Linkup September 2017

The newsletter of the Leicestershire Autistic Society, Charity no. 507300 Issue No. 134 of the Leicestershire Autistic Society - September 2017 Link~Up Contents page Chair’s Report 2 Fundraising and Thank You 4 - 5 Trips and Jigsaw Holiday Club 6-12 Drayton Manor Park 11 ASD Social Club for Adults 12 Autism Hour NAS 13 Volunteers wanted 14 Membership 15 - 17 Jigsaw 18 ASPIRE 19 RNIB 20-21 RISE - new parent group in Melton Mowbray 22 Groups and other News 23-34 Helpline and other useful numbers 34/36

Read your Linkup? Why not pass onto your GP Surgery/ School or Library when finished?

LAS Website at www.leicestershireautism.org.uk Email: [email protected]

CHAIRS REPORT - OCTOBER 2017

I hope you had good Summer. Since the last Link-Up, we have continued to promote this Charity’s work of providing ASD information, advice and support to families affected by their Autism, through our Helpline, parent representation in Steering Groups and Stra- tegic Groups in Health, Social Care and Education in both City and County. We continue as parent reps at the Autism Reference Group regarding the Diagnostic Pathway, and also the Leicester City Autism Forum. LAS and Leics County Council are engaged in prelimi- nary discussions to look at the possibility of developing “Autism Friendly Environments” within Leicestershire to trial, learn from and to engage the community with before looking to roll this out extensively across the County. There will be more information available on this and the opportunity to become engaged with this as soon as we have new information.

The “Living with Autism” conference in March showed a need for more training. There is a significant need for new and updated information and resources for parents, carers and professionals who work with our loved ones who have a diagnosis of ASD. Hopefully we will have more training available in Spring 2018, working in partnership with the Autism Outreach Service and Contact a Family. Please check our Facebook page for any other training info we receive before then. We have been fortunate to continue receiving donations from individual groups and families. Many thanks to all those members of Leices- ter’s Slimming World, the “Get Fit, Don’t Quit” dancercise participants, the employees of Saffron Health and the Ashmore family for your generous donations. These funds will help us continue to provide training, popular activities, Support Groups, this Newsletter, the Helpline, Web- site and info leaflets. (See Fundraising News)

We have been approached about the need for more Adult activities for those 19+ with a diagnosis. Please reply to our feedback request in this issue. Your input is essential in organising these projects, and helps us in applying for funding. Also, parent carers of Adults with ASD have requested Support Groups which provide them with info, resources and supportive interaction with those in same situations. It

seems there are more Groups providing info, advice and support for ca- res of children with ASD. We will do our best, but do help us with your feedback. Please contact us on the Email, or Helpline.

We need help distributing our leaflets to GP surgeries, hospitals, den- tists and libraries around the City and County. A good sign that the info is getting out because these need replenishing a lot. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who give your time to help at our activities, and with all the work involved in running this organisation.

Please continue to promote LAS MEMBERSHIP and remind others to RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIP! Membership not only gives you a “fresh off the press” copy of the LINK-UP, but it also gives PRIORITY BOOKING on trips and activities we organise. Don’t miss out, JOIN UP NOW! Hope to see you at some of our activities, groups and/or meetings. Jenny Cornwell

PRE-CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING IDEA We realise it’s only September, but a few members have approached us in the past about posting this idea in the Autumn issue of Linkup. As you may know (or is it only me & them?) writing Christmas cards can be fun, but depending on the number, can be tedious, and expensive. With the cost of postage going up and up, it’s even more expensive to post them and international or airmail to Europe is even more costly!

The idea is to make a donation to your Charity of choice (ideally the LAS) and instead of buying and posting cards, you send your holiday wishes through the LAS facebook page. If this is something you would like to do, please contact me and I will direct you to our Facebook site managers. Jenny Cornwell

FUNDRAISING NEWS

Huge thanks to Slimming World, for their donation of £170.00 from the 5p member donations made for the LAS, a total for the months of February-April. Clive, is the owner manager of the Slimming World based at various locations in Leicester. He has been kindly making these donations to the LAS and to Jigsaw for over 3 years. Thank you so much for your generosity. Every bit adds up and has helped us to continue funding activities which benefit all our families.

Many, many thanks also go to: Jo Ashmore (parent carer of a young boy with ASD) and her father. Jo works at Sainsburys in Wigston, which has been quite involved in fundraising for the JIGSAW Youth Club at the Salvation Army. Mr. G. Ash- more, held a Garage Sale this Spring and donated the proceeds of £81.50 to JIGSAW.

Karen Wareham donated £60 they had raised from the sale of their hoey for the Holiday Club - a big thank you.

Vicky Podd and her co-workers at Saffron Health Practice, Leicester, for their £57 donation, following on from Autism Awareness Month in April, where they held an Easter Raffle and Autism Month coffee morning.

Angela Parkes (parent carer of a young boy with ASD). In May, as part of her Autism Awareness campaign, Angela and 3 other fitness instructors organised a “Get fit, Don’t Quit” Dance-A-Thon event at the Music Café in Leicester. The instructors wanted to encourage good health and

wellbeing throughout Leicester City, and de- cided to raise funds for the LAS and Jigsaw. On a Friday evening in June, Shahean Naz (our Vice Chair) and myself were invited to the cheque presentation, and an Autism Info session during the beginning of the Dance-a- thon. When we arrived we found a “Zumba”- like dancersise session with about 75-85 participants of all genders. It proved to be great fun and a very sweaty time for both of us! Angela and her group presented us with 2 cheques totalling £820 and a few weeks later, she presented me with another £560. Total donation: £1,380! Thank you Angela and your fundraisers for this fab idea! We hope we can do something like this next year during April Autism Month.

My donate web site

Are you aware that we have a link on the my donate website that can be used to donate money to the LAS?

We have received money through the my donate website recently. One was a donation of £200 from Loughborough University and we have a regular do- nor who gives us £15 a month. Unfortunately the individual did not tick the box saying they were willing to receive info and mailing from our charity so we cannot identify who donated the money to us!. Can we give thanks to the anonymous do- nors and please email our Treasurer if you are willing to be identified. Also if you raise money for the LAS you can pay it in using this method. Just go onto the My donate BT website and click the donate to charity box and put in “Leicestershire” or “Leicestershire Autistic Society” and it comes up with our Charity. Thank You www.btplc.com/mydonate/

LAS – JIGSAW - ASD HOLIDAY CLUB

JIGSAW-LAS Holiday Club for young people aged 0-18 years with ASD and their parent-carers & siblings. Held on a Tuesday and Thursday during the school hols (except Christmas) for young people with ASD as part of their diagnosis, or undergoing assess- ment for ASD. A great opportunity for families to get together and have a fun time with their young person with ASD during the school holidays. Venue-Based Activities: Soft Play, Large Jenga & Connect 4, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, games, puzzles. Interactive Music show-special session. Light refreshments will be provided. Non-Venue activities may include: Swimming, Bowling ,Twin Lakes Park and other Parks, Outdoor Pursuits Centre (weather permitting) Transportation to & from most activities (except Twin Lakes Park or other parks more than 10 miles from MH) must be provided by parent/carers. Costs of the activities is subsidized, but families may still incur some charges for additional carers, trips & some activities.

Oct 2017 Half term Holiday: Tuesday 17th Oct 2017 – Miracles To Believe In (MTBI) are running a trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park - We will provide a coach from Mkt Har- borough Market Hall, leav- ing at 8.00am. Please see details on the MTBI information on page 11 for payment and registration details.

Thursday 19th Oct 2017 - 10am-12pm Venue Session @ M.H.Party Centre, Unit 7 St Mary’s Busi- ness Park, Albany Rd, M.H, LE16 7QJ – Cost: Free Christmas and New Year - see pages 8 - 11

TO REGISTER: Please text or ring Donna Johnson 07583634682 or email:[email protected]

Post registration to Donna at address on form

LAS – JIGSAW

JIGSAW - ASD HOLIDAY CLUB 2017 BOOKING FORM

Child’s name:______Age:_____

Date of Birth:______LASMembership No: ______

ASD Diagnosis:Yes-date______Not yet______

Parent/Carer’s name(s):______

Contact Number(s):______

Address:______

______

Email address:______

Sibling(s) Name(s) & Age(s) ______

______

PLEASE CIRCLE :

19th Oct - Mkt Harborough Venue base activities – FREE

6th Jan2018 New Years Party (see page 10) Amount £ ______

Send your booking form & cheque if applicable to

Donna Johnson – 112 Tungstone Way, Market Harborough LE16 9GG (We will text or email to confirm your places)

Jigsaw-LAS

Family Christmas Party

Sunday 3rd December 2017

1.00pm till 3.30pm

Braunstone Civic Centre 209 Kingsway, Braunstone Leicester. LE3 2PP

Nibbles and refreshments. Magician, disco, ‘Kev and Dan’ plus a ‘quiet zone’ for the kids to doodle in.

A £10 refundable deposit per family, cheques payable to; Jigsaw is required by 20th November.

Please use the reply slip (opposite) with your mobile phone number and/or email address.

Space is limited and priority will be given to LAS members. You will be contacted after the 20th to confirm your booking

Christmas Party 2017 Sunday, 3rd Decem- ber 1.00pm till 3.30pm Braunstone Civic Centre

CHRISTMAS PARTY 2017 REPLY SLIP.

Please return this slip along with your £10 refundable deposit to ‘Jigsaw’ at: Donna Johnson – 112 Tungstone Way, Market Harborough LE16 9GG (We will text or email to confirm your places)

Family Name ______Full Address ______

Name(s) of child/young person with A.S.D. ______

Names of other Children______

Number of Adults ______

Total number in your party ______

Mobile number (Required to confirm places) ______

E-mail address ______

LAS Member ______YES/NO. Membership number (on your address label) ______Please note … Spaces are limited and priority will be given to LAS members. 9

LAS–JIGSAW ASD HOLIDAY CLUB NEW YEAR PARTY SATURDAY 6th JANUARY 2018 6.45PM till 8.15PM Kids Play Kettering Leisure Village, Thurston Drive, Kettering, NN15 6PB

Snacks & Refreshments for children will be provided We have privately hired the venue so there will be no public access There are lots of activities to enjoy Trampolines, Dodgems, Ladybird Car- ousel, Climbing Wall, Slides, Scramble Nets, Ball Cannons and more…. Please see website for more information www.wherekidsplay.co.uk COST: £5 per family of 4 any extra siblings is £1 per child Please include your full name, total number in your party, name(s) of child (ren) with ASD, your mobile phone number and/or email address and post to: Donna Johnson, 112 Tungstone Way, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9GG 07583634682 or [email protected]

Day Trip to Drayton Manor Tuesday 17th October 2017

Miracles to believe in A Charity for Children with Autism This year we are taking two coaches to Drayton Manor for a day of fun, rides, Zoo and Thomas Land. All rides are included in entry price. One Coach (Hamiltons of Kettering) will pick up from Market Harborough Mar- ket Hall at 8am with a pick up at Fosse Park at 9am to Drayton Manor. Thank you to Faye for offering to be in charge of this coach! The Second Coach (Paul Winson Coaches) will pick up from Loughborough, The Am- ber Rooms at 0810; Leicester St Margaret’s Bus Station at 0840 and Leicester Fosse Park (ASDA bus stop) 0900. We return from Drayton Manor at 3pm. The coaches will have toilets on board. For those with a DLA letter you can also get tickets to jump the queues, please let us know if you have one and bring it on the day to be able to use this facility. This trip however is not limited to those who have a diagnosis - you are welcome even if you are still in the system!

The cost will be £10 per person and is limited to a maximum of 6 per im- mediate family or carer. Children under 2 are free but must be counted in number in family

Please send the slip on the next page along with a stamped addressed envelope to Carole Heubeck along with your cheque/postal order made payable to Miracles to Believe In by Monday 2nd October . Please ensure a stamped addressed envelope is included otherwise your application will not be accepted.

This trip is unfortunately limited to those who are prepared to travel by coach as a group booking can only be for those on the two coaches. Drayton Manor Park are offering a special deal for families of 4 for £80 if you cannot travel by coach but obviously our trip is heavily subsidised.

Tickets are obviously limited so apply early - bookings only taken when we receive your booking form!

Drayton Manor Park Tuesday 17th October 2017

Parent/Carer Name:......

Name of Child/Children with ASD......

Address: ......

...... Post code......

Email: ...... Mobile number......

No of adults in party:___No of Children _____ No of Child under 2___ Please indicate where you wish to pick up the coach Market Harborough Market Hall …………….. Loughborough, Amber Rooms ...... St Margarets Bus Station ...... Asda Fosse Park ...... Cheque enclosed—payment to be made at time of booking DLA letter for fast track YES / NO

Please send this form along with cheque or postal order £10 per person made out to ‘Miracles to Believe In’ to Carole Heubeck, 5 Grey Crescent, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0AA

ASD SOCIAL CLUB for Adults

We are looking into setting up a Social Club in the south Leicestershire area on a weekday evening, and would welcome your feedback.

The criteria is 19+ years with a diagnosis of Autism and Moderate learning difficulties. No 1-1 or Personal care can be provided.

To give us an idea of what you would like from a club, please can you answer the following questions.

1. Would you be interested in an evening Social club for Adults with ASD in South Leicestershire? 2. What sort of activities would you like to do at the club? 3. Would you be interested in offsite activities/trips? 4.Would your carers be interested in a parent /carer support group running alongside the club? 5. If off site activities were organised would you have transport to and from the activities? drop off and pick up your son or daughter?

Please send replies to Diane Madelin. 28 Waterloo crescent, Leicester- shire LE18 3QH or email the replies to d.madelin@[email protected] 12

As part of The National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour and with the support of shopping centre owner Intu, in the week of 2 October shops and businesses will be taking simple steps for 60 minutes that lead to a more autism-friendly world. Participating shops and businesses will be turning down music and other noise, dimming the lights and sharing information about autism with their employees.

http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/autism-hour/information.aspx

Why not use the link above to download the templates and send to your local shops and businesses - do your bit to make shops more autism friendly and raise awareness of autism 13

WANTED¬ PLAYSCHEME COORDINATOR This is a paid part time position. We are hoping to run the Summer Play- scheme in 2018,and would like to be- gin planning and coordinating before Christmas this year.

PLAYSCHEME SUPPORT WORKERS- Paid positions for Summer 2018-2 weeks, end of July, and beginning of August.

VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUTH CLUB- 2 5 hours 1 evening per week in Wigston area VOLUNTEERS FOR HOLIDAY CLUB in Market Harborough VOLUNTEERS FOR ADULT SOCIAL CLUB- 2-3 hours 1 evening per week in Wigston area

Please contact Donna Johnson if you are interested in any of the above positions. We will provide you with a current DBS. 07583 634682

Wanted Superhero for LEGO

Do we have any volunteers who would be willing to take over and run a Lego club. Due to personal cir- cumstances the existing Lego Club has had to call it a day in Loughborough and Evelyn who ran it has 6 boxes of Lego, plus table clothes all ready to go.

We can run it anywhere in Leicestershire, it does not have to stop in Loughborough just that the Lego belongs to the LAS and is for the benefit of our young people.

If it is something you are interested in - either running a 6 week session or a longer term one - let us know and we can assist you with the fi- nance. We just need someone who has enthusiasm and organisational skills. Contact Evelyn initially re the Charnwood email charn- [email protected] for more information

LAS MEMBERSHIP - £5 per year

Many thanks to all of you who have renewed their £5 membership, or who have recently become New Members.

Reminders……….…

 MEMBERSHIP Benefits - priority places on trips, activities and training workshops

 BEFORE registering for anything: YOU MUST PAY THE £5 MEM- BERSHIP FEE SEPARATELY by bank, postal or personal cheque payable to “Leicestershire Autistic Society”.

 Post with completed MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION to Dawn Craddock (address below)

 Membership Applications - available on the LAS Website in our LINK-UP newsletters, in our leaflets or CONTACT US for a form: 0116 291 6958 or 07958235015

 Membership Number - You will receive your number by text or email your choice (see form). Please keep this number handy for future use!  Payments for NEW or RENEWAL Membership by STANDING OR- DER: please use your name as the “reference” on the bank form in this Linkup. Take the Bank form to your bank.

 Send the Membership Application to: Dawn Craddock, Membership Secretary, 3 Wentworth Close, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester- shire LE8 0XB or scan and email to:  [email protected]  Membership Renewals-reminders are sent by email or text at least 1 month before expiration of the membership. If you do not renew your membership you cannot receive a hard copy, “fresh off the press” LINKUP, or Membership benefits.

LAS MEMBERSHIP FORM

ANNUAL ROLLING MEMBERSHIP FEE= £5 PER YEAR

I would like to be a/renew as (delete as appropriate) member of the LAS and receive LINK-UP by post and receive membership benefits.. *3 ways of paying for Membership:

Please tick where applicable-

……..Cheque enclosed …….. Postal order enclosed- payable to: Leicestershire Autistic Society

……..Standing Order-(take the Standing Order Form (next page) to your bank)

Print Clearly & Post this form to: Dawn Craddock 3 Wentworth Close, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics LE8 0XB

Name......

Address: ...... …………………………………

...... ………………………….

Post Code:...... Email:......

Telephone:...... Mobile……………………………………

Parent/Professional (please delete as it applies to you).

Name of Child(ren)/person(s) with ASD......

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Age(s)…………………………………………......

NOTE: Leicestershire Autistic Society (LAS) can now collect your An- nual Rolling Membership Fee by Standing Order as this will be easier to administer and avoid confusion about whether Members have paid. To remain as a Member for 2017, or to become a new member, please complete the form on the next page and take this to your bank.

If you use online banking, please use our bank details overleaf to set up your annual payment. Please use your name as the reference so that we can identify who has paid.

If you have a question on the completion of this form please contact the Treasurer, Peter Holdridge, preferably by email on [email protected].

*Payment by cheque or postal order? A renewal Email or Text will be sent to you a month before expiry. If you do not renew by the next LINKUP mailing, you won’t receive your LINKUP.

PLEASE TAKE THIS TO YOUR BANK FOR STANDING ORDER

BANKERS ORDER

To the Manager of………………………………………………….. Bank plc

Bank’s Address …………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………….

Please pay to: Leicestershire Autistic Society, Account No. 00076485 Sort Code 30-94-97

At the Leicester branch of Lloyds Bank plc, High Street, Leicester. The sum of £5.00 (five pounds) on the 1st day of _____(month) 2017 and on the same day each year thereafter until further notice Please debit my account with each payment made quoting the following reference:

Your Name/Reference…………………………………………………………

Account No…………......

Sort Code ………......

Date ……………………………………………...

Signed ……………………………………………………………………..

Please photocopy this page and take to your bank - send membership application form on other side to membership secretary

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Held at the Salvation Army, Leicester South Corps, Ladysmith Road, South Wigston, Leices- tershire. LE18 4UZ 7 to 9pm 2 Groups either on the 1st and 3rd or the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month.

For young people aged 11-19 living in Leicester & Leicester- shire with Aspergers/High Functioning ASD & moderate learning difficulties.

Activities include X box, Wii, Table Tennis, Pool, Football, board and card games, crafts and a snug to chill out or watch DVD’s.

Refreshments are provided and there is a tuck shop that the members can buy snacks from and take turns to run.

Parents can drop their kids off for a couple of hours or stay and join other parents for a hot drink and a chat at the Jigsaw support group which runs in the lounge of the same building.

Registration is required as places are limited Contact: Diane Madelin 07722 914124 & Donna Johnson 07583 634682

ASPIRE: Lifeskills Learning Centre

We are pleased to announce that our learning centre provi- sion is now fully registered with the DfE and we are open to receive referrals from the LA for young people aged 11-19 with a diagnosis of Autism and an EHCP in place.

We offer:  Comprehensive individual programmes that recognise the spiky, uneven profile of young people with autism.  A range of curriculum opportunities, including Functional Skills, Life Skills, ASDAN, GCSE and A Level via the virtual academy, Nisai.  Supported access to mainstream inclusion links, where appropriate.  Strong partnerships with families and professionals.  Encouraging the development of life long skills and strategies.  Activities within the local community to support ‘real life’ experiences and learning.  Access to on-site therapy including OT and SALT.

Head Teacher: Mrs Vivienne Boulton, ASPIRE-Lifeskills Learning Cen- tre, Town Hall Chambers, Town Hall Passage, Market Place Loughborough LE11 3EB 07854 918575 www.aspirelifeskills.co.uk

Inclusive Youth Arts Programme Supported by BBC Chil- dren in Need until March 2018. As part of our Inclusive Youth Arts Programme there is an opportunity to take part in creative workshops and free perform- ances from visiting companies if you are registered on the scheme. This is made possible from the generous support of BBC Children in Need for children and young people aged 0-18 years old, with the most com- plex disabilities and needs and those with least access to the arts. Our programme takes place at weekends and holidays and we provide 1:1 care by trained professionals for parents to enjoy respite.Tailored to the individual needs of our participants, our workshops are limited to small groups of 6 young people and run by skilled professional artists experienced working with young people with disabilities

To register on the programme and gain access to our events, please complete our online registration form and email to our Project Co-ordinator on [email protected] or call 0116 223 1425 and she will be in touch shortly (please note that Georgina works two days per week). http://www2.le.ac.uk/ hosted/attenborougharts/learning-outreach/children-in-need

RNIB College Loughborough Further Education The RNIB College is a small friendly residential College that offers both further education and adult social care on a day and residential basis. We are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (2017). Our Further Education is for young people aged 16 to 25 with disabilities, including vision impairment.

Our Further Education offers you opportunities to:  develop your independence  prepare for work, volunteering or training  build your personal life skills  learn about looking after yourself  get out into the local community.

You can either learn through our enterprise based programme or study for a mainstream college course with Loughborough College.

Individual Learning Programme (ILP) at RNIB College Loughbor- ough Come to us and you will learn lots of new skills and build confidence in a variety of College enterprises. These are our student-led businesses where you’ll be doing meaningful jobs in real settings: Bell Bar café Conference Centre eBay shop Arts Centre & Craft studio College shop College office (COST). Each enterprise is designed to enable you to develop a set of subject specific skills for example, food preparation in the Bell Bar, administration skills in the College Office, retail in the eBay/College shop and craft skills in the Arts Centre.

You’ll also have the opportunity to go on work placement, either internally at College or with a local organisation, which is a great opportunity to experience a different team.

A great environment to learn in… Our enterprises are supported by our therapists who ensure speech and language therapy and physiotherapy are embedded into the work you will be completing. We also have a literacy and numeracy teacher. The College has resources to ensure everyday tasks are accessible and that everyone can get involved. I’m interested, what do I need to do now? Come and visit us! For more information and to arrange a visit call us on 01509 631220 or email us on [email protected]

Rise - New evening parents group at Melton Mowbray

RISE is a support group for parents and carers of children and young adults with additional needs and disabilities. RISE was set up by Emily McAllister, parent to Keira who has Downs Syndrome with support from Lisa Bramell , parent to Holly who is on the autistic spectrum. The idea for RISE came about when Emily and Lisa Bramall attended a behaviour management group at CAMHS. Emily and Lisa believe the support and understanding of other parents is vital when raising and caring for a child who has additional needs and whilst there are excellent support groups across the county these are usually in the daytime meaning parents who work can unfortunately miss out on peer support. This is why RISE is run in the evenings, to make it possible for working parents to attend. RISE starts at 6pm and runs until 7.30pm. it is held on the first Wednesday of each month at ‘The Venue’ in Melton Mowbray (Opposite Sains- bury’s). The group meetings tend to be a mixture of talking about our children, supporting each other, sharing ideas on managing behaviours and working with professionals. We do also share stories about our- selves from time to time as it’s nice to remember we are still people too! RISE is a new group having only started in June 2017. We are hopeful that we will be able to get guest speakers in from time to time to offer advice or share information but the main aim is peer support. We want RISE to be a place you can come to offload, be yourself and have a break! The name RISE was suggested by Emily and agreed at the first meeting; it reflects that fact that as parents/carers we have to RISE above so many challenges, as do our children but the name is also an acronym for Resources, Information & Sharing Experience. RISE is open to parents whose children have any kind of additional need or disability and we look forward to welcoming any new members with a tea or coffee.

RISE Parent/Carers Support Group 1st Wednesday of each month. 6-7.30pm The Venue Phoenix House Nottingham Road Melton Mowbray LE13 0UL Contact Details are phone 07985735475 email: [email protected]

Parents come together to form new Parent Carer Forum for Leicestershire.

Following the dissolution of what was once called the Leices- tershire Family Voice this gap has left many parents and carers who have children aged between 0-25 years with various disabilities without any access to much needed support. To this end, a group of dedicated parents and family carers who themselves have loved ones with disabilities, have come together to unveil a new forum for parents and carers calling themselves the Leicestershire Parent and Carer Forum.

The Forum’s aim is to work in partnership with everyone espe- cially in Education, Health and Social Care to help shape the future services in Leicestershire and help improve the quality of life for children and young people.

Willow Langdale Smith, chairperson for LPCF said “We have reformed this Forum to allow Parent and Carer Members a plat- form where they can benefit from advice, signposting, training and the ability to ask questions of other carers and professionals, as well as attending events.”

She went on to comment, “We are here to offer support for parent and family carers in the Leicestershire area. We also ask for the support of our membership by working with local service commissioners and providers to ensure that our voice is heard when making decisions about these services.”

If you are interested in becoming a parent or professional asso- ciate member of the Leicestershire Parent Carer Forum, please contact us on the following Email: [email protected] or Facebook: Leicestershire Parent & Carer forum or on Twit- ter: @LeicsPCF

Parent Carer Forums …What We Do

We are a group of Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland parents, from Leicester City Parent Carer Forum, Leices- tershire Family Voice and Rutland Parent Carer Voice.

As an organisation and individually, we work on a pan-age and pan-disability agenda, representing all children and young people aged 0 – 25 with any and all special educational needs and disabilities.

Parent Carers can help pinpoint problems frequently experienced by families with disabled children. They are experts by experience and their knowledge is essential to professionals, to help them improve how services are delivered so they better meet families’ needs. When parents and professionals work together, recognising each other’s expert knowledge, informed decisions are made which make the best use of people’s time and money.

For more information on Parent Carer Forums locally, regionally and nationally you can find more information at … http://www.nnpcf.org.uk

Dave Nutting, NNPCF Regional Representative, East Midlands Tel: 07582 197173 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.nnpcf.org.uk

Leicester City Parent Carer Forum

Are you a parent carer living in the City or support parents and carers of children aged 0 to 25 with Special Educational Needs or Disability?

Join others like yourself and have your say about Education, Health, and Care services provided in Leicester for disabled children and young people.

2017 dates are on Wednesdays 11th Oct, 15th Nov, 13th Dec Forum meetings are at Barnes Heath House, LE45 4LU from 10.00am to 1.00pm Transport for meetings can be arranged if required, contact Lisa directly on 07921 311633 For general enquiries via the PCFs General Information Number on 0745 5745344 Refreshments are provided and lunch provided from 12.30 to 1.00. Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeicesterCityParentCarersForum 24

Parents Solution Circle

Parents’ Solution Circle is a small charitable incorpo- rated Organisation that is run by Parents who have a child with SEN and a diagnosis of Autism. The aims of Parents’ Solution Circle is to provide an opportunity for Parents & Carers of a child/young person with a special educational need/disability, or behavioural issues, to get together and work together to resolve some of those difficult moments. It is an opportunity to meet with other parents who understand these difficulties, to net- work and socialise. We provide opportunities for professionals to attend the Support Group meetings to offer advice and support on issues that may be of interest to you.

We are very fortunate to have the Together for Families professionals working alongside us on a regular basis. This consists of SENDIASS and Memphis SOS. We work together to provide strategies to manage difficult behaviours within everyday life by sharing experiences. We aim to empower parents with the right tools, knowledge, techniques and confidence to implement at home. We also provide playability training for parents.

The Support Group meet fortnightly on a Wednesday 9.30am-12.noon during term time at Birch Wood Special School, Melton Mowbray.

If you would like to know more please get in touch with Sam Speakman [email protected] or just pop along to one of our support group meetings.

To receive useful information on a wide range of topics, training information etc email [email protected] or call 0121 415 4624

The Sibsservice is a, non profit making, Charity that specialises in supporting the brothers and sisters of individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome (a diagnosis is not needed). Afterschool sessions run each fortnight in Braunstone, Wig- ston, Hinckley, Coalville, Loughborough, Melton Mowbray.

If you have a child aged 7/8 -14 with a brother /sister with ASD or As- perger's bring them along to our Sibs session. We provide the siblings with a safe place where they have the freedom to be themselves and share experiences with other children in similar situations . We deliver many different activities, art, craft, cooking, sport, games, drama, trips out, and more. There is a whole family summer BBQ, Christmas party and Sibs Summer camp. Whenever possible we plan activities and discussions as requested by the siblings.

The groups offer emotional and peer support through interactive, fun and relaxed group activities facilitated by qualified, friendly and enthusi- astic staff.

Our aims …..

Siblings make friends and enjoy themselves and meet other siblings facing similar situations

Siblings discuss and value the unique feelings and experiences of be- ing a sibling

Siblings learn how to manage difficult situations and identify support networks

Siblings learn more about their brother or sister’s disability.

Want to come along...... tel Sherralyn 01530 245922, email [email protected], Facebook ‘Sibsservice’, Website Sibsservice.co.uk

www.tanglewoodysg.btck.co.uk

Mary Parker Chair - 07500 110003, Jo Smith Treasurer 07810 532826 Becky Desborough Secretary /Parent to Parent Worker 0748 262 2939

Parent2Parent Befriending Programme

As we know, going through anything as a parent is very daunting, but when your child is visibly struggling either with a physical or mental disability it can also seem to be very lonely.

No one can walk in your shoes, but we have all trudged the same path, we have all had to fight for what our children need and deserve and continue to do so on a daily basis.

Whether your child has been newly diagnosed, or you are struggling with schools or the statement process. If you just want a friend you can call when you need to let off steam, or all is going well, but you know that something is lurking round the corner, then we are here.

If you want more information about our Parent2Parent scheme then please contact us on our dedicated helpline number - 07482 622939

Beth & Becky 27

Know any good websites you want to share with us ? Send Carole the info to be posted on this page

USEFUL WEBSITES http://www.leicestershireautism.org.uk/ LAS http://www.leatleicester.org.uk/ LEAT http://tap.leicester.gov.uk TAP http://www.themondayclub.co.uk/ MONDAY CLUB http://www.autism.org.uk/ NAS http://www.newdawnfamilysupportservice.org.uk/ new/ NEW DAWN Autism East http://www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk Midlands http://www.claspthecarerscentre.org.uk/ CLASP http://www.miracles-to-believe-in.co.uk/ M2BI http://www.translate-asc.org.uk/ TRANSLATE www.adhdsolutions.org ADHD Disabled children's https://mychoice.leicester.gov.uk/ Services Council for Disabled http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/ Children CDC has a wide variety of books, tools and resources available for professionals, parents and young people. Many of these resources are available free of charge. See website above

ASD Coffee Mornings

Are you a parent, grandparent, carer or family friend of someone with Autism or Asperger Syndrome? If so … why not come and join us for a cuppa and a chat?

Where? Kirby Muxloe Free Church, Main St. Kirby Muxloe

When? The last Friday morning of the month during term time

10-12am

Everyone welcome! Any queries please contact Rox on 0116 287 4517 28

Youth Club

Age 10 -16 yrs old with ASD

Blaby & Whetstone Youth Club, Warwick Road, Whetstone, LE8 6LW 6pm – 8pm every 1st Tuesday Evening of the month. Cost £10 for 2 hours.

PLEASE CONTACT: Maz on 0116 277 5997 (part of the NAS Day Care Unit)

ASD Family Swimming Sessions

Saturdays at Bosworth Community Sports College, Desford

3.30 - 5.00pm Everyone welcome

Free Swimming Sessions every Saturday of the year; apart from Bank Holiday weekends. Sessions paid for by Leicestershire Autistic Soci- ety

New families would be most welcome to join in – just turn up.

Any questions? Contact Parent Rep John Brotherhood on 01455 286167 Mobile 0789 6519816 Or school contact Sue Cox, the Sports College's Pool Manager, by

S.N.I.P.S. Hinckley Helping children to be themselves, to make new friends & try new experiences. SNIPS is a small charity in Hinckley. We provide weekly Clubs and Summer Holiday Play Schemes at local Schools. Our aim is to reduce isolation for disabled children by giving them a sense of belonging. By using volunteers to befriend our youngsters we create a better understanding of disability and as a consequence of our work, we reduce stress within families. Summer Schemes and Saturday Clubs. Special Needs Integration Projects, Amity House, 6 Holliers Walk, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1QW, 01455 440 660, [email protected]

Charnwood Autism Support Group

This group normally meets at .

John Storer House, Loughborough, Wards End ~ LE11 3HA On the last Monday of the month - 7.30 till 9.30pm

Run by Fatma and Evelyn We are a Group that is part of the Leicestershire Autistic Society that meets to discuss, rant, share knowledge and try to find solutions in all things related to the care and consideration of children on the spectrum. Please feel free to contribute in any way and get involved. We boast an array of refreshments and speakers Further details can be sort from ~ [email protected]

www.facebook.com/groups/charnwoodspectrum

Parents/carers of those with SEND in the City and County may find the following facebook groups of interest (these are closed groups so you will have to request on the page to become a member)

1) Leicestershire Support for Families caring for Special Needs Children

2) Leicestershire Support for Families caring for Special Needs Young Adults. The Children's group (595 members) has more general information/ discussion about starting to access services, getting a diagnosis, claiming DLA, playgroups, schools etc.

The Young Adults group (244 members) has more information/ discussion on transition (13+), claiming PIP, coping with teenage behaviour, starting college, finding work/meaningful activities and inde- pendent living. Some people belong to both groups, others just to one

depending on the information they seek.

There is a mixture of posts - information on local services in the City and County as well as personal queries/experiences and relevant arti- cles from the internet. We hope you find them of interest. Amanda Dorset

Charnwood Saturday Club

Run by ASPIRE :Lifeskills Miracles to believe in