Learning Disability News
New Ways
Click on the link below to view the New Ways guide on Making Changes to the way Health and Community Services Work,
Learning Disability Partnership Board
Hertfordshire's Learning Disability Partnership Board is holding a 'This is Me' event on Saturday 25th February at the Jim McDonald Centre in Hatfield. For more information click on the link below.
Get Set Go and Get Set Dance
Get Set Go and Get Set Dance are new project sessions, which are run by Three Rivers District Council. They are scheduled to start from January 2012 onwards. Click on the links below to find out more.
Learning Disability Partnership Board: This Is Me
The Learning Disability Partnership Board is putting on This is Me event on Saturday 25th February 2012 at the Jim McDonald Centre in Hatfield. For more information click on the link below.
IMPORTANT CALL TO ACTION TO EVERYONE WHO CARES ABOUT DISABLED PEOPLE!
Pat Onions has submitted an e-petition to the government website. Pat is blind and Pat is also a carer. Pat is calling on the Government to stop and review the cuts to benefits and services for disabled people which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families.
Are you able to support this petition? Pat needs 100,000 signatures to generate a debate in Parliament! Click on the link to sign the e-petition now!
Chryslis Carol Service
Chryslis is holiding a christmas carol service at 2pm on Sunday 11th December. For more information click on the link below.
The National Autistic Society Youth Group
The National Autistic Society youth group is for young people aged 13-17 who has Asperger's Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. It takes place on Thursday evenings between 4pm and 6pm. For more information click on the link below.
Trylimpics
The Trylimpics is a year of five week taster sessions in Olympic sports taking place in Watford, Three Rivers and Dacorum. The activities are for all ages and abilities and cost £10 for five weeks. For more information or to book a place contact Charters Health Club on 01727 731541.
Get Set Panto
Are you 18-35 years old with a disability and would like to go to the Pantomime? Why not join Three Rivers District Council on Wednesday 21st December to see Cinderella. Click on the link below for more information.
My Journey with Asperger's Syndrome
Aron Glasser is exhibiting his paintings at the Maltings library in the town centre, St Albans. This exhibition is entitled 'My Journey with Asperger's Syndrome'. The exhibition starts on Monday, 7 November and ends on Sunday, 20 November.
Autism Friendly Screenings
Dimensions have partnered with Odeon cinemas to screen films in ways more suited to people with autism. The first is the festive season family film Arthur Christmas which will be screened on 13 November at 11.30 am at a cinema near you. Please click on the link below for more information.
The Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE)
The Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) is working together with the British Library to record the educational experiences of disabled people over the last 100 years.
They want to interview at least 50 disabled people and record a wide range of experiences of education so they can reflect on these experiences with the changes in society over this time. To ensure they get a wide range they would like you to tell them more about yourself. Their interviewers are all disabled people.
If you are interested in being part of this exciting project then please click on the link and answer as many questions you feel able too.
New IT Classes
Starting January 2012 Learning and Leisure are organising some new IT classes on Tuesday evenings in Rickmansworth for students with learning disabilities and their carers to take part in together. Please click on the link for more information or call Lata on 07901 914154.
Living a Full Life
Come along to the Joint Commissioning Team's next open public meeting on Wednesday, 16th November 2011 at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in services for people with learning disabilities. The topic of the meeting is living a full life: employment and fulfilling activities
If you would like to come along or want further information please ring 01438 843202 or email joint.commissioning@hertscc.gov.uk
Click on the link which gives details of this and our other care group meetings.
HIT's Family Fun Day – Wednesday 26th October
HIT in partnership with Three Rivers District Council are hosting a Family Theatre Fun Day this October half term.
This will be a fun day of activities for all the family including parents and grandparents to attend together.
The workshop costs £4, and runs from 10.30am – 3.30pm and takes place at the Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth. Bookings must be made through the Watersmeet on 01923 727387
HIT's Caterpillars World Workshop at Butterfly World – Thursday 27th October
HIT also returns to Butterfly World this half term for our exciting and colourful 'Caterpillar's World' workshop.
This workshop lasts for 2 hours and is aimed at 4 – 10 year olds.
We will be there on Thursday 27th October between 10.30am – 12.30pm, workshop cost £10 for two hours. The price includes art materials and entry for each participant into Butterfly World. See the attached flyer for more information.
The Bushey 2k Bop – Sunday 30th October
The Bushey 2k Bop follows on from last years sponsored walk.
This years sponsored 2k 'Bop' takes place at the Moatfield Park in Bushey and the sponsored 'boppers' will be moving around the park for 2k along to live music. We are inviting participants to wear any fancy dress costume if they wish to. All money raised will go towards continuing the good work of HIT, and providing the participants with performance opportunities. See the attached flyer for more information.
Autism Friendly Film Screenings
Over 3000 people came out in support of Autism Friendly Film Screenings in August and now we're excited to announce that they're back next month with Johnny English Reborn!
When is the screening?
The screenings will be at various cinemas across the UK during the week commencing 14th October, times will be published for each cinema during the w/c 26th September.
Which cinemas are involved?
A full list of all of the cinemas involved is at:
http://www.dimensions-uk.org
What makes the screenings autism friendly?
The lights will be on low
The volume will be turned down
There will be no trailers at the beginning of the film
You'll be able to take your own food and drinks
You'll be able to move around the cinema if you like.
Got any questions about booking, CEA Cards or the film itself? Visit http://www.dimensions-uk.org/what-we-do/autism/autism-friendly-films/autism-friendly-films-faqs/
The Family Learning Festival
The family learning festival runs from Saturday 15th-Sunday 30th October. As part of this Watford Mencap will be running free ICT Taster sessions. There will be opportunities to learn how to use the Internet, email, buying online, banking and researching holidays.
We will run two sessions from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm on Wednesday 19th October. Places need to be booked in advance.
Any questions or to book a place please email Layla on lrynn@watfordmencap.org.uk or call on 07766 801351
For more information please click on the link below.
National Autistic Society Music, Arts & Drama Workshops 2011-12
From September 2011 Squeaky Gate are running the following courses for young adults with Aspergers / High-functioning Autism. Click on the links for more information.
5 ways to Wellbeing
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust's Annual Members Day is on Saturday 8th October between 2pm - 6pm. Click on the link for more information.
Chrysalis Presents Face 2 Face
On Sunday 9th October Chrysals presents a musical afternoon especially for young people/ adults with learning disabilities, their familes, carers and friends. Please click on the link for more information.
Your Rights at Work
Your Rights at Work is a film made by the Disability Law Service. The film was made with a group of people with learning disabilities. It shows what people with learning disabilities can do if they have problems at work. Click on the link to to see the the film.
HIT's Autumn Term - free taster session
HIT invite you to join one of their free open workshops, when they start back the week of the 12th September. The following sessions are available -
HIT Watford - Tuesday 13th September
The James Theatre, Watford Grammar School for Boys, WD18 7JF
5 - 12 year olds - 4.30 - 5.45pm
HIT Bushey - Wednesday 14th September
The Bushey Centre (Inside the grounds of Bushey Golf and Country Club), High Street, Bushey, WD23 1TT
5 - 12 year olds - 5.15 - 6.30pm
13 - 18 year olds - 7 - 8.30pm
Herts Inclusive Theatre uses drama and theatre as a tool to help build confidence, communication skills and to help build social inclusion, as well as having fun!!
If you are going to pop along, please let them know by emailing hertsinclusivetheatre@live.co.uk or calling on 07857 986364.
Watford Asian Community Care is Presenting "DIGNITY"
Watford Asian Community Care is presenting a play; "DIGNITY" explores the story of four elder friends in a Care Home. They are trapped, isolated, abused and ignored. Their battle for dignity brings them close together as they struggle to be heard and retain their self respect and dignity.
Dignity is a deep and thought provoking piece of theatre that raises awareness around the issues of elder abuse and lack of dignity and respect for older people.
The play is approximately 45 minutes long. It is followed by a question and answer session. Click on the link for more information.
Herts Inclusive Theatre Summer Workshops
HIT still have exciting summer workshops to come this holiday. Click on the links for more information.
Herts Help
This new service will offer people for the first time a single route into the vast range of information and support offered by a wide range of organisations via:
- 1 telephone number: 0300 123 4044
- 1 email address: info@hertshelp.net
- 1 web address: www.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp
As many of you already know HCC recently appointed Herts-based national charity POhWER to run the HertsHelp Intake Service and to develop the HertsHelp Network. The Team at POhWER will be working hard alongside the Network to make sure people get the help they need as quickly and simply as possible – with a focus on the areas outlined below:
- Staying healthy and well
- Feeling safe in your home and community
- Learning, training and staying in work
- Keeping active
- Help with money worries
- Help to get out and about
- Community groups
- Relationships and families
- Emotional support
- Putting something back (giving time / volunteering)
HertsHelp will be open for business from Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm. 9am until 7pm on Thursdays. Please inform service users and carers about the service available from HertsHelp.
For more information please contact Shazia Butt or Andy Nazer shazia.butt@hertscc.gov.uk or andy.nazer@hertscc.gov.uk Or Fiona Mcarthur who is the project manager for HertsHelp at POhWER f.mcarthur@pohwer.net
Summer Activities in Watford
Youth Connexions are providing activities, including, climbing & high ropes, quasar, fishing, Lords cricket ground (match included), visit to XC experience and more. Click on the link for more information.
Activities from other organisations & groups, from Herts Inclusive Theatre, Saracens Rugby Club, Watford's Community Radio Vibe fm 107.6, Watford Football Club, The Dan Tien, Watford Cheetahs American Football Club and more. Click on the link for more information.
Young Pride in Herts – Sunday Coffee Stops
Young Pride in Herts LGBT youth group is starting up Sunday morning Coffee Stops at various locations around the county. These sessions will provide an opportunity for LGBT young people, and any young people interested in LGBT issues, to come together for a chat, advice, support, information, and to have their say in planning future activities and events for LGBT youth in the county. Coffee Stop dates and locations are as follows:
August 7th 11am, Caffe Nero, Hemel Hempstead
August 21st 11am, Costa in the Queensway, Stevenage
September 4th 11am, Costa in the Maltings, St Albans
September 18th 11am, Costa in the Broadwalk, Harlow
October 2nd 11am, Caffe Nero, Harpenden
October 16th 11am, Caffe Nero, Hertford
Refreshments will be provided for young people free of charge. Young Pride in Herts members can be recognised by the presence of a rainbow coloured stag logo on their table. Any young person anxious about attending on their own is welcome to contact Young Pride in Herts in advance and we can arrange to meet with them beforehand. For more information about Young Pride in Herts visit www.youngprideinherts.org
Joint Commissioning Team Public Meeting
The Joint Commissioning Team are holding quarterly public meetings as we want to hear YOUR VIEWS on the services provided for people with Adult, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Substance Misuse, Dementia and Learning Disabilities. Click on the link below to find out more information.
Ten Top Tips for Families and Carers
Click on the link below to see the Ten Top Tips for families carers on ensuring good support and services for adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour is described as challenging.
Involving People
The Joint Commissioning Team would like to know what you think and feel about the issues that affect people who have learning disabilities to take to the Strategic Commissioning Group. Click on the link below to find out more information.
Disability Golf Tuition
The Nine of Herts Golf Centre is holding disability specific golf tuition every Sunday between 10:30-12:00. The sessions will be led by PGA Professional Mark Tompkins. If you would like more information, please click on the link below.
Disability Specific Golf Tuition
Watford Quick Reads Book Club
Do you, or someone you know, need encouragement to read more or to develop reading and or discussion skills? Come along to join the book club. Watford Quick Reads Book Club takes place in Watford Central Library. The book club is free and all adults are welcome to come along. Click on the link to find out when the next meeting is.
Easy Review Summary into Winterbourne View
National respone to Winterbourne View
86 Learning Disability Organisations demand action from the Prime Minister in response to private sector hospital abuse. Click here to see a national response to the abuse of people with learninig disabilities.
Get Set Projects
Three Rivers District Council has recently been looking into ways of improving access to leisure opportunities for individuals with a disability. As a result of discussions with groups, organisations and individuals, they have been able to design some exciting activities for those with a disability to take part in. Click on the links for more information.
Free Training Course at 9 Lives Furniture
9 Lives Furniture are holding a free IT training course for people who have a Learning Disability or are experiencing / recovering from Mental ill Health.This is an 8 week course which will cover the basics of using a computer including introduction to Word Processing and the Internet. Some of the subjects to be taught are: -
- Writing a simple document
- Printing and saving work
- What is the internet?
- Web addresses
- Using Search Engines
- Using email
- How to create an account in either Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail
- Sending and receiving Emails
- Downloading photos from your digital camera
The Course will be on Mondays 10 – 12.30
Please call the Manager Marie Frost on 01923 718666 or email marie@9livesfurniture.org.uk for further information.
Challenging Behaviour: a guide for family carers on getting the right support
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation is delighted to announce that three new 'at a glance' guides aimed at family carers supporting people whose behaviour is described as challenging are now available. There are separate guides for adults, teenager and children. Click on the links to access the guides.
Need A Holiday?
If you are planning a holiday this year, take a look at Netbuddy's new Holiday info pack, which is full of useful tips and information on holidays for people with learning disabilities, both in the UK and abroad. Click on the link for more information.
The Keith Rumble Award
Keith was one of the founder members of The Pioneer Spirits, known for his love of life and his happy nature. If you know someone like Keith, and would like to celebrate their achievements, why not nominate them for this award? Click on the link for more information.
Purple Folder Road Show
Do you want to know more about the Purple Folder? The Health Champions present the Purple Folder Road show, which will give you all the information you need. Click on the link to find out more.
Hello the National Year of Communication
Hello, the 2011 national year of communication, is a campaign to increase understanding of how important it is for children and young people to develop good communication skills. Click on the link to visit their website.
London 2012 Olympic Games Tickets
Click on the link for the easy read version of how to apply for London 2012 Olympic Games Tickets.
Planning for the Future Events
If someone in your family or someone you care for has a learning disability, you can take steps now to ensure their finances are well looked after when you are no longer around. Mencap have organised some FREE information sessions where you can find out more about setting up Wills and trusts for the benefit of someone with a learning disability. Click on the link for more information:
Proposed change to Disabiltiy Living Allowance
Click here for the government's response to the consultation on proposals to replace the Disability Living Allowance with a new benefit, the Personal Independence Payment.
Up on Downs news
Up on Downs Newsletter Feb 2011
Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT)
Herts Inclusive Theatre is an organisation that gives children, young people and adults the opportunity to participate in drama, dance and music in an inclusive environment. Click on the link for more information.
Get Your Rights: What to do if your service gets cut?
Local authorities are under great financial pressure, with the reduction of state funding and increasing demand on services. Many councils are arguing that they are faced with no choice but to cut social care services for people with a learning disability. Click on the link below to find out what to do if your service gets cut.
Disability Living Allowance
Mencap asked lots of people with a learning disability about how they spend their Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Click on the link to find out more.
Personal budget questionnaire
ADASS is working together with In Control and Lancaster University to find
out how personal budgets and direct payments are working across England.
The questionnaire is for anyone in England who has a personal budget or a
direct payment. There are versions for both personal budget holders and
family/informal carers.
Help them reach their target of 1,000 people who have personal budgets and 1,000 carers. People can complete the survey online or use the easy-read
hard-copy version with a freepost return address.
For more information and to take the survey, click on the link below:
Personal budget questionnaire
Community Learning Disability Teams
Hertfordshire’s seven Community Learning Disability Teams (CLDTs) support adults with a learning disability to improve the quality of their lives. Click on the link for more information:
Community Learning Disiability Teams
Fairer Charging changes and annual reassessment information
Following a formal public consultation, a number of changes have been agreed to Hertfordshire's local Fairer Charging Policy for non-residential services. Click on the links below to find out more information:
Carers In Hertfordshire Focus Group
Carers In Hertfordshire are putting a focus group together for Learning Disability family carers. You need to have used or know of specialist services that Mental Health Provide. If you are interested in taking part in the focus group please contact Sue Haynes on 01992 586969 or email susan.haynes@carersinherts.org.uk
New name for ACS – Health and Community Services
Adult Care Services (ACS) is now called Health and Community Services (HCS).
Hertfordshire County Council is restructuring to streamline management and as part of this, ACS has been renamed to reflect changing priorities and forthcoming responsibilities for public health and community wellbeing, helping people to keep fit and well.
The change will not affect the way people get adult social services or contact us.
The phone number remains 0300 123 4042. HCS webpages can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/hcs.
Online information, leaflets, factsheets, forms and signage will be updated as and when they are due for renewal. No additional costs will be incurred because of the change.
Customer Services and Libraries, Culture and Learning are also part of Health and Community Services. Again, the services and contact details remain unchanged.
Click on the link below to find out who is who in the Health and Community Services:
Disabled Swimming
William Penn Leisure Centre has a dedicated disabled swimming session every Sunday between 6.30pm and 8pm. Click on the link for more information:
Disability Living Allowance reform – Public Consultation
The consultation seeks your views on the Government‘s proposals to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new benefit – Personal Independence Payment. The Personal Independence Payment will continue to be a non-means tested, extra costs benefit. It will help disabled people remove the barriers they face to leading full and independent lives. This consultation asks for views to inform our policy for reforming DLA and introducing a new objective assessment.
For more information visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml
Hertfordshire's Learning Disability Partnership Board
The Partnership Board meets every month and the focus of its work is on adult services in Hertfordshire. Click on the links for more information:
Netbuddy
Are you caring for someone with a Learning disability? On Netbuddy you'll find over 800 tips from parents or carers who have everyday experience with learning disability. Click on the link to find out more.
The Swim and Gym Disability Festival
The Activate Forum and the Platypus Swimming Club presents the swim and gym disability festival at Hatfield Swim Centre. Click on the link below for more information
Swim and Gym Disability Festival
My Purple Folder Theatre Production
Please click on the link below for more information about the theatre production written and produced by Ali Jones and an amazing group of people with learning disabilities - 'the Health Champions'. The production is written and directed to promote the launch of the new Health Action Plan - the Purple Folder. The event will also include Makaton communication demonstrations and a presentation from the Health Liaison Team
Carers in Hertfordshire
Click here for the latest news
Aiming High
Click here for the Aiming High September Bulletin
KIDS Adventure Playground
National charity KIDS are hoping to develop a new adventure playground in Aldenham Country Park over the next 9months for disabled and non-disabled children to access. They would like to know how can we include you, your child and your family in the new adventure playground.
Please click here to fill in a survey with your feedback.
Health Liaison Team
Health Liaison Team (previously health facilitation team) support individuals with a learning disability when they are going into hospital with an arranged appointment.
They will meet the person and talk with the hospital staff who will be treating the individual to ensure everything goes smoothly.
They are just in the process of updating their leaflets and they have also changed their telephone number it is now:
01438 845372 and the person who will answer the phone is Sue Bartlett.
New Diagnosis Information
Following consultation with parents and carers, Mencap has produced a new booklet for parents who have just received a diagnosis of learning disability for their son or daughter.
More information is available at
http://www.mencap.org.uk/page.asp?id=11063
Challenging Behaviour National Strategy Group Charter
An Easy Read charter has been launched and more information is available from www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk