e e --NewsNews June 2015

News and information across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole for children who are disabled and their

families and carers

Did you know the Xchange newsletter is

sent to over 1200 families across

Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

Do you know any

organisations, charities or events coming up

that we could advertise and promote in “The Xchange” at no cost.

If so please let us know

on info@xchangeonline.co.uk

In this issue:

The results of the Dorset Max Card Survey. Contact A Family news Charlottes Tandems. Dorset Friendships Club Seaside Parade. Artz+ Birthday celebration Sports and Wellbeing Festival. Free Training Courses being offered. Details of Fuze a new group in Sherbourne.

Results of The 2015 Dorset Max Card survey Results of The 2015 Dorset Max Card survey

During March and April this year

almost 160 of you took part in the Dorset Max Card survey. The

survey was carried out online and based around 12 groups of questions.

The primary purpose was to find

out who uses the Max Card, where and how often. It also sought to uncover any difficulties with its

use, to discover the most popular venues for card users and to obtain

feedback for future development. We’ve now had chance to go through the results.

Our respondents were spread

across the whole of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. Most of

them had held their card for at least 12 months.

We wanted to know where the cards are used most. The clear

winner was Moors Valley Country Park where the card provides a parking discount that leads to great

savings on a day out. Avon Heath Country Park, with a similar

parking benefit, came second.

Looking to future venues, the clear

preferences for new venues were large and small tourist venues that

can provide whole or half days out for the family, followed closely by farms and country parks and sport

and leisure facilities.

Respondents provided a whole list of specific named venues and this list will be investigated.

Three main areas for attention

emerged from the survey. These were venue staff not being aware of the scheme, families not

knowing the venues that have joined up and finally, a need for

more organisations to join across the whole of the county.

Actions are being taken in respect of each of these areas to make the

card even more successful and popular than it is already.

For information on these developments and to see a full

copy of the report visit the News Section on The Xchange website

www.xchangeonline.co.uk.

Poole Short Breaks Summer Brochure has now been printed. You can find a copy on The Xchange Website. www.xchangeonline.co.uk.

NEW

SFLASH

FREE TANDEM HIRE Charlotte's Tandems lends for free, relatively inexpensive, tandems and tag-alongs to anyone with an additional need or disability anywhere in the UK. The Borrower has the bike for at least two months use as much as they want so that they can enjoy the wonders of the open road. There are now over a hundred tandems and tag-alongs in the Charlotte's Tandems fleet and located with Volunteer Helpers all over the UK. The machines range from fast road tandem bikes to leisure, mountain bike style tandem bikes, tandem trikes, tag-along bikes and a tag-along trike. The impairments and special needs of the Borrowers have so far included: Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism, Asperger's, Blindness, Visual Impairment, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Amputation, Hearing Loss, Dyspraxia, Fybromalgia, Parkinson's, MS, ME, CRPS, COPD, Hemiplasia, Tuberous Sclerosis, CHARGE & MPS III.

Feedback and photos of the many Borrowers feature highly on the charity's website CharlottesTandems.co.uk and Charlotte's Tandems Facebook Group and Twitter Feed (@CharlottesTand). The charity is named after 17 year old Charlotte, who has severe learning difficulties, autism, challenging behaviours and is non-verbal.

She loves to be out on her tandem; whizzing down the Cotswold Escarpment and sitting back, allowing her Dad to do all the hard work, as they climb back up the hills. Since she enjoys tandeming so much, the charity was set up so that other people could experience the

delights of tandem riding, without having to spend out on their own machine. The charity would love to hear from anyone who would like to borrow a tandem or tag-along. If you are interested in trying out a tandem, you can contact Alex via the website, CharlottesTandems.co.uk, and he'll put you in touch with their nearest local helper.

Dorset’s Friendship Club “Seaside Parade May 2015” Members of People First Dorset’s Friendship Club joined friends, volunteers and Cllr Kate Wheller, the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, to a Sponsored Seaside Parade on Weymouth Seafront on Sunday 17th May. Mayor Kate, who chose the Friendship Club as her chosen cause during her time as Mayor, said ‘This was such a happy event with people of all abilities taking part. Residents and visitors were all interested in the Friendship Club and were very supportive. I was delighted with the result’. Laura Kerr, who runs the Friendship Club, said the aim of the event was to create an inclusive event to help raise awareness of people with learning disabilities, as well as generate funds for the club. Over 40 people turned up to join the parade and a great time was had by all. Member Peter Hawkins said ‘It was brilliant, just fabulous! It was a nice and relaxed day doing at our own pace’. Member William

Parmiter said ‘It was good sunny weather and a great day. Lots of nice people came and Kate helped us raise awareness of the Friendship Club and people with learning disabilities. Lovely day and nice to meet new people’. For further information on the Friendship Club please visit www.peoplefirstdorset.org.uk or call Laura Kerr on 07970 240555.

Katie Barron’s column: News from Contact a Family in the South West

Contact a Family urgently need your help. With the election complete and austerity measures potentially here to stay, we are looking to build a national picture of where support and service changes are happening and the impact this is having on families. So to have a voice in the new Parliament please complete the Family Support Census today. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilyCensus The Family Census will take about 30 minutes to complete. The questions ask about your family’s happiness, changes to services like short breaks, health, transport and financial support. Amanda Batten, CEO of Contact a Family and board member of EDCM calls on parent carers everywhere to take part. “We know families with disabled children have been hit time and again by cuts in recent years - a third have already been affected by welfare cuts such as council tax, the bedroom tax and tax credits. Many are experiencing delays and cuts in vital local support services for their children. We know you cannot shoulder anymore cuts. Together we can change this, so please complete the Family Census and help us do this.” Calling all Support Groups Support groups are an invaluable source of support for parent carers. Local groups enable parents to access activities, emotional and moral support, opportunities to socialise and provide information about local services. We have launched our local support group map to help you find out what local support groups

are in your area. https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z3mcpJf1idC0.kAC2rtWgxlJ8 If you are a local support group and are not on the map please contact our Local Groups Officer, Adele Meader. She has a range of publications in our Group Action Pack guide which you may find helpful. See our website for more information or email adele.meader@cafamily.org.uk. Thinking about a holiday in France? Happykidsholidays is a non profit making association supporting families with children and teenagers on the Autistic Spectrum who want to holiday in France. The owners of all the properties or gites they feature have at least a basic understanding of ASD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome and are committed to trying to ensure your family has the best, most relaxing holiday possible, in suitable surroundings and in a non-judgemental and supportive atmosphere. They can help you prepare for your holiday in a way that is appropriate for you. In certain locations, they can provide support while you are there. For more information on happykidsholidays please visit their website and property listings and download their information brochure. http://www.happykidsholidays.com/

Katie Barron Regional Development Manager South West of England

New Forest Spectrum Music Festival is cancelled.

The New Forest Spectrum music festival for people with learning disabilities is cancelled. This summer's New Forest Spectrum event, due to be run by Minstead Training Trust and Stables Family Home Trust, was expected to be the first event of its kind in the UK. Sadly, despite lots of great support not enough tickets were sold to enable the event to go ahead as planned. Let’s hope they try again next year.

Fuze is the first Youth Club session in Dorset created specifically for young people between the ages of 11-16 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Fuze was set up to offer young people with ASD the opportunity to attend a youth club in a smaller and quieter environment. The sessions run in the same way as a generic youth club session, young people have the option of participating in an organised activity, or have the option to relax and socialise with their peers using the facilities that the youth centre has to offer. We appreciate that parents & carers may have to travel some distance for their child to attend Fuze. For your comfort we have established a Parent Zone in the Youth Centre where parents can meet whilst their child attends the club session. Refreshments are available and you will have the opportunity to meet other parents/carers with similar experiences. Fuze runs weekly at Sherborne Youth Centre on Thursday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm The cost of this session is £1 a week. (First session is free).

“What the Young People and Parents/Carers Say”

Contact Rachel Fraiz-Brown

01935 814202 or Email—r.fraiz-brown@dorsetcc.gov.uk

There’s lots of things to do each week and we play games together.

The staff are nice. I like to mess around and spend time with new people.

Being able to come and have fun with people who understand autism and me.

Youth Club is one of my favourite places to be.

My daughter has an amazing time making new friends. It is the only group she attends as she is too anxious to go somewhere with a large group. It’s the best thing to happen to her this year.

The staff are very supportive here.

Elkan Speech and Language trainers are offering a local course called “Let’s Talk with the Under 5s” at a half price offer for parents.

This course is a practical, informative course for parents and carers to enable them to support the communication skills of preschool children by providing key skills and knowledge.

The course is running on four Saturday mornings: 9.15 – 12.45 on the 20th and 27th June, 4thand 11th July 2015 at the Community Room, Tesco Fleetsbridge, Poole, BH17 7EJ(free parking) Recognised Elklan courses are 14 hours in total and the usual cost of the course: £150 (which includes the Elklan Workbook) This course is being offered HALF-PRICE FOR PARENTS at £75

For further information please contact Julia Bull on julia.bull26@gmail.com or 07930 557911.

FREE WORKSHOPSFREE WORKSHOPS

“Making the Change” “Making the Change”

SEN WorkshopsSEN Workshops..

These workshops are your introduction to understanding the changes and new approaches to Special Educational needs.

Further details are in the adverts section of this newsletter.

Dorset Parent –Carer Council

Bournemouth Council have launched their new local offer website. Click here to see it

http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/ChildrenEducation/LocalOffer/LocalOffer.aspx

New Membership Secretary: G. Baker

20 Warmwell Close, Canford Heath,

Poole BH17 8AW membership@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Email

dpcc@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Telephone:

07827 793 244

JOIN US—CONTACT US

“Poole Short Breaks” Family Soft Play Sessions at Lemur Landings— 9th June & 23rd June.

The Umbrella Group—Portifield School, Hurn - 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am—12:00pm.

Saturday 6th June 10—12pm —Motivation for learning and teaching strategies. Tyler Collins Head of Portifield

School. Saturday 6th June 12:15—1:30pm—Taster Session for parents of meditation for children with ASD. Maxine

Craig Teacher of Yoga and meditation. Saturday 27th June—Relationships and appropriate

behaviour. Alison Casey Life skills and Assistant Head Teacher and Katie Francis School Nurse, both from

Portifield School.

Sports for Young People with Disabilities Dorchester Sports Centre—7th & 28th June.

Sports for Young People with Disabilities Limelight Youth Centre Canford Heath—12th and 26th June.

New Forest National Park—Inclusive Cycling Project Sat 13th June at Standing Hat, 10am—12pm Guided

Ride. Session. 2pm—4pm Guided Ride.

Disability Football—Everyone Active Rossmore— Tuesdays 5:00—6:00pm.

Disability Cricket Coaching Sessions at Ferndown Lei-sure Centre— Every Friday—4:30—5:30pm.

Wimborne Wagtails Swimming Club—QE Leisure Centre—Saturdays—11:30am—12:30pm

Free Golf Lessons—Sturminster Marshall Golf Club— Fridays 4:00—5:00pm.

Wimborne Town Football Club— At Cuthbury Fridays 6:00—7:00pm.

Ability Counts Football with Dexter &Redlands FC. Dexter—Fridays 7:00—8:00pm

Redlands—Tuesdays 5:00—6:00pm

Football “Mash up” at Rossmore Leisure Centre Wednesdays 7:00—8:00pm

Swim with Sea Stars Victoria School, Branksome Saturdays 5—5:30pm & 5:30—6pm

FUZE— A group for Young People with ASD run at Sherbourne Community Centre.

Thursdays 5:30—7:00pm

Life’s an Adventure Initiative Weymouth and Portland Outdoor Adventure Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays

Listening Matters.Afasic Support Group—Thursdays (term time only) - 10:00am—12:30pm.

Bridport Adhd and Asd Support Group—Alternate Wednesdays—6:30—8:30pm.

Parent Support Group—Blandford Childrens Centre—Second Monday—10:00am—12:00pm.

The Mix in Poole—The Church of the Good Shepherd, Herbert Avenue Poole—Every second Monday of the

month 11:00am—1:00pm.

Bournemouth Parent Carer Forum Castle Lane. Thursday 10:00am—12:00pm.

Lindsey’s Arts and Craft Club—Shillingstone Church

Centre—Wednesdays 2:00—4:00pm.

Hipp!!Bones Club 4 Youngsters with Special Needs—Gillingham Youth and Communiity Centre—1st & 3rd

Saturday each month—10:00—12:00pm.

Buddies—Stay and Play for under 5’s—Sherborne Childrens Centre—1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month—

1:30 - 3:00pm.

A-Stars—Support Group—Budmouth College Weymouth. Saturdays 10:30am —12:30pm

Sherborne Health and Wellbeing Fair. Wednesday 24th June at Digby Hall, Hound Street

Sherborne.

Information Boxes Activity information in this newsletter is supplied by the organisations themselves. You should satisfy yourself with the quality and suitability of an organisation before participation. Neither Dorset County Council nor Poole or Bournemouth Borough Councils can be held liable for any mistakes or omissions, nor any claim, loss, injury or damage resulting from the use or accuracy of this publication or participation in advertised activities. Parents of children who are disabled or with additional or special educational needs are advised to

contact the relevant provider for advice before attending any activity.

“What’s On” in June Further details on the adverts

Extra Information

Sherborne area—Health and Wellbeing fair Wednesday, 24th June, At Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne

Sherborne will be hosting its first Health & Wellbeing Fair in the Digby Hall, Hound Street, on Wednesday 24th June, aimed at local people of all ages who want to know more about the wide range

of local services offered by statutory, independent and voluntary sector providers.

“There is so much that people can do to promote their own health and fitness as well as to address problems caused by chronic conditions” said Keith Harrison (NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s Patient and Public Involvement Development Worker for North Dorset), who is organising the Event

alongside Sherborne Area Partnership, Dorset Community Action and Health watch.

Around 40 organisations, ranging from local GP practices to Sports Centres to Hospitals to Advice

Services to Self-Help Groups, will have stands in the Main Hall.

In addition, there will be a series of nine 30 minute presentations, including one by Healthwatch Dorset at 4.30pm, in the Wingfield Hall starting at 12.30pm and

finishing at 6.00pm.

For more information please contact us on 0300 111 0102 or email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk.

Regard for Children are still offering activities this

summer for Dorset Families . Sunday 14th June—Thorpe Park Sunday 12th July—Creely Adventure Park Tuesday 4th August—Poultons Park Tuesday 11th August—Diggerland Tuesday 18th August— Longleat Safari Park Please contact Lauren or Sarah on 01305 814731 for more

Training and Courses

FREE WORKHOPS

“Making the Change”

In September 2014 the government introduced a

set of Special Educational Needs and Disability

reforms—the biggest changes in thirty years!

The aim of these workshops is to:

Give you the opportunity to meet and

share experiences with other family carers.

Increase confidence to enable yo to fully

understand “person centred approaches”.

Provide high quality practical information

jointly delivered by a professional trainer

and a family carer.

Gain an understanding of what is meant by

“outcomes”.

Learn about the co-production of your

child/young person’s plan. The workshops will not:

Provide planning for individual children/

young people. Dates, Times & Venue

Borough Gardens House, Cornwall Road,

Dorchester, DT1 1RG.—6:30pm—8:30 pm

Pre School to Year 4

Day One—Tuesday 9th June 2015

Day Two—Tuesday 16th June 2015

Year 5 to Year 11

Day One Thursday 11th June 2015

Day Two Thursday 18th June 2015

We ask that you attend BOTH day one and day two,

The workshops are for all family carers.

Email: dpcc@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Or post to:10 Cornflower Close, Weymouth,

Dorset, DT3 6SZ

Or text: 07827 793244

Dorset HealthCare Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) run workshops for parents who have children with symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD). The team has joined up with Action for Children to run workshops dedicated to understanding the causes of challenging behaviours. These workshops last 3 hours and are held throughout Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. For more details please contact: Michelle:Michelle.Coombe2@dhuft.nhs.uk) for ASD and ADHD workshops in East Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, Rose (Rose.newiss@dhuft.nhs.uk) for ASD and ADHD workshops in West Dorset Kim (kim.downton@dhuft.nhs.uk) for causes of challenging behaviours workshop. Your child does not need a diagnosis in order for you to come along but the workshops are targeted as though this is the case. You are welcome to invite someone from your child’s school to come along too. Professionals are also very welcome to attend even without a specific child in mind.

CAMHS Workshops For Parents

Do you run or organise a support group for families or carers?

PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY You might be able to advertise your

support group here and reach over 900 families across Dorset,

Bournemouth and Poole as well as a growing number of professionals.

There’s no cost

Going out this week?

Remember to take your Max Card!

There’s a full list of venues at:

dorsetforyou.com/maxcard

New Membership Secretary: G. Baker

20 Warmwell Close, Canford Heath,

Poole BH17 8AW membership@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Email

dpcc@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Telephone:

07827 793 244

JOIN US—CONTACT US

Need stimulating new toys for your child? Organising a child’s party?

Why not use the Dorset County Council TREATS Toy Lending Library. For really low

prices you can hire a range of toys and apparatus to provide something new and stimulating for your child without having to buy. TREATS have 20 collection points around the county and have specialist

sensory toys too.

TREATS

(The Resources Equipment and Toy Store).

Web: www.dorsetforyou.comtreatstoylibrary Email: treatstoylibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk Tel: 01929 472937

Financial Support

PENDERELS TRUST support for managing your

direct payments

A direct payment gives more choice and control over your child’s care. You

can employ a Personal Assistant, giving flexibility and freedom to take

family trips, let your child do things with friends and for you to enjoy some

respite.

We offer a direct payment support service. Experienced and friendly

advisers can provide you with all the information you need, from deciding on the best option for your child through to

managing staff payroll.

Chat with us before deciding whether to take a direct payment.

You can contact us on

0845 600 0289 or bdp@penderelstrust.org.uk

Disability Grants and

Loans website

There are all sorts of grants and loans available from the government and from charitable organisations. The problem is finding them. The Disability Grants website contains a good selection of these covering all sorts of funds from education, to equipment, to specialist holidays. It gives information and appropriate links. Visit www.disability-grants.org/

Do you ever feel like

this?

Isolated with no family

nearby and struggling to make

friends.

Suffering with post-natal illness

Having a hard time coping with

your child’s illness.

Overwhelmed by the death of a

loved one.

Struggling to cope with a disability

Tired, unhappy, exhausted or

relationship problems

Home-Start West Dorset may be

able to help and it’s free and

confidential

We may be able to help. We support

parents through our Home-Start

volunteers. They are parents

themselves or have parenting

experience — so they know just what

you’re going through.

It’s all free and it’s confidential.

Home-Start volunteers will respect

your privacy and never forget that you

have invited them into your home.

Contact us for an informal chat on:

01305 265072

Join usJoin us

Membership secretary: G.Baker,20

Warmwell Close, Canford Heath, Poole BH17 8AW

Stay in touchStay in touch At home or on the go, it’s easy to keep up to date with Dorset Parent Carer Council, what

we are up to and issues affecting you!

Check us out on

www.www.dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.ukdorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk Send us a Tweet at @dpccnews or join us on

Facebook at Dorset Parent Carer Council.

Email us with any queries or suggestions at dpcc@dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Or call 07827 793 24407827 793 244

“We look forward to hearing from you!”

CONTACT A FAMILY

Contact A Family provide a huge range of

free resources and advice for families from downloads to telephone

support lines.

Whether you need benefits advice or

medical information about a condition they may be able to help.

Visit their website or

call their FREE helpline

0808 808 3555

www.cafamily.org.uk

www.cafamily.org.uk

Information Services

Parent & Carer Newsletter

Autism Wessex produce a free monthly newsletter.

Packed with useful information and news

including: groups activities and events

It’ll keep you up to date

about all sorts of local items of interest.

Sign up to receive their newsletter or for more

information visit:

www.autismwessex.org.uk

Information Services Dorset SENDIASSDorset SENDIASS

The Dorset SENDIASS is an impartial and confidential service. Trained Officers provide FREE advice, information and support to children and young people aged 0-25 years with special educational needs or disability and/or their parents/carers throughout the Dorset Local Authority area.

Call your Dorset SENDIASS Officer:

Christchurch, North and East Dorset Jane Schmidt Tel : 07748 624609 Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Sherborne School Pyramids Catherine Breakwell Tel : 07771 978404 West Dorset Anne Barker Tel : 01300 341978

Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice

and Support Service

Peace of mind with the Dorset Dorset

Carers in CrisisCarers in Crisis emergency contact card

Xchange members from can join the free Dorset Carers in Crisis scheme. You receive an emergency contact card and key fob saying you are a carer and showing a 24 hour emergency contact number. Keep them with you whenever you go out. The cards are printed with a unique reference number. In an emergency, the person finding the card calls the emergency number and gives your reference number. The operator can then access your personal details and action your plans for what is to happen. The scheme gives you peace of mind, with the support line open 24 hours every day of the year. If you would like to join then please email the Xchange administrator at info@xchangeonline.co.uk Supported by Dorset Parent Carer Council

The law on special education needs and disability (SEND)

changed on 1st September 2014 so we are extending our service

to support children and young people with SEND as well as their

parents and carers. We are also changing our name to Poole

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service.

We still offer free, impartial and confidential support to you

and are committed to providing a high quality service to all

families in Poole.

Free, Confidential and Impartial Information, Advice and

Support

For children and young people with Special Educational Needs

or A Disability and their parents or carers.

Telephone: 01202 261933 (24hr Voicemail available)

Email: parentpartnership@poole.gov.uk

Write POPPS Poole SEND IASS

Or meet us at: The Quay Advice Centre, 18 Hill

Street, Poole, BH15 1NR

Website: www.poolw.gov.uk/PoPPs

New Autism Alert

Moving from a statement to an EHC Plan?

Government funded free support.

Free impartial advice and help is here for families with children who are being assessed for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or ‘transferring’ from a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) to an EHCP under the new system.

In Dorset, independent support is now available from The Rose Road Association and SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support- formerly the Parent Partnership Service). Contact us to discuss any support you might need by phone or face to face. Tel: 0300 303 8604 e:independentsupport@roseroad.org.uk

Bournemouth Parent Carer Forum are

extremely pleased to invite you to our new

information hub, which is open to all

parents, carers with children and young

adults with all kinds of disabilities. We

offer free refreshments, there is also

free wifi so come and meet us.

EVERY THURSDAY

(Term Time only)

10.00 – 12.00

COMMUNITY ROOM

C/O TESCO SUPERMARKET

CASTLE LANE, BH7 7AY

BOURNEMOUTH PARENT

CARER FORUM

Working towards a brighter future through

effective partnerships between parents, car-

ers & professionals in reviewing & developing

local services

CHARITY NUMBER 1151503

Information Services

Support & Support Groups

Bridport Adhd and Asd Support Group

Run for parents who themselves or their children have ADHD, ASD or

Aspergers.

The group provides a supportive environment to meet others who understand the difficulties you may have and provides an opportunity to share your experiences. Speakers are invited to help you develop your understanding of the conditions and to suggest ways of reducing the impact on your lives.

For more information call Lou on 07719 936931. Alternate Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm

Bridport Children's Centre St Mary's C of E Primary School, Skilling Hill Road, Bridport, DT6 5LA

10 till 12 Second Monday each month

(except August)

Monthly support Group for parents/carers of children and young people with Special

Educational Needs and/or Disability

Come along for coffee, advice or to meet other parents

Just pop in or call Jane Schmidt 07748 624 609

Dorset SEND Information, Advice and Support Service

(formerly Parent Partnership Service)

Parent Support Group for autism,

behavioural and developmental problems

The Mix in Poole The Mix is run by parents for

parents and carers of children with autism, behavioural and developmental problems

“We are parents who understand the demands of caring for

a child with these challenges. You don’t need to have been

given a diagnosis. Just drop in for a coffee and a chat and

pick up some useful information.”

Sessions are friendly and informal and offer a friendly

space and refreshments, information on services we know

about and we have the occasional guest speaker.

We meet at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Herbert

Avenue, Poole, BH12 3HR

every second Monday of the month 11am-1pm

For more information contact:

Sara 07966 971983 or Julie 07540 332435

Email: themix14@outlook.com

The Umbrella Group

Parent-led support group, for

parents of children and young adults covering a wide spectrum of behaviours under the umbrella of autism.

We meet once a month although meetings may be

cancelled during school holidays Please contact us to check if the meeting is going ahead.

Venue: The Pool room at Portfield School, Parley Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BP

On 4th Saturday of the month: 10-12 am

Meetings are for parents only and often with guest

speakers. Come along for support, laughter, moaning and tears!

For more information please contact:- Debbie Muldoon-Hall 07900 693131 Natalie Chambers 07783 579735

Regular Guest Speakers.

Listening Matters/Afasic Support Group

Open to all parents, carers with children and young adults with

all kinds of disabilities. Get together with other parents with children with different disabilities. We have full use of

computers and free tea and coffee. Meetings at

Tesco, Tesco community Centre, Riverside Avenue, Bournemouth

Thursdays (Term Time Only) 10:00am—12:30pm

Email for more details bournemouthparentcarerforum@gmail.com

For next meeting date check website or call Marion 07585404335 www.parentcarerforum.co.uk (registered Charity 1151503 )

Downright Downright

Perfect Perfect support group

Supporting families whose lives

have been touched by Downs Syndrome

Meets monthly in Christchurch and Corfe Mullen and also offering drop in sessions,

speech and language therapy, music therapy and physiotherapy for 0-5 years

Regular family meet-ups, outings and

personal support.

Contact Joanne on

07595 421148 see their Facebook pages

or email

info@downrightperfect.org

Dorset Carers Hub Local support and services for carers.

Dorset Carers Hub is dedicated to the thousands of carers in Dorset.

Whether you care for someone for a few hours a week or 24 hours a day, access local support and services to help you in your caring role.

Keep up-to-date with latest news and national developments, find out about carers rights and benefits and search for local events and activities.

The hub has been developed by the Dorset Carers Partnership (DCP) that works to give local carers a voice.

Visit the website to find out much more

www.dorsetforyou.com/carers

Support & Support Groups

‘Regard for Children’ Information

If you used the Regard for Children

services based from Wyvern Academy in Weymouth, you will be aware that Regard are now withdrawing their services for children across the

country.

Dorset County Council is actively working to ensure that suitable new providers are located to continue the services that Regard has established

for local families.

You can find out more on the news section of The Xchange website

where regular updates are published or contact them on the dedicated

email address shortbreaks@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Young people who have health needs, a mental health illness, physical or learning

disabilities or sensory impairments can access the scheme.

To access the scheme call Community Wessex on

01202 853000 For more Information visit www.autismwessex.org.uk

Short Break Buddy

Scheme

Community Wessex The Buddy Scheme offers

Dorset families a short break carer for just £7 for an hour.

Support & Support Groups

Budmouth College, Weymouth

A-Stars is a local support group for children aged 5 years and over with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families. Activities are provided at a pace and level to suit the needs of the members and include gaming consoles, basic crafts, cooking, art and drama. A small weekly fee is payable, the first week is free. We meet on Saturday mornings 10:30am —12:30pm at Bud-mouth College, Weymouth.

For more information visit www.a-stars.org.uk or contact: Simon on sdinnage@gmail.com or 01305 250496 Gilly on gillianliorraine@btinternet.com or 01305 778032

THE HUB Lyme Regis www.hublyme.co.uk

Support group for families and children who have

disabilities, mental health issues, ASD, tourettes or any

learning difficulties.

For more information on meetings or sessions contact Di Earle on 01297 445021 or email diane@lrdt.co.uk

Xchange Enews. Xchange Enews. Missed previous issues? Want to check back on some news or details of an organisation? It couldn’t be easier! You can find back copies of The Xchange E-newsletters online. Simply go to the Xchange website and see the ‘More News’ section on the home page or search for “enews” in the main search box.

Clubs & Play Sessions ‘Buddies’ Stay and Play for

children under 5 years with additional needs

Buddies is a ‘stay and play’ session for

children under 5 years old with additional needs

It is a place for you to meet other parents/carers, to have fun with your child and to

get support and advice from the Children’s Centre Team.

Toys, craft activities, outdoor play and singing are just a few of the activities on offer.

We run on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 1.30 until 3.00.

You are welcome to visit us before the session.

Sherborne Children's Centre Tinneys Lane DT9 3DY

For more information contact Rachel Butters

Email: R.Butters@dorsetcc.gov.uk Telephone/Mobile: 01935389914

Lindsey's Arts and Craft ClubLindsey's Arts and Craft Club

For young adults with autism and/or severe learning disabilities (17 to 30 years old).

Wednesdays 2 - 4pm at Shillingstone Church Centre,

The Cross, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum DT110SW

Cost: £7 per session. Join in the 'make something' session in the hall and have a go! A different project every week. Music is played and there is a separate soft seating area to relax and have a break.

Refreshments are available, there are level access toilets, level access entrance and car parking.

Young adults attending will need to be fully supported by their own care support staff. Care support is not provided by the club.

For further details contact Maree Webb (Club Organiser) Tel: 01258 861913

Email: mareewebb@btinternet.com

Our FREE to access services are for young wheelchair users from

Poole and the surrounding areas so call us on 0800 151 3350 or e-mail ambassadors@whizz-kidz.org.uk for more infor-

mation and to book your place.

Gillingham Y&C Centre, Cemetry Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4AZ. Phone 01747 822267 or email j.c.green@dorsetcc.gov.uk or hippbonesc4ysn@gmail.com

Clubs & Play Sessions

A Saturday club that allows young people aged 8 – 18 years old who have disabilities to enjoy age appropriate

activities with their peers and to have fun!

The club meets twice a month! You can enjoy a wide range of activities such as swimming, bowling and more.

Come along meet new friends and hang out!

A limited number of funded Dorset spaces are available

(cost of activity is not included). Plus there is an option for

Direct Payments to be used to purchase staff support (£8

– £13.50 per hour dependant on needs).

The cost of activity is payable by all attending.

How to book? Call Project

Hang Out on 01202 718 266 or email

cate.reade@diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk

If you are not known to us, we will need you to complete a care passport on www.xchangeonline.co.uk

Project ‘hang out’ Hanging out with your mates

on a Saturday doing things you like

Hipp!!Bones Club 4 YoungstersHipp!!Bones Club 4 Youngsters

with Special Needswith Special Needs

3rd March 28th April 23rd June

17th March 12th May 7th July

31st March 26th May 21st July

14th April 9th June 4th August

Session times are 6.15pm-8.15pm

At Lemur Landings

Sports/Activities

Adult football coaching and matches for

those aged 14+. All abilities welcome.

7pm to 8pm

Football “Mash Up” Bring the fun back into Football

Keep Fit Casual Sessions Tailored to you Run by FA Coaches

Football Mash Ups are coaching sessions that are run by FA trained coaches. They’ll really help you develop your skills and improve your fitness. Sessions are for 14 to 16 year old people with a disability. Wednesday evenings at Rossmore Leisure Centre 7-00pm till 8-00pm.

Dexter Sports Training Thursday Evenings 7:00pm—8:00pm

Learoyd Road, Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8SD Contact Paul Kybert: kybert@hotmail.co.uk

Redlands Training 5:00pm—6:00pm

Redlands Sports Hub, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5AW Contact Tim Davis: tim_wfc@live.co.uk / 07974885259

Sports/Activities

FREE GOLF LESSONS FREE GOLF LESSONS Dorset County Golf Partnership are offering a further series of lessons

for children who are disabled or have special needs.

The sessions take place at:

CRANE VALLEY GOLF CLUB

Romford, Verwood, BH31 7LH Fridays 4pm – 5pm

If you would like further

information please contact:

Darrel Ransom at email: cranevalley@hoburne.com

Or Tel: 01202 814088

Supported by Dorset County Council Short Breaks capital programme

DISABILITY CRICKET COACHING SESSIONS

At Ferndown Leisure

Centre

4.30 – 5.30pm

Cherry Grove, Ferndown BH22 9EZ

Sessions run every Friday

Only £2.50 per session

All disabilities welcome

For more information con-

tact Abbie Taylor on

01202 877468

or

abbietaylor@pfpleisure.co.uk

Working in partnership

with Ferndown Wayfarers

and Ferndown

Leisure Centre

Sports/Activities

Wimborne Wagtails Swimming Club

Wimborne Wagtails are a swimming group for people of all ages with disabilities. Meet at the QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne, each Saturday from 11.30am-12.30pm. Members have varying needs some requiring intensive support for physical and mental health issues and learning disabilities The group are also looking for volunteers to help with sessions. Call: David: 01202 659787 or Rosie: 01202 880933 Email - rosemarie.hobbs@btinternet.com www.wimbornewagtails.org.uk

Swim with SEA STARS

Hydrotherapy Pool, Victoria

School, Branksome, BH13 6AS

Sensory Movement and Play

Saturdays 5pm—5:30pm £7.50

Parent/carer and swimmer class – instructor led for individuals with limited mobility. A fun sensory

sessions, which enhances movement/flexibility along with water skills. Music/ bubble machines/

floats. Small Classes

Water Confidence/ Skill Development

Saturdays 5:30—6pm £10.

For beginners or those who lack water confidence. To improve safety/independence around water.

Small Classes.

Please contact us on 07761 587447 for In-formation and booking.

Both sessions will be run by fully qualified ASA & STA swimming instructors. Hoist facilities available as well as changing beds.

Youth Club (6-16yrs— 9:30—12:30 - Saturdays & Sundays Families Club - 1:30—4:30pm -Saturdays & Sundays Adventure Ability—5:30—7:30pm -Wednesdays Adilt SAdventure -1:30—4:30 Saturday/ 5:30—7:30pm Tuesdays

£10 for

5 weeks

Holiday/Weekend Activities

Sportfit Shortbreak Care Ltd

Saturday Club

The first Saturday of each month

9:00am—17:00pm

What it ’ s about

Tonnes of fun sports and activities of all kinds!

Specifically designed to be enjoyed by people of all

needs.

Making use of Osprey Leisure Centre, the Sailing

Academy and the surrounding Jurrasic Landscape!

Meet at 9:00am at Oceam Views Leisure Complex

where our friendly staff will greet you.

Cost

£45 inclusive of excellent staffing, sports venues and

insurance.

Email sportfit1@ymail.com or call 07702082794 /

02381785191

New Forest National Park Inclusive Cycling Project

All sessions are entirely FREE of charge to all users and are fully supported by trained and experienced staff. Booking required for all sessions. Introductory Sessions are for those who have not experienced the range of inclusive bikes. Guided Rides are for those who have previously used some of the bikes. Drop in Session at Lepe Country Park. This is a public event showcasing a range of accessible activ-ities for children and young people with disabilities For more information about this event visit: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-countryside/lepe/lepe-eventdetails?id=263730

Sports/Activities TENNIS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

We welcomes people of all ages and abilities.

Learn to play Tennis is a safe and fun learning environment. Improve your fitness and confidence. Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Qualified coaching staff. Experienced in teaching children and adults who are disabled. Wheelchair tennis available. 1 to 1 or small groups.

Max Tennis School is located inside East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Poole, BH14 8BL. Contact us for a FREE taster session. Phone Brian on 07930 454764 or find us on Facebook and www.edltcc.com