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 8th May.

Our guest will be Samantha Belcher from the Tyne and Wear Museums Service. Subjects for discussion will include:

• Children’s photographic portraits
• Equal access to Tyne and Wear Museums for all children

Examples of the work of a private photographer specialising in photographic portraits of disabled children will also be available to look at as another alternative for parents.

Any parents wishing to attend 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.

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.

Every Disabled Child Matters

The Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign is encouraging young people to sign up and show their support for disabled children and young people. Go to the website to find out how to get involved.

Carers Week 2008 (9-15 June)

Carers are invited to the following two events being held to celebrate Carers Week:

• Carers’ Fun and Pamper Day, Wednesday 11th June, 10am – 3pm,
  Sunderland Aquatic Centre (next to the Stadium of Light)
  Carers will be taking over Studios 1 and 2 at this fantastic new venue. In Studio 1 a range of therapies will be on offer – massage, reflexology and reiki to name a few. In Studio 2 a lively mix of music, dance and craft exercises will keep carers entertained. Light refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided. The event is free and there is no need to book. There are also limited places for a tour of the Stadium of Light but places must be booked in advance - contact Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232 by Friday 30th May to book for the tour.
• Carers’ Night at the Dogs, Friday 13th June, 6.30pm – 11pm,
  Sunderland Greyhound Stadium, Newcastle Road, Sunderland
  How would you like a night at the dogs? Doors open at 6.20pm. The first race is at 7.30pm and the last race at 10.30pm. There will be free entry, pie and pea supper and your first drink is on the house (mixers not included). £2 is payable for a race card at the venue. There are limited places. To book your place please contact Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232 by Friday 30th May.

Caring for Carers Awards 2008

There is still time to say thank you to workers who have supported you in your caring role by nominating them for the Caring for Carers Awards 2008. For example, a nurse, doctor, dentist, optician, pharmacist, consultant, social worker, care worker, or a voluntary or community worker. Nomination forms are available from Sunderland Carers’ Centre on 0191 567 3232 or email info@sunderlandcarers.co.uk. The deadline is Wednesday 7th May. All workers nominated will receive a certificate.

National Autistic Society Help! Programme

The venue has now been confirmed for the free National Autistic Society help! event, which appeared in last month's e-newsletter. The event is being held on Wednesday 25th June, 9.30am – 3pm, at Hyltons Conference Centre, City of Sunderland College, North Hylton Road, Sunderland. For more information please contact Jan Fuller on 0191 568 0732.

Percy Hedley Academy for Disability Sports

The Percy Hedley Academy for Disability Sports runs a number of clubs every week from its purpose built accessible facilities in Killingworth and is currently recruiting new members for the following clubs: Boccia and Multi Sports Club; Fantastic Football; Wheelchair Basketball; Powerchair Football; and Cobra Martial Arts Club.. The clubs are open to anyone with a disability. For more information or to register please contact Adam Parry, Sports Development Officer at the Academy on 0191 268 7116 or email a.parry@percyhedley.org.uk.

Deaf Awareness/Communication Tactics Course

Sunderland Deaf Society is planning a Deaf Awareness/Communication Tactics course. It will consist of 8 sessions and cost £50. For more information contact the Society on 07852953947 or email sunderlanddeafsociety@hotmail.co.uk.

What’s new at Sunderland Libraries

• Celebrating Cultural Diversity – Chinese Arts and Craft Session
  Come along and make Chinese Dragons at a free children’s art and craft session at City Library and Arts Centre, Fawcett Street, Sunderland, on Saturday 17th May, 10.00am – 12.00 noon. Everyone is welcome.
• Flower arranging for beginners course
  This is a free 10 week course. Learners will be shown a variety of basic skills and techniques which will enable them to construct a range of floral designs. Bring a single bunch of flowers, iris or daffodils, along with some big leaf foliage e.g. ivy to the first session. The course starts Friday 9th May, 10.00am – 12.00 noon, at Monkwearmouth Library, Church Street North, Sunderland. To book your place contact the library on 0191 553 2755.

Adult Learners’ Week

Sunderland Libraries are organising a programme of activities for Adult Learners’ Week.

Activities which have been confirmed are:

For details of other events contact your local library.

Chair based movement DVD

A new DVD called ‘Chair based movement 4 fitness improvement’ is available for hire from the City Library and Arts Centre’s Sound and Vision Department. The DVD shows exercises which are designed for varying disabilities that require the participant to be chair based. You can borrow the DVD for 1 week and the hire charge is £1.50. Contact the City Library and Arts Centre for more information.

Whizz-Kidz event

Wheelchair Training Scheme: 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: Percy Hedley Academy for Disability Sports, Percy Hedley Foundation, West Lane, Killingworth NE12 7BH.

Dates: Saturday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June

Time: 10am - 12.30pm

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.

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