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Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 1

childrenfirstWestminster

Issue 6, Spring 2009Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

Meet our community championsWe visit All Stars Boxing Gym and Westminster Boating Base

National Family WeekFind out what’s on

Supporting your childHelp from NHS Westminster

Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

A great

place to

grow up!

Keeping our children safeThe work of the Safeguarding Children Board

2 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 20092

ContentsContents A great

place to

grow up!

Dear Parent or Carer,In March, Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of the council launched a new programme of renewal for 2012 to create a ‘living city of opportunity’ in which families can thrive. He pledged to build a strong economy – by helping individuals, supporting businesses, sustaining housing and reducing costs for families.

We have already launched a City Recovery programme to help residents through the recession by putting people back into work, advising others how to cope and making sure we deliver value for money. This year also sees a council tax freeze.

We hope that you find Children First useful in helping you to access free and low cost services and getting value for money from the council and NHS.

This month, we find out more about the Westminster Boating Base and All Stars Boxing Gym. You can also find out more about our National Family Week events taking place in May.

If your child is going through tough times, the Marlborough Family Centre may be able to help. We visit the centre to hear from the people who use it. See page 6 for details.

Lastly, you can find out what’s on for children and young people over the summer holidays by signing up for text or email updates. Email [email protected] or keep an eye open for information at your local library or One Stop Shop from late June.

Councillor Sarah Richardson Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

News The latest news from around Westminster.

Early years focus We visit Churchill Gardens Children’s Centre.

Health focusHow to help your children through tough times.

Junior focusTake to the water at the Westminster Boating Base.

Surviving examsHow to help your child through the exam season.

Youth focusFind out more about the All Stars Boxing Gym.

Keeping our children safeThe work of the Safeguarding Children Board.

National Family WeekCome along to our Family Week events.

What’s on this summer?Keeping your family entertained during the school holidays.

News The latest news from around Westminster.

3

Early years focusWe visit Churchill Gardens Children’s Centre.

4

Health focusHow to help your children through tough times.

6

Junior focusTake to the water at the Westminster Boating Base.

8

Surviving examsHow to help your child through the exam season.

9

Youth focusFind out more about the All Stars Boxing Gym.

10

Keeping our children safeThe work of the Safeguarding Children Board.

12

Catherine LongworthNon Executive Director and Children’s Champion NHS Westminster

National Family WeekCome along to our Family Week events.

14

What’s on this summer?Keeping your family entertained during the school holidays.

15

Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

1

childrenfirstWestminster

Issue 6, Spring 2009


Meet our community championsWe visit All Stars Boxing Gym and Westminster Boating Base

National Family WeekFind out what’s on

Supporting your childHelp from NHS Westminster


A great place to grow up!

Keeping our children safeThe work of the Safeguarding Children Board

Westminster Boating Base

See page 8 for details.


Photography: Jody Kingzett

Westminster has healthy schoolsHalf of all schools in Westminster have achieved the nationally recognised Healthy School Status, which helps young people to be healthy and happy through a curriculum that promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

By 2010, the Government requires that all schools should be working towards Healthy School status.

Visit www.healthyschools.gov.uk or email [email protected] or [email protected] for further information.

Photography: Jody Kingzett

NEWS

Wanted: your views on education Westminster’s Education Commission invites parents, carers and children to contribute their views on how to improve education in our schools. The newly formed commission is made up of an independent panel of experts, headed up by Professor David Eastwood. They are seeking your opinions and suggestions based on questions such as: how can children be better prepared to start school and how can children with additional and multiple needs be catered for better?

We want to hear your views. To find out more or submit your views to the commission visit www.westminster.gov.uk/educationandlearning/wec or call Sam Mowbray on 020 7641 1864.

It pays to be green Looking for ways to save money and go green? The council’s Go Green website has all the information you need including an interactive map of open spaces in Westminster. Find your nearest park, wildlife area or sports facility to help you plan a day out in the city.

The website also offers advice for schools who would like to be more sustainable. Visit www.westminstergogreen.co.uk.

World Asthma Day 2009 Children and young people with asthma were the focus of World Asthma Day, on Tuesday 5th May. Westminster’s School Nurse Lead, Jessica Streeting, says it’s important that children with asthma remember to keep their inhaler nearby at all times and that parents keep their school up to date of any changes in their child’s treatment plan. She says: “Regular asthma check-ups with a practice nurse will ensure children keep in good health.”

Further information is available from Westminster’s School Health team on 020 8746 5546 or 020 7226 8760.

Did you know that if your GP refers you, your child or a family member to see a specialist, you

can choose to go to any hospital in England, including many private sector and independent

sector hospitals?* You can choose a hospital with the best reputation, good parking facilities,

the one with the shortest waiting times, or simply the one that’s most convenient for you.

For more information, ask your GP or visit www.nhs.uk/choices.

*You may not be given a choice when referred to mental health services or where speed is important, such as suspected stroke, heart attack or cancer.

Choosing your hospital: it’s your choice!

Westminster has healthy

“The crèche is really useful and means I can attend the sessions for parents. I found out about the centre from the Tate Britain where we go to the Big and Small art sessions.” Larissa Kuna, mum of Erik, age 3

“I come to the stay and play sessions with my son. I get to meet other parents and my son can play with other children in the secure area outside.”Sylvia Hiscock, mum of Leon, age 2

Churchill Gardens Children’s CentreChurchill Gardens Children’s Centre

EARLY

YEARSFOCUS



You can now get expert health advice at Paddington library drop-in sessions run by your local NHS. Ruth Quigley, Physical Activity Co-ordinator runs the sessions with Mental Health Promotion Specialist, Nadra Gadeed. She says: ”We offer advice on physical activity, coping with stress, anxiety and depression and have information on other local services. So far, we have helped many people including new mothers needing local health information, carers needing support, and people

with disabilities who can benefit from our services.

“People often do not realise just how much help is on offer that can improve their health and wellbeing.” Wellbeing drop-in sessionsThursdays from 10am - 12 midday Paddington LibraryPorchester Road, W2

Churchill Gardens Children’s Centre works with the local community including Pimlico library, Westminster Adult Education Service and Tate Britain to provide childcare and services for the parents of children aged 0 – 5.

Churchill Gardens Children’s CentreChurchill Gardens Primary SchoolRanelagh RoadSW1 3EUTel: 020 7439 1578/020 7641 5674Tube: Pimlico

Exercise sessionKeep fit for mums. Crèche provided Mondays (term time only) from 9.30 – 11am Churchill Gardens Primary School SW1 3EU

Stay and PlayCome for information and a chat whilst your children play. Wednesdays from 10am – 12 midday Churchill Gardens Youth Centre SW1V 2EDThursdays from 1.30 – 3pm Churchill Gardens Children’s Centre SW1 3EU

Big and SmallStories, art activities and walks around the gallery. Fridays from 10am – 12 midday Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG

Just for DadsSongs, rhymes and stories for children and their dads. First Saturday of every month 10.30 – 11.30am Pimlico Library Rampayne Street, SW1V 2PU

Health Minister, Ben Bradshaw, visited the Katharine Bruce Day Nursery in Queen’s Park in March as part of the National Day Nurseries Association’s Healthy Body, Happy Me week run by Westminster Children’s Society (WCS). The nursery uses fresh, local and where possible organic food to prepare its meals. Parents can also attend regular healthy eating workshops.

Call 020 7641 5835 or visit www.wcs.org.uk for further information.

Parental support network, Home-Start, is looking for volunteers to work with families who are struggling to cope. Volunteers visit families in their own homes to offer support and practical assistance for at least two hours a week.

As well as learning new skills, you will receive lots of support along the way. After attending a five week

training course in central London, you will be carefully matched with a family.

If you are a parent or have experience of working with children or families visit www.home-start.org.uk or contact Sunny Walker on 020 7724 1345 to find out more.

Expert health advice at Paddington library

Ben Bradshaw MP visits local day nursery

Volunteer with Home-Start



Supporting your child

The Marlborough Family Education Service in St. John’s Wood helps families with problems ranging from school exclusion to a breakdown in communications at home.

Brenda McHugh, Joint Centre Manager of the Marlborough Family Education Service says: ”We bring children and parents together to deal with difficulties in a calm environment. We also run groups so everyone can learn from other families’ experiences. Families help families break the cycle.”

Westminster mother, Princess and her son Tariq, 8, have completed the programme and their whole family has seen a dramatic improvement in their lives as a result. Princess says: ”Tariq was having behavioural problems at school and we did not know which way to turn next.

“My son’s school put us in touch with the centre, where we can take a step back to look at the problems.

“I found out I was not on my own and other parents are also in the same situation.

“I discovered that the root of the problem was the distress my son was feeling when his Dad was away for work.

“Now we understand the situation my relationship with my son, his school and my family has improved. He is much happier and is gaining good grades at school.”

Monica is another Westminster parent who has received help from the Marlborough Family Education Service. Her son John, 9, was having problems at school and had lost his confidence. She says:

“I could not sleep or eat as I was so worried about my son but now he is happy and less angry, enjoying school and doing well.

“It is like a miracle John has learnt how to cope with stressful situations and we are spending more time together.”

Helping children to overcome challenges at home or school is something most families face. In Westminster, we have a unique service to support you and your child through tough times.


Supporting your child

ContactIf you are worried about your child, speak to the Early Intervention Worker at your school who will liaise with the Marlborough Family Education Service. You can also call NHS Westminster’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 8818 for further information on services.

Princess and Monica are so impressed by the service, they are becoming parent partners at the centre to help other families.

The Marlborough Family Education Service is a partnership between Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust and Westminster Children’s Services.

“I found out I was not on my own and other parents are also in the same situation.”Princess, Mum


Founder of the centre, Kevin Burke, says: “I used to love coming here when I was at school, it was great fun and offered something exciting to do.”

Kevin became a volunteer instructor and in the mid-80s, when the centre’s funding was under threat, he worked alongside fellow volunteers Robin Turner and Dick Conlon to secure its future. They worked for three years without taking a wage to create a venue that can be hired for corporate functions and wedding receptions.

He says: “We use the profits to fund the

centre. The boating base is free to use, we just ask for a small contribution depending on what people can afford - whether it’s £1 or £10.”

Kevin and his team have built a sense of community at the centre. He says: “Many of our young people become instructors, both here and at other centres across the country. They use the sailing and social skills they learn here to do great things with their lives.”

He finishes: “I love working here. With help from Robin and Dick, we have a centre that provides fun and exciting activities and a focus for the lives of the many young people who attend.”

All aboard at the Westminster Boating Base

For the past 33 years, children and young people in Westminster have set sail on the River Thames from the Westminster Boating Base.

What’s on?Youth sailing

Mondays at 6.25pm (beginner and experienced) Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5.15pm (beginner and experienced) Sundays at 9.45am and 1.45pm (experienced)

Youth kayaking and canoeing

Mondays at 6pm (experienced)Tuesdays at 4.45pm (beginner and experienced) Wednesdays at 4.45pm (experienced) Sundays at 9.45am and 1.45pm (experienced)

Westminster Boating Base136 Grosvenor RoadSW1V 3JYTel: 020 7821 7389www.westminsterboatingbase.co.ukTube: Pimlico or Vauxhall

“I think it’s great here, it’s free and we play lots of cool games on the water.”Theresa Awolesi, age 15

“I have lots of fun here. There should be more places like this for children.”Sarah Khweiss, age 15



Information and supportwww.childline.org.uk Tel: 0800 1111

www.connexions-direct.com Tel: 080 800 13 2 19

www.mind.org.uk Tel: 0845 766 0163

www.parentlineplus.org Tel: 0808 800 2222

www.samaritans.org Tel: 08457 90 90 90

www.youngminds.org.uk Tel: 0800 0182 138 (Parents helpline)

www.nspcc.org.uk

Tips for parents• provide your child with practical

support such as healthy meals and snacks and by setting bedtimes and bedtime routines such as having a bath

• don’t add pressure, can it wait?

• listen to your child

• encourage exercise and active play

• be flexible - do they have to clean their room today?

• be available for a chat. Spend some time each day talking to your child about their exam worries. Explain it’s natural to feel nervous or stressed.

Tips for children and teenagers• remember to eat a healthy diet, five

pieces of fruit and vegetables a day and drink lots of water

• take time out from your study

• use study or revision groups for support – check if your school has any classes

• plan your revision. Have a timetable so you can plan time for work and time to have fun. Have activities to look forward to

• have a study buddy

• stay active such as walking, playing football, swimming or dancing

• talk to someone if you are feeling stressed, anxious or worried.

With exams coming up, children may find it difficult to cope with the extra pressure. NHS Westminster has some practical ways for you and your child to beat exam stress.

Surviving exams

Contact576 Harrow Road, W10 4NJTel: 020 8960 7724www.allstars-gym.co.ukTube: Westbourne Park or Queen’s Park

Daily training sessions from 5.30pm on Monday – Thursday and 5pm on Fridays.Ages 11 plus.Circuit training Monday to Thursday from 7.30pm.

The star of All Starsof All StarsEarlier this year, you told us who is special in your community as part of our Neighbourhood Leadership awards. We meet the winner of the ‘changing the lives of children and young people’ category, Mr Isola Akay, 73.

Westminster’s younger residents. Some have even gone on to be regional, national and European champions.

Mr Akay was introduced to boxing by his uncle when he was 13 and growing up in Ghana. He says: “Every day I would go to see my uncle after school so he could teach me.”

His son, Tee Jay, followed in his footsteps and won his first title age 11. Encouraged by his success, his friends wanted to join his boxing club but were turned away because they were black. Mr Akay soon found himself training 24 children every day outside his flat in Queensway.

With help from the council, the sessions moved to Moberly Youth Club where Mr Akay taught for the next seven years and in 1984 he raised £150,000 to open All Stars. He says:

“I started with closed eyes and learnt as I went along. “We’re still struggling with funding but have become a force to be reckoned with.”

The secret of the club’s success is discipline and respect. He says:

“It’s about a sense of belonging and transforming negative energy into positive accomplishments.”

of All Stars

YOUTHFOCUS

Mr Akay, founder of the All Stars Boxing Gym, has helped hundreds of children and young people to turn their lives around. His dedication was recognised in 2000 with an MBE for services to the community.

During his 33 years at All Stars, Mr Akay has given confidence to many of

Highly commended: Ann TaylorCategory: Changing the lives of children and young peopleAnn has juggled a full-time job with voluntary work at All Stars for the past 20 years.

Working at the club has changed her views of children and young people. She says: “I could meet a gang of youths on the street and it wouldn’t phase me. The young people at the club are polite and disciplined.”

As for the future, Ann says: “We’re already European Gold medallists but an Olympic Gold would be the icing on the cake.

“But I can’t watch the boxing, I have to turn away!”

All Stars owner, Mr Akay, says: “We wouldn’t be able to make it work without Ann.”

All Stars Boxing Gym is a charity run by volunteers.


Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 11Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 11

A positive engagement Speaking at schools to encourage young people to turn their lives around, ex- offender Harley Smythe, 18, turned his back on crime after entering the Westminster Youth Offending Programme.

After spending a weekend in police custody, Harley had a chance to think about his future and his message to others is:

“It’s up to you to turn your life around, no-one can force you to change but there is lots of help available to help you do it.” Harley encouraged students to join the council’s Positive Activities for Young People scheme, a programme of activities run by Youth Workers.

Contact Sue Jenkins PAYP Service Manager on 07734 343 228 or email [email protected] for further information.

NEWS

Connexions wins Volunteering Partnership award

Help is at handA new youth support service is being trialled in Westminster, helping vulnerable young people with personal difficulties who may not qualify for existing services.

The Integrated Youth Support Team (IYST) works with schools, youth clubs and the police to support young people dealing with issues such as family breakdowns and bullying.

Please contact Sophia Tonge on 020 7641 5332 for further information.

A volunteering project for young people has won a volunteering partnership award from Volunteer Centre Westminster.

Teenagers took on an Apprentice-style challenge to learn how to prepare for a job interview whilst competing for a placement in a recruitment company.

Abdul Adde, who took part in the event, said:

“Many young people don’t know what’s out there.“So many people stay in their own area and can’t see that there are other options.”

The project was organised by Connexions, which is funded by the council, and recruitment consultancy Huxley Associates provided the placements.

Call Volunteer Centre Westminster on 020 7402 8076 for further information.

MP visits young mentors Meg Hillier, MP visited Churchill Gardens Youth Club in February to see how the ‘Fear and Fashion’ workshops are helping to tackle youth crime. The workshops are run by Westminster teenagers to help other young people steer clear of trouble.

Mentor Justin Sesay, 21, from Queen’s Park, says: “Running the workshops makes me feel I have achieved something worthwhile.

“I enjoy giving advice to teenagers who might otherwise end up in trouble.”Fear and Fashion is supported by the council, Metropolitan Police and Leap Confronting Conflict, a voluntary youth organisation.

The board brings together local agencies who work to protect the welfare of children and young people. It is made up of members from the council, NHS, the police and the voluntary sector.

Independent Chair of the board, Terry Bamford, says:

“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. “Neighbours, health visitors, GPs and nursery staff have a crucial role to play in spotting early signs when children are not being properly looked after.

“Our aim is to pick up concerns early, give the right support to families and create an environment where children and young people feel safe and healthy.”

Lindsay Ancock, Head of Inclusive Education at St. Marylebone School, believes that school staff play a vital role in referrals. She says: “We are

How can we keep children safe from abuse and neglect? Child safety has been at the forefront of everyone’s mind following the death of Baby P. In Westminster, the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has that responsibility.

Keeping our children safe

ContactsTo find out more about the LSCB, please contact Laura Pearson, LSCB Manager on 020 7641 2311.

If you are concerned about a child, call the Children and Families Assessment team on 020 7641 7525.

Call 999 if you are worried that a child is in immediate danger.

Terry Bamford, Local Safeguarding Children Board

Our priorities this year include:

•supportingchildrenand families who have been affected by domestic violence

•involvingtheviewsofchildren, young people and parents in our activities.

“We support and monitor children’s health to ensure our children meet their full potential and remain safe.” Aileen Hamilton, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children

in daily contact with children so can pick up on changes in their behaviour. Communication between agencies is essential. To do the best for the young people in our care, we should listen to each other and keep everyone informed.”

When there are very serious concerns about the safety of a child, a Child Protection Plan is put in place and a social worker allocated to the family. This happens only if there are concerns that a child is at risk of significant harm or neglect.



Sarah Gillon, Senior Practioner, Duty and Assessment team

We receive up to 40 referrals a week. They come from the police, schools or anyone who is concerned about a childÕ s

“The plan makes sure the child stays safe, promotes their health and development and provides support for the parents.”

Diary of a social worker welfare. We gather information to decide if the child is at risk and usually assess around 15 of these cases ourselves.

A typical week involves home visits to families who have been referred to us. If the child is vulnerable, they may need a Child Protection Plan.

We also have strategy meetings for high risk cases, which are usually attended by a social worker, health visitor, the

police and a representative from the childÕ s school. At the meeting we decide if a Child Protection Conference needs to take place.

For cases that go to conference, we write a detailed report including the family history and why the case needs to go to conference. We also inform the family. At the conference, we decide if a Child Protection Plan is required.


Come along to our National Family Week open days to find out how you can beat the recession and make the most of council services for your family.

Get involved with National Family Week

Children’s Centres Meet the Children’s Centre team for details of free services for parents with children aged 0 – 5 available at our 12 centres.

Housing and mortgage adviceFind out what to do if you are in mortgage arrears.

Youth PassportJoin our Youth Passport scheme for discounts for 0 – 19 year olds at Westminster’s leisure centres and libraries.

Culture ShoxFind out about free arts and culture venues and events for 13 – 19 year olds.

Help to get back to workNextstep will give you advice on training and finding work.

ConnexionsFree support and advice on education, training, jobs, money and lifestyle decisions for young people aged 13 – 19.

Lost World Great Reading AdventureVisit your local library this half term and join in the national Lost World Great Reading Adventure. The Lost World Read celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin. Dinosaur themed activities will take place across half-term and beyond.

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries to find out what’s on at your local library or follow us on www.twitter.com/WCCLibraries. Tuesday 26th May Abbey Community Centre 34 Great Smith Street SW1P 3BU Tel: 020 7222 0303 Wednesday 27th May Beethoven Centre Third Avenue, W10 4JL Tel: 020 8969 5881 Thursday 28th May Greenside Community Centre 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR Tel: 020 7641 4155

There will be entertainment for children of all ages including:• badgemaking•facepainting• circusskills •freegoodybags.

Plus the City Guardians will be security markingmobile phones and bikes.

LibrariesMake the most of your local library and find out about free internet access and activity sessions for children.

For more information on National Family Week call the Family Information Service on 020 7641 7929.

Essential numbers for parents Family Information Service

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Breastfeeding helpline

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Children and Families Assessment team

Children with disabilities

Citizens Advice Bureau

Education Welfare Service

Environmental action line

Housing benefit and council tax benefit

Libraries

NHS Direct for general health advice and support

Out of hours GP or district nurse

School Admissions

Special Educational Needs

St. Mary’s Hospital

Stop smoking support

Westminster Jobcentre Plus

Westminster Sports Unit

Youth Service

020 7641 7929

0800 587 8818

0844 20 909 20 (National) 020 7479 8767/0777 184 0488 (Westminster)

020 8746 8000

020 7641 7525

020 7266 7090

0870 126 4040

020 7641 7580

020 7641 2000

0800 072 0042

020 7641 1300

0845 4647

020 8969 7777

020 7641 1816/1817

020 7641 5351

020 7886 6666

0800 328 8537

020 7853 3834

020 7641 2012

020 7641 1591/1592

Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based inks

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