Newsletter - First Step

E-Newsletter 3
October 2014
First Step, Tangmere Crescent, Hornchurch RM12 5PP
Telephone: 01708 556355
Registered Charity Number 1106002
www.firststep.org.uk
Registered Company No. 4767369
Follow us on Twitter @firststep1988
Incorporated in England & Wales
Supporting children and families
every step of the way
W
elcome to you all and I hope you enjoy
reading all the news from First Step, including an
amazing article written by an ex ‘First Stepper’.
Many of you will know me, but for those who do
not, I will introduce myself. In January 2012, I
retired from First Step having worked for the group
for 21 years. I have now returned as the Interim
Chief Executive Officer and whilst in this role, my
intention is to ensure the children and families
continue to receive a first class service of support
and care.
At the end of the school year in July we said
‘goodbye’ to a number of children as they moved
on to either school or nursery. We wish them and
their families well and hope that they will
continue to keep in touch and know that they can
always contact us should they need any
advice or information.
It is with great sadness that I report Jan McGee
our Mini-bus Escort and Playroom Assistant, died
on the 4th July. Jan had worked at First Step for
six years. She had a lovely, quiet personality,
making time to acknowledge us all with her warm
smile and her most caring approach to the
children made them feel secure in her care.
She is greatly missed by us all.
Funding continues to be a concern and we are so
grateful to all our funders, sponsors and
supporters, without whom we would be unable to
continue to offer the wide range of services, so
needed by the children and their families.
I am delighted to announce we have been
fortunate to receive funding to re-introduce a club
for brothers and sisters, now called ’Reframe’.
This very popular service, previously called ‘Sib
Club’ ceased in April 2013 due to lack of funds. A
new format for three clubs, each for a 6 week
duration, will be commencing on Thursday 6th
November. If you have a child with a disability,
who has a brother or sister aged 5 to 8 years who
you feel may benefit from attending and meeting
other ‘sibs’, please call me or Charlotte Dickens,
Service Manager, on 01708 556355.
With warm wishes and
thank you for your
continued support.
Gill Webb
Interim CEO
Danny Pedals
for £££’s…. and
raises over £650
for First Step!
‘Hi, I decided to do
the London to
Brighton bike ride for
First Step, because
Danny & Glenn
of the help and
support they give to families with special needs
or disabled children.
Our son was very delayed from an early age
and after various appointments, we were
referred to First Step. In the time that he was
there, the progress he made and the support
given to us as a family was amazing. Our son
is now diagnosed with ASD autism spectrum
disorder which is a life long condition. I wanted
to raise money and awareness for First Step,
so they can help more families like us. I came
up with the idea of using my sons bike trailer to
raise awareness about autism and tow it all the
way to Brighton….and it worked. Big thanks to
my cousin Glenn for riding it with me, good
friend Ben for the logistics, my wife Anne for all
the support, and the inspiration behind me
doing all of this, my son Harry and all children
like Harry — they are the real hero's behind
this story and what they deal with day in and
day out’.
Christine Grace, Colin Coe & Bob Grace
Thank you to the
La Salette Social
Club for holding a
musical
evening, which
raised £1200 for
First Step.
First Step Trustee Colin Coe (centre), attended
the event and collected the donation on behalf
of First Step.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FIRSTSTEP1988
Activities in the
Blue Play Room
You can text a donation to First Step
First Step’s Christmas Bazaar
You will not be charged by your mobile
phone provider for the text and 100% of your
donation goes to First Step. No texts will be
removed from your allowance. To donate
simply text ‘STEP14’ then a space and ‘£5’ to
70070 to donate £5. You can change the
amount to £1, £2, £3, £4 or £10. You must be
16 or over and please ask the bill payer's
permission.
Thank you!
Messy Play
Festive Fun for
Everyone!
Join us on Saturday 22nd
November for the First Step
Christmas Bazaar.
Enjoying books
Saturday 22nd November, 1 - 4pm
From 1pm to 4pm you can
visit Father Christmas in his
grotto, Mr Snowman’s
Wonderland, enjoy the many
games and stands, including
our chocolate tombola and have your face painted like a
reindeer!
Refreshments, home-made cakes, gifts galore and more.
See you there….
Fun with toys
To help with fundraising we
gratefully accept donations
of raffle/auction prizes,
mobile phones, used ink
cartridges, unwanted
clothes, foreign currency &
old coins. Please drop off
your donation at reception.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FIRSTSTEP1988
3
An Update from Ricky Blair
G
reetings to everyone reading this!
Some of you may recall my previous piece in the First Step newsletter a couple of years ago, but for
those who missed the article and for those who may not fully recall its content, allow me to briefly
recap.
I have been totally blind from birth and, as a result of my eye condition, developed a hearing loss during
my teenage years. When I was young, I spent many happy days at First Step, participating in a wide
variety of activities with staff and other children alike, and developed important skills upon which I have
been able to build as I have matured.
Those of you who read my last entry in this newsletter will recall that I was studying for a BA in Politics
at the University of Sussex, a degree which I have now completed, emerging with an upper
second-class degree, (2-1). In spite of the fact that I was extremely socially isolated whilst at university,
I am determined that this will not deter me in fulfilling my academic dreams and potential. This explains
my decision to undertake a masters degree in the Theory and Practice of Human Rights at the
University of Essex, a degree which I shall be commencing at the beginning of October. Upon
completion of my studies, I hope to enter a career either in politics or in the field of disability rights
advocacy, an area which is still largely of marginal concern within academia, an issue which I shall be
highlighting to teaching staff and fellow students during the course of my masters degree.
My dream job would be to work as a disability advisor for the British Conservative Party, demonstrating
that having a disability and backing the party are by no means incompatible, despite popular
perceptions to the contrary. I realise that my dreams are somewhat ambitious and if, for whatever
reason, things do not plan out as I hope, I would be very happy to work in the education sector as a
mentor, with a particular emphasis upon teenagers and young adults with disabilities.
Many people with disabilities will either be actively discouraged from going to university, or will simply
never even contemplate the possibility, given that most able-bodied students struggle with the
workload. However, many people with disabilities have fully functioning brains and are as smart as
their peers and, in many cases, arguably more intelligent, and every higher education provider has an
obligation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals such as myself. Whilst I
concede that these services are by no means perfect solutions at present, one of my central career
aims is to further improve access in order that young, talented disabled students can access Britain's
top universities on an equal footing as their fully able counterparts.
Furthermore, as those who read my previous article will recall, my passion extends way beyond
academia, and there are many leisure activities in which I enjoy participating, such as attending football
matches, ten-pin bowling, going to theme parks, stand-up comedy, and quizzing. More recently, I have
taken up playing golf, a concept which I'm sure will baffle and potentially scare many of you! However, it
is not quite as dangerous and crazy as it may seem and, as my game has improved, so have the
chances lessened of me taking out my golf instructor!
My overall message to everyone reading, then, is that whilst life can certainly be extremely lonely,
frustrating and challenging for people with disabilities at times, there are also opportunities and avenues
which you might never have considered or thought possible, so do not fall into the trap of automatically
assuming that having a disability is the end because, in many cases, it simply means adapting to a
different way of life.
The ‘Parent’s Room’ at First Step is open to all
registered families, Monday to Friday during term
time, between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Come and share a
coffee and a chat in friendly, welcoming
surroundings.
Aimee
Ann-Marie
Lorna
Kelly
Lisa
Emeline
We welcome our new members to the team since our last newsletter. New Play Worker Lisa and
Ann-Marie is acting currently as Play Leader. We welcome back Kelly and Lorna who have returned to
First Step. Emeline is our new Counsellor and Aimee joins us as Music Therapist. We are very pleased
to have them all on board and look forward to working alongside them.
Meet the Team…… Kaylie Cracknell
How long have you been at First Step?
I’ve been here about 4 years now.
I also ensure the Diversity Board, displayed outside
of the Playrooms, recognises festivals, celebrations
and cultures.
What do you do?
I am a Playworker and the ENCO—Equality Named
Coordinator. The purpose of this role is to help
promote, co-ordinate and monitor equality of
opportunity for the children and their families. In
addition, I work with families, staff and volunteers to
develop partnerships and remove any potential
What’s the favourite part of your job?
First and foremost, I enjoy working with the
children, seeing them progress and helping their
development. I really enjoy working with the other
members of the play team—we have a lot of fun
and work well together.
barriers to inclusion for the families and their
children. I love anything creative and have been
Tell us something about yourself?
able to hold craft groups for parents, including soap I am hedgehog mad and
have a pet hedgehog
making and decorating tea-light holders and look
forward to holding more in the future. I also enjoy
named ‘Primrose
all the art activities we do with the children, i.e
Longnose’. She is an
painting and drawing. These help the children
African Pygmy Hedgehog
develop and express themselves.
(a domestic breed) and she is 5 months old. She
takes a lot of looking after and I thoroughly enjoy
spending time with her.
Exciting new opportunity to join the team
We are currently seeking to recruit a Volunteer Coordinator here at First Step.
If you would like to join the team and work for an established local charity,
please visit firststep.org.uk/recruitment/ to review the job description and
complete an application form.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this opportunity, please call
01708 556355.
Services News
We have introduced several new sessions for 2014/2015 to compliment the established Pre-school
sessions, P.A.C.C, music therapy, counselling and access to the multi-sensory room.
Sessions and services are available in various formats:
 ‘Stay and play’ to meet other parents/carers and children together
 Groups which offer periods of respite for parents/carers
 Shared learning activities for parents/carers and children e.g. Musicality


Private hire e.g. single family access to the sensory room
Children only sessions e.g. Pre-school or PACC
Below are details of our current services. For further information please contact Debbie or
Charlotte on 01708 556355. Some sessions are chargeable and some are referral only.
Family Support & Respite
Sessions
For Children with Social
Communication Difficulties
Other Services & Sessions
Baby Steps
PACC
Pre-School
A support and information
session for families of
children from birth to 1 year
old, or non-ambulant
children. Parents/carers and
children attend the session
together.
Feet First
An introductory group to First Step
for parents, carers and their preschool children with special needs
and/or disabilities. This session
offers a period of respite and is
available by referral only.
Two educational sessions
every week for pre-school
children only, with social
and communication
difficulties.
Step By Step
A session for families who
have a child with social
communication difficulties.
This session includes
parents/cares and
incorporates techniques
utilised in PACC sessions.
Maximum of 10 children per
session.
Music Therapy &
Counselling
Therapeutic services for
children with
special needs and /or
disabilities and their
families.
Stepping Stones
Step Together
A follow on group for
parents/carers and their
children with special needs
and/or disabilities. This
session offers a period of
respite and is available by
referral only.
Daily educational sessions
for children only, aged 2-4,
with special needs
and/or disabilities.
Stepping Up
A group for children,
aged 3-4, who have
attended PACC.
A stay & play group for
parents/carers and their
children, with special
needs of disabilities,
aged 0-5, and
pre-school siblings.
Arts & craft
classes for
parents and
carers
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FIRSTSTEP1988
Welfare &
benefits
advice
In brief….
‘Reframe’ (Sib Club) - a club for Brothers and Sisters
Thank you to everyone who
attended and supported the
First Step Golf Day, in
association with Frontier Voice
& Data Ltd, on Wednesday
10th September. The event
was a great success and raised
over £3500 for First Step.
Starting on Thursday 6th November, from 4pm to 6pm,
First Step we will be running a free club, for brothers and
sisters of children with special needs and/or disabilities.
Everything Must Go Sale
First Step is holding an
‘Everything Must Go’ sale on
Wednesday 1st October from
9am to 12pm.
Selling donated items of
children’s clothes and
equipment, books, collectibles,
homewares and more.
The club, called ‘Reframe’, will be for 5 to 8 years olds and
offer opportunities to make friends, share
experiences and have fun.
We will be running 3 clubs, with 10 different children
in each.
Club 1: 6th November 2014, every Thursday for 6 weeks
Club 2: 8th January 2015, every Thursday for 6 weeks
Club 3: 19th February 2015, every Thursday for 6 weeks
To find out more about ‘Reframe’ please call Charlotte on
01708 556355.
Joan Stallard, Holistic
Therapist, is currently accepting
new massage clients for
appointments at 1pm and
1.45pm on Thursdays at First
Step. If you would like to make
a booking, please contact
Caroline or Charlotte on 01708
556355. This service is
available to Havering residents
who have a child with special
needs and/or
disabilities.
Volunteering—your next step
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved and put your
skills to good use. We have many volunteering opportunities; in
the playrooms, fundraising, administration...even in the
gardens!
Often volunteers ask what time commitment is expected.
Volunteering allows you to choose your hours—whether a day a
week or an hour a month, your skills and support will make a
real difference here at First Step.
For more information please call 01708 556355….thank you.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FIRSTSTEP1988
Christmas Cards on sale now
£2.99 for 10 cards
Available from Reception or please call 01708 556355 for mail orders - postage not included.
A regular donation of £5 a month will
help us continue to support families in
your community.
Donations can be increased, decreased
or cancelled at any time.
If you would like to give a regular
donation, please contact Michelle,
James or Janet on 01708 556355 for
more information.
We are delighted to announce that First Step has
been chosen as charity partner of the Year 2014 by
Sainsburys in Hornchurch.
As part of the fundraising opportunities in the store,
we have been offered bag packing and bucket
collecting days. If you would like to join the team of
First Step volunteers in the store, please call us on
01708 556355 and sign up for one of the dates below:
Friday 10th October 2014
Saturday 11th October 2014
Monday 20th October 2014
Tuesday 21st October 2014
Wednesday 22nd October 2014
Thursday 23rd October 2014
Friday 24th October 2014
We are delighted to announce that
Mandela House at The Brittons
Academy has chosen First Step as local
charity of the year.
Thank you to Tina Whiberley, Support
and Guidance Manager, the students
and teaching staff for their
commitment and support.
Friday 28th November 2014
Saturday 29th November 2014
Monday 22nd December 2014
Tuesday 23rd December 2014
Dates for 2015 to follow
Whether you have an hour to spare or whole day, we
welcome and are most grateful for your support.
Fundraising dates for your diary
Sainsburys Hornchurch - bag packing & collecting—10th, 11th, 20th—24th Oct, 29th & 29th November
Winter Wassail Dinner & Dance - Saturday 31st January at Orsett Hall
Tasty Treats Tea Room - Open every other Friday in the hall at First Step from Friday 7th November
Everything Must Go Sale - Wednesday 1st October, 9am to 12pm, in the hall at First Step
Christmas Bazaar - Saturday 22nd November
Virgin Money London Marathon - 26th April 2015
First Step Table Tennis Tournament - Thursday 14th May 2015, in the hall at First Step
British 10K London Run - Sunday 12th July 2015
Visit www.firststep.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @firststep1988 for the latest fundraising news.
The First Step Team
Gill Webb
Interim CEO
James Nyamayaro
Finance Officer
Janet Hutchinson
Office Manager
Charlotte Dickens
Service Manager
Caroline Hood
Receptionist
Debbie Bennett
Senior Play Leader
John Andrews
Bus Driver/Maintenance
Ann Marie Lyons-Mummery
Play Leader
Elaine Sumsion
Minibus Escort
Kim Watson
Play Leader
Cecile Saunders
Cleaner
Sharon Everest
Play Leader
Sue Ebsworth
Care Taker
Sarah Bennett
Play Worker
Steve Bush
Volunteer Gardener
Kaylie Cracknell
Play Worker/ENCO
Michelle Mitchell
Fundraising Manager
Lisa Drake
Play Worker
Elizabeth Preston
Fundraising Volunteer
Alison Denyer
Play Worker
Sheila Brunt
Fundraising Volunteer
Lorna Conlan
Play Worker
Jill Fergusson
Fundraising Volunteer
Kelly Spencer
Play Worker
Laura Davies
Fundraising Volunteer
Aimee Neale
Music Therapist
Denise Clark
Fundraising Volunteer
Emeline Hanson
Counsellor
Linda Lyons
Fundraising Volunteer
Allie Marchington
Admin Volunteer
Philip Kirby
Volunteer
Joe Borg
Support Staff
Trustees
Patrons
Roisin McCorry
Margaret Williams
Gill Hare
MBE
Colin Coe
Brian Peters
Jeremy West
MBE
Bruce Anderson
Dr Olugbemiro Sodeinde
Tim Clarke
Cllr Linda Van Den Hende
Mark Sweetingham
Thank you to all our supporters - the runners, walkers, swimmers, joggers,
singers, cake makers and everyone who has volunteered and raised
money for First Step.
We simply could not continue without you.