Xchange Enews July 2015

News and information across Dorset, Bournemouth
and Poole for children who are disabled and their
families and carers
e -News
July 2015
Young Friendship Club for
15—18 year olds.
Discos—at Preston Village Hall Weymouth
on Saturday 25th July & Saturday 29th
August, 6:00pm—8:00pm.
Forest School and Supper—Saturday 26th
September at Whitfield Community Farm
Dorchester 4:00pm —7:00pm.
Sponsored by Dorset County Council,
People First Dorset and Dorset Parent Carer
Council are organising these fun activities
for older teenagers with additional needs
or disabilities and aged 15—18 years.
The sessions aim to provide:
A safe place to meet friends
•
An opportunity to develop social
skills and independence
A chance for carers and parents to
meet, with time to talk
People First is a registered charity, based
near Dorchester. They have run the hugely
successful Friendship Club for adults since
2008. With the lack of suitable breaks for
older teenagers these events provide a
valuable transition introduction to more
adult community activities.
After a recent disco, one parent said:“It
was such a brilliant atmosphere with
everyone really enjoying themselves. The
highlight as a parent was to see my
daughter interacting with her peers in a
way I’d never seen before and I came away
happy, knowing she had a fantastic time.
She can’t wait until the next one!”
More details and booking information on
these events can be found in the adverts
section of this “Xchange Newsletter”.
Personal care and support
Each young person must be accompanied by a
responsible parent/carer/PA who stays for the
whole session.
Sign up now for Xchange Text alerts
Exciting news!! We are about to test out a system that will
allow us to easily send short text alerts to your mobile phone.
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.
It means we can let you know when there are things of importance or interest are
available on the Xchange website— like new school holiday activity brochures—or to send
you reminders about things like information events for parent/carers or young people.
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’d like to make the system work best for you so it would also be helpful if you
could tell us just what sort of information would be useful for you to receive in
this way. This is something new we’d like to start in the Autumn so please
sign up now and let us have your thoughts and feedback.
In this issue:
Young Friendship Club
for 15-18 Year olds.
Sign up for Xchange text
alerts.
Sherbourne Museum
“Early Bird” offer.
News from “The
Chatterboxes” project.
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
Sherborne Museum—Dorset
If required private evening visits can be
arranged.
There is a social narrative to assist with
preparation to your visit to the museum. This
can be viewed on the website
www.sherbornemuseum.co.uk/.
Sherborne Museum has now started an “Early
bird scheme”.
For further details on the scheme contact:
Telephone: +44 (0)1935 812 252
Email: [email protected]
Address: Sherborne Museum, Church Lane,
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BP
This scheme provides an
opportunity for families with
children on the autistic
spectrum to arrange a visit
the Museum between 8:30—
10:30 on their own terms.
The Chatterbox Project is
run by a group of 24
young people with varying
disabilities ranging from
the ages of 12-19 years old. These 24 young people are the
decision makers of the project and have had a fantastic year of
achievements.
Some of “The Chatterboxes” aims are to promote greater levels
of confidence for young people, raise awareness of disabilities
in the community and to help develop social skills.
The full annual report from “The Chatterboxes” is available to
view on the Xchange Website.
Here are some of their highlights and achievements from the
past year.
Autism Friendly
Screenings come to
Into Film Festival
Into Film Festival deliver a
programme of free Autism
Friendly Screenings for schools
and young people across the
UK.
Into Film Festival is a series of
free film and education events,
which takes place in November
and welcomes classes of 5-19
year olds across the country to
watch films and learn more
about the industry.
Last year there were over 250
Autism Friendly Screenings at
the festival and this year they
want to show even more.
To help make it a success you
can go to the website
www.intofilm.org/festival
to complete a short survey,
this will help to make sure the
Autism Friendly Screenings are
available to as many people as
possible.
Katie Barron’s column:
News from Contact a Family in the South West
The government announced plans to increase
free childcare and freeze welfare benefits in
Queen’s Speech in June.
Their plans include doubling the number of hours of
free childcare for some 3 and 4-year-olds in
England. Contact a Family believes this is great in
principle, but could leave mums with disabled
children out in the cold of employment choices. Our
research shows that many families with disabled
children can't access the current offer of 15 free
hours a week as they struggle to find providers with
the specialist skills to look after their child. The
Family and Childcare Trust have developed guides
which set out what childcare and early support
should be available locally, what your childcare
options, hints and tips on choosing the right
childcare provider and guidance on what support
your local authority (council), early years childcare
and schools should – and in some cases MUST –
offer you. http://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/
childcare-children-special-educational-needs-anddisabilities
Contact a Family has also produced a new
publication about returning to work with information
about childcare, employment rights and benefits
which is free to download; http://
www.cafamily.org.uk/media/877755/
moving_into_work.pdf. You can order a free copy
from the helpline 0808 808 3555.
To find out about your local childcare providers you
can download information or call the family
information service in your area:
https://www.dorsetforyou.com/childcare
01305 221066
http://www.poolefamilyinformationdirectory.com/
kb5/poole/fis/category.page?category=2
01202 261999
http://facts.bournemouth.gov.uk/Childcare/
01202 456222
Were you aware that your 2 year old child may also
be eligible for free childcare? If you fulfil any of the
following criteria your child may be eligible for up to
15 hours free childcare per week:
Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance
(Income-based), Employment and Support
Allowance (Income-based)
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit
Children who receive Disability Living
Allowance
Children who have a current Statement of
Educational Needs or Education, Health and
Care Plan
For more information or to apply contact your
local Family Information Service.
With The government announcing proposals
affecting the benefits system in the UK it is
important to make sure you are claiming everything
you are entitled to.
Every year Contact a Family’s helpline staff talk to a
number of parents who are missing out on at least
£60 per week because they haven’t told the tax
credits office that their child is getting Disabiliy
Living Allowance (DLA). Many families simply aren't
aware that their child tax credits payments are
higher if you have a child on DLA. This is because
you qualify for an extra payment called the disabled
child element of tax credits. Make sure you aren’t
missing out..
Disability Living Allowance and other benefits helps
cover the extra costs that result from having a
disability and is the main benefit for disabled
children. However, getting DLA can also lead to an
increase in other benefits or help you qualify for
other entitlements. We were delighted to have
helped thousands of parents during our Love DLA
month in April and want families to remember that
there is no shame claiming the financial support
your child is entitles to.
Take a look at our new factsheet on Carer’s
Allowance. Carers Allowance is the main benefit for
carers. The factsheet runs through the rules for
claiming, how you can qualify, and how getting
Carer's Allowance can lead to extra help in other
benefits, like Housing Benefit.
Katie Barron
Regional Development
Manager
South West of England
Xchange Summer Holiday Supplement.
Look at the Xchange Website www.xchangeonline.co.uk for the Summer Holiday
Supplement which is packed full of pages of things to do in Dorset, Poole and
Bournemouth over the summer holidays.
Barn Dance raises £1,500 for Home-Start West Dorset
It was a beautiful summer’s
evening for Home-Start West
Dorset’s first ever barn dance held
at the lovely Whitcombe Barn courtesy of local
author Minette Walters.
Lucky ticket holders were treated to a fabulous hog
roast provided by Pampered Pigs of Wareham, while
Dorset band Up & Running had everyone dancing
the night away.
Senior Organiser of HSWD, Helen Horsley
commented: “We are delighted to have raised just
over £1,500. It’s fantastic and we are overwhelmed
by the generosity of Minette Walters for allowing us
to use her beautiful barn, and by the lovely people
who came to the barn dance and dug deep into their
pockets for a worthy cause.
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.
Helen added: “It was
wonderful that the event
was a sell out, and of
course that we had such
a lovely sunny evening.
Our guests were able
to enjoy their drinks and
hog roast outside and
enjoy the beautiful
setting of the barn until
the sun went down.
I’d like to thank
our trusty
team of volunteers
who helped
organise and run
the event.”
“The Remix”
has got Talent”
Last month talented Remix participant Thomas Puttock
performed at Autisms Got Talent in London’s Mermaid
Theatre on the 9th May. The spectacular event
showcased amazingly talented singers, actors, musicians
and dancers all flying the flag for autism and really
demonstrated what people with Autism and Asperger’s
syndrome are capable of. Here is an interview with
Thomas:
So, Thomas, did you enjoy performing at Autisms
Got Talent ?
Yes I did
What did you enjoy about it ?
I enjoyed the talent, the singing , the performance
everything
What song did you sing ?
I sang a “ Friend like me” from Disneys Aladdin
What was it like on the night of the Autism’s Got
Talent show ?
It was absolutely amazing
What did you think of the other performers ?
I thought they were pretty amazing
Why do you like performing?
Its probably because performing is my passion, my
dream
What would you like to do as a career ?
I would like to be a performer, I’m hoping to go to the
Orpheus Centre in Godstone in September to continue
my training
Are you looking forward to that ?
Yes I am
What would you say to any other young person
who is disabled if they wanted to become a
performer ?
I would encourage them
Thomas has been with
“The Remix” for just over
2 years. He attends
Remix West which meets
at Budmouth Sports
Centre one Sunday a
month and during school
holidays.
Sessions last from
10am—3om and a full
team of support staff are
available to enable the young people aged 11—19 years
to take part. Sessions also take place at Pavilion Dance
in Bournemouth for young people living in the east of
the County.
We are also really pleased to announce the launch
of Premix for children aged 7-11 years. Premix
sessions will kick off in the East of the county as part of
a summer school in Wimborne on the 4th August.
Sessions will include dance, drama and puppet making
and attendees will be invited to show off their work as
part of the Sting in the Tale Festival on the 9th August in
Wimborne Square.
For further information please contact the Remix Project
Manager Jude Allen on 01305 260954 or email
[email protected]
“What’s On” in July
Further details on the adverts
“Poole Short Breaks” Family Soft Play Sessions at Lemur
Landings— 7th July & 21st July.
The Umbrella Group—Portifield School, Hurn 4th Saturday of the month 10:00am—12:00pm.
Saturday 25th July—10:00—12:00pm
Meet other parents with ASD, Exchange tips and
information.
Sports for Young People with Disabilities Dorchester
Sports Centre—12th July & 26th July.
Sports for Young People with Disabilities Limelight
Youth Centre Canford Heath—10th July & 24th July.
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.
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
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
Football “Mash up” at Rossmore Leisure Centre
Wednesdays 7:00—8:00pm
Buddies—Stay and Play for under 5’s—Bridport
Childrens Centre / Mountjoy School —Every Thursday
Swim with Sea Stars Victoria School, Branksome
Saturdays 5—5:30pm & 5:30—6pm
Sportfit Shortbreak Care—27th—31st July.
More details in the adverts section.
FUZE— A group for Young People with ASD run at
Sherbourne Community Centre.
Thursdays 5:30—7:00pm
Ad
Over 50 Adverts
in the next
section.
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
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?
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.
Do you run or organise a support
group for families or carers?
PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY
Remember to take your Max
Card!
There’s a full list of venues at:
dorsetforyou.com/maxcard
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
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
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
Dorset SENDIASS
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]
Supported by Dorset Parent Carer Council
Information Services
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
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).
Working towards a brighter future through
effective partnerships between parents, carers & professionals in reviewing & developing
local services
CHARITY NUMBER 1151503
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
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
[email protected]
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.
For next meeting date
check website or call
Marion 07585404335
www.parentcarerforum.co.uk
(registered Charity 1151503 )
Contact Joanne on
07595 421148
see their Facebook pages
or email
[email protected]
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
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
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 [email protected]
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
DT6 5LA
Mountjoy School
Tunnel Road
Beaminster
DT8 3HB
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
Adilt SAdventure -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