open Check out our attached Inside... SHORT BREAKS Together

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1 news Issue 12 open - July 2011 Check out our Inside... page 2: page 3: pages 4/5: page 6: pages 7/10: page 11: page 12: Making Changes Together Tom Aggar Easter and Summer Half Term events Bridge Card / Children s Network Directory / County Durham Sport children s network news Sporting opportunities Membership scheme update inside: Summer SHORT BREAKS 2011 SHORT BREAKS attached

2 2 message from Steven Cleckner Can you believe it s the Summer already? The last six months have gone so fast. We really hope that you enjoyed the Children s Network events over the Easter and Summer half term period. If you have a look on pages 4-5, you will be able to see what we have been up to. We would like to thank everyone involved and in particular those who have allowed us to use their venues. However, the fun isn t stopping there, in this issue you will find our full short breaks pullout. This summer we are being joined by Sunderland Football Club Sports Foundation and Durham County Football Association who will be doing some multi sports activities. We will be showing films at the Gala as well as several mobile cinema events across the County. There are many more activities available so take a look and call us on /6545 or childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk to book your place and enjoy the fun. Also in this edition, we have an exclusive article with Paralympian Tom Aggar plus updates on the Membership Scheme. I would also like to thank everyone who has sent us their text and information. This will help us keep our members informed of new and exciting activities, as and when they happen. As usual, if you need any further information, please get in touch: Children s Network, Children & Young People s Services, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UJ. Telephone childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk Steven For parents/carers of children with Additional Needs/Disabilities in County Durham Making Changes Together VII The 7th Making Changes Together (MCT) conference took place at Newton Aycliffe's Xcel Centre in May This provided an opportunity for parents to discuss with other parents and professionals their previous experiences of services. In addition to this, MCT had several key speakers offering information to parents and several table activities to discuss disability discrimination and the solutions to this. Some key notes from the day included information and discussion on The Green Paper: Support and Aspiration from Lisa Springer, Parent Partnership re-launch from Elaine Chandler and an opportunity to meet the new Countywide and Access Team consisting of Jane Le Sage, Marie Moncaster and Marianne Taylor. The next conference will be on Wednesday 9 November 2011, venue to be arranged. The full conference report is now available. If you would like a copy of the report or to receive more information, please contact Parent Partnership on Bio Born 24 May 1984, London Educated Queen Elizabeth s School, Barnet and the University of Warwick Learnt to row at the London Regatta Centre Coach Tom Dyson Club Royal Docks Rowing Club, London Favourite film Avatar Favourite band Oasis Outside rowing I love sport. Before the accident I played at all age groups of rugby and now I love watching it While studying at Warwick University 6 years ago, Tom Aggar had a freak accident. Tom was a talented up and coming rugby player, who stood at 6ft 3ins played second-row forward for Warwick University 1st 11 and was a member of the Saracens rugby youth development squad when he had his accident. Tom who had intended on joining the Royal Marines, was out with friends, when he slipped and fell eight feet on to a concrete path. It was so dark at the time that his friends thought he had left them and headed home alone. Yet two hours later, having regained consciousness, Tom realised he was on his own, and unable to move. He called an ambulance using his mobile phone to receive help. He had broken his back in 2 places and suffered a T12 spinal injury, paralyzing his legs. As part of his rehabilitation Tom began using indoor rowing machines. He first competed at the 2006 National Indoor Championships using the FES (functional electrical stimulation) machine; a process that involves electrical pulses stimulating Tom Aggar Against all odds paralysed muscles to contract. Tom won his category at the tournament in a world best time, getting his talents noticed by the British Paralympic rowing coach in the process. The following year, Tom made the transition onto water. He faced the daunting prospect of his first major competitive race at the 2007 World Championships in Munich. Unfazed he held off a late challenge from reigning two-time world champion Dominic Moneypenny, securing a breakthrough world title after just months in the sport. Since Munich, his athletic progress has been a tale of unblemished success. Tom is now the reigning Paralympic and World Champion in the ASM single scull boat class; he destroyed the field by 13 seconds to clinch his latest world title, unsurprisingly breaking his own World Best Time of 4: Tom Aggar is a member of the BMW London 2012 Performance Team. It is an initiative designed to provide Team GB and Paralympics GB with support as they prepare for the Games on and off the field. For more information please visit: 3

3 Easter and Summer Half Term Events Wow!! How busy have we been? We had a fantastic Easter and Summer half term with lots of events. I hope that you enjoyed them. We took loads of photos from Moor House, Tin Arts, AMF Bowling and not to mention Mini Moos and Climbing Centre at Newton Aycliffe. AMF Bowling Hair & Beauty Hair & Beauty Moor House AMF Bowling Mini Moos Tin Arts AMF Bowling Hair & Beauty Tin Arts Moor House Rock Antics 4 Moor House Tin Arts Rock Antics Moor House 5

4 6 The County Durham Bridge Card can be used by passengers to let drivers know that they may need extra help during their journey. The card, has been developed by Durham County Council in partnership with local bus operators, the Learning Disability Partnership and the Learning Disability Parliament. Cards are available from Durham County Council customer access points, by calling or ing No registration is required. County Durham Sport A new travel card has been launched that will help people with a disability or illness receive a helping hand when using public transport. We launched the second edition of the new directory. Getting from A to B is easier with a Bridge Card Have you got your copy yet? If not, contact us on or childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk With the Summer Holidays just around the corner it s important to be as active as possible. County Durham Sport is one of 49 County Sport Partnerships nationally, funded by Sport England, the Department of Health and other local partners. They work with various partners to help improve and get more local people to take part in sport and physical activity. If you want to find out what s going on in the County visit ALL ABOUT ME! I like to try and keep fit, and take part in lots of activities. I thought I would share them with you in case there is something in here you might enjoy having a go at, or because you'd like to make some new friends. Hello, My name is Katie Rollo, and I am 14 years old. I live in Newton Aycliffe with my sister Emily and have autism and learning difficulties. I go to The Oaks special school in Spennymoor. news July Through the week I like to go to lots of clubs such as Sportability at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Disabled running at Shildon - we also do other athletics at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. I go swimming once a week, which I really like. Fridays is my ballet class at Chilton and my teacher, Melanie Edmuson adapts the dance so that I can join in. Sundays I attend Jaynell Gymnastics, who also teach other disabled children. Sunday afternoons I go horse riding with Riding with the Disabled. This is my most favourite thing to do in the whole world. My horse is called Little Sally. So that's all of my activites. Come and try them out if you like the sound of them. It would be great to meet you! Katie x Would you like to be featured in the next edition of Network News? Why not write in and tell us about yourself and what you enjoy doing.

5 Lemonade Recipe A quick and refreshing concoction for a lazy summer afternoon Ingredients: 250ml water Juice from 4-6 lemons Instructions: 250ml of sugar 1 litre of cold sparkling or plain water Mix together 250ml of water with 250mls of sugar in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved (get help from an adult). Allow the water and sugar mixture to cool, before pouring it into a pitcher or bowl and refrigerating. Once the mixture has cooled, add the juice from the lemons and stir and then mix the litre of cold water into the lemonade. To serve, pour the lemonade into a pitcher and add lemon slices. Tip: Make an extra batch and freeze it into ice cubes to add to the lemonade. Summer Fun start We are all going on a summer holiday - don t get left behind! Find your way to the car quickly! Colour in the Network Friends having fun at the beach. e e e t e w f k s a n d a b o o k k i s a b n o k s n w r t s u n c a n l b b e a c h s d g e k g d o l c a a l c u a e c a i b a f b o a t e y e a l e r f a c s a t b s e a e a k g s t t b n p i c n i c a c l b a a a r r k n i s h e l l s d a a l h l s a t c l d e b b u c k e t n c a a Find bag hat sun ball the boat book Seaside Wordsearch following hidden crab fish rain sand beach spade words: towel bucket donkey picnic shells sandcastle

6 Competition Time What would you like to do in your summer holidays? In this space we would like you to draw what activities you would like to do in your summer holidays. From going fishing to going to the seaside or having a picnic we want to know. The best entry will win a prize. Post to: Children s Network, Children & Young People s Services, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UJ. Congratulations... to Brendon Fleet who won our Who do you want to be when you grow up drawing competition. Well done! We hope you enjoyed your prize. 11

7 Membership Scheme Update Seven new organisations have signed up to our membership scheme offering fantastic discounts to our members. To get more information on these services and others visit July 2011 Adventure Point There is a 10% discount on entry charges. Children in wheelchairs are already offered free entry as they may be unable to fully use the play equipment. Open 9.30am pm every day (except Christmas Day and New Year s Day). Please visit their website for more information AMF Bowling Washington Monday to Friday before 4.00pm games are 1.50 each per person, all other times only Discount is valid on production of a valid Childrens Network card and is for the card holder plus one person. Subject to lane availability, pre booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. For more information visit: AquaJoy Bathlifts Ltd AquaJoy is offering 45% discount off their RRP for the AquaJoy Junior Plus reclining children s bathlift and the AquaJoy Junior Saver fixed backrest children s bathlift, spares and accessories. AquaJoy Bathlifts Ltd, based in Consett, is the UK s leading bathlift supplier. For more information visit: Beamish Museum Summer Only (April until October) - child admitted at group rate (saving of 4.00), essential carer/companion admitted free of charge. Applies to day tickets only and not to Unlimited Pass. Cannot be used with any other discount or offer and membership card must be produced at admissions desk. Please visit for more information on opening times and events. Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum Children under 5 are free, children aged , one carer per person with a disability entitled to free admission. Plus, all adults in the party will receive concessionary discounted admission - currently For more information please visit: Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum Killhope Lead Mining Museum are offering 2 for 1 tickets (cheapest ticket free or like for like). Under 4 s can not go underground but are free to come on to the site. Please visit for more information on opening times and events. Seven Stories - the national centre for children s books 1 free child place for every paying adult. Seven stories is fully accessible with a lift to all floors. A wheelchair is available on request. Visit for more information. childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk SHORT BREAKS 2011 In partnership with the Making Changes Together parents group and the Extreme Group from Investing in Children we are delighted to announce another year of short breaks for disabled children/young people and their parents/carers. Following the amazing success of last year s short breaks programme, we have looked to make this year s programme bigger and better. You will be able to book the majority of the breaks that are on offer, however some breaks will need to be booked through your social worker or lead professional. The feedback that we received from last year s short breaks was very positive and we hope that this year more families can benefit from the short breaks on offer. So without further ado let the fun begin! See overleaf to find out what is available and how to book a place, and remember all activities are FREE! open 12 DPD9245LF Design & Print, Durham County Council

8 DAYS OUT Short Break Activity Information Booking Information SHORT BREAKS 2011 SPECIALIST SHORT BREAKS Short Break Activity Information Booking Information Heel and Toe North East Autistic Society (NEAS) Villa Real Conductive education sessions and activities will be offered to support young people with Cerebral Palsy. NEAS are offering young people with Autism and their families tailored packages of short breaks with specialist service support. Villa Real School short breaks are for children with the most complex needs who attend the school. They will provide specialist short break activities throughout the year, including: hydrotherapy, sport games and transport. Please contact your allocated social worker or for further information contact Heel & Toe Direct Please contact your allocated social worker for further information. Please contact Villa Real school for further information on or real.care200@durhamlearning.net Sunderland Football Club Multi Sport Coaching Adventure Valley Adventure Valley Next to Union Hall Farm, Brasside, Durham DH1 5SG. Durham Rowing and Media Experience Durham Amateur Rowing Club, City Boathouse, Green Lane, Durham DH1 3JU Sunderland AFC Foundation are holding 5 sports activity days offering multi sport activities including football, volleyball, judo and much more. 25 July: Seaham Leisure Centre 26 July: Meadowfield Leisure Centre 27 July: Glenholme Leisure Centre, Crook 28 July: Louisa Centre, Stanley 29 July: Shildon Leisure Centre Each activity will start at 10.00am and finish at 1.00pm. Enjoy a day out with your family at Adventure Valley. Offering great value it is home to 6 zones of all weather fun, from the Indoor Play Town and The Farmyard to Action Creek and the Runaway Ranch. 1 August: 10.00am-5.00pm 1 September: 10.00am-5.00pm Durham County Rowing Club are offering a week long activity experience. Create comics, download and edit music and sports video plus writing questions for Tom Aggar (Paralympian) and rowing. 1-5 August: 9.00am-12.30pm Ages: places available in total. Contact Children s Network on /6545 to book your All ages: places available for each day - allocated 4 tickets per family - additional tickets must be purchased at Adventure Valley. Ages: Week long activity - 15 places available. Sensory Support Service Family activity day: 23 July Tin Arts dance workshop: 15 August Supported activities Signing for preschool hearing impaired children throughout the year Please contact Sensory Support Service on for further details. Children s Network exclusive Gala Cinema screenings Mini Moos Adventure Land Holmside Park Arena, Edmondsley, County Durham DH7 6EY Films to be announced at a later date. 2 August and 10 August. One of the best farm parks in the North East, offering everything from barrel rides and outdoor adventure to indoor soft play and go-karts. 5 August: 10.00am-5.00pm 120 spaces available for each day. All ages: places available - allocated 4 tickets per family - additional tickets must be purchased at the park. Mobile Cinemas Exclusive cinema showings in your area 8 August: 10.00am-12.00pm Tangled (Disney - U) Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre 19 August: 10.00am-12.00pm Animals United (Dreamworks - U) Stanley Lamplight Art Centre 100 Tickets available for each screening.

9 DAYS OUT Short Break Activity Information Booking Information DAYS OUT Short Break Activity Information Booking Information Moor House Adventure Rainton Gate, Houghton le Spring DH4 6QY Tin Arts Dance Workshops Durham County Football Association Football Coaching Children s Network Summer Party Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Spennymoor DL16 6DB Beamish Museum Beamish County Durham DH9 0RG East Durham Positive Inclusion Partnership (EDPIP) Back by popular demand. Moor House Adventure with archery, buggy rides, abseiling, rock climbing and more 11 August: 10.00am-2.00pm Back by popular demand Tin Arts bring their fabulous dance workshops for the summer holidays. 15 August: Sensory Support, Belmont (4-9 years). 16 August: Seaham Leisure Centre (4-6 years). 17 August: Glenholme Leisure Centre (7-12 years). 18 August: 13 year olds and above. 5 days of football coaching with Durham County s Football Association 22 August: Seaham Leisure Centre 23 August: Meadowfield Leisure Centre 24 August: Glenholme Leisure Centre 25 August : Louisa Centre, Stanley 26 August: Shildon Leisure Centre Each activity will start at 10.00am and finish at 1.00pm. Bouncy Castle and soft play with a magician. 1 September: 1.00pm-4.00pm Available throughout the summer - no time limit. EDPIP are providing a wide range of activities throughout the year. 200 Tickets available. Contact Anne Morrell at Sensory Support on to book your 4-6 year olds - 25 places 7-12 year olds - 25 places 13 year olds and above - 25 places Ages: places available in total. Contact Children s Network on /6545 to book your Ages: places available - allocated 4 tickets per family. Contact Children s Network to book your place childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk Maximum of 250 tickets available (1 Adult / 3 Children max). Please contact EDPIP direct for further information Carers Centre days out The Oaks School Evergreen School Fishing With Tom Monster Monday Club Leisure Services The five carers centres across County Durham have spoken to families and devised a programme which will include family days and events. The Oaks are delivering a range of activities for their pupils in the school throughout the year. Evergreen are delivering 2 weeks of activities for pupils in the school. Some spaces are available for children with additional needs that attend other schools. Children can enjoy a calming, relaxing experience learning to fish with Tom (includes BBQ). 26, 28 and 29 July 11, 12, 18, 19 and 25 August Residential breaks and activities available for members of the Monster Monday Youth Club based within King James School. From swimming to dance, athletics to gymnastics. Range of activities throughout the year. Please contact your local carers centre: Durham & Chester-le-Street Carers Support Easington District Carers Support Derwentside Carers Centre Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre Teesdale Carers Centre Wear Valley Carers Initiative Please contact The Oaks School for further information: Please contact Evergreen School for further information: For further information please contact Children s Network or childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk 8 places available on each day. All age ranges. Available to Monster Monday Club members only. To join the club for activities throughout the year contact David Merryweather on or dave.merryweather@durham.gov.uk Contact Suzanne Richardson on or suzanne.richardson@durham.gov.uk for more information.

10 SHORT BREAK HOLIDAYS Short Break Activity Information Contact Details Camping and Caravan Sites at Akebar Park North Yorkshire DL8 5LY at Belford Park Northumberland NE70 7DP Durham Area Disabililty Leisure Group (DADLG) Camping and caravan holidays are a great way for families to share a holiday break together. Camping places have been booked and will be free and available on a first come first served basis, you can stay for any number of nights between the following periods: Akebar 5-9 August / August 10 pitches available for each night. Belford 25 July - 1 August 10 pitches available for each night August 9 pitches available for each night. DADLG are providing a residential break for current members at Bendrigg over a 3 night period. Please contact Children s Network to book your place on /6545 or childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk Please contact DADLG direct for further information places available. childrensnetwork@durham.gov.uk DPD9306LF Design & Print, Durham County Council