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.

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 14 February.

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.

Carers’ Fun Day

Sunderland Carers’ Centre is holding a Carers’ Fun Day on:

Wednesday 6 February, 10am – 3pm
at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland

There will be a wide range of activities including aromatherapy; glass and stone painting; collage; movement and mediation; sit-n-b-fit; healthy eating taster session; circus skills; nail art; well-being exercise eg boxing; and an exhibition of carers’ crafts and hobbies. Come along, try something new and have some fun! The events are free and light refreshments will be available. Lunch will also be provided but you must book a place for lunch in advance.

To book a place at the event (and for lunch if relevant) please contact the Carers’ Centre as soon as possible on 0191 567 3232.

Information, Activities and Events

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

Sunderland Children’s Centres – Half-term activities

Looking to entertain your children this half-term? Sunderland Children’s Centres are organising a fun holiday activity programme for all the family. To find your local Centre please contact the Children’s Information Service on 0191 520 5505.

Half-Term Crafts

Take part in a free family art and craft activity at your local library during the February half-term holiday (18 – 22 February). Contact your nearest library for details.

Mencap Planning for the Future Events

Mencap has organised the following free information sessions where parents and carers can find out more about setting up wills and trusts for the benefit of someone with a learning disability.

Wednesday 27 February, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, The Conference Room, Central Square, Forth Street, Newcastle

Monday 3 March, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, Burdon Suite, Shotton Hall, Peterlee Town Council, Old Shotton, Peterlee

For more information or to book a place contact Mencap on 020 7696 6925.

County Durham Foundation – Grants for individuals with cerebral palsy

County Durham Foundation have grants available for individuals with cerebral palsy, their families and carers.

Grants of up to £500 per person are available to pay for domestic equipment e.g. washing machine, dryer (maximum award £250), specialist equipment, respite care, training, therapy and travel to therapy.

To find out more please contact Brenda at the County Durham Foundation on 0191 383 0055 or email brenda@countydurhamfoundation.co.uk

AMBER Music Awards

The AMBER Music Awards are grants that help pay for music lessons, music therapy sessions, the purchase of musical instruments, software and other equipment, concert tickets and travel related to musical activities. These enable blind and partially sighted children – including those with additional disabilities – to access and enjoy music. The Awards are open to blind or partially sighted children and young people up to the age of 18, who may also have other physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities. Parents and carers can apply on their behalf.

To find out more about the Awards email info@ambertrust.org or visit the website www.ambertrust.org.

Government gives Family Fund £8.4m to help the families of disabled 16 and 17 year olds

Severely disabled young people and their families living on a low income are going to get extra financial support to buy the things they need for everyday life, thanks to an £8.4 million boost for the Family Fund from the Department for Children, Schools, and Families (DCSF). The new money was announced by Education Secretary Ed Balls at an event organised by the Campaign to End Child Poverty on Monday 10 December 2007.

The extra cash will enable the Family Fund, which gives families with severely disabled children grants for essential items, to extend its support to severely disabled young people in England aged 16 and 17. At the moment, the Fund cannot afford to help young people past their sixteenth birthday and families fall into debt as a result. The Family Fund now expects to make over 16,000 grants to disabled young people aged 16 and 17 over the next three years.

For more information about the Family Fund contact 0845 130 4542 or visit the website www.familyfundtrust.org.uk.

Contact a Family Winter Guide – Help with fuel bills and keeping warm

Contact a Family have produced a new Winter Guide which offers practical advice on checking your fuel bills, what to do if you have trouble paying your bills and information on how to apply for financial help with fuel bills and home insulation.

The guide is available to download from their website www.cafamily.org.uk/winter.html or for a hard copy contact Contact a Family Northeast by phone on 0191 213 6300 or email northeast.office@cafamily.org.uk.

Football Day at Percy Hedley Sports Academy

CP Sport are holding a Football Day for young people with a physical disability on Saturday 8th March at Percy Hedley Sports Academy, West Lane, Killingworth, Newcastle. From 10am to 1pm there will be Powerchair Football and from 1.30pm to 4pm there will be Ambulant Football. The event costs £5. All ages and all abilities are welcome.

For more information and to book a place(s) contact Adam Parry on 0191 216 1811.

Whizz-Kidz - reminder about 2 events in February

Whizz-kidz is running a Wheelchair Skills Training Course ( 75kb) from 18 – 21 February (half-term), 1.30pm – 4pm, in County Durham (venue to be confirmed). This is a unique opportunity for your child to get the most from their mobility equipment, developing their confidence and independence in a safe setting.

Whizz-kidz is also holding a Manual and Powerchair Product Information Day at Oxclose School on 22 February, 11am – 3pm.

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

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