September 2008
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.
Funded by the Dimensions Group
Previously by Diana Memorial Fund / Vodafone UK Foundation
Run by the Association for Real Change, ARC
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
‘Person-centred support: what service users and practitioners say’
JRF Findings
This summary tells you about the ‘Standards We Expect’ project.
Introduction
Disabled people and others have long argued that it does not make sense to spend money on services which limit people’s choices and their opportunities to live ordinary lives.
The alternative, personalisation, aims to support people to make choices and to be included. It goes under many different names, including ‘independent living’, ‘person-centred support’ and ‘self-directed support’. They are all based on the same principle: if disabled people are to participate and contribute as equal citizens they must have choice and control over the support they need to go about their daily lives.
This is a matter of social justice. It is an issue therefore which is fundamental to the kind of society we are, and the kind of society we want to be.
Moreover, it is essential that the people who depend on services are at the heart of decisions about the design and delivery of those services.
This study starts from that position, by asking service users themselves what person-centred support is, what gets in the way of providing it and what helps. It also fully recognises the role of family carers and the important relationship between service users and those managing and providing services.
‘Personalisation’ of public services has become fashionable for politicians, policy-makers and providers. This research is a timely reminder that service users have long been arguing for, and designing, person-centred services. Change will only happen if services are shaped by the people who rely on them.
So, an idea which came from service users themselves will only be realised if individuals are empowered to play their full part, not only in determining their own lives but also in the transformation of public services.
Further information
The full summary and full report are available to download at:
www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialcare/2258.asp
Item 2
New Website – Supporting Aiming High for Disabled Children
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has appointed the Together for Disabled Children partnership to support the Aiming High for Disabled Children short breaks programme and development of parent participation forums.
www.togetherfdc.org/default.aspx
Item 3
The Emotional Well-Being of Young People Seeking Asylum in the UK
Refugees and asylum seeking children and young people’s experiences have profound impact on their emotional well being and mental health is revealed in a major new study by the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education.
54 young people from 18 different countries of origin, aged 9 to 17 on arrival in the UK, were interviewed for the study which is to be published by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).
The study aimed to ascertain how these children and young people arriving on their own to seek asylum in the UK, were affected psychologically and emotionally by their experiences. It concluded that young people continued to be deeply affected by the trauma and distress they had suffered in their countries of origin, but also by the impact of their journey to the UK. The treatment they received once they arrived had both positive and negative effects on their emotional well-being. At the same time this group of young people, in the face of adversity, were often remarkably courageous and resilient.
The findings are relevant to all agencies that provide services to asylum-seeking young people and will help ensure that they receive the support, help and advice they need. They also counter the negative image often portrayed of asylum seekers. Elaine Chase, co-author of the report says. We hope that this report goes some way towards raising the profile of the needs of unaccompanied young people seeking asylum here in the UK and helps to guide policy and practice so that young people access the best possible care and support to promote their emotional well-being.
For more information and to purchase the report, visit:
www.baaf.org.uk/res/pubs/books/book_ewb.shtml
Contact: Colin Startup
E-mail: colin.startup@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Item 4
Sex and Relationship Education for People with Learning Disabilities
To help educators deal with difficult questions, Hilary Dixon of Me-and-Us and Revd Jane Fraser of BodySense present resources and training to support sex education programmes for people with learning disabilities on the website: www.me-and-us.co.uk .
The website includes resources to teach about sensitive issues and appropriate sexual behaviour and encourage young people to be aware of their developing bodies, including menstruation.
Training courses are also made available via this website to clarify the law and good practice, provide opportunities to consider sensitive issues and appropriate behaviours, consider the impact of abuse and of bereavement, and explore and review curriculum materials.
www.me-and-us.co.uk
Item 5
Transforming the Lives of Disabled Children
Department for Children, Schools and Families
A new major package was launched in May this year to improve the lives of disabled children and their families.
The key elements include:
• Guidance to help schools tackle the bullying of disabled children and those with special education needs; • National expectations of how disabled children and families in every area can expect services to be provided – the ‘core offer’; • A new body to support delivery of short breaks for disabled children and their families; • And the first wave of pilots for the £35 million Disabled Children’s Access to Childcare project.
To read more go to:
www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/socialcare/ahdc/
Item 6
Training Resource: Food, Fitness, Fun!
A training package in weight and nutrition for people with learning disabilities
Pamela McIntosh & Jacqueline O'Neil
This activity-based training pack enables health and social care professionals to offer service users a varied and interesting approach to weight management and nutrition. The pack allows staff to address the nutritional needs of people with learning disabilities without previous specialist knowledge of the subject as all the nutritional advice is explained in full.
The eight flexible sessions can be used in a variety of formats that ensure the training is enjoyable both for participants and group leaders, as together they share new experiences and improve their knowledge towards leading healthier lives.
Vital information for: direct care staff, primary healthcare staff working with groups or individuals, day centres, care homes, schools and community learning disability teams.
Format: ringbound session notes including handouts, OHP masters and charts (160pp).
Pavilion Publishing Price: £79.95 ISBN: 978 1 900600 73 6
Order Form available to download at:
http://www.pavpub.com/pavpub/trainingmaterials/showfull.asp?section=&SubSection=& Product=732
Item 7
Becoming a Woman
A teaching pack on menstruation for young women with learning disabilities
Emma Cooper
Becoming a Woman is aimed at educating those who work with young women with learning disabilities, and the women themsleves, about this important life event. It explains what will, and may happen to them when they have a period, exploring the physical realities of dealing with a period and the possible emotional effects that can occur within a menstral cycle.
This training helps participants to identify information young women need about their bodies. It introduces the processes involved in menstruation and more detailed information about hygiene, pain management and sanitary protection.
This illustrated pack as been written to be relevant not only to inform girls who have not yet started their periods but also for older women with limited understanding.
Vital information for: OT's and other carers and staff working with girls and women with learning disabilites.
Format: PDF (80pp)
Pavilion Publishing Price: £45.00 ISBN: 1 900600 98 6
Order Form available to download at:
http://www.pavpub.com/pavpub/trainingmaterials/showfull.asp?section=&SubSection=& Product=874
Item 8
Children Leaving Care Give Their Verdict Community Care
Voice developed exit questionnaires in three secure children's homes. Analysing the results of these revealed the following: young people were generally positive about their care and identified good outcomes, particularly in education aspects of daily living caused the greatest dissatisfaction young people tended to lose contact with their “home” peer groups and 10% had no clear discharge plan. Unit managers and advocates were generally positive about the impact of the process on practice.
To read more go to:
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/08/27/109225/learning-by-experien ce- children-leaving-care-give-their-verdict.html
Item 9
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children
Community Care
Many unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK will have travelled for miles to escape horrific incidents in their home lands. But despite their vulnerability campaigners argue that the group are not treated as well as other children by the government and that a two-tier system exists.
To read outlines on key legislation, guidance and court cases that have shaped services for this group go to:
www.communitycare.co.uk/unaccompanied
Item 10
Forced Marriage: Marriage of Convenience
Community Care
The exploitation of learning disabilities in forced marriages has only recently come to light, but it is a practice that has gone on for years.
When can consummating a marriage constitute rape or indecent assault? When it’s a forced marriage. This year forced marriage hit the public consciousness after the Home Affairs Select Committee report into domestic violence, forced marriage and ‘honour’ – based violence generated much media attention.
But a less well-known variation of what is a criminal act coming to public attention involves the forced marriage of people with learning disabilities.
For more on this subject:
Parents using forced marriage as a care option for their disabled children
www.communitycare.co.uk/108827
Forced Marriage Unit
www.communitycare.co.uk/fmu
Helpline: 0207 008 0151
Charities for people with learning disabilities
www.judithtrust.org.uk / www.voiceuk.org.uk
Item 11
Councils Take The Pledge
Community Care
There are 60,000 looked-after young people in England. Relying on the state for part or all of their upbringing they represent the client group with the greatest exposure to children’s services. But despite their numbers and insight their voices are seldom heard.
The Care Matters reforms want to change this by involving these children in shaping the services they receive. A key part of the plans is the pledge for looked-after children outlined in both the Care Matters green and white papers. Under this, each council will make a pledge setting out what looked-after children in their area will receive.
Care Matters green paper can be downloaded at:
www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/conResults.cfm?consultationld=1406
White paper from:
www.dcsf.gov.uk/publications/timeforchange
Meetings, Conferences & Events
Item 1
Parental Engagement in Children’s & Youth Services
Emap Education Conferences, in association with LGC
Improving outcomes for 0 – 19 year olds through information provision, communication and multi-agency working
Date: Thursday 27th November 2008
Venue: Earls Court Conference Centre, London SW5
Are you working to successfully engage with parents to improve outcomes for children and families?
Effectively engaging parents through communication, a strong understanding of their needs and delivery of flexible services are all central to the wider agenda of improving outcomes for children.
Emap Education's Parental Engagement in Children’s & Youth Services conference provides you with the strategic and practical tools to achieve targeted information provision and service delivery.
Who should attend?
This conference has been specifically designed for Children’s, Youth and Family Information Services professionals in:
• Local authorities • Children’s centres • Schools • Extended schools • The voluntary sector • The health sector
For More Information and Costs
www.emapeducation.com/engagingparents
Tel: 0845 056 8339
Email: educationconferences@emap.com
Item 2
Every Child DOES Matter: How to transform the lives of challenging children and adolescents
Mindfields College
Locations and Dates
Cambridge – 21st October 2008
Manchester – 11th November 2008
London – 9th December 2008
Bristol – 28th January 2009
London – 26th March 2009
Birmingham – 1st April 2009
Liverpool – 28th May 2009
Harrogate – 3rd June 2009
Edinburgh – 1st July 2009
Mike Beard’s practical workshops gives you the opportunity to develop powerful strategies for working effectively with challenging and chaotic behaviour in young people.
It also shows you how to manage your own emotional responses to such behaviour, so you can more constructively support those who may be struggling.
The workshop Programme:
9.30 – Setting the scene
11.30 – Gathering resources
2.00 – Making it work
3.45 – Towards a brighter future
4.45 – Day ends
To read more or to book go to their website : www.mindfields.org.uk
Item 3
Working Effectively with Troubled and Troublesome Teenagers
Mindfields College
Locations and Dates
Bristol – 7th October 2008
Manchester – 12th November 2008
London – 11th December 2008
London – 12th March 2009
Dublin – 5th May 2009
Harrogate – 4th June 2009
A lively day that will clarify for you what healthy teenage development looks like, why things can go wrong and how to help young people overcome obstacles and begin to develop lives that work. This is an intensive and varied programme that focuses on gaining skills.
The workshop Programme:
9.30 – What’s the trouble?
11.30 – How to communicate with teenagers
2.00 – Practical problem solving
3.45 – How to help them create a life that works well
4.45 – Day ends
To read more or to book go to their website : www.mindfields.org.uk
Item 4
Overcoming Transition Challenges for Young People with Asperger Syndrome
Brookdale, Community Care Conferences
Tuesday 25th November 2008 Central London
There is increasing awareness of Asperger syndrome and growing numbers of young people are being diagnosed. However, the transition from child to adult services is an issue of concern because it is not clear to which department individuals should be referred to when moving into adulthood.
This informative one-day conference has been designed to give you a practical and wide-ranging perspective on speakers on best practice transition planning and how to implement successful strategies.
For more information and to book your place go to:
www.conferencesandtraining.com/aspergers
Item 5
NASEN & TES Special Needs London Exhibition 2008
Moving On Up by ARC will be exhibiting on Stand V3 at the NASEN & TES Special Needs Exhibition in London 2008
The exhibition is FREE to visitors and is open from 9:30AM to 5:00PM on Friday 17th & Saturday 18th October, at The Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
For more information and to book a place as a visitor go to the exhibition website:
http://www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk/Exhibitions/NASEN+&+TES+Special+Needs+Exhibition/ London/2008/
We look forward to seeing you there!
Outline of the event
This is the only exhibition in London this Autumn term focusing purely on special educational needs. It is a FREE special needs teaching resources exhibition which provides the opportunity to view the latest product and service developments from over 130 Special Education Needs suppliers. You'll be able to compare, test and purchase what's on offer.
There is a programme of professional development seminar sessions covering all areas of the curriculum. Keep abreast of advances being made within ICT in our Special needs IT feature area. Within the main seminar programme there is also a series of seminar sessions looking at how you can incorporate ICT into your everyday teaching.
With so much on offer we're sure you'll find a wealth of fresh, exciting and creative special education resources and suggestions for classroom activities and lesson plan ideas – in fact everything you need for the new academic year!
Item 6
Moving on Up Together – Fun Days for 2008!
ARC has been funded by the Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme for this exciting new project about transition.
It aims to increase the capacity of local learning disability, voluntary and community organisations to enable black and minority ethnic young people with learning disabilities to access motivating and inspiring information about transition and thereby raise the young people’s self esteem and improve their life chances.
Six exciting and motivating events are being planned:
• Luton – 7th November 2008
• Bristol – 11th November 2008
• Oldham -14th November 2008
Three of the events will be held in February 2009 (dates to be confirmed) at:
• Tower Hamlets
• Liverpool
• Bradford
A guidance pack will also be produced to stimulate other organisations to hold similar events in the future.
For more information please contact:
Lesley Dean, Project Worker
Email: lesley.dean@arcuk.org.uk
Tel: 07894 390749
