Monthly Archives: September 2016

Jo shares her experience of being a Mother, Carer -part 2

“Hitting 25, does it get easier or harder”

Hitting 25 everything gets harder and if you don’t have a label (which I hate) you have to fight for everything and Jess is unable to do this on her own! Recently Jess became partially sighted through eye surgery. Very little sight in her right and not perfect in the left, but we cannot register as her partially sighted because her left eye is too good! So we have gone through yet another assessment as the 12 hours care she receives to live on her own is not enough to cover her needs though better than the 2 she was originally awarded, but took legal action to get the 12 hours. But that assessment took place in May and still no news. We have been told she won’t lose any as can happen when a re-assessment takes place! Then there is the match funding out of Jess’s benefits for her direct payments, the yearly reviews, the change over from DLA to PIPS. I could go on.

Guilt! It is always there and no matter how hard you try to push it to the back of your brain it somehow worms its way back to the front. Was it my fault Jess is disabled, did I do something wrong during pregnancy? I doing the right thing in sending my child to a special school or should they remain in mainstream schooling? People say things that make you think you are a bad parent such as “should you really allow your daughter to do things other children do?” “Should you not live with your daughter?” But the hardest thing is trying to explain why you will go to the end of the earth to protect them and see they are safe, because they are unable to do this for themselves. Both my children are my world and I love them so much but with a child who is so vulnerable you go that extra mile!

But there is another side to all this. Despite all Jess’s difficulties I wouldn’t change her and I know her dad wouldn’t.

Jess has achieved so much in her life and we are so very proud of her. Jess now works 2 days a week in a garden nursery, she volunteers at a day centre helping to teach sign language. She is vice chair of People’s Parliament Worcestershire for disabilities. She as joined a signing choir. She does Special Olympics, 3 years ago winning gold and silver medals at the national games.

More recently  our second book was published which we co-wrote. As story about a disabled fairy called Jess. www.jessthegothfairy.com Jess is a fairy who looks different but just like Jess herself all she wants to do is be accepted in her community and help others. Jess tells me how she has felt growing up and we try to put this into words. The first book ‘Jess the Goth Fairy’ is about bullying the second about looking different. The message being ‘it’s ok to be different as we are all the same inside!’ The journey it has taken us has been amazing. We visit schools, colleges and disabled organisations where I read our story and Jess signs it. Then she chats to the young people about what is like to be disabled. To see her stand up in front of 200 pupils on her first visit and answer questions of any kind was so emotional and such pride! Seeing these young people who perhaps have never met someone who looks different, nervous at first, but chatting to Jess is wonderful. Jess also encourages them to go for their dream no matter how small, and more important ‘Never give up!’

 

 

 

 

We also talk to new police officers and GP’s about the stresses of independently living in the community not only from Jess’s view but mine as well as a parent/carer.

I suppose where I am coming from, is yes, there are moments of sheer desperation and these are never going to go away the 24/7 worry question no one will answer “What happens when I am not here?” But there are the magic moments such as the gold medal or watching Jess at People’s Parliament or just having that voice smiling down the phone saying “I love you mum”

To all parents who have a child that needs that extra bit of help along the way, it’s so hard and there will be days when you just sit down a cry and shout at the phone or just want to give up. Don’t, keep fighting and if we all do this we can make a better, safer life for our vulnerable young people.

 

 

Brain Injury Focus Group Networking Event

Brain Injury Focus Networking Event takes place on Thursday 6th October at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, Chapter House North, Abbey Lawn, Shrewsbury SY2 5DE. 5.30 pm to 7 pm.

This is a drop in event, free to attend and is a follow on from the very successful event Lanyon Bowdler hosted earlier this year “Surviving Brain Injury  The Journey” We hope to see many of you there.

For more details click here: brain-injury-forum-a5-downloademail

The NHS & You: A Conversation about our Services

Shropshire Council Enablement Team have been asked to undertake some survey work on behalf of the NHS relating to experience that individuals have recently had of A & E services and/or Outpatient services at either the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or the Princess Royal Hospital, or supported a family member or friend to use them.

Two members of Shropshire Council’s Community Enablement Team will meet you at a time and place that is most suitable to you. Our conversation shouldn’t take longer than an hour, and all information will be kept in the strictest confidence. Taking part in this exercise is voluntary. 

If you would like to tell us about your experience or would like more information, we need to hear from you by Tuesday 4th October 2016. Please call Joyce Brisbane on 01743 253 077 or email joyce.brisbane@shropshire.gov.uk

For more information click herenhs-poster

 

 

Childcare sufficiency assessment 2016

Start Date:
19th September 2016

End Date:
21st October 2016

Start Time:
00.01

End Time:
23.59

Every local authority currently has a statutory duty to carry out regular childcare sufficiency assessments. Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006 gives local authorities a duty to secure, as far as is reasonably practical, sufficient childcare to meet the requirement of working parents.

The assessment involves looking at the childcare provision available across the county, and understanding the needs of working parents with children up to the age of 14 years, or up to 18 years for children with special educational needs or a disability (SEN-D).

For more information about the statutory duty for local authorities, take a look at the Statutory Guide for local authorities. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/351592/early_education_and_childcare_statutory_guidance_2014.pdf

Click on this link, it takes you to two surveys, one for Parent/Carers and another one for Providers. http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/childcare-sufficiency-assessment-2016/

Surveys close Friday 21st October 2016

 

Shrewsbury Voluntary & Community Forum

Start Date:
30th September 2016

End Date:
30th September 2016

Start Time:
10.30 am

End Time:
12.30 pm

Event title: Shrewsbury Voluntary & Community Forum
Venue: Street Pastors, 20 Shoplatch Shrewsbury SY1 1HS
Name: Clive Leworthy
Email: clive.leworthy@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
Telephone: 07791 260 888
Event description: Our meeting will include a tour of Street Pastors Headquarters and an update by Steve Jones Director of operations. We will also have a presentation on fuel poverty plus update on the Deprivation of Liberty Volunteers project. We will share news with you of a Make A Difference Day Event in Shrewsbury Square on the 27th Oct and a presentation from Healthwatch Shropshire on their current work.

 

Signal Hub Hosts British Sign Language Course

Start Date:
5th October 2016

End Date:
8th November 2016

Start Time:
10 am

End Time:
12.15 pm

Event title: Signal-British Sign Language Course
Venue: Signal: The Hub: Unit 20-22, Riverside Mall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1PJ
Name: Signal Hub
Email: emma@signal.org.uk
Telephone: 01743 358356
Event description: Signal is running a new beginners’ British Sign Language (BSL) course on Tuesdays, beginning on Tuesday 4th October 2016.
The course content is fun and entertaining and will give learners a great introduction to the language.

The course will be run on the following dates:

  • 4th October
  • 11th October
  • 18th October
  • 25th October
  • 1st November
  • 8th November

Booking is essential so please get in touch to reserve your place.
Please contact emma@signal.org.uk or call 01743 358356 to book.

The course, which costs £65 per learner, will run for six classes in total. Signal: The Hub loyalty card holders will be eligible for a £5 discount.

Click here for poster: bsl-classes_a4-poster_2016

Inclusive Training Community Events

Start Date:
11th October 2016

End Date:
11th October 2016

Start Time:
9 am & 12.45 pm

End Time:
1 pm & 5 pm

Event title: Inclusive Training Community Events
Venue: University Centre Shrewsbury, Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8HQ
Weblink: www.the-movement-centre.co.uk/
Name: The Movement Centre
Email: info@the-movement-centre.co.uk
Telephone: 01691 404248
Event description: The Movement Centre at Oswestry are hosting two Inclusive Training Community Events on Tuesday 11th October at University Centre, Shrewsbury. The morning session is from 9 am to 1.15 pm for Parents & Carers, while the session is for Professionals working with children & starts at 12.45 pm -5 pm. Both sessions include lunch.

Throughout the training you will:

  • Learn about practical tools to support inclusive delivery
  • Explore creative ideas to support disabled people to take part in physical activity and sport
  • Complete a workbook that will support your activity sessions after the course
  • Learn about local opportunities for participants, leaders, volunteers and coaches in sport and physical activity.

Places are limited & cost £20 per person including lunch with the opportunity to network and share information. All places must be booked by Monday 3rd October 2016

For more information including how to book your place click here: the-movement-centre-inclusive-community-training-event-2016 or click on this link https://www.the-movement-centre.co.uk/support-us/inclusive-community-training-event/

Places cost £20 per person including lunch with the opportunity to network and share information.

White Christmas (Dementia Friendly)

Start Date:
6th December 2016

End Date:
6th December 2016

Start Time:
2 pm

End Time:
4.30 approx

Event title: White Christmas (Dementia Friendly)
Venue: Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 1 Mill St, Ludlow SY8 1AZ
Weblink: www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Name: Ludlow Assembly Rooms
Email: N/A
Telephone: 01584 878141
Event description: This is part of our Dementia Friendly Screenings with A Life More Ordinary. A Life More Ordinary is our selection of dementia-friendly film screenings for those living with dementia, their families, friends and carers. Extending the welcome to all members of the public, screenings take place in a relaxed atmosphere where people are welcome to move around and come and go as they please.
A Life More Ordinary is possible thanks to Dukes Theatre Lancaster and the BFI Film Hub North West Central.

For this screening there will be an interval with tea and cake.

White Christmas:
Tow ex-World War II soldiers team up and become a successful Broadway duo before becoming romantically involved with a sister act. The follow the pair to a ski lodge in Vermont to find that the ski lodge is failing and is owned by their former commander. Can they help him?
Bing Crosby will serenade you into the festive season with title song White Christmas. Also starring Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney.

You can book online, by phone (01584 878141), in person or by post

The Box Office is open from 10 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday.
If booking online, please collect your tickets from Box Office. We do not send tickets out, but you can collect them on the night of the show/film, or at any time before if you prefer.

Tickets £5.00 including Refreshments. Carers go FREE.

Holocaust Memorial Day-Screening of Triangles

Start Date:
27th January 2017

End Date:
27th January 2017

Start Time:
8 pm

End Time:
9.30 pm

Event title: Holocaust Memorial Day-Screening of Triangles
Venue: The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY1 1TE
Name: Shropshire Rainbow Festival
Email: N/A
Telephone: N/A
Event description: There will be a screening of “Triangles-Witnesses of Holocaust” at The Hive as part of Holocaust Memorial Day.

TRIANGLES is an unprecedented, inclusive film that shines an intimate light on a broader community and culture of the Holocaust not previously revealed. The Holocaust was a cruel and inconceivable tragedy. Not only were six million Jews murdered, other groups rarely heard about were also persecuted and killed by the Nazis before, during and after the Holocaust.

There will be two other short films as well – click on the link below for further details/tickets.

The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Cllr. Ioan Jones will be attending. There will be short addresses also from Steve Cunningham and Peter Roscoe.

Tickets £4-£5 must be bought via Eventbright. Click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/holocaust-memorial-day-screening-triangles-witnesses-of-the-holocaust-tickets-27182480531

World Aids Day

Start Date:
1st December 2016

End Date:
1st December 2016

Start Time:
8 pm

End Time:
10.15 pm

Event title: World Aids Day
Venue: Old Market Hall Cinema, The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH
Weblink: www.rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk
Name: Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival
Email: info@oldmarkethall.co.uk
Telephone: 01743 281281
Event description: To mark Word Aids Day, the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival in conjunction with the Old Market Hall Cinema, will be a screening of “Holding the Man”

“Holding the Man”
Tim and John fell in love and embarked on a forbidden high school romance that was to last a lifetime. Together they conquered countless prejudices and challenges to become champions of gay rights. Holding The Man is a remarkable true-life love story of Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo and their enduring love for each other has been immortalised in Tim’s own cult classic memoir and in Tommy Murphy’s award winning stage play, which has now been adapted for the screen.