining more confidence going to public places with my son. Coming here and meeting parents in a similar position, is beneficial for me."

6 Grapevine Autumn 2012

summer of sport

the Olympic hero with ADHD Michael Phelps: the greatest Olympian of all time, winner of 19 gold medals, multiple world record holder, and sufferer of ADHD since he was a child. Michael was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine. He was struggling in school, unable to concentrate in classes, and a teacher of his once told his mother that he would be “unable to focus on anything”. Michael’s mother tried lots of different things to help her child, and one thing which stuck was swimming. Michael initially used swimming as a place to burn off his excess energy. Many people have no idea that Michael Phelps has ADHD, and he turned what many people believe to be a disadvantage into an advantage. He is now acknowledged as the greatest Olympian of all time! Louis Smith, the GB Olympic silver medallist in gymnastics is another famous Sportsman with ADHD, along with judo star Ashley McKenzie.

London 2012: officially the best Paralympics ever World and Paralympic records were smashed, sporting stars were born. Ellie Simmonds won four medals in the pool, including two gold; Sarah Storey became one of Britain’s greatest ever Paralympians with a haul of 22 medals over a Paralympic career of 20 years and two sports; and Jonnie Peacock broke a world record, took gold and beat Oscar Pistorius, all in just 10.90 seconds. David Weir’s four gold medals cemented his place as the best wheelchair racer in the world, and Jessica-Jane Applegate, a 15 year old with Asperger’s syndrome, set a Paralympic record and took gold in the 200 metres freestyle swim. Team GB won 120 medals in total at the 2012 Paralympics: 34 Gold, 43 Silver and 43 Bronze. Only China and Russia won more golds. The games received huge media attention during the 10 days of competition and brought disability into the spotlight for all the right reasons. Bring on Rio 2016, we can’t wait!

new money for sports sessions Good news! We have been awarded £1,222 from Southwark Council Sports Department to run sports sessions for under-fives. We are hoping to deliver children’s yoga and gymnastics sessions with the money. Watch this space...

Grapevine Autumn 2012 7

focus on autism

FUDGE (fathers, uncles, dads, granddads etc.) Kintore Way Children’s Centre 92–102 Grange Rd, SE1 3BW This session is for male carers to come and have a fun play breakfast with their little ones. age: five and under time: 9.30–11.30am dates: Saturday 20 October and 8 December 2012 (please call to confirm dates) contact: 020 7525 1196

Cook and Eat Ivydale Children’s Centre Ivydale Road, SE15 3BU Come along with your toddler to learn how to make exciting and healthy dishes. Term time only. age: two to five time: 10–11am date: every Wednesday except the first of the month contact: Andrea, 020 7639 2702

Superstar Stay and Play Coin Street Family and Children’s Centre 108 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH A dedicated session for families with additional needs. An opportunity for families to relax, play and talk with specialist early years staff about their child’s needs. In partnership with Larkhall Children’s Centre and speech and language therapy service. Term time only. age: five and under time: 10–11.30am date: every Wednesday contact: no need to book, just drop in

what’s on locally

National Autistic Society NAS Southwark runs two monthly support groups for parent carers of children of any age with ASC. The daytime support group meets on a Friday morning,10am–12pm, at Alfred Salter School, Quebec Way, Rotherhithe, SE16. Call the number below for forthcoming daytime support group dates. The evening support group takes place on the last Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm, at Albrighton Community Centre, 37 Albrighton Road, SE22 8AH.

For more information about support groups, call: 07747 768536, or email: southwark@nas.org.uk

autism-friendly films

Dimensions and Odeon’s next autism-friendly film will be Hotel Transylvania (2D), showing at a number of local Odeons, including Surrey Quays, on Sunday 14 October. For more information, to book, or to join the mailing list, visit: www.dimensions-uk.org/ what-we-do/autism-care/ autism-friendly-films

In October and November, Picturehouse Cinemas will be holding autism-friendly screenings of Dr Seuss’s The Lorax (2D). Dates are as follows: Ritzy Brixton, 29 October Clapham Picturehouse, 30 October Greenwich Picturehouse, 1 November For more information and to book, visit: www.picturehouses.co.uk

8 Grapevine Autumn 2012

about Contact a Family Across the UK, a child is diagnosed with a severe disability every 25 minutes. While some children need hospital care, 98% of disabled children live at home with a parent or other family member who may not have expected to be in this position, but who quickly has to become an expert. When parents find out their child is disabled, they feel isolated and alone, usually because they don’t know anyone else facing the same problems. They want contact with another family that has been through a similar experience and they want information about their child’s disability. Contact a Family is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children, no matter what their disability or health condition. We also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis. Each year we reach at least 275,000 families.

the helpline freephone: 0808 808 3555 9:30am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday for information: on disabilities and medical conditions for advice: on assessments, breaks, benefits and finances for signposting: to support groups, organisations and services for linking: to other families for listening

Contact a Family Southwark

Cambridge House 1 Addington Square London SE5 0HF

tel: 020 7358 7799

southwark.office@cafamily.org.uk

registered office:

209–211 City Road London EC1V 1JN

helpline: 0808 808 3555 www.cafamily.org.uk

reg. charity number: 284912 charity registered in Scotland, no: SC039169

company no: 1633333

acknowledgements Contact a Family Southwark would like to thank:

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

Southwark Carers

Apollo Theatre

Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre

Southwark Sports Team

Diggerland

Kew Gardens

Park Life Café in Burgess Park

Wembley Stadium

LUSH

Dulwich College

London Fire Brigade Museum

Boogie Mites

Peckham Library

our fantastic volunteers and session workers

for helping to make our events programme such a success

Grapevine Autumn 2012. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Contact a Family. Grapevine is published 4 times a year by Contact a Family, Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, London SE5 OHF. It is printed by SGHMS. Costs are generously supported by the Peter Minet Trust. Please send contributions for the winter issue to the above address, or by email to: southwark.office@cafamily.org.uk, by 30 November 2012.

Data protection: Contact a Family is committed to the confidentiality of your personal information. Personal data will be held and used in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and will not be shared with any third parties for commercial use.