We want our children and our families to matter. We want a dedicated key-worker for every disabled child and we want all disabled children and their families to get the right services and support – no matter where they live.
We want our children to be included in every aspect of creating the kind of society they need BUT we also want to transform short sighted thinking that leads to one-size-fits-all services and amenities. We want an education system that meets the needs of each child and enables each one to fulfill their own full potential.
We want commitment to quality of life and equality of opportunity for every child in the country. We want poverty amongst disabled children and their families to be cut by 50% by 2010 and eliminated by 2020.
We want local Councils to implement the Local Authority Charter for Disabled Children in full partnership with parents. We want each local authority department to hold themselves accountable to parents for the quality of the services they deliver for our families. We want complete transparency and accountability in the way that all services are planned, commissioned and delivered. We want these children's services to be delivered on the basis of best practice.
We want genuine partnership with the professionals who deliver services for our families that is based on respect and true equality.
Advocacy appointments are also available by arrangement, telephone 0151 928 3507 or you can click here to email gardinerl@hotmail.co.uk
We represent parents and help to consult, mobilise, organise and advocate with parents and their families. PAT is also a member of the CVS Community Empowerment Network, Advocacy Forum and the Forum for Health and Social Care.
We represent parents within regional networks to build action alliances, and to achieve our common objectives. Currently we are supporting the Cheshire and Merseyside Child Health Development Programme to introduce a GP Kitemarking scheme so that local GPs will work to common standards of care for disabled children. We have been lobbying MPs to support a common platform including the right to respite breaks for parents and carers and the right to a key worker for every disabled child.
We represent local parents in national campaigns to improve the lives of parents and families and especially parents with disabled children. We are supporting the campaign to End Child Poverty. We also support the Every Disabled Child Matters coalition. The successful PAT letter writing campaign has resulted in both the Local Authority and NHS Primary Care Trust agreeing to adopt a Charter of principles for Children's Services.
Free & Fun Wheelchair Mobility Course
Wheelchair skills weekend for young wheelchair users
Sat 27th February (9.30am-3pm Please bring a packed lunch)
& Sun 28th February (9.30am-1.30pm)
Broadgreen International School,
Queens Drive, Liverpool, L13 5UQ
Tel 01482 887163 to reserve a place.
www.go-kids-go.org.uk
Time to Challenge project
Time to Change launched a new element of the Time to Challenge project aimed at confronting the stigma and discrimination faced by people with experience of mental health problems in the workplace.
For more information, go to:
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/what-we-are-doing/time-challenge/new-section/employers
Beat (Eating Disorders Charity) National campaign day - February 26th
Beat Manifesto - due to be published on the 22nd February - calls for the next government to deliver real change for people affected by eating disorders. It calls for improvements in primary care, as well as for specialist services to be made available for all. It calls on us all to challenge stigma - and campaign for the truth about eating disorders.
We're calling on beat supporters and supporters take the manifesto to their MP's surgery.
If you would like to join our campaign, sign up at the beat website to receive your free campaign pack. The pack will contain your copy of the manifesto - as well as a guide on writing to your MP or local paper.
We hope you will join us on this campaign - and help us beat eating disorders.
http://www.b-eat.co.uk/Events/beat21/Requestacampaignpack
Congratualtions to Care and Share Support Group.
They succeeded in gaining £2,500 to set up a friendship/sibling club. For more information, go along to the next meeting on Friday 5th February.
The next Care and Share Support Group will take place on Friday 5th Feb at 7pm, Upton Victory Hall, Salacre Lane, Upton, Wirral. Guest speaker is Councillor Sheila Clarke - the Carers Champion.
Tight Ropes and Safety Nets: Supporting Young Suicidal Men
Friday 12th March 2010 arch 2010 from10am - 4pm
(registration and coffee from 9.30am)
Booking Deadline: Wednesday 3rd March 2010
The Liner Hotel
Lord Nelson Street
Liverpool L3 5QB
Speaker : Dr Andrew Reeves
Contributors: Dr Janine Griffiths and Ian Wright (Early Intervention Team in Liverpool, Sefton and Kirby), Simon Howes (C.A.L.M.), Angela Samata (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)
Working with and supporting people who are suicidal, particularly young men, can be one of the most difficult personal and professional challenges for any helping professional. Having the confidence to name suicide and therefore help the person explore their own suicidality and its meaning can take us all into precarious territory; the fear and cost of âgetting it wrongâ can be profound.
The conference will also be considering questions such as:
*How do we empower people to contact those who can offer help before it is too late?
*How does a suicide affect the wider family and how do we best help those left behind?
*What are some of the reasons behind why suicide is an issue amongst young men in the UK?
The fee for the conference is £50.00 per person, including lunch, or £25.00 for the voluntary/charity sector. Cheques should be made payable to COMPASS.
To book your place please download the booking form (see link below) and return it with your payment to:
Pamela Sharp
COMPASS
25 Hope Street
Liverpool L1 9BQ
Tel: 0151 708 6688
pamelasharp@compass-counselling.org.uk
www.compass-counselling.org.uk
Free Computers for low income families
Home Access is a government drive which will help low-income families to get access to a computer and the internet to get online at home.
If you are a low income family in receipt of certain benefits you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or a minimum of one yearsâ internet access. The programme is aimed at those that need it most and targets families that do not have access to a computer or the internet at home.
Depending on what you need, the grant allows eligible applicants to buy one of the following packages:
1. Full package (a computer, one year's internet access, service and support) 2. A computer with service and support only 3. One year's internet access only
If you would like to know more use the following link
http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/
Parents Forum Meeting in Sefton
The next Parents Forum meeting is on Monday 25th January 2010 at Parenting 2000, Mornington Road, Southport in the Alchemy building. 9.45am-1.00pm
All parents/carers are welcome to attend.
Radio Show for Carers
Who Cares? is a one off radio show with me, Cathy Taylor, this Friday afternoon. Tune into KVFM 87.7fm, live from McDonalds Restaurant Kensington, Liverpool.
Contact us with your questions or opinions live on air.
Blog: www.kvfm.wordpress.com
Email: kvfm2009@yahoo.co.uk
Text in: 075 320 31046
The National Autistic Society Trafford Teenage Programme
The programme, which runs for 3 sessions, is for parents/carers of children aged between 13 and 18 years and who have received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the last 18 months.
help! provides support for parents and carers of school aged children, young people and adults who have a recent diagnosis of an ASD.
The programme sessions cover:
â¢What are autism spectrum disorders â a brief overview
â¢Top tips for communication and interaction
â¢Practical strategies for education, educational rights/law and transitions
â¢Accessing support services and benefits
â¢Approaching behaviour difficulties
â¢Puberty and relationships
Dates of sessions:
1. Mon 25th January 2010 9.30am - 2.30pm
2. Tues 26th January 2010 9.30am - 2.30pm
3. Tues 2nd February 2010 9.30am - 2.30pm
Venue:
St John Vianney School
Rye Bank Road,
Firswood, Stretford,
Manchester
M16 0EX.
To book a place on this programme please complete & return the help! application form.
For any questions or to obtain an application form please contact:
Sonya Orman or Joanna Kowalik on 0161 946 1193
DLA
The petition to save Disability Living Allowance ends on Monday 7th December....please sign the petition
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/AttendanceA/
Race Night in aid of Care & Share Support Group (ASD)
Race night will be in the Coach and Horses pub in Moreton on Sunday 22nd November, starting at 6pm prompt. If you are coming please arrive at 5.30 pm.
We will be providing a FREE curry, so if you are sure you will be able to attend, please confirm by emailing Lisa at Thecloudbuster@aol.com
Your support will be greatly appreciated .
Carers Rights Day, Friday, December 4TH, 2007
Christ Church, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1AA , 10 - 3
The focus of this years Carers Rights Day is on Caring for your income and pension. Carers UK have produced a booklet: Looking After Someone? â A guide to carersâ rights and benefits which provides specialist advice to carers.
Carers can order free copies from Carers UK by calling 0845 241 9379 or by visiting www.carersuk.org or emailing carersrightsday@carersuk.org
AuKids - a positive parenting magazine aimed at families of children with autistic spectrum conditions. Feedback from parents who receive the magazine has been very positive and it's been encouraging to hear that AuKids supports parents with ideas and advice as well as sharing personal stories.
The magazine is now available by subscription at £10 per year for 4 issues of AuKids delivered to your door. Alternatvely as from next issue you can download 4 issues for £8 per year. The current issue and past issues can be viewed for free online at www.aukids.co.uk.
Fantastic News ....
An outcome of the Eating Disorders Conference held in Liverpool last month is that 2 specialist beds will be funded at Alder Hey childrens hospital. Congratualtions to everyone involved.
Eating Disorders Conference:
An inspiring Conference took place in Liverpool on 7th September, where carers and parents were given a prominent voice. A key issue that emerged from the day, was the lack of clear pathways for treatment and support - so we are working on this now. Watch this space ...
Care & Share Support Group - Autistic Spectrum Conditions
My aim is to set up a Wirral based fortnightly supportive group for parent/carers, create a sibling support group, and I am currently helping to facilitate and launch a âself helpâ support group for persons aged 16+ who have a diagnosis of Aspergerâs and welcome any other suggestions you feel would be useful e.g resource library, social skills training.
For further information, email Lisa at Thecloudbuster@aol.com.
Child Trust Fund for Disabled Children
From 2010, the government will contribute £100 every year to the Child Trust Fund accounts of disabled children, with severely disabled children receiving £200 per year. To benefit from these payments, a child must receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and have been born on or after 1st September 2002. The first payments are due in April 2010 for those in receipt of DLA at any point in 2009-10. Claim now!
Has your childâs DLA has been suspended after a stay in hospital?
Contact a Family thinks this is wrong and they are gathering evidence from families about the effect of this benefits rule, to highlight the issue and push for change
If this has happened to you, please get in touch. They would like to gather as much evidence as possible to highlight this issue and encourage change in the regulations.
Tel: Elaine Bennett on 020 7608 8741 or e-mail:
elaine.bennett@cafamily.org.uk
Hi all
Gerry Flanagan LD Commisioning Manager based at St Cath's Hospital is doing two pieces of work around Autism which corresponds with a Department of Health consultation which can be found on The Wirral Autistic Society website.
He is currently:
1)Carrying out a needs assessment and gap analysis.
2) Co-ordinating Wirrals response to the DH consultation.
The Consultation doc is reviewing how Autism Spectrum Conditions are treated in 5 key areas to enhance quality of life and support. There are examples of good practice throughout the country too.
This is a great opportunity to highlight key gaps in support for those with Asperger's/ASD conditions but the responses need to be in by Septmber 15th. I was unaware of this document until now so urge everyone to take a look and respond.
Great news - The 2nd meeting of Connect self help support group for adults aged 16+ with Aspergers went really well and we are currently planning a walking group and trips out. It is held every Saturday between 2-4pm at The Fountain Project (Wirral Mind) Chester Street, Birkenhead.
Please let friends/family/partners who care for someone with ASD/Asperger's know about the support groups and the consultation document. Thank you.
regards
Lisa
Care and Share support group
Disability benefits may be under threat - act now
A government green paper has revealed proposals to stop paying disability benefits, for example attendance allowance and DLA, and to pay the money directly to social services instead.
Under the plan, current claimants would have their disability benefits converted to a personal budget administered by local authorities and used to pay for services not to spend as they wish.
Once the green paper consultation period ends in 100 days time, if an almighty row has not been raised, it is likely that both major political parties will see the lack of outrage as a green light to end both DLA and AA.
We looking for a minimum of 1,000 claimants, carers and support workers to join the 'benefits and work' campaign to save these benefits from being abolished.
Find out how you can take part from this link:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/disability-living-allowance-(dla)/dla-aa-cuts
Autism friendly cinema screenings.
FACT in Liverpool City Centre (http://www.fact.co.uk/ 151 7074450) and the Plaza in Crosby (http://www.plazacinema.org.uk/ 0151 474 4076) offer autism friendly screenings. Contact them directly for more information.
There will be a free play day event on Wednesday 5th August in North Park, Bootle (1-3pm) to deliver inclusive sports and games (DAISY UK - Disability Awareness Introducing Sport to Youngsters)
All welcome, please come along
Survey Request
Dear Parents and Advocates Forum Admin
I wonder if you would be so kind as to post a message or link on your forum (I was unsure if it was suitable for me to do so) requesting carers to complete and return our disabled homes survey. We really want to know what disabled people need and want in new build homes.
In appreciation of their help, we have a list of e-books on site, and each person who returns the survey can choose a free ebook to be emailed to them. Any ideas or suggestion sent by email to us without completing the survey may also gain the sender a free ebook.
Please have a look and if you think you can pass this on to carers who would be willing to help us I would appreciate it. The website link for the survey is http://www.freedomhomescyprus.com/survey.html
Kind regards,
Linda
Learning Disability Week will take place from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 June 2009. World Museum Liverpool is celebrating Learning Disability Week with a series of FREE events. All events will take place at the Treasure House Theatre, World Museum Liverpool.
Film My Crazy Life - Changing Reuben Monday 22nd June 2.30-3pm Reuben Walsh has Aspergers syndrome, an IQ of 154, and an obsession for neurology. For the first 12 years of his life, no one knew why he was different until he was correctly diagnosed. This programme follows Reuben's every day life and the challenges he faces along the way.
Film Coping Strategies Monday 22nd June 3.30-4pm Shahid, fed up by the tag 'learning disabled' leaves his doting mother for the allure of love, life and freedom in an independent home.
However, the fast of Ramadan, his disruptive flat-mates and the mysterious Paris Stilton drive Shahid to distraction.
Film Being Different May Be Cool! Tuesday 23rd June 1.45-2.15pm This programme presents an honest account of life with autism from the perspective of three brothers, Luke, Joe and Ben Jackson, all of whom have the disorder. Their mother Jacqui is outspoken and articulate about how teachers can support pupils with autism.
Film Heavy Load (Winner of Audience Award - Britdoc '08) Thursday 25th June 2.30-4pm Suitable for ages 12+ Heavy Load are Brighton's answer to The Ramones. This documentary follows the group of rockers as they try for total world domination! The group which has members with and without learning disabilities are up for the challenge and this film charts two years in their lives as they strive out of disability club nights and head for the mainstream!
All film events require free tickets that can be collected on the day from the Information desk at World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN. For more details of any of these events please call Alex Shears on 0151 478 4456 or Louise Cooney on 0151 478
4341
Response from Number 10 - Thank You for Your Support
Dear friends,
We asked our friends and supporters of Parent Advocates Together to sign a petition asking the Prime Minister to "Change the existing law and allow carers to claim carer's allowance whilst in full-time education." The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can view it here:
http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page19611
We also asked local MP's to support a parliamentary process called an Early Day Motion; all our MP's have now signed it. Thank you to all those supporters who have written to their MP or signed this online petition.
VOTE FOR A CHANGE - http://www.voteforachange.co.uk/
Open Letter to the Prime Minister
The neighbourhood where I live has among the highest indices for multiple deprivation in the UK. The contituency where I live is one of the safest seats in the UK. Elected members in our local authority are either fighting amongst themselves or fast asleep. Salried officers in the local government and statutory agencies working for us are not held accountable. Our elected representatives are not held accountable. Parents, carers and families with disabled dependents are ignored, bullied or silenced. Very little of the nationâs resources trickle down to the neighbourhood where I live. People where I live die between five and eight years earlier than people who live just five miles away. People who are disabled or who have a disabled dependent have even more pronounced health inequality issues.
We want a Bill of Rights, a written Constitution. Proportional Representation, an elected Second Chamber, parliamentary reform and effective methods to effectively hold our public servants and our elected represntitives accountable for outcomes. We want outcomes measured not just activities!
Larry Whybrow-Gardiner - Parent Advocates Together
Letter from PAT to Joe Benton MP - Write to your MP now!
We have written to our MP. Click this link to find out how you can send an important message to parliament about the election of a principled and a reforming Speaker.
http://www.mysociety.org/2009/05/21/3-principles-we-are-asking-speaker-candidates-to-endorse-you-can-help-right-now/
Dear Joe Benton,
I am writing to you as a constituent and as a trustee for Parent Advocates Together which is a support group for families based in Seaforth, one of the most deprived wards in your constituency...
...I am asking you to vote for a candidate (for Speaker) who is most likely to be able to mobilise and organise renewal, reform, accountability and transparency...
...I would like to thank you for your previous support for Early Day Motions and for representing our views at Westminster...
Yours sincerely,
Laurence John Gardiner - Parent Advocates Together
For all families with a disabled child, âSPLASHABILITYâ at DUNES SPLASHWORLD, SOUTHPORT.
A family session for all disabled children and their families is being held on:- TUESDAY, 12TH MAY, 2009, 6.30 p.m. â 8.30 p.m.
Cost: £3.50 per person, Plus 1 Carer gets in free.
Action4Advocacy: A one day course exploring Effective Communication - 20th May 2009
The course is suitable for advocates, anyone speaking up for or on behalf of another person and managers of advocacy schemes. By attending this course participants will:
Understand the barriers to effective communication
Gain a greater understanding of the importance of effective communication
Explore the different ways in which we communicate and how to choose the most appropriate method
Learn how to advocate effectively for people with limited communication abilities
Date: Wednesday 20th May - Location: York
http://www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk/articleServlet?action=display&article=1601&articletype=38
Liverpool Day of Celebration for Adult Learnersâ Week
Saturday 9th May 2009 11:00amâ3:00pm at World Museum Liverpool.
Whether youâre interested in starting a new hobby, improving job prospects or simply keeping your mind active, why not call in for
FREE and see how learning can improve your health and well being!
⢠Get creative and visit our community arts exhibition
⢠Find out about the vast range of learning opportunities in
Merseyside, ranging from short, bite size courses to
degrees at college or university
⢠Try out a range of activities from African Dance to Holistic
and Complementary Therapies
WHAT WORKS? WHAT DOESN'T WORK SO WELL?
I'm a freelance journalist specialising in education and write features various national newspapers and magazines, mainly the Guardian. I'm always on the lookout for stories to pitch to education editors and have had some brilliant leads/stories here. Do get in touch if you have any stories which may be of interest...
WHAT WORKS? Anything fresh, original and/or unexpected e.g. an innovative new project, a fresh approach to an age old problem, an inspired idea which targets a particular group of people. And anything which is current/topical (but ties into news/new research rather than perceived trends).
WHAT DOESN'T WORK SO WELL: It's more difficult to interest national features editors in stories about products, websites, teaching resources, conferences, one off events, (unless there is something REALLY unusual), stories about projects that aren't up and running yet (there needs to be some kind of 'history', at least a few months usually), stories about one school/setting (unless there really is an interesting story to tell), - stories which celebrate the commonplace e.g. a school with great exam results, a children's centre holding a fundraising event, a school doing an international exchange, a group
of students doing some volunteer work. There are always exceptions, but these tend to be local stories.
Anyway do drop me a line if you have an ideas. A few lines describing the story is much easier than pdfs and web links. Thanks as always for your ideas. I try to reply to all, although it does take me a bit of time.
Follow my updates on Twitter: jan_murray or contact me by e-mail at mailto:janmurray@journobiz.com
Jan Murray - www.janmurray.co.uk
Eating Disorders Carers Conference
Talking Eating Disorders is hosting a 1 day carers conference at Liverpool John Moores University on 7th September. This conference is suitable for carers and parents of people with eating disorders, and for professionals working in the field.
Speakers include service users and professionals and academics working with eating disorders. Workshops are also planned to provide carers with practical help.
For more information, contact Valerie at v.j.todd@ljmu.ac.uk
Free Parent Information Days, new dates announced
Dates for Parents information days for May have been announced
29th April 2009
St. Ann's Special School
Hanwell, Ealing
7th May 2009
Leicestershire
Coalville
7th May 2009
Frederick Holmes School
Hull
14th May 2009
Derbyshire
Derby or Chesterfield
15th May 2009
Lindens Primary School
Sutton Coldfield
15th June 2009
Bristol Sensory Support Service
Westbury on Trym, Bristol
If you are a parent of a child with a disability or special educational needs and would like to attand one of these events, please contact our advice and information service on 0800 269545 or enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk. If there is no event planned in your area you can still contact us and ask to be put on the waiting list and to be informed of forthcoming events when they are arranged. Check out Abilitynet podcast http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast/
Adult social care law is in urgent need of reform
That, at least, is the conclusion of the Law Commission (LC), which is currently in the middle of a systematic review. Please see Weightmans LLP legal update.
Direct payments http://snipurl.com/gtmmo
Dear Larry,
Thanks to the efforts of Oxfam supporters up and down the UK, the government announced in Wednesdayâs budget that it would stick to the aid commitments it made in its last spending review. This is fantastic news for people in developing countries!
Cuts of around £700 million were on the table. But, after Oxfam broke the story, and you sprung into action, we stopped the cuts from going through. This money will go towards providing people with the life-saving medicines they so urgently need. It will help children receive an education when they otherwise wouldn't have done. It will help make sure more mothers have access to free health care, and dramatically improve their chances of surviving childbirth.
Read the story in full and leave a comment on our blog. Share this story with your friends on Facebook. Or spread the word on Twitter. It all began seven days ago; when Oxfam got wind that the Chancellor was preparing to cut aid spending for the next two years. Straight away, a plan was formed. Hundreds of Oxfam activists jumped into action and raised the issue with the Chancellor and the Prime Minister.
The announcement also sends out a clear and strong message to our European partners: in times of hardship, whether in rich or poor nations, itâs the poorest people who suffer first, and that hard times are no excuse for not helping those who need it most. But there's one thing that we want to get clear â you made this happen. You made this happen with every email that you sent, with every letter that you wrote, with every visit you made to your MP.
So, after youâve dusted yourself down, and given yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, itâs on to the next challenge. Oxfam has just launched its new climate change campaign. And you can get involved here.
Thank you,
Martin Kirk
Head of UK Campaigns
EDCM News: Short breaks report launched as half of all English local authorities support EDCM
Dear Larry
EDCM has today launched a report looking at the impact of the 'Aiming High for Disabled Children' (AHDC) short breaks programme on the lives of disabled children and their families.
The Short breaks tracking Interim Report gives a snapshot of parentsâ experiences of short breaks, and highlights examples of good practice and areas of concern. EDCM will be using the report as a campaigning tool to push for proper evaluation of the AHDC programme and further investment for disabled childrenâs services from the next government Spending Review.
To download the report and campaign for improved short breaks in your local authority, go to www.edcm.org.uk/shortbreaks
Please Sign this Petition: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/TellItRight/
After diagnosis of a condition such as Downâs syndrome, parents need high quality information. Accurate and up-to-date information and support should by law be available to parents when a condition is diagnosed prenatally or postnatally. This should include:
- Up-to-date, evidence-based, written information concerning the range of outcomes for individuals living with the diagnosed condition, including physical, developmental, educational, and psychosocial outcomes.
- Contact information regarding support services, including information hotlines specific to Downâs syndrome or other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions, resource centres, national and local peer support groups, and other education and support programmes.
Let's send a clear message to the Government: we want better information!
Prevention & Early Intervention: Improving Access to Mental Health Services for children & Young People - the Liverpool Experience.
Study Day
10.00-4.00pm, 30th April 2009
Conference Centre, Thorn Cross Young Offenders' Institution, Arley Road, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 7RL
This is the second of four workshops/study days for the Cheshire and Merseyside CAMHS Stakeholder Network (n.b. these Workshops are open to all from across the North West).
To register for this free event, please contact elaine.asquith@barnardos.org.uk and request a a registration form.
This information was kindly provided by Geraldine Murphy from Knowslry NHS.
Talking Eating Disorders â Easter Evening Fundraiser
The effects of Eating Disorders on sufferers and their friends and families can be alarming and severe. We provide information and support to anyone affected by Eating Disorders on Merseyside. We have been supporting carers and sufferers on Merseyside for 9 years, providing telephone support and monthly meetings. We are a voluntary organisation, and rely solely on donations to support the work we do. All our work is undertaken by volunteers. We are affiliated to BEAT, the UKâs largest organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders.
You are invited to our Easter Evening on Thursday 16th April at The Casbah Coffee Club, 8 Haymans Green, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 7JG, 7pm onwards.
The Casbah Coffee Club is located within a Grade 11 listed building in West Derby, and is a Beatles Tourist Attraction. Please see www.casbahcoffeeclub.com for details of how to find us.
This is a relaxed, informal evening with an opportunity to chat, mingle and make new friends. Bring something to drink, and food to share if you want to. We would ask for a donation (whatever you wish to donate) on entry. We hope to see you there! For more details, contact Leigh Best on 07974796990.
UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
You signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to ratify the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities with the inclusion of this Governments need for reservations to its Article 24 Education.
The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can view it here: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page18528
"The Government is committed to continuing to develop an inclusive education system, which it sees as entailing a range of provision to address childrenâs special educational needs, including mainstream and special schools. The Government also acknowledges that some childrenâs needs are best met by specialist provision, which, particularly in rural areas, can be some distance from their home. In addition, the Government does not want to remove parentsâ right to express a preference for a special school place during the statutory assessment process. Within this range of provision, mainstream schools work collaboratively with local authoritiesâ support services and special schools, to meet the wide spectrum of special needs. The Government is currently considering how the convention should be ratified to best reflect the Governmentâs commitment to inclusion of disabled people."
Qualifications in Independent Advocacy
South of England Advocacy Projects and Kate Mercer Training are delighted to hear that the long awaited Certificate and Diploma in Independent Advocacy have been formally approved by The Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA), and to signpost you to our new and improved Advocacy Training website. The new qualifications, accredited by City and Guilds, will help ensure that people who use advocacy services continue to receive the highest quality service possible, and will contribute towards consistency within advocacy across England and Wales. It is likely that Commissioners of advocacy services will increasingly expect providers to be able to evidence that their staff have, or are working towards, the qualifications.
Drawing on their vast experience and solid reputations in the advocacy field, South of England Advocacy Projects and Kate Mercer Training have formed a joint enterprise to become one of the providers available to support you through your journey in achieving the qualification. By choosing us as your training provider you can expect:-
Support from qualified assessors;
2 tutors delivering the taught sessions which accompany the qualification;
Service user involvement â particularly within taught sessions;
Individual training material;
On the job assessment;
Registration and final certification from City and Guilds;
Support from registration to completion;
Relevant and practice based training;
Acknowledgement and development of your expertise and skill set.
These City & Guilds accredited courses will help you gain recognition for your existing skills by supporting you to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in independent advocacy. The units will also help you to reflect on your practice and learn new skills so that you can be confident you are delivering the very best advocacy support.
For further information and to book places, please see attached flyer and visit our website at: www.advocacytraining.org.uk.
Cool Disco for Adults with Learning Disabilities
The Concert Square disco is in The Lime Kiln (Lloyds Bar) Fleet street/Concert Square. It will run every Tuesday from 12 noon untill 3pm.
It's aim is to give people with learning disabilities a chance to experience a top club environment with lasers, smoke machines and a 6ft Disco ball.
We also run Bingo and a pub quiz.
The disco is for non profit and provides paid employment and training for 9 people with leaning disabilities.
initially we were established in Lee Valley millennium centre. Normally we would get 60 -70 people in through the door and the hope is with moving to a more central location we may be able to double that. This will give us a chance to offer more employment opportunities and hopefully put on live music regularly.
The Venue is Wheelchair accessible and has a disabled toilet. It is licensed to hold over 800 people.
Parking is available for blue badge holders on fleet street.
Drinks start at 30p for a glass of cordial and a selection of meals are available at 2.99.
Response from 10 Downing Street to PAT petition.
PAT parents signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "Make SEN StatementsCompulsory after diagnosis" The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can viewit here: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page18051 Prime Minister's Office
Petition information can be found at - http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/SENCHILDREN/
Source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP),03/02/2009
Disabled people will have the opportunity to take their case to the UN if they feel their rights have been breached, Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People said today.
Announcing that the UK Government has committed to signing the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled People, Mr Shaw said: "This is further demonstration of our commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, and to the principle of ensuring that disabled people can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people."
The Convention itself reaffirms that disabled people have - and should be able to enjoy - their human rights on an equal basis with non-disabled people. The Optional Protocol builds on this by establishing two additional procedures in respect of implementation and monitoring of the Convention. This includes an avenue that will enable individuals, who feel their rights have been breached, to bring petitions to the UN Committee, set up to monitor implementation of the Convention.
The UK signed the UN Convention itself on the first day that it was able to do so - on 30 March 2007. Since then it has been considering the Optional Protocol in the light of work towards ratification of the Convention itself.
Season's Greetings & Best Wishes for the New Year!
Valerie Todd, Catherine Taylor, Sheila McCoy, Liz Taylor and Larry Gardiner would like to send our thanks, appreciations and seasons greetings to parents and PAT supporters everywhere!
It's time to celebrate our achievements and to rest, relax and enjoy time with our families. A great deal of good work has been completed, much more still remains to be done; nothing would be possible without your commitment and support.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
New Petition - Please sign now!
Please ask the Prime Minister to ratify the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities with the inclusion of his Government's need for reservations to its Article 24 Education.
Please support Rescare - this is another great opportunity to show unity of purpose. More details from Richard S Jackson MBE of RESCARE - Deadline to sign up by: 31 January 2009.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Respecialschools
Response from 10 Downing Street
PAT parents signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "review the Special Needs Provision and the post code lottery that currently exists between different Local Education Authorities.
All Local Education Authoritiesshould be made to ensure the parent's wishes and child's needs come beforeany financial considerations."
The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can view it here: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page17050
Prime Minister's Office Petition information - http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/LEAfight/
Dear PAT Parents,
Every year, the leaders of the world's eight most rich and powerful countries (known as the G8) meet to discuss global issues. It's only a few weeks to go before this year's G8 Summit in Japan, so we're concentrating our efforts to make sure one thing is at the top of their agenda â tackling poverty. The G8 have the power to make a massive difference, and your actions at the 2005 Summit in Scotland led to the announcement of a raft of measures to tackle poverty.
Send your wish to the G8, demand action now
Despite this the G8 are now taking steps backwards. The 2007 Summit was a master class of heel-dragging â the G8 are falling well short of delivering on what theyâve promised. Oxfam has joined forces with the Global Call to Action Against Poverty â the worldâs largest alliance of people calling for an end to poverty and inequality â to start a worldwide demand for action. This yearâs Summit coincides with the famous Japanese Tanabata festival, where people tie wishes for the future to bamboo trees. Select your wish on our virtual tree, and we'll let world leaders know you want to see action now to end poverty.
Send your wish to the G8, demand action now
Broken G8 promises mean lives lost and continued poverty for millions, so please join us now.
Karina Brisby,
Oxfam Interactive Campaigns Manager.
News story: 'Disabled children 'may be let down by devolved NHS'
Dear Larry,
Every Disabled Child Matters supports the Learning Disability Coalition - a campaign fighting for better funding for services for adults with a learning disability. The Government is currently reviewing the future of the social care system. Understandably much of the focus has been on care for older people. But the Coalition wants to make sure that the needs of people with a learning disability are not forgotten. Please help the coalition and write to your MP. Click here to take action!
As always, if you have any questions, please do get in touch with one of the campaign team.
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Support Brokerage Training - 5 day course
(24th &25th Feb, 24th Mar, 13th & 14th April)
Aim: To equip learners with an understanding of brokerage, planning and legislation to enable and support people with disabilities to get a life of their choice.
Cost per day: £45 small voluntary organisations, £25 individuals, FREE to people with disabilities and their families.
Call 0151 430 2740 or go to www.livingnetwork.org.uk for more information.