St Helens Carers Centre

Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) aims to ensure that parents are involved at a local level in strategic decision-making about the provision of services that their disabled children need.

Involving parents and carers in planning and developing services is the best way of creating cost-effective, responsive services that work for families.

1.1. How do I get a diagnosis for my child? You need to speak to your GP and they will make a referral, or you can speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and ask for your child to be discussed at the Multi Agency Planning Meeting. From this they could ask for an Educational Psychologist to complete an assessment and this will then be referred to the Paediatrician who will make the final diagnosis. SENCO 's are based within each school in the Borough.

2. How do I find out more information in respect of out of school activities for my child? You can make a self referral to Barnardo's or the Carers Centre can make a referral on your behalf. However, you need to firstly establish what it is your child would benefit from. Click here for referral form. Barnardo's will usually only accept referrals when a social services assessment has taken place because some children fall out of the criteria, such as children with ADHD because this is not a recognised disability in St Helens.

Barnardo's can provide support in a number of ways:

1) Provide sessions at the 4F centre in Rainhill where your child can be dropped off and play in a secure environment.

2) Barnardo's can also work with your child and can sometimes look at providing 1-2-1 support at clubs such as Brownies etc

3) Family Drop in sessions (no referral required) - click here for flyer

Barnardo's Catalyst - 01744 27129 - Main office, has relocated to YWCA, Nunn Street, Parr.

Make it Happen initiative – Money provided from the government to each school, until August 2011, including children from under privileged postcodes. You can ask school whether your child would be entitled to the money for out of school activities

818 CLUB - 677881/07885 981415 - Based at Windlehurst Youth Club. Various activities held, some costs involved.

3. What is available for siblings as they are impacted emotionally? Young Carers can provide activities to children under 18 years whose life is affected significantly by the impact of being involved in caring for a family member who has a physical illness/disability, mental ill health, sensory disability or has problematic use of drugs or alcohol.

Click here to open Young Carers Referral Form

Click here to open Self Referral Form for the Young Carer to complete

Once Young Carers receive the referral the Carer is placed on to Tier 1 and they will make contact with the Young Carer or their family to establish what the Young Carer would like and an assessment is carried out. The assessed level of need will influence where in the tier system the Young Carer will be placed and a potential start date for services will be identified

4. What do I need to do in order to get more services to support me in my caring role? We can contact Social Services or you can make a direct referral (see 'Social Care Services') and if you meet criteria your child will be assigned a disability social worker usually based at the Bridge Centre. However, there are some conditions that will not meet the criteria and they will not be assigned a disability social worker.

Children with Disabilities Team - The Bridge Centre, Lansbury Avenue 01744 673900 - Team work with disabled children aged 0 - 18 years and their families across the Borough.

The team aims to support children and their families by offering a lead professional, coordinating support services, providing practical and emotional support and information. Each family's support plan is based on an assessment of the child and carers needs undertaken at the commencement of involvement with the service. The team comprises of social workers, a specialist nurse, family support workers, and a transitions worker.

Short break services for disabled children and young people - Following assessment of the child and carer's needs, some families of disabled children will access short breaks/respite. These include:

A small (4 bedded) residential short break service (Abbeyford) providing planned and emergency breaks for disabled children aged 7 - 18 years
Short breaks scheme providing breaks for children aged 0 - 18 years with approved short break carers.
Supported play/leisure opportunities (Barnardo's Catalyst project)
Home based support (through Crossroads)
Direct payments in lieu of Council provided short break services enabling parent carers to directly purchase a break or employ support staff for this purpose

5. What do I do because school is not supporting my child in mainstream and he/she is struggling? Usually if your child is struggling an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be in place and this will detail your child’s set targets for the term and can be condition specific. You should have been asked to sign to show you agree to the targets, and you can ask for the IEP to be reviewed at anytime.

You can also get Parent Partnership (PP) involved if you do not feel you are getting support from school. PP will contact the school/SENCO and organise a meeting to discuss concerns.

ST HELENS PARENT PARTNERSHIP - 677368 - Based at Bridge Centre, Lansbury Ave, Parr. Karen Deane and Sheila Henshall coordinators. Offer support and information to parents. Provide social opportunities and befriending. Run a support group on the first Wednesday of each month for parents of children with all types of learning difficulty. Have therapies, counsellor and crèche - flyer for drop in. Also offer training for parents and professionals covering communication, children's disorders and dealing with challenging behaviour. www.parentpartnership.org.uk

6. Since receiving the diagnosis I have not received any advice or direction in relation to who I can turn to for support. You can telephone and request a parent pack from ADHD Northwest or ASD helpline

AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP - 678579 - 13 - 17 year age range. Range of activities for children and informal support between parents. Meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 2pm to 4pm, at Lansbury Bridge click for flyer

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM/ASPERGERS - Group led by parent. Meet at Bridge Centre click for flyer

ASPERGERS SOCIAL GROUP - aspergersthelens@hotmail.co.uk - Email to request place, currently have a waiting list. This group is run by volunteer parents and meets every other Sunday at Windlehurst Youth Centre, Gamble Ave. Have a range of activities for 10 - 16 year olds. Costs £2 per session.

Family Information Service (FIS) (32) - Park Road Centre, Park Road, 0800952 9523. Click here to access online search facility covering many services for parents, including those who are Carers. FIS now incorporates SureStart services. FIS work with all children aged 0 - 20 and their families, offering information such as:

nurseries and parent and toddler groups
activities and services such as parenting classes and family support
Extended services in schools, such as before and after school care
Information about Childcare Centres in the borough
MATCH (32) - based in SureStart centres, MATCH clubs (Men and their children), encourage dads, granddads and male Carers to become more involved in their child's life. They do this by providing support, training events and activities

KATE'S MATES - A Parent has arranged Social Evenings for 14 - 25 year olds and their parents. They take place at Travers Farm, Travers Entry, New Bold. There is no charge for the Young Person, and £3.50 for any accompanying adult (there must be an adult attending). Click here for latest flyer

PARENT CARER SUPPORT GROUP - held at the Carers Centre on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm

7. My child has not received a diagnosis but he/she is becoming very aggressive and has behavioural problems both at school and at home which has an impacted their progress at school? Again a referral can be made to Parent Partnership

BEST TEAM - The school can refer to this team and they will work with your child on both their behaviour and emotions.

FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM - Provide advice regarding behaviour issues. Contact 07769163891.

Active Engagement Team - service currently under restructure. for latest details, contact Youth Offending Service 677990, operations managers there will be able to offer latest information

8. Do I need a diagnosis before I can submit a DLA claim? No - A DLA claim can be submitted and the details of how the behaviour impacts your child and your home environment will be detailed on the application form.

•

9. What is a CAF and do I need one for my child? A Common Assessment Framework is a document that is used as a tool for parents to ensure all agencies involved with the child are documented and an action plan put in to place

10. I have a Child in Need meeting and I do not know what it will involve? The meeting will invite all agencies involved with your child and the social worker assigned will chair the meeting and complete the minutes. All attendees will be advised to complete a report. The social workers report will supersede any CAF in place. Progress is being made to make this whole experience less daunting for parents following feedback from parents through Parent Participation

11. My child has incontinence issues and I do not know what to do? The Continence Assessment Service is based at Fingerpost. A referral can be made by your GP, or from the Carers Centre. Contact 01744 626701 for further details

Short Break Services for disabled children and young people - Following assessment of the child and carer's needs, some families of disabled children will access short breaks/respite. These include:

A small (4 bedded) residential short break service (Abbeyford) providing planned and emergency breaks for disabled children aged 7 - 18 years
Short breaks scheme providing breaks for children aged 0 - 18 years with approved short break carers.
Supported play/leisure opportunities (Barnardo's Catalyst project)
Home based support (through a number of voluntary agencies)
Direct payments in lieu of Council provided short break services enabling parent carers to directly purchase a break or employ support staff for this purpose

ST HELENS Active Engagement Team - 01744 677990 - Alexandra House, Borough Road. Work with children 8 - 13 years of age who are at risk of being involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, and who are willing to take part in the scheme. Service currently under review, you will contact the Youth Offending Team for updates when you ring the AET telephone number

St Helens Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (5 Boroughs service) - 01744 454368 - The Elms, 50 Cowley Hill Lane, St Helens, WA10 2AW. Work with children up to age 16 who have severe, complex and persisting mental health issues, and their families. Referrals can be made by GP, Health Visitor, School or other professional

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	Carer Information Resource Children's Services
	Aiming High For Disabled Children (AHDC): Better support for families, launched in May 2007, is the transformation programme for disabled children's services. AHDC is jointly delivered by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department of Health (DH). Aiming High for Disabled Children (AHDC) aims to ensure that parents are involved at a local level in strategic decision-making about the provision of services that their disabled children need. Involving parents and carers in planning and developing services is the best way of creating cost-effective, responsive services that work for families. St Helens Carers Centre have been commissioned to take forward the Parent Participation agenda in St Helens and are responsible for planning and coordinating Parent Participation Forums (click to move to PP section of pathway) Aiming High For Disabled Children St Helens - click here to access website PARENT CARER SUPPORT PARENT PARTICIPATION OTHER SERVICES PARENT CARER SUPPORT PARENT CARER SERVICES - This document has been produced by the Carers Centre to provide information on services which support Parents and Carers of disabled children. Click here to open a copy The Centre has also produced a list of 'Frequently Asked Questions' which may assist some Parents and Carers. We acknowledge that not all the information may be relevant to all. Click here to open a copy Below you will find the questions, along with more specific information and links to relevant supporting documents: 1.1. How do I get a diagnosis for my child? You need to speak to your GP and they will make a referral, or you can speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and ask for your child to be discussed at the Multi Agency Planning Meeting. From this they could ask for an Educational Psychologist to complete an assessment and this will then be referred to the Paediatrician who will make the final diagnosis. SENCO 's are based within each school in the Borough. 2. How do I find out more information in respect of out of school activities for my child? You can make a self referral to Barnardo's or the Carers Centre can make a referral on your behalf. However, you need to firstly establish what it is your child would benefit from. Click here for referral form. Barnardo's will usually only accept referrals when a social services assessment has taken place because some children fall out of the criteria, such as children with ADHD because this is not a recognised disability in St Helens. Barnardo's can provide support in a number of ways: 1) Provide sessions at the 4F centre in Rainhill where your child can be dropped off and play in a secure environment. 2) Barnardo's can also work with your child and can sometimes look at providing 1-2-1 support at clubs such as Brownies etc 3) Family Drop in sessions (no referral required) - click here for flyer Barnardo's Catalyst - 01744 27129 - Main office, has relocated to YWCA, Nunn Street, Parr. Make it Happen initiative – Money provided from the government to each school, until August 2011, including children from under privileged postcodes. You can ask school whether your child would be entitled to the money for out of school activities 818 CLUB - 677881/07885 981415 - Based at Windlehurst Youth Club. Various activities held, some costs involved. 3. What is available for siblings as they are impacted emotionally? Young Carers can provide activities to children under 18 years whose life is affected significantly by the impact of being involved in caring for a family member who has a physical illness/disability, mental ill health, sensory disability or has problematic use of drugs or alcohol. Click here to open Young Carers Referral Form Click here to open Self Referral Form for the Young Carer to complete Once Young Carers receive the referral the Carer is placed on to Tier 1 and they will make contact with the Young Carer or their family to establish what the Young Carer would like and an assessment is carried out. The assessed level of need will influence where in the tier system the Young Carer will be placed and a potential start date for services will be identified 4. What do I need to do in order to get more services to support me in my caring role? We can contact Social Services or you can make a direct referral (see 'Social Care Services') and if you meet criteria your child will be assigned a disability social worker usually based at the Bridge Centre. However, there are some conditions that will not meet the criteria and they will not be assigned a disability social worker. Children with Disabilities Team - The Bridge Centre, Lansbury Avenue 01744 673900 - Team work with disabled children aged 0 - 18 years and their families across the Borough. The team aims to support children and their families by offering a lead professional, coordinating support services, providing practical and emotional support and information. Each family's support plan is based on an assessment of the child and carers needs undertaken at the commencement of involvement with the service. The team comprises of social workers, a specialist nurse, family support workers, and a transitions worker. Short break services for disabled children and young people - Following assessment of the child and carer's needs, some families of disabled children will access short breaks/respite. These include: A small (4 bedded) residential short break service (Abbeyford) providing planned and emergency breaks for disabled children aged 7 - 18 years Short breaks scheme providing breaks for children aged 0 - 18 years with approved short break carers. Supported play/leisure opportunities (Barnardo's Catalyst project) Home based support (through Crossroads) Direct payments in lieu of Council provided short break services enabling parent carers to directly purchase a break or employ support staff for this purpose 5. What do I do because school is not supporting my child in mainstream and he/she is struggling? Usually if your child is struggling an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be in place and this will detail your child’s set targets for the term and can be condition specific. You should have been asked to sign to show you agree to the targets, and you can ask for the IEP to be reviewed at anytime. You can also get Parent Partnership (PP) involved if you do not feel you are getting support from school. PP will contact the school/SENCO and organise a meeting to discuss concerns. ST HELENS PARENT PARTNERSHIP - 677368 - Based at Bridge Centre, Lansbury Ave, Parr. Karen Deane and Sheila Henshall coordinators. Offer support and information to parents. Provide social opportunities and befriending. Run a support group on the first Wednesday of each month for parents of children with all types of learning difficulty. Have therapies, counsellor and crèche - flyer for drop in. Also offer training for parents and professionals covering communication, children's disorders and dealing with challenging behaviour. www.parentpartnership.org.uk 6. Since receiving the diagnosis I have not received any advice or direction in relation to who I can turn to for support. You can telephone and request a parent pack from ADHD Northwest or ASD helpline AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP - 678579 - 13 - 17 year age range. Range of activities for children and informal support between parents. Meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 2pm to 4pm, at Lansbury Bridge click for flyer PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM/ASPERGERS - Group led by parent. Meet at Bridge Centre click for flyer ASPERGERS SOCIAL GROUP - aspergersthelens@hotmail.co.uk - Email to request place, currently have a waiting list. This group is run by volunteer parents and meets every other Sunday at Windlehurst Youth Centre, Gamble Ave. Have a range of activities for 10 - 16 year olds. Costs £2 per session. Family Information Service (FIS) (32) - Park Road Centre, Park Road, 0800952 9523. Click here to access online search facility covering many services for parents, including those who are Carers. FIS now incorporates SureStart services. FIS work with all children aged 0 - 20 and their families, offering information such as: nurseries and parent and toddler groups activities and services such as parenting classes and family support Extended services in schools, such as before and after school care Information about Childcare Centres in the borough MATCH (32) - based in SureStart centres, MATCH clubs (Men and their children), encourage dads, granddads and male Carers to become more involved in their child's life. They do this by providing support, training events and activities KATE'S MATES - A Parent has arranged Social Evenings for 14 - 25 year olds and their parents. They take place at Travers Farm, Travers Entry, New Bold. There is no charge for the Young Person, and £3.50 for any accompanying adult (there must be an adult attending). Click here for latest flyer PARENT CARER SUPPORT GROUP - held at the Carers Centre on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm 7. My child has not received a diagnosis but he/she is becoming very aggressive and has behavioural problems both at school and at home which has an impacted their progress at school? Again a referral can be made to Parent Partnership BEST TEAM - The school can refer to this team and they will work with your child on both their behaviour and emotions. FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM - Provide advice regarding behaviour issues. Contact 07769163891. Active Engagement Team - service currently under restructure. for latest details, contact Youth Offending Service 677990, operations managers there will be able to offer latest information 8. Do I need a diagnosis before I can submit a DLA claim? No - A DLA claim can be submitted and the details of how the behaviour impacts your child and your home environment will be detailed on the application form. • 9. What is a CAF and do I need one for my child? A Common Assessment Framework is a document that is used as a tool for parents to ensure all agencies involved with the child are documented and an action plan put in to place 10. I have a Child in Need meeting and I do not know what it will involve? The meeting will invite all agencies involved with your child and the social worker assigned will chair the meeting and complete the minutes. All attendees will be advised to complete a report. The social workers report will supersede any CAF in place. Progress is being made to make this whole experience less daunting for parents following feedback from parents through Parent Participation 11. My child has incontinence issues and I do not know what to do? The Continence Assessment Service is based at Fingerpost. A referral can be made by your GP, or from the Carers Centre. Contact 01744 626701 for further details PARENT PARTICIPATION The Parent Carer Forum is now fully established and it meets every 3 months, there are Day and Evening meeting. The aim of the Forum is to work together with parents, children, statutory and voluntary organisations to bring about positive changes for St Helens children, young people and their families. The Parent Carer Forum meets to give parent Carers the opportunity to share information and experiences, and to discuss and respond to issues raised. All parents and carers of disabled children and children with additional needs are welcome. To request a place at the next Forum, please ring the Carers Centre on 01744 675615 and ask to speak to the Parent Participation Support Worker Minutes of previous Forums - (Click date to open) July 2009 September 2009 December 2009 March 2010 June 2010 Day forum June 2010 Evening Forum In addition to the forum, we also organise and hold workshops and events for Parents. These are requested by parents during Forum meetings. The PP Support Worker then plans and organises the speakers and invites Carers. See the list of events below for details of future workshops and events, and phone the Centre (details above) to request a place. List of workshops 2010 - Click to open CONTACTPOINT - ContactPoint will be an online directory of every child in England between the ages of 0-18 and is a key element of the Every Child Matters programme to transform children's services by supporting more effective prevention and early intervention. For more information locally go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/contactpoint OTHER SERVICES ALDER HEY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS - www.alderhey.com - booklet available to download, contains information about transport, accommodation, services and support. Copy in resource drawer for reference ASSOCIATION OF WHEELCHAIR CHILDREN - 0844 544 1050 - Enables children who use wheelchairs to reach their full potential by providing practical wheelchair skills training, assessment and support to children and their families. Also work to raise awareness of disability issues. www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk AUTISM/ASPERGERS - please see service specific section CEREBRA PARENT SUPPORT - 0800 328 1159 - Cerebra provide information and support for under 16's, and their families, with brain injuries, neurological disorders, mental disabilities and developmental problems. Have grants available for equipment and a range of information about benefits and services www.cerebra.org.uk CITADEL ARTS CENTRE - The Citadel has a number of inclusive groups that people can get involved in that meet weekly to learn and have fun. Please see below a list of regular activities. To get involved call 01744 735436 or visit www.citadel.org.uk Arts & Crafts Club - (Ages 7-16) - Wednesday’s 5pm-7pm Drama - (Ages 7-11) - Tuesday’s 5pm-7pm - £5/£2.50 Drama - (Ages 12-15) - Tuesday’s 7pm-9pm - £5/£2.50 CLIC SARGENT - 0800 197 0068 - Charity caring for children with cancer and leukaemia and their families. Factsheets available on website. Provide emotional and practical support and signpost to other services. Have care grants and holidays available to eligible families. www.clicsargent.org.uk CONTACT A FAMILY - 01942 721323 (Local contact) - www.cafamily.org.uk/northwest - provide newsletters, arrange training and support and provide factsheets. There is now a Facebook page giving access to videos, podcasts, parent blogs and discussion boards - www.facebook.com/pages/Contact-a-Family/25040545213 CONNECT - 0753 188 7758 - St Helens based charity working with families of disabled children. Run by volunteers, currently no premises. Organise services for parents of children up to age of 19. Plan therapy sessions for parent carers at various venues. Have a caravan in Wales, which parents can book. Have a Toy Library. Parents can blog on the website - www.connectparents.org.uk CONNEXIONS - 673057 - Based at Beacon Centre, College Street. Provide information, advice and guidance for 13 - 19 year olds, up to 25 if identified learning difficulties/disabilities, (with or without SEN) ^ top of page EVERY CHILD MATTERS - The Department for Children, Schools and Families has re-developed the Every Child Matters website to incorporate Local Authorities and Sure Start sites. Aims to be a single channel for information aimed at professionals within Children's services, and includes information on Aiming High for Disabled Children, SEN and disability www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters THE FAMILY FUND – National Charity funded by the Government, open to all families with children age 15 and under who have severe disability or serious illness. Families can apply for grants for services and equipment for the children. Cannot usually consider grants for families whose gross income from employment is over £23,000/year www.familyfundtrust.org.uk FLEDGLINGS – 0845 458 1124 – National organisation that offers free product searches for toys, clothing, developmental aids and other items which may stimulate a child, or give relief to a Carer www.fledglings.org.uk HOME ACCESS - Home Access is a government drive that helps low-income families who currently lack access to a computer and/or internet to get online at home to support learning. The programme is aimed at those that need it most. If you are a low-income family in receipt of certain benefits you could qualify for a Home Access package with Assistive Technology. The programme also aims to assist those with a child with severe disabilities or a SEN. There is an eligibility check list which can be completed online to find out if the family is eligible for a Home Access package, with assistive technology. Application forms available via website www.homeaccess.org.uk HOMESTART - 737400 - Based in Peter St. Home-Start St. Helens matches families who are experiencing difficulties with volunteers who have parenting experience who offer friendship, practical help and support within the home. The volunteers visit their family in the family home for 3 to 4 hours per week. Any family living in St. Helens with at least one child under five can request the support of a Home-Start volunteer. KIDSGUIDE - This website provides a list of charities which help families & children, help lines, specialist advice and treatments, special needs support in Liverpool, Wirral and Merseyside. www.kidsguide.co.uk KIDZ UP NORTH - Annual exhibition held at the Reebok stadium, Bolton. Dedicated to disabled children. Stands provide information about mobility equipment, communication needs, education, access issues and much more. There are also discussion groups and seminars for parents and professionals. Go to www.kidzupnorth.co.uk for details of next exhibition LIVING MADE EASY - Launched by the Disabled Living Foundation, this site was created by an occupational therapist and has information on products for children and young people with disabilities. Includes a star rating system for suppliers, and a forum for parents and children to review and discuss products www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/children Merlin’s Magic Wand - A worldwide charity run by a UK charitable trust, aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged. www.merlinsmagicwand.org NORTHWEST TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM - www.nwtdt.com - 01254 306850 - Organisation that provide training forums for Parent Carers of Disabled Children who wish to become more active in policy making and development of services. Also have information on planning for the future, forums of parent Carers, events and training for Parent Carers and their Cared For - see website ONE PARENT FAMILIES - Advice for lone parents of children with disabilities is available by telephoning the One Parent Family Telephone advice service - 0800 018 5026 Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk/disabledchild PARENTS AND CARERS UNITE (PACU) - 0785 7991 718 - Support group for parents and Carers based at Children's Centre, Thatto Heath. Organise days out and fundraising events to support local residents. Contact Vicky McQuellan for further details SURE START CENTRAL LINK - 25868 - Westfield Street, by Asda roundabout - range of services for parents and grandparents, including drop in sessions where other agencies are available such as jobcentre plus, fitness programmes including walks with prams, stop smoking advice, advice on nurseries, preparing for school and learning through play SHOUT project - free counselling for children from 4 who have suffered trauma due to domestic violence, bullying or other forms of abuse, Children's 1:1 Therapy for any child who has suffered the effects of Domestic Violence, and a Mother and Child support group 608686. Both run by St Helens District Women's Aid, see leaflets VISUAL AIDS FOR LEARNING - This website provides free downloadable visual aids which can be used use in a practical way to assist children with instilling routine in every day tasks www.visualaidsforlearning.com WEEKEND ACTIVITY SCHEME - 01744 675574 - Youth Only Zone, Beacon Building, College Street, Saturday evenings 7pm to 9pm. Run by the Council's Youth Service for young people aged between 13 and 19 and up to 25 for those with special needs. It offers various sports, gym provision, accredited and recorded awards etc. it encourages young people to become more healthy, to enjoy and achieve and have fun. They are an equal opportunity service, fully accessible, the building is wheelchair friendly with a lift to the first floor rooms. If an individual has any additional needs the staff would assess suitability. They can bring a carer or support with them. Activities would be tailored to their abilities, however their staff are youth workers and not trained as care workers. There are no signers. WELLCHILD - 0845 458 8171 - Charity that offers practical support to families with sick children. They campaign for improved services and provide Well Child nurses in some areas. Their 'Helping Hands' project offers practical support with gardening or home renovation projects. see www.wellchild.org.uk for more details. YOUNG MINDS - Website created by and for young people with mental health problems, including anxiety, self harm, conduct disorder, depression, ADHD and eating disorders. www.youngminds.org.uk/my-head-hurts ^top of page The next forum will be on Wednesday 23rd June 2010 at 09.45am. Due to feedback from Carers there will also be an evening Forum on Thursday 24th June, to be held at The Bridge Centre, Lansbury Ave at 6.00pm Minutes of previous Forums - Click to date to open July 2009 September 2009 December 2009 March 2010 In addition to the forum, we also organise and hold workshops and events for Parents. These are requested by parents during Forum meetings, Lorraine then plans and organises the speakers and invites Carers. Use the list of events below to inform Carers, and refer any interested Parents to Lorraine via the database List of workshops 2010 - Click to open The Parent Carer Support Group is a more informal meeting for all Parent Carers and is held on the last Wednesday of each month from 1.00pm, at the Carers Centre. CONTACTPOINT - ContactPoint will be an online directory of every child in England between the ages of 0-18 and is a key element of the Every Child Matters programme to transform children's services by supporting more effective prevention and early intervention. For more information locally go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/contactpoint Family Information Service (FIS) - Park Road Centre, Park Road, 0800952 9523. Click here to access online search facility covering many services for parents, including those who are Carers. FIS now incorporates SureStart services. FIS work with all children aged 0 - 20 and their families, offering information such as: nurseries and parent and toddler groups activities and services such as parenting classes and family support Extended services in schools, such as before and after school care Information about Childcare Centres in the borough MATCH - based in SureStart centres, MATCH clubs (Men and their children), encourage dads, granddads and male Carers to become more involved in their child's life. They do this by providing support, training events and activities ST HELENS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES TEAM - The Bridge Centre, Lansbury Avenue 01744 673900 - Team work with disabled children aged 0 - 18 years and their families across the Borough. If you wish to request a referral for this service you can do so via the Contact Centre Advisors for Adult Social Care and Health who are on duty from 8.45 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. They can be contacted by telephone on (01744) 456600, or personal visit to the Contact Centre, Wesley house, Corporation Street, St. Helens WA10 1HF. The team aims to support children and their families by offering a lead professional, coordinating support services, providing practical and emotional support and information. Each family's support plan is based on an assessment of the child and carers needs undertaken at the commencement of involvement with the service. The team comprises of social workers, a specialist nurse, family support workers, and a transitions worker. Short Break Services for disabled children and young people - Following assessment of the child and carer's needs, some families of disabled children will access short breaks/respite. These include: A small (4 bedded) residential short break service (Abbeyford) providing planned and emergency breaks for disabled children aged 7 - 18 years Short breaks scheme providing breaks for children aged 0 - 18 years with approved short break carers. Supported play/leisure opportunities (Barnardo's Catalyst project) Home based support (through a number of voluntary agencies) Direct payments in lieu of Council provided short break services enabling parent carers to directly purchase a break or employ support staff for this purpose ST HELENS Active Engagement Team - 01744 677990 - Alexandra House, Borough Road. Work with children 8 - 13 years of age who are at risk of being involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, and who are willing to take part in the scheme. Service currently under review, you will contact the Youth Offending Team for updates when you ring the AET telephone number St Helens Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (5 Boroughs service) - 01744 454368 - The Elms, 50 Cowley Hill Lane, St Helens, WA10 2AW. Work with children up to age 16 who have severe, complex and persisting mental health issues, and their families. Referrals can be made by GP, Health Visitor, School or other professional top of page OTHER SERVICES ALDER HEY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS - www.alderhey.com - booklet available to download, contains information about transport, accommodation, services and support ASSOCIATION OF WHEELCHAIR CHILDREN - 0844 544 1050 - Aims to enable children who use wheelchairs to reach their full potential by providing practical wheelchair skills, training, assessment and support, to both the children and their families. They also work to raise awareness of disability issues. www.wheelchairchildren.org.uk AUTISM/ASPERGERS - please see 'service specific' section BARNARDOES - 01744 27129 - Local offices located within the YWCA, Nunn Street, Parr. Also run a break scheme at the Catalyst Centre, Rainhill 0151 426 9115. CEREBRA PARENT SUPPORT - 0800 328 1159 - Cerebra provide information and support for under 16's, and their families, with brain injuries, neurological disorders, mental disabilities and developmental problems. Have grants available for equipment and a range of information about benefits and services www.cerebra.org.uk CLIC SARGENT - 0800 197 0068 - Charity caring for children with cancer and leukaemia and their families. Factsheets available on website. Provide emotional and practical support and signpost to other services. Have care grants and holidays available to eligible families. www.clicsargent.org.uk CONNEXIONS - 673057 - Based at the Beacon Centre, College Street. Connexions provide information, advice and guidance for 13 - 19 year olds, and those up to 25 years if there is an identified learning difficulty (with or without SEN) CONNECT - 0753 188 7758 - St Helens based charity working with families of disabled children. Run by volunteers, currently no premises. Organise services for parents of children up to age of 19. Plan therapy sessions for parent carers at various venues. Have a caravan in Wales, which parents can book. Have a Toy Library. Parents can blog on the website - www.connectparents.org.uk top of page CONTACT A FAMILY - UK wide charity providing advice, support and information for parent carers. Provide newsletters, information sheets and have an online medical directory to obtain details of specific conditions. Put families in contact with one another if they wish. Ruth Card is the local representativeTel:01942 721323 www.cafamily.org.uk/northwest THE FAMILY FUND - National Charity funded by the Government, open to all families with children age 15 and under who have severe disability or serious illness. Families can apply for grants for services and equipment for the children. Cannot usually consider grants for families whose gross income from employment is over £ 23,000/year www.familyfundtrust.org.uk FLEDGLINGS - 0845 458 1124 - National organisation that offers free product searches for toys, clothing, developmental aids and other items which may stimulate a child, or give relief to a Carer www.fledglings.org.uk KIDZ UP NORTH - Annual exhibition held at the Reebok stadium, Bolton. Dedicated to disabled children. Stands provide information about mobility equipment, communication needs, education, access issues and much more. There are also discussion groups and seminars for parents and professionals. Go to www.kidzupnorth.co.uk for details of next exhibition top of page LIVING MADE EASY - Launched by the Disabled Living Foundation, this site was created by an Occupational Therapist and has information on products for children and young people with disabilities. It includes a star rating system for suppliers, and a forum for parents and children to review and discuss products www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/children NORTHWEST TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM - 01254 306850 - Organisation that provide training forums for Parent Carers of Disabled Children who wish to become more active in policy making and development of services. Also have information on planning for the future, forums of parent Carers, events and training for Parent Carers and their Cared For - see website. www.nwtdt.com ONE PARENT FAMILIES - Advice for lone parents of children with disabilities is available by telephoning the One Parent Family Telephone advice service - 0800 018 5026 Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk/disabledchild PARENTS AND CARERS UNITE (PACU) - 0785 7991 718 - Support group for parents and Carers based at Children's Centre, Thatto Heath. Organise days out and fundraising events to support local residents. Contact Vicky McQuellan for further details PSS YOUNG CARERS - 454802 - Support child carers, both in school and with after school activities SOCIAL EVENINGS - A parent has arranged social evenings for 14 - 25 year olds and their parents. They take place at Travers Farm, Travers Entry, New Bold. There is no charge for the Young Person, and £ 3.50 for any accompanying adult (there must be an adult attending. click here for latest flyer ST HELENS PARENT PARTNERSHIP - 677368. Located at the Bridge Children's Centre, Lansbury Avenue. Offer support and information to parents. Provide social opportunities and befriending. Run a support group on the first Wednesday of each month 7-9pm for parents of children with all types of learning difficulty - click here for flyer. Also offer training for parents and professionals covering communication, children's disorders and dealing with challenging behaviour. Click here for link to website SURE START CENTRAL LINK - 25868 - Westfield Street, by Asda roundabout - range of services for parents and grandparents, including drop in sessions where other agencies are available such as jobcentre plus, fitness programmes including walks with prams, stop smoking advice, advice on nurseries, preparing for school and learning through play SHOUT project - 608686 - free counselling for children from 4 who have suffered trauma due to domestic violence, bullying or other forms of abuse, Children's 1:1 Therapy for any child who has suffered the effects of Domestic Violence, and a Mother and Child support group. Both run by St Helens District Women's Aid WEEKEND ACTIVITY SCHEME - 01744 675574 - Youth Only Zone, Beacon Building, College Street, Saturday evenings 7pm to 9pm. Run by the Council's Youth Service for young people aged between 13 and 19 and up to 25 for those with special needs. It offers various sports, gym provision, accredited and recorded awards etc. it encourages young people to become more healthy, to enjoy and achieve and have fun. They are an equal opportunity service, fully accessible, the building is wheelchair friendly with a lift to the first floor rooms. If an individual has any additional needs the staff would assess suitability. They can bring a carer or support with them. Activities would be tailored to their abilities, however their staff are youth workers and not trained as care workers. There are no signers. YOUNG MINDS - This website has been created by and for young people with mental health problems, including anxiety, self harm, conduct disorder, depression, ADHD and eating disorders. www.youngminds.org.uk/my-head-hurts top of page Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided to Carers, St.Helens Carers Centre do not undertake any liability for any error or omission. The products and services listed are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by St.Helens Carers Centre