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I write to you as we reach another significant milestone in the country's COVID-19 roadmap out of lockdown, as doors begin to open to establishments and homes, and people begin to come together again. We can see a light at the end of a long tunnel, and hope continues to grow that with the continued vaccine roll out things will, in time, return to some sort of 'normal'. This will however inevitably look a little different.
In this bulletin we have highlighted some services that can support children, young people and parents/carers as we recover from the impact of the challenges people have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have also highlighted some opportunities where you and your children can have a say in shaping services and share ideas for making our children's futures a little brighter. Why not check them out and get your voice heard!
We'd love to spread some positivity during this hopeful (but still uncertain) time and we're asking for your help to do this! So, if you have any positive stories or achievements to share with us then please let us know - you can send them into sendnews@coventry.gov.uk
Hoping that by the next time we talk, things will be brighter still.
Chris Firth
SEND IASS Manager
Kooth is a FREE anonymous, confidential, safe, online wellbeing service, offering professional support, information, and forums for young people aged 11 - 25 years.
Kooth offers access to counsellors, 365 days a year - who are available from: 12noon - 10pm Monday-Friday and 6pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday.
They have an online magazine and other features too such as a regular podcast and a Spotify music station! Kooth is not an app but you can register and log on through mobile, laptop or tablet.
Visit the Kooth website or watch the Kooth campaign video for more information.
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The NHS in the West Midlands is reviewing the way in which they work with children and young people who are vulnerable and have complex needs.
They want to be able to improve the quality of children and young people's health, as well as their care, by understanding more about their experiences and how they want to be treated.
If you are a child or young person that has complex needs, or a family member or carer and you can commit to attending some virtual meetings, then they would really like you to be involved and have a voice in shaping a service in the community that could meet complex needs such as yours.
Your involvement will help to make sure that what the NHS in the West Midlands are doing is the right thing.
If you would like to join the group or would like more information then please email amy-marie.clark@nhs.net
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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.
Away from the pandemic, the group get together once a month, normally at the Coventry Boys and Girls' Club in the city centre. We're hopeful that we'll be able to do face to face meet ups in the Autumn term.
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.
Looking at starting in the autumn term - express your interest now!
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Midland Mencap are facilitating a brand new service called ‘The Citizens Network’ in partnership with West Midlands Combined Authority!
Their aim is to consult with people with a disability across the region about a variety of topics and feed this back into the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Topics so far have included things such as:
‘What would you like to see available when community restrictions lift for you to be able to take part in sport and physical activity?!’
For more information and joining instructions, please contact Ashleigh Jones on 07912 269035 or email ashleigh.jones@midlandmencap.org.uk
For more information on this or other events and opportunities Mencap have available visit their Mencap activities webpage or via Facebook.
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'The Big Ask' is a survey for children and young people aged 4–17 in England.
It is a chance for children and young people to have their say on the things that matter to them. Such as what life is like, what they want in the future, and anything they think is holding them back.
If you are aged 18+ and are a care leaver, parent, or you work with children you can complete the adult survey to share your views.
Information gathered will be used to tell the people who run the country or their local area what they think needs to change to make life better.
Find out more: watch The Big Ask Youtube video or visit the website.
The survey is open until 28 May 2021.
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It's the only website for deaf young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK.
The Buzz is a safe, online space created by deaf young people, for deaf young people.
It's new features mean that deaf young people now have a platform where they can read inspiring stories, connect with others like them, find the latest information and support, sign up to events, ask questions and get involved.
Check out 'The Buzz' website.
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Young Minds have some useful information in their 'Parents Guide' offering advice to help you and your family create a healthy culture around gaming and to help you support your child if they're struggling.
The Young Minds site includes young people's views, common questions, health information and top tips for setting boundaries and keeping children safe while gaming.
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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.
Stay as long (or as little) as you are able - no pressure!
Coffee mornings take place regularly so look out for the date of the next one!
You can find out more information about SENDIASS events via the SENDIASS website.
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School Nursing will be running virtual health information sessions via Event Brite running from May until August 2021 for parents/ carers. This will include sessions around managing toileting and sleep issues.
Visit the school nursing website for more information and booking links
You can also find useful information and updates via their Spring Newsletter.
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Save the date...
In partnership with SENDIASS, Coventry Primary Mental Health Team are offering a series of FREE online sessions for parents/carers of children with SEN and Disabilities.
As well as an 'Introduction to Mental Health & Primary Mental Health Team' session they have arranged two additional sessions tailored to the 'Primary' or 'Secondary' ages focusing on 'Understanding and supporting your child with their mood'.
Tuesday 29 June 2021 - Introduction
Thursday 1 July 2021 - Primary Age
Thursday 8 July 2021 - Secondary Age
Session details and booking information will be available after the May half term. Check out the SENDIASS Events page for more information when details go live.
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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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Short Breaks give children and young people who have a disability the opportunity to join in with an enjoyable activity away from their parents/carers. Short Breaks allow children and young people to take part in activities, make friends, develop independence and have fun. Short Breaks also provide parents/carers a break from caring responsibilities.
For more information about about the scheme, how to access it and details of their Half Term (June) and term time activities visit their website.
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Chat for youth central (CC4Y) is a project that aims to help people to find others with similar interests, to have fun, to join in with a hobby, to get involved with their community and to find new friends, tackling loneliness and isolation in all its forms in Coventry.
CC4Y run various groups and sessions for 16-25 year olds, including 'Chat and chill at War Memorial Park' - an opportunity to meet for a walk and a chat with others.
For more information and to find out 'what's on' visit the CC4Y website or email chatcentral@vacoventry.org.uk.
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Preparing for Adulthood are holding a free online event for everyone involved in working with children and young people with additional needs and supporting them into employment including family members.
The session will inform and provide clarity on the best
approaches to supporting individuals with additional needs to:
secure paid employment; raise aspirations and achieve social and economic inclusion.
It will include speakers, presentations, and interactive group discussions.
There will be an opportunity to explore
- Relevant national policy and initiatives.
- The importance of planning for employment from much earlier and development of pathways into employment
- The best approaches to support individuals into employment
- The importance of developing relationships with a range of employers to support work experience, internships, apprenticeships and paid work.
The online session is Tuesday 22 June 2021 10am-1pm.
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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
The COVID-19 community testing site in the city centre is set to change its location to a new home in Market Way.
The centre is this week leaving its base at the Transport Museum as the venue prepares to reopen to visitors, and will move to 14 Market Way (CV1 1DL), by the entrance to Coventry Market, opposite Sports Direct.
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Lateral flow testing
Don't forget to continue getting tested regularly for COVID-19 even after you've had your vaccination. You must also remember to register your results (if you do a home test) and go for a confirmatory PCR test if you test positive. Find out more via the Coventry City Council COVID-19 Testing in Coventry page
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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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.
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. 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.
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The Council for Disabled Children has been asked to regularly update government advice on how to stay healthy and safe during this time.
They have gathered a list of resources and guidance about Coronavirus to share with parent carers, children and young people and education, health and social care practitioners. This page will be kept under review and new resources added to the categories as they become available.
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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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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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