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As I write, the first shoots of Spring are starting to appear. And with them, some hope that the long winter we've all been through, might be starting to end. The disruption that has affected all of us, especially our children and young people, will hopefully be easing and we can look forward to some of the things that we hold dear.
It will not be an easy transition and support will of course be needed at all levels. In this bulletin, we've tried to highlight some things that will help you both in Coventry and on a national level.
And there are plenty of ways you can help to make better services moving forward. Please see the "Consultations" section for some ways to give your views on a range of services.
And, as always, in partnership together, we can hopefully get back to full bloom!
Chris Firth
SEND IASS Manager
The Special Needs Jungle has produced some back-to-school guidance for SEND learners.
It covers topics from risk assessments, attendance to EHC provision and transport.
The full guidance document is available on the DfE website and contains information for those in Early Years, schools, and further education.
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 People with learning disabilities are dying younger from preventable and treatable medical conditions at a far higher rate than the general population, NHS England statistics reveal.
The statistics are so shocking they have triggered a new campaign delivered by an experienced team of health educators, themselves with learning disabilities, supported by leading local charity Grapevine. The campaign has the full support of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups for Coventry, Rugby and Warwickshire and Coventry City Council and is calling for more people to have an Annual Health Check with their doctor – a free check they are entitled to have from the age of 14… but one many know little or nothing about.
With just 39 per cent of people with learning disabilities taking GPs up on this offer, the ‘My Life, My Rights, My Health, My Choice’ campaign is seeking to double that number in 2020/21.
Find out more about the Annual Health Check through this video.
The SEND IASS "AmbasSENDors Club" is an opportunity for young people (11-16 yrs) with SEND from mainstream schools in the city to get together and shape local services.
Whilst the group has struggled to get together much in 2020, we're hopeful that 2021 will enable us to get together on a monthly basis to have some fun and contribute to local practice.
Away from the pandemic, the group get together once a month, normally at the Coventry Boys and Girls' Club in the city centre.
We have a few spaces available to join the group, so if you are interested, please let us know by emailing iasscyp@coventry.gov.uk.
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The CC4Y Project will engage young people (16-25 yrs) from all areas of Coventry, whether new to the city, a student from overseas, a refugee, migrant or an established resident.
The project aims to build young people's confidence to form new social connections and beat loneliness through technology, brain food, friends and creativity.
With a range of activites and ways to get involved, why not find out more via the Voluntary Action Coventry website or this video?
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Coventry City Council is working with Peopletoo around mental health services for children and young people.
They want to hear about experiences of the "RISE 24/7 Mental Health Crisis service" and also want to hear about any ideas you have to improve mental health support for children and young people, and parents/carers.
Online discussions are continuing into early March, and there is also a survey that can be done online.
There is a survey for young people; a survey for parents/carers and a survey for professionals who work with children/young people.
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The Coventry Independent Advice Service is developing an advice awareness campaign, to ensure that young people are aware of the advice services available to them.
This short survey is for 18-25 year olds living in Coventry. Your views will help us to shape the campaign and make it relevant.
All contributions are anonymous and gratefully received.
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National Children's Bureau is currently doing a national consultation to hear from children and young people with SEND, aged between 5-25, about the impact of the pandemic on them - how lockdown has impacted their support network, academic goals, and social and emotional wellbeing and what can be learned from this.
Now more than ever we need to create spaces for children and young people with SEND to influence decision making at a strategic level. This consultation will give opportunities to children and young people to share their experiences and voices.
The findings will be given to the Department of Education and other key stakeholders to contribute to the national pandemic recovery discussion to support children and young people with SEND to grow their wellbeing and resilience.
There is an online survey which any young person can complete on their own or with an adult to support. There is also a survey which can be completed by any parent or those working with children and young people (5-25) as well.
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NCEPOD are carrying out research to find out the experience of young people's healthcare in transitioning from children's to adult services.
This can be completed by young people or people who care for young people who:
- Are under 25 years old
- Have any condition that requires ongoing healthcare management (this can include both physical and/or mental health conditions)
- Have had experience transitioning from child to adult services
The aim of the study will be to produce a report for clinicians and other professionals about how to improve the care they deliver, and guidance for young people and families on what care you should expect to receive.
The survey consists of 10 short questions.
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An exciting three-week work experience opportunity in the Civil Service is being offered to young people with autism, aged between 18 and 25 who have achieved a minimum of 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths at Grade A*-C (or 4-9) or above.
The programme will provide you with the chance to experience the Civil Service first-hand, gaining insight into the workplace. As part of the experience, you will also be able to participate in developmental coaching sessions and other activities.
Full details on how to apply are on the Ambitious About Autism website
Applications close on 5 March, with the placement starting in July.
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In May, the Family Fund charity was given an extra £10m to support low-income families of disabled or critically ill children who are staying at home more than usual during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Families can apply directly to the Family Fund, or can be supported by a professional, support worker/social worker to make an application.
Applications can be made for grants, typically worth £400-500, to support families with things like the cost of equipment, goods or services - from computers, tablets, washing machines and refrigerators to sensory and educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
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Please remember If you are trying to find out what might be happening to various Council services during this crisis, including information on schools, please visit their website.
It also includes information about what to do if you are:
- feeling ill
- having difficulty getting food supplies
- looking for ideas to stay happy at home
- trying to stay connected to your local community
Coventry Mental Health Service has produced an information booklet for all providers and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak. The booklet is available to download and share.
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Finance
Below we have selected a few useful websites we think may be of interest:
Coventry Independent Advice Service is a charity offering free advice, information and support to Coventry residents.
Home is supposed to be the safest place for us all right now, but if you are experiencing domestic abuse then the advice to stay at home could be frightening. If someone is in immediate danger and their life is threatened, they should dial the Police on 999.
Coventry Haven - ensure safety and empowerment for women and children who are subjected to Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) in any form. They offer a range of services including a SafeToTalk Helpline 0800 111 4998 or 024 7644 4077 (Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm)
National Domestic Abuse Line (REFUGE) - Refuge supports women, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services including a 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247.
Wellbeing
Young Minds - a national charity which supports children and young people with mental health and well being. They have specific resources for young people around COVID-19, and also offer support to parents.
Childline - Childline is available to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, they have trained counsellors to support you. The helpline is 0800 1111 and is available between 9am to midnight every day.
Samaritans - Coventry & District Samaritans is an independent charity, run entirely by unpaid volunteers. They provide a free 24-hour helpline for people who are upset, troubled or who are feeling suicidal.add links and description. Call 116 123 at any time of the day or night or email jo@samaritans.org.
In addition to their normal services Samaritans has set up a confidential support line for NHS workers and volunteers in England. This operates from 7am to 11pm every day. NHS staff can, of course, still use the 24 hour helpline if they prefer.
Other resources
Contact for families with disabled children are a charity for families with disabled children. They support families with guidance and information, and bring families together to support each other.
They have also launched their Family support "listening ear" appointments.
You might be struggling emotionally and looking for strategies to help you cope. Or maybe you just need to talk to someone who understands the extra challenges you face and who can point you in the right direction to get the support you need for your family.
We offer 1-1 telephone appointments with a family support adviser for parent carers looking for a listening ear, reassurance and practical and emotional support.
Making an appointment is simple: Visit our Eventbright page, choose the day (morning, afternoon or evening), and when you register choose the time slot you want.
Appointments are regularly updated here and are subject to availability.
Read more.
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The Family Hubs can help you find and get help from different services in the area and will be able to give you information, advice and support.
If you need additional support during COVID-19 please contact your nearest Hub directly to find out if there is anything they can do to help.
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Do you know about Browsealoud?
Browsealoud enables hundreds of web pages (and downloadable documents held within them) on the Coventry City Council website to be more accessible for all in a range of different ways.
These include; translating into over 100 languages; speakaloud (which enables you to listen to pages/documents in either English or a range of languages); a range of viewing options; you can even make an MP3 to listen to!
More information.
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SEND IASS welcome colleagues from Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) and National Energy Action to provide information on:
- benefits such as child DLA, PIP, Universal Credit
- becoming an appointee for a young person
-bills, debts and energy.
This is an online session on Microsoft Teams on Thursday 18 March 2021, 10 -11.30am.
If you've not used the system before, we will support you to access.
Book your place by contacting us on 024 7669 4307 or emailing iass@coventry.gov.uk.
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Have you been to one of SENDIASS' online coffee mornings?
They're an opportunity to meet up with other parents, have a chat (or just a listen) and support each other.
The next one is on Thursday 11 March @ 10am - 11.30am.
Stay as long (or as little) as you are able - no pressure!
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Coventry's One Voice Parent Group is part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums and helps support the views of parents/carers on issues involving SEND.
To register an interest, please contact onevoicegroup@btinternet.com or call/text 07874 242733.
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The Coventry Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
The SEND Local Offer will cover services available to the public across education, health and social care:
Education: such as nurseries, playgroups, schools and colleges as well as support services like Educational Psychology and SEN services.
Health: children's and adult services including GPs, therapists and hospital services
Social care: such as short break services and children's and adult disability services.
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If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us sendnews@coventry.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can keep up to date through SEND IASS's:
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