The IRISMagazine January 2020 January

PARALLEL 2020 CONNTECT WITH COMMUNITIESCONNECTED COMMUNITIES

TIPS FOR CONCENTRATION

POST-16 EDUCATION OPTIONS

For Parents Of Children And Young People With Special Educational Needs And Disabilities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire FEATURED GROUP: CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

The Connected Communities project has been set up to support people living in Rushcliffe, who have one or more of the following additional needs, to access CONTENTS volunteering:

2 Featured Group: Learning Disability Connected Communities Learning Diffi culty Autism 3 Parallel 2020 Support available Support and Advice for the We understand that volunteering can be daunting, 4 especially if you have additional needs. We will work New School Year with both you and a suitable organisation to help you access appropriate, sustainable volunteering. Ask Us Transitions 4 We help with the following: Identifying a suitable volunteer placement Half-Term Activities 5 Application forms and DBS Training 5 Recipes Ongoing support 6 - 11 Events Peer support volunteering We will YOUNG PEOPLE’S ZONE Provide you with information on a wide range of volunteering opportunities 12 My Journey in Music - Help you make contact with organisations you Luke Fiddes want to volunteer with Support you with application forms and DBS 13 Top 5 Tips for Support you in all aspects of your volunteering Concentration and Focus Offer advice and guidance about being a volunteer 13 Inspirational People to Operate in accordance with GDPR Follow on Twitter Operate in accordance with our equal opportunities policy 14 Shared Lives

15 A Quick Guide to your [email protected] Post-16 Education Options or 0115 969 9060

2 2 PARALLEL 2020Parallel University of Nottingham GET INVOLVED!

17 May 2020IRIS are looking for a young person Parallel is an inclusive sport and community to get involved in Parallel. event taking place at the University of Nottingham on Sunday May 17th. We’re looking for someone who is interested in taking part in one of With the strapline “Start together, fi nish the events and blogging or vlogging whenever”, the day’s runs will not be expecting the journey from deciding to take you to compete for fi rst place. Instead, this is an part, through training and then event which encourages everyone to take part – documenting what happens on the whether you do so on foot, on wheels or however day. The end results will be featured suits you best. on the AskUsNotts website. The event will also include a community fair section, where you’ll fi nd local organisations and Interested? Send us an email at groups hosting stalls and activities and providing [email protected] entertainment for the whole family.

3

Sign up now! www.parallellifestyle.com SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Between January and April, we get many questions from parents of children who are preparing to change school after the summer holidays. This time can be stressful and may bring obstacles that are diffi cult to navigate.

What to expect: For admissions into secondary school, applications should have been made from August until October. For children and young people with an EHC Plan, Parents and Carers will receive an email on 2nd who are planning to transition to a new school, March 2020 or a letter, sent out on 2nd March, college or specialist provision, meetings should informing them of their child’s allocated school have happened in the Autumn term, to discuss place. the provision options and make any necessary amendments to the plan. This means that If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place for your consultations with education providers can be child at the school you prefer, your decision letter carried out, changes to EHC Plans can be made must give you further details about how to appeal. and appropriate transitional arrangements agreed. However, we strongly advise you accept the place For transition into infant school, junior school, offered to you whilst appealing to ensure you are primary school and secondary school placements, not left without a school place in the event of an the establishment should usually be named on the unsuccessful appeal. EHC Plan by the 15th February. For transition Your school may also be able to apply for into post 16 education and onto apprenticeships, additional funding needed to support your child’s placements should be named on the EHC Plan by transition. This should be discussed with the 31st March. school’s SENCo. If you do not agree with the provision that is If a child moves school within an academic year, named on the EHC Plan you will be given details the process is different. We would be happy to on how to appeal this decision. Firstly, it is a good provide advice about this. idea to get in touch with the Local Authority to discuss the disagreement. You can then ask to go to mediation where an independent mediator can At Ask Us we can provide you with support when hear your concerns. The Local Authority will also things don’t quite go to plan. Please contact us be present at that meeting. If you are unable to if you require any support: agree with the Local Authority, then you will have www.askusnotts.org.uk the right to take the matter to a tribunal hearing. 0800 121 7772 Some families decide not to go to mediation; [email protected] however, a mediation certifi cate is still needed, which you can get by calling the mediation service. For children and young people without an EHC Plan the process is different. For admissions into infant schools, junior schools and primary schools, applications should be made from November. You can amend an existing application at any time up until the closing date of 15th January 2020. Depending on which Local Authority you live in, depends on how many preferred schools you can name. From this time parents and carers should be meeting with school to discuss transitional arrangements. Parents and Carers will receive an email on 16th April 2020 or a letter, sent out on 16th April, informing them of their child’s allocated school place. THINGS TO DO IN HALF TERM MAKING... Lolly Pop Stick Pirate Flag Paper plate jelly fi sh

You’ll need: You’ll need: Jumbo lolly sticks Paper plate (for the body of the fl ag and fl ag pole) Googly eyes Glue Ribbon Red or black paint Tin foil, crepe paper or tissue paper (for the Paint brushes body of your jellyfi sh) White card How to do it: How to do it: Cut your paper plate in half and cover with the tin foil or paper of your choice. Glue two lolly pop sticks together end to end to create your fl ag pole. Glue on two (or three, or four) googly eyes and draw a mouth with a black felt pen. Glue six lolly pop sticks, side by side, in a straight line, onto your fl ag pole, to create the fl ag. Cut four lengths of ribbon or tissue paper about 30cm long. When dry, paint the “stripes” of the lolly stick fl ag, alternating between red and black. Glue each ribbon length to the back of the plate and allow to dry. Draw whatever design you want on the white card, from a skull to a treasure chest and cut out to glue Once the ribbons have dried, carefully curl each on your fl ag. length of ribbon against the blade of a pair of scissors to create wavy tentacles for your jellyfi sh (Be careful using blades. You might need to ask Please ask a parent, guardian or carer for help someone to help you with this.) when using sharp equipment.

AND This recipe contains nuts, dairy and gluten. BAKING... Please make necessary adjustments and swap ingredients if you have an allergy. Nutty Pancakes You will need: Directions: Large bowl Mix the fl our and baking powder Frying pan into a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the centre, Whisk then add the egg, milk and syrup. 150g self-raising fl our Whisk until smooth, then fold in half the nuts. ½ tsp baking powder Heat 1 tbsp of rapseed oil in a 1 large egg large, non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Spoon two 150ml milk ladles of the mixture into the 2 tbsp agave syrup, pan and cook for 1 min each side. plus extra to serve Repeat to make two more. 50g mixed nuts, chopped Serve with a drizzle of agave syrup and the remaining nuts for 2 tbsp rapeseed oil extra crunch. EVENTS SOCIAL Blast Sports Club - Snooker Autism East Midlands Worksop Ashfield Coffee and Chat Group North Notts Community Arena, Hub SPORTS Watnall Road Baptist Church Eastgate, Worksop, S80 1QS Dukeries Centre, Park Street, Café, 45 Watnall Road, Hucknall, Monday 1:00pm-2:00pm Worksop, S80 1HH Boccia League 01909 480 166 3rd Tuesday Monthly Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas NG15 7LD Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm Boccia League 4:30 pm-7:30pm Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 01909 950 6678 2AD Contact Rose Dent on Lammas Leisure Centre, 0115 804 3301 Lammas Road, Sutton in Ashfield, [email protected]. Friday 12:30pm-2:30pm uk Call Ashfield District Council on [email protected] NG17 2AD Friends4Support 01623 457 410 Fountaindale Babies and Friday 12:30pm-2:30pm Toddlers Group Call Ashfield District Council on Group for parents of children with Disability Swimming - Ashfield 01623 457 410 a disability in Bassetlaw Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Fountaindale School, Nottingham SANDance (See the Ability Not For time, dates and venue Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Road, Ashfield, NG18 5BA the Disability) information, please contact Diane NG17 2AD 2nd Thursday monthly 1:30pm-3:00pm Contemporary and choreography Blood on 07860 509 755 or Sunday 4:00pm-5:00pm [email protected] Contact Lyndsey Matthews on Contact Jan Collins on dance, age 6 – 26 years 01623 511 177 01623 792 671 Outwood Academy Valley reception@fountaindale. Worksop S81 7EN NDCC Cricket nottinghamshiresch.uk Wednesday evenings 6.00pm- Broxtowe Mansfield Hosiery Mills, 7.30pm (term time only) SPORTS The Fieldings, off Huthwaite ADVICE AND SUPPORT 07830 317 021 Free Disability Swimming - Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Ashfield, [email protected] NG17 2TF Autism East Midlands Family Kimberley SAND Sports Club (See the Monday 6:30pm-7:30pm Support Hubs Kirkby in Kimberley Leisure Centre, Ability Not the Disability) Call Pete Edwards on Ashfield Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Sports Hall, Worksop College, 0115 977 2884 The Ashwood Centre, Ashwood Broxtowe, NG16 2NJ Sparken Hill, Worksop, S80 3AP [email protected] Resource Centre, Portland Street, Saturday 1:00pm-2:00pm Monday 6:00pm-7:00pm Kirkby in Ashfield, 0115 917 3366 Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair Call Sian Kirk on 01909 533 533 NG17 7AB Inclusive SelectaSport Club Basketball Club (Tuesday) (ask for Active Communities) Every 4th Monday of the month The Bramcote School, Derby Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas [email protected] Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 4:30pm-7:30pm Road, Bramcote, NG9 3GD SAND Sports Club, Play With a 2AD 01909 506 678 Tuesday 4:15pm-5.15pm Purpose Swimming Lessons Tuesday 5:00pm-6:30pm [email protected]. 0115 917 3572 Call Pete Edwards on uk Bircotes Leisure Centre, [email protected] 07961 565 532 Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic Whitehouse Road, Bircotes, Inclusive Swimming Lessons - DN11 8EF [email protected] Hucknall Library, South Street, Bramcote (10-15 years) Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm Hucknall, NG15 7BS Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair 01302 743 979 Tuesday 1:30pm-2:30pm Road, Bramcote, Broxtowe, Basketball Club (Saturday) [email protected] Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Kirkby in Ashfield NG9 3GF Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 Sunday 11:15am-12:00pm Ashfield Health and Wellbeing SOCIAL 2AD Centre, Room L4, Collier Suite, 0115 917 3000 Training Saturday. ‘Give it a Go’ Portland Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, APTCOO Bassetlaw After Inclusive Swimming Lessons - Sunday 5:00pm-6:15pm NG17 7AE School Club (Term Time) Kimberley Contact Pete Edwards on Thursday 10:30-11:30am Stephen House, 40, Chapelgate, Kimberley Leisure Centre, Retford, DN22 6PJ 01623 635 572 Sutton in Ashfield Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Monday 4:00pm-6:00pm [email protected] Sutton in Ashfield Library, NG16 2NJ 01623 629 902 Multiskills Football - Ashfield The Idlewells, Sutton in Ashfield, Wednesday 4:15pm-5:15pm Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas NG17 1BP North Youth Link (Retford) 0115 917 3366 Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 1st Thursday of the month Retford Young People’s Centre, Inclusive Water Games 2AD 10:30am-11:30am Spa Lane (off Arlington Way), Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Wednesday 11:00am-12:00pm 0115 942 198 Retford, DN22 6EA Road, Bramcote, NG9 3GF 01623 457 410 [email protected]. Thursday 6.00pm-8:30pm Friday 4:00pm-4:30pm Rainworth FC uk 01777 711 940 0115 917 3000 Bracken Hill Special Needs Worksop Link Club For Inclusive Youth Gym School, Ashfield, NG17 7HZ Disabled People (12 - 24 years) Kimberley Leisure Centre, Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm Valley Young People’s Centre, Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Call Phillip Colledge on Bassetlaw 39 Stanley Street, Worksop, NG16 2NJ 07531 300 393 SPORTS S81 7JQ Term Time [email protected] Active@Arena - Bassetlaw - Tuesday 6:15pm-8:45pm Thursday 3:30pm-6:00pm Sutton In Ashfield Harriers Multisports 01623 411 300 | 07765 226 902 School Holidays Athletics North Notts Community Arena, [email protected] Tuesday, Thursday 1:00pm- Ashfield School, Sutton Road, Eastgate, Worksop, S80 1QS 2:00pm Ashfield, Notts, NG17 8HP Monday 11:00am-12:00pm or ADVICE AND SUPPORT 0115 917 3367 Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm 1:00pm-2:00pm and Autism East Midlands Family Interactive Youth Gym Call Harold Billings on Wednesday 11:00am-3:00pm Support Hubs Retford Inclusive Disability Sessions 01623 464 347 01909 480 164 Tall Trees, Rectory Road, Retford, Kimberley Leisure Centre, haroldbillings@ Blast Sports Club - MultiSports DN22 7AY Newdigate Street, Kimberley, sutton-in-ashfield-harriers.co.uk North Notts Community Arena, Last Tuesday of the Month NG16 2NJ Wheelchair Basketball and Eastgate, Worksop, S80 1QS 5:00pm-8:00pm Various days and times, please Inclusive Sports Club - Ashfield Wednesday 11:00am-3:00pm 01909 506 678 contact 0115 917 3572 Sutton Centre Community 01909 480 165 [email protected]. [email protected]. College, High Pavement, Sutton in Blast Sports Club - Boccia uk uk Ashfield, NG17 1EE North Notts Community Arena, Tuesday 3:30pm-5:00pm Eastgate, Worksop, S80 1QS 0845 240 5500 Monday 11:00am-12:00noon 01909 480 164 6 6 Sunday Inclusive Youth Gym Rumbletums Parents and SOCIAL Kimberley Leisure Centre, Carers meeting Gedling APTCOO Saturday Circles Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Rumbletums Café, 2a Victoria SPORTS Morning group for children with NG16 2NJ Street, Kimberley, Broxtowe, disabilities Sunday 9:00am-10:00am NG16 2NH Calverton MW Colts FC Calverton Miners Welfare, Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, 0115 917 3366 Last Wednesday monthly Coningswath Road, Carlton, Trowell FC Football Session for 10:00am-12:00noon Hollinwood Lane, Calverton, NG14 6RN NG4 3SH Children With Disabilities and 0115 938 4953 Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm Inclusion Needs [email protected] Monday 6:00pm-7:00pm 07904 458 723 0115 983 7406 Carlton Digby School Toddler Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby The Speech, Sign and Song [email protected] Group Road, Bramcote, NG9 3GF Club - Beeston Disability Swim Stars Carlton Digby School, 61 Digby Wednesday 6:00pm-7:00pm Please book in advance via Avenue, Mapperley, NG3 6DS 07747 190 341 website Arnold Leisure Centre, High Street, Arnold, NG5 7EF Monday 1:30pm-2:25pm anthony.beaumont@hotmail. Wednesday 1:15pm-2:15pm 0115 956 8289 co.uk [email protected] Saturday 12:30pm-2:00pm Exploring Together Group Want 2 Play FC Kimberley www.speechsignsong.co.uk 0115 901 3690 [email protected] Calverton Kimberley Leisure Centre, Stapleford Saturday Arts Youth Gedling Sport+ Club Calverton Children’s Centre, Newdigate Street, Broxtowe, Club (For young disabled people Flatts Lane, Calverton, NG14 6JZ NG16 2NJ aged 13-24 years) (term time only) Tuesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm Wednesday 1:30pm-3:00pm Monday 4:30pm-5:30pm Stapleford Youth Centre, Church 0115 911 8700 | 0115 883 0851 07972 569 738 Lane, Stapleford, NG9 8GB Carlton Forum, Carlton Forum Gedling Youth Link [email protected] Saturday 10:00am-12:30pm Leisure Centre, Coningswath 01623 626 972 Road, Carlton, NG4 3SH Redhill Young People’s Centre, [email protected] Thursdays 4:00pm-5:30pm Redhill Road, Arnold, NG5 8GX SOCIAL Thursday 6:30pm-9:00pm Beeston Youth Link Tiny Talk West Notts Baby Redhill Road, Arnold, Gedling, Notts, NG5 8GX 07949 270 038 For young people with disabilities Signing - Beeston [email protected] Beeston Young People’s Centre, Beeston Youth and Community 07770 895 305 Special Kids Loco Youth Club Centre, W End, Beeston, gedlingsportplusclubs@hotmail. West End, Beeston, Broxtowe, Loco Centre, Victoria Road, Nottingham NG9 1GL co.uk NG9 1GL Netherfield, NG4 2PD Friday 10:00am-11:00am, Tuesday 6:30pm-9:00pm Learning and Development Last Saturday monthly 11.15am-12.15pm 07949 270 038 Football Club 10:00am-11:30am 07429 340 750 [email protected] Play Football Nottingham, Arnold 07852 156 570 [email protected] Breakaway Drama, Art and Hill Academy, Gedling Road, [email protected] Music Group - Beeston Tiny Talk West Notts Baby Gedling, NG5 6NZ Signing - Toton 2a Stoney Street, Beeston, Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm ADVICE AND SUPPORT Broxtowe, NG9 2LA Tesco, Toton Community Room, 0115 922 2222 Complete Puzzle Support Wednesday 3:30pm-6:00pm Swiney Way, Toton, NG9 6QX [email protected]. Group 07488 596 004 Thursday 10:00am-11:00am org.uk Bestwood Village Community Eastwood Youth Link 07429 340 750 PlayFootball Nottingham [email protected] Arnold Hill Academy, Gedling Centre, Moor Road, Bestwood Eastwood Young People’s Village, NG6 8TL Centre, Kelham Way, Eastwood, Road, Arnold, NG5 6NZ ADVICE AND SUPPORT Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm Tuesday 5:00pm-7:00pm NG16 3SG 0781 641 3443 Monday 6:30pm-9:00pm Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic 0115 922 2222 Hear 2 Help Drop in Clinics - 07949 270 038 [email protected]. Attenborough Calverton St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, org.uk Inclusive Play Session @ The CORE Centre, 17 St. Wilfrids Attenborough, NG9 6AS Sheriff’s Goalball Club for Escape Square, Calverton, NG14 6FP Escape Play, 6 Giltbrook Tuesday 10:30am-11:30am Visually Impaired Arnbrook Children’s Centre, 1st Thursday of the month Industrial Park, Giltbrook, NG16 Toton 1:00pm-2:00pm 2UZ Community Room, Tesco Extra, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold, NG5 8NE 0115 942 1985 Please book 0115 938 6206 Swiney Way, Toton, NG9 6QX [email protected]. Little Senses Monday 1:00pm-2:00pm Fortnightly 2nd & 4th Saturdays 10:00am-1:00pm uk Beeston North Children’s Centre, 0115 942 1985 Kirsty at MySight 0115 970 6806 Beeston Fields School Site, [email protected]. Want 2 Play FC Calverton Alderman Close, Beeston, uk Mansfield NG9 2RH MWFC Colts, Hollinwood Lane, More Cheers, Less Tears Calverton, Gedling, NG13 6NR SPORTS Friday 1:30pm-3:00pm Parents Group (term time only) 0115 993 5780 Tuesday 6:00pm-7:00pm Active Me Learning Disability William Lilley Schools, Halls Swim Little Snowflakes Parent & 0797 256 9738 Road, Stapleford, NG9 7FS [email protected] Water Meadows Swimming and Toddler Special Needs Play & Thursday 1:00pm-3:00pm Support Sessions (Beeston) Want 2 Play FC Gedling Fitness Complex, Bath Street, 0115 917 9277 Mansfield, NG18 1BA The Milk Lounge, 72-74 Chilwell Southbank office18@williamlilley. Thursday 10:30-11:30am Road, Beeston, NG9 1FQ Play Football Arnold, Arnold Hill nottinghamshiresch.uk Katie Fear 01623 232 748 Thursday 1:00pm-2:00pm School & Technology College, Shining Minds (term time only) [email protected] 07960 322 291 Gedling Road, Gedling, Fairfield Academy School, Toton NG5 6NZ Deaf-Friendly Swimming [email protected] Lane, Stapleford, Broxtowe, Little Snowflakes Parent & Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm Rebecca Adlington Swimming NG9 7HB 0795 413 6292 Centre, Westdale Road, Toddler Special Needs Play & Last Tuesday monthly Support Sessions (Toton) juliannedoney1973@ Mansfield, NG19 7BZ 9:15am-11:15am googlemail.com Sunday 2:00pm-3:30pm Tesco, Toton Community Room, [email protected] Swiney Way, Toton, NG9 6QX Want 2 Play FC Gedling 0345 000 230 Monday 1:00pm-2:00pm Southbank Disabled Swimming Session 07960 322 291 Megabites Cafe, 49-51 Stockwell Rebecca Adlington Swimming [email protected] Gate, Mansfield, NG18 1LA Centre, Westdale Road, Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm Mansfield, NG19 7BZ Monday 12:00pm-1:30pm 01623 463082 Have we missed your event? Let us know by contacting us at [email protected] 7 Inclusive Archery Reach Learning Disability APTCOO Square Peg Inclusive Dance Portland College, Nottingham Weekly Pool Session APTCOO Learn, Work and Earn Group Road, Mansfield, NG18 4TJ Water Meadows, Titchfield Park, Centre, Sandy Lane, Mansfield, Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Monday 4:30pm - 6:00pm Bath Street, Mansfield, NG18 5NF Lane, Mansfield, NG18 1TL 01623 499113 NG18 1BA ● Preparing for Adulthood age Friday 6:00pm-8:00pm [email protected] Thursday 10:00am-11:00am 11+ 07749 533 626 Inclusive Bowling Group 01623 232748 Wednesday 4:00pm-6:30pm [email protected] Superbowl 2000, Stockwell Gate, [email protected] ● EFAST Group Square Peg Pride Performing Mansfield, NG18 1LG Sherwood Seals Disability Wednesday 4:00pm-6:00pm Arts Group Monday 2:00pm-3:30pm Swimming Club ● MOMU (Moving On Moving Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield 0115 804 3301 Rebecca Adlington Swimming Up) Group (16+) Lane, Mansfield, NG18 1TL [email protected] Centre, Westdale Road, Wednesday 7:00pm-9:00pm Saturday 1:30pm-3:30pm Inclusive Pool Group Mansfield, NG19 7BZ 01623 626972 07749 533 626 Superbowl 2000, Stockwell Gate, Monday 6:30pm-8:00pm Creative Minds Craft Group [email protected] Mansfield, NG18 1LG 07902 471 713 Bilborough Road Community Video Gaming Group Mansfield Friday 2:00pm-3:30pm [email protected] Centre, Bilborough Road, (Autism, Aspergers & Learning 0115 804 3301 Want 2 Play FC Oaktree Mansfield, NG18 1LG Disability) [email protected] Oaktree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Tuesday 2:00pm-4:00pm Megabites Café, 49-51 Stockwell Mansfield Junior Boccia Club Way S, Mansfield, NG18 3RT 0115 804 3301 Gate, Mansfield, NG18 1LA Manor Sport and Recreation Tuesday 6:00pm-7:00pm [email protected] Wednesdays 2pm-4pm Centre, Kingsley Avenue, 07972 569 738 Game On! Inclusive Gaming 0115 804 3816 Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 [email protected] Group [email protected] 8JY Want 2 Play FC Woodhouse Megabites Café, 49-51 Stockwell Wonder Babies and Toddlers Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm Colts Gate, Mansfield, NG18 1LA Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s 01623 425100 (ext. 666) Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Wednesday 2:00pm-4:00pm Centre, Surestart, Swan Lane, Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, 0115 804 3301 Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 Basketball Club NG19 0JX [email protected] 8BT Brunts School, The Park Avenue, Tuesday 6:00pm-7:00pm Mansfield Deaf Youth Group First Tuesday of the month Mansfield, NG18 2AT 07972 569 738 Myplace @ Westfield Lane, 1:00pm - 3:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm [email protected] Mansfield, NG18 1TL 01623 666370 01623 635572 Wheelchair Basketball Club - Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm [email protected] Mansfield 01623 624179 ADVICE AND SUPPORT Mansfield Special Olympics Brunts School, The Park, Mansfield Youth Link for Autism East Midlands Family Club Mansfield, NG18 2AT Disabled People Support Hub Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Tuesday 6:30pm-8:00pm Myplace @ Westfield Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse (Teen Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, 01623 635572 Mansfield, NG18 1TL Hub 11+), Sherwood Centre, Old NG19 0JX [email protected] Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Mill Industrial Estate, Mansfield Wednesday 6:00pm-7:00pm Woodhouse Colts FC 6:30pm-9:00pm Woodhouse, NG19 9BG 07974 650 768 Clipstone Rd W, Forest Town, 01623 624179 3rd Saturday monthly, Mansfield Swimming Club Mansfield, NG19 0EE [email protected] 11:00am-2:00pm Water Meadows, Titchfield Park, Tuesday 5:30pm-7:30pm Plant Pot Club for Disabled 01909 506 678 Bath Street, Mansfield, 07846 306 993 People [email protected]. NG18 1BA [email protected] Myplace @ Westfield Lane, uk Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Mansfield, NG18 1TL Carers Federation Carers 7:00pm-9:00pm SOCIAL Saturday 10:30am-1:00pm Session 0345 000 0232 APTCOO 01623 624179 Asda Forest Town, Asda Stores [email protected] Ltd, Old Mill Lane, Forest Town, Unit 15 Botany Park, Botany [email protected] Nottinghamshire Powerchair FC Portland College Monday Mansfield, NG19 0HA Avenue, Mansfield, NG18 5NF Fridays Monthly 10:00am- Garibaldi College, Garibaldi ● After School 8 to 10s Group Youth Club Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, Portland College, Nottingham 12:00pm Monday 4:00pm-6:00pm 07738 994 053 NG19 0JX Group for families with a Road, Mansfield, NG18 4TJ ● n.mellors@carersfederation. Monday, Wednesday child under 5 with a disability Monday 6:30pm-8:30pm co.uk 7:00pm-9:00pm Monday 1:00pm-3:00pm 01623 626972 Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic 07932 071 364 ● Youth Club (11-13s) Reach Learning Disability Oaktree Gymnastics Club Monday, Wednesday, Weekly Activity Session Mansfield Woodhouse Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Thursday 6.30pm-8.30pm River Maun Recreation Centre, Park Road Resource Centre, Park Road, Mansfield Way South, Mansfield, NG18 3RT ● “Time For Us” Parent Carer Barringer Road, Mansfield, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Support Group NG18 2DF Woodhouse, Mansfield, NG19 4:00pm-5:00pm Tuesday 9:30am-11:30am Wednesday 1:30pm-3:30pm 8ER Wednesday 10:30am-12:30pm 0345 000 0231 ● A Voice To Call Our Own 01623 232748 [email protected] Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm [email protected] Warsop Oaktree Trampoline Club ● Siblings Group Spectrum WASP Warsop Methodist Church, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Tuesday 4:00pm-6:00pm Beech House, Ransom Wood, Clumber Street, Warsop, Way South, Mansfield, NG18 3RT ● 3-5s Group Mansfield, NG21 0HJ Mansfield, NG20 0LU Wednesday 1:00pm-3:00pm Wednesday 10:00am-11:30am Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ● Coffee Morning 4:30pm-7:30pm ● Kids Monday 9:30am-11:30am 0115 942 1985 01623 463 820 Wednesday 4:00pm-6:00pm Funky Friday Arts/Crafts [email protected]. Family Fun Club ● Portland Football Club ● Friday 10:00am-12:00pm uk Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm Little WASPS Pre-school Spectrum Parents Meeting Portland College, Nottingham Wicked Workshop (All ages) ● ● Drop-In (term time only) Road, Mansfield, NG18 4TJ Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm Wednesday 4.30pm-6.30pm Wednesday 10:00am -11:45am Beech House, Ransom Wood, 01623 499113 01623 629902 07975 840 323 Mansfield, NG21 0HJ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Third Wednesday Monthly Powerchair Football Club 7:00pm-8:30pm West Notts College (Sports Hall), 07975 840 323 Derby Road, Mansfield, [email protected] NG18 5BH Wednesday 7:00pm-9:00pm 07985 203 377 8 8 Bilsthorpe Link Club For Notts/Lincs Pathological Harvey Hadden Sports Disabled People 12-24 years Demand Avoidance Support Village, Wigman Rd, Bilborough, Newark Bilsthorpe Young People’s Group - PDA Nottingham, NG8 4PB SPORTS Centre, Eakring Road, Bilsthorpe, South Muskham Village Hall, ● Disability Swimming Pre Badminton Sessions NG22 8PY Main Street, South Muskham, Club Link Satellite Session Lilley and Stone site, The Grove Monday 6:00pm-8:30pm Newark, NG23 6EE Saturday 12:45pm-2:30pm School, London Road, Newark, 01623 411300 First Tuesday of the month 0115 876 1600 Disability Swimming Lessons NG24 1TT [email protected] 11:00am-1:00pm ● Friday 1:30pm-2:30pm Newark and Sherwood 07584 240 386 Various times, please contact 01636 655797 Coffee and Chat Session [email protected] Nottingham City Sport & Leisure Customer Contact Blidworth Welfare FC (all disabilities) Southwell ASD Parent Support Group (Autistic Spectrum Centre Joseph Whitaker School, Warsop Charles Street Methodist Church, Disorder) 0115 876 1600 Lane, Rainworth, NG21 0AG Newark, NG24 1RN ● Level Water Disability Thursday 5:00pm-6:00pm 3rd Thursday monthly The Stanley Room, 24 Powell 9:30am-11:30am Court, Farnsfield, Newark, Swimming Lessons 07916 331 170 Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm [email protected] 07808 345 211 NG22 8DZ Newark Youth Link 2nd Thursday monthly 0115 876 1600 Boccia Sessions Multi-Sport Disability Club For disabled people aged 13-24 7.30pm-10.00pm ● Lilley and Stone site, The Grove Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm years 07753 126 703 School, London Road, Newark, 0115 933 8363 Hawtonville Youth Centre, southwellasdparents@outlook. NG24 1TT com [email protected] Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm Windsor Road, Newark, Nightflyers Trampoline Club NG24 4HX ● 01636 655797 Friday 4:30pm-5:30pm Wednesday 6.00pm-8:30pm 0115 876 1600 Dedicated Disability Swimming 01623 411300 Nottingham Session Southwell ● Nottingham Hoods Ollerton Youth Link For Southwell Leisure Centre, SPORTS Wheelchair Basketball Disabled People Nottingham Road, Southwell, Aspley YMCA Disability 5:30pm-7:00pm NG25 0LG Dukeries Young People’s Centre, Multisport 07765 226 902 Sunday 9:30am-10:00am Main Road, Boughton, Newark, YMCA Youth & Community [email protected]. 01636 813000 NG22 9JE Centre Melbourne Park, uk Monday 7:00pm-9:00pm Disability Badminton Sessions Melbourne Road, NG8 5HL ● Nottingham Swim School 01623 411300 Monday 6.00pm-7.30pm Disability Swimming Newark Sports and Fitness [email protected] Centre, Bowbridge Road, London Tuesday 6.00pm-7.30pm Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm Amy Oakes 0115 913 5808/ 0115 876 1600 Road, Newark, NG24 1TT Olympics Club Friday 1:30pm-2:30pm ADVICE AND SUPPORT 07398 387 908 ● Reception 01636 655780 Autism East Midlands Family [email protected] Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm Support Hubs Newark Clifton Children’s Centre, 0115 933 8363 Inclusive Swimming Session Sheriff’s Goalball Club for The Salvation Army, Mead Way, Southchurch Drive, Clifton, ● Newark Sports and Fitness Visually Impaired Special Balderton, Newark, NG24 3GA NG11 8AB Centre, Bowbridge Road, Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm Newark, NG24 4DH First Saturday of the Month ● Inclusive Family Swim 10:00am-2:00pm Saturday 4:00pm-4:45pm 0115 876 1600 Tuesday Beginner: 4:00-4:30pm Swim Inclusive Disability for 01909 506 678 ● Inclusive Multi-Sports ● Advanced: 4:30-5:00pm Life Limiting Illness 01636 655701 advice@autismeastmidlands. Saturday 3:15pm-4:00pm org.uk 0115 933 8363 Friday, Saturday 11:30am- [email protected] 1:00pm Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic [email protected] Newark Disability Swimming 0115 876 1600 Edwinstowe Community Disability Swim Club ● Wheelchair Basketball Grove Leisure Centre, London Care Centre, Fourth Avenue, Victoria Leisure Centre, Gedling Wednesday 5:30pm-7:00pm Road, New Balderton, Newark, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Street, NG1 1DB 0115 876 1600 NG21 9PA Saturday 9:30am-10:30am NG24 3AL Inclusive Tennis Tuesday 10:00am-12:00noon Nicola Cranshaw Tuesday 3:00pm-5:30pm Activace Arena, Tattershall Drive, 01636 655797 Ollerton 07932 583 399 n.cranshaw@oakfield. The Park, NG7 1BX Newark Flowserve FC Town Hall, Sherwood Drive, New nottingham.sch.uk Thursday 5:00pm-7:00pm Newark Flowserve, Hawton Lane, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9PP 0115 876 1600 Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm Disability Swimming Lessons Balderton, Newark, NG24 3BU Clifton Leisure Centre, Saturday 9:00am-10:15am Southwell Please visit www.escapeplay. co.uk Southchurch Drive, NG11 8AB 07914 382 216 Riverside Church Centre, King Saturday 2:15pm-3:15pm [email protected] Street, Southwell, NG25 0EN ExPro Sports Football Monday 2:15pm-3:15pm Disability Programme Active Ace 0115 933 8363 Nottinghamshire Boccia Club [email protected] Joseph Whitaker Sports Centre, 0115 942 1985 City Inclusive Tennis (Learning Warsop Lane, Rainworth, [email protected]. The Forest Sports Zone, Gregory Disabilities) NG21 0AG uk Boulevard, NG7 6LB Thursday 6:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm Nottingham Tennis Centre, Newark and Sherwood Autism University Blvd, NG7 2QH 01623 792327 Support Group County Play Football Nottingham, Friday 5:00pm-6:00pm Want 2 Play FC Blidworth Bishop Alexander School, 0115 876 1600 Joseph Whitaker Sports Centre, Alexander Avenue, Off Winthorpe Gedling Road, NG5 6NZ Warsop Lane, Rainworth, Newark Road, Newark, NG24 2BD Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm and Sherwood, NG21 0AG Thursday Monthly 0111 888 3040 Tuesday 6:30pm-7:30pm 9:30am-11:30am [email protected] 07972 569 738 07960 121 027 [email protected] newarkautismgroup@hotmail. co.uk SOCIAL Newark and Sherwood Autism 123 Magic 0-12 Years Support Group Siblings Club Parkgate Academy, Whinney The William Gladstone CofE Lane, Newark, NG22 9TH Primary School, Holden Crescent, Various times and days Newark, NG24 4HU 01623 463529 Monday 4:00pm-5:30pm [email protected] 07808 345 211

9 Nottingham Swim School The Big Kick 5 a-side Football Jigsaw Youth Club Nottinghamshire Deaf Society Disability Swimming League Mondays Hard of Hearing Social Club Clifton Children’s Centre, Thane Rd, Lenton Lane Industrial Oliver Hind Youth Club, Edale 22 Forest Road West, NG7 4EQ Southchurch Drive, Clifton, Estate, NG7 2TG Road, Sneinton, NG2 4HT 2nd & 4th Friday monthly NG11 8AB Tuesday 4:30pm-6:30pm 6.30pm-8:45pm, 10:00am-2:00pm Tuesday 5:00pm-6:00pm 07931 246 757 Mondays and Thursdays Rachael Ravenlock Djanogly Community Leisure Visually Impaired Tennis Orchard House, 2 Sherwood 0115 988 7576 Centre, Gregory Blvd, NG7 6ND (Physical Disabilities) Rise, NG7 6JN rachael.ravenlock@nottsdeaf. Monday 4:00pm-5:00pm Nottingham Tennis Centre, 10:00am-2:00pm org.uk Ken Martin Leisure Centre, University Blvd, NG7 2QH Tuesdays Open Voices Singing Sessions Hucknall Lane, Bulwell, NG6 8AP Friday 6:00pm-7:00pm NGY Base 51, 29-31 Castle Gate, For Adults With Learning Wednesday 4:00pm-6:00pm 0115 933 8363 NG1 7AR Difficulties Want 2 Play FC Aspley Park 10:00am-2:00pm St Martin’s Church, Trevose Victoria Leisure Centre Gardens, Sherwood, NG5 3FU Gedling St, Nottingham NG1 1DB 10 Rugby Close, NG5 9RL Wednesdays Tuesday 6:30pm-7:30pm Friday 10:00am-12:00pm Monday 11:30am-12:00pm Sherwin Road Community 0115 958 9312 Sara Dickinson 07972 569 738 Garden, Sherwin Road, Lenton, 0115 876 1600 [email protected] Pirate’s Play Centre relaxed www.activenottingham.com NG7 2FB Want 2 Play FC Clifton 10:00am-2:00pm environment session Nottingham Wheelchair Farnborough Road, Clifton, Pirate’s Play Centre, 41 Rowley Badminton Club Saturday Drive, NG5 1GD Nottingham, NG11 8LU Monty Hind Centre, Leengate, Ellis Guilford Leisure Centre, Friday 6:30pm-7:30pm 1st Tuesday monthly NG6 0DT Lenton, NG7 2LX 5:00pm-7:00pm Sara Dickinson 07972 569738 10:00am-1:00pm Friday 7:00pm-9:00pm [email protected] 0115 960 3363 Elaine 01332 799 442 Danek Jackowski 07762 207 532 Want 2 Play FC Sherwood PlayWorks Inclusive Activities [email protected] [email protected] Arnold Hill School & Technology Playworks, Alfred Street North, Oak Field School College, Gedling Road, NG5 6NZ Look Inside NG3 1AE Wigman Road, Bilborough, Friday 6:00pm-7:00pm New Generation Church, David Saturday 9:30am-2:00pm NG8 3HW Sara Dickinson 07972 569738 Lane, Basford, NG6 0JU 0115 958 9199 ● Fitness Session [email protected] ● After School Club Relaxed Performances Wednesday 3.45pm-4:45pm Mon-Fri 3:15pm-6:00pm Nottingham Theatre Royal Level Water Disability Wheelchair Tennis ● ● My Space Sensory Learning Theatre Square, NG1 5ND Swimming Lessons Nottingham Tennis Centre, & Play LTD Caroline Pope 0115 989 5627 Monday, Thursday University Park, NG7 2QH Mon- Fri 10:00am- 3:00pm Friday 2:00pm-4:00pm caroline.pope@nottinghamcity. 3:00pm-5:30pm ● Respite Care gov.uk Multi-sport club Friday 7:00pm-8:00pm Mon-Fri 1:00pm-3:00pm ● Scope Saturday Club Wednesday 3:45pm-4:45pm 0115 933 8363 07424 032 564 [email protected] Concord House, Nottingham ● Splash Session [email protected] Road, Basford, NG7 7FF Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm Sunday 9:00am-11:00am Mencap Me Time - ICT & Craft 07824 871 706 Pete Whitehead 0115 915 0050 Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm Meadows Youth and Community 0115 942 0060 [email protected]. Centre, Wilford Crescent East, SEND-Sation sessions sch.uk SOCIAL NG2 2EF Arnbrook Children’s Centre, ● Dance4 Classes After School Club @ Look Inside Tuesday 9:30am-3:30pm Thursday 4:00pm-6:00pm Steve Jepson 07983 535 308 Bestwood Lodge Drive, Arnold, Sensory Learning & Play LTD, NG5 8NE Adele Wrag New Generation Church, David [email protected] [email protected] Monday 10.00am-11:00am Lane, Basford, NG6 0JU My Sight Nottinghamshire 0115 916 5010 ● Special Badminton Club After school, holidays and inset Bowling Night (for adults and days 3:15pm-6pm children) Showcase Cinema Autism Wednesday 5:00pm-6:00pm Friendly Screening Elaine 01332 799 442 0742 403 2564 1st Bowl Nottingham, 1 Belward [email protected] [email protected] Street, NG1 1JZ Showcase Cinema, Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW Broadway Cinema, 3rd Wednesday monthly Powerchair Football Sessions 2nd Sunday monthly Nottingham Supportive 7:30pm-10:00pm Harvey Hadden Sports Village, 10:00am-2:00pm Environment Screenings 0115 970 6806 Wigman Rd, Bilborough, 0871 220 1000 14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL Night Life - Club Night NG8 4PB Tiny Talk West Notts Baby Announced monthly - please Monday 6:00pm-7:30pm Learning In A Fun Environment, Signing Lyn Lear 07985 203 377 contact for more information 24 Main Street, Bulwell, NG6 8QL [email protected] 0115 952 6611 Friday 7:00pm-9:00pm Monday Djanogly Community [email protected] 0115 975 7712 Leisure Centre, Gregory Blvd, Skate Inclusive Learn to Skate NG7 6ND Contact for times Programme Ear Foundation Nottingham Mencap M8’s National Ice Centre, Nottingham, The Ear Foundation, 83 Sherwin Youth Club for 5-16 Year Olds Monday Escape Play, 6 Pentrich NG1 1LA Road, Lenton, NG7 2FB With A Learning Disability Road, Giltbrook, Nottingham, NG16 2UZ Wednesday 6:45pm-7:15pm ● Ready Steady Go 2-5 Year Harpenden House, 203 Edwards janet.wass@national-ice-centre. Olds Lane, Sherwood, NG5 3JA 10:15am-11:15am com Every 4th Saturday 1st and 3rd Saturday monthly Tuesday Wollaton Library, Special Olympics Club - 10:30am-12:30pm 11:00am-4:00pm Bramcote Lane, Wollaton, Nottingham City ● Stay and Play Session 0-2 0115 920 9524 NG8 2NA Oakfield Specialist Sports Year Olds Nottingham Mencap Gener8 10:15am-11:15am College, Bilborough, NG8 3HW First Wednesday of the month Youth Club for 14-24 years Thursday Bulwell Tesco, Jennison Monday 6:30pm-8:00pm 10:30am-12:00pm 203 Edwards Lane, Sherwood, Street, NG6 8EQ 07824 871 706 Rachel Lightfoot 07852 358 369 NG5 3JA Thursday 10:15am-11:15am Swim Inclusive Disability or [email protected] 2nd and 4th Saturday monthly Kate Cooke & Katy Beighton Life Limiting Illness Inclusive Board Gaming Group 11:00am-4:00pm 07429 340 750 Djanogly Community Leisure The Dice Cup, 70 Mansfield Contact Amanda Allport or Julia [email protected] Centre, Gregory Blvd, NG7 6ND Road, NG1 3GY Hibbert on 0115 920 9524 Monday 10:45am-11:45am Monday 11:00am-1:00pm Ken Martin Leisure Centre, Rose Dent 0115 804 3301 Hucknall Lane, Bulwell, NG6 8AP [email protected] Sunday 2:00pm-3:00pm 0115 876 1600

10 10 ADVICE AND SUPPORT Down’s Syndrome Drop-In Sutherland House School Singing and Signing ADHD Support Group Clinic Sibling Support Group Abbey and Lady Bay Children’s Nottingham Child Development Centre, City Sutherland House School, Bath Centre, Tewkesbury Close, Southglade Children’s Centre, Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Street, Sneinton, NG1 1DA West Bridgford, NG2 5ND Southglade Road, NG5 5GU NG5 1PB Dates TBC Wednesday 1:45pm-2:15pm or 2nd Tuesday monthly Wednesday 9:00am-12:00pm Linsey Atkins 01909 506 678 2:00pm-2:30pm 10:00am-12:00pm 0115 883 1157 advice@autismeastmidlands. 0115 969 4480 0116 261 0711 FASD Friends Support org.uk West Bridgford Youth Link [email protected] Thomas Helwys Church, Church Transitions Peer Support West Bridgford Young People’s Adults with ADHD Support Street, Lenton, NG7 1SJ, Group Centre, Bridgford Road, West Group (and their carers) 1st Thursday monthly Carers Federation, 21-23 Pelham Bridgford, NG2 6AT Venue changes - please contact 10:00am-12:00pm Road, NG5 1AP Wednesday 6:30pm-9:00pm for details 0115 786 0211 Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm 07949 270 038 Monday 7:00pm-9:00pm [email protected] 0115 962 9369 Sue Smith 0115 982 2573 Friends For Support ADVICE AND SUPPORT [email protected] For upcoming meeting details Autism East Midlands Family Asian Parents Group please email Rushcliffe Support Hubs East Leake New Art Exchange, 39-41 [email protected] SPORTS Lantern Lane Primary School, Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic Access Tennis Coaching Lantern Lane, East Leake, 3rd Thursday monthly Nottingham Deaf Society Sessions LE12 6QN 10:00am-12:30pm 22, Forest Road West, NG7 4EQ West Bridgford Tennis Club, Little First Tuesday of the month Contact Noreen Sheikh on Second Wednesday of the month Bounds, off Wilford Lane, West 4.30pm-7.30pm 0115 948 2888 12:30am-1:30pm Bridgford, NG2 7QA advice@autismeastmidlands. [email protected] Wollaton Saturday 7:30pm-9:00pm org.uk Autism East Midlands Family St. Leonards Community Centre, Mel Whitehead 0115 981 1699 Hear 2 Help Drop-In Clinic Support Hub Nottingham City Bramcote Lane, NG8 2ND Bingham Penguins Swimming St Peter’s Rooms, Ruddington Hamilton Service, Harby Lodge, Tuesday times TBC Club Parish Council, Church Street, Pelham Road, NG5 1AP 0115 942 1985 Bingham Leisure Centre, Ruddington NG11 6HA 3rd Monday Monthly [email protected]. The Banks, Bingham, NG13 8BL Thursday 11:30am-12:30pm 4:30pm-7:30pm uk Sunday 5:30pm-7:00pm Radcliffe Methodist Church, 01909 506 678 Mencap Me Time - Healthy 01949 838 628 Shelford Road, Radcliffe-on-trent, advice@autismeastmidlands. Lifestyles Rushcliffe Arena NG12 2AG org.uk Meadows Youth and Community Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Second Monday of each month Autistic Spectrum Drop-In Centre, Wilford Crescent East, NG2 7HY 10:00am-11:00am Clinic NG2 2EF Sunday 5:30pm-7:00pm 0115 942 1985 Children’s Development Centre, Monday, Friday 9:30am-3:30pm 0115 981 4 027 [email protected]. Nottingham City Hospital 07983 535 308 Want 2 Play FC Bingham uk Campus, Hucknall Road, [email protected] Butt Field, Bingham, NG13 8EB Trent Autism Parents Support NG5 1PB Wednesday 6:30pm-7:30pm (TAPS) 2nd Wednesday monthly Rainbow Parents Carers 07972 569 738 Poppy and Pint (Restaurant 10:00am-12:30pm Forum Contact Louise or Lyn on Room), West Bridgford, NG2 5DX Rainbow Saturday Session SOCIAL 1st Monday monthly 0115 883 1157/8 Monty Hind Youth Club, Leen [email protected] Lets Play Together 7:00pm-9:00pm Gate, NG7 2LX 0115 934 8451 Dad’s Forum 2nd and 4th Saturday of each The Bungalow, Keyworth Primary School, Nottingham Road, RainbowParentsCarersForum@ Venue changes, so please month, 2:00pm-4:00pm live.co.uk contact for further details. Rainbow Admin 0115 934 8451 Keyworth, NG12 5FB Tuesday 7:30pm-11:00pm [email protected] Tuesday 12:00pm-6:00pm Kieran Lee 0115 976 1720 Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm Scope Day Service Linda Cox 0115 937 4589 [email protected] Concord House, Nottingham DCD/Dyspraxia Support Group rushcliffe.playforum@ Road, Basford, NG7 7FF btopenworld.com Child Development Centre, City Mon-Fri 09:30am-3:30pm Mencap Me Time Gardens Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road 0115 942 0059 Project NG5 1PB Southglade Autism Support Wednesday 12.30pm-2.30pm Mencap Gardens, Gresham Park Group Road, West Bridgford, NG2 7YF 0115 911 1661 Southglade Access Centre, [email protected] Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm Southglade Rd, NG5 5GU Steve Jepson 07983 535 308 2nd Wednesday monthly, [email protected] 9:30am-11:30am (term time only) 0115 960 9263 advice@autismeastmidlands. org.uk

For more events, group sessions and activities, visit your Local Offer website:

NOTTINGHAM NOTTINGHAMSHIRE www.asklion.co.uk www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk

11 MY JOURNEY IN MUSIC Luke Fiddes

My name is Luke Fiddes, I am a 27-year-old musician, author and befriender who lives with Aspergers syndrome and I am very proud to say that I am autistic. My journey began at the time I needed music most. I was struggling emotionally with life and had no hobbies, friendships or self- to promote the use of music, as we know confi dence. I hated who I was and wished music used in the right way will change lives so much that I wasn’t me. Then my grandad for the better. gave me his old organ and I instantly felt a connection with the sound and feel of the ‘My Journey in Music’ is aimed for children keys. From there on, I entered a world I didn’t aged 11 and above. I want to write a small know existed and I completely lost myself in series of stories about children who all have it. It was a magical time! their own individual obstacles to overcome and how music can not only smash these Music has helped me to completely change my barriers but completely open up their worlds life and perspective on who I am and what I by bringing them all together. The books am meant for. I always mention three major will be aimed at younger children in junior turning points: schools, they’ll read the series of short stories 1. Music helped give me the self-confi dence fi rst and learn about how music has helped to perform as myself with the piano people with different challenges. They’ll at total ease, nothing has ever felt so move onto ‘My Journey in Music when they natural and so right. get to secondary school, where they can 2. It has given me the social tools and use music in their own lives. I feel these connections to people my own age and mini stories will be a fun starting point to has given me real friendships, which I introduce young children into the amazing have never had before. world of music. 3. It has helped me overcome the obstacles I once faced with my Autism during The most important thing in life is to be happy school and has brought out all the in who you are. That means fi nding what positive aspects of the condition. I use you are meant to do and what you enjoy. Try my condition to its fullest potential every different things, sports, music, art, dancing, day as a musician and through music, my technology, anything that grabs your interest autism has been my saving grace. and once you fi nd that one thing that you can fully depend on, be yourself and don’t let go At the moment I play piano, ukulele, guitar of it. and sing at a lot of different care, residential and nursing homes across Nottinghamshire and I will be recording a song about the book in Leicestershire. I really enjoy connecting with the near future which I am really excited people through music, sharing memories and about so if you are interested in Autism and seeing people come alive to the songs they music then listen out for a song called ‘Little used to sing during the happiest moments of Boy’. I am always keen to meet people who their lives. I have also written a book called are interested in Music and Autism so if you ‘My Journey In Music’ about my story of the would like to get in touch about the book or power of Music and Autism but it’s also a book me as a musician or anything else then that shows people how they can use music please feel free to contact me on in their day to day lives to enhance their lukefi [email protected] emotional wellbeing and self-confi dence. I am looking to work in a range of settings including schools, day centres and special needs groups 12 12 TOP 5 TIPS FOR CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS

Maintaining your focus and concentration can be diffi cult for a range of reasons – it may be part and 3. Do simple exercises parcel of your diagnosis, or it might change as things in If you are able, doing some basic exercises your life affect you more or less, but there are several while focusing on a task can improve things you can try. We can’t guarantee that all of these concentration. Things like fl exing and suggestions will work for everybody and for all types of tightening your leg muscles, or making a tight focussing issues, but we hope you fi nd them helpful. fi st then loosening your fi ngers can be enough to stop distractions from taking hold.

1. Fidget toys 4. Give yourself a break If you know that you struggle to focus for Fidget toys are designed to keep your hands and long periods of time, try to avoid forcing mind busy when they’re hard to settle. For some yourself into a situation that will cause you people, playing with these gadgets can help them stress and make concentrating feel even to focus in situations where listening to another more diffi cult. Make sure you have space and person is important. time to let your mind be free. You may need 2. Meditation to talk to those around you, such as teachers and tutors to make sure this is possible. It can take some time, but for some people, concentration and focus are skills that get easier 5. Eat, drink and sleep to control with practice. Guided meditation is a great way to practice keeping your mind on one We all work best when we feel our best, so thing for a few minutes, as they feature soothing make sure you’re well-rested, eating the voices to talk you through the process and remind right things and have access to drinks and you to bring your attention back to the task. snacks when you need them.

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER At IRIS, we love seeing people using social media to make a stand and get their voices heard, and these three infl uencers are defi nitely doing just that!

Ellie Simmonds Sarah Gordy MBE Will Bayley MBE (@EllieSimmonds1) (@sarah_gordy) (@WillBayleytt) Ellie is a Paralympic swimmer Sarah is an actor, dancer and Will is a world number 1 with achondroplasia, who has model with Downs Syndrome, Paralympic table tennis player been winning gold medals for she is best known for her role in and was a contestant on BBC 1’s the UK Olympic team since Call The Midwife and has been Strictly Come Dancing last year. she was 13. She tweets about in several stage productions. His tweets include throwbacks sports, everyday life and the She tweets about her life and to his childhood, life updates campaigns and events she is career and is an ambassador for and career highlights. involved in. the disability charity Mencap.

Share your favourite social media personalities with us and they could be featured in the next IRIS issue! Email [email protected] 13 Shared lives is a support and care service of time. This could be between an offered through both Nottingham City overnight stay or a few weeks, depending Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. on the circumstances and needs of the individual. The service offers care and support within the homes of approved families for people who Day Care arrangements – these are stays need support and care due to: of 4 or 8 hours each day, depending on A learning disability circumstances, and can include help with personal care or support to get out and A mental health issue about. Support or care due to their age A physical disability Emergency care – Shared Lives carers are able to support individuals whose main Other disabilities or impairments which source of support is suddenly unavailable. cause them to be vulnerable or at risk. This can happen for a range of reasons. The person receiving the care and support Shared Lives families and carers are stays in the Shared Lives family’s residence matched with individuals based on needs, for a period of time. The length of time this circumstances, availability and lifestyle. arrangement is in place will depend on the You will need an assessment to see if you are individual’s circumstances, and could be: eligible for support. SHARED LIVES Long term – Living with an approved Shared Both Local Authorities can provide more Lives family, with a personalised bedroom information on the Shared Lives service space within their home, while receiving and how to access it. For Nottingham City support and care from them. Council, you can call 0115 876 5846, or for Short breaks – the arrangement is the same Nottinghamshire County Council, the number is as a long-term stay, with a personalised 0300 500 80 80. Both numbers are charged at bedroom, but for a shorter length the usual local rate.

A O C X J U R O B I N H O O D CASTLE R J H Z I Z W L Z C T K L J X CAVES T A I I T R E N T M C H A S J H C S D F W Z Y S Z F E Y L K HISTORY E Z T Q B D K W H J L C T A U LACE A A O F S H E R I F F M Q C Z T K R K I G X G G K Q K E E N LIONS R T Y D H J H F I A O L M Y U ROBIN HOOD E Q B E P V Y M A U V M L U V S Y Q P N N I L I O N S O Q C SHERIFF Y B W S I O V E N P D T O P A THEATRE I U C A S T L E D D E S A Q V

TRAMS A V B X J F W E I K D G X D E S H A P T U B N C Y O V D A S TRENT P C G O Q S R T R A M S X T R NOTTS WORDSEARCH MOVING ON UP – A QUICK GUIDE TO YOUR POST-16 EDUCATION OPTIONS

Are you leaving school this year? Or maybe you’ve already left and are thinking about what to do next. Since 2015, all young people in the UK must stay in education until the age of 18. It’s important to know all your options as you decide your next steps in life, so we’ve broken down the different paths you might take.

What to study - Subjects and Qualifi cations Once you leave year 11, it is up to you what subjects you want to learn about. So, if there’s a particular career or area of study that you fi nd interesting, you can look into it now. The type of qualifi cation you study will depend on the subject, but the most common are:

A-Levels and BTEC NVQ AS-Levels A mix of theoretical learning These are very practical These are usually academic with more hands-on sessions. qualifi cations which prove subjects, such as sciences, BTEC qualifi cations are your ability to do a job. You maths and languages. You assessed through a series of can study an NVQ as part of can choose to study up to 5 coursework assignments and a college course, at work or subjects at A-level, but most projects – a positive point as part of an apprenticeship. universities only require 3, so for anyone who doesn’t do NVQ’s are best suited to make sure you consider how well in exams! There are hands-on subjects, like the workloads and demands over 2,000 subjects studied hairdressing, plumbing, of the subjects will affect you through BTECs, including catering and teaching. and fi t your needs. Construction, Childcare, Art and Business Studies.

Where to study – Types of Provider

Sixth Form College Apprenticeships Most secondary schools now Colleges are separate to Through an apprenticeship, have a Sixth Form offering secondary schools and can offer you work toward a post-16 qualifi cations. a completely fresh learning qualifi cation while working in a real job. You will spend You don’t have to carry on at experience. There are over 15 some time with tutors and your current school, you are colleges in Nottinghamshire, so may need to go to college free choose to apply to attend there’s plenty to explore and some of the time, but you a new school for Sixth Form. choose from if this is an option will mostly spend time at You can also apply to multiple you’re interested in. work, either carrying out schools to give yourself more day-to-day responsibilities or options once you get your completing written projects GCSE results. and assignments for your apprenticeship. Nottingham is home to some great schools and colleges designed to support those with additional needs. You can fi nd out more about those providers on the Ask Lion and Notts Help Yourself websites.

More Information There’s lots information available online about your options when it comes to education, training and work. Both Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Offers have dedicated sections with information about the providers, benefi ts and support available. Ask US advisers can also offer support and guidance, as well as helping both you and your parents through the transition between secondary school and the next stage. In addition, The Young People’s Zone on our website has a section for Education, Training and Apprenticeships which you may fi nd useful as you weigh up your options for the future. 15 UPCOMING ISSUES April | July | October | January

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