Volume 3 Issue 8
Making Changes Together
A free friendly conference organised by parents for parents.
Join with other parents/carers of children with disabilities and special needs to positively contribute to the changing face of Disabled Children’s Services in County Durham.
Tuesday 20 May 2008: 9.30am to 2.30pm at:
Seaham Hall Hotel
Seaham
County Durham
Refreshments and lunch provided. For further information or to book a place ring Contact a family on 0191 2136300 or email: northeast.office@caf.org.uk.
Partners in Policymaking
The first ever National Partners in Policymaking Course starting September 2008. This is a one off opportunity for participants to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to campaign and advocate for better treatment and social justice.
The course is open to parents/relatives of disabled children up to the age of 19 plus disabled adults. The course is free and takes place in Loughborough University. Hopefully it will attract 2 or 3 people from each area who in turn can run courses in their own district after they have graduated.
The training consists of 8 sessions, each 2 days long, approximately 1 month apart where national and international experts on disability issues will present information and interact with participants. For more information contact: Lynne Elwell, Colin Pryor or Julia Erskine at Merseyside Partners 0151 2877977. Or visit the website at Bedfordshire County Council and search for 'What is Partners in Policymaking'.
The National Autistic Society 3 Day Help Programme
Help provides support for parents and carers of school aged children, young people and adults who have a recent diagnosis of an ASD.
They are offering this free programme, which runs for 3 sessions, for parents/carers of children aged between 5 and 11 years and who have received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the last 18 months. Sessions are to be held on 3 consecutive Fridays - 20 June, 27 June and 4 July - 9.30am till 3.00pm at:
Howletch Children’s Centre
Penine Drive
Peterlee
Presented by Wendy I’Anson.
The programme sessions cover:
- What are autism spectrum disorders a brief overview.
- Top tips for communication interaction.
- Practical strategies for education and educational rights/law.
- Accessing support services.
- Approaching behaviour difficulties.
- A finger buffet and refreshments will be provided free on all 3 days
- 2 members per family may attend ( or 1 family member and a friend)
- Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis
For further information refer to the Working Families website or phone 08000130313.
County Durham Autistic Support Group Family Activities
The Deep
The World’s only submarium In Hull on Sunday 25 May 2008.
Places for members of the group will cost £5.00 per person. The price includes return transport from central pick up points at Durham, Darlington and Spennymoor. They are hoping to get to The Deep at lunchtime and return home for early evening. Exact departure times will be confirmed nearer the time. There is an observatory café if members wish to buy lunch at The Deep or there are picnic benches located outside of the visitor attraction. In addition there is a picnic area available inside the building.
For further information about the trip or how to become a member please contact Helen Geldard on 01388 819880 or email helen.geldard@cdasg.org.uk. Places on the trip are limited and must be pre-booked by Sunday 11 May.
Diggerland
CDASG Diggerland Group Visit Sunday 22June. 5.30pm to 7.30pm
This is a 2 hour group visit to Diggerland, Langley Park, Durham. Members will have exclusive use of the park including machines, marshalls and rides. The Dig Inn and the Goodie Store will also be open for the duration of the visit. The cost is £5.00 per person. There are limited places so contact Helen ASAP (details above) to get your booking form. Confirmation and directions will be sent on receipt of the application form and payment.
Pool Parties
CDASG will be holding pool parties at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Saturdays 5 July & 27 September from 6.15pm to 9.15pm.
The group has exclusive use of the pool and refreshments will be served at the side of the pool towards the end of the evening. The cost is £3.00 per person and free to those with special needs. Application forms are available from Helen (details above) and must be returned promptly so that catering can be arranged. Forms can be downloaded from the website cdasg.org.uk.
Dyspraxia Foundation County Durham (DFCD)
The club is for children Aged 6 to 18 years.
Activities include: arts and crafts, computers and gym activities. Plus parent support and free book loan scheme. Cost is £3.00 per child For more information ring Tina on 0191 3848283 or Tracy on 01388 748665. Email dfdc@btinternet.com or visit Dyspraxia Foundation County Durham (DFCD).
Down’s Syndrome North East
Family Day Out Beamish Museum
Due to the success of this event over the last 2 years the group are holding another day out for all the family at Beamish Museum, County Durham on Sunday 8 June 2008.
Families are asked to meet at the entrance at 9.40am prompt to be admitted as a group. Everyone can enjoy the museum at their leisure then gather on the events field at 1pm for a picnic lunch (bring your own). The day is open to all members full and associate.
The cost will be £2.00 per person for full members (no charge for under 5s) and £4.00 per person for associates. For further information and to purchase tickets for this event please contact Sandra McConnell, 0191 2363775:
8 Warkworth Drive
Wideopen
Newcastle
NE13 6LX
before Sat. 24 May.
