See ITV’s article about the the research findings here.
Important research from the Disabled Children’s Partnership, focusing on the experience of families in the Midlands.
If you need advice, help or support in this area contact us on 0121 442 2944
Birmingham City Council are consulting on Birmingham’s new Strategy for SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) and Inclusion and the proposed direction of travel, including the Vision, Mission, Objectives, Priorities and their plans so far.
This consultation is running between the 9th June until Monday 31st July.
You can learn more about the consultation on the Birmingham Be Hear website here
or by calling 0121 303 5154 or you can email Education@birmingham.gov.uk.
You can download the Consultation Document here.
If you have any further questions you can call us on 0121 442 2944 .
Birmingham City Council wants to know what you think about some proposals for changes to the way they buy and allocate (also referred to as commissioning) adult social care packages and how independent care providers are managed.
Find out more about the consultation at the Birmingham Be Heard Website Here or by calling
0121 303 5154
The Consultation runs until 4th July.
Download the easy read guide here.
Click to watch our video talking about consultation in more detail here.
Are you looking for fun and exciting opportunities this summer?
The Children and Young Person’ Service are running brand new 3-day Kayaking programme from 17th-19th August 2017 for young people aged 11+. This exciting programme will provide each young person with a recognised qualification from British Canoeing. Young people will have the opportunity to fain experience on an indoor pool, outdoor pool at Sutton Park and a day trip along the canals. The three day course is £120 per person.
Ready, Steady, EAT!
We are really excited to be launching a new 6-week Cooking Programme, where young people aged 14+ will be able to learn and develop new skills and knowledge. We will be learning how to prepare food safely and how to create delicious meals and bakes. This course will be running from 7:45pm to 9pm at the Enterprise Hub starting on the 20th June 2017. By completing the course, the young people will receive a certificate with the skills listed that they have learnt. They will also get to take home their meals at the end of each session to enjoy with their family. The cost of programme will be £48 per person (£8 per session).
If you would like more information about these courses and information on how to book onto them then please get in touch by emailing Deborah.McGarvey@midlandmencap.org.uk or by ringing us in the office on 0121 256 1500.
Cycling days at Clifton Road
Families of adults and children with additional needs have been the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a family day out cycling in the great outdoors thanks to an innovative new Midland Mencap and Birmingham Wheels for All initiative.
Over the last 18 months, Midland Mencap, in partnership with Birmingham Wheels for All, have hosted a total of 6 cycle days for adults with learning disabilities, children with additional needs, and their parents and siblings. By using specially adapted cycles and Wheels for All trained leaders, the activities are both physically and mentally stimulating, and fun for everyone involved.
Laura Gilmour, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Midland Mencap said, “For many families who have a loved one with additional needs, opportunities to take part in an activity together as a family can be few and far between. Our partnership with Birmingham Wheels for All is enabling children and adults with additional needs and all the family to enjoy the benefits of cycling, at any ability, in an inclusive and sociable environment. ”
So far this year, Midland Mencap have hosted 2 open cycling events and more have been scheduled to take place during the summer, giving even more families the opportunity to take part. While this project is primarily Birmingham-based at the moment, there are plans in the pipeline to also make inclusive cycling opportunities available to families further afield in future. Watch this space!
For more information about this exciting new initiative, contact the Midland Mencap Health and Wellbeing team on 0121 427 6404.
The Domiciliary Care Service supported Naomi to help build her confidence and improve her well-being after spending time in hospital, experiencing Mental Health issues.
At first an assessment took place and Naomi was very open about her past Mental Health issues, and the help she needs organising her paperwork and ensuring she attends her health appointments. Naomi is registered blind and finds it hard in life to do the daily tasks that we complete quite easily.
A professional friendly approach works well and Naomi takes the lead with planning activities for the day. Ordering prescriptions, G.P. visits and picking up medication and prompting Naomi to take medication is very important to her and with a little help finds it much easier to cope.
Naomi likes to go to the shops and is supported whilst out in the community to cross roads safely and Naomi will gently hold your arm for reassurance, whilst in the shops we help Naomi check her change and expiry dates on food.
Some days trips out that Naomi would not have been able to do without support were to the Botanical Gardens and the Garden Centre.
Naomi is a very kind person who was recently supported by us to go to the hairdressers to have 14 inches of her hair cut off in aid of a charity. The hair is sent off to make wigs for people who have suffered from cancer.
Naomi attends the Church, and is involved in volunteer work, and asked if we had any voluntary work placements, this was one of her goals when we started working together, Naomi has the name and number and is going to ring and speak to the Hub.
Naomi’s looks so well and happier and her confidence has grown since being supported by Midland Mencap.
Naomi feels much better and she is on top of most things and is attending all of her appointments. She now feels her Mental Health is managed well and she can now see the signs if she needs to seek medical attention.
Find out more about our Domiciliary Care Service by calling 0121 442 2944 or by visiting our website
Midland Mencap launches new app
We are always looking for ways to make getting involved with Midland Mencap as easy as possible. This is why we are very pleased to be introducing ‘Midland Mencap – on the Go’ our brand new online booking system which will give people more control over the sessions and activities that they or their family may wish to access.
The quick and easy app, which can be accessed via your smartphone, tablet, computer and the Midland Mencap website will make it easier to book and pay for sessions, meaning you have more time for other things!
As well as booking and paying for sessions the app will also keep you updated on all things Midland Mencap and will support you to browse all the other amazing services we have to offer.
The Children & Young People team will be trialling the app to begin with but very soon you’ll be able to book many more services and activities including community activities, carer support programmes, training opportunities and our gardening service to name just a few.
Please feel free to contact Gemma Weston on 0121 245 1500 if you have any questions.
You can download the app here:
