An Information Service For Parents Of Children And Young People With Special Educational Needs And Disabilities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

The

IRIS Magazine

April 2014

Inside this issue Education, Health And Care Plans In Motion... Literally See page 5

The Team Behind The Dream Project Search

See page 9

Cream Of The Crop Pulp Friction’s Sweet Success

See page 3

Tel: 0115 853 3291 E: [email protected] W: www.askiris.org.uk

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@askirisnotts

familyactionirisproject

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Contents Focus On… Page No.

2 3 4 5

Focus On... The Exploring Together Group Ask IRIS about... An Explosive Child Editor’s Comments The Cream Of The Crop Sisterly Love A Sibling’s Story Could You Be A Personal Assistant Education, Health and Care Plans In Motion - Literally! Pre To 3 Group Launches At APTCOO

The Exploring Together Group

On the hunt for an accessible activity in Gedling for an under 5? Then the Exploring Together group should be the first marker on your treasure map! The group provides a safe accessible environment for play and learning where staff work with parents to ensure their child is given a tailored experience.

Summit Special - Steve’s Three Peaks Diary Country Short Breaks Events

Health and Family Support worker Danielle Quinn says every care is taken to ensure children’s needs are met and says staff and parents alike are very relaxed and friendly.

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Giant Leaps

She said: “We tailor each session to who comes…. All the equipment is accessible at all times and children can engage with the activities they enjoy”.

Nottingham Nets Tennis Accolade

Siblings are also welcome and the group runs throughout the school holidays to ensure parents don’t need to alter their child’s routine.

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Saturday Splash

Andrea Bown brings her four year old son Max along with his sister Grace and has nothing but praise for the group.

Nottinghamshire Parents Hub - An Update

She said: “It’s somewhere that both children can come together and fit in - a relaxing environment where you’re with other parents of kids with additional needs.

The Team Behind The Dream

“There’s a lot of understanding with the other parents, there’s lots of activities and the staff are very understanding of your child’s needs.

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9 10

Floats Like A Butterfly, Stings Like A... WASP? Tuesday Tots

11 12

Awards All Around! How Will Your Benefits Change In 2014? FunDays Summer School Returns To Oak Field Water Way To Spend A Day Interested In FunDays Further Afield?

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Currently the group runs at Carlton Children’s Centre every other Thursday but organisers say they are open to exploring other venues if parents wish to get in touch. For more information on the group contact the centre on 0115 883 0800.

Ask IRIS about…

An Explosive Child?

We love it when parents get in touch with us through our website or magazine and are always happy to help where we can. On this occasion the question comes from Claire, who has read the book “An Explosive Child” by Ross W. Greene and feels it helps her understand her son, who has not yet had a diagnosis.

She wants to know if anybody else has read the book and felt the same about their child and, if so, what support they would suggest she accesses. If you have read the book and have any suggestions, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or telephone on 0115 853 3291 and we will pass on your suggestions.

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Editor’s Comments A friend posted me a book this month by the famous science fiction writer Isaac Asimov containing a story called “Profession”. It talks about a future society where technological breakthroughs mean that people’s jobs are assigned to them when they turn 18, with the knowledge to do so implanted in their brains. But what does this have to do with the IRIS magazine, you might ask? Well, the story concerns George – one man who, for some reason, is unable to be categorized by the system and, though he is provided

for by the state, ends up despondent without a purpose to his life.

contribution of those who we can all too easily categorize.

I was reminded of this when speaking to James at Project Search – a progressive employment service featured in this magazine. James had completed a master’s degree into employment that outlined what I have long suspected – nearly 100 percent of all the people with a disability he surveyed desired meaningful work of some sort.

But the ending of “Profession” holds a twist – the house is actually an institute of higher learning for those who are creative enough to think in a different way, and is the basis for progression and change within the society of the book.

In the book no such work appears and George is sent to a respite home of sorts – called a “house of the feebleminded” – despite the fact that he is, in fact, of above average intelligence. This again evoked the current edition for me – particularly Gemma Morland’s article on her brother Josh. Gemma speaks about the power of words and the ignorance which comes from lazily ignoring the

Occasionally we too can all feel that we are on the margins of society, that our voices are not heard and that our circumstances are different to all those around us. This month Nottinghamshire Participation Hub is hosting events designed to capture the voices of parents and allow discussion regarding the wider debate into disabilities and special needs. That discussion will be all the richer if your voice is part of it.

The Cream Of The Crop A group of Nottingham University students are helping a much loved project for young people with learning disabilities launch a sweet new venture. The seven students have teamed up to help Pulp Friction successfully launch and market an ice cream tricycle selling locally sourced ice cream. It’s the perfect next step for the organisation - which is best known for its popular and long running smoothie bar project – and looks to be a smart move, with confirmed interest from wedding fairs and festivals. The students in question are all part of Enactus – a global entrepreneurial competition with the aim of changing lives – and are supporting Pulp Friction with aspects of the project such as recruitment, website design and finance. Competitor Sandy Tsin, 22, says she was keen for the Nottingham University

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team to help Pulp Friction ever since she met founder Jill Carter at an event at South Notts College the year before starting her degree in economics. She said: “Working locally with Pulp Friction means we have the time to develop a lasting relationship. The nice thing is that we can build on that relationship over a couple of years and see it blossom”. Fellow teammate and maths student Emily Dowden, 20, agrees and says the experience has been good for her personal growth too.

She added: “I haven’t had much experience of working with people with a learning disability in the past but this competition has made me much more confident… It’s also a lot of fun!” If you know a young person with a learning disability aged 16 or over who might want to get involved, or even if you would like to book the tricycle for an event, then you can get in touch via the website at www.pulpfrictiontricycle.org or telephone on 07817 147964.

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Sisterly Love – A Sibling’s Story he does get upset you have to see past his frowns and scowls and look deeper to see the confused little boy who hears what you’re saying but can’t read your expression. Josh is special and I wouldn’t have him any other way - he is such a beautiful boy who just craves to be loved and understood.

It’s always interesting when parents and carers get in touch with their stories and recollections about what it’s like to care for a child with a disability. This edition we bring you something a little different – here IRIS reader and older sibling Gemma Morland tells us a little bit about her younger brother Josh, who has autism, and her feelings about some of the challenges he faces. I don’t think there are enough words in the dictionary to describe how I feel about my brother. I am so proud of him and his energy for life and I’m actually quite jealous of his “nothing can hold me back” attitude. But don’t be fooled - Josh is by no means perfect! He isn’t all smiles and laughter but when

Could You Be A Personal Assistant? Nottinghamshire County Council have asked IRIS to make parents aware of a unique job opportunity within the community to help provide a service to someone with a direct payment, which may be of interest to parents, their families, or those who work with them. Job Description An opportunity has arisen to work via a Direct Payment with a 10 year old disabled girl within the Newark area, requiring 1 to 1 support to access

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I sometimes forget that I’m the adult because he is so grown up for his age and we have a lot of fun together and enjoy a lot of the same things… he’s not just my little brother - he’s also my best friend Does he wind me up? YES! Does he repeat himself to the point that I feel like my ears are going to pop off my head? YES!

People like to categorise everything and put certain people in boxes. I feel sorry for these sorts of people because sometimes life is just not like that. Some people see a naughty child in a supermarket and automatically think the parents are to blame - they don’t even contemplate that there may be another reason for it. They need to take a step back and realise that just because they see “I am so proud of him and his energy for life and I’m actually quite jealous of his “nothing can hold me back” attitude.”

But he’s also such a loving and caring boy who’d do anything to make somebody happy; to see them smile.

things as black and white not everybody else does and an autistic child is not automatically a naughty child.

My favourite thing to do with Josh is laugh.

The autism spectrum is so vast and broad and I’m not sure that we’ll ever get a chance to cure people of their sometimes brutal ignorance but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying.

He says the funniest things and we often sit laughing so much that neither of us can breathe or phone each other up just to sing songs to each other! Josh can be hard work, moody and demanding like any other 12 year old but I really wouldn’t change him for the world. I feel protective of Josh as many people approach autism with a negative frame of mind and I feel society as a whole has become more unforgiving. local community activities. Preferred activities include accessing public transport, swimming, shopping and experiencing ’hustle and bustle’ social environments. Flexibility to provide an occasional sitting service during weekdays after school would also be advantageous. The successful candidate will be offered a casual contract. However, the hours required will be up to 24 hours per 4 weekly period during evenings, weekends and school holiday periods. Skills Experience of working with children and young people who have physical and learning disabilities and

Words are very powerful and I believe in the strength of them - a fleeting comment to a detailed explanation has the power to change the world and we should never stop trying or dreaming or believing that the world can and should be a better place for everyone.

associated challenging behaviour is desirable. A car user while not essential would be also desirable. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS criminal records check (previously CRB). Pay Rates of pay are negotiable depending on experience but will be in the region of £7-£7.50 per hour. If you are interested in applying for this post, please e-mail your CV to Nottinghamshire County Council Direct Payments Officer Dianne Preece via email at [email protected] who will forward all CV’s to the Direct Payment recipient.

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Education, Health and Care Plans In Motion - Literally! A new animation by Nottinghamshire County Council aims to help explain exactly how Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) work for families. EHCP plans look at life beyond education and bring different services together, with a view to transforming the way professionals work with families and young people. The plans also offer families the option of a Personal Budget, which is the identified amount of money for those services that are specified in the EHCP that could be made available to parents and young people. In Nottinghamshire the EHC Plan is now being offered to families who are considering a statutory assessment of special educational needs. At present 39 families have completed plans in the county, and when surveyed said they found the process to be easier than they thought, and liked the use of easy to understand language, the feeling that they were included, and the inclusion of all the relevant agencies and organisations in their child’s life. The animation can be found on Nottinghamshire’s new SEND Local Offer website www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk EHCPs Plans are one of the reforms published in the 2011 Department for

Pre To 3 Group Launches At APTCOO A Place To Call Our Own (APTCOO) has launched a new group for parent carers who have, or are expecting, a baby with additional needs or a life limiting condition. The charity says it has developed the service in response to parent carers and professionals who have identified a need for support at the earliest stage. Chief Executive Carol Burkitt said: “It is reassuring to know that

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Education green paper ‘Support and aspiration: A new approach to SEN and Disability’, and which are planned to become law in September 2014. The council is one of 20 pathfinders nationwide testing these new reforms for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SEND Local Offer The SEND Local Offer is another significant part of the reforms which seeks for the first time to bring together in one place information about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for 0-25 year olds. The SEND Local Offer is intended to be a resource that parents and carers of children with SEND and young people can use to find information about a range of SEND related topics - from public services through to leisure activities, children’s centres and support for independent living. At the moment the site is still in development and will continue to grow and evolve as the Council receives feedback from users. The Council welcomes feedback from people who have used the site and are willing to complete the short on-line survey which can be accessed from the homepage of the web site, to ensure the SEND Local Offer is as user-friendly as possible.

experienced and trained staff are available to talk to and support new parents along with other parent carers who have similar experiences to share within a warm and inviting place to call their own”. The news comes after the refurbishment of the sensory areas at the venue (pictured), which also provides flexible short breaks and youth clubs (for more information visit our events section).

The website is accessible via a smart phone and tablet (Just put www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk into your browser). Site content can also be translated into around 50 different languages. The web-version of the SEND Local Offer will be supplemented by the IRIS Magazine which will continue to feature news items and articles about issues related to special educational needs and disabilities. For more information about any aspect of the SEND pathfinder please contact [email protected]

offers a safe tranquil space for sensory therapies. For more information about APTCOO, visit its website at www.aptcoo.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01623 629902.

One room is now fully accessible and equipped with a heated water bed, bubble tubes and light and sound therapy equipment while the second

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Summit Special Steve’s Three Peaks Diary In a few months IRIS reader Steve Hart will launch himself from a plane at 10,000 feet in a parachute jump to raise funds to buy an automated wheelchair for his son Rhys.

County Short Breaks Events – Everything You Need To Know, Under One Roof! Two events taking place in the county in April will feature dozens of providers and qualified professionals aiming to help make short breaks work for you.

It’s the sort of endeavour that makes most of us regular humans go weak at the knees but thankfully Steve is made of sterner stuff, as last year he and five friends completed the three peaks challenge to raise money for Oak Field Special School, which Rhys attends, and Cancer Research. This challenge involves walking the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within just 24 hours. Here, Steve tells all! “We had planned to complete the challenge on 7th July last year and were ready and set to go at 2.20pm on the Saturday afternoon. It took around five hours to climb Ben Nevis and even just doing that was tough. We had a quick change of clothing and then drove straight to Scafell Pike, with four of us sharing the driving. We started this at 2am in the morning and it was pitch black. All seemed to be going well until I turned round and realised my nephew Josh was missing. I doubled back and found him in the middle of a field surrounded by sheep… he’d been following the lamps we’d been wearing on our heads but in the dark the sheep’s eyes had reflected his own lamp and led him off the path! It took us a while to catch up with the others,

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where we all had a giggle about it! We got up there just as it got a bit lighter at around 4.30am. The mood wasn’t quite as celebratory though… We looked at each other and thought “we can’t do Snowdon”. Thankfully though we stopped for a chat and a coffee on the way back and agreed that we couldn’t let down all the people who sponsored us and so we pressed on. It was glorious sunshine at Snowdon – one of the hottest days of the year – which, if anything, was even worse. We bumped into people on the mountain who were training for the three peaks who asked us what we’d done to prepare beforehand but we’d done nothing - we’d just pitched up and given it a go! The view from the top was amazing and made it all worth it. We collapsed on the grass at the bottom, satisfied but exhausted, and one of the other lads took one look at me and asked if I needed a hug!” The team eventually raised nearly £2000 for their chosen charities (so we’re sure he’s due a hug at Oak Field) and gave Steve the bug to do something similar in future. If you wish to help sponsor Steve on his parachute jump then you can do so by visiting www.cargopakltd.co.uk/news

At the events parents will be able to find out more about Personal Budgets and the Local Offer and discuss any queries with the county’s Short Breaks and Personalisation Team. The events take place at Mansfield Civic Centre (pictured) on 8th April between 11am and 7pm and Rushcliffe Arena on the 15th April between 10am and 6pm and will include stands from a range of organisations. And, of course, IRIS will also be there so please drop by and say hello! There’s no need to book to attend the events and refreshments and fun activities for children will also be provided. If you require more information then please contact the Short Breaks Team at [email protected] or on 01623 433082.

And Good News For Short Breaks Providers… Nottinghamshire County Council has identified some available funding for short breaks providers and will shortly be accepting requests for ‘Community Short Break Grants’. The council is particularly keen to promote new groups and short break opportunities so if you run or know an organisation or group that may be interested then email [email protected] to request the paperwork.

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Giant Leaps Dancer Beth Gardiner is stepping out of the shadows and changing perceptions in the world of dance. For the talented 19 year old is the first person with a learning disability in the UK to win a place on a National Dance Centres for Advanced Training (CAT) course. Beth started the year long course at prestigious company Dance4, based at Djanogly Theatre in Nottingham in September.

It’s not just on stage that the young dancer is making giant leaps, however. Beth contributed to a report by Dance4, Nottingham City Council and the Department for Education last year into why more young people with a disability don’t take up dance training, called “Changing Perceptions”.

But arguably, like any performer, Beth communicates best on the stage, and when asked what she hopes for most she couldn’t be more clear. She added: “My team dream job is to perform as a dancer in the West End - my favourite show at the moment favourite is Wicked”.

Although Beth says she has always been interested in dance since she was a little girl her love really took off when Dance4 arranged for taster sessions while she was studying at Oak Field School. Beth soon progressed from strength to strength and last year she found herself standing toe to toe with professionals and graduates at the Retina Dance Summer School, Lakeside”.

“I was nervous about performing to such a big audience but I’m not so much anymore”.

She said: “The Playhouse was my favourite place to dance so far. “I was nervous about performing to such a big audience but I’m not so much anymore”.

Nottingham Nets Tennis Accolade If you know a young person with a disability who loves tennis then we’ve got some news worth making a racquet about! Nottingham has been selected by the Tennis Foundation as one of the major Disability Network Venues in the UK for coaching. Potential players are spoilt for choice, with coaching sessions available both

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at West Bridgford Tennis Club and Nottingham Tennis Centre - each of which are run by qualified coaches who have vast experience of working with players who have a variety of disabilities. If you would like to access the sessions then the details are:

n Wheelchair sessions – Nottingham Tennis Centre on Sundays from 9am to 11am for juniors and adults – contact Tennis Centre on 0115 876 1600 or email peter.whitehead@nottinghamcity. gov.uk or contact Martyn Jones (wheelchair coach) on 07920 761308.

n Learning disability sessions – West Bridgford Tennis Club on Saturdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for those from 8 to 12 years and Saturdays from 7.30pm to 9pm for those aged 13 to adult – contact 07545 878019 or email [email protected]

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Saturday Splash Rubber rings and reindeers aren’t things you’d usually put together – but both put in an appearance at the Play For Disabled Children Team’s Christmas Outing! All the children and young people accessing the service took a day trip to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest

Nottinghamshire Parents Hub – An Update You may recall that IRIS announced the launch of the Nottinghamshire Participation Hub (NPH) back in September 2014. Here NPH Participation Coordinator Katie Morton asks parents to get involved and tells you a little more about the service and what’s been happening: Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person aged 0-25 with additional needs? Do you need advice, information or just a listening ear? Then please register with NPH and become a member so we can provide you with a menu of information, workshops, training and social opportunites. There’s plenty to do but you can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule. We have been working really hard pulling together parent carers and partners of NPH to create a working model that will provide the foundations for a strong and robust county wide parent carer and young people’s participation forum.

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on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December. While there they took full advantage of the swimming pool facilities in the morning; enjoying the wave machine, flumes and rubber rings! In the afternoon it was time to head over to the Jardin Des Sports to enjoy climbing, badminton and the

adventure playground – although there was a brief stop first to see the real life reindeers and snowcapped trees. If you live in the county and think a child you care for would benefit from attending the group then contact your social worker in the Children’s Disability Service for a referral.

Taking into consideration the size and geographical reach of Nottinghamshire, NPH will operate from designated parent carer hubs located in the North, Middle, East and South of the county.

For more information or to join NPH please call Katie Morton on 01623 62 99 02 or email [email protected]

The NPH steering group will include parent /carer representatives from each locality who liase with smaller parent groups throughout the whole of the county to share up to date news, training and participation opportunities.

Workshops

The new model will support and increase the active engagement of parent carers, young people and each supporting agency to design and deliver better quality services that will achieve the desired outcomes of our families.

Central Nottinghamshire

We are now organising workshops that will be delivered in each of the four localities directed at parents and carers to learn more about “personalisation” and “what does this mean to me?” and at the same learn more about NPH and why it is important to get involved and make changes that will have long lasting benefits for our new, current and future families. Your views are important we want to know what you think.

East Nottinghamshire

North Nottinghamshire 12th May, 2014: 10am - 2pm at: St Giles School, Babworth Road, Retford, Notts DN22 7NJ 14th May, 2014: 10am - 2pm at: A Place To Call Our Own, Unit 15 Botany Park, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Notts NG18 5NF 21st May, 2014: 10am – 2pm at: Bridge Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Newark, Notts NG24 2DQ South Nottinghamshire 22nd May, 2014: 10am - 2pm at: West Bridgford Library, Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6AT

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The Team Behind The Dream

A ground breaking partnership between school, council employment services and health professionals is supporting young people to achieve their dream job. Project Search brings together the experience of Foxwood School, the council’s iWork team and Nottingham University Hospitals to provide a comprehensive programme that fills all the gaps. Based at the City Hospital but also covering the Queen’s Medical Centre, the team are available at all times to support their clients - who are integrating into all aspects of hospital life. Students from Foxwood can access the programme as part of their ongoing education and it includes practical work trials which can lead to paid employment, as well as support with travel training and

practical group sessions regarding skills such as CV writing.

Four Searching Stories

role in the Medical Equipment Library collecting and delivering equipment at the City Hospital. He said: “I spent some time over at the Queens Med and if anything I like it even more here - I really like helping the patients and being part of something bigger than myself”. Chris is far too cool to be too enthusiastic about the Project Search staff but concedes that “They’re alright – they’re easy to get along with!”

Zaid (pictured above) Rock fan and cinema addict Zaid, 17, works in admin at the Queens Medical Centre where he’s responsible for filing and inputting records onto the computer. He loves his work and says he’d like to work there longer and get a permanent job. Zaid is supported by Charmane from Project Search and says that through their help he’s become independent in his role, but feels having them there was very useful in developing that independence. Chris Despite being understandably nervous about an interview the day he met IRIS 17 year-old Chris was very positive about his

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Although the idea started at Foxwood, School Teacher and Project Worker James Wallace says that since it launched two years ago the input of all three aspects of the project has been vital. He said: “We can’t praise Nottingham University Hospitals enough as it’s not just token work experience - from the day they start they’re trained as an everyday employee and treated as a regular member of staff”. “Then there’s the constant support from iWork. There’s quite a lot that needs to be done on an ongoing basis

Richard Richard has worked in both Patient Escort and Logistics at City Hospital but feels that the important part of his work is how it helps patients. The 18 year-old Bracken Hill School student

and the support from the team really helps our clients keep the job”. The project targets those at the difficult transition age of 17 to 19 and in many cases the team say they can observe clients changing from school leavers to young adults. James added. “The project raises their aspirations and builds talents, taking in everything from their first day on a work trial to an eventual interview and job offer. It’s not artificial and I couldn’t replicate it in school. “The clients take you along with them on that journey and when they get the job you share that sense of euphoria”. For more information about the project visit www.foxwood.notts.sch.uk is on work trial but is awaiting an interview. He said: “I like the work. I like making thing safer for people visiting the hospital. “Sometimes I find it easy but I can be hard to move the stuff around and you have to be careful”. Billy 18 year-old Billy is a pop fan and cites McFly and the Wanted as his favourite bands. He’s been on a work trial as a cleaner at the City Hospital since September. He said: “I enjoy making everything clean and tidy and I get to chat with the other staff”. He was nervous about catching the two buses to work at first but Nottingham University Hospital’s mentor Ken helped him to overcome his worries about changing.

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However, five minutes alone with James highlights that this brash exterior is in stark contrast to the polite, friendly and well behaved young man you meet outside the ring. James wasn’t always so confident or outgoing and father Steve says that he worried about his son’s natural shyness. It isn’t surprising then that when James was diagnosed with autism in 2010 Steve says it “felt like the world had caved in”. Thankfully shortly after the diagnosis a professional recommended the Spectrum WASP Autism and ADHD support group, which proved instrumental in bringing James out of his shell.

Floats Like A Butterfly, Stings Like A… WASP? James Fletcher stalks the boxing ring like a tiger; with his shoulders pulled forward and his head held low. The 12 year old radiates confidence and poise with every motion deliberate and at times intimidating.

Tuesday Tots For those carers who have children with autism or social and communication difficulties visiting a playgroup can often feel daunting and a cause for concern. If this sounds like you then you might be interested in a new group called Indigo Tots. The group is based at Indigo’s offices at 186 Beardall Street in Hucknall offers a stay and play service for both diagnosed and undiagnosed children aged birth to four run by trained volunteers who are themselves the parents of children with ASD or social/ communication difficulties.

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Steve said: “We owe so much to Sue and the team. James has always been quiet but they got him involved with the other kids. He started playing football and his confidence grew to the degree where she started thinking about other sports, like boxing”.

at the Crown Plaza in Nottingham where he secured a win and even got the chance to meet his idol – the Nottingham Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch. It might seem a dizzyingly fast series of developments for most of us but speaking to James it’s clear that he gets a great deal of peace from boxing, and Steve is quick to promote the sport for others. “I recommend it for anybody. A lot of people can think it’s aggressive but I’ve found the kids that do the boxing don’t cause trouble. It gives them something to focus on”. If you would like to contact Spectrum WASP then telephone 01623 795610 or visit www.spectrumwasp.wordpress.com

Steve is a keen martial artist who has trained a number of individuals in the past and was quick to spot his son’s natural flair. He added: “I’ve never known anyone pick it up so fast - He just took to it like a duck to water”. Following a year’s worth of intense training at home and at boxing clubs James had his first fight In February

Tots specifically focuses on social interaction, fine and gross motor skills, communication, sensory and emotional development and advocacy – as well as being a lot of fun!

Parents are encouraged to bring their expertise to the group and are also provided with the opportunity to raise concerns they may have outside the group. Tots Co-ordinator Lou HickmanSlawson is herself the mother of a child with Aspergers Syndrome and says she knows how valuable a service like this can be. She said: “When my son was younger it was very lonely and isolating and I think a group like this would have helped. “Also our experience helps us to provide an environment that’s welcoming and supportive to the children themselves”. If you are interested in the group you can contact Louise on 07712 513218 or email on [email protected]

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Awards All Around!

Regular readers of IRIS will know how we love to celebrate success. Usually the children take centre stage (and rightly so!) but this month we felt it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t let you know about two organisations working with children and parents in the city and county who have recently had their tireless work recognised with awards.

Indigo Kids – Sarah Seaton When Sarah Seaton first founded Indigo Kids in 2007 it was based on one simple idea – to help her seven year old son Luke and other similar children at his mainstream school make friends. She said: “I wanted my son to have an active social life. There didn’t seem to be much out there that was designed around his needs so I decided to create something myself. “So with the help of his school and a small group of parents in a similar position Indigo was born”. This simple idea has proved good enough to sustain seven years of ongoing development and support for more than 200 families across the county. It’s an idea that has also resulted in her receiving the women of influence award in a fancy ceremony for 100 people at Nottingham’s Belfry Hotel on 23rd January 2014 and a prize of over £3100 to further develop the project. Last year the group opened its new premises in Beardall Street Hucknall and a quick glance through our events or any previous edition of the IRIS Magazine will confirm the huge range of services the group runs for parents, children and young adults.

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From the tiny suggestion of a place for children to meet the group has grown almost beyond recognition to include support at tribunals, a host of kids’ clubs and one to one support She adds: “It’s overwhelming really… we’ve got a really good strong team of volunteers who are all parents of children with autism or social and communication difficulties. “Parents don’t usually come to us because their lives are great - they often need help in the way of signposting to other services or the knowledge and experience that our parents have accumulated over many years. “The help and support that they receive from us has helped a lot of them immensely, some have decided they want to give something back and join our team of volunteers so that they in turn can help other parents as they were”. If you want to find out more about Indigo then you can find them online at www.indigokids.org.uk or contact them on 0115 952 1164.

Spectrum WASP - Sue Edwards and Sue Harpham If you ask a parent or carer of children with autism in Mansfield, Rainworth and the surrounding areas who’s been the most influential group in supporting them then the ‘Spectrum WASP’ Group - and “the two Sues” in particular won’t be far from their lips. So it didn’t come as any surprise when the pair were nominated and subsequently won Newark & Sherwood

District Council’s Citizen of the Year Award in January 2014. The award for their work and commitment to the group was presented by the Chairman of the Council and in attendance were over one hundred dignitaries including the Mayor of Newark and Councillor Yvonne Woodhead. Speaking to IRIS, the pair said they are shocked to be honored in such a way, and added that without the tireless work of the group’s parent volunteers the group’s success wouldn’t be possible. They also added that they will be putting the prize towards buying equipment that would benefit the group. Spectrum WASP launched in 2009 when, through consultation in both the local and wider community, it was identified that children and young adults with disabilities were being overlooked. An activity programme was created for both children and young adults to specifically develop the co-ordination, concentration, motor and interactive skills needed in order to improve their quality of life and make them feel part of the community. In addition a training programme was also launched for parents that helps support them in caring for their children who have significant needs and also helps the group to remain self sufficient through parent interaction. Teachers and Parents alike acknowledge how much the activity programme contributes to the progress and development of children using the group and it has formed solid partnerships with a variety of respected organisations which provide a network of support for the group . The group also work in close partnership with integrated services to ensure parents and their children benefit from the advice and help of professional teams. If you would like to contact Spectrum WASP then telephone 01623 795610 or visit www.spectrumwasp.wordpress.com

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The IRIS Magazine 12

How Will Your Benefits Change In 2014?

FunDays Summer School Returns To Oak Field

Many parents will have heard that the government has decided to limit the increase of certain benefits relating to job seeking to one per cent until 2016. Usually benefits rise in line with inflation and, without any change, would have been due to go up by 2.2% in April.

FunDays in Nottinghamshire has confirmed with IRIS that it plans to operate its summer school at Oak Field School in Bilborough again this summer. It will operate in the weeks commencing 28th July and 4th August and in the week commencing 11th August for young adults. Unfortunately the charity says it will not be possible to run at Carlton Digby school this year as usual but plans are in place to return there in 2015. If you have any questions or queries regarding the summer schools please contact Chris Cunningham [email protected] or Margaret Stannard [email protected] For more information about FunDays visit www.FunDaysinnottinghamshire.co.uk

But the government says that as public sector pay rises are capped at 1%, a similar limit should apply to workingage benefits such as jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and income support as well as elements of working tax credits and child tax credit. As this is causing some parents understandable concern we thought it was worth noting that benefits relating to disability will not be capped, and have listed the new rates below. 2013 2014 Carers Allowance £59.75

£61.35

DLA Care Low Rate

£21.00

£21.55

Middle Rate

£53.00

£54.45

High Rate

£79.15

£81.30

DLA Mobility Low Rate

£21.00

£21.55

High Rate

£55.25

£56.75

PIP Daily Living Standard £53.00 £54.45 Enhanced

£79.15

£81.30

PIP Mobility Standard

£21.00

£21.55

Enhanced

£55.25

£56.75

IRIS Project, Ladybrook Children’s Centre The Flying High Academy Site (Previously Known as Rosebrook Primary School), Townroe Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG19 6JN

Interested In FunDays Further Afield? Water Way To Spend A Day The CP Sport National Swimming Championships are returning to Nottingham on 6th April. Registrations are now closed but if you know a young person with a disability who might wish to take part then attending as a spectator is a great way to find out more! They take place at Nottingham University Pool, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, with the races starting at 11am. For more information or to register for future events contact [email protected] or call 0115 925 7027.

This magazine was designed by Sketch Creative – www.sketch-creative.co.uk and printed by Rosehill Press Ltd

The charity FunDays has long been known for its summer schools for children with disabilities – which are popular with carers and children alike. However, they are asking IRIS readers if they would be interested in an expansion in the service. In the past the service has run in Bassetlaw and is exploring returning to the area next year. FunDays are also looking into running a summer school in Mansfield. If these sessions are something you’re interested in then please contact info@ FunDaysinnottinghamshire.co.uk so they can gauge interest.

Please recycle when you have finished with this publication.

Tel: 0115 853 3291 E: [email protected] W: www.askiris.org.uk

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