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Over the coming year, we are trying out our Drop Ins at more venues. The time may be longer than usual and they will sometimes be on different days. We’re doing this in response to your feedback and to reach more parent/carers across the city.
We have a new venue for tomorrow’s Drop In. We'll be in the Lecture Theatre at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, Wednesday 8th March, 10am-12.30pm. College staff have put together a map and some information to make us feel welcome – see the recent news bulletin.
Our Drop Ins are aimed at parent/carers living in the Manchester City Council area. If you’re in other parts of Greater Manchester, search for ‘Local Offer’ with the name of your area to see what's available.
FUTURE DATES:
Tuesday 18th April, Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey
Wednesday 24th May, Hideout Youth Zone, Gorton
Wednesday 21st June, Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe
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It’s time for Manchester Parent Carer Forum’s annual SEND survey! You’re invited to share your experiences of the different services that relate to your child's or young person's special educational needs and/or disabilities. It’ll take around 15 minutes and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win £30 vouchers. Here’s the link –
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/mcr-send-survey-2022. It really helps to hear from you - thank you!
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Free ParaNetball Club
There’s a free ParaNetball Club at Wright Robinson Sports College in Gorton on the first Saturday of every month, 10-11am. It's for girls and boys aged between 9–25 with SEND and is fully inclusive, including a deaf coach who can offer additional support to anyone who is deaf or has a hearing impairment. Siblings welcome - although they won’t be able to take part in competitions. See the webpage for more information and how to book. The contact is Katie at katie@manchesterthunder.co.uk. Next session: Saturday 1st April.
Baby Sensory Play
There are free sensory play sessions for babies at Manchester Art Gallery every first and third Wednesday of the month, 1-2pm. No need to book, drop in any time to stimulate your baby’s senses, meet new parents and relax in The Lion’s Den. Find out more on the Gallery website.
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Super Power Panto
There’s a pantomime at The Lowry studio - Super Power Panto - designed especially for children with visual impairment. It’s on Friday 10th March, 2pm, and involves Extant, the UK’s leading theatre company of visually impaired performers. Book tickets on The Lowry website - £10-12.
Check out the Stuff To Do section of our Local Offer SEND Information Hub for more SEND-friendly activities across the city!
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Hatch Programme
The first Hatch employability programme of the year kicks off on Tuesday 21st March, with start dates through to October. Delivered in partnership with UK Youth and The KFC Foundation, it’s aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 who are ready to enter the workplace but just need a little extra support. Participants complete pre-employability workshops with Greater Manchester Youth Network in the city centre, followed by four weeks of paid work experience (16 hours per week) at KFC or another employer. They will be paid (at least minimum wage) for their placement and have an opportunity to have a real interview at KFC. Start dates are: Group 1 Tuesday 21st March (KFC only), Group 2 Tuesday 25th April, Group 3 Tuesday 6th June, Group 4 Tuesday 18th July, Group 5 Tuesday 29th August, and Group 6 Tuesday 10th October. See the flyer for more information or contact Joe on 07396 519 052, joe.webster@gmyn.co.uk.
Civil Service Internships
An exciting four-week work experience opportunity in the Civil Service is being offered to around 100 autistic young people. The placement is 3rd to 28th July 2023 with a salary of £391 per week (before tax) and includes developmental coaching sessions and other activities. It’s in a range of locations across the UK, including Manchester, or online. The application deadline is Monday 3rd April. Candidates will be emailed the outcome of their application by the end of April. Find out more on the Ambitious About Autism website, as well as other work opportunities.
Take A Look
National Charity LOOK are on a mission to support young visually impaired people and their families to thrive. They do this through mentoring, transformational events, youth forums and parent support groups. Learn more on the LOOK website.
New Grant For Young People
Family Fund have introduced a new grant for young people aged 18-24. Check out the Your Opportunity page, with a video on how to apply. Grants can be used for a range of activity, including day trips, club membership, laptops and musical instruments.
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MPCF Events
Manchester Parent Carer Forum has a number of events coming up for the city's parent/carers:
Criminal Law - The Role of the Appropriate Adult - Tuesday 14th March, 10am-12pm, St. Thomas Centre M12 6FZ, free. Covers the role of the appropriate adult at the police station and the legal rights of the person or their carer. Book through the Criminal Law workshop link.
Mental Health & Mental Capacity Act – Tuesday 14th March, 12-2pm, St. Thomas Centre M12 6FZ, free. Covers your legal rights should you or a family member be detained under the Mental Health Act and how to challenge a detention. Book through the workshop link.
Family Hubs Parent/carer Session - Wednesday 15th March, 10am-12.30pm, St. Thomas Centre M12 6FZ. Manchester has been awarded funding to develop Family Hubs across the city. These are venues based in our neighbourhoods that will offer a variety of services to support families. This event is a chance to get involved in this work and help with planning. Lunch included and there's support with transport. Find out more and how to register.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Dynamic Support Register (DSR) Information Event – Thursday 30th March, 9.30am-12.30pm, St. Thomas Centre M12 6FZ, free. DSR is an essential tool that brings together multi-agency partners to provide appropriate support and care at the right time so children and young people can lead the lives they want to and stay healthy in the community. This session will help you understand what the DSR is and how it can benefit autistic young people and those with learning disabilities or mental health difficulties with the highest level of needs. Booking isn’t yet open – look out on MPCF’s Facebook page or our next newsletter.
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SEND Podcasts
Manchester’s SENDIASS team has joined with parent carers in the city to create SEND Talk Podcasts with easy to understand, jargon-free advice. Themes include: SEND support in school, preparing for school meetings, the EHCP process, and the Annual Review process. See this podcast page to listen for free from the SENDIASS website or your favourite podcast player. There are transcriptions of each episode too.
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There’s also a free webinar from IPSEA - The SEND journey and your rights as a parent/carer. The webinar on Tuesday 14th March is full but you can request a recording.
Voter ID - What You Need To Know
Voters now need to show photo ID when voting at a polling station on Thursday 4th May. You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable, such as a passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, or an eligible travel card. If it is out of date, you can still use it if it resembles how you look now. If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Find out more in this Manchester City Council information and how to get support with applying. There is also easy read information from the Electoral Commission and Manchester People First.
Family Support Sessions
CAHN, the Caribbean & African Health Network, have regular online events to support families in Manchester. On the 9th March there is a special edition of their Family & Advocacy Sessions for International Women’s day – ‘The Survivor’s Journey: A Positive Outlook on Life’. The 18th March sees the monthly Home Office event on the theme of ‘Settling in the UK and Community Integration’ and there’s a Legal Drop In on 23rd March for questions in relation to housing and other matters. See the CAHN events page for more information and to register.
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Are you concerned about your child being criminally exploited or trafficked? AFRUCA, the Centre for Black and Ethnic Children and Families, offer Coffee Chats every last Friday of the month 10am-12 noon at Universal Square in Ardwick. Find out more on AFRUCA’s website.
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News In Brief
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for disabled children in England but there’s a lot of confusion around who is entitled to it. Did you know you don’t need a diagnosis before you can claim? Find out more from Contact. They also have short introductory videos in English, العربية (Arabic), Polski (Polish), and Soomaalida (Somali).
Family Fund are nearing the end of their financial year but are still taking applications for grants in England. They’re for families on a low income, raising a child or young person aged 17 or under with a long-term disability, disabling condition or life-limiting illness. See their website.
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‘What does autism look like in teenagers?’ This is a free online Q&A session, Tuesday 14th March 7-8.30pm, for parents and carers of young autistic people aged 10 to 16. Get together with other parents to discuss topics like self-esteem, stress and anxiety, puberty and planning for the future. Book through Eventbrite. Find more events on the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium website.
Manchester City Council wants to understand how their website can be improved so that it is easier for you to use. Have your say through the Council website.
Please take care with any websites asking unpaid carers to pay for Carers Cards as they may not be genuine. Here is some Citizens Advice guidance on scams.
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Free Transport To Medical Appointments
The Cost of Living Emergency Travel Fund has been set up to provide transport to Manchester patients who are at risk of missing medical appointments due to the cost of living crisis. The fund is for taxi journeys from home to the appointment and then back again. Book through the Cost of Living Advice Line - 0800 023 2692.
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Free Sim Cards
Any Manchester resident over 18 years who has difficulties paying for data on their device can get a free sim that comes loaded with six month’s free data. Call into your local library. Find out more at Let’s Get Digital.
Cost Of Living Advice Line
Don’t forget, Manchester City Council has a free telephone line offering support and advice around benefits and rent, debt and paying bills, food support and help with getting online. Call 0800 023 2692, Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm. There is also the Council's Help with the cost of living crisis information hub. Find out what’s available in your area in these local guides.
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