Family and PTA Information 4th February 2022
Spring has officially begun and I hope to see better weather ahead along with my favourite aspects of the season; snowdrops, daffodils and baby lambs.
Apart from this blog, PTA work, the majority of my work is around supporting families. Much of this is signposting on a range of things, and I have reflected on what I am asked most frequently. here they are:
Advice and support around Benefits.; DLA, Bursary (Post 16) and more recently ESA (which is now part of Universal Credit)
Information on Social Care, including Personal Budgets (also known as Direct Payments)
Information on the future: adulthood, what happens when students leave education.
Do these sound about right? Would you like more information? Please let me know and I will see what else we can offer.
Information:
Benefits:
I have been approached to provide support to those applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) for the first time, and to those renewing a DLA (Disability Living Allowance; Child) application.
I have made contact with them, was given permission to share the videos below and given the following information.
“We provide 1:1 support to complete welfare benefit applications such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carers Allowance. We also help to challenge benefit decision and provide representation at appeal for service users. Service users have the option of having their 1:1 session face to face or remote.
We cover the North East area.
We don’t currently do any online sessions, but we have produced PowerPoint presentation to assist people with applications for Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment. I have attached a link to the website below:
Welfare Benefits – Disability North
If any parents need help with benefit applications, or have any questions about disability benefits, please feel free to give them our contact details. They can call on 0191 2840480 or email Reception@disabilitynorth.org.uk
Disability Living Allowance child:
Personal Independence payment: An Introduction:
Benefits calculator:
The link below is from Turn2us, a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services:
https://benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.uk/
Here is another, from Contact-for families of disabled children
I am happy to try and help families navigate the benefit system. My contact details are at the end of this blog.
Moving to adulthood.
This is something I am requested to discuss with individual parents/carers. Recently I have done these via TEAMS or telephone. I thought it might be useful to share some sites I use.
This information may help you think about life after school/college. While your child/young person is in school/training they will have an EHCP, an education led plan. When they leave, and if they still need support from statutory services these costs will be met by health and/or Social Care. So, here are some useful links. If you would like to discuss anything not education related, please get in touch.
Preparing for Adult Life: Contact-for families of disabled children link
https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/preparing-for-adult-life/
Preparing for Adulthood
This government site is what the government believes we aspire to for all children. When the young person has a disability, it still helps to use this document when asking for help from Social Care to support their Independence and Friends, Relationships and Community needs. Again, if you’d like to discuss get in touch.
https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk/
Activities:
Newcastle Parent Carer Forum Free activity
This is only for Newcastle Local Authority residents who have a child (0-25) with a disability but it looks interesting:
Edit: I gather this event is now full but they have a waiting list. You may want to join the forum mailing list for future events. The link is:
https://www.newcastlepcf.co.uk/
SPARCS:
�SPARCS� is a fast growing grassroots community group which offers support to autistic people and their families also those with other related conditions. It is based in Whitley Bay and has a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Sparcs-Community-106733457513606
Sense Holidays.
I realise this may be a bit late for this year, and won’t be suitable for all but thought I would include it for information:
Go on a holiday made just for you
Sense Holidays are accessible breaks for children, young people, and adults.
You can currently apply to go on one of our holidays in Summer 2022. You’ll need to get your application in by 6 February.
Each holiday is specially adapted to the people who go on it. If your application is successful, we’ll group you with other people of a similar age to you, who have shared communication styles and common interests.
PTA
We are preparing for the AGM, which will be held on Thursday 10th March 2022 from 13.30-15.00 via TEAMS. Please see information below, which has also been sent by separate communication today.
Description-of-committee-roles PTA 010222
Activity
Following our meeting last week, the committee will look at ways in which we can continue to support school and will share information with you when confirmed. It’s difficult while COVID is still affecting school.
We purchased another picnic bench, which has been erected so there is plenty of space for families to sit and chat whilst on the premises, either dropping off or collecting.
Facebook page.
To join the facebook page, see link below
We have a new parent governor. I would like to welcome Ros to her new role; she, like Paul has been involved with the PTA and, from a PTA perspective I look forward to continuing to work with both Kate and Ros.
A few years ago I attended workshops with the National PfA team who reminded us frequently that we start preparation for adulthood at birth! Perhaps a bit soon, although I do think that as parents of young people with disabilities/Learning difficulties it’s never too early to start thinking about it. I know I did
Best wishes,
Eileen Robinson
Family Liaison officer
e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 2161811 ext 3260