What's on - regular activities

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For children and young people | For parents and carers

FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Whizz-Kidz
Whizz-Kidz is all about giving disabled children and young people the independence to enjoy an active childhood – at home, at school and at play. Whizz-Kidz are holding regular events throuthout 2008. Find out more here ( 29kb)

New club for young people!

A new youth club for disabled young people kicks off in Sunderland in September 2006. The club, for young people aged 12 to 25, will meet at the Lambton Street Fellowship Centre from 30 September. Activities include snooker, games and video games in a fully accessible sports area. Outdoor activities and gardening projects are planned. Sessions cost 50p.

For more details contact: - Tel: (0191 567 5227

Specially adapted tricycles

People's Pedal Power is a new initiative to encourage disabled people to start cycling.  The project has adapted tricycles suitable for people with all disabilities.  It is based at Hetton Lyons Country Park.  There is a small charge and pre-booking is essential.

For more information contact:

Peoples Pedal Power, 100 Norfolk Street, Sunderland, SR1 1EA

Tel: 0191 567 8107

E-mail: leslieg@myway.com

Free entry to local leisure attractions
We have arranged for members of the Sunderland Network of Children with Disabilities to receive a 'Max' card for each member of their family. This gives free entry to over 50 different attractions across the North East, including the Washington Wild Fowl Trust, the Ryhope Engine Museum and the Tynemouth Blue Reef Aquarium. This could be a big help in planning activities for your family over the summer holidays.

If you receive your copy of Real Issues by post you are already a member of the Sunderland Network and should by now have received your Max cards. To become a member please phone or e-mail to get an application form. Membership is open to all disabled children or those with additional educational needs in Sunderland. By joining the Network you will also help us to gather information on the needs of families in Sunderland to help us with planning services.  

Tel: (0191) 566 2190

E-mail: child.disability@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk

Equals Youth Theatre
This is a drama group which runs on a Wednesday evening between 4.30pm and 6pm at Portland School, Weymouth Road, Chapelgarth, Sunderland, SR3 2NQ.

For more information contact

Rowena Gilchrist on (0191) 553 6050

Actionnaires Club - Multi Sports Club for Blind & Partially Sighted Children
The Sunderland Actionnaires Club allows visually impaired childrento experience a range of sport an dliesure activities in a safe, structured and fun evironment. The club takes place every Saturday from 10am until 1pm, at the Raich Carter Sports Centre, in Hendon, Sunderland. Children and young people who are blind or partially sighted can participate in a whole range of activities including Trampolining, Judo, Football, Basketball, Goalball, Athletics, Gym Fitness, Swimming and more. There is no charge for this session and the visually impaired children can bring a friend or sibling along with them. The first 2 hours of the session is dedicated to indoor sports. The last hour of every session is for swimming.

For more information contact:
Lesley Inganni (Sports Development Officer)
Tel: (01642) 233 439 ir 0770 03099354  

E-mail: lesley.inganni@actionforblindpeople.org.uk

Swimming Club
Come along to the “Sandhill Centre”, Grindon Lane any Saturday 12 noon to 2 pm, for a trial. We will assess your current ability and give a recommendation as to the training group that will best suit your need.

For more information contact:

Yvonne or Alan: 07732541550 (mobile),

E-mail: info@sssc.me.uk

Young Carers’ Group
This is a group for young people who have added responsibilities at home caring for a family member with a long-term illness or disability, including those who have a brother or sister who has disabilities or additional needs. The group for 4 to 12 year olds meets on a Saturday, while the club for those aged 13+ meet on a Monday evening. The groups plan activities and outings, learn new skills and meet other people. Extra activities are organised for school holidays.

For more information contact:
Sunderland Carers’ Centre, 12 Toward Road, Sunderland, SR1 2QF
Tel: 0191 567 3232

Fax: 0191 567 8536

E-mail: info@sunderlandcarers.co.uk 

Free films at the cinema!

Do you enjoy going to the cinema?

This could now cost you less with The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card.  This is a card which confirms that the holder (you) is entitled to one free ticket for the person accompanying them to the cinema.  To apply for the card, you would need to be in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) and/or be registered blind. The card is valid for 3 years.

For more information contact:

Tel: 0845 123 1295

Fax: 0845 123 1296

Minicom: 0845 123 1297

Website: www.ceacard.co.uk

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FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Aiming higher ... Parent Carer Forum 2008
This is an annual event, held in the Autumn for parents and carers of disabled children and those with additional needs age 0-19 to come along and tell agencies what they think of the services they currently receive and what they would like to see developed in the future. It is an informal event, where there is a good mixture of short presentations by professionals about issues of interest, and consultation workshops for parents/carers to have their say. The Parent Carer Forum will be held on Thursday 9 October 2008, from 9.15am to 2.30pm at the Marriott Hotel, Seaburn, Sunderland. Telephone 0191 566 2190 for more information or view the flyer here ( 111kb). A report will be available after the event.

The Next Level Group (formerly the Parents Gripe Group)

For parents/carers of children with behavioural difficulties caused by learning disabilities. The group meets on the first Monday of each month, at Sunderland Carers' Centre, between 10am and 12noon.

For more information contact:
Sunderland Carers’ Centre, 12 Toward Road, Sunderland, SR1 2QF
Tel: 0191 567 3232

Fax: 0191 567 8536
E-mail: info@sunderlandcarers.co.uk

Parent Carers Group

For parents/carers of children (under 18) with special needs and disabilities. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at Sunderland Carers' Centre, between 10.30am and 12noon .

The Young Carers Group is for young people who care for a family member (including a brother or sister who is disabled). The group gives young carers the chance to meet new friends and try new things.

Sunderland Carers Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. If a carer is unable to go to the Carers Centre, a member of staff can usually arrange to visit them at home.

For more information, please contact:
Sunderland Carers Centre, 12 Toward Road, Sunderland, SR1 2QF

Tel: 0191 567 3232

Fax: 0191 567 8536

E-mail: info@sunderlandcarers.co.uk

Website: www.sunderland.nhs.uk/carers/index.htm

Ups and Downs
‘ Ups and Downs’ is a support group for parents and carers of children of all ages with Down’s Syndrome. The group is very friendly and informal, and mums, dads, grandparents and other carers go along for a cuppa, and to chat with other people whose children have Down’s Syndrome. They meet at Ford Sure Start, which is on Fordfield Road, Ford, Sunderland. Children are welcome and there are lots of toys for the children to play with. The group is run by parents, and everyone who goes along gets a warm welcome.

For more information contact Ford Sure Start on (0191) 565 8607

Free films at the cinema!

Does your disabled child enjoy going to the cinema? This enjoyable outing could now cost you less with The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card.  This is a card which confirms that the holder (your child) is entitled to one free ticket for the person accompanying them to the cinema. To apply for the card, your child would need to be in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) and/or be registered blind. The card is valid for 3 years.

For more information contact:

Tel: 0845 123 1295

Fax: 0845 123 1296

Minicom: 0845 123 1297

Website: www.ceacard.co.uk

Whizz-Kidz
Whizz-Kidz is all about giving disabled children and young people the independence to enjoy an active childhood – at home, at school and at play. Whizz-Kidz are holding regular events throuthout 2008. Find out more here ( 35kb).

Are you interested in fostering, adopting or offering short break care for Sunderland children?

If you have ever considered fostering, adopting or offering short break care for Sunderland children, read on.  The types of care which you may be able to get involved with are

Adoption - where a child becomes a permanent and full member of your family.

Permanent fostering - for children who need regular face-to-face contact with their parents but do not live with them. These placements continue until young people are adults.

Foster care workers scheme - these are the placements for young people whose behaviour challenges us. This is a fee paid scheme.

Temporary fostering - a scheme where children live with you temporarily while the problems which lead to them being separated from their family are overcome so they can return home, or move to a more permanent home.

Short breaks - this scheme offers families with children (especially those who are disabled) regular planned breaks. This is often one weekend per fortnight or month with additional stays with you during school holiday periods.

For more information, contact:

Tel: 0191 520 5555 or our 24 hour answering service (0191) 3823020

E-mail: fostering@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk

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