Nike have released a new trainer that zips open at the back which makes putting shoes on top of AFOs much easier.  There are a few designs and they are reasonably priced.

https://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pw/flyease-shoes/pjpZoi3?nst=0&cp=euns_kw_bra!uk!goo!styles!c!b!%2Bflyease!

Another busy, productive coffee morning with the fabulous Pass it on Parents providing help and support.

Pass It On Parents

What is a Wiki?

Wikis are simple, accessible, secure and easy to build. They can be used to create multimedia person-centred plans that use pictures, words, video and sound to capture the voice, skills, aspirations and needs of the individual.
Wikis give ownership of the planning process to individuals and families, facilitating genuine collaboration between parents, teachers and professionals, with access given to view the wiki only from the person who has the log in, and only that person can add or edit its content.

Wikis offer a method for children with complex needs to explain some of those complexities in their own way, to record their needs and just do it once. It can hold lots of information that could help anyone working with your child understand themselves and their needs.

I have added a link to show one families experience and how this has worked so well for them.

htps://vimeo.com/80887952

Skills for Life have secured funding to train parents and give a years free trial for the first 50 families interested.

This looks just perfect for any families that struggle to go abroad with their family because of their child’s additional needs.

One of our parents at Hadrian has recently returned and reported they had the best holiday ever!

You can apply for help with costs through the 24×7 Special Needs Holiday Trust which is a registered UK charity created to financially assist families where it could. The trust is constantly looking at ways to raise funds to send people to Centre Algarve for a well-deserved break, turning their wishes into a reality – http://centrealgarve.org/

Centre Algarve Holiday Centre for people with Special Needs –

“Set in the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and just 2 minutes from the pretty local village of Moncarapacho, the Centre Algarve is mainland Europe’s only specialist holiday Centre which is fully equipped to allow people with special needs young and old to experience a wonderful holiday with their family or carers.
We have created an environment where everybody feels comfortable, safe and secure within our wonderful grounds that are fully enclosed and gated. A magical and unique holiday centre where fun and memories are created.
The Centre has 14 bedrooms keeping the experience intimate and not too overwhelming as with most large complexes. Whether you are relaxing by the pool or enjoying yourself within our private secure facilities, you will always be able to keep a watchful eye even whilst you relax and unwind in the evening”.

Facilities include:

Discovery centre »The Discovery Centre has a multisensory and soft play room which allows visitors to experience different light, sound and tactile sensations.

Animal experience »As an integral part of staying with us all guests can have an up-close encounter with our collection of animals.

Swimming Pool »The swimming and paddling pools are enclosed for safety and security. The pool is accessible via a seated hoist and there is also extended wider steps and grab rail.

Sensory and vegetable gardens »The Centre boasts extensive gardens with many smells textures and colours.

Sensory room »The Discovery Centre has a multisensory and soft play room which allows visitors to experience different light, sound and tactile sensations.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Pass It On Parents session, last Friday.  We had a productive time, filling forms and passing out information.

Pass It On Parents is a great, supportive group.  If you need help filling in forms or applying for grants, this is the group you need.  If you want to know what is available in the area for children with additional needs, we can help with that too.  It’s a relaxed and friendly group and we welcome any parents who need specific support or who just want a cuppa and a chat.  Come along and meet other local parents, make new friends and get great advice and support.

We had another very busy day at the pop up hair shop !

We managed to see over 30 children for haircuts, manicures and pedicures. The children all love the atmosphere and being there with their friends,  The foot spas are a favourite!

We have raised £260 which we are using to buy some more equipment for the salon, dolls’ styling heads for the children to practise on themselves, also a sunshade for the Thrive outdoor area.

The next salon day is Thursday 28th March.

We are offering Party Bookings for our Rebound Therapy Centre. The offer includes the use of the Rebound Therapy Centre, Sports Hall, Dance Studio and Kitchen. We can also supply trained rebound therapy staff at an additional cost if required.

What do I get for my money?

• You would have full use of the Rebound Therapy Centre – all 5 trampolines
• The full use of the Sports Hall including sports/games equipment
• The use of the Dance Studio/Kitchen to set up your food/buffets etc.
• A member of staff on call to assist with Rebound Therapy/setting up equipment helping to tidy up etc.

We would generally recommend at least 2 members of staff especially if you are using all 5 trampolines.

The costs of the booking would be as follows:

£65.00 per hour for the use of all the facilities (a minimum booking of 2 hours) – this includes 1 member of staff

Additional members of trained Rebound Therapy Staff would cost an additional £15.00 per hour.

Most parties are typically 2 hours and have 2 members of staff so an example cost would be for a 2 hour party:

£65.00 per hour = £130.00 – for 2 hours

£30.00 for an additional member of staff for 2 hours

Total £160.00

All bookings are covered by our Public Liability and Hire’s Liability Insurance for your peace of mind and our staff are first aid trained and will deal with any accidents/incidents.

We are happy to facilitate parties in holidays and on weekends. Note: on a Saturday there is only availability after 1.30pm.