PCAN PAGES
Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees
1 A message to parents and carers
Looking after a child with disabilities or additional needs can be the most challenging thing a parent faces. It can also be the most rewarding.
Parents and carers can be plunged into a whole new world of disability, medical jargon, special education, equipment and gadgets when they learn their children have additional needs. They often need to learn new skills, learn how to be resourceful, how to negotiate and to communicate better. Parents face a range of new issues and experiences, emotions and worries. They can find it difficult to find the information and support that will help them.
PCAN PAGES has been written by parents for parents to help you know where, how or when to get the support and information and activities you need for yourself or your children.
If you are a parent, or carer, or both, PCAN PAGES can help you. Much of the information here relates to carers and recognising that you are a carer, as well as a parent, acknowledges the extra responsibilities of looking after a child with additional needs.
PCAN PAGES brings together in one place, information about the services and support available from Kirklees Council, local NHS trusts, voluntary groups, charities and other organisations, as well as national sources of help and information. Sometimes the sheer amount of information can seem daunting. You may not be involved with all these services or need to access all these areas of support. You can feel free to use as much or as little of the information as is right for you!
The information is as accurate as possible at the time it is published but some information will inevitably become out of date. It is best to check this out with the contacts provided. An on-line version of this guide will soon be available on PCAN’s website shown below and this will be regularly updated.
Thank you to all the parents and service providers who have contributed to this guide. Your help is very much appreciated. If anyone using this guide finds information that is out of date, or knows anything that should be here that isn’t, then please let us know. Your continued support would be much appreciated by all the families who use this resource.
PCAN pages can also be accessed on our website www.pcankirklees.org where individual pages can be downloaded and printed. We will ensure that the information on our website is regularly updated.
You can find out more about PCAN by visiting our website or calling us on 07754 102336 or e-mail us at [email protected]
2 Contents
A message to parents and carers 2
Contents 3
Common Terminology and Abbreviations 8
Professionals You Might Meet 9
Hints and Tips – from Parent to Parent 12
Activities and Leisure 13
Action for Children 13 Central Starts Youth Club 15 The Cinema Exhibitors' Association CEA Card 16 Crow Nest Adventure Playground 17 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Team WACKY 18 Full Body & The Voice 19 Huddersfield Actionnaires (Action for Blind people) 20 Huddersfield Sports Centre Climbing Wall – Rock Monkeys 21 Kirklees Active Leisure 22 Kirklees Disabled Sports Club 25 Organised Chaos 26 The Ponderosa Centre 27 Riding for the Disabled Association Huddersfield Group 28 Riding for the Disabled – Middleton Park Equestrian Centre 29 Riding for the Disabled – Wakefield RDA 30 7th Huddersfield Clayton West Scouts 31 Shabang! 32 Special Olympics North Kirklees Gymnastics Club 33 Try Cycling (Kirklees Active Leisure) 34 VI People Swimming Group 35 Young Peoples Activity Team (YPAT) 36
3 Childcare, After Schools Clubs and Holiday Playschemes 37
Cool2Care 37 Kirklees Family Information Service 38
Complaints, Comments and Complements 39
Kirklees Council Complaints/Comments/Compliments 39 PALS 41
Condition Specific Support: ADHD 42
ADD/ADHD Support 42
Condition Specific Support: Autism 43
Dewsbury & District Autism Support Group 43 The Huddersfield Support Group for Autism 44 Kirklees Autism Outreach Service (KAOS) 45 North Kirklees Autism Support Group & Friends 46
Condition Specific Support: Cerebral Palsy 47
SCOPE 47
Condition Specific Support: Down Syndrome 48
Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group 48
Condition Specific Support: Feeding and Nutrition 49
Living with Reflux 49 Also see: Specialist Paediatric Dietician (Huddersfield and Calderdale) 102
4 Condition Specific Support: Sensory Impairment 50
Kirklees Deaf Children’s Society 50 Sense Specialist Children’s Service 51 Service for Children with Sensory Impairment 52 Also see: Huddersfield Actionnaires (Action for Blind people) 20 Hutchinson Deafblind Trust 77 VI People Swimming Group 35
Early Years 53
Ellerslie Child Development Centre 53 Support for pre-school children - Portage 54 Also see: Shabang! 32
Education 55
Advisory Centre for Education 55 Calderdale and Kirklees Careers 56 IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) 57 Kirklees Parent Consultation Group 58 Kirklees Parent Partnership Service 59 The SEN Assessment and Commissioning Team (SENACT) 60 Support for 3-7 year olds - Portex 61 Transition 62
Emotional Wellbeing 63
Sibs 63 Young Minds 64 Also see: Carers Gateway 87 Kirklees NHS Health Trainers 95
Equipment, Adaptations and Resources 65
Fledglings 65 Pre-school Learning Alliance 66 William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and Mobility Service 67 Also see: Hutchinson Deafblind Trust 77
5 Finance and legal 68
Benefit Enquiry Line 68 Carer’s Allowance 69 Direct Payments 70 Disability Benefits 71 Disability Grants 72 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 73 Grants, funding organisations, charities 75 Hutchinson Deafblind Trust 77 Independent Living Team 78 Kirklees Citizens Advice (Formerly Citizens Advice Bureau or CAB) 79 Motability 80 Turn2us 81 VAT exemption for equipment and services for disabled people 82 Wills and Trusts 83 Also see: Action for Carers and Employment (ACE) 84
Help for Parents and Carers 84
Action for Carers and Employment (ACE) 84 Care for the Family 85 Carers Direct 86 Carers Gateway 87 Children with a Disability Team (CWDT) 88 Contact a Family 91 Gateway to Care (Social Services Information) 92 Kirklees Family Information Directory 94 Kirklees NHS Health Trainers 95 Princess Royal Trust for Carers 96 Also see: Action for Children 13 Kirklees Parent Partnership Service 59 Sibs 63
Hospital and Community Health 97 (to include nursing, health visitors, hospitals, dieticians and dentists)
Locala Dental Care 97 Children’s Learning Disability Nursing Team (Kirklees) 99 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - Children’s / Paediatric services 100 Specialist Paediatric Dietician (Huddersfield and Calderdale) 102 Also see: Speech and Language Therapy Service 117
6 Local Voluntary Sector Support Groups 103
PCAN 103 Also see: Dewsbury & District Autism Support Group 43 Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group 48 The Huddersfield Support Group for Autism 44 Kirklees Deaf Children’s Society 50 Kirklees Parent Consultation Group 58 North Kirklees Autism Support Group 46
Out and About 104
Access Bus 104 The Blue Badge Service 105 Disabled Person’s Travel Pass 107 Railcards 109 The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain 110
Short Breaks, Respite 111
Crossroads Care in Mid Yorkshire 111 The Forget Me Not Trust Children’s Hospice 112 Hollybank 113 Orchard View 114 Also see: Children with a Disability Team (CWDT) 88 Cool2Care 37 Direct Payments 70 Independent Living Team 78 Young Peoples Activity Team (YPAT) 36
Speech, Language and Communication 115
ACE Centre North 115 Speech and Language Therapy Service, 117
7 Common Terminology and Abbreviations
Acute The short-term crisis phase of an illness. ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder ASD Autistic Spectrum Disorder BPD Broncho-Pulmonary Dysplasia CA Carer’s Allowance CDC Child Development Centre CF Cystic Fibrosis CHD Congenital Heart Disease Chronic Lasting for a long time CIN Review Child in Need Review CMO Community Medical Officer (School Doctor). Congenital Present at birth. CP Cerebral Palsy Cranial Relating to the skull. CSP Coordinated Support Plan CTC Child Tax Credits DCD Developmental Co-ordination Disorder DLA Disability Living Allowance. DS Down's Syndrome Gastrostomy A surgical opening into the stomach from the abdomen, to enable a feeding tube to be passed. HV Health Visitor IEP Individualised Educational Plan IS Income Support MD Muscular Dystrophy Naso-gastric tube A tube that is passed from the nostril, down the back of the throat into the stomach, then secured in place to the cheek by tape. This may be used to give feeds or top-up feeds not taken by mouth. OT Occupational Therapist PHN Public Health Nurse Prognosis The forecast of the course and probable outcome of a disease or condition. RON Record of Needs SEN Special Educational Needs SLT Speech and Language Therapist VI Visually Impaired WTC Working Tax Credit
8 Professionals You Might Meet
Audiologist Measures your child’s hearing Cardiologist: A doctor who specialises in looking after children's hearts.
Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon A doctor who specialises in operating on children's hearts.
Clinical psychologist A clinical psychologist is a health professional who helps people with specific problems with learning or behaviour difficulties
Communication support A communication support worker works alongside teachers to worker provide sign language support for young deaf children in nursery or school.
Community Care Officer* *See Social Worker Dietician A dietician is a health professional who gives advice about nutrition and swallowing or feeding difficulties.
Educational psychologist An educational psychologist is qualified teacher who is also trained as a psychologist. They help children who find it difficult to learn or to understand or communicate with others. They can assess your child's development and provide support and advice.
General practitioner (GP) A GP is a family doctor who works in a surgery either on their own or with other GPs. Your doctor deals with your child's general health and can refer you to clinics, hospitals and specialists when needed. They may also support applications for benefits or other types of help.
Geneticist A specialist doctor who studies the genes (inherited cells) that are passed on through families.
Health visitor A health visitor is a registered nurse or a midwife with additional training. They visit families at home to give help, advice and practical assistance about the care of very young children. Some areas have specialist health visitors who have particular experience and expertise supporting families with a young disabled child.
Key worker Some families have a key worker. A key worker will see you regularly and make sure you have all the information you need. They will also make sure that services from all the different areas, including health, education and social services, are well coordinated. Key workers can act as a central point of contact for professionals working with your family, and make sure information about your child is shared where necessary.
9
'Designated' and 'non- A 'non-designated' key worker is someone who is already designated' key workers working with a family, in another role. They take on the responsibilities of a key worker in addition to any other help or therapy they provide for the child or parents. 'Designated' key workers are employed mainly to co-ordinate information and support for families. They do not normally provide specialised care themselves.
Learning disability nurses Learning disability nurses are specialist nurses who work with children and adults with a learning disability and with their families. They can help you find services for your child.
Learning support assistant / A learning support assistant or teaching assistant is someone teaching assistant/support who works alongside teachers. They support individual children assistant or small groups to help them learn and take part in activities in schools or nurseries.
Named officer/Case worker A named officer is your family's contact person at the local education authority, if it issues a statement of special educational needs for your child. They manage your child's statutory assessment and write up the statement of needs.
Occupational therapist A paediatric occupational therapist helps children with difficulties in carrying out the activities of everyday life, such as sitting in a chair, holding a spoon and fork or drinking from a cup. They carry out assessments to see if your child would benefit from using specialist equipment like adapted cups, buggies or chairs. They can also advise you on lifting and handling your child safely.
Opthalmologist A specialist eye doctor.
Orthoptist Works with the eye doctor, particularly with children with eye problems such as squints.
Orthopaedic Surgeon: Specialist doctor who operates on bones.
Orthotist A person who makes splints, shoe insoles and provides specialist shoes.
Paediatrician A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in working with babies and children. They are often the first point of contact for families who find out their child has an impairment or medical condition. Paediatricians may give you a diagnosis about your child's condition, answer any questions you may have and refer you to specialist services.
10 Paediatric neurologist A paediatric neurologist is a doctor who specialises in how the brain works in very young children.
Physiotherapist A physiotherapist is a health professional who specialises in physical and motor development. They can assess your child and develop a plan that might include helping your child control their head movement, sit, crawl or walk. A physiotherapist may see your child at home or in other settings, like a nursery.
Portage home visitor A portage home visitor is an educational professional who can come to the home of pre-school children with special educational needs and their families. Portage home visitors can come from a range of professional backgrounds. They may be teachers, therapists, nursery nurses, health visitors or volunteers with relevant experience.
School nurse A school nurse is a medical nurse, based in a school, who provides support for children's medical needs.
Social worker A social worker is a professional who provides practical help and advice about counselling, transport, home help and other services. They are normally employed by the local council. Social workers may also be able to help you with claiming benefits or getting equipment you need at home.
*Some families have a Community Care Officer instead of a Social Worker
Special educational needs SENCOs are members of staff at a nursery, playgroup or school coordinator (SENCO) who co-ordinate special educational needs activities and services. They make sure that children who have special educational needs receive appropriate support.
Specialist Nurse Nurses who have a specialist knowledge in specific diseases. Often work between hospital and community.
Speech and language A speech and language therapist helps children with speech therapist and language problems. They also offer advice to parents about developing communication that may be verbal (using speech) or non-verbal, using signs or other communication aids. Some speech and language therapists specialise in feeding, eating or swallowing disorders.
Adapted from www.directgov.uk April 2011
11 Hints and Tips – from Parent to Parent
Some useful tips offered by parents on being a parent of a disabled child
• Get as much information as you can cope with for the stage you are at. Use other parents as well as services – they are a valuable source of help and information. • Being organised reduces stress. Use a diary and wall planner to record appointments, meetings, etc. Set up folders to keep letters and reports, e.g., one for Health, Education, Benefit letters, etc. • Think in advance of questions you might want to ask before meeting professionals. Write them down in a notebook. • Keep a notebook to write down everything you need to say at meetings Don’t be afraid to check your notebook in the meeting. Professionals have to look at notes too. • Parents are asked a lot of questions by service professionals and it can be hard to remember what happened and when. Keep a log of things that happen to your child. For example when they are sick, when fits occur, when they are in pain. • Don’t be too embarrassed to ask for explanations or to ask questions. You need to understand what is being said. If jargon is used, ask what it means. • Take a friend or relative to meetings with services if you need support. Don’t feel you have to cope alone. • Don’t forget to think about yourself, and look after yourself. • It’s not wrong to ask for help! • Parents are experts too! Have faith in your own ability – you know your child best. • Photos or video clips are useful when it is hard to explain something, e.g., what a child is doing, how they are moving, how they sit, etc.
12 Activities and Leisure
Name of service/organisation: Action for Children
Description: A range of inclusive activities for children and parents with some activities targeted at children with additional needs and/or their parents. Example of current programme:
Monday Family Fun Day: Drop in any time between 9.30—3.00pm
Mini Minors: 5.00—6.00pm - Ring for details
Tuesday Waddlers & Toddlers: 9.30am - 11.00am
One Stop Shop for services and information: 9.30 - 11.30am
Baby Bistro If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and would like some support or information
Baby Bistro – breastfeeding supporters
Infant Massage
Stay & Play ( term time only ) 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Boothroyd School
Parents with Learning Disabilities 3.00 - 4.30pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL - Ring for details.
Sensory Time 3.00 - 4.30pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL - Ring for details.
Wednesday Childminder Support Group: 9.30am - 11.00am at Old Library.
Sensory Time: 10.00am - 11.30am. A service for children with a disability. A range of multi-sensory experiences to help parents support their child’s development and learning, meet their individual needs and help reach their full potential.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 13 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Thursday Mobile Library Service: 12.00 - 1.00pm Children’s Centre
Special Needs Support Group: Last Thursday of each month, 6.30 to 8.30pm. Held alternately at Savile Town and Scout Hill/Dewsbury Moor Childrens’ Centres. For parents/carers of children with additional needs. Pampering sessions, meet other parents/carers, share ideas. Ring for details – see below.
Friday Childs Journey Programme: 5 week course, delivered at Boothroyd School 9.30 - 11.00 am and at Knowles Hill School 1.30 - 2.45pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Various Parenting Programmes: Various Dates/Times - BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Childs Journey Programme: Various Dates/Times - BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Contact: Janine Wrighton – Special Needs Support Group. Savile Town Children’s Centre, Pentland Road, Savile Town, Dewsbury Tel 01924 325363
Julie Smith Dewsbury Moor and Scout Hill Children’s centre, 100 Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury Moor Tel: 01924 236170
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 14 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Central Starts Youth Club
Description: A youth club which run Wednesdays from 6.15 to 8.45pm at Prospect Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2NX. Admission: £1.50
Intended client group: Young people aged 13 to 25 with disabilities.
Phone number: 01484 222509, Mobile: 07976497960
Email address: [email protected]
Main Contact: Mary Fox
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 15 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Cinema Exhibitors' Association CEA Card
Description: The Cinema Exhibitor’s Association offer a card which allows a person receiving Disability Living Allowance or who is registered blind to bring another person with them to the cinema free of charge. The card costs £5.50 and is valid for one ybear. It can be used at many cinemas including the Odeon Cinema at the Galpharm Stadium – please see the website below for details of other participating cinemas.
Intended client group: Anyone in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or who is registered blind
Phone number: CEA CARD HELP DESK 0845 123 1292 Minicom No. 0845 123 1297
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.ceacard.co.uk
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 16 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Crow Nest Adventure Playground
Description: Adventure Playground with a number of play structures that is staffed whenever open. There are a number of complimentary activities that take place whenever open and these include environmental crafts, games, elemental play (water and sand), den building, creation of play structures, planting and growing and lots more. The playground is free of charge.
Intended client group: The playground is available for all children aged 8 – 12 years regardless of race, gender or ability. The playground is open during the term time after school from 4.00pm – 7.00pm every weeknight and Saturdays 11.00 – 4.00pm. The playground is also open during school holidays from 11.00 – 4.00pm Monday to Saturday. We welcome the opportunity to work with children who have additional support needs and we would also welcome the opportunity to have a brief chat before your visit to plan any extra support that we can offer on the day. Children and young people are also asked to complete a brief membership form on their first visit to share emergency contact details.
Phone number: 01484 222869
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.kirklees.gov.uk
Address: Crow Nest Adventure Playground, Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury
Main Contact: Philip Blackwell
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 17 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Team - WACKY (Wild Activities Challenging Kirklees Young People)
Description: Fun packed summer programme of activities for young people with disabilities aged 13- 25 years old. Ten different activities to choose from each day. Circus Skills, Canoeing, X Factor, Pottery, Archery, DJ Workshops, Bike Ability Project, Dance, Rock Climbing, Canal Boat Trip, Bush Craft, Wacky World Cup, Theatre Dance, Glee Club, Martial Arts, Flat Green Bowling, Basket ball, Arts & Crafts, Fun With Food, Health & Beauty, Bouldering, Recycled Fashion, Pond Dipping, Camp Fire, Face Painting, Photography, Very Silly Olympics & loads more.
Takes place annually during July and August, Tuesday to Fridays, 10.30 – 3.30pm at The Marina Project, Shepley Bridge Marina, Mirfield WF14 9HR. (2011 dates are 26 July to 12 August 2011)
Additional residential takes place during August. Booking essential.
Intended client group: Young people with disabilities aged 13-25 years.
Phone number: 01484 222374
Email address: see below
Website: www.kirkleesdofe.org
Main Contact: Mrs Denise Bedford, MBE [email protected] Mr Cliff Greenwood [email protected]
Address: Netherton Village Hall 330a - 332 Meltham Road Huddersfield HD4 7EX
Access/referral: Open referral. Parents can self refer.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 18 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Full Body & The Voice
Description: National touring Theatre Company. Delivering a variety of projects and activities to a huge range of people with learning disabilities across Kirklees on a weekly basis. FB&TV offers opportunities for people of all ages with a learning disability. From Youth Theatre (11-18 years old) to community Company (18 yrs plus) there is something for everyone who has a desire to perform and learn. We welcome people with varying levels of experience and ambition. Whether its holiday theatre schools, full time actor training or a weekly drama workshops to build confidence and communication skills call us now to discuss what options we have available.
Intended client group: All ages with a learning disability
Phone number: 01484 484441 or 01484 484441
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.fullbody.org.uk
Address: The Lawrence Batley Theatre Queen Street Huddersfield HD1 2SP
Main Contact: Sally Marshall (Creative Assistant) Vanessa Brooks (Artistic Director) Lynda Hornsby (Business Director)
Events: Please check out our website for details of weekly sessions and future productions www.fullbody.org.uk
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 19 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Huddersfield Actionnaires (Action for Blind people)
Description: Our Actionnaires club offers a range of sporting activities and ensures children of all abilities can take part regardless of their vision. We meet every second and fourth Saturday from 10 am till 12 pm at Huddersfield Sports Centre, Southgate, Huddersfield HD1 1TW.
Intended client group: Children with vision impairment
Phone number: 0113 386 2800
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/our-services/children- young-people-and-families/children-and families/actionnaires/huddersfield-actionnaires
Main Contact: Nicole Sprent
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 20 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Huddersfield Sports Centre Climbing Wall – Rock Monkeys
Description: Rock Monkeys: Rock climbing for children with learning difficulties/additional needs.
Climbing works so well because: • It encourages physical co-ordination and balance • It increases confidence and self-esteem • It is an individual activity – and can therefore be assessed at any ability level – but at the same time requires the support of others, encouraging teamwork and co-operation • It’s great fun!
“Rock Monkeys is the only activity my daughter Hannah takes part in where she is treated as equal” Lynn Stead.
For further information please contact us on the number below:-
Intended client group: Children with learning difficulties/additional needs aged 6 and over.
Phone number: 01484 223630 (option3).
Address: Huddersfield Sports Centre,
Planned Events: Rock Monkeys climbing courses run Thursdays 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30 in term time only. To book please phone Huddersfield Sports Centre (above).
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 21 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Active Leisure
Description: KAL is a charitable trust that manages the council 11 main sport centres. Each site’s facilities vary considerably. Below is a generic guide to KAL’s facilities, please do contact your local site before you visit:
• Swimming: KAL centres offer a wide range of swimming sessions from pay and play i.e. fun swims, general, length & Public swims to pay in advance swimming sessions (please see below). Many of KAL sites offer specially designed disability changing rooms and pool hoist. Please check the facilities on offer with your local centre. • Climbing: Huddersfield Sports Centre has an indoor climbing wall that can be used by competent climbers. An induction is needed to ascertain competency or climbing courses are available. • Badminton, Squash and Table tennis: A number of our centres of badminton courts for hire. Please contact your local centre. • Sports Hall: Most of KAL’s centres have a mixture of 3, 4, 6 or 8 court sports halls available for hire. Typically they are currently hired for 5 a side, Netball etc. Please contact your local centre for prices and availability. • Gyms: KAL offer a wide range of different membership options for 16 years and over. Please contact your local centre for more information.
Activities: KAL strive to try to ensure all our sessions are open to all. However, please contact your local site to see if the activity on offer is suitable for your ability.
• Swimming Lessons: KAL offers learn to swim lessons from 6 months plus. Some sites offer lessons tailored to participants with a disability. Please contact your local centre for further information. • Climbing: Huddersfield Sports Centre offers a range of learn to climb courses. For example Rock Monkeys (see separate entry). • Gymnastic: KAL centres deliver Gymnastics coaching and follow the British Gymnastics Award scheme. Please contact your local centre for more information. • KAL Kickers: is a football coaching award scheme aimed at children aged 5 years. Please contact your local centre for more information. • Teen Gym: Aimed at children 13 -15 years old. Our instructor led sessions teach young people the technique and theory behind fitness training, in a fun and safe environment. • Get into Sport: This project offers a wide range of discounted sport sessions. Sessions range from Archery, kids fitness to parent and toddler sessions and multi-sport activities. To take advantage of the discount, a KAL card is needed. Please visit www.kirkleesactive.co.uk/energise or contact KAL Sport Development on 01484 234127.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 22 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
• Junior memberships: KAL have a junior membership which allows access to pay and play sport sessions and some swim sessions. Please contact your local site for further information. • Fitness classes: Our sites offer a wide range of fitness classes to 16 years plus. These include Zumba, Pilates, Yoga etc. Please contact your local centre for more info.
Contact details: A list of Kirklees Active Leisure Centres can be found below:-
Website: www.kirkleesactive.co.uk
Batley Baths & Recreation Centre Telephone: 01924 326167 Cambridge Street Email: [email protected] Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5JH
Batley Sports and Tennis Centre Telephone: 01924 326181 Windmill Lane Email: [email protected] Howden Clough Batley West Yorkshire WF17 0QD
Colne Valley Leisure Centre Telephone: 01484 222522 New Street Email: [email protected] Slaithwaite Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD7 5AB
Deighton Sports Arena Telephone: 01484 221799 Deighton Road Email: [email protected] Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD2 1JP
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 23 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Dewsbury Sports Centre Telephone: 01924 325020 Longcauseway Email: [email protected] Dewsbury West Yorkshire WF12 8EN
Holmfirth Pool Telephone: 01484 222440 Huddersfield Road Email: [email protected] Thongsbridge Holmfirth West Yorkshire HD9 3JL
Huddersfield Sports Centre Telephone: 01484 223630 Southgate Email: [email protected] Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 1TW
Scissett Baths Telephone: 01484 222907 Wakefield Road Email: [email protected] Scissett Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD8 9HU
Spenborough Pool and Fitness Complex Telephone: 01274 335140 Bradford Road Email: [email protected] Liversedge West Yorkshire WF15 6LW
Stadium Health and Fitness Complex Telephone: 01484 234110 Stadium Way Email: [email protected] Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 6PG
Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre Telephone: 01274 335130 Turnsteads Avenue Email: [email protected] Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BD19 3AQ
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 24 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Disabled Sports Club
Description: We meet at Huddersfield Sports Centre every Monday from 7.15 to 9.30 pm to participate in a number of sports including badminton, bowls, curling, swimming, football and table tennis. We are a voluntary group and rely on volunteers as helpers, so a young person may need to bring a helper with them to be able to join in. Please contact us to discuss your situation. A good idea would be to visit on a Monday to see what you think.
Intended client group: Children and young people with a disability aged 6 and over.
Phone number: 01484 514552
Email address: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: 9 Coach House Drive, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 8EG
Main Contact: Hon. Secretary Mr R P Dyson
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 25 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Organised Chaos
Description: We provide open access activities that include sports, games, arts, crafts, adventurous activities, bushcraft and wild natural play.
We also offer outdoor based training for young people and adults.
Intended client group: We can cater for children of all ages but open access sessions are intended for children aged 8 years - 12 years. We offer activities from early Years - adults. We offer an inclusive service but some activities may require one-one support for the child, we will meet with children and parents to overcome these barriers.
Phone number: 01484 321123
Email address: address:[email protected]
Website: N/A
Address: The Old Working Men's Club, Birkby Lane, Bailiff Bridge, HD6 4EN
Main Contact: Charlotte Rayner
Activities: Term times - daily activities, Weekends - Daily activities Please contact us for specific information and training opportunities.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 26 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Ponderosa Centre
Description: The Ponderosa Centre is a rural therapeutic centre aimed at bridging the gap between people with disabilities and able bodied people.
Intended client group: Social activity for children with disabilities and special needs. Also provides activities and day care service for adults with disabilities.
Phone number: 01924 235276
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.ponderosa-park.co.uk/centre
Address: Ponderosa Park, Off Smithies Lane Heckmondwike West Yorkshire WF16 0PN
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 27 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Riding for the Disabled Association Huddersfield Group
Description: We are a member group of the national charity Riding for the Disabled Association and a registered charity in our own right, number 1074144.
We provide riding lessons for approximately 50 riders with a wide range of abilities and disabilities and operate from April to September each year. We fundraise so that we can provide our lessons free of charge. Due to high demand, we do operate a waiting list. Please contact us for further information.
We run sessions at Westwyns Riding School, Manchester Road, Slaithwaite on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm, and Tuesday afternoons from 1.15 to 2.45 pm.
We have a fantastic group of helpers ranging from age 14 upwards. New helpers are always welcome – if you are willing to spare a few hours a week (experience with horses is not necessary) and are looking for a rewarding and fulfilling role in the local community, please contact us. All you need is a smile, a reasonable level of fitness and a pair of strong shoes/boots!
Intended client group: Children (from 5 years old) and adults with a range of disabilities.
Phone number: Angela Pogson 01484 313720, Pat Conroy 01484 687499
Email address: N/A
Website: www.rda.org.uk
Main Contact: See above
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 28 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Riding for the Disabled – Middleton Park Equestrian Centre
Description: Riding for the Disabled Association is a federation of Member Groups, which are dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving. Groups enable people to improve their health and wellbeing, delivering a real and lasting therapy that not only benefits mobility and co-ordination, but encourages confidence and self-worth whilst having fun.
An enrolment form needs to be signed by a person in the medical profession and parent/guardian. The rider will then be invited to the centre and be assessed. This gives the rider the opportunity to be introduced to the horse and helps us assess their co-ordination and balance.
Carriage driving has been an important part of RDA since 1975 and there are now almost 100 groups involved giving opportunities to over 1000 drivers.
RDA Carriage Driving is open to all members of RDA and is particularly useful for people who can no longer ride due to disability or prefer a different kind of challenge.
Carriage Driving offers many of the same benefits as riding: improved co-ordination, improved muscle power, improved balance, relaxation through rhythmic movement, being out in the open air. Some of the non-physical benefits include decision making, making friends, achievement, self-confidence, having fun!
For more information and prices please contact us or visit our website.
Intended client group: Children from age 4, young people and adults with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities, mental health and behavioural problems.
Phone number: 0113 277 1962
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.mpec-rda.co.uk
Address: Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, Middleton Grove, Leeds, LS11 5TZ
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 29 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Riding for the Disabled – Wakefield RDA
Description: Wakefield Riding for the Disabled Association (Wakefield RDA) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Charity that provides horse riding for people with disabilities to improve their general health and well-being. We also provide training and qualifications in horse care and riding for young people.
Wakefield RDA was established in 1990 and riding activities are based at Pennine Community, a Specialist FE Residential College for young people with learning disabilities. Students at Pennine Community work alongside RDA to learn horse care, help with stable duties and enjoy riding sessions.
Some people benefit from riding in a group, others from a private session. Group sessions promote social skills and are great fun; the rider learns the skill of riding a pony whilst improving balance, co- ordination and general fitness. Many good friendships are made here.
Individual therapy sessions for physically disabled children provide physiotherapy from the back of the pony. The movement of the pony imitates the movement of the child’s pelvis when walking and encourages normal muscle tone. This is carried out under the advice of a qualified physiotherapist.
Intended client group: Our clients include small children (from age 3), young people and adults with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities, mental health and behavioral problems.
Phone number: 01924 241341
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.wrda.org.uk
Address: Wakefield Riding for the Disabled Association Pennine Community, Wood Lane, Chapelthorpe Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF4 3JL
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 30 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: th 7 Huddersfield Clayton West Scouts
Description: Youth activities - games, development, archery, kayaking, canoeing etc.
Intended client group: Beavers 5.5 - 9 years, Cubs 8 - 10.5, Scouts 10.5 - 14, Explorers 14 - 18 (we are open to all abilities and will mix disabled children with able bodied children. If special needs assistance is required we will do our best to meet that need by seeking volunteers and or funding to enable inclusion).
Some of our activity team have previously worked with disabled young people kayaking and canoeing. Those wishing to join us will be joining the Scout movement and will be offered a wide range of activities. Our experience suggests that certainly in the older age ranges - Scouts and Explorers, we can be much more inclusive than many parents imagine. There will be areas where it will be unrealistic to expect full participation, but we will always do our best to find ways of including everyone in most aspects of our activity.
(We are in the process of applying for planning to extend our facilities to provide disabled access and toilets.)
Phone number: 01484 864520
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.claytonwestscouts.org.uk
Address: c/o 31 South Croft, Upper Denby, Huddersfield, HD8 8UA
Main Contact: Ewan Scott
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 31 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Shabang!
Description: Arts based activities for children with additional needs and their families
Intended client group: Children and young people with additional needs of all ages and abilities
Phone number: 01484 848073
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.shabang.org.uk
Address: The Watershed, 22 Bridge Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5JN
Main Contact: Kim Reuter/Russ Elias
Planned Events: Wednesday and Thursday mornings – pre-school signing and singing at the Watershed. Weekend family clubs – please check out our website for the latest goings on.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 32 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Special Olympics North Kirklees Gymnastics Club
Description: Gym Club which meets every Tuesday in term time from 6.30 pm to 9 pm at Batley Baths. Children are supported by coaches and helpers (we are a voluntary group - new volunteers always welcome). Cost £2.50 per week. All members are registered with the British Disabled Gymnastics Association.
We also run a range of social activities from time to time.
Our sessions are very popular and we have to operate a waiting list for new members.
Intended client group: Children with special needs aged 5 years and over
Phone number: For a Members’ pack - 07801101998
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Special Needs North Kirklees Gym Club, c/o Batley Baths , Cambridge Street , Batley , WF17 5JH
Main Contact: Frank Corbett – Chairman
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 33 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Try Cycling (Kirklees Active Leisure)
Description: An adapted cycling scheme for young people and adults age 16 upwards. All abilities using adapted bikes, trikes, wheelchair bikes. Held at Spenborough Sports Centre Track. 1 hour sessions held on weekdays from 10.30 until 1.30. Advance booking advisable.
Intended client group: Young people/adults aged 16 and over.
Phone number: 01274 335141
Address: Spenborough Pool and Sports Complex Bradford Road, Liversedge, WF15 6LW
How to access: Phone to arrange first visit.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 34 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: VI People Swimming Group
Description: We offer a swimming session every Monday at Huddersfield Sports Centre between 2.30 and 3.30 pm for people with a visual impairment. It doesn’t matter if you can’t swim, the session will help to build confidence in the water and you can have a good time – we have half of the pool available to us. We do have some volunteers to help you but please make sure you contact us first so that we know that you are coming along, and what support needs you might have.
Intended client group: Anyone over 18 with a visual impairment
Phone number: 07753 550305 (between 9.30 and 5.30)
Main Contact: Mr Carr
Planned Events: Our Monday swimming sessions are funded up to November 2011 but we hope that they will continue after that. Please contact us for information.
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 35 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Young Peoples Activity Team (YPAT)
Description: The Young Peoples Activity Team provides sessional leisure and recreational activities for children and young people age 5-18 years who have a wide range of disabilities and have been assessed as having a need by a Disability Team Social Worker. Services offered include:
Summer Playschemes and Holiday Clubs - in all school holidays except May Springbank. Youth Clubs (12-18 years) - Monday PM (North Kirklees) and Friday PM (South Kirklees) Saturday Clubs (5-11 years) - Saturday AM (North and South Kirklees) Out of school Clubs - weeknights term-time and full day Saturday and Sunday.
All services are allocated upon assessed need by Kirklees Children with a Disability Team only.
Intended client group: Children age 5 – 18 with wide range of disabilities.
Phone number: 01924 326492
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Ravensthorpe SEC, Havelock Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF13 3LU
Main Contact: Julie Thompson
ACTIVITIES & LEISURE 36 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Childcare, After Schools Clubs and Holiday Playschemes
Name of service/organisation: Cool2Care
Description: Cool2Care is a childcare introductory service that recruits, screens and trains care- workers (Personal Assistants, PAs), bringing together families with disabled children or young adults and people who want to work caring for them.
Our highly experienced staff understands how difficult it can be to find trusted and skilled care to suit your disabled young person. By listening to your needs, they will be able to guide you through the introductory process so that you can be assured that you will receive the right care and support for your family. Once a care-worker is placed with you, we will continue to support you both, throughout your time together. Whether you are looking for full or part–time care, holiday cover or support for a few hours a week, we are here to help.
Intended client group: Cool2Care welcome contact from any family. Due to our experienced and skilled care workers, we are able to cater for all types of disabilities and age ranges, from children through to young adults.
Phone number: 0845 123 5484 / 07540 000249
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.cool2care.co.uk
Main Contact: Lynsey Morris
CHILDCARE, AFTER SCHOOLS CLUBS AND HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEMES 37 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Family Information Service
Description: Kirklees Family Information Service (FIS) offers information and guidance to families with children under 20 on a range of subjects important to them, including:
• The different types of childcare available to families and where to find them • What financial support might be available to help families to pay for childcare • The wide range of activities available locally for families • How to access family support and other support services
Intended client group: All families with children under 20
Phone number: 01484 414887
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/keys
CHILDCARE, AFTER SCHOOLS CLUBS AND HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEMES 38 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Complaints, Comments and Complements
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Council Complaints/Comments/Compliments
Description: We want to hear your views. We want to hear your views about the services we provide. Although we work hard to give you the best possible service we realise that things sometimes go wrong and that we can make mistakes. We need to know when this happens so we can put things right and learn to do things differently in future. We see your comments and complaints as an opportunity to help us improve the services we provide.
If you have any complaints about the council please let us know. We would also like to hear your comments or compliments.
How do I make a complaint? You can make a complaint in the way that best suits you- in person, by phone, by letter or by email. You can also use the online form on our website to make complaints, comments and compliments.
If you can’t complain yourself ask someone to do it for you, such as a relative, friend or neighbour.
How we deal with your complaint There are three stages to our complaints procedure but we hope that most problems can be resolved quickly at the first stage.
Stage 1 Contact the person or office who provides the service you are unhappy with. They are in the best position to put things right quickly. If you are not sure which service to contact please get in touch with the Performance and Communication Service who will forward your complaint to the appropriate service. See the list of complaint contact officers for each service on our website (below) If you are not sure which service to contact please contact:
Customer and Exchequer Services 3rd Floor, Civic Centre 1 High Street Huddersfield HD1 2NF Tel: 01484 414888 Fax: 01484 221293 email:[email protected]
COMPLAINTS, COMMENTS AND COMPLEMENTS 39 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Alternatively you can go to https://www2.kirklees.gov.uk/you-kmc/comments/default.aspx, select complaint, comment or compliment and follow the instructions on the page. We will deal with your complaint fairly and as informally as possible. Many problems can be put right straight away - if this is not possible we aim to reply within 6 working days. If we cannot reply within 6 days we will tell you why and let you know when you can expect us to contact you again.
Stage 2 If you are unhappy with the way we handled your complaint tell the person you have dealt with that you wish to have the complaint looked at by the head of that council service.
The head of service will arrange for your complaint to be investigated and we will aim to give you a written reply within 15 working days. If we need longer to look at your complaint we will let you know.
Stage 3 If you are still unhappy about the way in which we have handled your complaint you can ask the council's Corporate Customer Standards Officer (CCSO) to review it. The CCSO will contact you and tell you how long it will take to deal with your request. The CCSO will write to you after carrying out the review.
If you are still not happy If you are still not happy after we have investigated and reviewed your complaint then you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman and ask them to investigate.
How to contact them: Local Government Ombudsman PO Box 4771 Coventry CV4 0EH Call the Advice Team: 0300 061 0614 Fax: 024 7682 0001 Email:[email protected] Complete an on line complaint form at: www.lgo.org.uk
Intended client group: All users of Council services
Phone number: 01484 414888
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/you-kmc/complaints/complaints1.shtml
Address: Customer and Exchequer Services, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre 1, High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2NF
COMPLAINTS, COMMENTS AND COMPLEMENTS 40 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: PALS
Description: • Provide information about the NHS and helps with any other health-related enquiry • Helps resolve concerns or problems when you are using the NHS • Provides information about the NHS complaints procedure and how to get independent help if you decide you may want to make a complaint • Provides information and helps introduce you to agencies and support groups outside the NHS • Informs you about how you can get more involved in your own healthcare and the NHS locally • Improves the NHS by listening to your concerns, suggestions and experiences and ensuring that people who design and manage services are aware of the issues you raise • Provides an early warning system for NHS Trusts and monitoring bodies by identifying problems or gaps in services and reporting them.
There is a separate PALS office for each hospital. There is a separate PALS office for NHS Kirklees, the organisation for doctors (GP’s), dentists and pharmacists.
Intended client group: Anyone using health services, GP’s, hospitals, chemists, etc.
Contact Info: For Huddersfield Royal Infirmary PALS: 01484 342128 PALS Office, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3EA
For Calderdale Royal Hospital PALS: 01422 222417 PALS Office, Calderdale Royal Hospital, Salterhebble, Halifax HX3 0PW
For Dewsbury & District Hospital: 01924 543687 PALS Office, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust Headquarters, Education Centre, Pinderfields Hospital, Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG E-mail: [email protected]
For NHS Kirklees PALS: 01484 464464 NHS Kirklees PALS, Broad Lea House, Bradley Business Park, Dyson Wood Way, Bradley, Huddersfield E-mail: [email protected]
COMPLAINTS, COMMENTS AND COMPLEMENTS 41 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: ADHD
Name of service/organisation: ADD/ADHD Support
Description: A voluntary Huddersfield based support group for parents of children with attention deficit hyper-activity disorder. No meetings at present but feel free to contact me for advice and support. I also provide workshops and information sessions for schools.
Intended client group: Families of children and young people with ADD/ADHD
Phone number: 01484 647513
Email address: [email protected]
Main Contact: Stephanie Mellor-Smith
Planned Events: None currently
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: ADHD 42 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: Autism
Name of service/organisation: Dewsbury & District Autism Support Group
Description: Our group provides social interaction, activities and support to children and young people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, their parents/carers and siblings.
Intended client group: Parents of children and young people with a diagnosis of, or with traits of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Phone number: 07970 782557
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.ddas.org.uk
Main Contact: Sharon Tinker
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: AUTISM 43 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Huddersfield Support Group for Autism
Description: Support for parents and carers of persons with autism: Regular meetings and events, access to a library of information, books and pamphlets, ongoing consultation with local service providers. We have over 300 members and offer a range of services, including weekly, annual and occasional activities. For more information about our services, please contact us for a support pack (see further information below).
Intended client group: Parents, carers and young people with autism
Website: www.autismhuddersfield.co.uk
Email address: [email protected]
Events: Please check out our website for up to date information. Examples include:
Saturday afternoon swimming club for children with a qualified swimming teacher in a private pool session at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium. The session lasts one hour starting at 4.00 pm.
The HSGA Summer Playscheme provides up to 80 children with two or three weeks of high quality play activities - from swimming, bowling and farm visits to T-shirt making. The playscheme costs a lot to run and is dependent on grants and fundraising. To find out more about the play scheme contact Sophia Saleem on 07980 286524.
Trips to the Seaside, play-gyms, Magna and Chester Zoo. Since 1997 we have run various very popular annual coach trips.
Further Information: The HSGA have created a support pack which provides a resource for parents / carers on diagnosis to enable them to make contact with people who ‘have been there before them’, lists possible sources of help and provides a picture of services for people with autism. This is based on the National Autistic Society’s pack with additional local information about schools and local support contacts. Brief details of our services are outlined below – for more information please contact us to receive a support pack and visit our website.
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: AUTISM 44 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Autism Outreach Service (KAOS)
Description: Our aim is to promote knowledge and understanding of the difficulties experienced by children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder. Our primary role is to provide specialist support and advice to educational staff and parents.
Intended client group: Children from age 3 years to 16 years who have a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder
Phone number: 01924 324850
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/education- learning/autism.shtml
Address: Psychology and Specialist Outreach Service, The Child and Family Consultation Centre, Temple Road, Dewsbury WF13 3QE
Main Contact: Christine Clark, Educational Psychologist/Autism Outreach Team Leader
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: AUTISM 45 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: North Kirklees Autism Support Group & Friends
Description: The support group was set up in 2005 with approximately 30 members and in the last three years we have grown to over 120! Our members are from the Kirklees area and wanted to belong to an INCLUSIVE support group.
We aim to: • Provide opportunities for children with autism, Asperger syndrome, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, hearing and visual impairments, a range of genetic disorders and their siblings to socialize and interact by integrating them at least once a month and more during the school holidays. • Provide opportunities for parents/carers to share experiences enabling them to support each other by listening to each others’ concerns and giving advice when required. • Provide relevant contacts that parents/carers may be unaware of who can provide help, advice and/or support, e.g. Parent Partnership, Carers Gateway, Autism Outreach, etc. • Keep parents/carers informed of activities in writing by providing a regular newsletter.
Intended client group: Families of children with autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, hearing and visual impairments and a range of genetic disorders who live in the Kirklees area.
Contact Kath Woodhouse on 0777253 4625 for a membership pack!
Phone number: 07772 534625
Main Contact: Kath Woodhouse
Further Information
Clearly the main aim of the group is to support the children in gaining life skills and confidence (and having fun) through attempting and participating in a wide range of activities. The funds we have raised have meant we have been able to run a full programme of varied activities for members throughout the last five years including: monthly Krazy Kids sessions, an annual Halloween party, an annual Christmas party, sledging at X-scape, ice-skating, rock-climbing, bowling, swimming parties at Batley Baths, an annual pantomime trip to see the productions of Carlinghow Theatre players at Batley Town Hall, a trip to Knowsley Safari Park, a fun filled day at Camelot, a trip to Lightwater valley theme park and Flamingoland, weekly fitness training with Total Sports and the parents’ Christmas meal and buffet as part of National Carer’s week.
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: AUTISM 46 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: Cerebral Palsy
Name of service/organisation: SCOPE
Description: Scope is a disability organisation in England and Wales whose focus is people with cerebral palsy. Scope is a charity that supports disabled people to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We work with all disabled people and have particular expertise in working with people with cerebral palsy and complex support needs.
Scope Response is a free and confidential information, advice and support service for all disabled people and their families. We can refer you to other Scope services or outside organisations and can liaise with statutory organisations on your behalf
Intended client group: Children, young people and adults with complex disabilities
Phone number: Scope Response Tel: 0808 800 3333
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.scope.org.uk
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: CEREBRAL PALSY 47 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: Down Syndrome
Name of service/organisation: Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group
Description: We bring families of children with Down Syndrome together for social, sporty events and outings.
Intended client group: Mainly families of children with Down Syndrome
Phone number: 01484 846039
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.huddersfielddownsyndromesupportgroup.co.uk
Address: 22 Bridge Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5JN
Main Contact: Kim Reuter/Mary Connolly
Planned Events: Join our e-mailing list to keep up to date with events
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: DOWN SYNDROME 48 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: Feeding and Nutrition
Name of service/organisation: Living with Reflux
Description: Living With Reflux is a charity which has been set up by fellow sufferers to support families with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (GOR) and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) and other associated conditions, supported and advised by our Medical Advisory Board (MAB). Alongside this we provide support, information and educational recourses for medical professionals at large. Family membership is free.
Our company aims and objectives are as follows:
1. To promote and protect the physical and mental health of sufferers of gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and their families through the provision of support, education and practical advice and promoting research into causes, treatments and possible cures of GOR and GORD;
2. To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
We have an online community forum - a group of parents and carers who've come together to support, gain experience and make new friends with others who have infants/children suffering with reflux. We arrange local get togethers, have fun and support each other when times get tough.
Intended client group: Families of children suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux of gastro- oesophageal reflux disease.
Email address: Visit our website (below) and click on contact us
Website: www.livingwithreflux.org
Address: Living with Reflux, P O Box 10669, Harlow, Essex, CM20 9HE
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: FEEDING AND NUTRITION 49 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Condition Specific Support: Sensory Impairment
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Deaf Children’s Society
Description: Kirklees Deaf Children’s society is a group of parents with deaf children who support each other and families with deaf children. We provide events for children and families throughout Kirklees. Membership of the group is £5 per year per family and this includes a free ticket to the pantomime for all child members.
Intended client group: Children and young adults with any level of hearing impairment, and their families.
Phone number: Phone Jayne Fenton on 01484 681329 or text Fiona McTague on 07968 162818
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.kdhi.org.uk
Address: c/o 18 Mearhouse Terrace, Jackson Bridge, Holmfirth HD9 7HD
Main Contact: Jayne Fenton
Planned Events: Please see our website for a calendar of events or contact us via phone or email using the details above.
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: SENSORY IMPAIRMENT 50 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Sense Specialist Children’s Service
Description: The children’s specialist service is a national team with a wide experience of working with children who are deafblind/multisensory impaired. It works in partnership with families and professionals to help children and young people who are deafblind.
Sense provides a core offer of support for every deafblind child, which sets out what families can expect. This includes quickly getting touch with families and providing further support from an identified Children’s Specialist Services team member in your area, plus the chance to attend family events.
Extra support will be available at key stages in the child’s life or at times of specific need including at diagnosis and times of transition
Intended client group: Sense supports children who have difficulties with sight and hearing and sometimes learning or other additional disabilities. It also supports children who have medical conditions that are likely to cause problems with sight and hearing as they grow older – for example usher Syndrome. Some support might be offered to the families of children who have problems with either vision or hearing combined with learning or other additional disabilities.
Phone number: 0845 127 0066
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.sense.org.uk
Address: 101 Pentonville Rd London N1 9LG
Events: Contact us for more information
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: SENSORY IMPAIRMENT 51 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Service for Children with Sensory Impairment
Description: We provide advice, information and support for children with sensory impairments, their families and settings the child attends from diagnosis to when the child leaves school.
Intended client group: Children with sensory impairments and their families who live in Kirklees
Phone number: 01484 221494
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Service for Children with Sensory Impairment Ingfield Enterprise Centre Cherry Nook Road Huddersfield HD2 1JD
Main Contact: Sandy Goler
Planned Events: Contact Service
CONDITION SPECIFIC SUPPORT: SENSORY IMPAIRMENT 52 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Early Years
Name of service/organisation: Ellerslie Child Development Centre Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Description: The child development centre is part of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and is based on the site of Princess Royal Community Health Centre. The centre is informal and relaxed providing a child friendly therapeutic environment. Referrals are accepted from paediatricians and other health professionals for pre-school children who have developmental difficulties/disabilities. Children are seen by the child development team for assessment and ongoing therapy.
As a team of professionals we aim to provide practical help and support for the child and family. We work with other agencies and signpost families to ensure holistic support is accessible. Our aim as a team is to work in partnership with child, family and other agencies to provide opportunity for each child to reach their full potential.
Intended client group: Children with developmental difficulties/disabilities. Pre-school children receive the service provided by the child development team, which comprises of Team Manager, Developmental Play Specialists, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech and Language Therapist. Older children continue to be seen in the consultant led developmental clinics held at Ellerslie.
Phone number: 01484 344361
Email address: [email protected]
Website: N/A
Address: The Ellerslie Child Development Centre Princess Royal Community Health Centre Greenhead Road HUDDERSFIELD HD1 4EW
EARLY YEARS 53 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Support for pre-school children - Portage
Description: We are a team of qualified Portage Home Visitors and Educational Psychologist who work with young children, their parents and carers in their own homes.
Portage is a home-based teaching service for the families of pre-school children who show some delay in their development. The service aims to enable parents to teach their own children, in their own homes, supported by weekly visits from a Portage Home Visitor supervised by an Educational Psychologist.
What makes it successful? The Portage approach helps parents to see their child in a positive way. It provides parents with the answer to two important questions. What to teach? How to teach it? Portage parents find that their child can learn new skills and the family can take pleasure and pride in their child's success.
Central to the Portage philosophy is the emphasis placed on the partnership between parents and professionals in the education and development of their own children. Translation and interpretation into other languages can be provided.
If you have a concern about your child's progress you can contact us (see below).
Intended client group: Families of pre-school children who show some delay in their development
Phone number: 01924 324850
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/education- learning/childcareportage.shtml
Address: Child & Family Consultation Centre Temple Road, Dewsbury WF13 3QD
EARLY YEARS 54 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Education Name of service/organisation: Advisory Centre for Education
Description: Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) provides free independent advice and information for parents and carers in England and Wales on a range of state education and schooling issues. ACE believes in a fair education system for all. We provide independent advice to parents/carers of children in state-funded schools who are experiencing difficulties such as bullying, SEN, admissions to, and exclusions from, school. We reach 100,000 families each year through our telephone advice lines, information booklets and website.
Children missing out on educational opportunities are at a serious disadvantage which impacts on their whole lives. This is bad for our communities and society as a whole. We all have a role to play in giving children the best start in life and we work collaboratively with families, schools, local authorities, education professionals, funders and other key stakeholders to achieve this.
Details of help lines are listed below. You can also access the website for information.
Intended client group: Parents and carers of children in state-funded schools
Phone number: Helplines: ACE Advice Line 0808 800 5793 (Monday to Thursday 10am- 4pm) calls are free from UK landlines and all major mobile networks - 3, Orange, Virgin, Vodaphone, T-Mobile and O2.
Exclusion Advice Line 0808 800 0327 (Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm) calls are free from UK landlines and all major mobile networks - 3, Orange, Virgin, Vodaphone, T-Mobile and O2.
Exclusion Info Line 020 7704 9822 (24hr answerphone) calls charged at local rate.
Email address: [email protected] (Unfortunately we are unable to give advice by email unless you have a disability which prevents you accessing our telephone advice line. Please state that this is why you are requesting email advice.)
Website: http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/
Address: Advisory Centre for Education (ACE), 1c Aberdeen Studios, 22 Highbury Grove London N5 2DQ
EDUCATION 55 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Calderdale and Kirklees Careers
Description: Information, Advice and Guidance: Including a Learning Difficulties & Disabilities Team (LDD. The LDD team helps prepare young people who attend Special Schools, or are in Resourced Provision at Mainstream Schools, for the transition to Further Education, Training or Employment. Advisers are present at Year 9 Transition Reviews in all schools. The LDD team can work with young people with additional needs up to 25 years of age.
Intended client group: 13 – 25 years of age, for young people with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities. 13 – 19 for other young people. There is also an ‘all age’ service
Contact details: Huddersfield Connexions Centre 24 High Street, Huddersfield Phone: 01484 226800
Dewsbury Connexions Centre Dewsbury Library, Railway Street, Dewsbury Phone: 01924 324200
Website: www.workabout.org.uk
EDUCATION 56 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice)
Description: IPSEA is a registered charity offering free and independent advice to parents of children with special educational needs in England and Wales on:
• local authorities’ legal duties to assess and provide for children with special educational needs; • exclusions of children with special needs/disabilities; • actions or inaction by local authorities and/or schools which discriminate against children with disabilities.
IPSEA is a volunteer-based organisation and many of the volunteers providing telephone advice and Tribunal support are themselves parents of children with special educational needs who have been helped by IPSEA. You can phone the helplines below or You may find what you need by looking at our website resources on common problems, how to complain, exclusion and refusal to assess.
Intended client group: Parents and carers of children with special educational needs
Phone number: General Advice Line 0800 018 4016
IPSEA’s Advice Line is our “front line” service for parents. Advice on: Problems with schools; requesting statutory assessment; proposed statements; annual reviews; possible disability discrimination; exclusion from school, etc. This line is covered by 1 or 2 trained volunteers so you may have to ring again if they are busy. Please do not call this number if you are in a Tribunal situation but call our tribunal help line number below:
Phone number: Tribunal Help Line 0845 602 9579
The Tribunal Help Line will be open Monday through to Thursday 10-1 and an evening session on Wednesday evening 7-9. It offers next-step advice on SEN appeals and disability discrimination claims to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. When you call we will assess whether you need casework support.
Website: www.ipsea.org.uk
Email address: Please note that we cannot respond to requests for legally based advice by post, email or via our office. The only way to receive IPSEA advice is to contact one of our http://www.ipsea.org.uk/How-we-can-help shown above
EDUCATION 57 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Parent Consultation Group
Description: Kirklees Parent Consultation Group was formed in 2004 to provide mutual support for the parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We meet roughly once a term and the meetings range from information discussions and friendly chat - where we support each other and share experiences; to the Local Education Authority, about issues which affect our children. We work closely with Kirklees Parent Partnership Service. Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) aims to ensure that parents are involved at a local level in strategic decision-making about the provision of services that their disabled children need. Involving parents and carers in planning and developing services is the best way of creating cost-effective, responsive services that work for families.
Intended client group: Parents and carers in Kirklees who have children with disabilities or special needs.
Phone number: 01924 326646 Mobile: 07976 497588
Email address: Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kpcg.co.uk
Address: Knowl House Knowl Road Mirfield WF14 9RA
Main Contact: Nicola Davies
EDUCATION 58 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Parent Partnership Service
Description: The Parent Partnership Service is a statutory service offering information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).
What we can do: Provide a free, confidential service; provide accurate and neutral information; let you know what to expect from school and the local authority; help you understand your rights, role and responsibilities; support you so that your views are heard and understood and put you in touch with other groups.
Parent Partnership can help if: You are worried about your child’s progress at school; you need help or advice; you have a child with special educational needs, with or without a statement.
Things we can advise on: The special educational needs process, assessment/statement issues; annual reviews; working with school; talking to Kirklees; disability discrimination;; school transport issues; helping you prepare for appeals.
Intended client group: Parents/carers of children with special education needs
Phone number: 01924 326646
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.parentpartnership.co.uk
Address: Kirklees parent Partnership Service, Knowl House, Knowl Road, Mirfield WF14 9RA
EDUCATION 59 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The SEN Assessment and Commissioning Team (SENACT)
Description: The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assessment and Commissioning Team is part of the Directorate for Children and Young People. This team is responsible for coordinating the statutory assessment process. All requests for statutory assessment are received by this team.
A Statutory Assessment is a detailed investigation conducted by the local authority to find out what your child’s special educational needs are and what extra help your child may need.
A Statement is a document which states what your child’s special educational needs are and how they can be supported in school, as well as other arrangements to support your child. It is produced using information gathered from all people involved in the education of your child.
You are welcome to contact the team at any time during the process if you have any questions or concerns.
Intended client group: Children with special educational needs.
Phone number: 01484 221317 – South Kirklees 01484 221474 – North Kirklees
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/education- learning/child/sen.shtml
Address: SEN Assessment & Commissioning Team Ground Floor, Civic Centre 1 (middle entrance) High Street Huddersfield HD1 2NF
EDUCATION 60 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Support for 3-7 year olds - Portex
Description: We work with children aged between 3 and 7 years and their teachers, in mainstream schools, on a structured daily teaching programme to support the child's learning. Our team consists of 1 Educational Psychologist, 2.1 Portex Teachers and a Portex Nursery Visitor. We involve the child's parents in the programme, either through home visits or by inviting them to share fully in the work being done in school. Where necessary, the Portex teacher will liaise with any other professional concerned with an individual child. For example, social workers, medical personnel, speech therapists etc.
Examples of how we can support you: • Giving parents consistent, regular support in helping their child to learn. • Supporting a working partnership between home and school. • Encouraging a consistent approach between all involved adults. • Regular weekly support for the teacher. • Weekly activity charts supporting the teacher and providing a continuous record of progress. • A positive, realistic, individualised programme for teacher and pupils is drawn up. Translation and interpretation into other languages can be provided.
Referrals: Your child's school or nursery normally contacts us directly. You can contact us yourself by telephone or letter at any time, especially if your child does not go to school or nursery.
Intended client group: Children aged between 3 and 7 years who have additional and/or complex learning needs in mainstream schools and their teachers.
Phone number: 01924 324850
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/education-learning/portex.shtml
Address: Child & Family Consultation Centre, Temple Road, Dewsbury, WF13 3QD
Main Contact: Joy Bottomley (Educational Psychologist, Portex Team Leader)
EDUCATION 61 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Transition
The transition process should begin when a child with disabilities reaches 13/14. Where a child has a Statement of Special Education Needs, the school’s annual review held that year will include Transition planning. It is good practice for young people on School Action or School Action Plus to have a transition plan, but this is not compulsory. The Connexions service provides support for all people aged 13-19, including young people with additional needs but without a Statement.
Key points around the Transition process: • Person Centred Planning should be carried out to meet the aims of the Valuing People plan. Person Centred planning means doing things in a way which meets the needs of the individual, and taking their views into account when decisions are made. See websites below for more information about Valuing People, person centred planning and transition. • Transfer to adult services. Up to 18 years of age, the needs of your child are assessed under the Children Act. From the age of 18, there is a transfer to adult services under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. An assessment of a person’s needs as a whole is carried out by the social services department. • Carers Assessments. As a parent/carer of a young person with disabilities you are also entitled to a carer’s assessment. • Making decisions. The Mental Capacity Act came into force in 2007 and provides a statutory framework to empower and protect people who may lack capacity to make some decisions for themselves. One of the key principles is a presumption of capacity unless proved otherwise. The Act also establishes a general right for family members and other carers to be consulted about a person’s best interests. In some circumstances (for example, if there is a dispute about what is in the person’s best interests) it will also be possible for a family member to apply to the new Court of Protection for the power to make decisions about the person’s welfare, finances and certain aspects of their medical care.
Further information from: Kirklees Learning Disability Partnership Board: www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/ld/index.asp Contact a Family: Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555 www.cafamily.org.uk Transition Information Network: www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk (There is one section for professionals and parents/carers, and one section for young people.)
Valuing People: www.valuingpeople.gov.uk
EDUCATION 62 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Emotional Wellbeing
Name of service/organisation: Sibs
Description: Sibs is the only UK charity representing the needs of siblings of disabled people. Siblings have a lifelong need for information; they often experience social and emotional isolation, and have to cope with difficult situations...
As a parent you may find there are times when you need a bit of extra information and help with parenting siblings. Use the pages on our website to get information and tips on supporting siblings, and to get advice on dealing with sibling issues.
If you need help with a sibling issue, want information about Sibs services or wish to make a comment, you can contact us (see below).
Intended client group: Siblings or parents of siblings of disabled children or adults
Phone number: 01535 645453
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.sibs.org.uk
Address: Meadowfield, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire, BD22 9JD
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING 63 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Young Minds
Description: Young Minds provides a telephone helpline service to parents and carers in the UK who have a concern about their child's emotional problems or behaviour. If you're a worried parent, call us at the Young Minds Parents Helpline below or send us an email. Our opening hours are 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday. Calls from landlines and most mobiles (3, O2, Orange, T-mobile, Virgin and Vodafone) are free.
Young Minds also offers young people the contact details of other organisations to find the right kind of help.
Intended client group: Mainly parents and carers who are worried about their child’s emotional problems or behaviour.
Phone number: 0808 802 5544
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING 64 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Equipment, Adaptations and Resources
Name of service/organisation: Fledglings
Description: Fledglings is a national charity which aims to assist parents and carers of children with additional needs of any kind by identifying, sourcing and supplying practical, affordable products to address day to day issues. (Our approach is to focus on finding solutions to difficulties which arise as a consequence of the disability, rather than on the disability itself.
Fledglings can help by giving information and advice about products to help with your child’s specific development and learning needs or your needs as a carer. In addition we may be able to order and supply those items or refer you to another source of supply. We specialise in finding those unusual items which may not be easily available elsewhere or those designed especially for children with additional needs. We have a wide knowledge of resources and are committed to finding solutions for children’s’ special needs.
In addition to searching for and supplying products, Fledglings:
• Produces a brochure, a newsletter and a monthly email newsletter with articles, general information, and information about helpful products. • Gives presentations and demonstrations to parent groups, schools, etc. • Advises on possible sources of funding for large, expensive but essential items. • Helps families communicate their collective needs for special products to manufacturers. • Refers families to other helpful organisations.
Intended client group: Anyone who cares for children with special needs of any kind: parents, grandparents, childminders, foster carers, playgroup leaders, nursery nurses, after-school club leaders, health visitors, etc.
Phone number: 0845 458 1124
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.fledglings.org.uk
Address: Wenden Court, Station Approach, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden CB11 4LB
EQUIPMENT, ADAPTATIONS AND RESOURCES 65 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Pre-school Learning Alliance
Description: Toy library - The toy library is a fantastic resource that is available to all settings and families who support children with additional needs. There is a wide range of therapeutic, educational and stimulating toys and equipment available that settings and families can borrow for a small loan fee without the expense of purchasing new toys.
Examples of equipment are as follows:
• Koosh Ball: Soft, safe and easy to grasp multi-sensory balls. Good for hand / eye co-ordination and tactile stimulation. • Ocean Drum: Makes the soothing sound of waves hitting the shore. Promotes listening skills and stimulates sight as stones roll around the drum. Comes with a chunky beater which is easy to grasp. • Vibrating Light: Sensitive to light, touch and plays music, lights up and vibrates. Provides visual, tactile and auditory stimulation. Suction feet can keep it sturdy on a table or wall.
Resources can be borrowed by settings and parents and prices start from 25p per 2 week loan period. Please see the opening hours below.
Intended client group: Families of children with additional needs, and settings who support them, e.g. Playgroups, Private Day Nurseries, after school club or childminder.
Phone number: 01924 460930
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.pre-school.org.uk/kirklees
Address: Pre-school Learning Alliance, County Workshops, Wood Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1QU
Main Contact: Kath Duffy
Further Information: Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 2.30 pm
EQUIPMENT, ADAPTATIONS AND RESOURCES 66 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: William Merritt Disabled Living Centre and Mobility Service
Description: The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre is a registered charity that offers a specialist Paediatric Service. The Paediatric Occupational Therapist offers information, assessment and professional support for children, parents and professionals. Examples of services currently offered:
• Equipment Displays: A range of children's equipment is on permanent display including bathing and toileting equipment, car seats, supportive seating and buggies. • Professional Consultation: Assessment of equipment needs by the centre’s professional Paediatric Occupational Therapist. William Merritt Disabled Living Centre does not sell anything and local retailers tend not to sell children's products. However, the Paediatric OT can arrange assessments with companies who specialise in children's equipment and details of how to purchase products will then be given to you. You will be entitled to funding for some equipment from your local Health Authority, Social Care or Wheelchair Services and our Paediatric OT will be able to liaise with the relevant professionals for you. • Car Seat Clinics: Car seat clinics are held at the Centre 4 to 6 times per year. During the clinic your child's postural needs will be assessed by our Paediatric OT and the stability of the chosen car seat will then be checked by a Car Safety Consultant. • Passenger Access: The assessment will consider how your child can get in and out of the vehicle more easily. The Paediatric OT will help you to identify an appropriate type of vehicle and/or transfer equipment. • Switches 4 Kidz, Technology 4 Teens, Accessible Gaming – Open Sessions: Occasional sessions are held which are open to children and young people, parents, carers, siblings and professionals. The sessions give the opportunity to have a look at switches, toys and technology, or access games consoles using switch adaptors.
Phone number: 0113 3055332
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.williammerrittleeds.org
Address: St Mary’s Hospital, Green Hill Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 3QE
EQUIPMENT, ADAPTATIONS AND RESOURCES 67 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Finance and legal
Information on: Benefit Enquiry Line
Description: The Benefit Enquiry Line provides advice and information for disabled people and carers on the range of benefits available. The person taking your call will not have your personal papers but will be able to give you general advice. Please visit the Directgov website pages to learn about these benefits first.
Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Intended client group: All disabled people and carers
Phone number: 0800 882 200 Freephone 0800 243 355 Textphone
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/disability-money
Address: Warbreck House Warbreck Hill Road Blackpool FY2 0YE
FINANCE AND LEGAL 68 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Carer’s Allowance
Description: Carer's allowance is the main benefit for carers. You qualify for this benefit if you:
• Care for someone who gets the middle or highest rate of DLA (or any rate of Attendance Allowance), and • If you work, do not earn over a certain amount, and • If you're a student, your course is not defined as full time. • You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
If you are in receipt of an other income replacement benefit like Incapacity Benefit or Retirement Pension, then you may not be paid CA. However, it is often still worth while claiming CA in these circumstances as it will mean you count as a carer for means-tested benefits - and these will be calculated more generously.
You can ask for a claim form over the telephone, by contacting the Carer's Allowance Unit or your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can download the claim form from the website or claim online using the DWP e-service.
Contact: Carers Allowance Unit Palatine House, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HB
Phone number: Telephone: 0845 608 4321. Textphone: 0845 604 5312 Open 8.30 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am and 4.30 pm on Fridays. You can also contact the Benefit Enquiry Line Tel: 0800 88 22 00 If your first language is not English or Welsh, ask for information about the interpreter service.
Email: [email protected]
Websites: Claiming on line through the e-service: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/carersallowance/ www.direct.gov.uk (Go to Browse by people, then Caring for someone.)
(Information reproduced from www.direct.gov.uk)
FINANCE AND LEGAL 69 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Direct Payments
Description: Direct payments are made by the local council. They're for people who are assessed as needing help from social services, and allow them to arrange and pay for their own care and support services. This is instead of receiving them directly from the local council. Direct payments can be made to people receiving social care services and to parents and carers aged 16 and over. This includes people with parental responsibility for a disabled child.
You must be able to give your consent to receive direct payments. You must be able to manage them even if you need help to do this on a day-to-day basis. If you have parental responsibility for a disabled child, following an assessment, direct payments can be used for a variety of services which offer your child stimulation, new experiences and independence. These include:
• short breaks • nursery placement providing specialist support for your child • assistance to attend an activity, for example a youth club • personal care
Where agreed following an assessment, you can use direct payments to employ a person to provide your child with support. (Local councils can provide guidance about safe practice in employing carer- workers to work with your child. You can ask your council to help carry out a number of checks, including a police check to ensure the safety of your child. As the employer, the responsibility remains with you).
As a parent, or someone with parental responsibility, you should be supported to stay in work, or to return to work, if this is what you want to do. If you have been assessed as needing help from social services, direct payments may help you make sure you have the right type of after-school or holiday provision to meet the particular needs of your child.
Intended client group: People receiving social care services and parents and carers aged 16 and over. This includes people with parental responsibility for a disabled child.
Phone number: Contact your social worker or Gateway to Care on 01484 414933 for a referral
Website: For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk, enter Direct Payments in the search box and then follow the links
FINANCE AND LEGAL 70 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Disability Benefits
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/ The above government website gives information on a range of disability related benefits, including the following:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) A tax free benefit to pay for help if you or your child is disabled or terminally ill. Employment and Support Allowance Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It also provides personalised support to those who are able to work.
Direct Payments for care and services Direct payments to buy in help instead of using your council’s social services, if you are disabled or care for a disabled child or adult. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA’s) Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) provide extra financial help if you want to study a higher education course and have a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.
Carer’s Allowance Carer's Allowance is a benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled. You don't have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. Child Tax Credit An allowance for parents and carers of children or young people who are still in full-time education. You may get extra if you care for a disabled child. See 'Expecting or bringing up children' for more information.
Community Care Grants Information about applying for a Community Care Grant if you are disabled and for example need money to adapt your home for your disability. Disabled Facilities Grants Grants to help pay for adapting your home by installing a ramp, lift or other improvements.
Blue Badge Parking Scheme To help you park closer to your destination if you are a disabled driver or passenger.
FINANCE AND LEGAL 71 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Disability Grants
Description: Are you a parent or carer of a Disabled child or adult? If so, use this website to save time finding Disability Grants.
Charities and Trusts provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out...... in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living.
Over the past 15 years my family has used grants to help fund trikes, wheelchairs, adaptations to our home, medical equipment and specialist holidays for my disabled son.
With this support, my son was able to cycle back from school with his friends, join us for a family meal in the kitchen and experience the exhilaration of wheelchair abseiling.
His new wheelchair funded by one of the charities on this site not only increased his independence and mobility but also his street cred - Absolutely essential for a teenager!
Searching for extra funds takes time - in between work, hospital appointments, caring, therapies...... and the hundred and one other things we all have to juggle every day.
Please help other parents by sharing information about any grants you have used. See the form on the website: http://www.disability-grants.org/help-other-parents.html
Please check the website regularly as we update information weekly.
Website: www.disability-grants.org.uk
FINANCE AND LEGAL 72 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA is the main benefit for children and adults with a condition or disability. It is made up of two parts:
• Care component: for children who need extra attention or supervision. This is paid at one of three different rates depending on how much extra care your child needs. • Mobility component: for children who need help with getting around. This is paid at one of two rates depending on the nature of the mobility problems. Your child can qualify for one or both components.
You can get Disability Living Allowance whether or not you work. It isn't usually affected by any savings or income you may have.
The care component and mobility component are paid at different rates depending on how your disability affects you. It’s important that you give the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS) accurate information so that you get the right amount. If any of the information you have given changes, then you must tell the PDCS. They will then check that you are still receiving the correct amount.
When your child reaches the age of 16, you or they will need to claim again as an adult. At this time you will also need to either set up a separate bank account in your child’s name, or apply for power of attorney.
Claiming DLA
There is a specific form for claiming DLA for a child, called DLA1 Child. It is easier for parents to use, so make sure you are given the right form to fill in. When claiming it is very important to put as much information as you can about your child's needs. Any information provided by a professional involved with your child's care may also help.
The form is very difficult - seek help from a local citizen’s advice, carer's centre or other advice project. The Contact a Family helpline can put you in touch with local services which help with completing benefit forms.
Claim straight away - if you delay you may lose benefit. You can claim online or get a claim pack by phoning the Benefit Enquiry Line or downloading the form from the website.
Phone number: 08457 123 456 Disability Benefits Helpline 08457 224 433 Textphone Opening Hours Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 6.30 pm
FINANCE AND LEGAL 73 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Disability Living Allowance Unit Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 0YE
Website: www.direct.gov.uk
Contact a Family also has helpful information on their website:
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/families/rightsandentitlements/ benefitstaxcredits/dla.html
FINANCE AND LEGAL 74 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Grants, funding organisations, charities
Disability Grants
Really useful website containing links to Charities Web: http://www.disability- and Trusts who provide funding towards the high grants.org.uk/index.html cost of disability equipment, holidays, housing, days out...... in fact anything above and beyond the normal costs of everyday living. Easy to use.
Family Fund
The Family Fund gives grants to lower income Phone number: 0845 130 4542 families with severely disabled children for things Web: www.familyfund.org.uk that make life easier and more enjoyable.
Email: [email protected]
Address: 4 Alpha Court, Monks Cross, York, Y032 9WN
Make a Wish Foundation UK
Grants wishes of children aged 3-17 fighting life- Phone number: 01276 405 060 threatening illnesses. Web: www.make-a-wish.org.uk
Address: 329-331 London Road, Camberley, GU15 3HQ
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Grants the wishes of seriously and terminally ill Phone number: 020 7262 2881 children aged 4-18. Web: www.starlight.org.uk
Address: Macmillan House, Paddington Station, London W2 1HD
Kidsout
Helps disadvantaged children and young people – Phone number: 01525 385252 irrespective of background or circumstance – up to the age of 18 throughout the UK. Their Funds- Web: www.kidsout.org.uk
FINANCE AND LEGAL 75 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
4-Fun small grants help with the provision of new Email: [email protected] toys and special play equipment, as well as fun days out, holidays and activities for individuals Address: 14 Church Square, Leighton and families. Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 1AE
Happy Days Children’s Charity
Fund and organise holidays, days out and theatre Phone number: 01582 755 999 trips throughout the UK for disadvantaged young people (aged 3 -17) with learning difficulties, Web: www.happydayscharity.org physical or mental disabilities and with acute, chronic or life limiting illnesses. Address: Clody House, 90-100 Collingdon Street, Luton LU1 1RX
Dreams Come True Charity
Fulfills ‘dreams’ for children and young adults, 2- Phone number: 01730 815000 21 years of age who are living with a serious or terminal condition. Web: www.dctc.org.uk
Address: Knockhundred House, Knockhundred Row, Midhurst GU29 9DQ
When You Wish Upon a Star
Aims to fulfil wishes for any child (aged 2-16 Phone number: 0115 979 1720 years) who has a life threatening or terminal illness. Web: www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk
Address: Futurist House, Valley Road, Basford, Nottingham NG5 1JE
National Holiday Fund for Sick and Disabled Children
Provide holidays to Florida for chronically or Phone number: 01493 731 235 terminally ill children, and temporarily or Web: www.nhfcharity.co.uk permanently physically disabled children, aged 8 - 18 years. Does not provide grants. Address: PO Box 318, Great Yarmouth
FINANCE AND LEGAL 76 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Hutchinson Deafblind Trust
Description: A charity that awards small financial grants to individuals or families of people who are deafblind regardless of age to enable purchase of specialist equipment, a short break or training.
All applicants must live within Kirklees and applications must be submitted in writing with a supporting letter from a professional such as a teacher, social worker or GP
Intended client group: Individuals or families of people who are deafblind.
Email Address: [email protected]
Address: PO Box 86 Liversedge, WF16 6AH
FINANCE AND LEGAL 77 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Independent Living Team
Description: The Independent Living team supports people with all aspects of setting up and managing their Direct Payment including recruiting personal assistants/care agencies and managing finances.
Intended client group: All children with disability who have been assessed as having a need.
Phone number: 01484 416760
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/money/directpayments
Address: 4th Floor, Civic Centre 1, High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2PQ
Main Contact: Barbara Lansdell
FINANCE AND LEGAL 78 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Citizens Advice (Formerly Citizens Advice Bureau or CAB)
Description: We provide advice on a wide range of topics e.g. benefits, debt, consumer, employment, housing, relationship breakdown etc. Our specialist services include debt and money advice for eligible clients.
Opening times are Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday from 9.30am until 3pm. We offer an initial assessment with referral or follow-up appointment if required.
Telephone advice is available Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm by calling 0844 848 7970
We also offer outreach advice in various locations in North Kirklees and South Kirklees, see list below. Not all our outreach venues may have wheelchair access - please check on 01484 451381.
Phone number: 0844 848 7970 01484 451381 - Outreach appointment enquiries only
Website: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Address: Dewsbury Huddersfield Units 5, 6 and 7, Empire House, 2nd Floor, Standard House, Wakefield Old Road, Half Moon Street Dewsbury, WF12 8DJ Huddersfield HD1 2JF
Outreach Appointments at: Batley Library, Market Place, WF17 5DA Birstall: Fieldhead Community Centre, Lowood Lane, WF17 9DJ Heckmondwike Library, Walkley Lane, WF16 0LY Cleckheaton Library, Whitcliffe Road, BD19 3DX Mirfield Library, Huddersfield Road, WF14 8AN Meltham: The Crossroads Centre, Lane Dyke House, Holmfirth Rd, HD9 4BX Marsden Library, Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, HD7 6BW Slaithwaite: Community Spirit Shop, Britannia Road, HD7 5HG Skelmanthorpe Library, Commercial Road, HD8 9DA Rawthorpe and Dalton Children's Centre, Ridgeway, Dalton, Huddersfield HD5 9QJ (for parents with children under 5 only)
FINANCE AND LEGAL 79 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Motability
Description: The Motability Scheme - run by the independent charity Motability - gives disabled people the opportunity to lease a car at an affordable price.
The Motability Scheme can help with leasing a car for anyone getting either the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Even if you do not drive yourself, you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers. You can also apply for a car on behalf of a child aged three or over. The child must be entitled to the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
Through the contract hire scheme you can lease a new car supplied by a Motability accredited dealer for at least three years. Insurance, routine servicing and breakdown assistance are included. You may need to pay for the fitting and removal of any adaptations. At the end of the period the car is returned to Motability Operations.
It is possible to buy a car outright using Hire Purchase, but this does not include insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover.
Powered wheelchairs or scooters Motability also offers a contract hire scheme for powered wheelchairs or scooters that includes insurance cover and routine servicing for the agreement's three-year duration.
Financial help and VAT relief If money is a problem when financing the car or adaptations, Motability may be able to provide a grant. This will be either through their own charitable fund or the Specialised Vehicle Funds, which they administer for the government.
Disabled people don't have to pay VAT on the cost of hiring a car through the Motability Scheme. The cost of any work involved in adapting a vehicle for a disabled person is also eligible for VAT relief.
Phone number: 0845 456 4566
Website: www.motability.co.uk
FINANCE AND LEGAL 80 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Turn2us
Description: Turn2us exists to help people access the money they need that is available to them – through benefits, grants and other financial help.
The free, accessible website is designed to help individuals find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on their particular needs and circumstances. It provides information and tools to help you find support, including a Benefits checker and a Grants Search.
Website: www.turn2us.org.uk
Phone number: 0808 802 2000
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Turn2us Unit 9, Cefn Coed Parc, Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ
FINANCE AND LEGAL 81 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: VAT exemption for equipment and services for disabled people
If you have a long-term illness or you're disabled, you don't have to pay VAT on certain goods and services that you buy or bring into the UK. Certain building work that you have done can also be free of VAT. In general, the equipment, services and building work covered are things that are of practical help to you because of your illness or disability.
The website below gives further information on what goods and services qualify and how to claim exemption.
You can also contact the relevant department of HMRC by email, phone or post.
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/ Taxreliefandreductions/index.htm
Further information also on the HMRC website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/consumers/disabled.htm
Phone: HMRC helpline 0845 302 0203 Choose option 1 to speak to an advisor about VAT reliefs for disabled and older people.
Opening hours 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday Closed weekends and bank holidays
Postal address: HM Revenue and Customs VAT Reliefs for disabled and older people St John's House Merton Road Liverpool L75 1BB
FINANCE AND LEGAL 82 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Information on: Wills and Trusts
If you have a disabled child or family member who is unable to handle their own financial and legal affairs, you may need to make special plans in your Will to protect their assets and ensure entitlement to benefits are preserved. You may choose to set up a trust in a Will. This aims to protect the disabled person’s interests in the future after the parents have died.
Including a Trust in your Will can ensure that you protect the benefit entitlement of your family member, and thereby guarantee continuity and security of care. The way any trust is structured may mean the difference between seeing all of the assets devoured by the relevant local authority within a few years, or making a long lasting difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. Including a Trust in your Will can ensure that you make provision for "extras" that you want your family member to have. These can include things like holidays, and particular equipment to enhance someone’s quality of life.
Further information from:
• CONTACT A FAMILY, Preparing for Adult Life Guide www.cafamily.org.uk - Helpline 0808 808 3555 - e-mail: [email protected]
• MENCAP, The wills and trusts team Telephone: 020 7696 6925 - email: [email protected] The Mencap Trust Company is a reputable non-profit organisation aligned to Mencap, the learning disability charity. The company will act as managers/trustees for beneficiaries where there are no suitable trustees. Mencap also have advice on setting up family trusts:
http://www.mencap.org.uk/html/legacies/mencap_trust_company.asp
• SENSE, Trusts and Wills, Factsheets on website: www.sense.org.uk - e-mail: [email protected] - Phone:0207 014 9337
• Office of Public Guardian For information on powers of attorney, deputies and making decisions for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves visit the Office of Public Guardian: www.publicguardian.gov.uk
Further information on trusts, specialist solicitors and accountants: The Law Society: www.lawsociety.org.uk STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners): www.step.org
FINANCE AND LEGAL 83 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Help for Parents and Carers
Name of service/organisation: Action for Carers and Employment (ACE)
Description: ACE is designed to help carers explore training and employment and overcome any barriers to increase their chances of employment now or in the future. Many people want to be full- time carers. For others the chance to take part in paid work offers many advantages including social contact and friendship, financial independence, increased self esteem. ACE offers:
• Short courses and free training to enhance your skills • Ongoing support and information on things like benefits, back to work calculations, training and career opportunities • Practical help with job searching, application forms and CV’s • Paid placement opportunities (depending on eligibility)
Intended client group: Anyone in a caring role
Phone number: 01484 226050
Email address: [email protected]
Address: Carers Gateway, Gateway to Care, 30 Market Street Huddersfield HD1 2HG
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 84 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Care for the Family
Description: Care for the Family is a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties. They provide advice and information through their website covering many aspects of family life. They also provide a befriending support line for parents of children with additional needs. This is a telephone befriending service that offers support and encouragement from other parents in similar circumstances. Befrienders are not counsellors, but will informally share from their own personal experience of being part of a family where someone has additional needs. The additional needs project also produces a quarterly e-newsletter.
Care for the Family's work was launched in 1988 and it is a registered charity. Its work is motivated by Christian compassion, and its resources and support are available to everyone, of any faith or none. It operates throughout England and Wales from the current National Family Centre on the outskirts of Cardiff with over 100 staff.
Intended client group: All families in need of support.
Phone number: 029 2081 0800
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/additionalneeds/
Address: Care for the Family Garth House, Leon Avenue Cardiff, CF15 7RG
Planned Events: Please visit our website for information
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 85 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Carers Direct
Description: Carers Direct is an NHS service offering information, advice and support for carers. In addition to their website, there is a helpline – lines are open 8 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4 pm weekends. Advice and support is available on topics including money and legal, work and study, your wellbeing, young carers, your rights as a carer.
Intended client group: Anyone in a caring role
Phone number: 0808 802 0202
Email address: Go to the webpage below and follow the link to the right of the page
Website: http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/Pages/CarersDirectHome.aspx
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 86 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Carers Gateway
Description: Gateway to care provides emotional and practical support, information and training to carers across Kirklees. You are a carer if: • You look after someone on a regular basis who is ill, frail, disabled, has Aids/HIV or has mental health or substance misuse problems • This person depends on you for their day-to-day needs, care and support • The care you provide is unpaid (carers allowance doesn’t count)
Many people are carers without even knowing it. Once you realise that you are a carer you can get the support and information you are entitled to. This could include practical help, emotional support and training, creating emergency plans or help to claim suitable benefits.
If you simply need to talk to someone or have a question about your caring situation you can contact us by telephone, email or call into the Gateway to care. Our carer support team will be happy to listen to your concerns and can put you in touch with services which offer practical, emotional and financial support. We also offer individual appointments via telephone, in our office and home visits in relation to the carers led assessment or carers emergency support plan.
Services we provide include: Action for Carers and Employment, consultation and information events, free training, for example Expert Patients Programme: Looking after me free courses for unpaid carers. Carers can also sign up for the Gateway to Care Newsletter which is produced twice yearly and features stories from local carers, interesting articles related to caring and input/news from our partner agencies.
Gateway to care has recently started a Facebook page specifically for carers. It encourages carers to discuss issues around their caring role and offer advice and support to one another on an informal basis and find out relevant information via the links on the page.
Intended client group: Anyone in a caring role
Phone number: 01484 226050 or contact Gateway to Care on 01484 414933
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/care-support/carers/carers- link.shtml
Facebook: via the link above
Address: Gateway to Care, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 87 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Children with a Disability Team (CWDT)
Description: The CWDT aims to help young disabled people from birth to 18 years. We are part of the Directorate for Children & Young People in Kirklees Council. The CWDT offers assessments and provides care packages to children with a disability and their families in Kirklees.
In the CWDT we have a lot of different people who work with disabled children. You may come across social workers, community care officers, residential workers, child in need reviewing officers and activity coordinators. We all work together to ensure the well-being of young disabled people in Kirklees. The team members come from various backgrounds and cultures and they have a range of skills, training and experience. In Kirklees, the first person you are likely to make contact with is a Social Worker or Community Care Officer. Information about our teams can be found on the following pages.
Intended client group: The Children with a Disability Team can offer a child a service if he or she: • attends a special school for children with severe learning difficulties - Castle Hill or Fairfield. • OR has a special education statement for severe learning difficulties, and attends another type of school, that is outside the local authority - for example, Hollybank, Robert Ogden, and others. • OR attends a resourced school for children with speech and language difficulties, physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairment for young children with developmental delay or communication disability - such as autism. The developmental delay may need to be reassessed later. • OR attends a moderate learning difficulty school (Longley, Lydgate or Ravenshall) or a mainstream school or college, but has more than one communication, sensory, physical disability or medical difficulty. Together these difficulties have a substantial effect on daily living, so the child needs constant or continuous support and supervision throughout the day. Or the child may be dependent on an adapted environment or special technology. • OR is Blind, Deaf or Deafblind. • OR has more than one moderate difficulty in the areas of cognitive ability (learning), speech, language and communication, hearing,
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 88 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
vision, hand function, mobility, or personal care including bathing, feeding, toileting and dressing. • OR is under three years old and experiences substantial developmental impairment or delays in one or more areas of cognitive development; has delays in sensory or physical development, communication or social development; or has a condition with a high probability of resulting in severe developmental delay. • Phone number: Duty Officer: 01924 326438 (24 hours a day and every day in the year)
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/health- care/childrenandfamilies/enabled/childdisability.shtml
Address: Children with a Disability Team, Westfields, 13 Westfields Road, Mirfield WF14 9PW
Main Contact: The Duty Officer
Further Information:
Our Teams
Team 1 – Takes referrals in respect of disabled children from a variety of sources and carries out initial assessments and core assessments. We ensure all the appropriate professionals are involved and offer advice to families and signpost them to services. We work with families to put packages of support in place where necessary and the cases are then often transferred to the care management teams.
The work Team 1 undertakes sometimes involves child protection work, and court proceedings.
Teams 2 and 3 are care management teams who work with families on a medium /long term basis from birth until the child is 18.
We work with children, young people, their families and a range of other services to support families with disabled children and this includes carrying out assessments to identify any unmet needs. Services offered can include respite, short break activities and support which can be via direct payments. Assessments ensure the child’s holistic needs are met and that the relevant professionals are involved. Regular child in need reviews are held. We also support disabled children who are “looked after” either in residential care or foster care.
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 89 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
We are also responsible for safeguarding in respect of disabled children and manage child protection issues and court proceedings where needed. And carry out child protection investigations which sometimes lead to court proceedings.
Equipment and adaptations: Within CWDT there is a dedicated Adaptations and Equipment Team which is responsible for managing the process around the assessment and provision of adaptations to the home environment for children up to the age of 18.
The team carries out assessments; provides information, advice and support. A keyworker is allocated to each individual case to ensure there is a single point of access, up to date and clear advice and support and ensures there is equitable provision across Kirklees.
The team is part of the Accessible Homes Team and works in partnership with surveyors, medical advisory officers and occupational therapists to provide a streamlined adaptation service.
Review officers: Children and young people who are classed as Children in Need and who are receiving respite services from Children with a Disability Team are reviewed through the Child in Need Process.
Those young people will have a Child in Need Plan which will identify any unmet needs and what services are in place to support these needs.
The Child in Need plan is reviewed annually but can be reviewed sooner if circumstances change or needs increase or decrease. The review will be focused around the young person; they are encouraged to be as actively involved as appropriate. Review officers will support the young people to participate in their review. The review will focus on reviewing the services offered to the young person and make sure they are still meeting their needs.
Integrated referral panel: The integrated referral panel works with a range of children and families who require coordinated support and care packages from several different agencies. The panel meets once a month covering both North and South Kirklees.
Inclusion Team: The Inclusion Team aims to enable young people to take part in leisure or social activities available within the wider community; this is done by offering support and guidance to disabled young people, their families and service providers
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 90 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Contact a Family
Description: Contact a Family help families caring for a child with any disability of special need. They aim to link families together and encourage mutual support between parents. They produce fact sheets and information packs. See their website for useful information and advice.
Intended client group: Families of children with disabilities or additional needs.
Phone number: 0808 808 3555
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.cafamily.org.uk
Address: 209-211 City Road, London, EC1V 1JN
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 91 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Gateway to Care (Social Services Information)
Description: Gateway to Care sits within Kirklees Council’s Wellbeing and Integration Directorate but has strong links with Kirklees NHS providing partnership access. The main function is to provide information, advice and support services to Kirklees residents requiring help with issues relating to social care and health acting as a single point of access.
There is also an Emergency Duty Service (EDS) Team. Gateway to Care provides a free and confidential service to a wide range of services including:
• Advice and referral relating to assistive technology and equipment to support daily living • Advice/referral/support accessing non-traditional social care support for example; Luncheon clubs, volunteering, adult education, self help group, sports and wellbeing activities • Safeguarding and hate crime reporting Centre • Access to Disabled Travel Function for blue badges and Metro travel passes • Access to health services • Support with self care relating to long term conditions • Access to traditional social care services • Access to carers support and assessment service • Benefits – Referral for a Benefits Check, signposting to CAB, signposting to DWP for crisis loan, Community Care Grants, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance • Carers emergency support • Help with completing forms • Transport services e.g. Access Bus, Cameo, Car Companions, British Red Cross, Hospital Transport • Supporting People Advice: housing support, debt management, daily living skills, • Referral to Sensory Team for hearing, sight problems for e.g. Loop system, flashing door bell • Access to home adaptations • Shopmobility
To find out if we can help you can contact us in a number of ways:
Phone: General Helpline: 01484 414933 Carers Gateway 01484 226050 Text "Gateway" and your question to +447781482931
Email: Use the Gateway to Care enquiry form on our website [email protected] or send an email to: [email protected]
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 92 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Address: You can visit in person:
Dewsbury: Gateway to Care, Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury, WF12 8DG
Huddersfield: Gateway to care, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG
Huddersfield: Gateway to Care, Civic Centre 11, High Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2PQ
Planned Events: Please visit our website or look in the newsletter
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 93 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees Family Information Directory
Description: The Kirklees Family Information Directory provides web-based information on services and activities for families, children, young people and professionals. It includes information on and links to:
• Holiday activities, clubs, groups, sport and play activities for children and young people • Services that can offer support and help on areas such as finance, health and disability • Information on children's centres, schools and parenting • National and regional organisations that you might find useful
Intended client group: Parents or carers of children, professionals working with families, and children and young people
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/fidy
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 94 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Kirklees NHS Health Trainers
Description: Kirklees Health Trainers work with people and their carers to learn how to manage their health better. Health trainers work with people who have a long-term health conditions to identify issues they wish to address and give them choice and control. Some of the long term conditions Health Trainers can help with are:
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), early onset Dementia, Diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, mental wellbeing, cancer, asthma, weight management.
Those taking part will have one to one consultations with a health trainer who will support in identifying their health needs, how to recognise their trigger and help them to care for themselves to realise achievable goals.
Intended client group: Anyone with a caring role with a long term health condition, or anyone over 18 with a long term health condition.
Phone number: 01484 414933 Gateway to Care – ask to speak with a health trainer
Main Contact: Ask to speak with a health trainer
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 95 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Description: The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was created on the initiative of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 1991. At that time people caring at home for family members or friends with disabilities and chronic illnesses were scarcely recognised as requiring support.
At the heart of The Trust is a unique network of 144 independently-managed Carers Centres, 89 young carers services and interactive websites (www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net) which deliver around the clock support to over 424,000 carers and approximately 25,000 young carers.
Although there is no Carers Centre in Kirklees (see Carers Gateway) the website offers a range of information around topics such as finance, looking after yourself, respite breaks, taking a holiday, carers and employment and has an online discussion board.
Intended client group: Anyone in a caring role
Website: www.carers.org
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS 96 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Hospital and Community Health (to include nursing, health visitors, hospitals, dieticians and dentists)
Name of service/organisation: Locala Dental Care
Description: At Calderdale & Kirklees Community Dental Care (CKCDC), our multi-disciplinary dental team (comprising dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and administrative staff) will always aim to provide a high standard of care and service for our patients.
We have a skilled team including four dentists who are on the General Dental Council specialist registers. We have staff who hold additional qualifications in dental public health, paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, sedation or special care dentistry.
Intended client group: Categories of patients accepted:
• Full routine care for children and adults with special/additional needs, who cannot receive appropriate care in the General Dental Service – usually by referral from General Dental Practitioner / General Medical Practitioner/healthcare professional. These special/additional needs may include medical conditions or medication impacting on dental treatment, learning difficulties, behavioural management problems and mental health conditions.
• Hospital-based dental extraction under general anaesthesia service for children (up to their 16th birthday)
• Hospital-based dental treatment service for patients with special/additional needs, who require their care under general anaesthesia
• Dental treatment service using inhalation sedation
• Emergency-care for children (up to their 16th birthday) without a regular dentist who are in pain/ trauma, where no other alternative exists e.g. daytime emergency service.
Phone number: Dental Management Office – 01924 351405
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 97 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Website: www.locala.org.uk
Address: CKCDC Surgeries – Kirklees
Patients from Dewsbury, Mirfield, Spen, Batley & Birkenshaw areas: Dental Department Batley Health Centre Upper Commercial Street Batley WF17 5EP Fax: 01924 422944 Tel: 01924 351557 Patients from all Huddersfield areas: Dental Clinic Princess Royal Community Health Centre Greenhead Road Huddersfield HD1 4EW Fax: 01484 344241 Tel: 01484 344244 CKCDC Surgeries - Calderdale Patients from all Calderdale areas Dental Clinic Laura Mitchell Health Centre Great Albion Street Halifax HX1 1YR Fax: 01422 305548 Tel: 01422 305547 Surgeries also located at Fartown Health Centre, Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, Cleckheaton Health Centre in Kirklees and St. John’s Health Centre and Todmorden Health Centre in Calderdale.
Main Contact: Dental Management Office Batley Health Centre 130 Upper Commercial Street Batley WF17 5ED Tel: 01924 351405
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 98 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Children’s Learning Disability Nursing Team (Kirklees)
Description: The service follows a referral procedure which includes a screening process to ensure the right service is supporting the child and family. They are able to visit in the family home at an agreed time and/or in other settings if necessary. The frequency of the visits is determined after consultation during the initial visit. The team works in the community Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
The Learning Disability Nurses provide practical support, advice and help regarding the following areas: Assessing Need; Challenging Behaviour; Child Development; Communication; Continence; Diet and Nutrition; Epilepsy; Family Support; Health Screening and Promotion; Medication; Prevention of Health Problems; Sensory Impairment; Skills Development; Sleep: Advice and Assessment; Puberty and Growing Up.
Anyone can refer to the service, by contacting the number below to fill out a referral form.
Intended for: Children and young people from newborn to their 18th birthday with a learning disability, living in Kirklees.
Phone number: 01924 816279
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.cht.nhs.uk
Address: Learning Disability Services Resource Centre Cullingworth Street Dewsbury West Yorkshire WF13 4AN
Main Contact: Moira Armitage, Community Nurse
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 99 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - Children’s / Paediatric services
Description: Paediatrics is the area of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions in children aged 0 to 18 years. This care is provided by many different health professionals experienced in the care of children. We offer a wide variety of Paediatric services covering: • Children’s Emergency Departments and Children’s Assessment facilities. • Neonatal Intensive care and High Dependency care. • In patient care for children who require it. • Children’s Inpatient surgery/trauma/orthopaedics. • Outpatient (children’s centre) facilities including child development, ie developmental delay, communication conditions and learning difficulties
We will shortly be providing links to leaflets on children’s conditions.
Where do we offer this service? • We provide extensive healthcare services for children across our three main hospital sites as well as within the community. • Pinderfields Hospital Children’s Centre – children’s centre, in patient ward, assessment • Pontefract Hospital Children’s Centre – children’s centre • Dewsbury and District Hospital Children’s Services, children’s centre, in patient ward, assessment.
Dewsbury and District Hospital Children’s Ward The Children’s Ward (ward 7) at Dewsbury provides in-patient or day case facilities for children who need medical care and treatment in hospital. Children who need surgery which requires them to stay overnight in hospital will be treated at Pinderfields Hospital Children’s Centre in the dedicated specialist centre. We have assessment beds in Dewsbury and District Hospital for those children who need diagnosis, tests and treatment but who do not need to stay in hospital overnight. Dewsbury and District Hospital also has a Special Care Baby Unit with 14 cots to care for premature or sick babies from Dewsbury and the surrounding district. Only the most complicated births or most seriously ill babies will need to be cared for at Pinderfields Hospital.
Children’s Centre/Child Development Centre Children’s Centre facilities including child development, ie developmental delay, communication conditions and learning difficulties
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 100 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Contact Details: To contact individual wards or units please call the number given to you by your Nurse or Doctor or telephone the main switchboard on (0844) 8118110
How to access: Children requiring care within our hospitals/Community Services will be referred by health professionals.
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 101 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Specialist Paediatric Dietician (Huddersfield and Calderdale)
Description: Dieticians receive referrals from Consultant Paediatricians and GP’s to provide support to ensure children and young people meet their growth potential. They advise on correcting deficiencies, energy supplementation, allergy advice, diabetes management, behaviour management, tube feeding and monitoring growth. They work alongside consultants, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, health visitors and school nurses. They work in the hospital to support the children’s ward, in outpatient clinic and in the special school setting.
Intended client group: All children and young people with feeding difficulties, weight concerns or limited diets
Phone number: 01484 342382
Website: www.cht.nhs.uk
Address: Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital
How to access: Consultant or GP referral.
HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 102 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Local Voluntary Sector Support Groups
Name of service/organisation: PCAN
Description: PCAN is a new forum for parents/carers of children with additional needs in Kirklees. It aims to ensure that parents and carers are well connected with each other, have access to good quality information and have an opportunity to influence the services that families received in Kirklees. There are lots of ways to get involved in PCAN: sign up for the regular news bulletins; visit the website for up to date information about Kirklees activities and services; come along to our quarterly meetings; or join us at our regular social events and meet other parents over coffee and cake.
Intended client group: Anyone who is, has been or thinks they might be a parent/carer of a child/children with additional needs. Other individuals, such as providers of services to children, are welcome to become “friends of” the forum.
Phone number: 07754 102336
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.pcankirklees.org
LOCAL VOLUNTARY SECTOR SUPPORT GROUPS 103 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Out and About
Name of service/organisation: Access Bus
Description: Access Bus is a dial-a-ride local bus service providing door-to-door local transport aimed at people who are unable to use conventional bus services. The buses are all low floor, easy access minibuses fitted with the most up-to-date safety equipment. Access Bus operates every day between 9am and 5pm.
Access Bus is a demand-responsive local bus service offering trips to local shops and facilities. We serve certain areas on set days, allocating places to customers to travel on the day when the bus is in their area. Passengers wishing to travel must register with Metro’s booking service, who will advise on the availability of the service in their area. If a space is free, passengers may reserve their place on that trip on an ongoing basis.
Access Bus is a very popular service and many journeys may be fully subscribed.
A flat fare of £3 per journey applies to travel on Access Bus. Passengers over 60 and disabled people holding English National Concessionary Fare passes travel free of charge.
You can register for Access Bus in the following ways:
• Visit http://www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/accessrural/AccessBus.htm and download a registration form • Telephone 0113 348 1903 Mondays to Fridays, excluding Bank Holidays, between 7.30am and 4pm.
Intended client group: The service is open to all passengers. The trips and destinations available are aimed at providing a service to local destinations for people of limited mobility.
Phone number: 0113 348 1903 (7.30am until 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/accessrural/AccessBus.htm
Address: AccessBus, Wellington House, 40-50 Wellington Street Leeds LS1 2DE
OUT AND ABOUT 104 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Blue Badge Service
Description: The Blue Badge service provides a range of on street parking concessions for disabled people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme is designed to help people with a severe disability to travel independently as either a driver or passenger by allowing them to park close to their destination in order to visit shops public buildings and other places.
The blue badge is usually valid for 3 years (for children under 2 the badge is issued for a maximum of 2 years). You do not get an automatic reminder about renewal of your blue badge. You should keep a note of your expiry date. When your child reaches the age of 16, you will need to apply for a new blue badge (you will not receive a reminder). To apply phone or call in person – see below.
Intended client group: Anyone over 2 years old automatically qualifies for a blue badge if they are either: • Registered blind • Receiving the higher of the mobility component of DLA • People who may need to have an assessment: anyone over 2 years old may be eligible for a blue badge is they either: • Have a permanent and substantial disability which means they cannot walk or makes walking very difficult • Drive a motor vehicle regularly and have a severe disability in both arms making it very difficult or impossible to operate parking meters
If you are a parent of a child who is less than 2 years old, you may apply for blue badge for your child. You can do this if your child has a specific medical condition which means that they either:
• Must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty. • Needs to be kept near a vehicle at all times to get treatment for a condition when necessary.
If you do not automatically qualify your eligibility will need to be assessed by your local council. To help them decide if you can get a badge they will ask you some questions. Your local council might also ask you to get assessed by an independent health professional like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
Phone number: 01484 414847 Gateway to Care Disabled Travel
Website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/bluebadge
OUT AND ABOUT 105 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Address: Huddersfield: Customer Services Civic Centre 1
Dewsbury: Customer services, Dewsbury Town Hall
Cleckheaton: Cleckheaton Town Hall
Your local library and information centre
OUT AND ABOUT 106 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Disabled Person’s Travel Pass
Description: Bus and train travel for disabled passengers in West Yorkshire.
• Bus: A Disabled Person's Pass entitles you to free, off-peak bus travel throughout England. • Train: For West Yorkshire residents, your Disabled Person's Pass also entitles you to off-peak train travel within West Yorkshire for just 50p.
Off-peak is after 9.30am* Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
Companions and hearing dogs
If you are unable to travel conveniently alone, you may be entitled to a special pass entitling a companion to the same concessions when travelling with you within West Yorkshire. Your companion does not need to be the same person for every journey.
Hearing dogs travel for free and there are no restrictions to travelling on the lower deck of buses.
Applying
When applying for the first time please contact Gateway to Care for an application form. Ask them to see whether you qualify for a Pass. They will tell you what proofs of identity you will need to supply.
If your application is approved Gateway to Care will complete the order form for the Pass on your behalf, and you will need to provide two recent full-faced, passport-sized colour photographs.
Your new Pass will not be issued immediately. Please allow three weeks for delivery to your home address, from the approval date of your application.
Renewals - to renew an out-of-date pass you will need to re-apply through Social Services, who will want to confirm your entitlement.
Intended client group: You are entitled to a Disabled Person’s Pass if you live in West Yorkshire and you are: • Partially sighted. • Profoundly or severely deaf. • Without speech. • Someone who has a disability or injury, which has substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk. • Someone who does not have arms, or has a long-term loss of the use of both arms.
OUT AND ABOUT 107 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
• Someone who has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind, which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. • Someone who has been, or would be, refused a driving license on certain medical grounds.
Phone number: 01484 414933
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/health-care/contact.shtml
Address: Gateway to care, 30 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2HG
OUT AND ABOUT 108 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Railcards
Description: The following railcards may be available to you.
Family and Friends Railcard: You’re eligible to buy this if you travel with a child who is five to fifteen years old. The good news is that up to four adults and four kids can travel on one Railcard – and they don’t even have to be related. Any two adults can be named as Railcard holders. Key features: save 1/3 on adult and 60% on child fares; costs £28 for a year; great discounts on hotels, restaurants and days out.
All kids under five travel free and each adult may take up to two under fives with them. However if the only child in the group is under five, you’ll need to purchase a discounted child ticket to qualify for the adult Railcard discount. All child fares are subject to a £1 minimum fare.
Phone number: 08448 714036 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday)
Website: www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk
Email address: [email protected]
Disabled Person’s Railcard: If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Person’s Railcard. It allows you to 1.3 off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you’re travelling with an adult companion they also can get 1/3 off their rail fare.
For details about eligibility and for more information visit: http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-disabled-persons-railcard/am-i-eligible
Phone number: 0845 605 0525 (7am to 10 pm Monday to Sunday)
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-disabled-persons-railcard
Address: Disabled Persons Railcard Office, PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk, AB30 9AA
OUT AND ABOUT 109 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
Description: Motability and Rough Guides have together produced this guide, now in the third edition, to offer disabled people a fantastic resource with which to be confident in enjoying more of the UK’s top attractions, events and destinations.
Packed with 180 inspiring days out, all reviewed by an enthusiastic and dedicated team of disabled visitors, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is an invaluable travel guide for anyone with accessibility needs.
The guide is available online, as a hard copy and in an audio version.
If you hold a Blue Badge, a Disabled Persons Railcard or you’re a Motability customer then the Accessible Guide is FREE. The Guide is £6.99 (inc p&p) for everyone else. Once you’ve placed your order, you will also be able to download a free copy of the Guide in audio format.
You can order by using the form on the website below or call 0800 953 7070 (lines are open 8am to 8pm daily). If you wish to pay by cheque, simply visit the web page below, click on “download this form” and return to the address shown on the form. For a large print or Braille version of the Guide, please call us on 0800 953 7070.
Intended client group: Anyone with accessibility needs
Phone number: 0800 953 7070 (8 am to 8 pm daily)
Website: https://www.accessibleguide.co.uk/guide/order- guide/buynow1.php
Address: Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, Arnold House, 21-33 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EJ
OUT AND ABOUT 110 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Short Breaks, Respite
Name of service/organisation: Crossroads Care in Mid Yorkshire
Description: We are an organisation that offers respite care to carers to enable them to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Trained staff will take over the care of the person in the home to allow the carer to have a break, undertaking all the tasks that the carer would usually do. This can range from supervision and support to personal care, administering medication or undertaking specialised procedures.
In the home we offer: • Short, regular breaks • Enhanced services for chronic long term or complex conditions • Night Service • Palliative/End of Life Service
We operate a Day Centre for children with disabilities each Saturday to enable parent/carers to have a break and for the children to mix in a safe, stimulating group setting.
Some of our services are available on a self-referral basis – please contact us for information.
Intended client group: Carers are our client group. They can be carers of any age, caring for someone of any age, (both children and adults), with any type of illness or disability.
Phone number: 01484 537036
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.crossroads.org.uk
Address: Trafalgar Mills, Leeds Road, Huddersfield. HD2 1YY
Main Contact: Margaret Stratford and Joanne Heeley
SHORT BREAKS, RESPITE 111 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: The Forget Me Not Trust Children’s Hospice
Description: We offer help and support to children and families and young people with a life limiting/life threatening condition in the Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield area. We offer a Hospice @ Home service and when our hospice is completed at the end of 2011 we will also offer a day centre and overnight stays.
Referrals can be made by anyone provided the parent gives consent.
Intended client group: We are open for referrals for any child or young person with a life limiting or life threatening condition aged 0 to 19 years of age.
Phone number: 01484 487570
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.forgetmenottrust.co.uk
Address: 14b Longbow Close, Pennine Business Park, Bradley, Huddersfield HD2 1GQ
Main Contact: Margaret Wadsworth and Michael Tatterton
Additional Information: For details of events please visit our website
SHORT BREAKS, RESPITE 112 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Hollybank
Description: Hollybank offers day and residential school facilities for children 5-19 years with complex disabilities. We provide onsite physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and 24 hour nursing provision.
Contact Lyn Pollard (head teacher) on 01924 490833, [email protected]
• Short breaks for young people with disabilities are available at Hollybank with the added benefit of nursing and therapy support. Contact Alison Howard (head of residential services) 01924 490833 [email protected] • Purpose built hydrotherapy pool available for private hire for people with complex needs. Full changing and hoisting facilities are provided. Contact The Bradbury Centre (at Hollybank) 01924 483916 • Rebound trampoline available for private hire for people with complex needs. Full hoisting facilities are provided. Contact The Bradbury Centre (at Hollybank) 01924 483916
Phone number: 01924 490833
Address: Hollybank, Far Common Road, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ
SHORT BREAKS, RESPITE 113 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Orchard View
Description: Orchard View is a residential short break service for young disabled people. The service works with approximately 85 families in Kirklees. The home is fully equipped to meet the recreational needs of young people with a disability, included in this is a sensory room and sensory garden, complete with wheelchair swing. The outdoor area has a soft crumb play surface, climbing frame and a swing for able-bodied young people. The home has 2 separate units to enable the staff team to safely meet the varied needs of the young people who come to Orchard View.
Intended client group: Children and Young people with a disability aged 7-17 yrs old.
Phone number: 01924 482101 / 0
Email address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/lac2/homes/orchard_view.asp
Address: Orchard View 13B Westfields Road Mirfield, WF14 9PW
Main Contact: Antony Brown – Residential Manager
How to access: Young people who access Orchard View, are assessed and allocated a service through the Children with a Disability team.
SHORT BREAKS, RESPITE 114 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Speech, Language and Communication
Name of service/organisation: ACE Centre North
Description: The ability to communicate is fundamental to a basic quality of life, yet for many people effective communication is difficult because of a physical impairment, language disorder or learning disability. We work with people of all ages who face just such challenges. We provide help and expertise in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Our team of therapists, teachers and technicians provide a range of core specialist services including assessments, equipment loans, training and information, as well as undertaking project and consultancy work for local and central statutory services. More information about our services can be found on our website or by phoning the number below. Referral to the ACE Centre North requires parental/legal guardian consent for all pupils/children under the age of sixteen, and by a carer for those adults who are unable to express their own consent.
INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE: ACE Centre North offers free information and advice on Assistive Technology for people with physical/ communication difficulties. Free information days are available every three weeks. This service is open to all and can be accessed by phoning 0161 358 0151. Available appointments can be viewed on the website (below) but cannot be booked online. These appointments can be used for:
• Clarifying the needs of the individual in relation to potential applications and uses of Assistive Technology • Establishing the team who will support the individual using Assistive Technology – professionals, parents and carers can all attend this appointment. • Discussing possible resources and strategies in relation to the individual’s needs • Considering loans of equipment for the individual to trial
Intended client group: All people who have communication difficulties with communication because of physical impairment, language disorder or learning disability.
Phone number: 0161 358 0151
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.ace-north.org.uk
SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION 115 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Address: ACE Centre North, Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street, Hollinwood, Oldham, OL8 3QL
Planned Events: See our website
SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION 116 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]
Name of service/organisation: Speech and Language Therapy Service, Children’s centre, Dewsbury and District Hospital
Description: Full team assessment involving speech and language therapy. The speech and language therapists work with other therapists to provide multidisciplinary care. We also aim to support the families of these children. We see any preschool child who may be presenting with a speech, language, communication or feeding problem. We have an open referral policy; i.e. we accept referrals from any agency, including families, GPs, health visitors, providing there is parental consent. Often children are seen at the children’s centre, but they can also be seen at home. As our involvement does not always involve direct treatment, we make visits into the home or other locations e.g. day nurseries, to offer support to the family and other relevant agencies. Your child’s referral will be acknowledged by letter, and their name will be added to a waiting list. When your child’s name reaches the top of this list, an appointment will be sent for you and your child to attend the child development centre.
If your child presents with more widespread difficulties, we might need to request your GP to refer to a consultant paediatrician.
Intended client group: Under 5 years with complex developmental/physical needs
Phone number: 01924 816157
Address: Child Development Centre Dewsbury District Hospital Halifax Road Dewsbury West Yorkshire WF13 4HS
SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION 117 PCAN Pages Really useful information for parents of children with additional needs in Kirklees Website www.pcankirklees.org Call 07754 102336 Email [email protected]