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We hope you've been enjoying the recent sunny weather. Here's the latest round up of news about all things SEND in the city and beyond.
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We’re back at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre in Wythenshawe for our next Drop In. It’s on Wednesday 21st June, 10am-12.30pm. Look out for a news bulletin about it nearer the time.
Our Drop Ins are aimed at parent/carers living in the Manchester City Council area or connected to children from the area. If you live in other parts of Greater Manchester, search for ‘Local Offer’ with the name of your Council area to see what is available.
FUTURE DROP INS:
Thursday 13th July, Moss Side Power House, 10am-12.30pm
After a break in August, the Drop Ins will be back in September
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It’s really important that parent/carers have a say. You're the ones living this every day. By sharing what you think about services in Manchester and your experiences, you can help to make things better, not just for you but for families across the city. Manchester’s annual SEND* survey is run through Manchester Parent Carer Forum and takes around 10-15 minutes (*special educational needs & disabilities). Here's the link: ://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/mcr-send-survey-2022 You’ll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of five £30 vouchers, as well a free ticket to the Inclusion Matters conference on Friday 23rd June (courtesy of Catalyst Psychology). A BIG thank you to everyone who responds!
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Super Cricket
Super 1s is a Lord’s Taverners programme designed to give cricketing opportunities to young disabled people aged 12-25. It includes Super 1s Disability Cricket on Friday evenings, 7-8pm, at Denmark Road Sports Centre in Moss Side, M15 6FG. It’s free - or £2 if young people join the multi-sports with Champion’s Sports Club from 6-7pm. There’s also Disability Cricket on Thursday evenings, 6-7pm, not too far away in Swinton at Moorside High School, M27 0AP. It’s a free session, with opportunities to take part in competitions, festivals and workshops. Find out more on the Lancashire Cricket Website. The contact is Amlyn Layton, 07799 639838, alayton@lancashirecricket.co.uk.
Connect To Activities
Manchester has a free 10-week programme for children and young people aged 5-17, connecting them with inclusive sports and activities in their local neighbourhood. It welcomes children and young people with SEND who are above a healthy weight. For referrals, speak to your GP practice, school nurse, or any other health professional, or self-refer via this link - https://secure.refer-all.net/referrals/manchester/refer. The programme is run by MoreLife Physical Activity Referral Service: Manchester Physical Activity Referral Service (PARS). To find out more, contact juniorpars@more-life.co.uk, 0161 511 0300.
Library Festival Fun
Celebrate the Festival of Libraries at Central Library’s free Sunday Funday! This will be an event to showcase what Central Library has to offer, including amazing crafts and face painting. It’s on Sunday 11th June, 12-4pm, with no need to book. Find out more on the Festival of Libraries website. There's also a range of creative activities across the city with Family Fun Days taking place in North City, Gorton and Forum Libraries on Saturday 10th June, 2-4pm. Drop in and join the fun!
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Free Travel Training
The city’s free A-Z Travel Training Programme offers opportunities for young people to gain confidence and independence in travelling around Manchester and beyond. It’s for young people with SEND aged 14-25 who live in the city, supporting them to access leisure activities. That might be the cinema, going to the shops or meeting up with friends. There’s up to six sessions, mostly 1-to-1, lasting around three hours, depending on where the young person wants to go. They’ll also get useful information, eg. travel cards, CEA cards and Our Pass. To find out more or register, contact 07851 249676, traveltraining@youngmanchester.org.
Opportunity for 16-25s
There is still chance for young people to join this year’s Hatch employability programme. 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. Remaining start dates are: 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.
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Carers Week Special
Join Manchester Parent Carer Forum for a Carers Week morning with brews, bites, chat and pampering. It’s on Thursday 8th June, 9.30am-12.30pm at Martenscroft Children’s Centre, 33 Epping Street Manchester M15 6PA. Booking essential using this Eventbrite link from 6pm this evening (May 31st).
See the Carers Manchester calendar for events during Carers Week, Monday 5th to Sunday 11th June 2023
Baby Week
Baby Week returns to Manchester from Monday 12th June. Everything is free and there are loads of different activities and events at various venues across the city. Baby Week is intended to help children with their development and help parents connect with other parents to make friends and expand their support network. Like last year, it’s for children from the moment they’re conceived up until the age of 2. Find out what’s on and how to book by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/babyweek.
Reasonable Adjustments In School
All pupils should be helped to fulfil their potential. Here’s everything you need to know about reasonable adjustments and how they can help disabled children in schools.
Digital News
A SIM Card Could Change Your Life
Did you know that Manchester residents over 18 can get free SIM cards from most Manchester libraries? They come with free internet access for a total of 6 months, no monthly top up required. Just bob into local libraries to get them. Read this Manchester Evening News article to see the difference it could make. Find out more about this and other support at Doing Digital Together.
Digital Drop Ins
Manchester Adult Education offer weekly digital skills drop in workshops at venues across Manchester. Skill Up workshops can help you to access services, learn how to use a particular device, search for information quickly, or save money. Learn at your own pace with no need to book in advance. Bring your own device or use one of their computers. Find a drop in near you:
- Forum Learning, Wythenshawe, M22 5RX (0161 935 4080) - Tuesdays 9.30-11.45am
- The Avenue Library and Learning Centre, Victoria Avenue East, Blackley, M9 6HW (0161 935 4080) - Tuesdays 9.30-11.45am
- Greenheys Adult Learning Centre, Moss Side, M14 4HZ (0161 254 7314) - Tuesdays 9.30-11.45am
- Hulme High Street Library, M15 5NN (0161 227 3739) - Tuesdays 1.00-3.00pm
- Newton House Adult Learning Centre, Newton Heath, M40 1NY (0161 254 7706) - Wednesdays 9.30-11.45am
- Gorton Hub, Hyde Road M18 8HE (0161 227 3737) - Wednesdays 9.30-11.45 am
- Abraham Moss Adult Learning Centre, Crumpsall, M8 5UF (0161 219 6735) - Thursdays 9.30-11.45am
- Withington Adult Learning Centre, 24a Burton Road, M20 3ED (0161 234 5687) - Thursdays 9.30-11.4am
- Fallowfield Library, The Place at Platt Lane, M14 7FB (0161 227 3744) - Thursdays 1.00-3.00pm
- Longsight Library and Learning Centre, 519 Stockport Road, M12 4NE (0161 227 3706) - Fridays 9.30-11.45am
For more information about workshops and other digital skills courses, visit the Manchester Adult Education website.
Cost of Living Update
The government has confirmed that disabled children and adults will receive their second £150 disability cost of living support payment between 20th June and 4th July this year. As with last year’s payment, this will once again be made on an individual basis – meaning parent carers who have multiple children on disability benefits will get a separate payment for each child. There is no need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit. Find out more on Contact’s website.
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.
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