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It's been a very busy term for us here at SEND IASS, with it being the only real term of the year which has not been impacted by some form of national school closure. The resilience shown by children, families and professionals over this time has been remarkable - let us hope that we don't have to face those restrictions again any time soon!
It's been a summer when football may not have "come home", but a strong message has been given about the power of people to affect change; It's great to see young voices being part of that strong message of equality and inclusion, and can hopefully inspire our children and young people to do the same.
This bulletin includes a number of pointers towards activities taking place over the summer period, and I hope everyone is also being able to take advantage of some of the City of Culture events taking place. Many of these are free, are in different areas of the city and give opportunities for young people to enjoy something a little bit different.
The last 16 months have been incredibly difficult - let's hope we can now look forward to working together towards a brighter future for all in our society.
Chris Firth, Manager SENDIASS
Students at Riverbank Academy have been working with Grapevine's "Connecting for Good" team to look at the issue of loneliness and isolation through the pandemic.
They have identified some top tips to support young people who are feeling lonely, created a balloon drop in the community and spoken at a recent SENCo event in the city.
They hope to ensure that this issue is included in discussions around outcomes for young people with EHC plans.
You can find out more from their specially created website, whilst they have also created a short video to show their findings.
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With lots of young people being impacted by COVID restrictions in education settings over the past few months, some of the usual transition events have not been able to take place.
As transiition for children and young people with SEND is often especially important, there are a few things that might support this over the summer period.
You can access the "Back2school" resources, put together by Coventry's Complex Communications Team/SENDIASS. This is especially useful for any children and young people with social communication difficulties/ASC diagnosis.
The BBC Bitesize page has a number of videos talking about transition to secondary school.
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SENDIASS have joined forces with young people from Riverbank, Sherbourne Fields and Hereward College to create a short Q&A video about moving from school to college. A full version featuring all the students will be available from the SENDIASS Youtube channel shortly.
Students from the two schools put together the questions that they had about what college is like, from meeting new people, the type of support on offer and, most importantly, what delicious food is on offer at the canteen!
Students at Hereward then answered the questions alongside an introduction to important areas for students to see aorund the college.
Thankyou to all the students and staff for their contributions.
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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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.
Over the next few weeks, some new Eventbrite sessions will be created aimed at Parents and Carers to find out about Kooth, specific sessions to support 19-25-year-olds, together with a tailored session providing a live demo of the site and sharing the content available for young people over the 6 weeks' break.
A Kooth Information session will also be running on 20 July for any professionals who want to learn about the service.
Visit the Coventry City Council's Kooth what's on in July? page for more information.
For more information on Kooth visit the Kooth website or watch the Kooth campaign video.
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Rise is a family of NHS-led services providing emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Rise aims to build resilience and empower children and young people (as well as the adults in their lives) to know where to go for help and advice.
It’s made up of a number of different services, each led by mental health specialists.
Find out more.
You can also access the 'RISE and Shine Newsletter - Summer 2021' for their latest news and professional courses.
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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 restart 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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Midlands Young Advisors are looking to hire five new Young Advisors!
Do you want to develop your skills?
Are you looking to meet like-minded people and have a role in improving services?
This opportunity might be for you!
The role will be to champion the voice of young people throughout mental health services.
Please see the poster below or email youngadvisors@associatesolutions.co.uk for more details.
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ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder) is characterised by a pattern of eating that avoids certain foods or food groups entirely and/or is restricted in quantity (eating small amounts). Avoidant and restrictive eating cannot be due to lack of available food, or cultural norms (e.g. someone who is fasting or chooses not to eat certain foods for religious or cultural reasons alone).
ARFID is different to other restrictive eating disorders in that:
- ARFID isn't affected by a person’s beliefs about the size and shape of their body.
- Someone with ARFID doesn't restrict their food intake for the specific purpose of losing weight.
- ARFID doesn’t feature some of the other behaviours that can be associated with anorexia, bulimia, or OSFED, such as over-exercising.
To find out more visit the ARFID Awareness UK website.
*Illustration by Ella Kimberley
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Kidscape provide support, resources, and advice across all ages to challenge bullying and protect young lives. They also offer adult training sessions and their ZAP programmes (for children aged 9+).
The Kidscape parent’s advice line is open to parents of children/young people of all ages.
Advice Line: 020 7823 5430
For more information visit the Kidscape website
Kidscape recently published an inspiring story about Joe Plumb. Joe overcame his experiences of bullying from a young age and went on to campaign to change mental health services and implement better ways to help children and young people stand up and speak out against bullying. A true inspiration and a story worth a read! Read now.
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“I'm hoping to spread more awareness around the effect of Bullying and impact on Mental Health. I want to have a positive impact on more people. I want to spread hope, and Kindness. I hope to raise vital funds for Kidscape and get involved in their future projects, workshops and events. I want to raise the profile of Kidscape to help Children who have been bullied. I am over the moon to be a part of Kidscape and a big thank you to you all for giving me the opportunity to do so!” (Joe Plumb - Kidscape)
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ILEAP is a local charity working with children and adults with additional needs.
ILEAP deliver a fun packed user led programme of activities designed to build confidence, raise self esteem and promote independence. Sessions run throughout term time and during the holidays.
They’ve been working hard and have planned a safe and exciting programme of sessions for the summer holidays. From day trips, music, sports and cookery to boating, swimming and drama, there’s plenty for everyone.
New members are very welcome. If you’d like more information, or would like to chat about what they do, please get in touch via email: sparkle@ileap.co.uk or by calling 07956344589.
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The Autism Cafe sets out to provide a safe space for families with children with Autism to meet. Activities are provided for the children, and parents can relax and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
Based at St. George's Church, Coundon sessions will be running 2pm-4.30pm on the following dates:
- 11 September 2021
- 9 October 2021
- 13 November 2021
- 18 December 2021
For prices, and more information please contact susankivi@yahoo.co.uk
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Contact are running some FREE Zoom workshops for parents/carers!
The sessions are covering a range of topics including encouraging positive behaviour, helping your child sleep and money matters (amongst others).
For more information and to book visit their brighter-beginnings workshops booking page.
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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 up 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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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 activities visit their website.
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Summer of Fun 2021 is a FREE large-scale holiday activity programme (with the inclusion of food) for children and young people, aged between 4 & 16 who are accessing free school meals.
There will be a range of free events and holiday clubs all throughout the summer, including but not limited to:
Sky Blues sports camps, day trips to the beach, performance and dance, art workshops, music events and much more!
Eligible children should have received a postcard week beginning Monday 5 July 2021 with information of how to book.
For more information visit the webpage.
Don't forget - The Go CV card is a free scheme for Coventry residents. You can benefit from offers and discounts on events, activities and attractions including free entry to Coventry Transport Museum and discounted entry to The Wave.
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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
There have been some changes to community test sites and opening hours.
Find out more.
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 would like to read our previous bulletins you can do so on the SENDIASS website.
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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