Xchange Enews August 2015

News and information across Dorset, Bournemouth
and Poole for children who are disabled and their
families and carers
e -News
August 2015
There is still time to sign up to
The Xchange text alert service.
You know the sort of
thing…. the brief texts you
get when a delivery is going
to be made or to
acknowledge an internet
order or booking.
Dorset County Council funding has
been awarded to extend and improve
the popular and well-used play area
in West Bay to include more facilities
for children and adults who are
disabled.
The West Bay Play Area Steering
Group is celebrating after being
awarded £50,000 and the hope is
that work could start very soon.
Read full story on page 2.
It means we can let you know when there are
things of importance or interest are available
on the Xchange website.
We aren’t going to use any of the details you
gave us when you joined The Xchange and so
you’ll have to sign up to be on the system. It’s
quite simple to do –
1. send us an email to
[email protected]
2. call it ‘Xchange SMS’
3. let us have your full name and your
mobile phone number.
We want the system work to best for you so
tell us just what sort of information would be
useful for you to receive in this way.
The Summer Reading Challenge from Saturday 11 July
to Saturday 12 September 2015 and it’s free to join
How to join in
Visit your local library, mobile or community managed library
Fill in a registration card and collect your own Record Breakers poster
Borrow and read or listen to six books
Each time you go to the library see a member of staff to collect your stickers
When you have completed the Challenge you will be given your Record Breakers medal.
Your certificate will be sent to school in October
Tell all your friends about the Reading Challenge and don’t forget to keep reading over the
summer!
Dorset's Local Offer survey - DCC need your
views.
Dorset County Council need parents to look at the SEN and
disability information for childcare settings and schools that you
can now see on Dorset's Local Offer .
(www.dorsetforyou.com/local-offer).
They need to know how useful the information is and how to make it work best for families.
To do this they have set up a simple online survey. Dorset Xchange members can help
by taking a look at the local offer and then taking a few minutes to complete the
survey here www.dorsetforyou.com/your-views.
The survey results will be published in the Autumn and will help the
published 240 settings to review their local offer details.
In this issue:
Disabled facilities
funding for West Bay
play area.
Sign up for the Xchange
Text Alert Service.
Dorset Local Offer
Survey.
Butterflies Children’s
Disability Fund.
Contact a Family
Column.
Our adverts section
with over 50 adverts.
Don’t forget
to look at the
online additional
Xchange
supplement
for activities
running in
“The Summer
Holidays” in
Poole,
Bournemouth &
Dorset.
View it online at
www.xchangeonline.co.uk
Disabled facilities funding
for West Bay play area
(Continued from page 1)
The £50,000 funding will enhance the area
as an activity centre for those with
disabilities and their carers from across the
county, but will include equipment that can
be used side by side by both able bodied
and those with a disability.
The project is a partnership between
Bridport Young Persons Action Trust (BYPAT)
and Bridport Town Council. Months of
consultations have involved Mountjoy School and
the Sir John Colfox Academy, The Fishermans Arms
and Flood Lane Day Centres, and parents of
children and young people with disabilities.
Taking their recommendations into consideration,
Town Surveyor Daryl Chambers has been able to
draw up plans that practically doubles the size of
the existing area and includes almost all of their
recommendations.
Cllr Ros Kaynes, who represents Bridport at town,
district and county level, said: “I am absolutely
delighted to be supporting this community
involvement project. I know how hard all those
involved, especially the young people, have worked
in the design process.
Butterflies Children’s
Disability Fund
Butterflies is a local charity that
supports children with disabilities.
The charity was previously known as
“Earlybirds”.
Currently a maximum of £500 pounds is awarded
per child per 12 month period to provide families
with specialised equipment and child development
aids, Training courses and Seminars. This amount
may vary according to funds available and
applications received.
Butterflies have helped many children and young
people with a disability by funding items such as
specialised tricycles, beds, mattresses, weighted
blankets, buggies, car seats, harnesses and a range
of leisure equipment.
It will provide a wonderful, free, accessible play
area for children in the local community and
particularly for disadvantaged people of all ages. In
addition, this will be a valued facility for local short
break providers, children’s centres, disability
support groups and our special schools in west and
north Dorset”.
The initiative has already attracted the support of
several Bridport Charities, the Lions Club and the
Round Table, and more local support is anticipated.
With at least half of the necessary funding already
achieved, the Steering Group will be appealing for
help to raise the reminder.
For further information contact
[email protected]
They have also helped to provide
specialised communication aids and
sensory toys. This specialised
equipment is needed and used to
enhance and support the children’s
development needs.
The children they help have a wide range of
disabilities. Their remit is to help children (up to the
age of 18) who are disabled and who live in West
Dorset and/or use the support of the DCHFT
Children’s Centre in Dorchester.
For further details on how to apply for funding go
to the website www.butterfliescdf.org.uk
Applications must be countersigned by a relevant
professional who understands the specific need of
the child and family
Katie Barron’s column:
News from Contact a Family in the South West
On Wednesday 8th July, the Mathieson family
made history as the decision on their landmark
case means this is the first time ever that the
Supreme Court has found for a claimant in a social
security case.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that taking
away Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from a
disabled child after he had been in hospital for more
than 84 days is in breach of his human rights and
unlawful.
In this landmark case heard at the Supreme Court
last March, the Mathieson family from Warrington
challenged the Department for Work and Pensions
(DWP) regulations that took DLA away from their
severely disabled and hospitalised son.
Cameron Mathieson spent more than two years in
hospital with cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
His family argued that they acted as full time carers
until the five year old's death, in October 2012.
The government argues that DLA is stopped when
a child spends 84 days or over in hospital because
their care needs are fully met free of charge by the
NHS.
However research carried out by Contact a Family
and The Children's Trust, who have been
supporting the Mathiesons, shows that of the
families affected by the rule that we surveyed:
99 per cent said they provide more or the
same level of care when their child is in
hospital compared to when at home
93 per cent said that their costs relating to
their child's disability increase when their child
is in hospital.
The ruling could have a significant impact on the
estimated 500 families with severely disabled
children who spend extended time in hospital
undergoing treatment
Craig Mathieson, Cameron’s father made this
statement:
“We are grateful to the Supreme Court for such a
wonderful legacy for our beautiful boy. Cameron
would have been honoured that so many people will
benefit from him having been here. This has very
much been a team effort and who would never have
been possible without the tireless dedication of
Mitchell Wolf at Scott-Moncrieff and Associates,
and Steve Broach, Jude Butting and Ian Wise QC
from Monckton Chambers. Their hard work and
integrity is truly humbling and their support means
more than I can say.
We are also indebted to Contact a Family and the
Children’s Trust without whose evidence we could
not have shown Cameron’s case was the rule
rather than the exception. Their work for families is
fuelled by the most incredible energy and
dedication.
As a family we are delighted and humbled that
because of our little boy so many like him are a step
closer to being treated fairly according to the reality
of their situation. Thank you all for your support and
encouragement.”
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/news-and-media/victoryfor-mathieson-family-in-supreme-court-battleagainst-unfair-disability-benefit-rule/
We would like to urge you to Show your support for
the Mathiesons
Make sure the government now acts on the
Supreme Court's ruling by supporting the Mathieson
family and signing our Stop the DLA takeaway in
hospital petition.
Over 6,000 people have already added their names
to the petition, which shows how many people want
to see an end to this unfair ruling once and for all.
Katie Barron
Regional Development
Manager
South West of England
Home-Start
Could you help make a difference for young families?
Home-Start West Dorset are looking for home-visiting volunteers
who would like to provide regular friendship, advice and practical
help to parents with young children, who are finding parenting a
struggle by helping them to build their confidence and ability to
cope.
If you have some time to give, find out about the next training
course starting in September and how you can make a difference:
About Home-Start West Dorset and becoming a Volunteer
Swanage Individual Needs Club (SINC)
SINC are holding their first “Activity Day” for
Young People of all ages with Learning
Difficulties and Disabilities.
The event is being held on Thursday 20th
August 2015 between 11am—3pm at
Swanage Youth and Community Centre,
Chapel Lane, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2PW.
There will be activities to do, face painting,
BBQ, Ice cream and some useful information
stalls which will be able to give advice and
offer support.
The SINC members have developed and
organised this event and will be receiving an
award for their efforts.
If you would like to know more details contact
Anneleise Fay on Tel =:01929 423421 or
mobile: 07788 190229.
Swimming Crash Courses at Everyone Active
Poole– Summer Holidays
Weeks commencing 27th July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th
August, 24th August
09:00am (30 minutes) Beginners crash course –
with Carol £20.00 (4 days)
Course takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; Friday
Weeks commencing 27th July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th
August, 24th August
09:30am (30 minutes) Beg, improvers crash course –
with Carol £20.00 (4 days)
Course takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; Friday
Week commencing 31st August
09:00am (30 minutes) Improver + crash course –
with Carol £15.00 (3 days)
Crash Course Pre-requisite
Beginners Crash course – This class is for beginners and
will take place in our teaching pool with a water depth of
0.7m to 0.8metres. It is appropriate for those in Stage 2
lessons or 5 years plus.
Beginners improvers Crash course – This class is for beginners improvers who can swim without aids front and
back. This course will take place in our teaching pool
with a water depth of 0.7m to 0.8metres. It is appropriate for those in Stage 2 lessons or 5 years plus.
Improvers Crash course – This class is for improvers who
can swim 10m unaided on their front and back. This
course will take place in our boom pool with a water
depth of 1m to 1.2metres. It is appropriate for those in
Stage 3 lessons or 5 years plus.
Stroke Technique Clinic – This class will take place in one
our 25m lanes and is for participants wishing to improve
their technique on all swimming stokes. It is suitable for
those in our Stage 4 classes or aged 6 years and above at
an advanced level of swimming.
Course takes place on Wednesday, Thursday; Friday
Week commencing 31st August
09:30am (30 minutes) Stroke technique clinic –
with Carol £15.00 (3 days)
Course takes place on Wednesday, Thursday; Friday
Either visit reception or call Everyone Active: Poole on
01202 677217 to make your booking.
“What’s On” in August
Further details on the adverts
“Poole Short Breaks” Family Soft Play Sessions at Lemur
Landings— 4th August.
The Umbrella Group—Portifield School, Hurn 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am—12:00pm.
Sports for Young People with Disabilities Dorchester
Sports Centre—16th & 30th August.
Sports for Young People with Disabilities Limelight
Youth Centre Canford Heath—21st August.
Disability Football—Everyone Active Rossmore—
Tuesdays 5:00—6:00pm.
Disability Cricket Coaching Sessions at Ferndown
Leisure 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.
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.
Wimborne Town Football Club— At Cuthbury
Fridays 6:00—7:00pm.
Hipp!!Bones Club 4 Youngsters with Special Needs—
Gillingham Youth and Communiity Centre—1st & 3rd
Saturday each month—10:00—12:00pm.
Ability Counts Football with Dexter &Redlands FC.
Dexter—Fridays 7:00—8:00pm
Redlands—Tuesdays 5:00—6:00pm
Buddies—Stay and Play for under 5’s—Sherborne
Childrens Centre—1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month—
1:30 - 3:00pm.
Football “Mash up” at Rossmore Leisure Centre
Wednesdays 7:00—8:00pm
A-Stars—Support Group—Budmouth College
Weymouth. Saturdays 10:30am —12:30pm
Swim with Sea Stars Victoria School, Branksome
Saturdays 5—5:30pm & 5:30—6pm
Buddies—Stay and Play for under 5’s—
Bridport Childrens Centre every Thursday 1:45pm
Mountjoy School —Every Thursday 1:15pm
FUZE— A group for Young People with ASD run at
Sherbourne Community Centre.
Thursdays 5:30—7:00pm
Sportfit Shortbreak Care—
3rd—7th August
10th—14th August
17th—22nd August
More details in the adverts section.
Ad
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.
Extra Information
Places still available for summer fun
Bikeability course, Level 1
There are still spaces on the
Bikeability course (Level 1) that
Artz+ Sportz+ is running as part of
its summer programme.
The 3-day course will take place at
Ferndown Leisure Centre on 4th,
5th & 6th August from 2pm-4pm
and it costs £15 per child.
Participants will either pass Level 1
or will take home the Sportz+
certificate of achievement.
The project can help with
transporting bicycles to the centre
and the support team will assist
children. For more information or to
book call 01305 252266.
Artz+Sportz+ is gearing up for summer of varied activities. The project
runs events for children with special needs and disabilities at venues
across Dorset. This summer there are
opportunities for expert coaching in sports
such as in mountain biking, abseiling,
swimming and skateboarding. There's also
lots of fun to be had trying out different
arts and crafts at interesting venues such
as
the Ancient Technology Centre at
Cranborne, Wimborne Model Town and Dorset County Museum.
Children who enjoy music will love Disney Showtime at The Exchange,
Sturminster Newton.
Arts events are for children from 5-16 years and sports events start at
7 years. This summer the project launched Artz+ Sportz+ Teenz
specially for teenagers up to 18 years. The teen events are kayaking in
Weymouth, film making in Sturminster Newton and Ten Pin Bowling
near Bridport.
Events are booking up quickly but there are still spaces available.
Visit www.dorsetforyou.com/artz+ to view the programme or call
01305 252266. Details are also included in the Xchange Summer
Activities supplement.
Training and Courses
Moneytalk Course
At Linwood School
Alma Road
Winton
Bournemouth
BH9 1AJ
Moneytalk is a 6 week course that starts
on Tuesday 8th September 2015 at
Linwood School and runs from 10:00—
12:00pm.
The Moneytalk project supports low
income households to help make their
money go further.
The course covers the basics of
budgeting, savings, credit and debt.
This course is open to all parents across
Dorset, Hampshire, Poole and
Bournemouth who have children with a
statement of educational needs or EHCP.
Places will need to be booked in
advance.
Contact Tina McGovern at
[email protected].
Tel:01202 636804 or 01202 525107.
Going out this week?
Remember to take your Max
Card!
There’s a full list of venues at:
dorsetforyou.com/maxcard
CAMHS
Workshops
For Parents
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:[email protected]) for
ASD and ADHD workshops in East Dorset,
Bournemouth and Poole,
Rose ([email protected]) for ASD and
ADHD workshops in West Dorset
Kim ([email protected]) 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.
Financial Support
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
volu n t eers . Th e y a re paren t s
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:
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
[email protected]
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/
01305 265072
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: [email protected]
Tel: 01929 472937
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:
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
www.autismwessex.org.uk
Join us
Membership secretary: G.Baker,20
Warmwell Close, Canford Heath, Poole BH17
8AW
Stay 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.dorsetparentcarercouncil.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
[email protected]
Or call 07827 793 244
“We look forward to hearing from you!”
Information Services
Dorset SENDIASS
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.
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.
Telephone: 01202 261933 (24hr Voicemail available)
Email:
[email protected]
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 Card
Special Educational Needs and
Disability Information, Advice
and Support Service
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
Officer:
Dorset
SENDIASS
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
Peace of mind with the
Dorset Carers 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
[email protected]
BOURNEMOUTH PARENT
CARER FORUM
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
Working towards a brighter
future through effective
partnerships between parents,
carers & professionals.
CHARITY NUMBER 1151503
Information Services
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 Supportformerly the Parent Partnership Service).
Contact us to discuss any support you
might need by phone or face to face.
Tel: 0300 303 8604
e:[email protected]
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.
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:
Alternate Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm
Sara 07966 971983 or Julie 07540 332435
Email: [email protected]
Bridport Children's Centre
St Mary's C of E Primary School,
Skilling Hill Road,
Bridport, DT6 5LA
The Umbrella Group
Dorset SEND Information, Advice
and Support Service
(formerly Parent Partnership Service)
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
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.
Support & Support Groups
Downright
Perfect
Listening Matters/Afasic Support Group
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
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
Email for more details
[email protected]
Regular family meet-ups, outings and
personal support.
For next meeting date
check website or call
Marion 07585404335
www.parentcarerforum.co.uk
Supporting families whose lives
have been touched by Downs
Syndrome
Contact Joanne on
07595 421148
see their Facebook pages
or email
[email protected]
(registered Charity 1151503 )
Dorset Carers Hub Local
support and services for
carers.
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.
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
Short Break
Buddy
Scheme
Community Wessex
The Buddy Scheme offers
Dorset families a short break
carer for just £7 for an hour.
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
Budmouth College,
Weymouth
THE HUB Lyme
Regis
www.hublyme.co.uk
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
Budmouth College, Weymouth.
For more information visit www.a-stars.org.uk or contact:
Simon on [email protected] or 01305 250496
Gilly on [email protected] or 01305 778032
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
Clubs & Play Sessions
Lindsey'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.
‘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: [email protected]
Telephone/Mobile: 01935389914
For further details contact Maree Webb (Club
Organiser) Tel: 01258 861913
Email: [email protected]
Buddies is a ‘stay and play’ for children
under 5 years old with additional needs
It is a place for you to meet up with other parents/
carers, to have fun with your child and to get
support and advice from various agencies such as
portage, occupational therapist and
physiotherapy.
The group is held every Thursday at
Bridport Children’s Centre at 1:45pm or
Mountjoy School at 1:15pm
Toys, craft activities and singing are just a few of
the activities on offer. You are welcome to visit
the Centre or School prior to coming to Buddies
Please ring 01308 421714 for more
information
Bridport Children’s Centre
Skilling Hill Road
Bridport
Mountjoy School
Tunnel Road
Beaminster
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 [email protected] for more information and to book your place.
Clubs & Play Sessions
Hipp!!Bones Club 4 Youngsters
with Special Needs
At Lemur Landings
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
Gillingham Y&C Centre, Cemetry Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8
4AZ. Phone 01747 822267 or email
[email protected] or [email protected]
Project ‘hang out’
Hanging out with your mates
on a Saturday doing things you like
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
[email protected]
If you are not known to us, we will need you to complete
a care passport on www.xchangeonline.co.uk
Sports/Activities
Adult football coaching and matches for
those aged 14+. All abilities welcome.
Dexter Sports Training Thursday Evenings
7:00pm—8:00pm
7pm to 8pm
Learoyd Road, Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8SD
Contact Paul Kybert: [email protected]
Redlands Training
5:00pm—6:00pm
Redlands Sports Hub, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5AW
Contact Tim Davis: [email protected] / 07974885259
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.
Sports/Activities
DISABILITY CRICKET
COACHING SESSIONS
FREE GOLF LESSONS
At
Ferndown Leisure
Centre
Dorset County Golf Partnership are
offering a further series of lessons
for children who are
disabled or have special needs.
4.30 – 5.30pm
The sessions take place at:
Cherry Grove,
Ferndown
BH22 9EZ
CRANE VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Romford, Verwood,
BH31 7LH
Fridays 4pm – 5pm
Sessions run every Friday
Only £2.50 per session
All disabilities welcome
If you would like further
information please contact:
Darrel Ransom at email:
[email protected]
Or Tel: 01202 814088
Supported by Dorset County Council Short
Breaks capital programme
For more information contact Abbie Taylor on
Working in
partnership
with Ferndown
Wayfarers
and Ferndown
Leisure Centre
01202 877468
or
[email protected]
Sports/Activities
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
Adult Adventure -1:30—4:30 Saturday/ 5:30—7:30pm Tuesdays
£10 for
5 weeks
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 Information and booking.
Both sessions will be run by fully qualified
ASA & STA swimming instructors. Hoist
facilities available as well as changing
beds.
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 - [email protected]
www.wimbornewagtails.org.uk
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
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 [email protected] or call 07702082794 /
02381785191
Xchange Summer Activities
Brochure
Look on the Xchange Website
for over 25 pages of activities running in
the summer holidays.
There are activity details from
Artz+ Sports +
Diverse Abilities Plus
Poole Short Breaks
Victoria School
Coping with Chaos
Linwood School
Community Wessex
Future Roots
www.xchangeonline.co.uk