Inside...

www.d

urham.go

v.uk/childrensnetwork

newsIssue 12 - July 2011

page 2: Making ChangesTogether

page 3: Tom Aggar

pages 4/5: Easter and Summer Half Termevents

page 6: Bridge Card / Children’s Network Directory/ County Durham Sport

pages 7/10: children’s network newspage 11: Sporting opportunities

page 12: Membership scheme update

inside: Summer SHORT BREAKS 2011

Check out our

attachedSHORT BREAKS

open

32

message from Steven Cleckner

Can you believe it’s the Summer already? The last six months have gone so fast.We really hope that you enjoyed the Children’s Network events over the Easter and Summer half termperiod. If you have a look on pages 4-5, you will be able to see what we have been up to. We would liketo thank everyone involved and in particular those who have allowed us to use their venues.

However, the fun isn’t stopping there, in this issue you will find our full short breaks pullout. This summerwe are being joined by Sunderland Football Club Sports Foundation and Durham County FootballAssociation who will be doing some multi sports activities. We will be showing films at the Gala as well asseveral mobile cinema events across the County. There are many more activities available so take a lookand call us on 0191 383 4438/6545 or email childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk to book your place andenjoy the fun.

Also in this edition, we have an exclusive article with Paralympian Tom Aggar plus updates on theMembership Scheme.

I would also like to thank everyone who has sent us their text and emailinformation. This will help us keep our members informed of new and excitingactivities, as and when they happen.

As usual, if you need any further information, please get in touch:Children’s Network, Children & Young People’s Services, County Hall,Durham DH1 5UJ. Telephone - 0191 383 3785Email - childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk

Steven

Making Changes Together VIIThe 7th Making Changes Together (MCT) conference tookplace at Newton Aycliffe's Xcel Centre in May 2011.

This provided an opportunity for parents to discuss with other parents and professionals their previousexperiences of services. In addition to this, MCT had several key speakers offering information toparents and several table activities to discuss disability discrimination and the solutions to this.

Some key notes from the day included information and discussion on The Green Paper: Support andAspiration from Lisa Springer, Parent Partnership re-launch from Elaine Chandler and an opportunityto meet the new Countywide and Access Team consisting of Jane Le Sage, Marie Moncaster andMarianne Taylor.

The next conference will be on Wednesday 9 November 2011, venue to be arranged.

The full conference report is now available. If you would like a copy of the report or to receive moreinformation, please contact Parent Partnership on 0191 587 3541.

Tom AggarAgainst all odds

Bio� Born 24 May 1984, London� Educated Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnetand the University of Warwick

� Learnt to row at the London Regatta Centre� Coach Tom Dyson� Club Royal Docks Rowing Club, London� Favourite film Avatar� Favourite band Oasis� Outside rowing I love sport. Before theaccident I played at all age groups of rugbyand now I love watching it

While studying at Warwick University 6 years ago,Tom Aggar had a freak accident. Tom was atalented up and coming rugby player, who stood at6ft 3ins played second-row forward for WarwickUniversity 1st 11 and was a member of theSaracens rugby youth development squad when hehad his accident.

Tom who had intended on joining theRoyal Marines, was out with friends,when he slipped and fell eight feeton to a concrete path. It was so darkat the time that his friends thoughthe had left them and headed homealone. Yet two hours later, havingregained consciousness, Tomrealised he was on his own, andunable to move. He called anambulance using his mobile phone to receive help.He had broken his back in 2 places and suffered aT12 spinal injury, paralyzing his legs.

As part of his rehabilitation Tom began using indoorrowing machines. He first competed at the 2006National Indoor Championships using the FES(functional electrical stimulation) machine; aprocess that involves electrical pulses stimulating

paralysed muscles to contract. Tom won hiscategory at the tournament in a world best time,getting his talents noticed by the British Paralympicrowing coach in the process.

The following year, Tom made the transition ontowater. He faced the daunting prospect of his firstmajor competitive race at the 2007 WorldChampionships in Munich. Unfazed he held off alate challenge from reigning two-time worldchampion Dominic Moneypenny, securing abreakthrough world title after just months in thesport.

Since Munich, his athletic progress has been atale of unblemished success. Tom is now thereigning Paralympic and World Champion in theASM single scull boat class; he destroyed the fieldby 13 seconds to clinch his latest world title,unsurprisingly breaking his own World Best Timeof 4:49.80.

Tom Aggar is a member of theBMW London 2012 PerformanceTeam. It is an initiative designed toprovide Team GB and ParalympicsGB with support as they prepare forthe Games on and off the field.For more information please visit:www.bmw.co.uk/London2012

For parents/carers of children with Additional Needs/Disabilities in County Durham

4

Easter and Summer Half Term Events

5

Wow!! How busy have we been? We had a fantastic Easter and Summer half term with lots of events.I hope that you enjoyed them. We took loads of photos from Moor House, Tin Arts, AMF Bowling and notto mention Mini Moos and Climbing Centre at Newton Aycliffe.

Tin ArtsMoor House

AMF Bowling

AMF Bowling

AMF Bowling

Mini Moos

MoorHouse

MoorHouse

RockAntics

Rock AnticsMoorHouse

Tin Arts

Tin Arts

Hair &Beauty

Hair &Beauty

Hair &Beauty

The County Durham Bridge Card can be used by passengersto let drivers know that they may need extra help during theirjourney. The card, has been developed by Durham CountyCouncil in partnership with local bus operators, the LearningDisability Partnership and the Learning DisabilityParliament.

Cards are available from Durham County Council customer access points, by calling 0191 372 5386or emailing passengertransport@durham.gov.uk. No registration is required.

www.durham.gov.uk/childrensne

twork

Through the week I liketo go to lots of clubs suchas Sportability at Spennymoor LeisureCentre, Disabled running at Shildon - wealso do other athletics at Newton AycliffeLeisure Centre. I go swimming once a week,which I really like. Fridays is my balletclass at Chilton and my teacher, MelanieEdmuson adapts the dance so that I can join in.Sundays I attend Jaynell Gymnastics, who also teach otherdisabled children.

Sunday afternoons I go horse riding with Riding

with the Disabled. This ismy most favourite thing

to

do in the whole world. My horse is called Little Sa

lly.

So that's all of my activites. Come and try them

out if you

like the sound of them. It would be

great to meet you!Katie x

I like to try and keep fit, and

take part in lots of activities. I thought I would

share them with you in case there issomething in here you

might enjoy having a goat, or because you'd like

to makesome new friends.

Hello, My name is Katie Rollo,and I am 14 years old. Ilive in Newton Aycliffe withmy sister Emily and haveautism and learningdifficulties. I go to The Oaks specialschool in Spennymoor.

Would you like to be featured in the nextedition of Network News? Why not writein and tell us about yourself and whatyou enjoy doing.

newsJuly

ALLABOUTME!

6

County Durham SportWith the Summer Holidays just around the corner it’s important to be as active as possible.

County Durham Sport is one of 49 County Sport Partnerships nationally, funded by Sport England, theDepartment of Health and other local partners.

They work with various partners to help improve and get more local people to take part in sport andphysical activity.

If you want to find out what’s going on in the County visit www.countydurhamsport.com

A new travel card has been launched that willhelp people with a disability or illness receivea helping hand when using public transport.

We launched the second editionof the new directory.Have you got your copy yet? If not, contact us on0191 383 3785 or email childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk

Getting fromA to B iseasier with aBridge Card

Find the following hidden words:

towel

bucket

donkey

picnic

shells

sandcastle

bag

hat

sun

ball

boat

book

crab

fish

rain

sand

beach

spade

e e e t e w f k s a n da b o o k k i s a b n ok s n w r t s u n c a nl b b e a c h s d g e kg d o l c a a l c u a ec a i b a f b o a t e ye a l e r f a c s a t bs e a e a k g s t t b np i c n i c a c l b a aa r r k n i s h e l l sd a a l h l s a t c l de b b u c k e t n c a a

We are all going on a summer holiday -don’t get left behind! Find your way tothe car quickly!

start

SeasideWordsearch

Lemonade RecipeA quick and refreshing concoction for a lazysummer afternoonIngredients:• 250ml water • 250ml of sugar• Juice from 4-6 lemons • 1 litre of cold sparkling or

plain water

Instructions:Mix together 250ml of water with 250mls of sugar in a smallsaucepan. Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly untilthe sugar is completely dissolved (get help from an adult).Allow the water and sugar mixture to cool, before pouring it into apitcher or bowl and refrigerating.Once the mixture has cooled, add the juice from the lemons and stir and then mix the litre ofcold water into the lemonade.To serve, pour the lemonade into a pitcher and add lemon slices.

Tip: Make an extra batch and freeze it into ice cubesto add to the lemonade.

Summer Fun

Colour in the Network Friendshaving fun at the beach.

CompetitionTime

11

Congratulations...to Brendon Fleet who won our ‘Who do youwant to be when you grow up’ drawingcompetition.Well done! We hope you enjoyed your prize.

What would you like to do in yoursummer holidays?

In this space we would like you to drawwhat activities you would like to do inyour summer holidays. From going fishingto going to the seaside or having apicnic… we want to know.The best entry will win a prize.Post to: Children’s Network,Children & Young People’s Services,County Hall, Durham DH1 5UJ.

DPD9245LF Design & Print, Durham County Council

childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk0191 383 3785

There is a 10%discount on entrycharges. Children in wheelchairs are alreadyoffered free entry as they may be unable to fullyuse the play equipment. Open 9.30am - 6.30pmevery day (except Christmas Day and New Year’sDay). Please visit their website for moreinformation www.adventure-point.co.uk

Adventure Point

Monday to Friday before 4.00pmgames are £1.50 each perperson, all other times only £2.00.Discount is valid on production of a valid ChildrensNetwork card and is for the card holder plus oneperson. Subject to lane availability, pre booking isrecommended to avoid disappointment. For moreinformation visit: www.amfbowling.co.uk

AMF Bowling Washington

AquaJoy is offering 45% discountoff their RRP for the AquaJoyJunior Plus reclining children’sbathlift and the AquaJoy Junior Saver fixed back-rest children’s bathlift, spares and accessories.AquaJoy Bathlifts Ltd, based in Consett, is theUK’s leading bathlift supplier. For more informationvisit: www.aqua-joy.com

AquaJoy Bathlifts Ltd

Children under 5 are free, childrenaged 6-16 £3.00, one carer perperson with a disability entitled tofree admission. Plus, all adults inthe party will receive concessionarydiscounted admission - currently £3.75. For moreinformation please visit: www.darlington.gov.uk

Summer Only (April untilOctober) - child admitted atgroup rate (saving of £4.00),essential carer/companion admitted free of charge.Applies to day tickets only and not to UnlimitedPass. Cannot be used with any other discount oroffer and membership card must be produced atadmissions desk. Please visit www.beamish.org.ukfor more information on opening times and events.

Beamish Museum

MembershipScheme UpdateSeven new organisations have signed up to our membershipscheme offering fantastic discounts to our members. To get more informationon these services and others visit www.durham.gov.uk/childrensnetwork

Head of Steam -Darlington Railway Museum

Killhope Lead Mining Museum areoffering 2 for 1 tickets (cheapestticket free or like for like). Under4’s can not go underground but are free to comeon to the site. Please visit www.killhope.org.uk formore information on opening times and events.

Killhope - The North of EnglandLead Mining Museum

1 free child place for everypaying adult. Seven storiesis fully accessible with a liftto all floors. A wheelchair isavailable on request. Visitwww.sevenstories.org.uk for more information.

Seven Stories - the nationalcentre for children’s books

12

www.d

urham.gov.uk/childrensnetwor

kJuly 2011

In partnership with the Making Changes Togetherparents group and the Extreme Group from Investing inChildren we are delighted to announce another year ofshort breaks for disabled children/young people and theirparents/carers.

Following the amazing success of last year’s short breaksprogramme, we have looked to make this year’sprogramme bigger and better.

You will be able to book the majority of the breaks that areon offer, however some breaks will need to be bookedthrough your social worker or lead professional.

The feedback that we received from last year’s shortbreaks was very positive and we hope that this year morefamilies can benefit from the short breaks on offer.

So without further ado let the funbegin! See overleaf to find out what isavailable and how to book a place,and remember all activities are FREE!

2011SHORT BREAKS

open

2011SHORT BREAKS

Short Break Activity Information Booking Information

Heel and Toe Conductive education sessions andactivities will be offered to support youngpeople with Cerebral Palsy.

Please contact your allocatedsocial worker or for furtherinformation contact Heel & ToeDirect - 0844 335 0512.

North East AutisticSociety (NEAS)

NEAS are offering young people withAutism and their families tailoredpackages of short breaks with specialistservice support.

Please contact your allocated socialworker for further information.

Villa Real Villa Real School short breaks are forchildren with the most complex needswho attend the school.

They will provide specialist short breakactivities throughout the year, including:hydrotherapy, sport games and transport.

Please contact Villa Real schoolfor further information on01207 503651 or emailreal.care200@durhamlearning.net

Sensory SupportService

• Family activity day: 23 July• Tin Arts dance workshop: 15 August• Supported activities• Signing for preschool hearing impairedchildren throughout the year

Please contact Sensory SupportService on 0191 370 6390 forfurther details.

SPECIALIST SHORT BREAKS

Short Break Activity Information Booking Information

SunderlandFootball ClubMulti SportCoaching

Sunderland AFC Foundation are holding5 sports activity days offering multi sportactivities including football, volleyball,judo and much more.25 July: Seaham Leisure Centre26 July: Meadowfield Leisure Centre27 July: Glenholme Leisure Centre, Crook28 July: Louisa Centre, Stanley29 July: Shildon Leisure CentreEach activity will start at 10.00am andfinish at 1.00pm.

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

Ages: 4-19

100 placesavailable in total.

Adventure Valley

Adventure ValleyNext to Union HallFarm, Brasside,Durham DH1 5SG.

Enjoy a day out with your family atAdventure Valley. Offering great value itis home to 6 zones of ‘all weather’ fun,from the Indoor Play Town andThe Farmyard to Action Creek and theRunaway Ranch.1 August: 10.00am-5.00pm1 September: 10.00am-5.00pm

Contact Children’sNetwork on0191 383 4438/6545 to bookyour place.All ages: 0-19100 places available for each day -allocated 4 tickets per family -additional tickets must be purchasedat Adventure Valley.

Durham Rowingand MediaExperienceDurham AmateurRowing Club,City Boathouse,Green Lane,Durham DH1 3JU

Durham County Rowing Club are offeringa week long activity experience.

Create comics, download and edit musicand sports video plus writing questionsfor Tom Aggar (Paralympian) and rowing.

1 - 5 August: 9.00am-12.30pm

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

Ages: 12-19

Week long activity - 15 placesavailable.

Children’s Networkexclusive GalaCinema screenings

Films to be announced at a later date.

2 August and 10 August.

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

120 spaces available for each day.

Mini MoosAdventure LandHolmside ParkArena,Edmondsley,County DurhamDH7 6EY

One of the best farm parks in the NorthEast, offering everything from barrel ridesand outdoor adventure to indoor soft playand go-karts.

5 August: 10.00am-5.00pm

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.All ages: 0-19200 places available - allocated 4tickets per family - additional ticketsmust be purchased at the park.

Mobile Cinemas

Exclusive cinemashowings in yourarea

8 August: 10.00am-12.00pm Tangled(Disney - U) Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre

19 August: 10.00am-12.00pmAnimals United (Dreamworks - U)Stanley Lamplight Art Centre

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

100 Tickets available for eachscreening.

DAYS OUT

Short Break Activity Information Booking Information

Moor HouseAdventureRainton Gate,Houghton le SpringDH4 6QY

Back by popular demand. Moor HouseAdventure with archery, buggy rides,abseiling, rock climbing and more…11 August: 10.00am-2.00pm

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

200 Tickets available.

Tin Arts DanceWorkshops

Back by popular demand Tin Arts bringtheir fabulous dance workshops for thesummer holidays.

15 August: Sensory Support, Belmont(4-9 years).

16 August: Seaham Leisure Centre(4-6 years).

17 August: Glenholme Leisure Centre(7-12 years).

18 August: 13 year olds and above.

Contact Anne Morrell at SensorySupport on 0191 370 6390 to bookyour place.

4-6 year olds - 25 places

7-12 year olds - 25 places

13 year olds and above - 25 places

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

Durham CountyFootballAssociationFootball Coaching

5 days of football coaching with DurhamCounty’s Football Association

22 August: Seaham Leisure Centre23 August: Meadowfield Leisure Centre24 August: Glenholme Leisure Centre25 August : Louisa Centre, Stanley26 August: Shildon Leisure Centre

Each activity will start at 10.00am andfinish at 1.00pm.

Contact Children’s Network on0191 383 4438/6545 to book yourplace.

Ages: 4-19

180 places available in total.

Children’s NetworkSummer Party

Spennymoor LeisureCentre,SpennymoorDL16 6DB

Bouncy Castle and soft play with amagician.

1 September: 1.00pm-4.00pm

Contact Children’s Networkon 0191 383 4438/6545to book your place.Ages: 0-9100 places available - allocated 4tickets per family.

Beamish MuseumBeamishCounty DurhamDH9 0RG

Available throughout the summer - notime limit.

Contact Children’s Network to bookyour place emailchildrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk

Maximum of 250 tickets available(1 Adult / 3 Children max).

East DurhamPositive InclusionPartnership (EDPIP)

EDPIP are providing a wide range ofactivities throughout the year.

Please contact EDPIP direct forfurther information 0191 527 4455.

DAYS OUT

Short Break Activity Information Booking Information

Carers Centredays out

The five carers’ centres across CountyDurham have spoken to families anddevised a programme which will includefamily days and events.

Please contact your local carers’centre:Durham & Chester-le-Street Carers’Support - 0191 387 1991Easington District Carers’ Support- 0191 586 9134Derwentside Carers’ Centre- 01207 502 688Sedgefield Locality Carers’ Centre- 01325 313 123Teesdale Carers’ Centre- 01833 630202Wear Valley Carers’ Initiative- 01388 451 400

The Oaks School The Oaks are delivering a range ofactivities for their pupils in the schoolthroughout the year.

Please contact The Oaks Schoolfor further information:01388 827 380.

Evergreen School Evergreen are delivering 2 weeks ofactivities for pupils in the school. Somespaces are available for children withadditional needs that attend otherschools.

Please contact Evergreen Schoolfor further information:01388 459 721.

Fishing With Tom Children can enjoy a calming, relaxingexperience learning to fish with Tom(includes BBQ).

26, 28 and 29 July

11, 12, 18, 19 and 25 August

For further informationplease contactChildren’s Network0191 383 3785 or emailchildrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk8 places availableon each day.All age ranges.

Monster MondayClub

Residential breaks and activitiesavailable for members of the MonsterMonday Youth Club based within KingJames School.

Available to Monster Monday Clubmembers only.

To join the club for activitiesthroughout the year contactDavid Merryweather on01388 603 543 or emaildave.merryweather@durham.gov.uk

Leisure Services From swimming to dance, athletics togymnastics.

Range of activities throughout the year.

Contact Suzanne Richardson on01388 816 166 or emailsuzanne.richardson@durham.gov.ukfor more information.

DAYS OUT

Short Break Activity Information Contact Details

Camping andCaravan Sites

at Akebar ParkNorth YorkshireDL8 5LY

at Belford ParkNorthumberlandNE70 7DP

Camping and caravan holidays are agreat way for families to share a holidaybreak together. Camping places havebeen booked and will be free andavailable on a first come first servedbasis, you can stay for any number ofnights between the following periods:

Akebar5 - 9 August / 12 - 16 August10 pitches available for each night.

Belford25 July - 1 August10 pitches available for each night.

8 - 15 August9 pitches available for each night.

Please contact Children’s Networkto book your place on0191 383 4438/6545 or emailchildrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk

Durham AreaDisabililty LeisureGroup (DADLG)

DADLG are providing a residentialbreak for current members atBendrigg over a 3 night period.

Please contact DADLG direct forfurther information 0191 389 1666.

66 places available.

SHORT BREAK HOLIDAYS

DPD9306LF Design & Print, Durham County Council

childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk0191 383 3785