Welcome to the e-bulletin of Real Issues brought to you by Sunderland Carers’ Centre and Children’s Services.

Each month we will bring you the latest news and information about support groups and activities that you might be interested in.

If you no longer wish to receive an e-mail alert about Real Issues, please contact Services for Disabled Children on 0191 566 2190.

Sunderland Carers' Centre Activities and Events

Parent Carers' Group

The Parent Carers’ Group is for parents and carers of disabled children (aged 18 or under). It usually meets on the second Thursday of each month at Sunderland Carers’ Centre, 12 Toward Road, Sunderland, 10.30am – 12 noon.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 8 May. There is no meeting in April.

New members are welcome. If you have not attended the group before and would like more information, please contact Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232.

Information, Activities and Events

For more details on any of the information, activities or events mentioned below please contact the organisations directly or Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232.

Parent and Carer Council Information Event on Person Centred Planning

Sunderland, Washington and Coalfields Parent and Carer Council are holding an information event about Person Centred Planning on Wednesday 2 April, 10am – 12 noon, at Columbia Grange School. The guest speaker will be Andy Throssell, from Circles Network. If you would like to attend email spcc.office@yahoo.co.uk

Families Information Service

From April this year the Children’s Information Service will change to be known as the Families Information Service (FIS). This is to take account of the broadened service to be offered to families from before birth to 19 years of age. The service will be expanding to provide:

• childcare information
• information about other services, facilities and publications for parents
• and information on services for disabled children, for children with special educational needs and for disabled parents.

For more information contact the Families Information Service on 0191 520 5505.

Young Carer’s Card

The ‘Young Carer’s Card’ is a new scheme launched by Sunderland City Council to support young carers (of secondary school age) who are having problems at school because they are looking after someone at home. Young carers can carry the card with them at school and they can show the card to teachers when they are having problems.

The card is for young carers who are unable to or find it difficult to arrive at school on time, stay after school without earlier warning or finish homework on time, or need to carry a mobile phone (on silent) so they can keep in contact with the person they care for or leave early so they can collect young brothers or sisters.

If you know of a young carer who would benefit from joining the scheme please contact the young carer’s school. The scheme is only available in secondary schools.

Sunderland Autism Outreach Team 4th Annual Conference

Sunderland Autism Outreach Team is holding its 4th annual conference on Friday 6 June, 9.15am – 3.30pm, at the Sunderland Marriott, Seaburn. The theme is ‘Sensory issues in ASD and how these impact on behaviour’. The conference is for parents/carers, teachers and support staff, specialist providers and other members of Children’s Services. Places are limited and are strictly on a first come, first served basis. Costs are as follows: Parents/Carers £15, Professionals £60.

For more information and to book a place please contact Julie Casey, Autism Outreach Team, on 0191 219 3863 by 1 May.

Services for disabled children in Sunderland – new guide for parents and carers

Services for Disabled Children have produced a new guide for parents and carers about the services available for disabled children in Sunderland. To obtain a copy of the guide please contact Services for Disabled Children on 0191 566 2190 or email: child.disability@sunderland.gov.uk.

Easter Craft Activity at Fulwell Windmill

Have fun at Fulwell Windmill and make Easter Chicks and Easter Bunnies on Wednesday 9th April and Wednesday 16th April, 1.00 – 3.00pm. Admission is free.

Life Card

From 1 April Sunderland City Council will replace all sport and leisure cards, including Active 8, Active 8 Plus and Wellness, with the Life Card. The Life Card is free for young people aged 3 – 18 and living in Sunderland and costs from £2 for adults. Cardholders will receive discounts and can take up special promotions in Sunderland leisure centres, sports facilities and Wellness centres. For more details contact your local centre, telephone 0191 520 5555 or visit the website www.sunderland.gov.uk/leisure.

Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card

People who are in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance or registered blind can apply for a Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card which entitles them to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to participating cinemas (including Sunderland Empire Cinema and Cineworld Boldon). The card costs £5.50 and is valid for 3 years. To apply for the card call 0845 123 1292 or visit the website www.ceacard.co.uk. Application forms are also available from the cinemas.

Concessions for carers at leisure and sport facilities

It is often possible to get concessions for carers at other leisure and sport facilities, such as the Empire Theatre, Theatre Royal, and Customs House. It is always worth asking if any concessions are available!

Free 10 week courses for adults in libraries citywide

Sunderland Libraries have a variety of courses taking place throughout the summer term, starting from 21 April. These include:

Leaflets listing course details will be available from libraries and other community venues in April. For further information contact your local library or telephone 0191 514 1235 ext 8526.

Books on Wheels

Sunderland Public Libraries offer a Home Delivery Service providing books and audio items to customers who are unable to get to a library themselves. If you know anyone who would benefit from this service, please contact any member of staff at your local library or telephone City Library and Arts Centre on 0191 514 1235.

Consultation on plans to change the Blue Badge Scheme

The Government is planning to make changes to the Blue Badge Scheme and would like to get people’s views by 17 April.

A consultation paper which explains the plans is available on the Department of Transport’s website.

Caring for Carers Awards 2008

Has a worker from health, social services, a home care agency, a voluntary or community project or another organisation been of particular support to you in your caring role? Say thank you by nominating them for the Caring for Carers Awards 2008. All workers nominated will receive a certificate. Nomination forms are available from Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232. The deadline is Wednesday 7 May.

Walking with Little Wheels – Easter School Holidays Activities

Walking with Little Wheels have organised trips to the Discovery Museum in Newcastle on Wednesday 9 April and to Tyne Riverside Country Park on Wednesday 16 April. Prices are £2 per adult and £1 per child.

Please bring packed lunches and warm clothing. For more details and to book seats contact Judi Bevan on 0191 561 2050. Pick up points in Pallion, Ford Estate, Pennywell and Thorney Close.

MetroCentre Assisted Changing Facility Membership Scheme

The MetroCentre has a new fully accessible assisted changing facility which includes a changing bench, hoist and centrally wall-based toilet. Use of the facility is via a free membership scheme. Carers must be familiar and competent to use the equipment. For an application form please contact the MetroCentre on 0191 493 2386.

National Autistic Society Help! Programme

The National Autistic Society is running a free help! event in Sunderland for parents and carers of children aged 3 -12 who have a recent diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) on Wednesday 25th June, 9.30am – 3pm, venue to be confirmed. There will be basic information on ASDs, tips for communication, education, services and benefits. For more information please contact Jan Fuller on (0191) 568 0732.

Whizz-Kidz events

Bike and Trike Exhibition ( 83kb): A bike and trike exhibition day, offering families and professionals the chance to view and try a wide range of equipment from different dealers, with the impartial advice and guidance of Whizz-Kidz mobility therapists.
Venue: Durham Community Business College, Bracken Court, Ushaw Moor, DH7 7NG
Date and Time: Saturday 26th April, 10am to 3pm

Wheelchair Training Scheme ( 190 kb): A four week programme designed to ensure that disabled children and young people get the most out of their mobility equipment. It’s suitable for both manual and powered wheelchair users and teaches vital skills using a combination of games, sports and group activities.
Venue: Oxclose Community School, Dilston Close, Oxclose Village, Washington, Sunderland, NE38 0LN

Date and Time: Saturday 3rd May, Saturday 10th May, Saturday 17th May, Saturday 24th May, 10am – 12:30 pm

For more information and to book a place for these events contact Whizz-kidz on 0191 213 6770 or email newcastle@whizz-kidz.org.uk.

Breakthrough for young athletes

Children with a learning disability will be able to compete in the UK School Games thanks to a hard-fought campaign, over 300,000 young people with a learning disability can now take part in the UK School Games. Find out more by visiting the MENCAP website.

Please feel free to distribute to your friends, family and colleagues with their permission.