For Disabled Children

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1 20 Summer 2016 seftondirectory.com/localoffer For Disabled Children Holiday fun in the sun for Whitsun Find out more on page 3 /seftonaiminghigh seftondirectory.com/localoffer

2 Hello, Welcome to a landmark issue of Aiming High for Disabled Children this summer sees our twentieth issue in its current format. We look to improve issue by issue I welcome any feedback you have that can improve it for parents and carers. I want to start by informing you of the merger of our Aiming High service, Children with Disabilities social work teams and the Springbrook respite centre. The combining of these services makes sense and means that I oversee the strategic delivery of an integrated disability service for Sefton, with fantastic staff who I am proud to represent and work with. We will be ready to share Sefton's Short Breaks Statement shortly. The consultation process is absolutely vital in helping us shape the most appropriate short breaks support for our children and young people. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. The team at Aiming High provide excellent support and respite throughout the year, but of course the school holiday periods are very busy, especially for those in the Short Breaks team. I have been pleased to see the service listening to what parents, carers and young people have to say to continually improve the short breaks offer. The summer holiday period in particular takes a great deal of planning while it is a very busy period for the team I know they would not have it any other way. This summer will see the usual array of fantastic activities, including days out, water based activities at Crosby Lakeside, sports camps, Family Fun Days, which continue to grow in popularity and more. With funding and support from Aiming High, our children s centres are hosting lots of fun and educational activities for children with special Transitions Update educational needs and/or disabilities aged 5 years and under many activities will be for the whole family, including their siblings. If you want more information regarding these sessions, contact Caroline Roberts at Sefton Carers Centre by Caroline.Roberts@carers.sefton.gov.uk I do not need to tell anyone reading this newsletter about the difficulties and isolation that parents can feel when they discover that their child has a SEND where to turn in a situation like that? This is where the work of Aiming High and our children s centres really comes into its own. We commissioned a videographer to capture this amazing work you can view the video under Fbsmz!Zfbst!boe!Hspxjoh!Vq in Sefton s Local Offer website: seftondirectory.com/localoffer Last but not least, I want to wish you all a fantastic summer, with plenty of opportunity for relaxation as the teams at Aiming High keep children and young people entertained. Kind regards Jacqui Kerr, Service Manager, Family Support The Aiming High Transitions Co-ordinators are always seeking out new and exciting opportunities for young people age years with SEN and disabilities (SEND). The following sessions give a flavour of the increasing provision for young people: the Edda Community Arts and Library and the Learning Well Agency. Edda Community Arts and Library has been developed by the Bridge Inn Community Farm and takes place at Ainsdale Library. Young adults who attend the sessions enjoy dance, music and drama workshops, as well as a theatre and creative writing opportunities. When the Aiming High Transitions Coordinators Kev Leavitt and Diane Johnson paid a visit to Edda, there was a music class in full swing while a consummately rehearsed show was being pulled together on an impressive stage set, with brilliant props that had clearly been produced by the arts group at Bridge Inn Farm. An altogether very impressive set up that can only benefit young people who take part. To find out more, contact Bridge Inn Farm on or by eddaarts@btconnect.com Alternatively, you can visit their website: edda-arts.co.uk Recently opened in May, the Learning Well Agency is situated on the third floor of the Carers Centre in Waterloo. This new provision aims to promote choice, control and independence for adults with learning disabilities. There will be a range of sessions including: music, coding and information technology, social media and skills for independence. The idea is that the Agency will respond to what people are looking for so do not be afraid to ask if you think there are gaps. You can contact the Learning Well team on For more information on transitions support for young people age years with SEND, contact Kevin Leavitt on / Kevin.Leavitt@sefton.gov.uk or Diane Johnson on / Diane.Johnson@sefton.gov.uk You can find out about all support for children and young people with SEND at Sefton s Local Offer: seftondirectory.com/localoffer 02 Aiming High

3 Holiday fun in the sun for Whitsun During Whitsun half term, Aiming High asked children and young people to provide their feedback using a variety of forms so everyone has a voice. The four days over half term involved engaging, fun activities at Netherton Activity Centre and Christ the King High School that all children thoroughly enjoyed. Other sessions available included Wheels for All at Litherland Sports Park, where children tried different adapted bikes and an outdoor session at Rowan Adventure Park. There was a fantastic day at Crosby Lakeside, where children enjoyed boating and crabbing. Many children were wet afterwards, adding to the fun. Finally, the Family Fun Day at Rowan Park was a huge success with our biggest ever turnout making the most of the glorious weather on the day; it was a very special day with memories galore for everyone involved. Children and young people had a wide variety of engaging activities to get involved in, including zip wire, slides, skittles, archery, face and nail painting, a menagerie of animals, circus man and cricket. Feedback for the event was very positive: I do fun stuff with people I like I enjoy being in a group, trying new things and making friends I got to make dens Family Fun Days A highlight of every short breaks holiday programme delivered by Aiming High has been the Family Fun Days, which continue to grow in popularity and are a great way for families to meet the service. Activities vary at Family Fun Days, but typically visitors can expect to get involved in anything from holding unusual animals to circus skills and everything in-between. It is also a great chance for families and in particular children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities up to 19 years of age to socialise with their peers this includes children aged under 5 years as expert staff from Sefton s Children s Centres also attend. The Family Fun Days are not to be missed, so put the following dates in your diary: Friday 5 August, 10am-2pm Christ The King School, Southport Friday 12 August, 10am-2pm Christ The King School, Southport I had lots of fun Feedback also highlighted activities that children and young people would like to see during future sessions, including bouncy castles, archery, water sports, beach activities, computer based activities, rock-climbing, bowling, and outdoor activities. The team at Aiming High look forward to an actionpacked summer. You can find out more by contacting them on or by aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk Alternatively, you can find out more at Sefton s Local Offer website: seftondirectory.com/localoffer The snakes scared no one at the Aiming High Family Fun Day Friday 19 August, 10am-2pm Rowan Park School, Litherland Friday 26 August, 10am-2pm Rowan Park School, Litherland The team at Aiming High looks forward to seeing you there. For more information, contact the Aiming High Short Breaks Team on or by aiminghigh@sefton.gov.uk You can also find out more at Sefton s Local Offer website: seftondirectory.com/localoffer Aiming High 03

4 And relax with Aiming High Parents and carers took the opportunity to kick back and relax with Aiming High during the Whitsun holiday. Aiming High teamed up with Louise Nixon at Hugh Baird College, who brought pupils from her beautician course along to the family fun day at Rowan Park, meaning an opportunity for parents, carers and young people to meet students while being pampered and having their nails painted and polished; a rare treat. The Aiming High team made sure that children and young people were entertained and taken care of while their parents and carers received five star treatment from the students. In what was a first for Aiming High and Hugh Baird College, the success of the day means that the team at Aiming High is hopeful of future partnership work with Louise and her students. To find out more about this new partnership or about future family fun days, contact Colette Mahon at the Aiming High Short Breaks team on or by Colette.Mahon@sefton.gov.uk This young lady proudly shows off her new nails, courtesy of students at Hugh Baird College Need help with Benefit Advice or forms? The Sefton Welfare Rights team ensure that people claim their full entitlement. Sefton Council s Welfare Rights team consists of a number of trained advisers. The team are able to provide advice and guidance for people who live or work in Sefton across the entire range of Welfare Benefits. They can assist in the completion of Disability Living Allowance forms and more. If you require assistance please call the Advice Line on Mon - Fri 10am pm Sefton Carers Centre have two full time Welfare Benefits Advisors, one based at the Community Service Station in Southport and one at Sefton Carers Centre in Waterloo. The Welfare Benefits Advisors will see carers individually and will offer advice about how to apply for Kidz Up North event for professionals and carers benefits. They will also provide practical support for people if they require assistance to fill in benefit forms. They are also able to provide support or representation at tribunals or appeals, and liaise on behalf of carers with organisations such as Social Services and the Department of Works and Pensions. To make an appointment with our Welfare Benefits Advisor please call Kidz up North are hosting a FREE event in Manchester for anyone who works with children or young adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Expanded to cater for young adults up to the age of 25, there will be over 150 exhibitors offering advice and information on funding, seating, beds, mobility, bathing, sensory, accessible vehicles, transition, communication, housing, education, employment, personal budgets, care, legal matters, wellbeing sports, leisure and much, much more. The event is fully accessible and takes place 9.30am- 4.30pm, 17 November at Event City, Barton Dock Road, Manchester, M17 8AS. To receive updates register your interest now by phone or by info@disabledliving.co.uk Alternatively, you can find out more at: disabledliving.co.uk/kidz/north 04 Aiming High

5 Get Active and Able at Bootle Leisure Centre The Aiming High Team is pleased to announce the arrival of an Active and Able session at Bootle Leisure Centre on a Friday evening. This is following the great success of the session at Crosby Leisure Centre on a Thursday. The session runs for 2 hours, consisting of one hour of multisports and then another hour in the swimming pool. These sessions are developed for disabled children and young people. If family members wish to use the pool they can. Parents and carers will need to be on hand to help get their child(ren) ready for the swim and dried and dressed afterwards. To get involved with your child or young person, contact Thomas Jones at Aiming High on or by Thomas.Jones@sefton.gov.uk Get Healthy, Get Active Sefton s Council s Active Sefton teams are providing inactive adults, many of whom have learning difficulties, with physical activities and exercise as part of a nationally funded programme from Sport England. Young adults who deal with the Aiming High Transitions Coordinators will be eligible for this support, which includes an array of activity to help get them active and keep them fit. Activities include: multi-sports, swimming, chair based exercise, archery, walking groups, water sports and more. The sessions are tailored to individual and group needs, encouraging independence, teamwork, communication and learning. Each session will be delivered by trained staff who will ensure that all participants are safe, engaged and get the most out of each and every session. This is a great opportunity for our young adults leaving our service to know that there are activities available to them throughout Sefton, where they can meet their peers and try something new. To find out more, contact Terri Fitzpatrick at Active Sefton on or by Terri.Fitzpatrick@sefton.gov.uk You can also visit the Get Healthy, Get Active webpage at sefton.gov.uk/sport-leisure Happy 90th Birthday Queen Elizabeth The British summertime was not kind, but that did not stop the team at Aiming High, who took the Aiming High street party indoors to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her Royal Highness the Queen. Aiming High s Saturday Club enjoyed a selection of jam and chocolate spread sandwiches, and no party would be complete without jelly and ice cream! Everyone at the party for Queen Elizabeth, sang Happy Birthday, and had lots of fun colouring in pictures of Her Majesty, decorating homemade crowns and making Union Jack flags. For more information on standalone events or general activities provided by the team at Aiming High, contact Joanne Pringle, Aiming High Short Breaks Worker on or by Joanne.Pringle@sefton.gov.uk Aiming High 05

6 Aim High in the Great Outdoors Summer is here, so no better time to aim high and get outside while the weather is good. Sefton Council s Aiming High service hosts and commissions many outdoor activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Two regular sessions that run during Summer and throughout the year that will get young people out and about are U CLAC ME UP at Crosby Lakeside and Sefton Coast and Countryside's Outdoor Nature Group. The U CLAC ME UP sessions take place at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on Saturdays. There is a morning session each week for 6-10 year olds, from 10am 12noon and an afternoon session, for older children age years, from 12.30pm 2.30pm. Taking in an exciting array of water based activities, children and young people can try bell boating; katakanu; raft building; sailing, canoeing and kayaking. U CLAC ME UP encourages those taking part to be independent, learn new skills, such as paddling, become team players and above all, to enjoy themselves. The warm weather is a great excuse for young people to jump in and Children come close to nature on Sefton's coast adapt to the wet conditions and gain confidence, although anyone who wants to stay dry and simply watch is very welcome. For the budding David Attenboroughs out there, Aiming High is partnering with Sefton Council s Coast and Countryside team to provide 6-10 year olds with a new Outdoor Nature Group at Ainsdale beach on Sunday mornings. They will be supported and guided by experts who will teach them about Sefton s natural environment. As part of the Nature Group, young people can try out forest school activities and explore Sefton s beaches, its dune network, ponds and forest, learning about unique habitats such as the Natterjack Toad and sand lizards along the way. Feedback for the group has been very positive the team at Aiming High wants more young people to get involved. If your child or young person can benefit from the outdoor activities being offered by Sefton s Aiming High for Disabled Children service and our partners, contact Jon Lehan, Aiming High Short Breaks Worker, on or by Jon.Lehan@sefton.gov.uk Contact a Family Information leaflets Contact A Family produce a wide range of interesting and informative leaflets for parents of disabled children including: Help with council tax bills Carers allowance - a benefit for carers Tax credits guide Check out their website for more information cafamily.org.uk Freephone helpline helpline@cafamily.org.uk Autism Training Professionals and Parents in Partnership are hosting autism training and workshops in Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, 15 November It is part of the organisation s 13th Annual National Conference. It is one not to be missed, as they have a track record of attracting many world renowned experts in the field of autism to speak at their conferences. To find out more, contact them by tanyadee@swizzels-matlow.com 06 Aiming High

7 Diane's News Hi Everyone, A few months ago in March I went to the Workfit North West Conference put on by the Down s Syndrome Association at the Premier Inn in Manchester. I gave a short presentation on how Workfit had helped me to find a job. The meeting was organised by Alison Thwaite, the DSA Employment Development Officer Diane Jones, Columnist, Aiming High for the North East and North West. Other young employees with Down s Syndrome gave talks, together with some of their employers. At the beginning of June I went to the Volunteers Celebration Event at Sefton Carers Centre in Waterloo. Volunteers who work for the centre, and at Living Well in Southport, received certificates from Jim Davies OBE, the High Sheriff of Merseyside. He looked very smart in his uniform and wore a sword. Our new Young Adults Group, part of Phoenix Youth and Community Project is really taking off. Our leaders are Laura, James, Vicky and Ray. We have been on trips to The Inn Beer Shop, Nando s and Southport Pier. We can play pool, watch DVDs, do arts and crafts and generally have a great time. I hope you all enjoy a great summer, bye for now! Diane Parent / Carer Training Merseyside Partners in Policymaking coordinate the Merseyside Joint Training Partnership, which is a not for profit training partnership of families, self-advocates and service providers. They offer training for staff from provider organisations, for families, for local authorities and for anyone passionate about making a difference to the lives of people with disabilities. Many trainers offer their time for free or well below normal charge rates and so we are able to offer a rich and varied programme. To book a place on any course mpip@btconnect.com with your name, the course title and a contact number. September 2016 Makaton Heidi Kenworthy When: Thursday 8 September 2016 Time: 10am - 3pm Epilespy and Buccal Midazolam Sally Gomersall When: Monday 12 September 2016 Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm Autism & Behaviour that Challenge Steve McGuinness When: Wednesday 14 September 2016 Time: 10am - 4pm Have you moved address? Don t forget to let us know your new address so we can make sure you still get your copy of the newsletter. Contact the Aiming High Family Support Team on /3828 October 2016 Makaton Heidi Kenworthy When: Thursday 13 October 2016 Time: 10am -3pm November 2016 Epilespy and Buccal Midazolam Sally Gomersall When: Monday 7 November 2016 Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm Autism & Behaviour that Challenge Steve McGuinness When: Wednesday 23 November 2016 Time: 10 am -4pm Makaton Heidi Kenworthy When: Thursday 24 November 2016 Time: 10am - 3pm Aiming High 07

8 Aiming High Football Team Celebrate Double Aiming High's football team proudly show off their medals The Aiming High football team have finished the season as league and cup double winners following their recent triumph in the Kevin Pollock Memorial Cup. Competing in the Liverpool FA Ability Counts League based at Archbishop Beck High School, the team comprises of players with a range of disabilities and was recently promoted to the First Division of the Open Age leagues. Having previously won league titles at U11 and U16 level, the team rose to the latest challenge with a final day title clinching victories over Liverpool FC, Wirral and Warrington. The The Stepping Stones Triple P course is for families of disabled children aged 2-12 years which aims to: Raise happy, confident kids. Manage misbehaviour so everyone in the family enjoys life more. Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows. champions then headed to the Kevin Pollock Memorial Cup. Taking place on Saturday, June 4, the competition was organised in memory of Kevin Pollock, who was a player for Walton Leisure Centre and who sadly passed away earlier this year. There were a number of strong teams taking part, including Everton and Walton Sports Centre who had both competed in the Premier Division the previous season, and Sefton Aiming High were largely seen as outsiders by many. True to form Sefton Aiming High rose to the challenge, winning their first game 4-0 thanks to a Matthew Ball brace and goals from both Joe Encourage behaviour you like. Take care of yourself as a parent. Feel confident you are doing the right thing. Take part in community events. Develop plans for tricky situations. The Aiming High Family Support Team has just recently completed Garlock and Liam Ball. Ball continued his goal scoring form in a 2-0 defeat of Walton Sports Centre before a hard fought draw against Everton secured both teams a place in the final. Premier League Everton were clear favourites before the tie but a solitary headed goal from Liam Ball was enough to see Sefton Aiming High crowned Champions, with frenzied celebrations greeting the final whistle. Kevin Black, Sefton Aiming High Coach, said: Everybody in the borough should be very proud of these young men, they have continually overcome their personal barriers over the years and have built a much respected reputation within the football community of Merseyside. Their winning mentality has only been surpassed by their fair play and sportsmanship. They are a credit to Sefton and I am so proud of them. Matthew Ball, Captain of the side, added: All the players would like to thank Kevin, Active Sefton and all the Aiming High staff for how they have helped us over the past few years. For more information on Aiming High visit directory.com/localoffer Stepping Stones to help families in Sefton another two successful Stepping Stones programmes in the North and South of the borough. The course runs from 6-8 weeks. If you would like more information on Stepping Stones, visit their website: or contact Aiming High Family Support on / Aiming High

9 Aiming High with Sefton s Volunteers On Thursday 2 June, the Aiming High Team celebrated the work of volunteers at an event organised by the Volunteers Centre Sefton. Volunteers were joined by a host of other worthy volunteers and the Lord and Lady Mayor of Sefton. Aiming High values the great work of all volunteers. They work alongside Aiming High staff, providing fantastic support to children and young people. Aiming High s volunteers come from all walks of life and the group that attended were representative of this, including: Young people who have attended Aiming High sessions in the past and wish to give something back. Aiming High volunteers pictured with Mayor of Sefton, Cllr. Iain Brodie-Brown A student on their Higher Education work placement who has been inspired to stay with the service. A young person looking for a rewarding experience over Summer and now continuing to volunteer all year round. A full-time worker who volunteers at an Aiming High youth club each week to engage with young people and make a varied to their lives. Our volunteers tell us that they love working on our sessions and holiday programmes. They are regularly inspired by our children and young people and have developed new skills and understanding meeting their varied needs. On sessions Aiming High sees volunteers engaging with our children, finding different ways to communicate with some our young people and encouraging them to have a voice in what they do, challenging them to try new experiences and having fun alongside them. Aiming High volunteers getting ready for the ceremony If you would like more information about volunteering with Aiming High, call the team on and ask for Sandra or Colette. A new life with Play Therapy Pods Newlife has recently issued its 500th loan of a Play Therapy Pod. With the help of their Newlife play specialist, they have developed and expanded the service so they now have more than 130 Pods in circulation, offering equipment for children with physical, behavioural and learning disabilities. All Pods are available on 12-week loans, delivered direct to families homes. They fall into two age categories under and over-fives with targeted equipment for tactile, visual, interactive and auditory needs in each age group. From 0-3 years, there is a broad choice of toys to stimulate all of your child s senses. From 3-5 years and 5-18 years, to target specific developmental needs for children aged 3 years and over and there are four different categories of pod. To find out more about the Play Therapy Pod Service, contact the Newlife Nurse Helpline on Freephone or nurses@newlifecharity.co.uk Aiming High 09

10 Check out the Autism Directory The Autism Directory is an easy to use, national website that aims to pull together the help and support that is out there and signpost autism families to the help they need. The directory is populated by anyone who can share information for the benefit of other individuals, families and professionals who live and work with autism. Whether it is to access help and support in health, education, treatments and therapies, personal support, living support, money and legal, recreation and holidays, books and magazines or even finding autism friendly businesses (such as hairdressers), the Autism Directory is growing daily with more and more resources. To access the directory please go to theautismdirectory.com or call the new helpline for autism families on This is a free UK wide service available to anyone looking for help and support run by their partners Living Autism. Scope Books for children and young people Moving On returns as young people plan their futures The Aiming High Transitions Coordinators are organising another Moving On Preparing for Adulthood event for young people with special educational needs and disabilities age 15 years and over, helping them to plan their future when they leave school. The event takes place 20 October in the sports hall at Dunes Leisure Centre in Southport, from 10am-2pm. It will provide young people, carers, families and professionals with a wide range of information on services that are available for young people as they reach 18 years of age. It is a great opportunity to ask important questions to find out about social care, health, education and other opportunities to help them shape their future. To find out more, contact Transitions Coordinators Diane Johnson on / Diane.Johnson@sefton.gov.uk and Kevin Leavitt on / Kevin.Leavitt@sefton.gov.uk Scope's In the Picture campaign raises awareness of the need to include disabled children in the books they read. Check out their list of great books with disabled characters on Pinterest or their website: scope.org.uk/support Two books that have taken the fancy of the team at Aiming High are My brother is an astronaut by Michelle Rundle and Celine s New Splints by Karen Tennent, both available as e- books on Amazon. In Michelle Rundle s story, Lucy's younger brother Jake has sensory needs and sees the world differently. Lucy explains how her brother "lives on Planet Jake". The book is written by an occupational therapist to support children, families and professionals to understand living with sensory needs. Karen Tennent s story helps parents explain to children about wearing leg splints and helps young children feel better about them. 10 Aiming High

11 Charlie's Way raise awareness of PDA Over 37 people arrived for a talk to raise awareness and understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome (PDA). The session was hosted and supported by Emma Bullimore from Charlie's Way with guest speaker Jude Seaward and Alison Smith. Jude spoke as a professional about PDA and what to look out for and after the break Alison spoke about raising a child with PDA and the effects on the family. More awareness sessions are being arranged at Charlie's Way. If you would like to know more please ontact Emma at Charlie's Way on Charlie's Way also have a Facebook page /Charlieswaysupportgroup Parent Carer Support Groups in Sefton A parent carer support group which meets at Netherton Children s Centre facilitated jointly with Sefton Carers Centre recently ran a 5K race at Crosby Lakeside to raise funds for TEAM Sefton. TEAM is a charity which provides respite holidays and much needed equipment for children with disabilities and additional needs. Many of the parents themselves have benefited from TEAM and felt they would like to give something back by promoting TEAM and raising funds too. The support group raised approximately 500 in their 5K race. considering enrolling on courses too which they would otherwise not have considered. The Parent Carer group will continue to meet at Netherton Children s Centre (term time only) Thursdays from am. The programme is a mix of information sessions and fun activities, but is always relaxed and friendly. All newcomers are most welcome. A Parent Carer group also runs in Southport, facilitated at Parenting 2000 by Sefton Carers and Linaker Children s Centre. This again is a friendly group where parent carers can meet and be supported by staff and other parents. From June the Jude Seaward is a Nurse Consultant/behaviour therapist whose background lies within learning disability nursing and she runs the company Simply Misunderstood. Charlie s Way is a parent/carer support group that runs every Monday pm at Southport Community Centre, Norwood Road, Southport, PR8 6HQ programme consists of walking and cycling sessions (beginner level) and information sessions with Sleep Solutions and Access Sefton Talking Therapies. This group meets on Wednesdays, term time only, 9.30am 11.30am. For more information about parent carer support groups, please contact Joanne Fazakerley on Another successful partnership established has seen parent carers attending pamper days with Hugh Baird College. Parent carers were invited along to enjoy manicures, massage therapies and have their hair done. Afternoon tea was provided by students too. Building on this partnership some parents are Carers pose for a TEAM shot at Crosby Lakeside Aiming High 11

12 Tourettes Action Tourettes Action know that having Tourette Syndrome (TS) means much more than shouting out a few unusual words. The impact of TS on your life and the lives of people around you can be significant, which is why there is support available to you. You can read a range of guidance on how to deal with TS in everyday circumstances: Advice for young people about what it means to have TS and where to find support. Guidance for parents and pupils on accessing support in school. Advice for people with TS about what it means at work. Support in everyday life, including housing, benefits and transport. Support from Tourettes Action includes a range of services available to people living with TS. If you have any questions about TS, contact the helpdesk for advice or find about their latest events, including regular support group meetings. With a Tourettes Action identity card it is easy to explain to people the unusual noises and movements you might be making. Their grants offer support to individuals to help improve the quality of life of people with TS. You can sign up to their regular e-newsletter for more information or join their online forum to chat to others about experiences of TS. Need someone to talk to? They have eleven befrienders, consisting of mothers, fathers, grandmothers and adults with TS. All of the befrienders have been fully trained and are available to or speak to you on a regular basis. If you would like a befriender or some more information about their service please Emma at Tourettes Action on or by emma@tourettes-action.org.uk You can also contact Tourettes Action on Take an adventure with Sky Badger Sky Badger is a charity that finds help and adventure for disabled children and their families in the UK. It was created by four mums in October Between their 11 children, three are disabled and two have lifelimiting conditions. The idea was to build a website giving families information relevant to them. It needed to be positive, extremely easy to use and fun. They do this by building bridges between disabled children and the charities and services available to help. They find everything from disabled sports clubs to sibling groups to make a wish charities, informing families about them though their website, social media platforms, videos, information packs and e-helpdesk. For more information please visit Would you like to receive a copy of this newsletter? By registering your child you will be able to find out about and access a range of useful information and services by receiving a copy of this newsletter directly by or post to your home You can register online at seftondirectory.com/localoffer If you do not have access to the internet ring the Aiming High Family Support Team on / 3828 and they can help you to complete the registration form over the phone or post a copy out to you. PHAB Nights at Dunes Splash World PHAB is a charity that inspires and supports children with and without disabilities to make more of life together. PHAB will host evening sessions for 5-13 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Dunes Leisure Centre in Southport every Monday from 6-8pm, including games, sports and swimming. The PHAB evenings will be a great chance for children and young people to forge friendships, hang out with their peers and enjoy outings or sign up for adventure holidays with PHAB. Wheelchair users are welcome and those young people attending the sessions can also bring their siblings and friends. To find out more, contact PHAB by southportphab@outlook.com To learn about the fantastic work of PHAB, visit their website: phab.org.uk 12 Aiming High