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 email 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 10 July.

The first part of the meeting will be a talk by Lisa Pitkeithley from the Regional Office of the National Autistic Society. Lisa will tell us about autism and what the National Autistic Society does.

The second part of the meeting will be the chance to improve your photographic skills, for example, when taking photos of your children and families.

Andrew Ragsdale, a professional photographer who has worked in special schools, and Charles Lynn, a carer who is a member of the Washington Photographic Club, will be there to give you their top tips. You will have the use of their cameras on the day or you are welcome to bring along your own, if you can.

Any parents wishing to attend this group are most welcome (including guardians, adoptive parents and grandparents looking after disabled children).

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

Summer Trip for Carers to Barnard Castle

Sunderland Carers’ Centre is organising a trip to Barnard Castle on Wednesday 10 September, 10am – 5.30pm. The trip is open to all carers living in the city of Sunderland. The cost is £3 which must be paid before 5 September. Places can be booked from 21 July by contacting the Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232. Places are limited. The trip is for carers only – and “child free”.

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.

City Hospitals Sunderland 60th Birthday Party for NHS

City Hospitals Sunderland is holding a 60th Birthday Party for the NHS. This event will take place on Saturday 5 July in the Education Centre, Sunderland Royal Hospital, from 10am – 2pm and will include face painting, bouncy castle, health MOTs, tours of the hospital site, and a chance to perform an operation and resuscitate a patient!

Sunderland Disability Awareness Day Event

Do you have a disability or know someone who has? Do you know what is available for disabled people in Sunderland? Why not come along and find out more at Sunderland’s Disability Awareness Event which is being held on 11 July at Leechmere Training Centre, Grangetown, Sunderland. Find out more .... ( 14kb)

Sharing the Challenge Training Course

Sharing the Challenge is a free training course for parents and families of people with disabilities, run by the Parents in Policymaking team. The last sessions about self-directed support are open to any families in the North East that would like to attend. You will hear stories and share experiences with people that have an individual budget and have the chance to think about what the next steps are for your family. The sessions are on 24 and 25 July, 10am – 3.30pm, at The Venue, Morrison Road, Anfield Plain, Durham DH9 7RX. For more information and to book a place contact Liz Barraclough on 01429 266541 or email e_m_barraclough@yahoo.co.uk

National Autistic Society Befriending Scheme

The National Autistic Society is looking for volunteers from the Sunderland area for their Befriending Scheme. If you are interested and would like to find out more please contact Marie Dan on 0191 568 0736.

Columbia Grange Coffee Morning

Columbia Grange Family and Friends are holding a Coffee Morning on Friday 18th July, at Columbia Grange School (Autism Outreach Room), Oxclose Road, Washington NE38 7NY, 10am – 12 noon. The guest speaker will be Lisa Pitkeithley from the National Autistic Society.

Families Information Service

The Children's Information Service is changing to the Families Information Service providing information for families with children and young people from birth to 19 years of age. The service will be offering information and signposting to other services so that families can find out about: childcare and help available to pay for it; schools and education; health services; sport and leisure activities; and family support. For more information parents can ring 0191 520 5505.

Summer Holidays Information Pack

The Families Information Service will also be producing a pack of information for parents about the activities and childcare available throughout the summer holidays. Parents can obtain a pack by contacting the service on 0191 520 5505.

Creative Writing Sessions

Every Friday during July there will be Creative Writing sessions at Hendon Library from 1pm – 3pm. These sessions are part of the BBC’s Headroom Campaign that promotes mental wellbeing. All are welcome.

Summer Activities for Children and Young People at Sunderland Libraries

Sunderland Libraries are holding free activities for children and young people during the summer holidays, including Bookstart Bear activities and a summer reading scheme. Children aged 8 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or carer. To find out more contact your local library.

The Alan Shearer Centre

The Alan Shearer Centre has a range of activities planned for July, including Fun Days with special offers on the use of the hydrotherapy pool, ball pool and sensory rooms. All activities must be pre-booked. For more information contact the Alan Shearer Centre on 0191 267 8118 or email: AlanShearerCentre@stcuthbertscare.org.uk.

Summer Fun Days

These Fun Days will take place during the school holidays. Activities will include arts and crafts and face painting.

• The Monument Centre, c/o Barnwell Primary School, 21st July, 10.00am – 2.00pm
• Dubmire Primary School/Children’s Centre, 2nd August, 10.00am – 2.00pm
• Hetton Country Park, 12th August, 10.00am – 2.00pm
• Houghton Sports Complex, 21st August, 10.00am – 2.00pm

For further information please contact the Monument Centre on 0191 553 6576 or Hetton House on 0191 520 9200.

Summer Play Schemes in Washington

The Children’s Centres in Washington will offer the following Summer Play Schemes which are suitable for families with children aged 0-5 years. All sessions are offered on a drop in basis and are free of charge. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

For further information please contact the Rainbow Family Centre on 0191 219 3995.

Summer Activities in North Sunderland

Events at Hylton Castle, Castle Dene:

• Pond Dipping, Tuesdays 22 July, 29 July, 5 August & 12 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Please pre-book on 0191 548 0152. Donations appreciated.

Event at Southwick Library, Beaumont Street, Southwick:

• Bookstart Bear, Wednesday 23 July, 10am – 11.30am. Tel: 0191 553 5270.

Events at Sunderland North Family Zone:

• Family Fun Day, Thursday 24 July, 1pm – 3pm.

Face painting, nail art, craft activities, games. Tel: 0191 516 0065.

• Summer Fun Day, Thursday 8 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Biscuit making, balloon modelling, face painting, craft activities. Tel: 0191 516 0065.

Events at St Peter’s Children’s Centre, Dock Street, Monkwearmouth:

• Sports in the Sun, Friday 25 July, 1pm – 3pm.
  Soft play, outdoor games, healthy refreshments.
• Fun in the Sun, Friday 1 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Outdoor games, face painting, nail art.
• Taste in the Sun, Friday 8 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Cake decorating, balloon modelling, tasting session.
• Magic in the Sun, Friday 15 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Craft activities, magic show, balloon making.

Events at Maplewood Centre:

• Family Fun Days, Wednesdays 30 July, 20 August & 27 August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Fun activities for families in the area.

Events at Bunnyhill Children’s Centre:

• Family Activity Day, Thursday 31st July, 1pm – 3pm.

Soft play, craft activities, biscuit making, Mr Merlin.

• Fun Activities, Thursday 14th August, 1pm – 3pm.
  Craft activities, soft play.

Get the Gen Event – A Great Day for You and Your Kids

What is the Northern Genetics Service? What can it do for me? Waiting for a diagnosis for your child? Have a diagnosis but want more information? Have lots of questions around what will happen when your child grows up? Parents are invited to a conference organised by Contact a Family and the Northern Genetics Service on Sunday 20 July, 9.30am – 2.30pm, at Nature’s World, Middlesborough. Whilst you are at the conference your kids, accompanied by an adult eg grandparent, can enjoy a free day at Nature’s World (visit the website at: www.naturesworld.org.uk). Places are limited. For more information and to book places call Contact a Family on 0191 213 6300 before Friday 11 July.

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