The

IRISMagazine December 2014

Inside this issue

An Information Service For Parents Of Children And Young People With Special Educational Needs And Disabilities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

Tel: 0115 853 3291 E: contactus@askiris.org.uk W: www.askiris.org.uk @askirisnotts familyactionirisproject

What Will Work For YouSkills for employment...See page 9

Free Childcare For Two Year OldsMany IRIS readers may be able to claim...See page 2

Crocus Fields’ CreativesContemporary welcomes youngsters...See page 13

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A change to the rules governing free childcare means many IRIS readers may be able to claim.Parents of children aged two years old who receive Disability Living Allowance or have an Education, Health and Care Plan or Statement of Special Educational Needs are now able to claim up to 15 hours of free early education each week.

These sessions can be taken at any provider rated good or outstanding by Ofsted (including day nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools and child-minders).

If you think you qualify and would like to claim your free entitlement visit Nottinghamshire.gov.uk/childcare or call 0300 500 80 80.

To get the free allowance you must receive one of the below:

l Income Support

l Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

l Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

l Support through part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act.

l The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

l Child Tax Credit (but not working Tax Credit) and have an annual income not over £16,190

l The Working Tax Credit 4-week run on (the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working tax Credit)

l Disability Living Allowance (for your child)

l Education, Health and Care Plan or Statement Of Special Educational Needs (for your child)

Free Childcare For Two Year Olds

ContentsPage No.

Free Childcare For Two Year Olds

Editor’s CommentsHealthwatch Hijinks

Tobias’ StoryOne Door, Many Pathways

Take A Stance With SelectaSport!NPH Update

Helping Hands

NORSACA Funded For Education And Enterprise

Will Wiki Websites Work for You?The Short Breaks Bungalow

Ben Is A British Swimming SuccessNottingham City Local Offer Website Continues To Take Shape

What Will Work For You Playhouse Panto has Princess… but not Pyrotechnics!Could You Be a Short Breaks Link Worker?The Local Offer - Get the Scoop!Parent’s Tip

Quality Time At City Sensory SpaceAsk IRIS About… OCD

Teenz United!A Volunteer’s StorySpecialist Speech And Language Therapy Assessments Available

BBC Children in Need Funding Helps Fountaindale Pupils Smile!Contemporary Welcomes Crocus Fields’ CreativesIndigo Goes Back To School

ITAG 2014

Comment Piece – By IRIS Guest Writer Alex McKenzieDawn House pupils Thomas Hitchen and Alex Kendrick Allen

Carers Allowance Earning Limit IncreaseThe Care Act 2014Nottingham City Council’s Short Breaks ServiceNew ADHD Group Launches

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Editor’s CommentsThis is the season when we traditionally reflect upon the year we’ve had and give thanks for the things that enrich our lives.

Some of us are now hitting the point where we’ve had the chance to review rather more years than we’d care to mention while some, like the young men I interviewed for our story on Nottinghamshire County Council’s Skills For Employment Team (page 9), stand poised on the cusp of adulthood with all the promise that suggests.

Reading their sober, intelligent and practical reasoning behind the careers they desire and are prepared to work for was inspiring, and made me chuckle at how little prepared I was at their age.

I had no idea what I would want to do for a living, and I certainly couldn’t have foreseen that the work I do would allow me to meet so many wonderful people.

I couldn’t know then that I would be interviewing young firebrands like Tobias Eaton-Hill, whose sublime piano playing our pictures cannot do justice to, and whose explosive personality cannot be confined to the page!

Nor could I have been prepared for the kindness and courtesy that

has been shown to me by staff and coordinators when visiting support groups across the county, from Hallcroft Hands in Retford (page 6) to the support groups at organisations such as Rainbow Parents Carers Forum, Spectrum and APTCOO.

Finally, and most importantly, I couldn’t have thought that a network of parents would value our work so highly, and be so keen to engage in the kind of dialogue that allows me to bring you parent tips such as the one on page 10.

It’s been a great year thanks to each and every one of you, and so as I see in 2015 with my young family I will be giving thanks for that.

Merry Xmas.

Healthwatch HijinksHealthwatch Nottinghamshire is an organisation which aims to find out about people’s experiences of using health and social care services. Here Community & Partnerships Worker Alison Duckers explains how she gets around the challenge of discussing this with children (and how much fun she has doing so!).When a colleague tells you that you should take a pay cut because you are having too much fun you know there is something very right with your job!

Well there are some serious bits and some boring bits, but mostly it’s really enjoyable engaging with children and young people.

I especially enjoy taking the Dressing Up Box into infant schools.

The children get to dress up as doctors, nurses, surgeons and paramedics and they spend time doing

imaginary role play which then allows me a chance to ask them about going to hospital for real.

It is possible to get some important feedback in this way and I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that mostly young children seem to have very good experiences of health care services in Nottinghamshire.

If this sounds like fun then I would love to bring the Dressing Up Box to a group or school near you.

It works best with 4 – 7 year olds but if you are running an event, I can also bring it along so that children can dress up and have their photo taken by their mum or dad or carer (there are no adult sized outfits, sadly!)

If you would like more information or wish to discuss your group or event with Alison you can contact her at alison.duckers@healthwatchnottinghamshire.co.uk

???Did You Know? Healthwatch Nottinghamshire has recently launched its new website.

If you have an experience you would like to let the organisation know about visit www.healthwatchnottinghamshire.co.uk or www.healthwatchnottingham.co.uk if you live in Nottingham.

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Hello! I am Tobias and I am 14 years old. I currently attend High Grange School in Mickleover. It is a specialist school for kids with autism, like me. People tend to know who I am because of my giant hair (see picture!)

The instrument I play is the piano and to be honest, I’m pretty good at it!

When I was 10 years old, I saw one of my teachers playing the piano when I was coming into assembly (I was at Redgate School back then).

I was curious as to what she was reading as she was playing because it had different types of symbols and not many words.

What I’m trying to say is that I’m a natural when it comes to reading (I have always been able to read, even before I could speak!) but I remember being confused as I could not understand what was written down.

This was the beginning of my journey of learning the piano.

During school time Mrs House gave me a few lessons, so in no time at all I was able to read the funny language

known as music. I actually felt very proud of myself!

Mum took me to a music school for a while but they were unable to teach me (yet they said they were professionals…) and this left me feeling anxious and frustrated.

Thankfully though we met a piano teacher called Matt Keers by chance.

I go to his house on Tuesdays for a lesson and he is as awesome as me! (maybe slightly better).

He is calm, patient and explains things really well. He never gets cross or upset and he is always happy to see me - we have a lot of fun together.

He is a really good friend and with his help I have completed five practical exams and two theory exams.

When I first started taking exams I felt anxious as I did not know what was expected or how the exam would go.

Matt is always there at exams in the waiting room to make sure I am A-OK. He is very supportive.

Because I work really hard I get great grades. I am currently working towards my 3rd grade theory and my 7th grade practical.

I try to practice one hour a day, but this is not always possible as I have a very busy schedule.

I love to play fast pieces (Looks like I have spider fingers!) and my favourite so far is Flight of the Bumble-Bee by N. Rimsky-Korsakow, because I find it very challenging.

Learning to play the piano has been great for me. It gives me something to focus on. It is also great if I have had a stressful day as I find it relaxing and calming.

This is Tobias Eaton-Hill, signing off. Peace out!

Tobias’ Story

Some articles, and indeed some people, require no introduction, so we’ll just do the bare minimum! Here Tobias Eaton-Hill tells us about why playing the piano means so much to him, in his own inimitable style.

One Door, Many PathwaysA New NHS strategy in Nottinghamshire puts those with complex needs and disabilities at the front of its priorities. The “One Door, Many Pathways” five year strategy says that one of its early aims is implementing integrated care for children and young people with emotional or mental health needs and those with complex needs and disabilities.

Another key theme of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s strategy is to respond early and quickly to the needs of children, young people and their families.

Among the innovations within the plan that aim to make this happen is the introduction of a single point of entry to services – dubbed “One Door”, which provides clear and smooth access to one of “Many Pathways”.

There will also be an “e-health platform” which will explore new ways of using technology to improve access to services and operate at the leading edge of what’s possible.

IRIS readers may also be pleased to know that the strategy aims to help provide the best possible foundation for the transition into adulthood and greater independence.

At present the plan is still being implemented but the trust says the views of families are central to the strategy and wants to engage with people using the service on an ongoing basis.

If you would like to know more about the strategy and have your say contact Integration Development Manager Kerrie Adams on 0115 969 1300 (ext 16355), or email Kerrie.adams@nottshc.nhs.uk

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NPH UpdateThe Nottinghamshire Participation Hub (NPH) has been making great inroads over the last three months.

Its steering group now has parent carer members representing all areas of the county who sit on “locality sub hubs” (meetings held in the districts/boroughs with local parents) that feed into this county group.

These parents have also attended important events alongside NPH facilitators including the East Midlands Information Advice and Support Services Conference and the Regional Parent Carer Forum to help share their knowledge regarding parent carer participation and to represent the views of Nottinghamshire parents and carers.

The steering group says it is now working on an action plan to ensure parent carer participation continues to grow and develop over the coming months.

It is also aiming to deliver new training workshops and information sessions following the success of the hub’s Personal Budget workshop in November.

The Hub is funded by the Department For Education and Nottinghamshire County Council to act as the voice of county parent carers of children and young people with disabilities so if you would like to get involved in NPH then please visit www.aptcoo.co.uk/NPH, email: NPHenquiries@aptcoo.co.uk or call 01623 629902

Take A Stance With SelectaSport!A new club aims to explore a range of sports for school age children – and has started with Karate.

The Inclusive SelectaSport club runs on Tuesday afternoons during term time at 4.15pm and is currently based at Bramcote Park School, where black belt instructor Pasq Mura teaches the kids about the exciting martial art.He said: “I like doing the session as they’re nice kids and everyone is so enthusiastic. “Karate gets everybody moving but as well as the exercise it also seems to help with everyone’s confidence.”Each half term the club changes sports and is open to all school age children with a disability or special educational need across the county and city. The change in sports allows young people the opportunity to explore new activities that appeal to them.

At the session Foxwood School Teaching Assistant Amanda Gunn told IRIS that she thinks this can help people get engaged. She said: “One of the kids who doesn’t usually like to get involved in anything else has joined in here today. “It’s been of great benefit and they really love it.”

If you would like to find out more about the clubs then you can do so by contacting Broxtowe Sport at sport@broxtowe.gov.uk or by telephoning 0115 917 3572.

Callum Harding, 10“I like doing the kicks the most. I’ve been here twice and I think I get a lot of exercise when I’m here.”

John Hickey, 15“The group is really fun and it gives you good exercise. I think I’m learning from it and it makes me want to continue doing karate in future.”

Here for kicks – what the young people said:

NORSACA Funded For Education And EnterpriseThe Autism Charity NORSACA has been awarded £40,000 in funding for a new employment project.

NORSACA is one of 42 projects selected by the Department of Health for its Autism Innovation Fund out of 360 applications from organisations nationwide.

This pilot NORSACA project aims to equip project participants with the skills and experience to secure employment in the future, supporting adults with autism who do not meet the eligibility criteria for statutory support.

The project will operate out of the NORSACA Enterprise Hub on Raines Avenue in Worksop.

This Hub is a practical work skills environment located at Raines Avenue where NORSACA offer a specialist, autism specific, person centred environment.

Support staff will help service users achieve their potential through a programme of activities aimed at developing vocational skills, which are tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

Training and guidance will be provided in CV writing, interview skills and job searching and will support participants into the workplace through a buddy system setup with the employer and provide staff briefings for the employer to ensure their staff have an awareness of autism as well as the individual’s needs.

For more information about NORSACA visit www.norsaca.org.uk or contact 01909 506 678.

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The free Hallcroft Hands group is suitable for young people aged 0-12 with any disability or additional need and a diagnosis is not required.

Siblings are also welcome.

Parent Greg Smith attends the group with his son Cameron (this month’s cover star) along with his five year old brother Max.

Greg took some time out to chat to IRIS as the pair happily made pizzas in the kitchen on an uncharacteristically warm November morning.

He said: “You get the chance to talk to other parents and share ideas. It’s just nice to relax and not worry about them.”

Mum Kerry agrees and says it’s great that Cameron, who has autism, can engage at his own pace.

She said: “Cameron doesn’t always feel comfortable in other settings and if it’s somewhere that’s busy or noisy he can struggle”.

The group takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 10am until 12pm at Hallcroft Children’s Centre.

Care, Play and Family Worker Emma Fox says that for her the group was a response to parents’ concerns.

She said: “My son has ADHD and we’ve always struggled to find somewhere for him to go. When we had parents coming in and saying that there’s nothing that meets their criteria I knew we had to start something - I feel passionately that parents have somewhere to come”.

Helping HandsA new session in Retford aims to provide a relaxing drop in and play experience for both children and their parents and carers.

The Short Breaks BungalowAn unassuming suburban house in Nottingham is helping provide a more flexible short breaks solution for city parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs.

Long time IRIS readers may remember our article in March 2012 explaining how Short Breaks foster carers employed by the council offer a Short Break for parents by looking after young people with additional needs in their own homes – called the “home from home” service.

The new Short Breaks bungalow in Wollaton, however, provides a space that’s been completely renovated to accommodate a range of physical disabilities that would be difficult for the foster carers to provide in their own houses. This new space offers a compromise that can help, and is also useful where a young person’s needs can be met in a home based setting instead of a residential short break setting.

Features within the home:

l 3 x ceiling Track T-Mec hoists (situated in young person’s bedroom, bathroom and lounge

l Foldaway shower table

l Lowered bathroom sink

l Height adjustable, High sided profiling Bed

l Height adjustable kitchen units including sink & worktops

l Fully accessible front and rear access

l Fully paved accessible garden

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Wiki websites are simple, secure websites that allow families and young people to tell their story through photographs, video, text, audio, documents and web links. They are the digital equivalent of scrap books - allowing users to share their successes, hopes, dreams and challenges in an engaging, modern format.

Parents and young people from the trial have told the council that Wikis present opportunities for them to feel more empowered and engaged and so Nottinghamshire County Council has committed to making this technology accessible to any young person and their family who are resident in the

county and have a Statement or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

The council says this technology supports its desire to put the young person and family at the heart of decision making as Wiki websites can help to better understand the needs and aspirations of young people and put the person at the heart of decision making.

The inventors of the technology RIX Research and Media will be working with organisations across the county to train designated Wiki “Champions” who will be available to support families at local Wiki website Centres of Excellence.

This means that young people and their families will be supported to make a start and develop their personalised Wiki websites. Centres of Excellence will also be providing opportunities for young people to train and support other Wiki users to make the most of their websites. This will take the form of work experience, traineeships and apprenticeships.

To find out more about Wiki websites and where they fit into Nottinghamshire’s EHC Plan Pathway, visit the SEND Local Offer www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk and view the animation in the video section of the home page.

Will Wiki Websites Work for You?For the past 14 months Nottinghamshire County Council has been trialing the use of Wiki websites with a number of young people and their families from across the county as part of its Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Pathfinder.

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When IRIS last caught up with swimmer Ben Foulston in December 2012’s issue we called him a born competitor and predicted great things for his future.

It’s nice to be proved right as Ben has just been offered a place on the British Para-Swimming’s World Class Podium Potential program.

Ben, who has mild Cerebral Palsy, is one of only 11 boys in the whole of Britain to receive a place.

He was considered after consistently receiving outstanding results in competitions across the UK.

The 14 year-old says that he couldn’t have scaled these dizzy heights without coaches Glenn Smith and Pauline Gourley at Mansfield’s Nova

swimming club, who are helping him work towards his dream of Olympic success.

He said: “I was very excited and over the moon to hear that I had been selected for the World Class Podium Potential Programme and am one step closer to achieving my goal of going to the Para-Olympic games.”

A selection of Ben’s achievements this year:

l January 2014 ASA Central Zone Meet, Corby - 4 Golds

l June 2014 DSE East Midlands Regional Champs, Nottingham - 3 Golds (50m,100m & 400m Free), 1 Silver (100m Breast), 1 Bronze (100m Back)

l September 2014 Sainsbury’s School Games-Manchester – 1 x Bronze (100m Free)

l September 2014 DSE West Midlands Regional Championships, Rugby - 2 Golds (50m & 100m Free), 2 Silvers (100m Back & 400m Free)

Ben Is A British Swimming Success

Nottingham City Local Offer Website Continues To Take ShapeParents in the city who haven’t already done so should take a look at the Council’s Local Offer website which now has information on what the changes of the Children and Families Act 2014 mean for you - including information about Education, Health and Care Plans, Direct Payments and Personal Budgets. You can also find information regarding all the statutory support services for children and young people with SEND.

The council has also asked IRIS to pass on its thanks to all the young people, parents, carers and professionals for their valuable contributions over the last few months in the development of the site.

You can view the local offer at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/LocalOffer

Independent Supporters from the employment and skills organisation Futures and the Nottinghamshire Parent Partnership Service got together at the Partnership Works! Event on November 11th.

The event brought together Information Advice and Support Services (formerly Parent Partnership Services) and organisations delivering the new independent supporter program nationwide to share best practice and hear inspirational guest speakers Children’s Commissioner Maggie Atkinson, with Philippa Stobbs and Martin Bull from the Council for Disabled Children.

Independent Supporters exist to help support parents/carers and young people with the gradual introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans which will replace Statements of Special Educational Needs.

Parents and young people (over 16 years) can request an Independent Supporter by ringing PPS on 0115 948 2888.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Skills for Employment team specialises in helping to prepare young people with an additional need or disability for the world of employment.

The program can be joined at any time in the year and is open for those from 16 to 24 years of age.

It focuses on finding realistic employment opportunities and achieves this through focused training in areas such as:

l Health and Safetyl ICTl Customer Servicel Food Safetyl Communicationl Team Work. l Functional skillsl Literacyl Numeracy

as well as training tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Skills for Employment’s Neil Pledger said: “The young people that are coming to us are looking to work and we have to look at preparing them for that often–scary experience.

“Sometimes they haven’t had much life experience and they may be more vulnerable and not have the same social skills - we provide a safe environment where they can test those skills”.

After undergoing training the young people are then supported in a long term work placement – with previous employers including Care Homes, Kitchens and even the Forestry Commission.

Attending the course counts as full time education for the purposes of benefits and young people can also apply for bursaries to help them while they study.

For more information regarding the service based at Myplace@Westfield Folkhouse, Mansfield, you can contact 01623 476830 or via email at skills.for.employment@nottscc.gov.uk

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What Will Work For You?If you know a young person who wants to work but doesn’t know where to start then read on.

What do the Jobseekers think? Kieron Higgens, 16 Ideal Job: Working in a warehouse - “I’d like a quiet job. In a warehouse there’s not too much interaction with other people and there’s a lot of order. I think I’d find it peaceful.”

Thoughts on the program: “We’ve been learning about all sorts of jobs. We get the chance to do lots of roleplay, which helps with social interaction, which I’m not great with”.

Craig Bastable, 18 Ideal job: Carer for older people - “I would have liked to do sports but there’s not many jobs around in that field and I think I’d enjoy care and would get paid as well!”Thoughts on the program: “I’ve enjoyed just coming to the group at the folkhouse. I’d like a job out of it and I feel the skills I’m learning will help me get one.

Aaron Preddy, 17 Ideal Job: Animal Care - “I enjoy looking after animals. I think I prefer animals to people!”Thoughts on the program: “It’s useful to learn about job-searching.

It makes it easier and makes you less stressed. I actually have a bit of experience but it would be nice to know a little bit more. I’d definitely recommend the program to anyone else wanting a job”.

Brett Kinsley, 21 Ideal Job: Gardening – “That is what I turned up for but we’ve also done things like training and cooking and I’ve found them valuable too.”

Thoughts on the program: “We’ve been learning how to do job interviews. I didn’t think I needed any practice but there were some things I learned that I didn’t know beforehand.”

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Playhouse Panto has Princess… but not Pyrotechnics!

Nottingham Playhouse has announced it will be hosting a relaxed performance of Sleeping Beauty in the new year. The performance will be tailored to people with learning disabilities, their families and carers so that everyone can enjoy the magic of the Pantomime in a comfortable and supportive environment.

For the show there will be a reduction in the number of bangs, crashes and flashes and the house lights will be partially up throughout.

Organisers say that noise and moving around the auditorium will also cause no problem.

Finally, ‘chill-out’ areas will be available before, during and after the performance.

Familiarisation visits, wheelchair access, social stories and disabled parking are also available.

For more information call the box office on 0115 941 9419 to discuss any specific requirements you may have.

Could You Be a Short Breaks Link Worker?IRIS readers pick up a lot of skills over the years as the parents/carers of children with a disability or special need. You may, therefore, be interested in an exciting opportunity with Nottingham City Council.

It is looking to recruit Short Breaks link workers who provide 1:1 or 2:1 support to children and young people with a disability aged between 5 and 19 years old to fully access their community.

The positions are extremely flexible in terms of the hours you can work and offer competitive rates of pay up to £11.73 per hour.

Full training and supervision is also provided and driving is not a requirement.

If the idea of making a real difference to the life of a young person is attractive to you then why not get in touch for a no-pressure introduction to the service by telephoning 0115 8838280 or emailing shortbreaksservices@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

The Local Offer - Get the Scoop!If you’re the type of person who devours the IRIS Magazine every month and can’t get enough of the latest scoops then we’ve got news for you.

The Nottinghamshire SEND Local Offer website now has a news tab that hosts regular updates from those in the know, including regular contributions from the team here at IRIS!

Previous stories include the launch of Carers Information Packs, training dates from the autism charity NORSACA and service updates from local providers as well as important government documents and policies that affect you!

To view the stories visit the Local Offer now at www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk and click on the News tab that runs across the top of the home page.

Parent’s Tip!We couldn’t resist passing on this great tip sent to us from Mansfield parent Judi Radford for those parents who have a smartphone and a child who has a tendency to explore at inconvenient, or even dangerous, times.

She suggests that you take a photograph of your son or daughter at the beginning of the day so you have a record of what they were wearing in case they run off and you have to ask those around you if they’ve seen them.

Obviously this can help with communication and hopefully bring a very stressful situation under control more quickly, and the photo can be deleted at the end of the day.

If you have a great suggestion like Judi’s that you think might benefit other parents why not get in touch at contactus@askiris.org.uk or 0115 853 3291?

Every Monday09:15-10:15 Soft Play Sessions Cotgrave Leisure Centre, Woodview, Cotgrave, Notts. NG12 3PJ Contact 0115 989 2916 or cotgrave@parkwood-communityleisure.co.uk

09:30am-11:30am Spectrum Wasp Coffee Morning (term time only) Sherwood West Childrens Centre, Water Road, Rainworth, Notts. NG21 ODU Contact: Joseph Whitaker School 01623 795610 or suzy.edwards@hotmail.co.uk

09:30-12:00 Parent Partnership Service Drop In - Hucknall. Run by Indigo. The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact: Parent Partnership Service 0115 948 2888 or enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

10:00-13:30 Inclusive Sports@Huthwaite Leisure Centre Huthwaite Leisure Centre, New St, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2LR Contact Community Engagement Manager 07711 370215 or michellewykes@everyoneactive.com

11:00am-12:00pm Adult Disability Swimming Session - Victoria Leisure Centre Victoria Leisure Centre, Gedling Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DB Contact: Victoria Leisure Centre 0115 876 1690

11:15-12:15 Active@Arena – Bassetlaw – Multisports North Notts Community Arena, Eastgate, Worksop, Notts. S80 1QS Contact Craig 01909 480164

12:00-13:30 Disabled Swimming Session @ Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre, Westdale Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 7BZ Contact Reception 01623 463082

13:00-15:00 APTCOO Under 5’s: A group for families with a child under 5 with a disability APTCOO, Unit 15, Botany Park, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 5NF Contact 01623 629902

13:30-14:25 Carlton Digby School Toddler Group 61 Digby Avenue, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 6DS Contact Julie Witham or Julie Dooley 0115 956 8289

16:00-17:30 Newark and Sherwood Autism Support Group Siblings Club The William Gladstone CofE Primary School, Holden Crescent, Newark, Notts. NG24 4HU Contact: Laura 07808 345211

4:30pm-6:00pm Inclusive Archery Portland College, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 8NR Contact Dave Winter 01623 499113 or davidw@portland.ac.uk

16:30pm-17:30pm Want 2 Play FC Kimberley Kimberley Leisure Centre, Newdigate Street, Nottingham, Notts. NG16 2NJ Contact: Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:00-19:00 SAND Sports Club Sports Hall Session Sports Hall, Worksop College, Sparken Hill, Worksop, Notts. S80 3AP Contact: Sian Kirk 01909 534489 or sian.kirk@bassetlaw.gov.uk

18:30pm-19:30pm NDCC Cricket - £3 per session Mansfield Hosiery Mills, The Fieldings, off Huthwaite Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2TF Contact: Pete Edwards 0115 977 2884 or Pete.edwards@nottscc.gov.uk

18:30-20:00 Sherwood Seals Disability Swimming Club Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre, Westdale Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 7BZ Contact Shirley Freeman 01623 406241 or sherwoodseals@live.co.uk

18:30-20:00 Special Olympics Club - Nottingham City. £1 per session Oakfield Specialist Sports College, Bilborough, Nottingham, NG8 3HW Contact Helen Derby 07824 871706

18:30-20:30 Portland College Monday Youth Club Portland College, Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 4TJ Contact 01623 626972

19:00-20:30 Nightflyers Trampoline Club Harvey Hadden Sports Complex, Wigman Road, Bilborough, Nottingham, NG8 4PB Contact Toni Jantschenko toni@nightflyers.org.uk

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Monday Youth Link Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Nottinghamshire Powerchair FC £3.50 per session, £25 membership fee. Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0JX Contact Ricky Stevenson 07932 071364

Alternate Mondays09:30-13:00 APTCOO North One to One Support Sessions for Parents and Carers Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk

16:00-18:00 APTCOO North Kids (Retford) After school group for 5-10 year olds and parents/carers. Captain Jacks, Chancery Lane, Retford, Notts. DN22 6DF Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk

16:00-18:00 APTCOO North Kids (Worksop) After school group for 5-10 year olds and parents/carers. Manton Children’s Centre, Community Way, Manton, Worksop, Notts. S80 2TU Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk

18:45 -20:15 APTCOO North - A Voice To Call Our Own A group for 14 - 25 year olds. Retford Central Children’s Centre, Arlington Way, Retford, Notts. DN22 6EA Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk18:45 -20:15 APTCOO North Youth Club - Retford A group for 11-13 year olds Retford Central Children’s Centre, Arlington Way, Retford, Notts. DN22 6EA Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk

18:45 -20:15 APTCOO North Youth Club - Worksop A group for 11-13 year olds Manton Children’s Centre, Community Way, Manton, Worksop, Notts. S80 2TU Contact: Suzy Pitchley 01623 629902 or suzanne.pitchley@aptcoo.co.uk

Monday to Friday

13:00-15:00 Respite Care@Look Inside Look Inside Sensory Learning & Play LTD, City College Nottingham, Carlton Road, Nottingham NG3 2NR Contact: Reception 0742 4032564 or info@lookinside.org.uk

15:15pm-18:00 After School Club@Look Inside Look Inside Sensory Learning & Play LTD, City College Nottingham, Carlton Road, Nottingham NG3 2NR Contact: Reception 0742 4032564 or info@lookinside.org.uk

1st Monday of the month09:30-11:30 Parent Partnership Service Drop In - Newark Young People’s Centre, Windsor Road, Newark, Notts. Contact: Parent Partnership Service 0115 948 2888 or enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

18:15-21:15 Special Kids Nottingham Get Together Punchbowl Public House, 214 Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6HG Tel: 07852 156570

18:30-19:30 Parent Partnership Service Drop In - Rushcliffe Central College, Greythorne Drive, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 7GA Contact: Parent Partnership Service 0115 948 2888 or enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

19:00-21:00 Rushcliffe Autism Support Group Student Support Room, Central College, Greythorne Drive, West Bridgford, Notts. Contact Paula Webb 0115 914 9757

Last Monday of the month19:00-21:00pm Adults with ADHD Support Group (and their carers) Venue changes - please contact for details.Contact: Sue Smith 0115 982 2573 or suesmith.n@talktalk.net

Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday10:00-17:00 Disabled Water Skiing Sessions Church Wilne Water Ski club, Long Eaton, Derbyshire DE72 3QF Contact: 07970 617441 or info@churchwilne.co.uk

Every Tuesday10:00am-11:55am Indigo Tots Group (Term time only) The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Lou Hickman-Slawson 0115 952 1164 or indigokids@live.com

12:00-18:00 Let’s Play Together Free. The Bungalow, Keyworth Primary School, Nottingham Road, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5FB Contact Linda Cox 0115 9374589 or rushcliffe.playforum@btopenworld.com

12:15-13:15 Ability Nottingham Pre School Little Splashes Victoria Leisure Centre, Gedling Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DB Contact Nicola Cranshaw 07932 583399 or n.cranshaw@oakfield.nottingham.sch.uk

15:00-17:30 Newark Disability Swimming Club Grove Leisure Centre, London Road, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3AL Contact Helen Purdy 01636 655797 or helen.purdy@nsdc.info

The IRIS Magazine Events

Events for your diary

The IRIS Magazine Events

15:30-17:00 Wheelchair Basketball and Inclusive Sports Club - Ashfield Sutton Centre Community College, High Pavement, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. NG17 1EE Contact James Adcock 08452 405500

16:00-16:30 Newark Disability Swimming Club (excluding school holidays) Grove Leisure Centre, London Road, Balderton, Newark, NG24 3AL Contact Helen Purdy 01636 655797 or helen.purdy@nsdc.info

16:00-17:00 Oaktree Gymnastics Club Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way South, Mansfield, NG18 3RT Contact: Darren Kissane 0345 0000 231 or dkissane@mansfield.gov.uk

16:00-17:30 Gedling Sport+ Club £2 per session Carlton Forum, Coningswath Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3SH Contact Maureen Fox 0115 856 8289 or gedlingsportplusclubs@hotmail.co.uk

16:15pm-17.15pm Inclusive SelectaSport Club Costs £2. Term Time Only. The Bramcote School, Derby Road, Bramcote, Notts. NG9 3GD. Contact: Broxtowe Sport 0115 917 3572 or sport@broxtowe.gov.uk

16:30-18:30 The Big Kick 5 a-side Football League Thane Rd, Lenton Lane Industrial Estate, Nottingham, NG7 2TG Contact Sophie 07931 246757 or sophie.t@youngpotential.org.uk

16:30-19:30 Breakaway Drama, Art and Music Group. Free. 43 Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PD. Contact: Teresa or Sharon 0115 837 4949 or teresa.c@transformtraining.org.uk

16:30-19:30 Oaktree Trampoline Club Oaktree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way S, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 3RT Contact: Reception 01623 463 820

17:30-19:25 Indigo Kids Club The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Emma Hutchinson 0115 952 1164 or indigokids1@live.co.uk

18:00-19:00 Want 2 Play FC Calverton/Debz 4 Coffee Football Sessions MWFC Colts, Hollinwood Lane, Calverton, Notts. NG13 6NR Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:00-19:00 Want 2 Play FC Oaktree Oaktree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way S, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 3RT Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:00-19:00 Want 2 Play FC Retford Retford Town FC, Cannon Park, Leatherton Road, Retford, Notts. DN22 6QF Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:00-19:00 Want 2 Play FC Woodhouse Colts The Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0JX Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:30-19:30 Want 2 Play FC Aspley Park Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:30-19:30 Want 2 Play FC Blidworth Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth, Notts. NG21 0AG Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:30-20:00 Wheelchair Basketball Club - Mansfield. For ages 8-19, £3 per week. The Brunts School, The Park, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2AT Contact: Andrew Tyler 07831 267 973

18:30-20:30 Worksop Youth Link - Youth Club For Disabled People aged 13-24 Years Valley Young People’s Centre, 39 Stanley Street, Worksop, Notts. S81 7JQ Contact: Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-20:00 Want 2 Play FC Gedling Southbank Play Football Arnold, Arnold Hill School, Arnold Hill School & Technology College, Gedling Road, Nottingham, NG5 6NZ Contact: Kevin Sanders 0115 9837406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair Basketball Club (Tuesday) Brunts School, The Park, Park Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2AT Contact: Pete Edwards 01623 635572 or pete.edwards@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Swimming Club Water Meadows, Titchfield Park, Bath Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1BA Contact: Reception 0345 0000 232 or info.watermeadows@serco.com

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Youth Link Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact: Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

Alternate Tuesdays09:30-11:30 Parent Partnership Service Drop In - Mansfield APTCOO, Botany Avenue, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 5NF Contact: Parent Partnership Service 0115 948 2888 or enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

1st Tuesday of the month13:00-15:00 Spectrum Coffee and Chat@Python Hill School The Treehouse, Python Hill School, Kirklington Road, Rainworth, Mansfield, NG21 OJZ Contact: Suzy Edwards or Sue Harpham 01623 795610 or suzy.edwards@hotmail.co.uk

2nd Tuesday of the month10:00-12:00 ADHD Support Group Nottingham Aspley Library, Nuthall Road, Nottingham NG8 5DD Contact: ADHD solutions 0116 261 0711, or info@adhdsolutions.org

3rd Tuesday of the month16:00-20:00 The Best We Can Be Drop In Sessions - Worksop NORSACA Work and Learn Centre, Dukeries Centre, Park Street, Worksop, Notts. S80 1HH Contact: NORSACA 01909 509400

Every Tuesday and Wednesday17:30-19:25 Indigo Coffee And Chat For Parents The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Indigo Kids 0115 952 1164 or indigokidshelen@gmail.com

Every Wednesday10:00-12:00 Indigo Advice Surgery The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Indigo Kids 0115 952 1164 or indigokidshelen@gmail.com

10:00-14:00 Jigsaw Sherwin Road Community Garden, Sherwin Road, Lenton, Nottingham, Notts. NG7 2FB Contact Danek 07762 207532

10:00-14:00 The Maze Drop In NCVS, 7 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 7ED Contact: The Maze 07783 826835

10:00-15:00 Blast Sports Club - Multisports North Notts Community Arena, Eastgate, Worksop, Notts. S80 1QS Contact Craig 01909 480164

10:30-11:30 Singing and Signing Free session. Join in and learn new songs and rhymes, actions and simple signs. Ruddington Young People’s Centre, The Green, Ruddington, Notts. NG11 6HH Contact: 0115 969 4480

13:15-14:15 The Speech, Sign and Song Club Contact Wendy Prevezer 0115 922 1318 or wendy@eymg.co.uk

13:30-15:00 Exploring Together Group - Arnbrook Arnbrook Children’s Centre, Home Close, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8NE Contact: Sally 0115 911 8700 and 0115 883 0851

11:00-12:00 Multiskills Football - Ashfield Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2AD Contact Ashfield District Council 01623 457410

12:30-13:00 The Kimberley School Boccia Club The Kimberley School, Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2NJ Contact Louise Croft 0115 938 7000

15:15-16:15 The Kimberley School Inclusive Club The Kimberley School, Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2NJ Contact Louise Croft 0115 938 7000

15:30-17:30 Special Moments After School Club - Clifton Green Lane Youth Centre, Green Lane, Clifton, Nottingham NG11 9AY Contact Lorraine Pegg 0115 876 2625

15:45-16:45 Multi-Sport Club Oak Field School & Sports College, Wigman Road, Bilborough, Nottingham, NG8 3HW Contact Helen Derby 07824 871706

16:00-17:00 Boccia Sessions The Grove School, London Road, Newark, Notts. NG24 1TT Contact: Helen Purdy 01636 655797 or Lilley And Stone Site

16:00-17:00 Mansfield Junior Boccia Club Manor Sport and Recreation Centre, Kingsley Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. NG19 8JY Contact: Callum Lawson 01623 425100 (ext 666)

16:00-17:00 Table Cricket@Attenborough £2. Booking Required Broxtowe, Notts. NG9 6AU Contact Sue Moore or The Strand

16:00-18:00 Dedicated Disability Swimming Lessons Ken Martin Leisure Centre, Hucknall Lane, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8AP Contact Anna McMahon 07932 583399

17:00-18:00 Oakfield Special Badminton Club Oakfield Specialist Sports College, Bilborough, Nottingham NG8 3HW Contact Elaine 01332 799 442 or elainespray@btinternet.com

17:00-20:00 Breakaway Drama, Art and Music Group Beeston Fire Station, Hassocks Lane, Beeston, NG9 2GQ Contact Teresa or Sharon 0115 837 4949 or teresa.c@transformtraining.org.uk

The IRIS Magazine Events

17:30-19:00 Powerchair Football Club Portland Leisure Centre, Muskham Street, Nottingham, NG2 2HB Contact Graham Moran 07794 056201

17:30-19:25 Indigo Kids Club The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Emma Hutchinson 0115 952 1164 or indigokids1@live.co.uk

18:00-19:00 Mansfield Special Olympics Club Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0JX Contact Glenys Evans 01623 423289

18:00pm-19:00pm Trowell FC Football Session For Children With Disabilities and Inclusion Needs Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3GF Contact: Anthony Beaumont 07747 190341

18:30-19:30 Want 2 Play FC Bingham Bingham Town, Butt Field, Bingham, Notts. Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:30-20:30 Retford Youth Link - Youth Club For Disabled People aged 13-24 Years Retford Young People’s Centre, Beardsall Row, Retford, Notts. DN22 6JX Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Gedling Youth Link - Youth Club For Disabled People aged 13-24 Years Redhill Young People’s Centre, Redhill Road, Arnold, Notts. NG5 8GX Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Swimming Club Water Meadows, Titchfield Park, Bath Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1BA Contact: Reception 0345 0000 232 or info.watermeadows@serco.com

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Wednesday Youth Link Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Newark Wednesday Youth Link Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Hawtonville Young People’s Centre, Windsor Road, Newark, Notts. NG24 4HX Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Nottinghamshire Powerchair FC £3.50 per session, £25 membership fee Garibaldi College, Garibaldi Road, Forest Town, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0JX Contact: Ricky Stevenson 07932 071364

19:00-21:00 West Bridgford Youth Link - Youth Club For Disabled People aged 13-24 Years Melton Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7NF Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

Alternate Wednesdays09:30-11:30 Autism and ASD Support Group@Southglade Access Centre Southglade Access Centre, Southglade Road, Bestwood, Nottingham NG5 5GU Contact Rachel Kinton 0115 915 9561

10:00-12:00 friends4support group for parents of children with a disability in Bassetlaw Zone Out, Worksop Library, Memorial Ave, Worksop, Notts. S80 2BP Contact: Diane Blood 07860 509755 or info@friends4support.co.uk Contact: Rachel Kinton 0115 915 9561

1st Wednesday of the month09:00-12:00 Down’s Syndrome Drop In Clinic Children’s Development Centre, City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, Contact Joyce or Lyn 0115 883 1157/8 or infoservicescdc@nottshc.nhs.uk

3rd Wednesday of the month10:00-12:00 Autistic Spectrum Drop In Clinic For parents of children and young people with ASD up to 19 years. Children’s Development Centre, City Hospital Campus, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB Contact Joyce or Lyn 0115 883 1157/8 or infoservicescdc@nottshc.nhs.uk

19:00-20:30 Spectrum/Wasp Contact Joseph Whitaker School - Sue Harpham or Suzy Edwards 01623 795610 or suzy.edwards@hotmail.co.uk

19:30-22:00 NRSB Bowling Night (for adults and children) 1st Bowl Nottingham, 1 Belward Street, Nottingham, NG1 1JZ Contact: Leisure Services Team 0115 970 6806

Every Thursday13:30-15:00 Alltogether Abbey and Lady Bay Children’s Centre, Tewkesbury Close, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 5ND Contact: Charlotte Skinner 0115 9694480

10:00-16:00 Let’s Play Together The Bungalow, Keyworth Primary School, Nottingham Road, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5FB Contact Linda Cox 0115 937 4589 or rushcliffe.playforum@btopenworld.com

15:30-16:30 Football Foundation Training - Bassetlaw St Giles School, Babworth Road, Retford, Notts. DN22 7NJ Contact Football Foundation 01909 534529

16:00-17:00pm Oaktree Gymnastics Club Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way South, Mansfield, NG18 3RT Contact: Darren Kissane 0345 0000 231 or dkissane@mansfield.gov.uk

16:00-17:30 Gedling Sport+ Club £2 per session Redhill Leisure Centre, Redhill Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8GX Contact Maureen Fox 0115 856 8289 or gedlingsportplusclubs@hotmail.co.uk

16:00-17:30 Inclusive Youth Gym - Kimberley Kimberley Leisure Centre, Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Notts. NG16 2NJ Contact Broxtowe Sport 0115 917 3572

16:30-19:30 Oaktree Trampoline Club £3.10 per session Oaktree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way S, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 3RT Contact: Reception 01623 463 820

17:30-19:25 Indigo Kids Club The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Emma Hutchinson 0115 952 1164 or indigokids1@live.co.uk

18:00-19:00 SAND Sports Club - Play With a Purpose Swimming Lessions Bircotes Leisure Centre, Notts. DN11 8EF Contact Sian Kirk 01909 534489 or sian.kirk@bassetlaw.gov.uk

18:00-20:00 Nottinghamshire Boccia Club £3.50 per session Joseph Whitaker Sports Centre, Warsop Lane, Rainworth, Notts. NG21 0AG

18:30-20:30 APTCOO Youth Club APTCOO, Unit 15, Botany Park, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact APTCOO 01623 629902

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Deaf Youth Group Deaf Centre, Wood Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1QB Contact 01623 626972

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Swimming Club Water Meadows, Titchfield Park, Bath Street, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1BA Contact: Reception 0345 0000 232 or info.watermeadows@serco.com

19:00-21:00 Mansfield Thursday Youth Link Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact: Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

19:00-21:00 Out And About Youth Club For Young Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Beeston Youth Club, West End, Beeston, Notts. NG9 1GL

Alternate Thursdays13:30-15:00 Exploring Together Group - Gedling Runs in school holidays. Carlton Children’s Centre, Gedling View Family Centre, Main Road, Notts. NG4 3HS Contact Sally or Jenny 0115 911 8700 and 0115 883 0851

1st Thursday of the month9:30-11:30 Newark and Sherwood Autism Support Group The William Gladstone C of E Primary School, Holden Crescent, Newark, Notts. NG24 4HU Contact Laura 07808 345211

3rd Thursday of the month9:30-11:30 Newark and Sherwood Coffee and Chat Session (all disabilities) Hawtonville Young People’s Centre, Holden Crescent, Windsor Road, Newark, Notts. NG24 4HX Contact Laura 07808 345211

Last Thursday of the month9:30-11:30 Parent Partnership Service Drop In - Gedling Hosted by Debz 4 Coffee Gedling Play Forum, Wollaton Avenue, Gedling, Notts. NG4 4HX Contact Parent Partnership Service 0115 948 2888 or enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk

Every Friday12:30-14:30 Boccia League - Ashfield. Free. Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2AD Contact Ashfield District Council 01623 457410

13:30-14:30 Badminton Sessions - Newark The Grove School, London Road, Newark, Notts. NG24 1TT Contact Liz 01636 655797 or Lilley and Stone site

14:00-15:30 Group For Families With Babies Under 18 Months - Broxtowe Surestart Children’s Centre, Beeston Fields School, Boundary Road, Notts. NG9 2RG Contact 0115 993 5740

16:00-16:30 Inclusive Water Games - Bramcote Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3GF Contact Swimming Development Officer 0115 917 3000

16:00-17:00 Oaktree Gymnastics Club Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way South, Mansfield, NG18 3RT Contact: Darren Kissane 0345 0000 231 or dkissane@mansfield.gov.uk

The IRIS Magazine Events

16:30-21:30 Nightflyers Trampoline Club Harvey Hadden Sports Complex, Wigman Road, Bilborough, Nottingham, NG8 4PB

18:00-19:00 Want 2 Play FC Sherwood The Barn, Arnold Hill School, Gedling Road, Notts. NG5 6NZ Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 983 7406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

18:30-19:30 Want 2 Play FC Clifton Farnborough Road, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8LU Contact Kevin Sanders 0115 9837406 or kevin.sanders@nottinghamshirefa.com

19:00-21:00 Nottingham Wheelchair Badminton Club Ellis Guilford Sports Centre, Nottingham, NG6 0DT Contact Elaine 01332 799442

1st Friday of the month10:00-12:00 Carers Federation Carers Session Asda Forest Town, Old Mill Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG19 0HA. Contact Natasha 077 389 940 53 or n.mellors@carersfederation.co.uk

2nd Friday of the month13:00-15:00 Hyson Green Parents Support Group Hyson Green Children’s Centre, Mary Potter Centre, Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, Nottingham NG7 5HY Contact: 0115 883 8202 or Jo Shaw 0115 915 8900

Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month10:00-14:00 Nottinghamshire Deaf Society Hard of Hearing Social Club 22 Forest Road West, Nottingham, NG7 4EQ Contact Rachael Ravenlock 0115 988 7576 or rachael.ravenlock@nottsdeaf.org.uk

Last Friday of the month19:00-21:00 Newark Phab Charles Street Methodist Church, Charles Street, Newark, Notts. Contact: Dawn Downing 01636 705014

Every Saturday9:30-10:30 Community Disability Swim Victoria Leisure Centre, Gedling Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DB Contact Nicola Cranshaw 07932 583399 or n.cranshaw@oakfield.nottingham.sch.uk

10:00-13:00 Jigsaw Youth Club The Monty Hind Centre, Leengate, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2LX Contact Danek Jackowski 0776 220 7532 or jigsaw.yc@gmail.com

10:00-12:00 Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair Basketball Club (Saturday) Brunts School, The Park, Park Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2AT Contact Pete Edwards 01623 635572

10:00-12:00 Saturday Circles – morning group for children with disabilities APTCOO, Unit 15 Botany Park, Botany Avenue, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 5NF Contact APTCOO 01623 629902

10:00-12:30 Newark Saturday Arts Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Hawtonville Young People’s Centre, Windsor Road, Newark, Notts. NG24 4HX Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

10:00-12:30 Spectrum/Wasp Stapleford Youth Centre, Church Lane, Stapleford, Notts. NG9 8GB Contact: Rachael Peat 01623 626972 or rachael.peat@nottscc.gov.uk

13:00-16:00 Saturday Plant Plot Youth Club For Young Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Stapleford Youth Centre, Church Lane, Stapleford, Notts. NG9 8GB Contact Rachael Peat 01623 626972 or rachael.peat@nottscc.gov.uk

13:00-16:30 Newark Dig, Sow and Grow Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact Lyndsey Radford 01623 626972 or lyndsey.radford@nottscc.gov.uk

13:15-14:45 Dedicated Disability Swimming Lessons Beechdale Swimming Centre, Beechdale Road, Nottingham, NG8 3LL Contact Anna McMahon 07932 583399

13:30-16:00 Mansfield Saturday Arts Club For Disabled People Aged 13-24 Years Myplace @ Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

16:00-17:00 Family Youth Gym - Kimberley Newdigate Street, Kimberley, Nottingham, Notts. NG16 2NJ Contact Melissa Jennings 0115 917 3572 or melissa.jennings@broxtowe.gov.uk

16:00-17:00 Inclusive Trampolining Sessions - Eastwood Eastwood Community Sports Centre, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Notts. NG16 3EB Contact Melissa Jennings 0115 917 3572 or melissa.jennings@broxtowe.gov.uk

16:30-19:30 Oaktree Trampoline Club Oaktree Leisure Centre, Jubilee Way S, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 3RT Contact: Reception 01623 463 820

Alternate Saturdays19:30-21:00 Access Tennis Coaching Sessions West Bridgford Tennis Club, Little Bounds, off Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Notts. NG2 7QA Contact Leslie Whitehead 0115 981 1699

1st Saturday of the month10:00-12:00 Hallcroft Hands Hallcroft Children’s Centre, Whitaker Close, Retford, Notts. DN22 7QH Contact: Emma 01777 712950

11:00-15:00 Young Pioneers Disabled People’s Youth Forum Myplace, Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL Contact Andrea Spink 01623 626972 or andrea.spink@nottscc.gov.uk

1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month10:00-15:00 Nottingham Mencap M8’s Youth Club for 14-19 year olds with a learning disability Harpenden House, 203 Edwards Lane, Sherwood, Nottingham, NG5 3JA Contact 0115 920 4433 or ginarose@positivefutures.org

11:00-13:00 Nottinghamshire Sheriffs Goalball Club Sutton Bonnington, Sports Centre, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonnington, LE12 5RD Contact Faye 0115 9706 806 or fayed@hotmail.com

1st & last Saturday of the month12:00-14:00 NRSB Knights Visually Impaired Cricket Team Trent Bridge, Cricket Ground, Sobers Hall, Nottingham NG2 6AG Contact Faye 0115 970 6806 or fayed@hotmail.com

2nd Saturday of the month10:00-15:00 Nottingham Mencap Gener8 Nottingham Mencap, Harpenden House, 203 Edwards Lane, Sherwood, Nottingham, NG5 3JT Contact Gina Rose 0115 920 3344 or after hours 07866 688339 or ginarose@positivefutures.org

14:00-16:00 The Rainbow Parents Carers Forum Jigsaw Centre, Glenbrook Primary School, Wigman Road, Bilborough, Nottingham, NG8 4PD Contact Beverley Denby 078372 78981 or RainbowParentsCarersForum@live.co.uk

4th Saturday of the month14:00-15:55 Rainbow Parents Carers Forum 2nd Session Monty Hind Club, Leengate, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2LX Contact Beverley Denby 07837 278981 or admin@rainbowparentscarersforum.org.uk

Last Saturday of the month10:00-11:30 Special Kids Loco Youth Club Loco Centre, Victoria Road, Netherfield, Nottingham, NG4 2PD Contact Special Kids 07852 156570 or specialkids1@live.co.uk

Every Sunday09:00-11:00 Wheelchair Tennis Nottingham Tennis Centre, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2QH Contact Pete Whitehead 0115 915 0050

09:30-10:00 Dedicated Disability Swimming Session Southwell Leisure Centre, Nottingham Road, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0LG Contact Reception 01636 813000

10:30am-14:00pm Supported Environment Screening at Savoy Cinema - Worksop Bridge Street, Worksop, Notts. S80 1HP 01909 481900 or enquiries@savoyworksop.co.uk

10:45-11:30 Inclusive Swimming Lessons - Bramcote (10-15) Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Bramcote, Nottingham, Notts. NG9 3GF Contact Louisa Allmark 0115 917 3000

11:15-12:00 Inclusive Swimming Lessons - Bramcote (4-10) Bramcote Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Bramcote, Nottingham, Notts. NG9 3GF Contact Swimming Development Officer 0115 917 3000

13:30-15:00 Inline Sledge Hockey Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2AD Contact Emma Wass 01623 511177

14:00-15:00 Indigo Karate Club The Old School, Beardall Street, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7JU Contact Peter Wilkinson 0115 952 1164 or indigokids1@live.co.uk

16:00-17:00 Disability Swimming - Ashfield Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 2AD Contact Lyndsey Matthews 01623 511177

17:30-19:00 Bingham Penguins Swimming Club Bingham Leisure Centre, The Banks, Bingham, Notts. NG13 8BL

Every second Sunday of the month10:00-14:00 Showcase Cinema Autism Friendly Screening Showcase Cinema, Redfield Way, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2UW

Most Sundays10:00-10:45 Inclusion Skating at Capital One Rink National Ice Centre, Nottingham, NG1 1LA Contact Ice Sports Reception 0843 373 3000

Quality Time At City Sensory SpaceA new sensory play space is open for exploration in Nottingham. The Look Inside Sensory Learning and Play Centre features a host of specialist equipment including DVD projection, bubble tubes, interactive light panels, fibre optic harness and an interactive floor.Maxine Samuel (pictured) is the Centre Manager at the space and is pleased that she can bring her years of experience working with adults with learning disability to her new role as well as her love of meeting new people.

She said: “The response from parents and carers has been amazing and they tell me It’s of real benefit to those who want a quiet environment.”One of those carers is grandparent Jan Askham, who finds the venue is great for both her granddaughter with additional needs and her sibling. She said: “I brought my granddaughter last week and she found it absolutely amazing. It’s just got everything they need to spend some quality time”.

Look Inside is based at the City College Nottingham site on Carlton Road.Sensory play costs £4 per hour and then £2.50 for every subsequent hour. There are also facilities for respite care and coffee mornings which welcome children and young people with special needs.For more information visit www.lookinside.org.uk, email info@lookinside.org.uk or telephone 07424 032564.

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Ask IRIS About… OCDAs a service working closely with parents and carers we often get asked one-off questions which may be relevant to many of our readers. This edition a parent of a child with Aspergers who has just been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has asked us to explain a little bit more about the condition.

OCD is an anxiety disorder which involves unwanted and repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions carried out by the individual in an attempt to rid them of the anxiety caused by those thoughts (compulsions).

This can take many different forms and can be mild or severe but when children are troubled by obsessions they can experience very high levels of anxiety and distress, and can find the problem takes up a lot of their time and attention.

The link between Autism/Aspergers and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an area that is currently under investigation, and it can be hard to pick apart the difference between obsessional behaviours which stem from Autism and those from OCD.

Dr Ailsa Russell is the clinical director for the doctorate in clinical psychology at The University of Bath and wrote her PHD on the subject.

She found that OCD was more common in people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) but that the types of obsessions were the same as with any other person with the condition.

IRIS spoke to the charity OCD UK regarding advice for parents and it recommends that those who might be concerned that their child is troubled by OCD should ask their GP to make a referral for them to their local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Treatment will primarily be a talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) although some children may also require medication.For more information about OCD you can download a guide from the charity at www.ocduk.org/parents-guide-to-ocdIt also runs a support group for people with OCD in Nottingham which takes place on the last Wednesday of every month. If you would like more details contact Ashley on ashley@ocduk.org or via telephone on 07917 207714.This article was compiled with the help of OCD UK and the National Autistic Society.

A popular session run by the charity The Ear Foundation gives young people aged 11 to 17 years old who use cochlear implants, hearing aids or bone anchored hearing systems the opportunity to get together to meet their peers, build friendships and develop independence.

At the Teenz United sessions attendees can get involved with an exhaustive range of activities including rock scrambling, abseiling, canoeing and archery alongside day trips and half

term activity days such as arts workshops and trips to cinemas and pizza restaurants.

Supporting staff include teachers of the deaf and speech and language therapists and are experienced and qualified in understanding, communicating and in getting the best out of deaf young people.

More information about the group, including dates for next year, can be found by emailing rachel@earfoundation.org.uk or calling 0115 942 1195.

Teenz United!12 The IRIS Magazine

The assessments are open to:

1. Anyone with a neurodevelopmental condition (ADHD, Language impairment, Tourettes Syndrome, Autism/ Asperger Syndrome)

2. Any ‘Looked After’ Child who has been screened as having a communication disorder.

3. Any adolescent referred to CAMHS who has been screened as having a communication problem impacting on their care.

In order to access them the person in question must also :

l Be born between 31st August 1999 – 1st September 1995 (or year 10-13 at school/college).

l Live in Nottinghamshire (not Nottingham City).

l Have given consent.

A unique Personalised Communication Transition Profile will be produced for every young person participating in the project , which is funded by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE)

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Lead Speech & Language Therapist Felicity Court said: “this is a great opportunity for parents to help their child prepare for the future and get the help they require, so get in touch!”

For more information contact Autism.Project@nottshc.nhs.uk or call 07817 125209.

Specialist Speech And Language Therapy Assessments AvailableSpecialist Speech and Language Therapy assessments for young people transitioning from children’s to adult health and social care services are available until 31 March 2015.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Lead Speech & Language Therapist Felicity Court (left) and Speech and Language Therapist Heidi Keeling

A Volunteer’s Story – by Isabel Widdowson, Peripatetic Teacher for Hearing Impaired ChildrenI have enjoyed volunteering for the Teenz United sessions during my own time at weekends, over the past four years.

Being hearing impaired myself and the only one with hearing aids when I was at school, I feel passionately that teenagers need opportunities to meet and share experiences with others in a similar position to themselves.

The teenage years are so difficult anyway – there’s body changes and mood swings to put up with, so in the quest to establish an identity you are

comfortable with all that matters is fitting in and not standing out as different.

I find it extremely satisfying to see teenagers from a variety of different counties and educational settings getting on so well together and participating in new experiences, which can only enhance their self-esteem and confidence.

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Fountaindale Special School near Mansfield says it is thrilled to have received a three year funding award from BBC Children in Need. The funding totals almost £50,000 and was awarded to its SMILE Project.

The SMILE Project’s Saturday swimming club gives pupils the opportunity to take part in a sensory swim or to enjoy a family swimming session in Fountaindale’s fully equipped and adapted hydrotherapy pool, which incorporates an interactive studio with lights, sound and also cause and effect equipment.

A parent of a pupil at the school said “We love our swimming sessions and the whole family look forward to them!

“We just wish it could be more often as we all get such a lot out of it and it’s the only chance that we have to swim as a family.”

Fountaindale is exploring the possibility of opening up the swimming sessions to children and young people with physical disabilities that attend other schools. If you would be interested in taking part, then please contact Karen Redgate on 01623 792671 or email kredgate@fountaindale.notts.sch.uk

BBC Children in Need Funding Helps Fountaindale Pupils Smile!

Crafty youngsters from Crocus Fields spent five weeks creating art in Nottingham’s premier gallery this summer.

Young people with autism who attend the respite centre for young people with disabilities visited and worked in the gallery and studio at the Nottingham Contemporary alongside the gallery’s support workers.

Gallery facilitator Sam Metz says the work created by the young people spanned a range of styles and approaches and says that she believes it freed people who are sometimes unable to communicate in other ways.

She said: “As a facilitator I worked in a very participant led way, developing the interests of the young people as a starting point.

“Some of the young people involved were prone to anxiety so I shaped the sessions to increase familiarity with the gallery and in the studio we created a calm setting.”

The results of the work were given a private display for gallery workers, carers and staff from Crocus Fields.

Sam added: The sessions were always lively and creative and the participants, support workers and myself got very involved in making the work.

“It was interesting to see how much the participant’s styles developed over the short time and the stimulus of the exhibitions, the gallery space and our way of working has resulted in some fantastic artwork which is really exciting to see.”

Contemporary Welcomes Crocus Fields’ Creatives Indigo Goes

Back To SchoolAutism charity Indigo has made a move into new and historic premises.

Earlier this month football players from Notts County Football Team cut the ribbon at the official opening of the buildings at The Old School site in Beardall Street, Hucknall.

the spacious new venue has a long history and when it was built in 1872 was one of the first, if not the first, board schools in the country to open it’s doors after the establishment of school boards in 1870.

For more information about Indigo visit www.indigokids.org.uk or telephone 0115 952 1164

14 The IRIS Magazine

ITAG 2014Every year IRIS attends Nottingham Trent University for its annual Interactive Technologies and Games Conference.This nationally-renowned conference in October highlights the new developments in technology that are helping young people with disabilities to engage with the world in exciting new ways.

Here we take you through a few of the new developments that caught our eye.

SpecialEffectThis year the Keynote speech at the conference was given by SpecialEffect’s Mick Donegan (pictured).

SpecialEffect is a national charity that provides free expert advice, assessment and support to help people with disabilities to access mainstream video games and leisure technology.

IRIS caught up with Mick after the conference to ask him a few questions about what he does...

What prompted you to set up SpecialEffect?My background is as a specialist teacher using technology to help disabled children. I taught in both mainstream and special schools before becoming Deputy Director at a national centre which helped children to use technology to help them to access education and communication. Over many years, the parents of these children would come to me at the end of an assessment and say “Because of my child’s physical disability, it’s very difficult for them to be able to find a way to play with their friends and family. Do you know anyone who can help us to help our child to have more fun?” The answer was that there was no specialist charitable organisation, anywhere on the planet, which was specifically set up to do this. I therefore set up the charity to fill up this huge gap in the quality-of-life not only for disabled children but adults too.

Do you think there’s a growing need for what SpecialEffect does?More and more people use technology to enhance their leisure time. In effect, the more that the mainstream population enjoys using this kind of technology, the more excluded people with disabilities

can become. There is, indeed, the growing need for what we do.

How many people does the charity help? We are currently providing direct face-to-face support for well over 200 people and online support for many more. In addition, we are collaborating with developers of both hardware and software to make videogames in particular, and computers in general, to potentially benefit literally hundreds of thousands more people. For example, we are currently supporting a German company in developing a new low cost gaze controlled camera that could potentially enhance the lives of many people all over the world with motor neurone disease and other disabilities where someone’s eyes are the easiest or only way for them to control technology.

What, for you, is the most inspiring story you’ve been involved with at the charity? Rob is a young man who had a severe spinal injury as a result of a car crash, just one week before he would have started University last year. As a result, he was only able to move his eyes in the period immediately following his accident. This not only had an obviously serious physical impact on him but also a psychological impact, too. By loaning him a gaze controlled computer while he was in intensive care and providing support, he was soon able to play games, surf the Internet, use Facebook, and, ultimately, return to his studies. We were all delighted when we heard that

he had been offered a place to start university this year.

IRIS note: You can see a brief video telling Rob’s story here:

www.specialeffect.org.uk/stargaze

What’s the most common request you receive?The most common request is to be able to play mainstream videogames. A lot of people we support have a progressive condition and can no longer play video games in the way they used to. Because of the physical disability, many of them are unable to play any more in the real world and then, just to make matters worse, they can’t play in the virtual world either. By giving them access to mainstream games, it enables them not only to compete with friends and family but also enable them to make new friends all around the world online.

Where do you see the charity going in future?We will continue to do our best to help as many people as we can across the UK and use this expertise to collaborate with developers to create hardware and software that will benefit more and more people right across the world.

For more information about SpecialEffect, including it’s its annual fundraising event Gameblast visit www.specialeffect.org.uk

“...we are currently supporting a German company in developing a new low cost gaze controlled camera that could potentially enhance the lives of many people all over the world.”

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Long time IRIS readers might remember the NAO humanoid robot pictured here from the ITAG article we ran all the way back in December 2012. Parents and carers will be glad to know that Sonny (as he was dubbed back in 2012) is still working closely with students at Oak Field School helping them achieve their learning goals.

Addressing the conference presenter Jessica Roscoe noted that engagement was significantly higher during the sessions she has hosted with Sunny at the school in Wigman Road, Bilborough.

Interestingly she also referred back to the work IRIS had first observed in 2012.

She said: “The novelty factor is something I did consider but a lot of the pupils had seen the robot before.”

Jess followed fellow student Maria Jose Galvez, who is working on an app for mobile phones which will allow people with disabilities to control the robot directly.

Nottingham Trent Students Jessica Roscoe (left) and Maria Jose Galvez (middle) with Oak Field Student Celes (lower right)

Comment Piece – By IRIS Guest Writer Alex McKenzie

As 2014 draws to a close, video gaming is bigger than ever. We’ve seen the latest edition

of the multi award winning franchise Call of Duty hit our shelves this November and sell over seven million copies in its first week, but is everybody getting involved?

With massive hits such as Call of Duty, Destiny and Grand Theft Auto all needing pin point reactions and the use of many simultaneous buttons to play, people with disabilities could be finding themselves being left out. Over recent years we have seen the introduction of the Xbox Kinect which uses camera technology to make you the controller, but if anything this focus on whole-body gaming has made it even less accessible, with just 18 titles being playable while seated or in a wheelchair.

As a gamer with an upper limb disability myself I witnessed first-hand growing up the complications that some games face you with.

Now that I’m older, I have found my own ways to make gaming easier but more of a helping hand from gaming developers wouldn’t go amiss.

I feel that there shouldn’t just be only a separate group of games that are easy for everyone to play, but that game developers should find a way to make the blockbuster titles accessible. This involves taking into consideration that not everyone will be able to play with the standard controllers and that adaptions could be made, but gamers with disabilities are also customers, and designers who value these customers might find that it’s not just their consciences, but their wallets that see the benefit.

Dawn House pupils Thomas Hitchen and Alex Kendrick Allen proudly display an award winning photo produced by the school’s year 12 pupils at a glitzy London awards ceremony.Celebrity TV stylist Gok Wan chose the Mansfield school’s entry – called “What’s the Problem” as the winner of the NASUWT Arts and Minds 2014 awards, which celebrates black history month.

Dawn House School is a specialist school for children and young people aged 5-19 years with severe and complex speech, language and communication needs and Asperger’s Syndrome run by I CAN, the children’s communication charity.

Tel: 0115 853 3291 E: contactus@askiris.org.uk W: www.askiris.org.uk

Please recycle when you have finished with this publication.

IRIS Project, Room 18, Clarendon Chambers, 32 Clarendon Street, Nottingham NG1 5LN

This magazine was designed by Sketch Creative – www.sketch-creative.co.uk and printed by Rosehill Press Ltd

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Carers Allowance Earning Limit IncreaseThe government has announced that from April 2015 the Carers Allowance earning limit will increase to £110 per week.

Carers who earn more than the current limit £102 per week cannot claim the allowance at present so this is great news for IRIS readers who are currently earning slightly more.

If you think this may affect you but are not entirely sure what deductions apply then the charity Contact a Family has a free helpline (0808 808 3555) to help you find out if you qualify for the allowance.

The Care Act 2014The government recently published important new legislation in the form of the Care Act 2014, which received royal assent on May 14th. This act affects a wide range of organisations and services, but the main aim is to recognise the needs of carers and extend some of the same legal rights to them as those they care for.

Although the act mainly deals with those who provide care for another adult it does mention the transition from children’s services to adult services, which we know is of great interest to our readers.

Unfortunately the act has 128 sections and as such is too large to cover here. Instead IRIS has published a briefing on the act which is available here:

www.askiris.org.uk/news-events/news/4525/

Of course, we are aware parents are not always able to access the internet and therefore if you would like us to mail you physical copies of the factsheets and documents we refer to in this briefing get in touch by calling 0115 853 3291 or via our postal address which is published on the back of the magazine.

???Did You Know? Nottingham City Council’s Short Breaks Service is now registered with the Care Quality Commission and can now provide ‘sitting in’ support within the home.

This means that parents and carers can leave the family home while a short breaks worker watches over a child or young person with disabilities or additional needs

If you’re a parent living in the city and are interested in what this might mean for you contact the short breaks team on 0115 883 8280.

New ADHD Group LaunchesIf you care for a child or young person who has ADHD – or even if you suspect they might – then there’s a new group that might be able to help.

The new support group takes place at Aspley Library on Nuthall Road on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12 Noon.

Information and advice is on hand from ADHD specialists and free refreshments are available.

For more information contact ADHD Solutions’ Julie Allen on 07552 277282.

Young people attending Nottinghamshire County Council Play for Disabled Children Saturday Clubs had a fantastic time learning how to care for a range of different animals during Autumn wildlife workshops… and even got the chance to get back to nature, making feeders for their gardens and mobiles out of autumn leaves.

If you live in the county and think a child you care for would benefit from attending the group then contact your social worker in the Children’s Disability Service for a referral.