Issue 32 January 2020

The newsletter for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs in and the Vale of Page 6&7 Vale Play Page 9 Making a Plan for My Future Page 16 Different Abilities Support Group What’s On: Happy New Year! Mondays Thursdays The One Group Parent Local Motion Studio Kids Disability in gatherings for parents Barry (see page 4) Happy New Year to all our readers. We The Index is a regional service covering Mondays, 1.15pm-2.30pm, Classes at 4.30pm-5.15pm for 5-11 years and are now into the full swing of 2020, a new Cardiff and the . In Cardiff, Howardian Primary School, CF23 9NB 5.15-6.30pm for ages 12yrs+ decade, with new hopes, adventures and The Index now sits within the newly formed contact 07725038778 or challenges. Cardiff Family Advice and Support. In the Tuesdays [email protected] Vale of Glamorgan, The Index sits within the You will see that we have a new feature LGBTQ Club The Deaf Cool Club Vale Family Information Service. Every Tuesday (term time), 6.00pm-9.00pm in this issue which is around Transition, or Every Thursday, (term time) 6.00pm-9.00pm Centre now known as ‘Planning for your future’. Please remember that if you know of anyone Deaf Centre, Newport Road, Cardiff This focuses on what will happen when a who would benefit from signing up to The KeyCreate Stay and Play Group Trelai Inclusive Club child reaches Year 9 in school and starts to Index, let them know that they can register Tuesdays, 10.00am-12.00pm Every Thursday (term time) 6.00pm-9.00pm think about their future. For example what using the online form or contact us on Glyndwr Community Centre, Western Leisure Centre, Cardiff Glyndwr Avenue, Penarth, CF64 3ND will happen when they leave school, attend the numbers below. If you are a family or The One Group Parent gatherings for [email protected] college etc. You will find more information professional with a story to share please let parents Thursdays, 1.30pm-2.30pm, on pages 10-11 us know as we are always looking for new The One Group Parent Ysgol Gymraeg,Glan Ceubal, CF14 2QQ and exciting stories to share with our readers. We are keen to know if you would like gatherings for parents Vale Families First Holiday Club (see more information about this subject. Happy reading! Tuesdays, 9.30am-10.45am, page 6) Tuesday – Thursday during Half Term Please send your comments to us (details Multi-Sensory Impairment, Contact your local team if you have a story to Vale Inclusive Youth Provision Teenscheme below). Ely & Caerau Children’s Centre, CF5 4SX share, or an event you would like us to come (see page 5) What is new since the last issue? along to! Vale Families First Holiday Club Thursday and Friday (during Half Term) (see page 6) Tuesday - Thursday The Index currently reaches over 2300 (Half Term) Fridays people consisting of 1511 families and 820 The One Group Parent gatherings for professionals across Cardiff and the Vale. Wednesdays parents Fridays, 9.30am-11am, Rubicon Dance Studio in Cardiff, classes Nursery School, CF24 2TG to suit children and young people with Young Care Leavers Club Every Friday learning difficulties (term time), 5:30pm - 8:30pm For young (see page 4) care leavers age 13-25yrs Grassroots Youth Every Wednesdays, Various dance Centre, Cardiff classes for 7-25yrs, 4.00pm-6.30pm Vale Inclusive Youth Provision Teenscheme Cardiff Family Advice and Support Vale Family Information Service contact 02920 491477 or [email protected] (see page 5) Thursday and Friday [email protected] [email protected] (during Half Term) The One Group Parent 03000 133 133 Saturdays 0800 587 10 14 gatherings for parents www.cardifffamilies.co.uk www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/theindex Wednesdays, 1.15pm-2.30pm, Oshi’s World –Let’s Play Sessions Saturdays, 10.00am-1.00pm Byrd Crescent @CardiffCFAS Grangetown Nursery School, CF11 7DT @ValeFIS Community Centre, Penarth, Vale Families First Holiday Club [email protected] (see page 6) The Index is funded by ’s Families First Grant Barry Beaver Swimming Club Tuesday – Thursday (Half Term) Saturday afternoons, 3.00pm-5.00pm Healthy, Active and Indoors Barry Leisure Centre (See Page 7) Cathays Inclusive Club Term Time only 4.00pm-6.30pm Every Saturday, Youth Pavillion in , 10.00am-1.00pm

2 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 3 Local Motion Dance Teenscheme Inclusive Youth Provision – Disability If you need more encouragement – WINTER TERM 2020 Every Thursday Teenscheme Halloween Half Term! ALL young People who attended said they will be back and gave Teenscheme a BIG Local Motion Kids What a Spooky Halloween we had at Teenscheme ALL BASED AT THE MCD STUDIO, YMCA, BARRY Thumbs Up. Parents are also enthusiastic about Disability thanks to the Welsh Government Families First Ages 5 - 11yrs www.motioncontroldance.com Teenscheme –stating that their young people: For further information please contact them on funding. We had spooky arts and crafts, a large 4.30pm – 5.15pm inflatable Frankenstein, life size spooky doormen “grew in 07725038778 or [email protected] “absolutely loved it” Local Motion Dance and lots of pumpkins, chains and Halloween confidence” Disability activities. These included our Annual Halloween "had a fantastic time “Staff Team Ages 12yrs+ Disco, Bingo and Auction Extravaganza evening and learned new skills" are Fab” 5.15pm – 6.30pm for all the young people who attend Teenscheme to bring along their families. An excellent night of “Loved everything about Local Motion Dance Company fun that everyone enjoyed! Disability it – so much variety” Parents, grandparents and young people who Ages 16yrs+ “feel confident that my child is came gave us a great ten out of ten and thanked 6.30pm – 7.45pm looked after” all the Teenscheme staff for the two days of fun packed activities. Venue: Cwrt Y Vil Community Centre, Byrd Teenscheme February Half Term Crescent, Penarth. CF64 3QU. Time: 10.00 am to 3.00pm Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February 2020 Please provide lunch and refreshments for the day. Activities include: group games, arts and crafts, X box, pool, music, indoor games and the sensory There is also a donation of £5.00 per young room and garden. Huge thanks to Oshi’s World person per day if you are able to donate. for their support in allowing us to use these great We look forward to welcoming new members, but facilities. if you need to contact us in the meantime, you It would be even better to see more young people can contact us by telephone: 07866 564741 or by attending the February Teenscheme! If you live email: [email protected] in the Vale of Glamorgan and have a diagnosed RUBICON Dance Classes disability, get in touch with Vale People First to get your copy of the “All About Me” book. Fill it out Rubicon Dance is a community dance and send it back and we will be in touch! We have development organisation. They have a range of a Nurse and Personal Assistant on site for the classes to suit all tastes, interests, abilities and duration of the Teenscheme. styles Spring Term Timetable for Wednesday Classes starting 8 Jan – 4 April 2020 4.00pm – 4.45pm – Open class for 7-11 years with learning difficulties Inclusive Youth Provision – Youth Speak Up 4.15pm – 5.00pm – Rubicon open class for For 16 to 25 year olds with learning disabilities are Opportunities within the group and in the 12-18 years with learning difficulties Community. Venue: Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre, 4.45pm – 5.30pm – Dance for young adults for Address; Rubicon Dance Studios, Nora Gibbonsdown, Barry. For more information Contact: 18-25 years with learning disabilities Street, , Cardiff, CF24 1ND Time: Every Thursday 5.30pm till 7.30pm Vale People First, Castleland Community 5.30pm – 6.30pm – Flagship group for For further information and bookings please Centre, Belvedere Crescent, Barry, Vale of We focus on self-advocacy with fun, making 12-25 years with learning difficulties phone 02920 491477 or email Glamorgan. Telephone: 07866 564741 friends, building confidence and learning how to [email protected] email: [email protected] Open class session price £4.00 & Flagship www.rubicondance.co.uk “speak up” for yourself and be listened to. There Group Session Price per term £46

4 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 5 If you require any further information about the Families First Holiday Vale Families First Holiday Club Club, please do not hesitate to contact Joanne Jones, Play Development Officer on 01446 704809 / Summer Success [email protected] Another fantastic time was had by Welsh Government Visit all last summer at the Families First A visit from the Welsh Government Holiday Club held at Ysgol Y Deri Finance Minister Rebecca Evans was School, Penarth. successful with children making fruit Despite a last minute change of venue kebabs and showing off their culinary and a couple of days for both children skills. and staff to settle, the summer holidays were soon underway, with a range of CIW Inspection fabulous and fun activities to keep us Vale Families First Holiday Club is all busy. registered with Care inspectorate (CIW). Part of the registration Hungry Holidays Pilot process is an unannounced visit to inspect The Welsh Government Hungry Holidays the setting. This summer, CIW inspectors fund provided a grant for us to offer spent just under two days at the Holiday healthy eating options for the children Club talking to the management team, during snack and lunch time, and the play staff, parents and children. team wasted no time in creating a Social Snack Community Play in the Vale The inspection found that staff were experienced Bar for the children and knowledgeable about the children in their care Vale Sports and Play Development Victoria Park Community Centre, Church to access. This and that all the children were comfortable and Team have recruited a Community Play Road, Cadoxton, Barry, CF63 1JY proved very popular were listened to during their stay at the Holiday Development Officer, to provide free with the children, For more information please contact Club. Staff were all aware of the importance of community play opportunities for children who tried a range Julia Sky, Community Play safeguarding and had received induction training. in the Vale aged 4 – 11 years. of healthy snacks Development Officer on including carrots, “We found that children enjoy themselves at After the success of the Healthy, Active 01446 704809 / broccoli, hummus, Families First. They have fun with their friends and and Outdoors sessions over the summer, [email protected] blueberries and interact well with their carers. They are cared for by the team have developed Healthy, Active and avocado to name knowledgeable, nurturing and consistent staff who Indoors sessions for the colder months. but a few! are committed to meeting their individual needs.” The sessions aim to encourage children to leave their devices Read the full report at at home and promote low- careinspectorate.wales/families-first-holiday-club cost, no-cost play activities in the community including: junk Families First Holiday Club in modelling, arts and crafts, den February Half Term building, multi-sports and much The Families First Holiday Club was more! unable to run during October 2019 The first sessions of 2020 will be due to unforeseen circumstances, held in Victoria Park Community but with February 2020 fast Centre on Wednesdays from approaching, we have everything crossed that we 4.30pm – 6pm. will be back to run in half term. Healthy, Active and Indoors Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 & Free sports and play sessions for Thursday 20 February, 10.00am – 3.00pm 4 – 11 years Ysgol Y Deri Special School, Sully Road, Penarth, Wednesdays in Term-Time from CF64 2TP 8 January, 4.30pm – 6.00pm

6 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 7 Vale Parenting Service Beginning to Plan for The Vale Parenting Service support families Parenting programmes are delivered in a with children between 0-18 across the small group setting, or as a 1:1 bespoke My Future Vale of Glamorgan in order to build on intervention in line with what the family strengths and make positive changes, see as the focus of support required. enabling parents to feel more Parenting Programmes include; confident in managing; behaviour, Welcome to the World, Baby’s First routines and boundaries. We focus Year, Nurturing Programme, Handling on promoting emotional wellbeing, and Children’s Behaviour, Handling Teenage supporting positive family relationships. We behaviour, Talking Teens and STEPS. also have specialist midwifery support from our These offer a broad programme of support and under 19’s midwife, in order to provide targeted strategies across the whole age group, from support which both complement and enhance antenatal to the teenage years. the Parenting Service. Sense of Play Project

The Sense of Play project, which is attached to The fun and interactive sessions focus on: the Vale Parenting Service, supports families with • Sensory play When you are 14 you have to start thinking about your future and what you would like to do when children (aged 0-5 years) who have varying levels • Physical play you leave school. You might want to go to college, do some training or get a job. You may need of additional learning needs, living across the Vale • Songs, Rhymes and Stories support to continue to learn to do things for yourself when out and about in the community or you of Glamorgan. • Messy Play may need to be supported in a place where for example you are helped with your physical care. Sessions are carried out in the family home, and The sense of play practitioner brings a variety of Sometimes, making choices might be hard but it can also be an exciting time, and there are lots of activities focus on play and development. The activities and resources which are stimulating, fun other people as well as people in school who can help you. For example: sessions aim to support parents to recognise the and enhance children’s development. different stages of their child’s development, and • A Careers Advisor will be able to give you • Attend a Day Service The Vale Parenting Service is based at the the important role they play in enhancing this. lots of ideas and choices that are available in Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer • Receive support in the community Sessions are for 1 hour a week, and the family your area when you leave school; Road, Barry, CF62 9DA. Families, Carers and • Get some work experience or voluntary work receive up to 6 sessions (term time only). • College staff can also let you know what professionals can refer via the Families First to help you to get a paid job you would like courses they have if you would like to go to Advice Line on 0800 0327 322. to do in the future college. They can also arrange visits for you to see what it’s like; • Prepare to live away from home • You might also have support from someone Planning for your future will start in year 9 which who can talk about what you do in your is long before you leave school. If you have a spare time and help with new things to do as Statement of SEN, the next 2 pages will tell you Carers Trust Carers Panel you grow older. what should happen to help you plan ahead. Influence. Interact. Inspire. Wednesday 5 February Here’s some of the things (Options) you might 10am – 12 noon We want to know what you think! Join the Carers Trust Carers Panel and help shape want to do in the future: services for unpaid carers in Cardiff and the Vale. CF61, Station Road, Llantwit Major, CF61 1ST Tell us what you would like to know to help you make decisions about your future, or if there is (A light lunch will be provided at all events) • Stay in School after you are 16 Dates and locations: anything you are worried or excited about, and Contact Sian Salkeld on 07706 297966 • Apply for jobs look out for some answers to your questions in Thursday 30 January [email protected] to find out more 10am – 12 noon • Sign up with a supported employment the next issues of the Index! The Community Hub, West House, Stanwell agency (your school can tell you about these) E-mail us at: theindex@valeofglamorgan. Road, Penarth CF14 6HL • Go to college gov.uk /[email protected] • Join a training programme

8 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 9 Making a Plan for My Future

If you have a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN), here’s what should happen to help you plan for your future: Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Years 13-14

Your school will talk to you You will have another meeting You can take part in work You might do some more work You might do some more work about what you would like to to see how the plan is going. experience, in something you experience. experience or you might apply do when you get older and are interested in, to see what for jobs, training or voluntary leave school. They will talk  it’s like going to work.  positions. about the choices you have. Depending on what you want You will meet with the people to do in the future, new people  who support you again, to see   might come to the meeting to You will meet with people who how your plan for your future is You will meet with people who You will then meet with other see how they can support you. support you to see how your going. support you again, to see how people who support you, such plan is going and if anything your plan is going. as a social worker, a teacher  needs to be changed. New  or a healthcare worker and people may come to the Now is a good time to start If you need an adult social  together you will make a plan meeting such as an adult thinking about whether you worker, they may now be You might start visits to the for your future. You can get social worker, adult health want to leave school at involved, to support you to place you will go to next and help from someone before the service worker or someone 16 or 19. plan for your future. meet people who will be meeting to help you prepare from the local college you may supporting you there. your thoughts and your school want to attend.  can help with this.   You might start visits to the  place you will go to next. You can find out information You can leave One of the people attending on things like direct payments  school in year the meeting will become your and independence. ‘key worker ‘. This is someone You might apply for jobs, 13 or 14 and who will make sure your plan  training, or voluntary positions. go to your new runs smoothly and help if there At the end of year 11 place. are any problems with the you might want to: plan. Everyone involved in Stay in school, go to college, supporting you should make get a job, or do some  sure that information about training. The plan that everyone makes you has been shared with at the meeting must be about the new place you will go to what you want to do, so it will when you leave school. be important to tell everyone what you would like to happen Your new place will use all in the future. the information to make sure you get the right help when  you get there. Everyone who supports you Everyone who supports you should have a copy of your should have a copy of your plan so that they know what to do to help you to get to where plan so that they know what you want to be. to do to help you to get to where you want to be. Shane Doran gains confidence to travel • Matthew has watched his bus drive away from However, taking risks is part of everyday life as the stop without him you grow up and developing the skills to problem solve needs to be encouraged to enable any independently • The bus has not turned up. person to develop independent living/life skills. Independent Travel college with the other students. After finishing These are all things that can happen to anyone. Matthew embraces the challenge of travelling Training started for school Shane progressed to 1-2-1 training with But with strategies in place to deal with such alone. It gives him a great sense of satisfaction, Shane in the last one of the Travel Trainers and over the summer events your young person will surprise you with self-esteem and confidence. year of his time at holidays they worked together to reinforce the how well they cope. Even if you might be a wreck! Ysgol-y-Deri, in skills Shane had already developed, and learnt Written by Matthew’s mother group sessions. the specific journey from home to college. Subjects included Since then Shane has learnt to travel to planning a journey, Llandough Hospital, The Health Hospital, road safety, money Park and all over Barry. handling and social interactions. Shane gets anxious when a bus is late and will use his phone when he requires reassurance to Practical training with the group of other Post 16 contact his APS host or the office. students took place from Ysgol-y-Deri to Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) Dumballs Road, which Jamie Hughes travel trainer says ‘it is down to included the return journey. Shane was exposed the trainee WANTING to learn that makes it so to the chaotic environment of the city centre. successful.’ Over the course of the school year, Shane gained You can find out more about the Independent confidence to lead the session from school to Travel Training Scheme on page 18

Matthew Jervis’ mum shares her story of Matthew’s journey to travel independently. Matthew is a 22 year old young man with Downs confidence in catching Syndrome. He recently moved to his own home the X2. By the age of with some support. 16 Matthew was able to catch the X2 to a From the time Matthew was 5 years old, familiar destination. his parents have encouraged him to seek When one of his PA’s independence. With the help of older children moved to Cardiff this who attended the local primary school, (which he motivated Matthew attended for a few years), Matthew was enabled to venture further, but to catch the school bus to school. always with the knowledge that he would At the age of 12 he started to catch the local be met at the other end and with the use of a village bus, available at that time, with either a mobile phone to enable those supporting him to family member or his PA accompanying him keep in contact. to Cowbridge to meet family /friends. As he His independent travel is only on routes he knows became more confident and familiar with the well. Return trips (when unaccompanied) still route he was able to catch the bus on his own. need some support with regards to timings. His parents followed behind in the car to meet him at the other end. These ventures obviously come with an element of risk and with the best will in the world things do Unfortunately, the village bus service stopped and not always go to plan. It is always a worry. this put an end to his bus trips for a time. • Matthew has fallen asleep on the bus and The same process was then used to build his missed his stop

12 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 13 New Cardiff Family Advice and Support Gofal Cymru Care Specialist Residential Care and Respite socialise with family and friends, Providers Gofal Cymru Care provides and encourage the development of quality care and support for younger appropriate relationships. We appreciate adults age 18+ yrs, with learning how difficult it can be for family The launch of Cardiff Family Advice and You can contact Cardiff Family Advice and disabilities, autism and mental health members to adapt, and we understand Support took place on the 15 November at City Support by calling 03000 133 133 or by needs. We operate six residential care their concerns. Hall. emailing [email protected] homes across Cardiff and the Vale, set Individuals are supported and within local communities at Danescourt, , Cardiff Family Advice and Support is the new encouraged to participate in a range of Fairwater and Barry. If a young adult was placed early help service for families, young people and educational, social and recreational activities. in one of our homes, we would start planning for professionals in the City. Their views and choices matter and their health, this with the school, young adult and their family well-being and happiness are central to all we do. Over 100 guests attended the event, including before they reached age Councillor Hinchey, Cabinet Member for 18yrs. Where appropriate we Children and Families, and the Children’s support individuals to Our aim is to provide Commissioner for Wales’ team. undertake appropriate support to enable the work experience, building Highlights included our guest speakers Chloe, individuals who reside their confidence and who was kind enough to share her experience with us to achieve their enhancing their social of working with Llamau and Connor, a member full potential, we do skills. of the UK Youth Parliament who discussed ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ the importance of involving young people in as far as possible in We hold regular company- decision-making. order to promote some wide events where degree of independence residents and staff come Attendees had the opportunity to share the where we can. together – barbeques, experiences of several families who have picnics, sports days; already worked with Cardiff Family Advice and We encourage Easter, Halloween, Support. A wide range of support services individuals to play a full Christmas parties; fund hosted stalls at the marketplace to share part in their community. raising events such as information about their work. None of our homes Children In Need and are marked out as The event was a real success focusing on how McMillan Cancer Care. care homes, all are in services in Cardiff work together to provide Individuals can go on residential areas and the right level of support, at the right time to holidays and there are individuals all have their families, young people and children across always lots of days out. own bedrooms which are Cardiff. decorated to their taste. As well as full time placements we also have Our well-trained staff a respite unit, staffed by team have experience in the same well trained supporting people with staff who give the same learning disabilities and high level of support and emotional and mental encouragement to all. health needs, including generalised anxiety Referrals are accepted from Social Services disorder, depression, psychosis, paranoid and Health Care Professionals. For further schizophrenia and personality disorder. These information, please contact 02920400657 or are sometimes accompanied by various complex email [email protected] healthcare needs. We encourage family engagement and facilitate visits out to enable individuals to meet up,

14 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 15 Sherman 5 at Sherman Theatre Childcare Offer for 3 and 4 year olds Following the hugely successful initial five years of funding Paul Hamlyn Foundation has awarded Sherman Theatre more and a better grant to enable the ground-breaking Sherman 5 programme to grow and develop for a further four years. It’s all about breaking down barriers and making • The chance to become a Sherman 5 Rep and our theatre as open and accessible as possible to earn Tempo Time Credits (two Time Credits to people who have never been to our theatre will buy one ticket to a performance at Sherman before. Theatre If you’ve always wanted to go to the theatre, We also offer BSL-interpreted, captioned, but thought that maybe it wasn’t for you, this is audio described (with Touch Tours) and relaxed for you. We aim to make it easier for people to performances for some performances. visit us and see our shows, and also to give our To find out more about joining Sherman 5 and The Welsh Government have provided Family Information Service to apply for the 30 audiences the opportunity to get involved in the about how we can support your family or a group additional funding for children with Additional Hour Childcare Offer and indicate that her child life and work of Sherman Theatre in many other to come to the theatre, please contact Learning Needs (ALN) to access the 30 hour had additional needs. Kath King, Childcare ways. Siân Mile, Sherman 5 Facilitator, at childcare offer. Offer Engagement Officer, worked with mum What are the benefits of being a Sherman 5 [email protected] and the childcare setting to see what support member? or ring 029 20 646 982. The 30 Hour Childcare Offer provides funding was needed. Her son receives 1 to 1 support • Discounted tickets to any production (£2.50 for for childcare costs for working parents of and is very happy in the setting: For more information about what’s on, please under 25’s) children age 3 to 4yrs. During term time, visit www.shermantheatre.co.uk families receive up to 17.5 hours per week, ‘I was really in crisis regarding child care. I • Free activities and events before and after as well as their free nursery provision. During had nowhere to turn and was thinking that performances Sherman 5 is generously funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. the school holidays, families can receive up to leaving employment was my only option from 30 hours per week for 9 weeks of the school being turned away from so many childcare holidays per year. settings. I went to my son’s school for help and they put us in contact with the Vale Family Different Abilities Support Group Support is not limited just to those children with Information Service which has worked so hard pre-existing SEN/ALN statements or diagnoses. on our behalf with constant updates all the way, “Different Abilities – Support I wanted to create somewhere It can be used to fund a range of additional especially Kath King. group” is a welcoming group genuine. Where people could take needs where it might be appropriate: on Facebook for families and off their mask after a long day and For more information and to apply, contact: • Additional staff to support children in educators who are involved in say, “I’m struggling” and have other childcare settings If you live in the Vale of Glamorgan: the lives of children who need a people understand and listen. Family Information Service 01446 704711 little extra support. It’s been set The group started out as a handful • Training to the individual childcare setting up by Ellie Andrews, mum to [email protected] of people who wanted to meet up • Funding for specialist equipment www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/fis Elijah age 7yrs, who live in the for coffee and not worry about being Vale: judged and is now 515 members • Physical adjustments to the setting If you live in Cardiff: ‘I started the group when I big. All local. Parents can apply for additional support when Cardiff Childcare Offer Team 029 2035 1713 realised that me and my son We all post things we find around they apply for the Childcare Offer. However, [email protected] didn’t fit very well into other the internet that others might like childcare providers can also apply, with the www.cardiff.gov.uk support groups. Things aren’t very but we also post about our days, our parent’s consent. black and white for us - we’re dealing appointments, our kids. Sometimes with little bits of everything so I people will post asking for help and I’m The funding helped a family in the Vale where wanted to create somewhere where always proud of the support from the other mum was close to giving up work. Her child everybody felt welcome and where labels aren’t members. It’s a lovely little community of people. needed 1 to 1 support in a childcare setting. As necessarily important. Whether you’re diagnosed, her child was 3yrs old, she was advised by the undiagnosed, mild, severe, have medical issues, Come and join!  behavioural issues, mental health issues etc, you’re welcome. @Different Abilities – Support Group Ellie Andrews

16 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 17 Independent Travel Training Scheme Gig Buddies The Independent Travel As a scheme we have worked Gig Buddies is a befriending Surfing Buddy. If you find it Training Scheme (ITTS) with a number of young people scheme that matches people difficult to get to events and has been working with and their families to help them with a learning disability and/ gigs a Gig Buddy can make this children with additional achieve independence and or autism with volunteers who possible for you. It is all down needs across both travelling to and from share the same interests, so to you to tell us what kind of and the Vale of Glamorgan school using public transport. they can go to gigs and events Buddy you want! for a number of years now. A high percentage of those that together. Gig Buddies is great fun. But it Our primary focus is to become independent whilst in Gig Buddies specifically also addresses serious issues, help those young people school go on to find transition focuses on events that happen as having a Gig Buddy can help become independent and travel from home to to college, or work, a lot easier and less of an in the evenings, such as with loneliness and isolation, school/college on their own confidently and safely. issue. We do offer those that have previously concerts, in order to break the health and well-being, and also been trained supplementary training to help with We work closely with families and schools to help many barriers that stop people with confidence. transition and for those that have been travelling determine those suitable for training and work is a with a learning disability going out independently for longer this transition is even If you are over 18 and live in gradual process, adapted to suit the needs of the at night and staying up late. more seamless – this is why we promote working Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan or individual. As trainers, our primary focus is that the with young people earlier on in their High School These barriers include lack of Bridgend and would like a Gig trainee gains the skills, knowledge and confidence lives. support, or inflexible support that Buddy to get out more, or know needed to be independent when travelling to their forces people to leave events early. someone with a learning disability desired location, and in the future is able to adapt Referrals into the scheme are relatively easy. Your Other obstacles include transport, confidence, who would benefit from having a Gig Buddy, to and overcome any obstacles. child’s school, Social Services or Families First safety, and accessibility of venues and events. Most contact Kai Jones or Kylie Smith: provider can apply. More information is also on ITTS is predominantly delivered in a one-to-one importantly, Gig Buddies are free to choose what email [email protected] or the Dewis Wales website: www.dewis.wales capacity as this is the most personal form of their ‘gig’ is and when and where they want to go. phone 029 2068 11160 / 07707 605 314 / training for the young person, allowing them to Additional contact information is below: 07594 938 522. A ‘gig’ can be a concert or a festival, but it can also progress at their own pace and overcome their Jamie Hughes be a rugby match, a trip to a museum or theme You can also follow Gig Buddies / Ffrindiau own personal obstacles. We also offer group Email: [email protected] park, or a visit to the beach. Your Gig Buddy could Gigiau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. sessions, delivered in an educational setting, and Telephone: 029 2087 2830 be a Football Buddy, a Bowling Buddy, a Rambling 41 Lambourne Crescent, , Cardiff, cover the fundamentals of ITTS with the hope of Mobile: 07969 127 548 Buddy, a Quiz Buddy, a Roller Skating Buddy, or CF14 5GG encouraging those that attend to take up one-to- one training in the future. Get involved with Join the Dots Join the Dots is a young people's mental health There are many ways to get involved with Join the Saturday Cwtch Together Children with involvement group supported by CAVAMH and the Dots: Zurich Community Trust. • Events, activities, open days, workshops, Additional Needs Play Project Join the Dots can have a direct influence on local surveys and focus groups mental health services, find out about the services • Put yourself on our mailing list The Saturday Cwtch Together their children and qualified available to young people, help young people learn • Represent the views of other service users to Children with Additional Needs play workers are employed to new skills and share their experiences with others services Project is aimed at disabled facilitate play activities. and lots more! Who can join? children and their families and We run every Saturday 10am Our aims: Young people aged 11 to 25 years, as well everyone is welcome. There is – 4pm at Grangetwon Nursery • Enable young people to have a voice in the as services that support young people, are all no age restriction. We provide a Community Centre, Ferry Road, planning and delivery of mental health services welcome to get involved with Join the Dots. variety of activities and we have CF11 0XR. Entry is £1. great fun. • Receive feedback from In order to join the mailing list or to receive Just come along or for more information please planners and commissioners further information please contact Christina The charity is run by 4 parents/carers of disabled contact Karen Barker, Disabled Children’s Play on young people’s views Witney or Linda Newton on 02920 222000 or children who attend the provision. Parents/ coordinator on 02920 873956 or and recommendations email [email protected] Carers who attend have sole responsibility of email [email protected] • Share information and news Find us on Facebook: @jointhedotsCAVAMH

18 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 the index / y mynegai - issue 32 19 Makaton Sign Language Programme Makaton is a language programme which matches signs and symbols to everyday words, using them, along with the spoken word, to help children to develop understanding and make it easier for them to express themselves.

What people who have attended the course say: Makaton has changed my daughter's behaviour. She Very important for the Excellent training. was becoming frustrated at communication of Great to mix parents/ us not understanding her. non verbal children schools/NHS staff This no longer happens It was amazing and I feel Excellent, well delivered, confident to go away Excellent Wish I had easy instructions, lovely and use Makaton with and done it sooner! manner my daughter. Thank you empowering I would definitely recommend this workshop I thought this course was amazing. to other professionals and parents alike. I It was very insightful into the needs have learnt so much and have started using of those with communication the signs straight away. I work in the Early problems. I found it easy to pick Years unit in reception (ages 4 - 5 years) up and could use the signs straight and the tutor was so inspirational and away. I am very grateful that this gives you the confidence to have a go! The course has been put together. beginner’s workshop manual is very helpful

Makaton at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board We provide training at levels 1 and 2 for interested • Parents outside Cardiff and Vale £65. We people, for example: parents and relatives, carers, welcome up to 2 family members and only one teachers, support staff, child minders, health payment is needed per family: workers etc. • Professionals £65 per person Where are the Courses held? • Cardiff and Vale Health Care staff please St David’s Children’s Centre, Cowbridge Road contact Ann for details of costs East, Canton, Cardiff CF11 9XB • This cost covers tuition and 1 copy of the workbook. Further copies are available at a What days are the courses held on? cost of £17 each The course is in two parts, held one morning per Is there parking? week for two weeks – which ever day your course • Yes, but make sure you park in the visitors starts on, it will be on the same day the next areas and register your car on the screen in week. reception What time is the course? 9.15am – 12.15pm for How do I book on to a course? both sessions • Your speech therapist or health visitor can What is the cost? send in a referral • Cardiff and Vale parents (discounted) £30. We • Or you can contact Ann Flynn directly on welcome up to 2 family members and only one 02921 836588. Ann is the course admin and payment is needed per family: will be able to give you further information or book you onto the next available course. Disclaimer

The majority of organisations included in this newsletter are not managed or run by the City of and Vale of Glamorgan Council. The newsletter has been complied in an effort to assist you in contacting services. The City of Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council cannot be held liable for the services provided by any external organisation named in this newsletter and cannot be held liable for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy in this newsletter, nor for the actions of any of the external organisations listed.

The listing of an organisation in this newsletter does not imply that the City of Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council endorse that organisation, nor does the absence of any organisation imply that we do not support it.

20 the index / y mynegai - issue 32