Activities and News from other organisations
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February 7, 2025
- UPDATED 7th FEBRUARY 2025
NEW INFORMATION ON LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE POSTED HERE. PLEASE ALSO SEE OUR PERMANENT INFORMATION SECTION HERE
Dear friends and families of Richmond Borough:
For the next four Saturday afternoons,1:30-3:30pm at Richmond Library Annexe, join us for some fantastical collage sessions, led by 4 different contemporary artists.
Looking for something new, inspiring, and creative to do? Learn more about yourself and the others around you in these hands-on art workshops – free and open to everyone, with gratitude to the Civic Pride Fund of Richmond Council.
For all workshops, we encourage you to bring any personal photographs, magazine cutouts, texts, drawings, patterned papers or fabrics, drawing materials, etc that you'd like to incorporate into your collage. Otherwise, all materials will be provided.
More details and sign-up links below.
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Saturday, February 8: Collage Workshop 1 with Christie Swallow
Christie Swallow is a London-based artist and researcher who collages and crafts through a variety of materials and ways of making: whether through the stitching and sewing of textiles, drawings or collaboration projects, or whilst searching through archives.
Christie's collage workshop will encourage participants to cut up and stitch together alternative maps of Richmond. Everyone will be encouraged to use techniques that will help them be imaginative and playful in creating their own places, inspired by the layers of history.
Open to all members of the public, including families. No experience necessary.
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Saturday, February 15: Collage Workshop 2 with Kimbal Bumstead
Kimbal Bumstead is a London-based artist who collages and creates across drawing, painting, sound, performance, and video projects, both as a solo endeavor and in collaborative projects open to others' participation. His art is inspired by maps as well as his background in performance that encourages others' participation. Many of his projects are abstract, layered representations of real, imagined, or internal spaces and places.
Kimbal's collage workshop will explore what it means to 'unmap' Richmond, uncovering and overlapping participants' collective and personal experiences of their homes and neighborhoods. This will become a way of colorfully and experimentally re-mapping the connections between our memories, stories, and experiences.
Open to all members of the public, including families. No experience necessary.
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Saturday, February 22: Collage Workshop 3 with Khushboo
Khushboo is a London-based artist, art educator, researcher, and DIY and craft enthusiast. Her personal experience of relocating to India from Pakistan in 2009 prompted her fascination with maps, borders, city limits, and everything related to locations, where boundaries can create and divide at the same time. In her art, she creates memorabilia and map-like pieces through objects, photographs, archives, and memories — all with the intention to create new stories and ways to preserve human experience and knowledge.
Khushboo's workshop is called 'Radical Me: The Art of Looking Inwards' and celebrates exploring your unique identity through collage. What makes you, you? Her workshop invites you to explore your journeys and the paths that have shaped who you are today. Through the art of collage and assemblage, you can celebrate your resilience, determination, and transformation, paying tribute to the strength that defines your story. Using textures, patterns, shapes, and many colours, you’ll collage and create a self-portrait that reflects your experience.
Open to all members of the public, including families. No experience necessary.
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Saturday, March 1: Digital Collage Workshop 4 with Lina A.
Lina A. is a London-based artist working across videos and moving image, experimental analog photography, AI, and archival footage. She playfully explores how our memories can be deceptive, both individually and collectively whilst remembering. She creates unreliable narrators in many of her works, creating cheeky humor around different kinds of misinformation, which she critiques as part of the mass media we consume. Many of her artworks use techniques of digital collage, editing, erasure, and selection from digital media and personal archives.
Lina A's workshop will show you how you can create digital collages by upcycling the many files and images you may have at your fingertips on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and throughout the Internet.
Open to all members of the public, including families. No experience necessary.
NEWS FROM RICHMOND PARENT CARERS FORUM
SEND is in the spotlight at the moment with a large number of reports published and consultations getting underway in the last few months. We’ve created a short survey to gather your views so that we can ensure that Richmond PCF’s responses accurately reflect the experiences of Richmond families. Your feedback will be used to inform:
- Richmond’s OFSTED Local Area Engagement Meeting on 21st January,
- the Law Commission Review of Disabled Children’s Social Care
- the Call to Evidence for the Education Committee Inquiry - Solving the SEND Crisis.
The survey can be accessed via the link below, the attached QR code or you can email feedback to information@richmondpcf.org.uk – please share with other Richmond based families and SEND groups.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RPCF2025
- OFSTED Engagement Visit, 21st January
Under the Local Area SEND Inspection Framework OFSTED now have an Annual Engagement Meeting in each local area between inspections. Richmond’s SEND Partnership was inspected in October 2023 and received a positive judgement which means that the next inspection will take place in 2028. OFSTED will meet with Richmond’s SEND Partnership on Tuesday 21st January. Richmond PCF have created a short survey for parent carers to share their views and experiences and you can access it here. You can also email your feedback to information@richmondpcf.org.uk
- Law Commission Review of Disabled Children’s Social Care
In October the Law Commission launched a consultation on proposed new legislation for Disabled Children’s Social Care. The deadline for responses is 31st January and PCFs in London have been working with the review team to ensure the voices of parent carers are heard. We’ve included a few questions in our survey to inform the local area and regional responses to this consultation.
- Solving the SEND Crisis Inquiry, Call to Evidence
The Education Committee want to hear your view on what is needed to stabilise the SEND system in the short term and make it work for children and young people in the long term. You can find more information on how to submit your evidence here: Call for Evidence - Committees - UK Parliament
NNPCF Co-chairs will represent parent carers at the Education Committee on 28th January and must pre-submit written evidence by 21st January. If you would like to contribute to this evidence please complete the NNPCF survey.
- OFSTED Inspection Framework Review
OFSTED are carrying out a review of the area SEND inspection framework and would like to hear from families that have been involved in an inspection since 2023. If your child or young person completed the OFSTED survey, spoke to or emailed an inspector or were part of a case study then OFSTED would like to hear from them.
An online discussion has been set up on Monday 3rd February at 4.30-5.30pm - if your child or young person would like to take part in the discussion group please let us know.
OFSTED would like feedback on the following questions:
- Did you fill in the survey?
- Did you speak to an inspector?
- Were you able to tell the inspector what you want help with?
- Were you able to tell the inspector how the help could be better for you?
- Were you able to tell inspectors what help works well for you?
- Did you know about the report? Did you speak to anyone about the report?
- Since the inspection, has the help you get been better or different?
- For future inspections, how can we make it easier for you to tell us what they think?
Other local events and news:
- Feedback on Annual Reviews
Thank you very much to everyone that shared their experiences of annual reviews and post review survey. We raised your concerns at the SEND Partnership Board in December and the SEN Team will be looking at ways to improve the feedback process. You can find out more about the SEND Partnership Board and read meeting notes and papers here: AfC Info website - Kingston and Richmond :: Local Offer / Information and advice / SEND Consultation Hub / SEND Futures Richmond / Richmond SEND Partnership Board
- Secondary School Transition Information Event - Thursday 13th February, 5.30-7.30pm at Richmond upon Thames School, TW2 7SL
Achieving for Children are holding an information event for parent carers of children in years 4 &5 who have an EHCP. You’ll be able to meet the SEN Team, SENDIAS Service and SENCos to ask questions about finding the right secondary school for your child. There’s a flyer attached to this email and you can book your place here: Secondary School Transition Presentation - Privacy - Section 1 - Achieving for Children
- AI Pilot for EHCPs
Achieving for Children are taking part in a pilot to test the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drafting Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs.)
You may receive a telephone call or email from a member of the SEN Team asking if you would like your child’s plan to be included in the pilot. Participation is completely voluntary an only 10 plans across Kingston and Richmond will be used.
You can find out more about the project here: A draft EHCP writing module powered by generative AI | VITA by Invision360
- And finally - another report on SEND!
Last week the Public Accounts Committee published it’s report on SEND. Support for children and young people with special educational needs
This is one to watch as it may significantly influence short and long term changes to the SEND system. It’s a 34 page read so we’ve summarised the main recommendations here:
Department for Education (DfE) should urgently:
Improve its data, and then use this information to develop a new fully costed plan for improving the SEN system
By March the Department for Education (DfE) should:
Talk to Councils and make a plan for the end of the ‘statutory over-ride’* in March 2026
*temporary rules that allow Councils to separate their SEND deficits from their main revenue budgets.
Over the next 6 months, the Department for Education (DfE) should:
Improve understanding of changing and increasing needs
Say how they will provide support more efficiently
Set out what provision should be available to all children with Special Educational Needs
Define what ‘inclusive’ education means and how to achieve it
Over the next 6 months, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and National Health Service should:
Set out how they will address workforce and skills gaps and waiting lists for SEND
Over the next 12 months, the Department for Education (DfE) should:
Improve their understanding of the reasons for differences in identifying and supporting Special Educational Needs,
Identify and share good practice
Improve local decision making
Provide specific support and guidance so all local authorities can effectively manage their SEN-related spending sustainably
Richmond data in the report:
Local Authority Percentage of children aged 5 to 15 with EHC plans in January 2024 – Richmond 4.8% (5.2% national average)
Percentage of new EHC plans issued within 20 weeks in 2023 - Richmond 45.1% (50.3% national average)
Proportion of EHC plan decisions taken to SEND tribunal in 2023 - Richmond 2.4% (2.5% national average)
Many thanks
Richmond Parent Carer Forum Steering Group
United Response are going to start a fortnightly, Saturday afternoon social group for more able young people starting on Saturday 22nd February
Workshops from RUILS Bright Futures
Tuesday 21 January from 9.30am – School’s Out Forever parent group – at the Ruils offices (address below). This is a drop-in so come along if you can.
If your young person has finished or will be finishing completely with education come along to talk about what their future might look like.
Friday 24 January at 10am – Living the Life – at Express CIC – at their offices in Surbiton – you can book here:
This is a workshop for parents who have supported or independent living on their radar – maybe not right now but some time in the next couple of years. (You’re also welcome if you are forward planning!)
Saturday 25 January 10am to 11.30am
- a new football taster session from Hearts of Teddlothian
For Hounslow families:
Fully funded 1:1 swimming lessons tailored for SEND / Neurodiverse children and young people.
These sessions run in three-week cycles in a calm, low-noise environment, with exclusive use of the venue. Experienced, Swim England-qualified instructors will adapt lessons to individual needs, helping participants enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water while learning valuable aquatic skills.
Join the WhatsApp Group to Express Interest
LBHSC is gauging interest for these sessions. By joining our dedicated WhatsApp group, you can receive updates and provide feedback that will help shape the program. Please note that by joining the group, you consent to the use of your personal data for communication purposes. All personal information will be handled in compliance with GDPR regulations.
Any questions please email:
enquiries@lbhsc.org.uk
Volunteering opportunity
A local charity is looking for volunteers:
We are a local bereavement charity currently recruiting for volunteers to support bereaved children and young people.
Our volunteers do NOT need to have a counselling qualification.
Please visit:
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over, need to have experience of working/volunteering with children or young people. The charity will provide an experiential training.
swimming
SEN Swim
SEN Swim www.senswim.co.uk provides swimming lessons and activities for children and young people with special educational needs at various locations in west London and beyond.
Contact: Joe Hancock
director@senswim.org
RISE programme of sporting activities for children with additional needs. Tennis and Swimming are listed on this page: https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/sports/disability_sports_and_activites/rise_activities_for_children
Teddington Torpedoes: Wendy Dorgan runs a swimming club for children and young people with special needs at Teddington pool. Tel: 0790 555 6283 Email: wendydorgan@hotmail.co.uk
Waterski & Wakeboard – Taster sessions! £7.50 . . .
taster session days. You will get a chance to get out on the water and get a feel for our sport. There will many volunteers on hand to assist you with getting in and out of the water and our experienced coaches will be on hand for guidance and support also.
Wetsuits, impact vests and equipment will be provided. You just need to bring yourself plus food/drink, a towel, swimwear and something warm to put on after if the weather is not on our side as the water can sometimes be a bit chilly.
Please note that whilst we do not require you to be able to swim, we would recommend at least that you are confident in the water if you wish to take part in our taster sessions.
Parents/guardians are welcome to come along and support/watch the sessions taking place. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this reduced rate to siblings however, if a sibling or any other friend/family member wishes to try the sport please speak to us to find out more information.
Please complete the online form indicating which session you would like to book: https://www.bwsw.org.uk/forms/disability-taster-session-participant-information-form/
For more information, contact
t 01932 579934
Georgie Steele is an actor, as well as parent to two boys who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She has a one-woman show called Blow Your House Down which is a powerful drama about the family's experiences of special needs parenting. It is a very moving, uplifting and empowering.
It is on in Brighton at the Fringe Festival in May and also at the Camden Festival in August.
CAMHS Autism and ADHD screening/assessment process: information for parents and carers
Videos have been developed by Kingston and Richmond CAMHS Single Point of Access (SPA) and Your Healthcare. The aim is to increase parent/carer understanding and confidence around the local pathway to seeking a diagnostic assessment for Autism and/or ADHD within CAMHS. These information videos are aimed at parents and carers of young people who are registered with GPs in Kingston and Richmond.
You can view the all the videos and associated content on the Kingston and Richmond SEND Local Offer
The resource is also signposted from the main page about Neurodevelopmental Assessments (ADHD and Autism)
Richmond Aid has a Neurodiverse support group for young adults
Do you Identify as Neurodiverse?
Do you live in the Richmond Borough?
Are you aged between 18-35?
Come and join our community support group to discuss and work through topics faced by everyone. Every Friday 2.30 – 4.30pm at The Peter and Paul Centre, 4 Church Road, Teddington.
For more information contact Josh (j.fisher@richmondaid.org.uk) or Sally (s.turner@richmondaid.org.uk) or call/ text/ WhatsApp 07927 550774.
Paid internship opportunity for young people this summer by Richmond and Wandsworth Council
The council is offering the opportunity for a paid internship for those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic groups and/or disabled applicants who live in Richmond and Wandsworth.
The internship is part of the Horizon 24 programme and is for a minimum of 6 weeks, paid at London Living Wage (£13.15/hour). This opportunity is aimed at enthusiastic and responsible young people aged 18+ (Year 13 for those in school) and adults in the community. The aim of the Horizons 24 programme is to help individuals understand the benefits of working in local government and the different job opportunities available.
If your Young Person would be interested in this, please apply using the email internships@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk .
ADHD Embrace
Executive Function Workshop - for all parents/carers of children with ADHD
When does it run?10:30am - 12:00pm, Thursday 25th April 2024. Please aim to arrive by 10:15am.
Where does the course run? The workshop will be held at AfC Training Centre, 53 Grimwood Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BY.
Cost of course: £30
How do I book? Click here!
Hounslow Parent Carer Forum
Activities in April
16th April 2024
10.30 - 12.30
Coffee & Chat at Ballucci’s
Hounslow East
TW3 1BH
23rd April 2024
10.15 - 12.30
Monthly Forum
Hounslow Youth Centre
off Kingsley Road
TW3 1QA
This forum focuses on parent carers and looking after our mental and physical health
Emily Hill from IAPT
Fatima Abdi from Health Hounslow
25th April 2024
10.30 - 12.30
Men’s group
Venue to be confirmed
KIDZ TO ADULTZ - 2ND MAY 2024
We will be going to the Kidz to Adultz exhibition in Farnborough again this year. If any parent carers would like a space on the minibus please email hounslowpcf@gmail.com. We will have two minibuses going so that those who need to be back earlier to pick up their children can leave in time. Please also let us know in the email whether you need to be back early to pick up kids.
WORKSHOPSPlanning for the Future with Wills & Trusts webinar – Wednesday 10 April, 10.00am via Zoom
On Wednesday 10 April, Philip Warford will present a webinar about what to consider when planning for the future of a disabled or vulnerable loved one using Wills and Trusts. Philip will explain how you can safeguard means-tested benefits and how to provide financial security for them, as well as the rest of your family. Philip will talk through the different Trust options available, the importance of a Letter of Wishes and the role of Trustees. For further information and to book a place click here.
Decision Making for Vulnerable People webinar - The Mental Capacity Act, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection – Wednesday 1 May, 10.00am via Zoom
On Wednesday 1 May, Philip Warford will be delivering a webinar about who can make decisions on behalf of another person, the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Powers of Attorney and how the Court of Protection might help. If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person who may not be able to make decisions about their welfare and finances now or in the future, you will need to consider the best ways to protect them as they move to adulthood. For further information and to book a place please click here.
Universal Credit webinar – Wednesday 8 May, 10.00am via Zoom
Universal Credit is a means tested benefit that was first launched in 2013, and it replaces six of the older style benefits; child tax credits, working tax credits, income support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance and income-based Employment and Support Allowance. In this free webinar, welfare benefits specialist Nicola Spruce will explain more about what Universal Credit is and how the government’s ‘Move to UC’ strategy might affect you or somebody you are supporting. For further information and to book a place click here.
EHCP Advice: Know your Legal Rights, 23rd April 2024, 10am, Peter and Paul Centre, Teddington
This legal workshop with Geldards law firm will equip you with information to help you understand your legal rights within SEN law and what to do when things go wrong. This will include routes of appeal, routes of judicial review and routes of complaint. There will be time for Q&As following the presentation
Book a free place here
ASD/ADHD and mental health, 23rd May 2024, 10am, Patch, Twickenham
This workshop will be presented by Dr Alex Doig, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist working within CAMHS Tier 3 within the NHS in South West London. Dr Doig will cover some common co-morbidities of ASD and ADHD, including Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Psychosis / Bipolar and Substance Misuse. Book a free place here
Mobilise:
our Financial Checklist for carers. We’ve done the research and mapping for you which means no more wasted time searching around. Give it a go and let us know how you find it.
More from ADHD Embrace:
Post Diagnosis Workshop17th April, 12pm-2pm in person
Are you the parent or carer of a recently diagnosed child or teenager? Our Post Diagnosis Workshop is full of essential information to inform, help and empower you. These sessions are held monthly and we alternate in-person and on-line formats.
WebinarsAll Kinds of Everything Family Workshop with Sue Robson, SEND Transitions Advisor at Ruils
23rd April 7.30pm-9.30pm
This webinar will cover a 2 hour whistlestop run through of all the things that might affect a young person from age 14 onwards. While it is aimed at families with young people who have a learning disability, much of it would be relevant to families with young people without a learning disability but have ADHD or another neurodevelopmental condition.
Meet-ups - Drop-in coffee morning
26th April 10am-12:30pm
Heatham House TW1
Join us for a coffee and friendly get together! This is a chance for parents to meet one another, connect and share experiences. This is a relaxed gathering and there will also be members of the ADHD Embrace team in attendance. Do join us.
Advice ClinicsDo you find the challenges of family life or a particular issue get you down? Our Family Support Worker runs one to one advice clinics to provide you with resources and tools on a wide range of questions including help with family dynamics, mental health, managing behaviour/emotions, organisation and executive function, school accommodations to SEN pupils, school avoidance, school selection, treatment options for ADHD, understanding ADHD and pre-diagnosis support.
Parenting CourseMaximising Cooperation, Self-Reliance and Self-Esteem with Noel Janis-Norton, best-selling parenting author, speaker, consultant, and Director of ‘Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting’.
8 May to 19 June (except 29 May, Half-Term) - weekly on Wednesdays from 8pm to 9.30 pm
Six week behaviour management course for parents of children with ADHD, Brought to you by: Calmer, Easier, Happier Parenting - Noel Janis-Norton
This course focuses on bringing out the best in your junior school-age children (age 4 to 11 years old) with ADHD and related conditions.
Teacher WebinarsTeacher Seminar - ADHD and Mental Health – considering co-occurring conditions and behaviours and how to support our young people in the school environment with Dr Holan Liang (Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) and Dr Antigoni Gkaravella (Mental Health Specialist & Service Manager)
15th May 4:15pm - 5:30pm
Topics covered: Overview of ADHD and how it presents; Adolescent Mental Health and specifically in relation with children with ADHD considering co-morbidities; Tourette’s, Dyslexia, ODD and other disorders (more common among ADHD people than among the general population); Anxiety and school refusal; Depression; Substance abuse; Bipolar disorder; How teachers can support children and communicate with families.
All events can be found and booked here:
Parentsactive –
Parentsactive is the parent carer forum for Hammersmith and Fulham.
We run coffee mornings, information, and training sessions to support and empower
parents as well as liaising with the local authority, education, and health services to
improve provision. We welcome all parents and carers of children and young people
with a special educational need or disability aged 0-25 years (who have a connection to
Hammersmith and Fulham) to join our group.
We have a new Post 25 Co-production co-ordinator who will be running (post 19)
sessions once a month for parent carers with adult children.
Membership is free; get the Zoom and Teams links for our sessions, keep up to date
with events and receive our newsletter by signing up to our members list.
Find out more at www.parentsactive.org.uk and www.parentsactive.org.uk/join
Summer Term 2024
Session times are:
• 10 am – 12 pm for in-person sessions
• 10 am – 11 am for online sessions (unless stated otherwise)
Session – Location Dates
Coffee and Chat Online via Zoom 18th April
Thursday
‘How to keep safe on public transport’ Independent travel advice from Transport for London
Masbro Centre 23rd April Tuesday
Post 19 session: topic tbc Online / tbc 30th April
Tuesday
What to expect from the local area SEND Inspection
Online via Teams 8th May Wednesday
EHC and Children’s Social Care Surgery
Stephen Wiltshire Centre 16th May Thursday
‘How schools are funded for SEN children/ young people’
with Daryle Mathurin and Jane Howarth
Online via Teams 21st May Tuesday
Post 19 session: topic tbc Masbro Centre 4th June Tuesday
OT (Occupational Therapy) transformation project
Stephen Wiltshire Centre 13th June Thursday
Session tbc Masbro Centre 18th June Tuesday
Coffee and chat Stephen Wiltshire Centre 27th June Thursday
Post 19 Session: topic tbc Masbro Centre 2nd July Tuesday
surgery Stephen Wiltshire Centre 11th July Thursday
RICHMOND AID
Do you Identify as Neurodiverse?
Do you live in the Richmond Borough?
Are you aged between 18-35?
Come and join our community support group to discuss and work through topics faced by everyone. Every Friday 2.30 – 4.30pm at The Peter and Paul Centre, 4 Church Road, Teddington.
For more information contact Josh (j.fisher@richmondaid.org.uk) or Sally (s.turner@richmondaid.org.uk) or call/ text/ WhatsApp 07927 550774.
MORE INFORMATION ON LOCAL ORGANISATIONS BELOW
We have divided up the information in this section under the following four headings.
A. TRAINING, COURSES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS & EVENTS FOR PARENT CARERS
B. EVENTS, ACTIVITIES & SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES
C. RESOURCES, SUPPORT (INCLUDING FINANCES), HELPLINES & EMERGENCY HELP FOR PARENT CARERS
D. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
We hope this will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not recommending or endorsing any of these organisations or views. We are passing on information to parent carers about other organisations, events and activities that are available locally and nationally.
A. TRAINING, COURSES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS & EVENTS FOR PARENT CARERS
Witherslack Group webinar
SEN: Children and sleep
15th March, 10-11am. Helen Rutherford, a Specialist Sleep Practitioner for the Sleep Charity joins us for a webinar on supporting neurodiverse children with sleep. During this webinar, she will explore the physiology of sleep, common issues with SEN children and tailored strategies to help improve sleep.
https://www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/advice-and-support/events-and-webinars/
Autism Central Hub: online sessions
https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/hubs/contact-and-ambitious-about-autism-london
https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/events/understanding-supporting-anxious-teenager
Beyond Autism: Lunch and Learn series - Lunchtime webinars
Overcoming challenges associated with toileting: 22 March
Building sibling interaction: 22 May
Autism and mental health – strategies and support: 28 June
Exploring challenges associated with sleep: 15 July
To register: https://www.beyondautism.org.uk/professionals/events/online-lunch-and-learns/
Carers Collective: Building Resilience & Wellbeing for Carers - 6 week programme.
Are you feeling stressed, exhausted, burnt out or in need of new skills to manage your caring role? You're not alone. Many carers are juggling multiple responsibilities that can become overwhelming and exhausting.
Carers Collective understand the challenges of being a carer and we're here to help. Being honest about what you're dealing with and asking for help is the first step towards taking back control.
Our Building Resilience & Wellbeing 6-week program can help you manage stress, burnout, and the challenges of being a carer. We'll work with you to empower you to recognize the skills and resources you already have and to discover the small steps which you can take to help you move forward and cope with the day-to-day challenges of being a carer.
Short Breaks from Achieving for Children
We were pleased to welcome Alys and Caroline from Short Breaks to speak recently. Here is their presentaton for those families who were unable to attend. View the presentation here
Kingston Parent Carer Forum: free webinars from Suzy Rowland from the Happy in School Project.
Emotional based school avoidance – for those out of school/struggling to attend.
Ways to engage the school, support you and your child’s psychology safety: 26 March, 10:30 - 12:30
https://kingstonpcf.co.uk/events/
Free online course for carers on stress management
Introduction to Stress Awareness and Relaxation Techniques as Positive Coping Strategies
The purpose of this online course is to help you to recognise what stress is and to recognise your own symptoms of stress. You will then be introduced to the practice of relaxation techniques that are a valuable tool to help you to manage stress and improve your wellbeing. On this course, you will practice a range of strategies that will help you to deal with these feelings when you need it most. This course is for everyone no matter how high or low your stress levels may be.
Timetable: 1-2:30pm on the following Wednesdays in April, 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th.
https://www.richmondcarers.org/2024/02/01/free-online-course-for-carers-in-april-on-stress-management/
Kingston Parent Carers Forum: Have your Say and Play
New meet ups for SEND Parent Carers to join us monthly at the YMCA Hawker Centre, The Pod. This is private session exclusively for SEND children to have fun at the soft play whilst parent carers can offer peer support and hear from the forum.
Starting 11th February, 1:15pm - 3:15pm. It is a drop in session. Email help@kingstonpcf.co.uk if you have any queries
Express CIC Events:
28 Feb 2024, 10:00 – 12:00 at Express CIC, 452 Ewell Rd, Surbiton KT6 7EL, UK
Vilma will cover the eligibility criteria and application process for Universal Credit.
To book: https://www.expresscic.org.uk/events
06 Mar 2024, 10:00 – 12:00, at Express CIC, 452 Ewell Rd, Surbiton KT6 7EL, UK
An opportunity to meet with KCIL (Kingston Centre for Independent Living) and find out more about Personal Budgets. KCIL will present a workshop around all things related to personal budgets - benefits, uses and how to get one. There will also be time for a Q&A session after the presentation.
To book: https://www.expresscic.org.uk/events
Autism Support:
Parent Carer Support Group
Friday 8th March 2024, 9.30 to 11am. Grand Avenue Primary School, Surbiton, KT5 9HU. Coffee, biscuits and general support.
I will bring along some laminators, pouches and Velcro for you to make some visual timetables etc. if you would like to.
If you would like to come along, please register by following this link: https://forms.gle/sqSDZ8ok8fiRVV7K8
or contact Jane Pidduck (e-mail jpiddu2@grandavenue.kingston.sch.uk)
Seminars for Families: Managing Anger
If you wish to contact the webinar facilitator below for more information, use the following details: Name: Jane Pidduck.
Email: jpiddu2@grandavenue.kingston.sch.uk Telephone: 020 8399 5344. Places are limited, so please only book a place if you are able to attend and let me know ASAP if you know that you can no longer attend, so that I can give that place to someone else.
Managing Anger’ is one of the Autism Seminars for Families which provides information and advice to parents and carers of children and young people with autism. It is a live webinar and will not be recorded.
This will be delivered virtually as a shortened webinar on Mon 25th March, 10am-noon.
The webinar will help families to:
> discuss why children with autism often have challenges with distressed behaviour and anger
> identify a low arousal approach for support through stressful situations
> explore the cycle of anger and possible support strategies
> examine strategies for managing feelings.
The cost is free as the seminar is delivered as a shortened webinar and will be limited to 30 people on a first come first served basis.
To book a place, please complete the registration form by following this link: https://forms.gle/hSsCNNySo8bSgXKt8
For further training courses, workshops and networking support groups inc sibling support, for families of children with autism aged 7-11 years, please see link: https://www.beyondautism.org.uk/about-autism/services/workshops-at-grand-avenue-primary-school/
Free support sessions on transitioning to adult services
Contact and the Time to Talk Next Steps team are running four free online sessions for parent carers with children who are transitioning to adulthood or adult services – covering topics such as education, social care, health and independent living.
· Social care/Health - Wednesday 13th March 7pm - 8:30pm
· Independent living/community - Thursday 18th April 10am - 11:30am
For further details and info on booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/time-to-talk-next-steps-contact-tickets-780724858067
Sunshine Support Webinars live via Zoom
All start at 8pm
Gestalt language processing 19 March
Children who mask and fawn 21 March
Selective Mutism 4 April
How to build resilience and self esteem 23 April
ADHD in children 23 May
Managing different needs in the family 11 July
There is a cost for these. See details below, and to book click on the following link: https://sunshine-support.org/events-and-webinars/
Sensory Integration Education
Free courses on understanding sensory processing in children and downloadable Back to School Sensory Survival Kit.
Beyond Fussy Eating programme (online, able to access now)
Refusing known and new foods is a normal stage of a child’s development, often starting between 18 and 30 months of age and with most children growing out of it by 5-years-old. But for some children, feeding becomes a persistent and serious problem which, if ignored, can lead to serious weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Research shows that children on the autistic spectrum and those with developmental disabilities are much more likely to experience these problems. The new Beyond Fussy Eating programme developed by children’s speech and language therapists at Your Healthcare CIC is now available online and free to use. The programme has been designed for parents and carers dealing with children who are extremely selective eaters and/or who may have little interest in food and eating. The programme will also help health, education and care staff who work with these children.
Beyond Fussy Eating consists of five modules covering: exploring feeding difficulties; mealtime strategies; learning about new foods; planning for changes; and a parent’s perspective (video). It was developed by children’s speech and language therapists at Your Healthcare CIC, whose expertise covers speech, language, communication and swallowing problems. The programme is available to access here https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/parenting-courses/beyond-fussy-eating
Family Matters and Bright Futures workshops and events
Free for Hounslow and Richmond families.
Renaissance Legal event: RUILS regularly promote webinars from specialist legal firm – Renaissance Legal – working with families of disabled and vulnerable people. Confirmation and instructions on how to access the webinar will come from Renaissance. RUILS would be interested to hear your feedback on this and any of the other Renaissance webinars you do.
Please get in touch with Sue Robson, Bright Futures SEND Transitions Advisor or Tora Sykes, Children’s Services Administrator to join the Bright Futures mailing list or for further information about any of our workshops, parent groups or social activities:
Sue Robson: suerobson@ruils.co.uk
Tora Sykes: torasykes@ruils.co.uk
RUILS website for details : https://www.ruils.co.uk/services/family-matters/
Mencap Planning for the Future and Decisions
Mencap run regular webinars about Planning for the Future – talking about financial arrangements, wills and trusts – and Decision Making. The webinars are delivered by different solicitors all who have experience in this complex area of law. The next few webinars in 2024 are: 29 February and 7, 21, 28 March
Philip Warford from Renaissance is speaking at the 7 March events
They all start at 10.30am and you can find the list of dates here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mencap-9718167291
Benefits Advice drop-ins with Choice Support
Choice support have benefits advice sessions organised at the ETNA Centre with colleagues from the Job Centre Plus.
Choice Support are the organisation commissioned by Richmond and Wandsworth local authorities to support disabled young people into work and at work: https://www.choicesupport.org.uk/find-support/find-support-near-you/richmond-wandsworth
Supporting Siblings workshop
12th March (Online), 10.30am. How to support siblings of your child with SEND. Gain insight into sibs’ needs, experiences & ideas for giving sibs attention. You can ask any individual Qs about your own situations. You will receive a follow up handout /activity ideas. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-matters-supporting-siblings-of-children-with-send-tickets-815103595797
RUILS Bright Futures parent groups.
The following are held at Disability Action & Advice Centre (DAAC) 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT, unless listed as Zoom.
Able yp parent group Friday 10 May. 10am to 12.30pm. Zoom
Post 16 Maze. Monday 13 May. 10am to 12.30pm. Room 3, DAAC
Supported Living. Thursday 16 May. 6pm to 9pm. Room 3, DAAC
Post 16 Maze. Friday 5 July. 10am to 12.30pm. Room 3, DAAC
Supported Living. Monday 15 July. 10am to 12.30pm Room 3, DAAC
Able Young People: parent group. Monday 22 July. 10am to 12.30pm Zoom
The parent groups are drop-ins but for further info, email Sue Robson at RUILS: SueRobson@ruils.co.uk
Claiming PIP
This is a save the date entry for now. But I can tell you Vilma Espinosa who used to be the benefits advisor at Kids will be doing a workshop for Ruils about claiming PIP. Further details and a booking link to follow.
Thursday 21 March 2024, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Peter and Paul Centre, Church Road, Teddington
Check in and chat
Family Matters Richmond is running a series of Check in and Chat coffee mornings, held on the third Tuesday of the month at our office next to Teddington library. These sessions are offered as drop-ins and you can visit us anytime between 10am and 12pm. Next session 19 March. They are an opportunity for you to meet our Family Matters Richmond Advisors, Martha and Surabhi, and get to know other parents who may share similar experiences around the SEND landscape. Please note that we are unable to conduct in-depth one to ones during these sessions. In order to guide us on likely numbers (and supply enough biscuits!) please register your interest for the first or subsequent sessions here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/send-family-matters-richmond-check-in-and-chat-tickets-809037772757
Richmond Carers: CV and Careers Clinic
Opportunity to meet one-on-one with an experienced careers advisor. You will have the chance to build your CV, explore employment options and discuss new career directions. Each appointment will last for 45mins. Appointment times: 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Tue 27th February. Venue: Twickenham Green
Moving and Handling Workshop
Delivered by an Occupational Therapist from NRS Healthcare. It will cover information around manual handling, risk assessments and principles of safer manual handling. You Learn how to safely assist your loved one & will receive a certificate of attendance.
Tue 12th March, 10am-12.30pm. Venue: Twickenham Green
For further info about the Richmond Carers clinics and workshops:
https://www.richmondcarers.org/services/services-for-adult-carers/workshops-and-learning/
Other parent online workshops and events from Contact:
See Contact website for details: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/workshops-and-events/
SOS!SEN Walk in Advice Centre
Hampton Inspired Hub (next to Hampton Station), 3 Ashley Rd.
Dates (Tuesdays): 19th March, 16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July. 10.15am to 12.15pm (doors close at 11.45am).
SOS!SEN is a national charity that aims to empower parents and carers of children and young people with SEND to successfully tackle the difficulties they face when trying to secure the right educational provision for their children. Free walk-in advice centres during school term times where you can come and talk to an experienced volunteer who can help answer questions about your case.
Kingston Families: Occupational Therapy advice line
A telephone advice line, open to parents, carers and SENCOs. The phone line will be open every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. People can call for help, advice, and support about a child's functional activities. Helpline phone number: 020 8547 4709.
EarlyBird Programme
10 week support programme for parents/carers who have a pre-school age child with Autism (or on the pathway to diagnosis). It is currently hosted at Barnes Children's Centre on Tuesday mornings 9.30-12pm in term time. This programme is for Richmond families, but can also be offered to families in linked boroughs but they must be registered with a GP in Richmond. Anyone interested in attending please email Beth directly so she can register you. Beth’s details on the poster above
ADHD Embrace
Details of following events from ADHD Embrace, please follow the link: https://adhdembrace.org/upcoming-events/
7 March, 1030-noon.
27th Feb, 8-930pm
Karen Garman, Specialist Occupational Therapist and Director / Owner of The Sensory Smart Child
12th March, 8-930pm
Dr Jenny Parker Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
26th March, 8-930pm
Melissa Orlov, Marriage Consultant and Author, The ADHD Effect on Marriage and The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD
Guide to Thriving with ADHD
15th May, 4:15 - 5:30pm
Dr Holan Liang (Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) and Dr Antigoni Gkaravella (Mental Health Specialist & Service Manager)
ADHD Advice Clinics
For parents who need some individual input on your family circumstances, our Family Support Worker runs one to one advice clinics to provide you with resources and tools. She can advise on a wide range of questions including help with family dynamics, mental health, managing behaviour/emotions, organisation and executive function, school accommodations to SEN pupils, school avoidance, school selection, treatment options for ADHD, understanding ADHD and pre-diagnosis support.
Free for Richmond & Kingston residents. Book here: https://adhdembrace.org/register-for-a-family-support-session/
Non Violent Resistance (NVR) courses:
Monthly online courses offered by NVR Practitioners Consortium CIC. For those struggling to manage your child/young person’s aggressive, violent, controlling or self-destructive behaviour? Also those neuro-atypical, from 5yrs to adulthood. https://nvrpc.org.uk/for-parents%2Fcarers
Yvonne Newbold webinars: behaviour that challenges
Behaviour, anxiety, communication, sibs, extreme behaviour etc.
Express CIC - Supporting autistic young people to be themselves
QUICK SUMMARY OF THE EXPRESS OFFER:
(click on links above for further information)
Express Dad's or Father Figures Group meet-ups. 7 Feb, 8.30-10.30pm. Please email jane@expresscic.org.uk
Counselling Service for parents/carers of children with additional needs and disabilities
As parent/carers, life can be very challenging. It can feel overwhelming trying to manage the needs of your child and balance this with all the other parts of your life; family, work, friends. It is often hard to talk about your feelings with those close to you because you don't want to burden them or it can feel like they won't understand. Counselling can offer a safe space where you can talk through all of your difficulties and anxieties. A counsellor is trained to listen and support you in a non-judgemental way, creating a safe space for you to express your feelings, whatever they may be. This is offered as a low cost service. If you are interested in this service, please email: counselling@expresscic.org.uk
Counselling Service for Autistic Young People (from 16 yrs old)
Contact counselling@expresscic.org.uk for more details and costs.
Express CIC NEW Production & Film Club for autistic 16-25 year olds
for autistic young adults who are interested in theatre and films. Whether it be in front of the camera, scriptwriting, directing or behind the scenes.
The club will run on Thursdays 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Email info@expresscic.org.uk if interested or you might be able to offer support in some way.
Centre for ADHD and Autism Support
Residents of Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent and Ealing.
Wed & Fri during term-time, 10:30 – 12:30 AM; 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
The support sessions are a great introduction to our services: you can meet someone from both the Family Support and Youth Teams and find out about the help we can provide for you and your family, as well as connect with other parents/carers in a similar situation. During the daytime sessions, a creche is available for parents with pre-school aged children. This is run by trained childcare staff. Creche must be booked by emailing enquiries as spaces are limited.
Residents of North-West London.
Mon 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM; Wed 7-00 – 8:30 PM
Our online drop-in support groups are a wonderful opportunity to talk to our family support team, who are here to offer guidance and support. Connect with other parents to share stories, offer advice, and build a supportive community. You are welcome whether your child is formally diagnosed, on the pathway, or if you suspect your child might need an assessment and want to know the next steps.
https://adhdandautism.org/services/family/
Girls, teens, women on the autism spectrum and parents and carers too. We look forward to seeing some of you at our upcoming sessions. In the meantime keep an eye on the website for up to date information and new sessions available to book www.appeer.org.uk
Richmond Carers Centre run regular webinars and workshops such as:
Carer’s Allowance & Carer’s Credit
Lasting Powers of Attorney – Legal talk with M2M Community Solicitors LLP
To book a place, please email support@richmondcarers.org or call and leave a message on 020 8867 2380.
South West London Law Centres: free Advice webinars:
Run regular webinars on benefits and managing your money and other topics. Click here for more information and to register: https://swllc.org/webinars/
B. EVENTS, activitIes & SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE & families
Express CIC (Autism) : for details of activities etc see previous section for PARENTS
Singing hands in Richmond
Suzanne from Singing Hands will be doing a story-telling / songtime session at the Alligator’s Mouth in the Easter holidays.on Thursday 4th April at 11am.
She will be reading / signing the Colour Monster / Monkey and Me and some other titles. Plus singing and signing some songs on the same themes/vocabulary.
The bookshop makes a £3 charge for the event but this will be redeemable against any book purchase in the store.
PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE IN ADVANCE
Pilates for young adults with autism
A parent has organised a regular weekly Pilates class for her adult son (age 23) who is autistic and is looking for other young adults to join him. It takes place on Wednesdays around 6/6.30pm in St Margarets. If you are interested, please contact Skylarks at info@skylarks.charity for more information.
Uncommon: for neurodivergent teens
Fun online courses, clubs and livestreams help neurodivergent* teens (age 11-14) make friends, meet role models, get creative and feel confident:
Courses (6 week zoom sessions):
· Learning about your Brain,
· Understand and feel confident about your Diagnosis
· Those with PDA,
· For anxious teens and needing confidence building.
Classes:
· Gaming and DnD,
· Wellbeing
· Art
· Social
All online and not free. For further details see: https://www.bemoreuncommon.com/clubs
Free, fun and accessible cycle confidence hub launch events
Hounslow Council is launching two new cycle hubs, in Feltham Park and Heston Park, and celebrating the renovation of its Inwood Park all-ability cycle hub. Residents are invited to attend these events and find out about how they can feel more confident riding a bicycle and have fun.
At the launches, residents will find bike giveaways (at Feltham and Heston), markets selling affordable second-hand bikes, free Dr Bike repairs, cycle skills sessions and information about how they can sign up for free, fun, instructor-led, bookable lessons all year round.
Strathmore School Fundraising event
Project Search
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SEND
PROJECT SEARCH
Learn more about ALL the open days in the coming weeks and sign up to attend via the link below:
For any additional information or questions please call Aman on 07837 585 735 or email at projectsearch@hounslow.gov.uk
Music
Music: LSO Discovery inclusive events
Free to attend and also available online. https://news.lso.co.uk/40G6-1M7FX-5BFEFD820F86682F34CS9L335BD0B9D193CB77/cr.aspx
Open Rehearsal, Friday 1 March, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS, 14.30-17.30
Hear the orchestra rehearsing and enjoy live music in a relaxed environment, while getting a sneak-peak into how a professional orchestra works behind-the-scenes! In this rehearsal Sir Simon Rattle conducts music by Gershwin Piano Concerto in F and Roy Harris Symphony no 3.
TCS Mini London Marathon Para championships:
Young disabled athletes can participate in the para event categories of the TCS Mini London. Marathon. This is a fantastic opportunity to cross the world-famous TCS London Marathon. Finish Line on The Mall.
When: Saturday 20 April 2024
Where: The final stages of the TCS London Marathon course in Westminster
How far: 2.6K
Who can take part: Young athletes across the UK, aged 11 – 17, who use wheelchairs or have
physical or sensory impairments. There will be opportunities for athletes to be fully classified
before the race, which we would encourage you to do before you apply.
https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/the-event/tcs-mini-london-marathon
Social Skills Group for Autistic Children
The Social Skills Group is a club for children on the Autistic Spectrum and/or social and communication difficulties attending mainstream school. The children are all aged between 8 and 12 and there are two groups which run back-to-back on a Tuesday after school at the Moor Lane Centre.
Young people attending the group must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 8-12
- Be attending mainstream school
- Diagnosed on the autism spectrum
- Not be in need of high level / one-to-one support
- Be a Royal Borough of Kingston/Richmond resident
- Be committed to attending the group (places will not be allocated where there is not a commitment to attend all sessions).
Contact Tracey Barnes – Social Skills Group Leader. – tracey.barnes@achievingforchildren.org.uk (Tuesdays (term time) – Mob. 07748534587)
Hounslow Hares: Football for young people with Vision Impairments
Inclusive practices and small games for 5-16-year-olds at Cranford Community Sports Hall (from 5.45pm – 7pm) . Final session: Thur 8 Feb.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and all abilities are welcome. It’s £20 to register and this includes a team t-shirt. E-mail stephanie.bruce-crampton@hounslow.gov.uk to register and indicate the name of the player, whether they’re blind or partially sighted, plus shirt size.
Action Attainment
Action-attainment is about enabling neurodiverse young people with speech, language, communication and sensory needs to achieve and have active lives. https://www.action-attainment.com/
On the Ball
Football-based programme of fun and learning including parent workshop and activity sessions which can include parent/carer. Supports parents and their neurodiverse children (5+yrs), who may have hidden communication needs.
Parent Detectives and Navigating Inclusion Workshops
Six-part Zoom workshop course for parents of neurodiverse children with sensory & communication needs –understanding a child’s strengths and needs, learning profile, strategies for use at school & home including use of a ‘pupil passport’
Transition to Secondary School Workshops. Also available as recordings.
Fun in the Sun: holiday and halfterm activities
Sports: tennis, golf, kayaking and paddleboarding
Aged 5 upward. Activities for young adults from 17 yrs and family groups too
Please contact Tom Silver on tom@action-attainment.com or 07517379158 for joining instructions, concessions or further information.
London’s Unicorn Theatre
Has a number of relaxed, captioned and audio described performances to choose from for a variety of ages (from 2+ yrs) this Spring!
Get 20% off on tickets to the relaxed performances of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, I Wish, The Odyssey and The Princess and the Pea - simply enter the promo code RELAXED20 * when booking! https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whats-on/access
Natural History Museum
Neurodivergent children and their families have the opportunity to explore the museum before anyone else and enjoy activities around different themes. Saturday 23 March. 8.00-10.00. Free, booking required
Check the Natural History Museum website for other events.
Science Museum: Early Birds is a sensory friendly event
For families with members who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum.
Early Birds visitors will also have an opportunity to book tickets to lower capacity sessions in Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery at a reduced rate.
Free and suitable for families with children aged 4–15. Siblings are welcome to attend, but all children and adults attending the event will need to book. https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/early-birds
Historic Royal Palaces and Kew Gardens: £1 entry:
For anyone on Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance.
ROYAL PALACES: £1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace. You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents: https://www.hrp.org.uk/one-pound-tickets/#gs.7quu5k
KEW GARDENS: Visitors just need to present proof of their benefit on arrival to be eligible for the new concessionary ticket https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
Gunnersbury Park and Museum
Not SEND specific, but lots of activities for children, including the very young such as interactive stories and performances, designing and making masks and exploring the solar system as well as visiting the Museum https://www.visitgunnersbury.org/whats-on/children-families/
Exhibition: Set to Stun: Celebration of Sci-Fi in West London
Celebrating sci-fi film and television from the 1960s through to today, the west London artisans, artists and crafts people who brought it all to life. From laser beams to paranoid androids, exploring faraway planets to alien invasions – visitors will get to enjoy an engaging and interactive showcase of the sets, costumes, prosthetics, props, and artistic visualisations that went into British Sci-Fi classics, including Doctor Who, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Red Dwarf. The story will be brought up to date with a motion capture interactive. Exhibition til June 2024
West London Supported Internship Fair at Hammersmith & Fulham College
Wednesday 28th February, 10 am - 3 pm
The fair is aimed at young people 18-24 with learning disabilities and their parents/ carers. With a number of host business on site, young people will have an opportunity to discover more about the roles available, if they are a good fit and how to apply.
https://fisd.westminster.gov.uk/kb5/westminster/fis/news.page?id=tCD-8J7CJHU
Sunshine Sensory Playgroup - for hearing impaired pre-school babies and toddlers (0-2 yrs)
Monthly 10.30am to 12pm. New Malden Methodist Church, 49 High St.( which is
behind the Church on Cambridge Avenue. Look out for the green door)
What to expect: Music, songs, Baby Beats, toys, arts and crafts, story time, free coffee and tea, snacks for the children, lots of fun.
Provided by the Kingston Hospital Audiology Service and Achieving for Children
Email Address: sueknowles1@nhs.net Phone: 07860 383692
Richmond Inclusive Sport and Exercise (RISE)
RISE provides a varied selection of activities for people of all ages with special educational needs and disabilities:
Including football, swimming and multisports (from 8yrs) and fusion dance (all ages)
https://richmond.gov.uk/services/sports/disability_sports_and_activites/rise_activities_for_children
Buddy-Up Service (Kingston)
BuddyUp is our befriending service for disabled young people aged 14-17 who can enjoy 1:1 fortnightly & monthly group outings: bowling, pottery painting, movies, Christmas markets & much more. Its' all about having fun and building a friendship.
We work closely with families, matching young people with their own young volunteer ‘buddy’. We aim to help young people gain independence and confidence through travelling and getting out and about more in their community. If you live in Kingston and are interested to know more please contact Sara: s.felberg@richmondaid.org.uk
Play Works at Orleans House Gallery
18 November 2023 – 23 June 2024. 10am - 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday Free
Join us for an adventure where we celebrate the endless possibilities of play and children are encouraged to let their imaginations take flight. Orleans House Gallery will be transformed by swathes of organza in a rainbow of colours. Masks, ribbons, costumes, blocks, balls and buckets are scattered throughout, just waiting for children to bring them to life. This interactive exhibition transforms the gallery with vivid colour, inventive objects and peculiar props. Everyone is welcome to come and play!
Free tickets are required for some weekends: https://www.orleanshousegallery.org/events/play-works/
Come and join us for a splash at our SEND pool inflatable sessions!
The Malden Centre, Blagdon Road KT3 4TA
Our sessions, all start at 4pm: March 30th, April 27th, May 25th, June 8th, July 27th, August 17th.
To book or contact at: enquiries@themaldencentre.co.uk Or visit the website: https://www.placesleisure.org/centres/malden-centre/news/send-pool-inflatable-sessions/
Kids’ wellbeing activity groups are for young people aged 13 to 25.
Different groups have different activities, and they are free. In each group you’ll get to learn about wellbeing, try something new, and meet new people. One off event and regular groups include: wellbeing, Zumba, boundaries, social anxiety, staying well, photography, and the art for wellbeing listed above. https://hub.kids.org.uk/our-groups/
Key Club: free creative arts and social club for those with autism aged 16-30 yrs.
For more information, online application form and to watch a short film about Key Club, visit the Turtle Key Arts web site: https://www.turtlekeyarts.org.uk/thekeyclub
Key Club meets once a month on a Saturday at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, West London W6 0QL and at Latin America House, Kilburn, North London. NW6 4TA. It is FREE to all participants. Key Club has made films, animations, music, plays, radio podcasts, visual art, theatre, dance, spoken-word poetry and we have also made friends.
All Aboard Club
For dates and venues: https://www.allaboardclub.com/play-sessions/
Phone/text: 07948 407343 Email: info@allaboardclub.com Facebook: @allaboardclubuk Twitter: @allaboardclub
St Mary's University, Twickenham has a National Saturday Club focusing on Writing & Talking
To give 13–16-year-olds the opportunity to study subjects they love at their local university, college or cultural institution for free. A chance for young people to make friends, learn how to move and speak differently, grow in confidence, and apply these skills in their everyday lives. Priority places will be given to students with additional educational needs. Find out more and book here
Knots Arts run drama/arts, youth clubs and projects during the term time and holidays to to support children and young people with social communication difficulties. See website: https://knotsarts.com/projects/
Richmond Mencap
This programme is for young people aged 8-17 years old. Halfterms, holidays and once a month on Sundays. https://richmondmencap.org.uk/
Hounslow Special Needs Farm Centre
Walkabout Wednesdays from 10am to 1.30pm - just turn up. Free of charge.
The Centre is open for people from 5 years of age with disabilities and special needs including those with multiple and profound learning disabilities, physical and mental disabilities,those recovering from stroke or other serious ailments, the elderly and those affected by dementia.
Bath Road, Longford, UB7 0EF
Marble Hill PlayCentres
Pre-booking required: https://marblehillplaycentres.com/
One O’clock Club: 0-5 yrs. Indoor & outdoor play – ride-on toys, sand, messy play, toys, etc. Free to families on UC or diagnosed disability. Adventure Playground: 5-15 yrs free for children with a registered disability.
SENsational Saturday Club - Free monthly event for families of children with additional needs/disabilities within the adventure playground inc parents, carers, children & siblings
Thames Valley Adventure Playground for children with SEND
See link for further info: https://www.tvap.co.uk/
Snakes and Ladders:
Free SEND Sessions @ Snakes & Ladders, Syon Park
Dedicated play sessions for children aged 0-12 years, with special educational needs or disabilities. Every Wednesday during term time from 16:15pm - 18:15pm (subject to change and availability).
Additional carers and siblings are also welcome to join in at a reduced admission charge.
To book your place, please follow this link: https://bookings.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk/book/send-sessions/169
Select complimentary tickets for up to 2 adults and 2 children (to include at least 1 SEND child for whom proof of DLA must be shown on arrival).
Activity Station
Fun and exciting activities for people with disabilities in the London Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames and beyond. We also work with other organisations to bring accessible and inclusive events to people across different age groups. For further details: https://www.activitystation.org.uk/
Richmond Aid: Neurodiverse Social Group for young adults (18-35yrs)
Once a week, 2 hours long, during the day. The first hour will be focused on a topic, such as Communication, Stress Management, Feeling Low, Feeling Anxious, Facing Discrimination. The second hour of each session will be a more informal social group.
Email or text Josh Fisher if they would be interested in attending the group.
07927 550774. Or j.fisher@richmondaid.org.uk
Challengers
4-12 year olds the playscheme will run from Kings Oak School, Kingston. For 13-18 year olds it will run from Whitton Youth Zone, 1 Britannia Lane, Whitton, TW2 7JX. https://disability-challengers.org/
Water Sports at Albany Outdoors
Offer an SEND programme along side mainstream activities: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/information-and-advice/albany-outdoors-an-achieving-for-children-provider/activities-for-children-and-young-people
Man and Boy
This charity offers weekend camps for fathers and sons to spend time together. Not disability specific but they have much experience with children with SEND. https://www.manandboy.org/
Pan Disability Football
TAG juniors and seniors youth clubs:
Disability specific youth club in Ham offering a wide range of sports and fun activities which can be found on https://www.tagyouthclub.org/copy-of-about . More info on weekly activities https://www.tagyouthclub.org/
Access Adventures: Kids Activity Days
For under 18s with a disability, siblings are welcome to join in too!
Details: Waterskiing, inflatable rides, paddlesports
Learn to waterski, share inflatable rides, try paddlesports together. The chance to meet other families in a similar situation. All the required equipment and coaching is provided. A cordoned-off swimming area is available to use, plus a small playground.
Donation: We ask for a donation towards the cost of this camp
Min £100- Max £200 per family
The cost is subsidised for those in financial need. Please donate what you can afford within the above price range. Contact us if you have any concerns. The donation covers waterskiing/ inflatable rides for the kids plus lunch for the whole family. Kids get priority, but if time allows then parents can take part too!
Kingston Eco-Op: The Larch social club for age 23+yrs with autism (but not learning disabled).
Residents of Kingston and other local boroughs inc Richmond. Wed 6-9pm at Enhanceable Centre, 3 Geneva Road, KT1 2TW.
Lighthouse Project
A closed youth group for young people with ASD and ADHD taking place at Heatham House Youth Centre every Thursday evening 6:30-8:30pm. The group is for young people aged 11 (year 7+) - 24 years. Please note that as this is a closed group there is a process to go through before attendance to ensure the group is appropriate and can meet the needs of the young person - please email Meg.
Hounslow All Ability cycling hub at Inwood Park, Hounslow
Saturday All Ability cycling sessions. To book a slot, please contact all.ability@bikeworks.org.uk or call 0208 980 7998
New Young Carers Social Group in Hounslow
Arts Centre Hounslow and Our Barn have teamed up to start a young carers project on Thursdays after school.
This group hopes to become a fun and supportive environment for all secondary school age children who may benefit from social activities outside the home. Please contact carers@ourbarn.org.uk to arrange participation
Stay and Play for 0-5yrs with AfC
For children with special needs and disablities age 0-5 at The Moor Lane Centre: see this leaflet for the details, it runs every Wednesday Morning 10am to 12pm during term time
Focus Surrey: Saturday club for children with autism
Saturday club using ABA techniques for children with autism which some families may find useful (registered charity 1178378).
The club will run each Saturday from 9am to 4pm for 12 Saturdays total.
The venue is in Morden, accessible by bus routes 80, 93 and 154. It is a 15-minute walk from Morden Station, or a 5-minute walk form Morden South station. Children aged 3 to 10 will attend the club from 10am to 12pm, and children aged 11 to 16 will attend from 1pm to 3pm.
If you have any questions, please get in touch via email; focussurrey@hotmail.com
Wheels and Wheelchairs
A group of wheelchair users (children and adults) and skaters (those who push the wheelchairs) who go out together weekly to enjoy the sensory rush of speed and accessible sport. Battersea Park (5 miles) or Hyde Park (10 miles). Some go for more adventurous challenges like roller marathons in Europe or Bath to Bristol. https://www.wheelsandwheelchairs.co.uk/
RUILS: SEND Minecraft group
Ruils hosts an in-person group that allows young disabled people with an interest in Minecraft to meet up with peers who share this interest.
We still have a number of places available for this group, which will facilitate play on a private server, allowing members to play together, engage with one another in a safe environment and help them to develop social skills and friendships.
To register, your young person must:
• Be disabled and/or have additional needs
• Be between 10-25 years old
• Live in Richmond, Kingston or Hounslow Borough
• Have some experience playing Minecraft
• Have Minecraft downloaded on their own device (laptop or tablet) that they can bring with them to sessions
This group runs fortnightly. For further details email: halliebanish@ruils.co.uk
Minecraft Youth Group (Virtual)
Oxygen has a virtual youth group which is conducted via Minecraft and Discord. This provides the opportunity for those aged 10-18 to meet like-minded young people and connect with eachother through gaming. The server can be accessed everyday between 9am - 10pm, and they host Minecraft sessions each Wednesday from 5:30pm - 7:30pm with youth workers online. To apply and find out more, click here.
The Wild Mind Project
The Wild Mind project support the emotional and mental wellbeing of young people through nature-focused interventions & creative activities in South West London. They have designed an intervention programme that not only that supports youth wellbeing, but connects young people to the natural environment and encourages creative activities at home. Importantly, the young people form a network of supportive new friends that will last well beyond the programmes.
If a young person would like to book a place they can please complete Online Booking Form
If you would like any further information then please do contact them on 01273 230102 or email hello@thewildmindproject.org
Emotional and practical support for those aged 4-18 yrs following any form of sexual harm.
From Rape Crisis South London working with Kings College Hospital, London
The service is available to residents in Richmond, Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth.
The service provides • Well-being support – 1.1 early emotional support for Children and young people and parents and care givers from a well-being advocate • Criminal Justice Support – emotional and practical support from a CYP Independent Sexual Violence Advocate • Medical Care • Therapy – 1.1 for children and for parents
To discuss a referral please contact kch-tr.WellbeingSWL@nhs.net
The Circle
Mental health café drop in& appointment-based specialist mental health support hub in Ealing, for ages 5-18 yrs, and is aimed at children/young people in Hounslow, Hammersmith, Fulham & Ealing. Designed to create a welcoming calm and safe space with café facilities for local children/young people. Staffed by clinical & non-clinical staff. Young people can self-refer or be referred to the Circle by school, social care, A and E or CAMHS crisis services between 3-11pm weekdays or 12-8pm weekends. https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/get-support/service-for-schools/support-for-children-young-people/circle/
C. RESOURCES, SUPPORT (INCLUDING FINANCES), HELPLINES & EMERGENCY HELP FOR PARENT CARERS
Where can I find info and support services in my local area?
A Local Offer is a wide range of information about all the support and facilities which families can expect to find in their area for children and young people who have special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. The information should cover education, health and social care support and services for children and young people aged between 0 and 25.
You should be able to find the local offer for your area by going to your local authority’s website and searching for ‘local offer’. Or search by putting the name of the borough you live in, followed by the words ‘local offer’: Eg Richmond Local Offer
AfC website (Kingston and Richmond) : 'What's On' page
Lists many local activities, events, workshops etc for children and families, in date order: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/local_offer/events
Hounslow Local Offer and info for carers and events
https://fsd.hounslow.gov.uk/synergyweb/local_offer/
https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20157/support_for_carers/2248/carers_events/10
Social Prescribing: support for those aged 18 + years.
We know taking care of your health involves more than just medicine. Social Prescribing empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Link Workers can meet with you to understand more about what you want to change. Together you can explore opportunities in the local community that can help you feel better. The service aims to improve social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
The service is for those with a LBRuT GP and is delivered in partnership with your GP and Ruils Independent Living. You can speak with anyone at your GP Practice about a referral today! Other boroughs also offer Social Prescribing so do ask at your own GP practice if this is something they can offer. If you have questions or would like more information, visit the Ruils website https://www.ruils.co.uk/services/social-prescribing/ or get in touch with the team on socialprescribing@ruils.co.uk or 020 8831 6083.
WHAT DO CARERS DO?
A short film made by carers in Oxfordshire who took part in storytelling workshops. The film is called Show of Hands and was funded by Carers Oxfordshire and NHS England.
Carers Rights
What are your rights and what are you entitled to?
Richmond Carers Centre has published a blog post on its website to ensure carers are aware of their rights and the support they are entitled to. The post provides local and national information about carers rights and entitlements. Topics covered are: Carers Assessment, Parent Carers Needs Assessment (PCNA), Needs Assessment for an Adult, Needs Assessment for a Child, Carers Emergency Card, Carers Allowance, Carers Credit
We tailored this month’s training sessions to offer everyone opportunities to learn more about carers rights and the support available: https://www.richmondcarers.org/2023/11/23/carers-rights-day-2023-your-rights-today-tomorrow-and-in-the-future/
Know your rights – Understanding the Care Act and Carers Rights
Jill Pay, Carers Rights Trainer and Facilitator at Not a Care in the World
Richmond Carers Centre in conjunction with Not a Care in the World, ran a workshop to ensure carers are aware of their rights & how to assert those rights. The law is there to protect carers from the impact of their caring role. Carers have specific rights under The Care Act 2014. Even at the simplest level, just knowing you have protection in law can make a difference to how you feel as a carer. The workshop explored the law & how it is designed to protect carers. It provided carers with an overview of their rights & entitlements as a carer as well as a better understanding of the Care Act.
For summary of workshop: https://www.richmondcarers.org/2022/11/22/know-your-rights-understanding-the-care-act-and-carers-rights/
Contact and Ambitious about Autism - Autism Central Hub (London)
NHS England have launched their new website, Autism Central, to educate autistic people and the people around them on what autism is and how to access the support they need. All of the sessions are run by Peer Educators. These are parents or carers of autistic people, who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. They offer group and one-to-one sessions to help you and other parents and carers find the info and services available in your area. Hubs may also run events such as workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings or virtual meet-ups
The Following is available for those accessing the Autism Central Hub:
1-1 support call: Individual 30 minute telephone sessions on autism education, information and guidance as well as regular online group sessions. https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/what-we-do/training-and-consultancy/training-courses/peer-support-parents-carers
Information from Mobilise
How can I take a break from caring?
We all need to take a break from caring from time to time. This might look like a quiet hour, a regular weekly slot, a day off, an undisturbed night's sleep, a weekend away, or a week or two on holiday. A break from caring is known as 'respite'.
With the help of carers in our community we’ve created a carer’s guide to respite. Head on over to the most useful section for you:
In addition to the Bright Futures workshops we have 4 parent groups. If you would like to know more or join the mailing list for any of these groups just drop us a note and we will add you. Contact Sue Robson, for dates of next meetings: SueRobson@ruils.co.uk
Social support for able young people (Parent group)
A group for parents of more able young people – who may not consider themselves disabled but who need support to interact with their peers and socialise.
Supported Living Parent Group
The Supported Living parent group is for parents who have supported living on their radar. You may not be planning a move just now but it’s something you see happening in the next few years at least and want to start getting to know more about it, meeting other parents on the same path and getting to know the young people.
Post 16 Maze Parent Group
The Post 16 Maze parent group is for parents of disabled young people age 16+ (or thereabouts) who would like the opportunity to meet other parents with young people around the same age to discuss relevant topics, share experiences and support each other.
University
A forum for parents of disabled young people who are at uni or are thinking about going to uni.
2 social groups:
Social activities for young adults with severe learning disabilities (SLD) in Bushy Park
A SEN tutor from the Field Studies Council will facilitate a group of young people with more severe learning challenges and design an appropriate and fun programme. This will enable these young people to come together to enjoy seasonal indoor and outdoor activities in a safe and controlled environment. There will be opportunity for a tea break! Young people will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer.
To join the mailing list for the SLD social activities, email Sue Robson at RUILS at suerobson@ruils.co.uk
Social events for our more able young adults:
For our young people who may not even identify as disabled, they may travel independently, work, etc but they are socially isolated. The aim of this group is so our young people can become familiar with each other which we hope will lead to friendships and further social interaction outside of these events. For the next date, email Sue Robson at RUILS at suerobson@ruils.co.uk.
Please get in touch with Sue Robson, Bright Futures SEND Transitions Advisor or Tora Sykes, Children’s Services Administrator to join the Bright Futures mailing list or for further information about our workshops and other Bright Futures topics.
RUILS has provided this summary of inclusive activities and services that may be of interest to your young person, please click here for a comprehensive London-wide list. It highlights museum and theatre relaxed performances/events, how to get a CEA cinema card, plus lots of sporting activities.
M2M Community Solicitors
A well-established firm of solicitors with expertise in areas of law covering a wide range of personal, commercial and community based
areas. The founders started the firm to make a real difference in the community.
The Family Matters Richmond team: 6-week peer support and well being group for parents with disabled children, at the Ham Children’s Centre. Through our work with Family Matters, we have found there is great value in families helping families through similar shared experiences. Our hope is to provide group members with an opportunity to explore current personal and family challenges within a safe, friendly and non-judgmental space. The team is looking forward to embarking on this new initiative, in the hope that it may be rolled out across other centres in the borough, if successful. You can find out more about family support workers Martha and Surabhi and the Family Matters project here
Dentists for SEND
A new dental initiative for children which provides support to parents and guardians of children under 5 with special needs, in particular home visits. The scheme aims to reduce challenges to dental access for these families and provide the necessary support. It covers the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth.
Referral is through health professionals. Find out more here: Infant Preventative Dental Scheme (IPDS)
Foodcycle
Connect communities by providing free meals and company each week. Free hot meals are available in the following locations: Roehampton, Action, Wandsworth and Mitcham. For further details and other venues see: https://foodcycle.org.uk/find-a-meal
Connect2Tech
RUILS is delighted to provide the opportunity to try-tech-before-you-buy-tech.
Ideal for those who are not sure whether they need a smartphone or tablet, Alexa or laptop, Ruils can provide a device for up to 3 months for you, or your loved one, to try in the comfort of your own homes. After this trial period, the team will also support you to purchase the device, if you like, or decide what would be more suitable to try.
Although we are unable to purchase WiFi or Data packages, the team are on hand to support you in finding the right package for you to use for the duration of the trial period and beyond.
For more information email connecttotech@ruils.co.uk
Hounslow Parent Carers Forum: Important info about WhatsApp announcement group.
This new community announcement group is now the official platform for Hounslow Parent Carers Forum members, replacing the previous one due to a technical issue. Here, we will share updates about Forum Meets, Coffee & Chat mornings, and other important information. Rest assured, in this announcement group, only admins can access your contact number, and your details will remain confidential.
To join, click on link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L3scx1fPL1ZDySKenEiaFW
Parenting Programmes for Hounslow families: Open for referrals
123 Magic: parenting/behaviour management 5 week programme for parents and carers of children aged 2-12 who have been diagnosed with ADHD or who display challenging behaviour.
Surviving Your Adolescents: A 5 week programme for parents of children 13 – 18 yrs, aimed at increasing the parents’ and carers’ ability to communicate with their young people and to reduce the risks that the young people face.
Family Links Parenting Programme: By referral only, offering simple and effective tools to help parents of children aged 0-5 years understand and manage feelings and behaviour. contact Michaela.clapson@hounslow.gov.uk
Let’s Talk Programme for children and mothers affected by domestic violence:
12 week therapeutic group programme to support children to process their experiences and begin the healing process and for mothers to understand how to help and communicate with their children. We run groups for Infants (year 1-3), Juniors (year 4-6) and teens (years 7-8 or years 8-9).
Contact Tejinder.aiyadorai@hounslow.gov.uk or Rachel.atterton@hounslow.gov.uk for more details
To register and for more info: https://fsd.hounslow.gov.uk/SynergyWeb/Family_Service_Directory/Familysupport-ParentingCourses.aspx
Cross Roads Care: Community Services
Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston has been providing high-quality, bespoke and flexible, regulated (inspected under Care Quality Provision) home and community respite care and support services to carers and the people they care for, of all ages and disability.
Saturday Club is a social group for children and young people with (SEND), aged 8-18-years-old. The project is held every Saturday afternoon, during term time, in Hampton
Transition Project: for those with SEND aged 14-18 years, to think about their future. Focuses on CV writing, support with school/college work and essential life skills in a fun, safe, social and supportive environment.
16+ Group: supports 16-21 year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Every Saturday, 1-2pm, during term-time.
Specialist Mentoring Project: for young people with complex needs, focusing on holistic, preventative and sustainable support interventions – working with the family as a whole.
Peer Support Project: tailored individual support: for Carers and/or the people they care for with mental health conditions.
Carers’ Café (Hampton Hill): for Carers and ex-Carers. Every Thursday, 12.30-2.30pm.
Carers’ Book Club: a social group for Carers. Held monthly, various locations.
Men Who Care: social groups for male Carers. Held monthly, various locations.
Specialist Sessions: information and practical workshops for Carers.
Therapies: include stress-release massage treatments for Carers at home or at our Therapy Rooms.
To find out more, please contact Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames on 020 8943 9421 or visit www.crossroadscarerk.org
NCT Baby Café
Free drop-in, run by an NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, which supports parents to feed their baby. Not disability-specific. For Hounslow and Twickenham baby cafes: https://www.nct.org.uk/hounslow-baby-cafes
Wizzybugs (wheelchairs) Loan Scheme
FREE powered wheelchairs for young disabled children age 14 months until they outgrow it (usually around 5 yrs).
For further questions, application form, product specification and user requirements see the following link:
Summer holidays for families parenting children with complex needs
Camp Jojo is a registered charity set up by people with first-hand experience of the joys and challenges faced when parenting a child with complex needs. Their aim is to support families of children with complex needs and disabilities to enjoy a totally accessible camping holiday and make new friends who understand their situation, as well as providing all the physical, emotional and practical support needed to make camping not just an experience but a relaxing break for the whole family. Watch their YouTube video for more information.
All camps are held at Ivy Farm, Ivy Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8US.
If you have any questions about applying or would like support to complete the form, please email information@campjojo.org.uk.
Contact have put together some webpages on caring for your child’s teeth, hearing and eyes
For children with a learning disability, autism or both, there may be extra challenges such as sensory issues around having their teeth brushed, or the texture of toothpaste.
Some children are unable to describe tooth pain. Identifying dental problems and treating them early enables children to continue to lead fulfilling lives. Visit our new dental care webpage for advice on caring for your child’s teeth.
Read our information about hearing care and eye care for your child.
NEST: Neurodivergent Education Support and Training (for families with autism)
Autism assessments, consultations and counselling for children and young people.
NEST Egg CIC. Limited NEST consultations for families on low income. Free, discounted or subsidised https://n-est.org/
National Sleep Helpline: new helpline hours
The Sleep Charity has a helpline is run by trained sleep practitioners who can provide advice on a wide range of sleep needs. There are often long waiting lists for sleep support, GP's are overwhelmed with requests and often lack specialist training in sleep. The Sleep Charity is here to help. The helpline is open 5 days a week, Sun, Mon, Tues, Thurs, 7-9pm and Weds 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541
Short Breaks in Hounslow:
Short Breaks is a service for young people with disabilities and/or SEN up to the age of 18. Families can self-refer or via a professional. All you need to do is call the team on 0208 583 3636 or email shortbreaks@hounslow.gov.uk. If you have any queries, please do get in touch.
Please follow link to the Short Breaks newsletter for the round the year services as well as during the holiday. Don’t be put off by the fact the link looks as if it is for the Easter holidays, it will take you to the current ewsletter. https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/downloads/file/2115/short_breaks_-_easter_newsletter
Kingston & Richmond families: to apply for additional support funding
Funding is available through Short Breaks/Aiming High for children up to 18 years to attend a mainstream activity: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/short-breaks/aiming-high-short-break-schemes/additional-support-funding
From Learning Disabilities England:
The Government has announced an extra £50 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant. The funding allows eligible disabled people of all ages to apply to their local authority for a grant to adapt their home to better meet their needs.
Richmond Parent Carer Forum
Not a member yet? Membership of Richmond Parent Carer Forum is FREE and open to anyone whose child or young person is aged 0-25 years, has any type of Special Educational Need and/or Disability (S.E.N.D.) and lives or accesses services in Richmond. You can register here: https://www.richmondpcf.org.uk/membership/ If you have any queries please email us at information@richmondpcf.org.uk
Mental Health Support Services
RUILS has launched the 3rd edition of the Richmond Bridging the Gap booklet and the 2nd edition of the Kingston Bridging the gap booklet to give you the most up to date information on mental health support services available.
Childcare inc school holidays (AfC website - for Kingston and Richmond residents):
This includes a Childcare Search to help you find local childcare options, which include: Registered childminders, Pre schools and playgroups, Day nurseries, After school or out of school clubs, Holiday playschemes. The Families and Childcare Trust have useful advice on their website when choosing childcare if your child has additional needs. Links and info:
Mobilise: Carers' guide to planning an accessible staycation
Although this article was written a couple of years ago, there is much useful info for all parents of children with additional needs: Eg top tips and discounts and savings. https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/post/carers-guide-to-planning-an-accessible-staycation
Council for Disabled children
CDC's guide for schools on the disability duties in the Equality Act.
IPSEA News
GET SUPPORT: Attention parents of Year 6 children with EHC plans!
It's very important to be aware that choosing a school for a child with an EHC plan is dealt with differently and separately to the standard admissions process. Read our guidance on requesting a secondary school for your child >>
Disabled children and school exclusion: Your top five questions answered
In January our SEN team hosted a special Q&A session in our Facebook Group.
Don’t worry if you missed it. We’ve rounded up the most popular questions parents asked at this session, with answers.
You can also read through the whole Q&A in our Facebook Group, or visit our school exclusions webpage for more advice.
NEWS FROM KINGSTON PARENT CARERS FORUM: SEND
- Following on from our SEND Review Special issue and surveys we were able to produce a report to send in to the Consultation on the government's green paper. You can read the report here and it will be online on our website soon.
What we have learnt: Understanding Your Right of Appeal
Whenever you receive a decision from the local authority, you will be sent this document that tells you about your Right of Appeal. However at our recent Share to Care meeting, it was clear that not all parents understood the options available to them if they do not agree with a decision made by the local authority.Here is our guide to the steps involved if you want to appeal
1. Check the timelines. There are clear timelines for the Local Authority to issue a decision. If you have asked for a needs assessment they need to send this to you by a maximum of 16 weeks. If they have agreed to draft an EHCP, that draft should be issued within 16 weeks of the assessment. Once the draft has been agreed they have to issue the final EHCP within a further 4 weeks: overall the EHCP should be issued by a maximum of 20 weeks from the date they agree to assess. Here is a helpful fact sheet with more detail.
2. Check the date The date of the decision letter is important whether it is regards to the needs assessment or an EHCP that has been issued, you have two months from the date of the letter to put in an appeal You can appeal any decision including the EHCP finalised and after the annual review.
3. Consider mediation Before putting in an appeal which will issue you with a tribunal date, you will need to speak to KIDS SEN Mediation who provide the pan-London mediation service. You will need to attend a meeting (on the phone) so that mediation is explained. Once you have attended the meeting, you can decide if you wish to mediate. This leaflet produced by the service explains the benefits of mediation. Whether or not you decide to go to mediation, you have to go through this initial process and be issued with a mediation certificate before you can launch any appeal
4. Seek help if you want
There are a number of places you may wish to seek help if you wish to challenge a decision. This can be useful whether you are going to mediation and/or you decide to appeal
- SENDIASS is a free service that you can access for advice and information and can support you by phone - linked here is their website can give you more information about the services available
- There are a number of courses run by IPSEA so that parent/carers can understand the law: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/training-for-parents-and-carers
- There is a free helpline from SOSSEN! who help parents with these legal matters. We previously ran a series of events with Eleanor Wright from this charity.Catch up on her useful seminars here https://kingstonpcf.co.uk/events/
- There are also a number of other charities who run helplines and can provide general advice.(for example the National Autistic Society)
- There are legal books available from the Kingston Parent/Carer forum - email us if you wish to borrow these
- You can employ a legal professional: if you search for Education Advocate you will find a number of advocates work in this area - they can support you to put paperwork together, advise you next steps and write appeals and even attend the tribunal with you.
We will be looking to run an event shortly to share more information about the Right of Appeal. Please keep an eye of events and on our Facebook for more information.
Books. Attendance. School. Hope. (BASH)
Who doesn't love an acronym? I will knit these themes together on the launch night. I'm looking forward to talking about attendance, anxiety, ADHD & autism spectrum in schools. I'm hoping through our shared stories, we will feel a sense of hope in our ability to influence change. These are challenging times - I invite YOU to create a unifying force in mental health and education!
If you like podcasts, The SENDcast, hosted by Dale Pickles, is a great one for your playlist. He interviews a range of professionals working in or associated with SEND.
I was a guest last month; here's our conversation about anxious non-attendance. I'm looking forward to you seeing you for a reading and QA soon! Order "I Can't Go to School!"
Mobilise, the online service that harnesses the collective knowledge,wisdom and expertise of unpaid carers.
Five ways the fire service can help carers
If the person we care for has mobility challenges, memory, hearing or sight loss (and even if they don’t), it can be helpful to read up on the fire safety support available. From free home fire checks and installing smoke alarms, to helping with escape plans, we’ve pulled together five ways fire services can help us and the person we care for.
Care & Repair is a home improvement agency specialising in disability adaptations. They help disabled people, including children, and vulnerable older people. The type of work carried out is wide ranging, including ground floor extensions, ramps, level access showers, stair lifts, door widening and kitchen adaptations, find out more on Care and Repair here.
They also provide a safer homes scheme for both adults and children. Where they carry out home safety, fire safety, security assessments and provide advice, literature and equipment, which we fit. Can include safety gates, cupboards catches and window restrictors. Find out more here.
12 hacks to common carer problems from Mobilise : Read the hacks here.
Can you afford to work? A guide to your right from Mobilise.
Foodbank and Food Surplus directory
https://richmondcvs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Food-Provisions-in-Richmond-Oct-23.pdf
On behalf of The Richmond Food Partnership we have collated information about the location, times and eligibility for food provision across the borough. Many of these have no eligibility criteria and are open to all, and some such as The Real Junk Food Project feature cafes where you can have a hot meal at certain locations. We would encourage anyone to check with the provider or their website before making a journey to a provision. The LBRUT Cost of Living Hub includes information about food provision and a wide range of other support including finance and community spaces offering a range of services and activity this winter. https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/cost_of_living_hub
Carers can claim foodbank vouchers through Richmond Carers Centre
Richmond Carers Centre has teamed-up with the Richmond Foodbank Scheme and are authorised to distribute Foodbank vouchers to any carer who is struggling to pay for food during the current cost of living crisis. The scheme will continue to run throughout the year. The only condition is that carers must be registered with us. We can provide vouchers either electronically or by post.
NB. If you are a person/family in need but you are not registered with Richmond Carers Centre, you can still apply for Foodbank vouchers through another agency (e.g. Twickenham Job centre, Citizens Advice Richmond, children’s centres and health visitors). Find out more about food support available in the borough on the Richmond Council website. https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/cost_of_living_hub/cost_of_living_food
Email support@richmondcarers.org or call 020 8867 2380 to claim your vouchers today.
Cheaper Broadband Bills
Millions of households are missing out on cheaper broadband bills, according to figures released by Ofcom & analysed by money expert Martin Lewis.
Many broadband providers offer social tariffs for households on certain welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Ofcom estimates that 4.2million homes are eligible for the cheaper rates. But only 136,000 are making use of the discount – losing on average £144 a year.
Visit Ofcom to read more about participating providers and what their eligibility criteria is.
Cost of Living
Given these difficult times, Ruils has put together a Cost of Living Resource which you can find here: https://www.ruils.co.uk/news/cost-of-living-resource/
A simple financial checklist from Mobilise
With the cost of living rising, we wanted to create something simple to ensure you’re accessing all the financial help you need right now.
So here it is - our Financial Checklist for carers. We’ve done the research and mapping for you which means no more wasted time searching around.
More household bills help
We’ve got lots of information on our website about help with everyday costs.
You can also read more about government’s support for cost of living.
31 money saving tips for disabled people
From the money saving expert, Martin Lewis. Worth a look as there are a variety of suggestions for disabled people of all ages:
Charitable Grants and funding to help families
Achieving for Children, Kingston and Richmond families:
Have you ever considered applying for a grant? You could be eligible to apply for funding to pay for activities for your family, household goods, educational items or even a family holiday or short break. Take a look at the list on the Local Offer website: https://kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/local-offer/information-and-advice/information-for-carers/charitable-grant-and-funding-to-help-families
Activity Fund for Richmond and Kingston families
Applications for the Activity Fund are open again for 2023/24! The Activity Fund (up to £140) can be used towards the cost of activities for a child with a disability in four different ways:
· groups/clubs/sessions/lessons/camp/outings
· an annual membership/annual pass
· resources to enable the child/young person to enjoy an activity/activities at home
· a family holiday (additional eligibility criteria applies)
For further details:
Family Fund: Your Opportunity
New grant introduced for young people. Parent/carer must apply. If you are the main carer of a disabled young person aged 18-24, who lives at home, you could be eligible for a Your Opportunity grant. The grant is limited until the funding is fully allocated. Grant examples for the young person include: Laptop or tablet, club membership, day trip, musical instrument: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/help-for-18-24-year-olds
ULEZ expansion: support for disabled people
The Mayor of London has launched a new vehicle scrappage scheme to help disabled Londoners, people on low income, businesses and charities impacted by the ULEZ expansion. Vehicles that don’t meet ULEZ emission standards that travel within the ULEZ pay a £12.50 daily charge. You do not pay the ULEZ charge if you are parked inside the zone but don’t drive. Most petrol vehicles under 16 years old or diesel vehicles under six years old already meet the ULEZ emissions standards.
Londoners receiving certain means-tested benefits and non-means-tested disability benefits can apply for cash grants of up to £2,000 to scrap their non ULEZ-compliant cars or motorcycles, as well as bus and tram passes.
Disabled people who want to scrap or retrofit a non-compliant wheelchair-accessible vehicle can apply for grants of £5,000 to reflect the higher cost of these vehicles. Disabled people can also apply for a nominated driver who lives at a different address if they do not drive themselves.
The Mayor is also providing further support for disabled people through new and extended grace periods. The two new grace periods provide exemptions until October 2027 for recipients of certain disability benefits (or their nominated driver) and for all wheelchair-accessible vehicles and some vehicles with other adaptations.
Watch: How parent carers can claim Universal Credit for a disabled student
Our Family Finance adviser Derek Sinclair recently hosted a Facebook Live Q&A where parent carers could ask questions and get advice on their children’s Universal Credit claims.
You can now watch the Q&A session on our YouTube channel!
Webinar: How to claim the higher rate mobility (HRM) component of Disability Living Allowance for children with autism spectrum conditions or learning disabilities
Derek and Marian from Contact's Family Finance Team provide in-depth advice on how to claim the DLA higher rate mobility component for children with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders during a free webinar and Q&A with parent carers. View the webinar here
Here's an important up-to-date Universal Credit tip from Contact, for when your child turns 16 yrs:
When your child with special needs turns 16, they should make a credits-only claim for "new-style" Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Otherwise, they may not be able to claim Universal Credit as students later on.
Here's why:
Due to changes in the law, most disabled students who haven't established a limited capability for work (LCW) *before* starting an education course will NOT qualify for Universal Credit.
It is no longer possible to qualify for Universal Credit by establishing a LCW *during* a course.
Submitting a credits-only claim for new-style ESA will force the DWP to carry out a work capability assessment. This establishes whether your child is unfit for work.
By establishing a LCW early on, your child will be able to claim Universal Credit even if they stay in non-advanced education after turning 19 — or if they leave one course and start another.
That's why it is a good idea to undergo the work capability assessment when they turn 16. And by making a credits-only ESA claim, they can ensure this assessment takes place.
A credits-only claim won't lead to any actual ESA being paid. This means it won't impact on Child Benefit, tax credits, or any other benefits you get for them as a dependent child.
For more detailed information on this, visit our website contact.org.uk/universal-credit-for-young-people
Get in touch if you have further questions contact.org.uk/helpline
Transition to Adulthood including Mental Capacity and Care Act : recording of webinar from Seashell Trust
The session looks at the key issues facing disabled children, young people and their families - delivered by barrister Steve Broach. Watch the recording of the webinar on YouTube by clicking here.
Integral Harmony: Online Journal
Stephen and Melinda from Integral Harmony, who deliver our online yoga, have created this ONLINE JOURNAL for your children to use
Download your FREE Interactive Journal for Kids
Post 14 students from Dysart School will be running a pop-up café at Christ Church every Monday from 10-11.30am. They will be selling hot and cold drinks as well as homemade cakes and biscuits. This opportunity will enable our students to continue developing their life skills, independence and communication skills in the wider community.
Emergency Contacts
RUILS have provided the following information:
Richmond:
If you require support, the following contact details may be useful:
- Call Single Point of Access, Richmond, to request support, or to report a concern about a child or young person:
- Phone: 020 8547 5008 from 8am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Friday.
- During out of hours, phone 020 8770 5000.
Adult social care contact details for Richmond:
- Telephone: 020 8891 7971
- SMS Phone: 07903 738043
- Email: adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk
The Local offer contains lots of useful information about activities taking place for children and young people.
Hounslow:
- Hounslow Council 0-25 disability Team (Children's Health and Adult Services)
Phone: Call 020 8583 3082 /Duty no. 020 8583 3177
Just Say Something: Urgent mental health support for Hounslow residents and preventing suicide
Hounslow Safe Space Helpline - 020 3475 5185 open 11am - 11pm every day of the year. Urgent mental health support for Hounslow residents over 18yrs
KOOTH website - free online mental health support for young people ages 10-25. https://www.kooth.com/
QWELL website - free online support for adults. https://www.qwell.io/
Thrive LDN website - Online resources to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Anyone can take the free online suicide awareness and prevention training here. https://thriveldn.co.uk/
Hounslow Council’s website - for information about debt and financial support. https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20087/paying_your_rent/1357/money_advice_and_debt_counselling
Grief Awareness and Support
We would like to highlight local resources that might help individuals. As well as organisations such as Space2Grieve (https://space2grieve.org.uk/) and Cruse Bereavement Care, (https://www.cruse.org.uk/) many local churches, such as St John's, Hampton Wick (https://stjohnshamptonwick.org/the-bereavement-journey), offer free support which is open to anyone recently bereaved or who may not have processed an incident from the past. You do not have to be a member of the church or have a faith in order to join the sessions. For children and young people, and their adult carers, Winston's Wish (https://www.winstonswish.org/) offers a range of support and counselling
D. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
What’s out there for disabled young people after education? Take part in research!
If your child has a disability and has left or is just about to leave education, then we want to hear about your experience.
The Together Trust is working with post-16 specialist college, National Star on some research to better understand what happens to young people with SEND after education.
To raise awareness of the challenges faced by young people and those who care for them, National Star is working in partnership with the Together Trust, to carry out research. The project aims to inform how we can improve the process and opportunities for young people as they transition from education.
The two surveys created by National Star will collect information about what happens after education. One is for families and carers, and one is for young people. The survey is for anyone who has left or is about to leave education, to help understand their journeys and highlight the transitions that have worked well and why, and the consequences of when they go wrong.
It doesn’t matter if the young person left school at 18 or went on to further education, attended mainstream education or specialist education. They may have left education five years ago or they may be finishing this year. We want to capture all your journeys so that we can present a comprehensive piece of research to the Government.
Further details and to take part, follow the link: https://www.specialneedsjungle.com/whats-there-young-disabled-adults-education-take-part-research/
Online Peer support group for young autistic people transitioning to adulthood
Understanding You, Discovering You: 6-week online course co-produced by autistic young people and Ambitious about Autism. The course helps you understand autism, explore your autistic identity, develop goals, and equip you with resources. Researchers at Bath University are running the first part of a study to find out if it might be effective for autistic young people.
What they'll ask you to do: The course is online in a small, guided peer group led by a social care worker and an autistic person. You can choose whether to switch your video/audio on or off, and you can communicate through the chat function if you prefer.
Looking for: Autistic people aged 16-25 with a formal diagnosis. If you're 16-17 years old and would like to take part, please fill out the screener by Tuesday 6th February. You can still fill the
screener out after this date, but you will have to wait longer to take part.
How to take part: Complete this screener questionnaire to find out if you're eligible for the course:
Contact: The researchers at Bath University by email: atag@bath.ac.uk and phone: 07812 707347.
Nadine Kendall
Researcher
Kings College London
CAMHS Research Unit, Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry,
Psychology and Neuroscience.
Department of Psychology (PO78).
De Crespigny Park
London SE5 8AF
Email: nadine.kendall@kcl.ac.uk <joshua.harwood@kcl.ac.uk>
Experience of post diagnostic services for autistic people and people with ADHD
The following survey is for autistic people and people with ADHD and their parent and carers who live in Kingston and Richmond, and is from the NHS South West London Integrated Care System.
We want to hear about your experience of the process of being diagnosed with autism or ADHD , and the support you’ve had as a result
The survey will take 5 minutes: https://southwestlondonics.uk.engagementhq.com/experiences-of-post-diagnostic-support-for-autistic-people
Study Opportunity for Parents/Caregivers
Are you a parent/caregiver of an autistic or non-autistic child? Would you be willing to share your experience with us? Researchers at Newcastle University would like to understand more about your perspectives of your child. We aim to understand more about the unique characteristics, strengths and struggles of autistic children, how these change over time, and how these might differ based on individual characteristics. We hope this will give more information about how to support autistic children. Please complete our 30-minute survey and be in for a chance to win a £50: https://nclpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Jh7pXleS1vYQsK.
Study with young pre-school children with Down syndrome
University of Reading are recruiting families to take part in a study that will examine parent-child interactions during shared book reading. They are looking for 2-4 years old children with Down syndrome. A researcher will visit the child’s home to carry out developmental assessments and videorecord the parent and the child sharing a picture book. The visit will last less than two hours and we are happy to provide a short report following our visit. If you would like to find out more, please contact Mirjana Jeremic at m.jeremic@pgr.reading.ac.uk or Emma Pagnamenta at e.pagnamenta@reading.ac.uk or register your interest at https://reading.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sbr-ds-registration & we will get in touch with you.
This is the first of the three studies with the ultimate aim to, together with parents, co-create and test an intervention for young pre-school children with Down syndrome.
Calling all BSL users
A team from Otermans Institute in collaboration with Brunel University London needs your feedback.
They are working on an AI-driven translator. This is a human-like avatar that can translate content from video, audio and text into BSL just as a human translator would do. This technology is designed to increase accessibility through BSL translation of most video and audio content available online where the spoken language is used.
To take part in this research, you must be 18-years old or over, live in one of the four nations in the UK and be a BSL speaker (minimum Level 1 or equivalent).
The research will be online, will involve a small focus group and participation should last approximately 1 hour.
Contact for further information: Researcher: Mr Dev Aditya (1042974@brunel.ac.uk)
Supervisor: Professor Kate Hone (Kate.Hone@brunel.ac.uk)