June / July 2009
Sharing information – learning disability – young people – transition – black and minority ethnic (BME)
Welcome to the electronic Moving On Update.
This Moving On Update is here to provide information to the carers and supporters of young people aged 14 and upwards from Black and Minority Ethnic communities who have a learning disability and are making the change from school to adulthood.
This electronic Update runs alongside our website www.movingonup.info that is designed to be used by this group of young people supported by their carers.
Run by the Association for Real Change, ARC with a grant from the Dept of Children, Schools & Families.
Previously funded by Diana Memorial Fund / Vodafone UK Foundation
This Moving On Update goes out free to all subscribers. It will be sent out monthly and the project is currently funded until the end of August 2008. Those who subscribe to come from a variety of backgrounds; some are professionals in both the public and private sector; some belong to voluntary organisations and others are people who have a learning disability or care for someone with a learning disability.
Please feel free to forward the Update on to other people who may be interested. If you have something you want to share amongst subscribers you are welcome to email it to us to pam.smith@arcuk.org.uk
*Please Note: All back issues of the Update will shortly be available to download from the Moving On Update Archive
Sections in the Moving On Update:
Item 1
New Chair Named for Looked – After Children Group
Every Child Matters
Helen Southworth, Labour MP for Warrington, is set to become the new chair of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Looked After Children and Care Leavers.
For more information go to:
http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=ew14tmI450l2nsI15
Item 2
Making Choice a Reality: The Impact of the Mental Capacity Act on Young People in Transition to Adulthood
NHS Evidence
An impact study is available to download on work carried out over a 12 month period with nine young people using three different services who were all facing significant decisions in their lives relating to transition to adulthood.
To read more and download the full report go to:
http://search.scie.org.uk/search?q=Making%20Choice%20a%20Reality&site=SCIE& client=SCIE_site&proxystylesheet=SCIE_site&output=xml_no_dtd
Item 3
NHS Choices: Carers Direct Launch
A letter dated 17th June from Government Ministers Phil Hope, Jonathan Shaw and Delyth Morgan regarding the recent launch of Carers Direct – a comprehensive information, advice and support service for carers, including young carers has been circulated.
Please click below to download the pdf file:
Item 4
RESOURCE: Mental Health Services for Minority Ethnic Children and Adolescents Edited by Mhemooda Malet and Carol Joughin
Foreword by Dr Kedar Nath Dwivedi
Bringing together current research on mental health services for children from minority ethnic backgrounds, this much-needed resource provides guidance for both practice and policy.
ISBN: 978 1 84310 236 6 PB: £18.99
Jessica Kingsley Publishers Tel: 0207 833 2307 Website: http://www.jkp.com
Item 5
Do you care for someone with learning disabilities who has asthma?
Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people in the UK who have asthma. They work with people with asthma, healthcare professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding of asthma and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives.
Asthma UK wants to develop accessible asthma information for people with a learning disability and we are keen to seek the views of carers and the people they care for.
What do you want to know about asthma and how do you think this information should be presented to ensure it is as accessible as possible for someone with learning disabilities?
Please contact Kate Taylor on 020 7786 4923 or email ktaylor@asthma.org.uk with any thoughts or ideas for this project.
Asthma UK is a registered charity in England 802364 and in Scotland SCO39322
Kate Taylor/Officer/Community Development & Volunteering Team Asthma UK, Summit House, 70 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2DB Tel: 020 7786 4923 / Fax: 020 7256 6075 Email: ktaylor@asthma.org.uk
http://www.asthma.org.uk
Item 6
Courses in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (Severe, Profound and Complex)
University of Birmingham School of Education
A range of courses are available for people working with children and adults with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (Severe, Profound and Complex) at the University of Birminghan School of Education, these include:
SLD/PMLD Induction Pack
Award-Bearing Course – Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (Severe, Profound and Complex)
Award-Bearing Course – Inclusion and Education Needs
For more information, please contact:
Lily Ilic Secretary to Dr Penny Lacey School of Education University of Birmingham Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 3294 / Fax: 0121 414 4865 / Email: L.Ilic@bham.ac.uk
Item 7
Latest Updates from Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters
Updates to ‘Every Child Matters’ are available at:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/healthandwellbeing/ahdc/news/adhcprog rammenews/
Item 8
Communication Tools/Information for Health and Social Care Staff
NIACE
Teaching materials are available from NIACE, based around language and communication problems. These materials explain colloquialisms and jargon that are often used in this county, e.g. “spend a penny”, “raining cats and dogs”. These phrases can cause some considerable confusion for staff and patients whose first language is not English!
The link below will take you to the appropriate NIACE website and page: “Improving ward communication”. Many useful words and phrases are included regardless of where you may work.
To place an order visit the NIACE website:
http://www.niace.org.uk/publications
Item 9
Recognising Fathers: A National Survey of Fathers Who Have Children with Learning Disabilities
Christine Towers, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Recognising Fathers: A national survey of fathers who have children with learning disabilities' describes how many fathers want to be more involved in the raising and caring of their offspring; more than 90% felt their involvement had a positive impact on their child's development. Yet policies and practices in health and social care, as well as employment, do not always acknowledge a fathers' caring responsibilities, focusing primarily on mothers as carers. This often leads to fathers struggling to combine their caring roles with employment, and to stress related illness.
To download the report and access other information about fathers please go to:
http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/our-work/family-support/fathers
Item 10
Consultation Launch for Handling Allegations of Abuse made against Adults who Work with Children and Young People
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Launch Date: Wednesday 13 May 2009
Closing Date: Friday 7 August 2009
Following the review of the implementation of guidance on handling allegations of abuse against those who work with children or young people, the Government made a commitment to publish additional practice guidance.
The practice guidance is supplementary to the guidance contained in Appendix 5 of Working Together to Safeguard Children and Chapter 5 of Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education. It sets out the statutory framework and underlying principles of handling allegations of abuse for those involved in dealing with allegations. It covers practical issues surrounding exercising professional judgement along with information sharing and record keeping. It also takes you through the allegations process through to referral to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Views on the guidance to be received by 7 August 2009
For more information and to download consultation documents and to respond on-line, go to:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1639& external=no&menu=1
Item 11
Youth Funding Guide
Denise Lilya
This youth Funding Guide explains how to fundraise for youth-related causes, and how to find those sources of funding.
The guide is an essential reference for anyone working for youth organisations, projects involving young people and youth agencies.
The new fully revised edition covers topics such as getting started in fundraising, raising money from the public, funding from companies and writing applications.
ISBN 978 1 906294 29 8 3rd Edition, May 2009
Price: £35.00
Available to order online at Directory of Social Change:
http://www.dsc.org.uk/Publications/Fundraisingsources/@2933
Item 12
Children and Young People with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Needs
The National CAMHS Support Service CAMHS/LD conference will take place on Wednesday 4th November at the Walker stadium Leicester
The Children’s NSF 2004 and the Public Service Agreement 12 (2007), determined standards for the development of CAMHS services for children and young people with learning disabilities; and whilst progress has been made towards comprehensive provision there is still some way to go before fully commissioned services are available to meet the needs of this group of children and young people.
The conference focus will be early intervention and prevention of mental health problems in children and young people who have learning disabilities and will be delivered using a workshop format with presentations from Keynote speakers.
Further information will be made available nearer the conference date, in the interim, contact:
Ann Jones
CAMHS Regional Development Worker
NHS Northwest
Tel. O161 625 7267
Email: ann.jones@northwest.nhs.uk
Item 13
Oily Cart in Manchester
Oily Cart Theatre Company will be performing in Manchester as part of this year's International Festival in July and are staging some performances which may be of interest to families in the area. Oily Cart create multi-sensory theatre which is specifically designed for young people with complex disabilities or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This year they are working with the Aerial Theatre Company Ockham's Razor to create an aerial show for young people (3-18 year olds) with complex disabilities and their carers. They are performing ‘Something in the Air’ at the Contact Theatre, Manchester.
During the weekend of the 11th and 12th July they are staging some public performances which are open to families in and around the Manchester area.
Tickets for the shows are free and can be obtained by contacting Devina Kumar at Manchester International Festival. Devina's direct line is 0161 238 7325.
This sort of show in which the small audience of young people and their carers are suspended in specially developed hanging seats, will not appeal to everyone, so a briefing document to inform parents what to expect has been produced and is available before booking. Each performance will last around 55 minutes and each young person must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
If you would like any further information about Oily Cart or would like to discuss this project please contact the Company direct.
More details about the show can be found at the Oily Cart website:
http://www.oilycart.org.uk
Item 14
New Report: Quality Matters in Children’s Services – Messages from Research
Mike Stein
This new report, launched at a conference on 8th May, gives an overview of the key messages from nine research studies commissioned by the Department of Children, Schools and Families. It is of great relevance to policy makers, commissioners, service providers and practitioners.
Quality Matters in Children's Services brings together authoritative research to explore critical concerns for those working with vulnerable children, young people and their families. Subjects covered include reunification, stability and wellbeing, kinship care, educating vulnerable young people, child protection, domestic violence and parental substance misuse, the participation of disabled young people and advocacy services.
The research programme has developed many resources to help in the effort to improve quality in children's care. Videos, toolkits, leaflets and learning modules are all available from the Every Child Matters website alongside information about the launch conference and links to all the research summaries from the projects involved (access these via the ‘further materials available’ link on the page below).
To download the report and access all the supporting materials please go to:
http://php.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/pubs/1185
Item 15
Epilepsy – A Parent’s Handbook
National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
Epilepsy – A Parent’s Handbook is a new resource developed by specialists at the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy. Designed for parents whose child has just been diagnosed with epilepsy, this is an invaluable source of support for families who need to learn about the condition. The sections cover many aspects from the basics to the emotional aspects of epilepsy as well as giving practical guidance on living with epilepsy. Useful forms and a seizure diary are provided as well as a comprehensive range of resources that parents can access.
The handbooks are available free to parents and can be obtained by contacting the enquiry service at the NCYPE by calling 01342 831342 or via email to:
emailingenquiry@ncype.org.uk
Item 16
Getting A Life
Transition Information Network
Getting a Life is a quarterly e-newsletter for everyone working with and for disabled young people in transition to adulthood. It is published by the Transition Information Network.
Issue 15 is now available at:
http://www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk/view/6/90/392
Item 17
CK Sex Talk – Breaking the Taboo for Young People with Learning Difficulties
Common Knowledge
Common Knowledge launched CK Sex Talk on 12th May in Glasgow.
Accessible sex and relationship information for young people with learning difficulties is available online on Common Knowledge’s award-winning website:
http://www.ckuk.org.uk
Item 18
Healthy Lives, Brighter Futures – The Strategy for Children and Young People’s Health
Department of Health
In December 2007, the Government made a commitment in the Children’s Plan to publish a child health strategy jointly between the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Healthy lives, brighter futures: A strategy for children and young people’s health has been launched by Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health and Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.
This joint DH/DCSF strategy presents the Government’s vision for children and young people’s health and wellbeing. It sets out how we will build on progress through: world-class outcomes; high quality services; excellent experience in using those services; and minimising health inequalities.
For more information and to download the relevant documents go to:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPol icyAndGuidance/ DH_094400
Item 19
Website: Family Fund Extra
The Family Fund
The Family Fund has launched a new free-to-join website which gives families of disabled children and young people online discounts from leading high street names such as Comet, Argos, Haven Holidays and Stone Computers. There is also a facility whereby the Family Fund is given a small commission if people choose to shop this way online through various retail outlets.
http://www.familyfundextra.org.uk
Item 20
New Training Standards for Short Break Carers
Children’s Workforce Development Council
A set of training and development standards for short break carers has been launched by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC).
The standards cover six key areas, including effective communication, child development, self-development and keeping young people safe from harm.
The Training, Support and Development Standards for Short Break Carers provide a structured approach to the assessment and training of short break carers. They cover their preparation and assessment in the 12 months following their approval as carers or from taking up their role.
The standards have been built on a similar document for foster carers and are supported by a workbook for carers and supervisor notes.
To download the Short Break TSD standards, short break carer workbook and supervisor notes go to:
http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/social-care/short-break-carers
Item 21
Attitudes Towards Disability Shocking Say UK Families with Disabled Children
Contact a Family
Families with disabled children in the UK feel stigmatised and shut out from society, according to new research published today by Contact a Family.
Contact a Family surveyed 615 families with disabled children about their experiences of living in the UK, asking what makes you stronger practically, socially and emotionally.
‘What makes my family stronger’ found negative attitudes towards disability coupled with a lack of services are the main barriers preventing families with disabled children from leading ordinary lives. While some families show resilience, imagination and great strength attempting to overcome these barriers, there are some who cannot cope any longer and are at breaking point.
Further information and key findings of the ‘What makes my family stronger’ report can be downloaded from the link:
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/index.php?module=newsmodule&action=view&id=296& src=@random4864ff40710ee
For further information contact:
Elaine Bennett, Media Officer
Tel: 020 7608 8741/8744
Email: elaine.bennett@cafamily.org.uk
Meetings, Conferences & Events
Item 1
Music Gets Us Going: Learning through music for children with complex needs
RNIB
Summary
A one-day course looking at musical ways of prompting development in children with sight problems and complex needs.
This one-day course will provide attendees with a wealth of ideas to take home and try. Ideas will be shared through both practical activities and discussion led by RNIB's Sally Zimmermann.
Learning objectives
Attending this course will enable you to:
explore the world of sound for children with visual impairment and additional complex needs
analyse music making with groups to promote movement, vocalisation, and concept development
participate in music and sound activities 1:1
make assessments of musical progress and progress through music
have fun making music.
Be prepared to join in and feel free to take along your favourite song of the moment and to talk about any music technology you have found helpful.
Course presenter
Sally Zimmermann, RNIB Music Adviser
Who should attend?
Teachers, teaching assistants, parents of children with visual impairment and complex needs. Also music teachers, community musicians, music therapists, advisory visual impairment teachers and early years workers with MDVI children.
Date and location
Thursday 3 December 2009 – Leeds
Organising centre: Action for Blind People Yorkshire, Humber and North East
Telephone 0113 274 8855
Fax 0113 274 8800
Email: ActionYorksHumberandNorthEast@actionforblindpeople.org.uk
Cost • Professionals: £130 • Parents and carers: £60
Booking details and further information visit:
http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_csm usiccourse.hcsp
Item 2
Achieving Successful Transitions For Young Service Users
Community Care Conferences
8th July 2009
Cavendish Conference Centre, London W1G 9DT
This conference will explore the transition process from children’s to adults’ services and/or education and training for young service users.
Leaders in the field and experts will share best practice and practical tips on making the transition process work effectively.
Drawing on examples from across different groups, for example looked-after children, mental health, ASD, learning disabilities and disabled children’s groups, and from different parts of the country. You will examine what has been overcome and which of these success practices you can apply to your own methods.
The conference will examine:
How transition relates to policy, such as Every Child Matters, Every Disabled Child Matters and Valuing People Now
Real life case studies and experiences from education, mental health and employment scenarios
How individual budgets and personalistion are affecting transition planning
Best practice joint working between services and partner agencies to promote the best life outcomes for young service users.
Cost to attend:
£349 / £249
For more information or to book online please go to:
http://www.conferencesandtraining.com/en/Browse-Events/Community-Care/Achievin g- Successful-Transitions-For-Young-Service-User/
To book by telephone, please call: 0207 347 3500
Item 3
Cultural Diversity and Child Care: Considering Outcomes
Asian Family Counselling Service and Nafsiyat Inter-cultural Therapy Centre
Friday 10th July 2009
2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Seminar Room 2, London Voluntary Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
While cultural diversity may be acceptable as fact, most of us would assume ‘parental love’ to be a universal human capacity. However, the ways in which parental love is experienced and expressed, are likely to be culturally diverse. There is a risk of mis-reading parental behaviour, and the outcomes for children, in multicultural practice settings if we assume that local policies (clinical and organisational) are culture-neutral. This interactive seminar will explore the relational and emotional contexts of children’s lives to consider how children experience the care they receive, and the impact of this care on their future lives.
Speaker: Dr Begum Maitra, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, East London NHS Foundation Trust
Fees to attend:
Regular: £40
Students and unwaged: £25
Tel: 0207 2636947
Email: nafsiyat.intercultural@gmail.com
http://www.nafsiyat.org.uk/
Item 4
Achieving Successful Transitions for Young Service Users
Community Care Conference
Support young service users through changes in their social care, education, health and employment support needs as they move towards adulthood
This Community Care conference will explore the transition process from children’s to adults’ services and/or education and training for young service users.
Leaders in the field and experts will share best practice, and practical tips on making the transition process work effectively.
Drawing on examples from across different groups, for example looked-after children, mental health, ASD, learning disabilities and disabled children’s groups, and from different parts of the country. You will examine what has been achieved, how challenges and obstacles have been overcome and which of these success practices you can apply to your own methods.
For more information or to book your place:
Tel: 0207 347 3574 – or book online at:
http://www.conferencesandtraining.com/transitions
