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Our next drop in will be face to face. It's on Wednesday 16th March, 10am-12 noon at the Powerhouse Library in Moss Side. It’s a chance to meet services and ask your SEND-related questions, including education, Short Breaks, travel, and Early Help. You can also chat with Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) and Manchester Parent Champions. As parent carers, they know what it’s like. We’ll be sending out more information nearer the time. Look out for it in your inbox!
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The new Local Offer Roadshow is coming to The Place Library in Fallowfield. Bob in any time on Thursday 31st March between 10am-12 noon to have a chat. Team member Ali and a couple of parent carers will be on hand to tell you about the Local Offer and signpost you to support. Supported by Manchester Parent Champions and Manchester Parent Carer Forum.
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SEND Community Offer - Free Animation Course
There's an exciting early evening course starting on Tuesday 15th March for SEND young people aged 16-25 into Comic Books, Anime and Manga. It’s a great chance for young people living in the city to learn how to tell stories through animation. It's on Tuesdays 4-6pm, 15th March to 5th April, at Holyoake House, Hanover Street, in the city centre. To register interest, go to the SENDcode website and click on the poster about the workshops. If young people can make most but not all the sessions still register. This activity is one of the Young People’s Voice projects of the SEND Community Offer, funded through Manchester City Council.
Other Stuff To Do
Platt Fields Market Garden are offering their free Let’s Get Muddy outdoor workshops during March. They’re on Saturday mornings, 10am-12pm. Come and go as you like, play games, make things, laugh and make memories. Parent/carers are asked to stay with their children but it’s a chance to explore nature together and connect with other families in the oasis of the Market Garden. You’re welcome to get in touch with Annie about any access needs, annie@wearemud.org – otherwise, just turn up!
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There’s also a Spring Fair at the Market Garden on 20th March, 9am-3pm. It’ll be a day of food, family friendly games on the green, and fun workshops. See the events page on the website. The entrance to the Market Garden is off Mabfield Road with free parking.
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Contact is a national charity that supports families with disabled children in lots of different ways:
UK-wide advice service - Providing vital information for families on money and benefits, education, health and social care, preparing for adulthood, and more.
Family workshops – Virtual workshops covering topics such as Money Matters, Encouraging Positive Behaviour, and Managing Your Child's Sleep.
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Listening Ear service - Offering one-to-one telephone appointments with a Family Support Adviser for parents looking for practical and emotional support.
You can also join their closed Facebook group or call the helpline on 0808 808 3555 (9.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday).
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Covid Updates
All children in England aged 5 to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. National charity Contact continue to hear from parents struggling to get a vaccine for children who are at risk and clinically vulnerable. Take a look at their FAQs. There is also this Government information.
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Carers UK is calling for free tests for unpaid carers to continue, along with free tests for the people they care for. The charity is also asking for greater protection and understanding in carers’ workplaces, specific guidance for employers, carers to be included in future vaccination plans, and recognition of the role played by unpaid carers in the ‘Living With COVID’ plans. Read more on the Carers UK website.
The free Manchester COVID-19 Helpline is available seven days a week from 9am-5pm. Call 0800 840 3858 for help with Covid questions, booking vaccinations, help to book testing and questions about when to self-isolate. Advice is from a nursing team with a translation service available.
Other News
Families with disabled children will be amongst the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis. To help, Contact have put together a handy checklist of six steps that every parent carer can take. It includes the charity’s Benefits Calculator to check you are claiming everything you are eligible for.
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Professionals, parents and carers are invited to a free webinar - the new Autism Care Pathway - on Tuesday 26th April, 12.30-3pm. Register on the PACT Training website.
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