Short breaks statement - Blackburn with Darwen Council

Blackburn With Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
14 January 2016, Version 1.1
Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
It is important that all children and young people have the opportunity to experience a range of different
activities. For children and young people with disabilities we know that it is also important to be able
to access universal activities alongside siblings and friends, in a safe environment which at the same
time allows young people to stretch boundaries. This benefits the parents and carers too, by giving them
valuable time away from caring which is so important to everybody’s quality of life.
Short breaks aims to provide these opportunities. Depending on the needs of the child, young person and
carer, provision can range from an hour a few times a week with a support worker to help access universal
services in the community, ranging to a number of overnight breaks each year for those children and young
people with complex needs.
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
What are Short Breaks?
Short breaks can be provided by the local authority or other partners including health, as well as the private
and voluntary sectors. Alternatively, the family can choose their own provider using a system of Direct
Payments, which is part of our commitment to provide personalised services to our families.
Purpose of this Statement:
We know parents often find it difficult finding information they need, and so this statement sets out to help
parents and carers understand:
• the range of short breaks services available.
• the criteria by which eligibility for services will be assessed.
• how the range of services in Blackburn with Darwen is designed to meet the needs of our children
with disabilities and their families.
“The Youth Zone Inclusion session from 10-1pm
“
on Sunday gives some independence, makes friends
and develops social skills”
“My son has benefited over the years from accessing Sporting
NRG because he has built up positive relationships with the
adults and a circle of friends outside of school”
“My daughter attends Apple Trees Youth Club, she looks
forward to going every week and she has better and stronger
friendships there than with the girls in school as she struggles
in some social situations”
“My son loves going to the In Di Go Saturday morning
club, where he has made lots of friends all with different
disabilities. In Di Go offers lots of support for us parents too”
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
There are a wide range of social opportunities available to all children and young people in the borough,
including disabled children which are universally available to all.
Additional short break provision is available to disabled children or young people aged 0 – 25 years of age.
The sole criteria promoted by Blackburn with Darwen is need.
In order to assess need, the social worker will talk to the child or young person and their carers and seek
to understand:
------
views of the child and parents
methods of communication/how they choose to communicate
parenting capacity of the parents within their family
the length of time away from home and frequency of such stays
the potential impact on the child/ren’s place in the family and on their parents or carers (for example,
the impact on siblings and how they may interact)
-- observation of the child – especially for children who do not communicate verbally – during or
immediately after the break by a person familiar with the mood and behaviour of the child.
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
What is the criteria?
All assessments will consider the needs of both the child and carer and will not be in isolation. As a general
rule, those with the highest levels of need will have access to higher levels of service, irrespective of age,
race, religion, gender or the nature of impairment.
Once this assessment is complete, and where a short break has been identified as meeting the needs of
the family, together the level and kind of short break will be discussed and agreed with the family, giving
consideration to the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and the 1989 Act, as well as the
Equalities Act 2010.
“My son loves his time with GS Social Care and loves going
swimming”
“My son loves going to Kids Next Door. He does not access
anything else from YPS, but that group suits him and he looks
forward to going every week.”
“My son loves coming to Apple Trees, he comes in and goes
straight to his bedroom. I see in his face that he enjoys coming
and the staff are great”
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
We have a range of services available to support parents and carers of children and young people with
disabilities or assessed needs. These generally fall under two categories: those that are universally available
to all and those that are targeted to meet the disabled children’s identified needs.
The Local Offer 2014
The Local Offer, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
aged 0 – 25 and their families, was launched in September in line with the Children & Families Act 2014.
This is accessible information, advice, guidance and services for children & young people / families.
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Range of Short Breaks Services Available:
Visit www.bwd-localoffer.org.uk, for information, advice and guidance on:
Education - Health - Social Care - Preparing for Adulthood - Support & Mediation - Things To Do
Universal Services/Activities - accessible to all in the borough
We have made every effort to ensure that universal services meet the requirements of children and families
with additional needs so that these children and young people can access mainstream provision. These
include practical equipment such as pool hoists and shower alterations as well as the additional items such
as the building of a sensory garden at our Apple Trees facility, purchase of sensory equipment and ball pool
for the Young People Service and Motivate archery equipment and specialist bikes.
These are some examples of provision available within the Borough – it is not an exhaustive list and is
subject to change.
Provider
Provision
Details
Apple Trees Hub
Disability Service
Information and advice service, Provision of
groups & activities
Duty officer available Monday –
Friday between 2pm and 5pm on
(01254) 503773
Blackburn
Community Sports
Club
Football club. Training and competitive
fixtures for children with disabilities aged 5-15
years and young people aged 16 and over.
Nigel Dixon
Tel: 07919 628 169 or go to
www.bcsportsclub.com
103-117 Lammack Road,
Blackburn, BB1 8JX
Blackburn
Community Sports
Club
Don’t ‘Dis’ Ability Boccia Club. Training and
competitive fixtures for children (aged 6 years
and above), young people and adults with
disabilities
Debbie Davies
Tel: 07808 056 690 or go to
www.bcsportsclub.com
debbie@sportingnrg.co.uk
103-117 Lammack Road,
Blackburn, BB1 8JX
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
Provision
Details
Sporting NRG Ltd.
1:1 and 2:1 Outreach group support. Holiday
schemes and overnight stays for children with
disabilities and complex needs aged 5 years
and over, young people and adults.
Debbie Davies
Tel: (01254) 693148 or go to
www.sportingnrg.co.uk or
debbie@sportingnrg.co.uk
QEGS Sports Centre, Lammack
Road, Blackburn
Blackburn with
Darwen Carers
Centre
Carers Group – for parents of children
with disabilities. Drop in sessions. Children
welcome. Organised trips and activities for
carers.
Tel: (01254) 688440
Based at Kingsway, Greenhurst
Place Blackburn, BB2 1NA
Children’s Centres
Childcare provision
Holiday childcare provision
See the Blackburn with Darwen
Web site www.blackburn.gov.uk or
telephone the Families Information
Service on (01254) 667877
Deaf Aware
Blackburn
Local Parent/Carer group acting as volunteers
for deaf children 1 - 16+ age group
Farah Hussain
07955 329 090
Schools
After School Clubs located on school premises
Contact the individual school
Kids Next Door
Youth Club for children with Asperger
Syndrome
Contact Lauren North on:
(01254) 298632
Daisyfield Base, Moss St,
Blackburn, BB1 5JT
Leisure Centres
Leisure & swimming activities
• Darwen Leisure Centre: (01254) 874900
The Green, Darwen, BB3 1PW
• Shadsworth Leisure Centre: (01254) 268200,
Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, BB1 2HT
• Daisyfield Swimming Pool: (01254) 277300
Daisy Lane, Blackburn, BB1 5HB
• Blackburn Sports & Leisure Centre(01254) 585555
Feilden Street, Blackburn, BB1 5HB
• Audley Sports & Community Centre (01254) 680012
Chester Street, Blackburn, BB1 1LP
• Witton Park Arena (01254) 666966
Witton Park, Blackburn, BB2 6TD
• Details can be found at
Motivate
Targeted leisure activities for people
(including children and young people) with
learning disabilities. (16 years +)
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Provider
Includes football, swimming,
archery, cycling, multi-activities
Contact Motivate Team on:
07837 921 649
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
Provision
Details
Motivate Swimming
Session
Family swimming session available to children
and young people with learning disabilities.
A parent or carer must accompany them
into the pool. Takes place at Darwen Leisure
Centre.
Contact Matt Leaver
07837 921 649
Scouts & Guides
Various groups across the borough with
trained leaders
See www.urbwd.com
National Autistic
Society, Blackburn
with Darwen
Branch)
Local support group for parents, carers,
children, siblings and adults living with autism
including Aspergers Syndrome
Contact Wendy Yeo on
07887 838 168 or go to
NASBlackburnwithDarwenbranch@
nas.org.uk
Kingsway Carers Centre, Greenhurst
Place Blackburn, BB2 1NA
YPS (Young Peoples
Service)
Provision for children and young people
aged 8 to 19 years with disabilities. Holiday
activities and programmes
Contact Lauren North on
(01254) 298630
or email:
lauren.north@blackburn.gov.uk
Daisyfield Base, Moss St,
Blackburn, BB1 5JT
Blackburn Youth
Zone
Children with disabilities Activity Session
Sunday 10 - 1 (Inclusion)
Contact Laura Walker on (01254)
292000
Jubilee Street, Blackburn, BB1 1EP
Indigo
Outreach & Support for children with
disabilities & their families. Awareness and
events/friendship groups.
Contact Tel: 01254 209708
Mobile: 07505 353 508
email: diane@myindigoworld.org.uk
Community Centres
Activity groups and sessions at centres across
the borough
Contact the individual centre or
for a comprehensive list and more
information contact
(01254) 673556
East Lancashire
Deaf Society
Group sessions and activities. Support and
advice
Contact (01254) 844550
www.elds.co.uk
6-8 Heaton Street,
Blackburn, BB2 2EF
Deaf Children North
West
Group sessions, support, activities and day
trips.
Sandra@deafchildrennw.org.uk
26 Keirby Walk, Burnley, BB11 2DE
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Provider
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
Provision
Details
GS Social Care
Solutions
A supervised contact facility, support
brokerage service and transition support
packages. We offer sit in services including
overnight support in people’s own homes.
Training for parents/ carers around Autism
awareness, restraint training and first aid
(including paediatric first aid).
Contact Faye Mellor on:
(01254) 877755
faye@gs-socialcare.co.uk
1a Barnmeadow Lane, Great
Harwood, BB6 7AB
Elysium
A community centre offering various activities
both on and off site. Fully inclusive holiday
club running through all school holidays
and Ely’s weekend zone on Saturday and
Sunday (from age 5 to 19). Afterschool clubs
available. Activities from toddler groups to
groups for adults with learning disabilities.
Room hire for any events, birthday parties and
so on. Fully accessible sensory room (suitable
for public and private hire).
Contact Faye Mellor on:
(01254) 877755
1a Barnmeadow Lane, Great
Harwood, BB6 7AB
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Provider
Targeted
The services and activities listed below are available following an assessment of need by Children’s Social
Care. Your social worker or child support officer can provide more detail or you can contact the Apple Trees
Hub on (01254) 503773 or (01254) 666787.
Provider
Provision
Details
Adolescent
Support Unit
(ASU)
Short breaks including overnight provision
and specific short term support
Lytham Rd contact Mel Coglan on
(01254) 55358
130 Lytham Road, Blackburn, BB2 3EB
Apple Trees
Overnight stays / Short Term Breaks. For
children with complex needs. Summer
holiday programme
Following Assessment of Need. For
more information contact Jerry Wood –
Registered Manager on
(01254) 503770
Kelsall Avenue, Blackburn, BB1 5RU
Children with
Disabilities
Service
(Blackburn with
Darwen)
Assessment of need is undertaken by Social
Worker/CSO to ascertain if your child/
parents/carer requires support under section
17 of the Children Act 1989 Child in Need.
Disability links registration for information,
advice and support
Contact Pamela Price,
tel. (01254) 666787
or
10 Duke Street, Blackburn, BB2 1DH
Duty Worker on
(01254) 503773 after 2pm
Kelsall Avenue, Blackburn, BB1 5RU
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
Provision
Details
The Big Blue Door
Private short term breaks establishment
offering day care, outreach and overnight
provision for children with learning and
physical disabilities, complex health needs
and Epilepsy
Contact Andrea Brighouse on tel.
(01254) 278378 or go to
www.mylife-mychoice.co.uk
28a Albert Street,
Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3NB
Crossroads Care
Short breaks, Personal care support and
domiciliary care.
Contact: (01282) 832548
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Provider
Derian House
Care & Support, Short Breaks, palliative care. Contact Helen Fogg on:
Children’s Hospice A dedicated centre dealing with children and (01257) 233300
families with extreme health needs
Burnley Business Centre,
Liverpool Road, Burnley, BB12 6HH
GS Social Care
Solutions Ltd
Short breaks, Outreach and home care
support for all ages
Contact Faye Mellor on:
(01254) 877755
1a Barnmeadow Lane,
Great Harwood, BB6 7AB
Fostering Short
Break Carers
Short breaks including overnight provision
within a family environment with Foster
Carers.
Following assessment. Contact the
Fostering team at Blackburn with
Darwen Council (01254) 666830
10 Duke Street, Blackburn, BB2 1DH
Sitting Service
Short Term Breaks. Approved sitters/
Carers for day care. Outreach. Activities
could take place in the child’s home or the
local community. A short break following
assessment of need.
Contact Pamela Price on:
tel. (01254) 666787
10 Duke Street, Blackburn, BB2 1DH
Sporting NRG Ltd. 1:1, 2:1 and Outreach group support,
including overnight social/activity breaks for
children with disabilities and complex needs
aged 5 years and over, young people and
adults
Contact Debbie or Gareth Davies on
(01254) 693148 or go to
www.sportingnrg.co.uk
debbie@sportingnrg.co.uk
QEGS Sports Centre, Lammack Road,
Blackburn
Home Care for
You
Contact Simon Bailey on:
(01254) 663414
Kent Street Mill, Kent St,
Blackburn, BB1 1DE
Short Breaks, Outreach and Domiciliary
Support
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
“Knowing that my child is safe and happy and enjoying a
social opportunity with peers outside of school environment”
One parent response when asked what was important
Following an assessment of need from children’s social care, where the child or young person is assessed
as requiring short breaks provision, parents can also choose to receive Direct Payments. Short breaks
provision can be funded using a Direct Payment or Personal Budget to allow flexibility and choice.
Direct Payments is one of the ways we are personalising service delivery to meet the individual needs of
children, young people and families. For example, a family may wish to select their own private or voluntary
sector provider to provide short breaks provision or a Personal Assistant.
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Personal Budgets & Direct Payments
For advice and support contact the Self Directed Support Team on (01254) 585922 or call in
at the Town Hall reception.
This is what you have already told us:
Our services have been designed based on what you have told us you wanted. We asked you what was
important in relation to short term breaks provision and you said the provision needed to be:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flexible
Available at weekends and school holidays
Age appropriate and fun
Opportunities for all family members particularly non-disabled siblings
Overnight
Regular
Provided by trained and supportive carers who know your child
We have also involved parent consultants to ensure that everyone’s views have been taken into account
and so that everyone has had the chance to have their say.
Communications with parents, carers and young people is continually ongoing and the Apple Trees Hub
uses your suggestions and ideas to develop services such as:
Siblings ‘Sibs’ Group
This is a specific group for the brothers and sisters of children with disabilities to spend some time together
enjoying fun activities. The group was piloted over the Summer of 2011 and has been hugely successful.
The group runs every Half Term Holiday week on a Wednesday from 10am – 1.30pm at Apple Trees. The
group enables the siblings of disabled children to make new friends, participate in arts and crafts and
other activities, with group outings also planned. For more information please contact Sharon Waterworth
or Joanne Britwistle on (01254) 666787.
Please email: pamela.price@blackburn.gov.uk
Or call: Duty on (01254) 503773 to discuss further.
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
You told us that it would be a good form of support for families in Blackburn with Darwen to be able to
contact each other to ask questions, seek advice or share information. It is also useful for keeping up to
date regarding events taking place in your local area.
The facebook page can be accessed at: www.facebook.com/links2us
or contact Rachel Harrison on (01254) 666774.
Apple Trees Youth Club
The club has gone from strength to strength with 15 children attending regularly. The club was developed
specifically for children with disabilities, in a safe and well supported environment, where young people
could meet new friends with similar needs and abilities, and develop independence skills. Since September
2011, the Apple Trees Hub has formed a Club specifically for children and young people with moderate
disabilities aged from 8 years up to their 18th Birthday. The Club is supported by experienced staff and
trained volunteers, and is free of charge, running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Mondays. Please contact
Rachael Harrison on (01254) 666774 for more information.
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Disability Links Parents’ and Carers Facebook Page
Apple Trees Mums’ Group
You asked for a Mums’ Group to ensure mums’ who have a disabled child to meet and chat, share
experiences, have a coffee and enjoy crafts and activities together. This is run fortnightly on Tuesdays 10 12am at Apple Trees led by Jen Lapa. Contact (01254) 666764
How do we gather your views and opinions?
Consultation is our key focus, and we have regular groups and events held in your local area throughout
the year. Consultation is led via Disability Links but is supported by Apple Trees Hub and Disability Service
colleagues.
We welcome all comments and suggestions about how we can better support Children & Families.
Please email: pamela.price@blackburn.gov.uk
Or call: Duty on (01254) 503773 to discuss further.
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
Motivate Activities for young people 16 years and up. Contact: (01254) 587242.
Shine
Every Friday - social group
Ivy Street Community Centre, Blackburn, BB2 3RR
Jolene Swain 07833 050 380
Julie Walsh 07757 860 178
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Services and Activities for Young People and Adults from 16 to 25 years
Blackburn Youth zone up to 25 years
Jubilee St, Blackburn, BB1 1EP - Laura Walker 01254 292000
GS social care activities and domiciliary support/centre base also available
GS Social Care Solutions Ltd, 63 Queen St, Great Harwood
Blackburn, BB6 7AB - Tel: 01254 877755
Young People’s Services aged 8 to 19 years
A range of activities and trips for young people aged 8 to 19 years who have special educational needs and
disabilities. Based at Kaleidoscope Youth and Community Centre, off Manxman Rd Blackburn BB2 3ER.
Weekly term-time sessions are available as well as holiday provision. Young people have the opportunity to
take part in a range of activities including sports and games, water sports, biking, residential opportunities
and Duke Edinburgh Award. A Complex Needs Youth Club for children with severe and profound needs
meets on a Wednesday evening.
Email lauren.north@blackburn.gov.uk - Tel: 01254 298632
Sporting NRG Ltd
Offering 1:1 support for young people and adults that challenges and motivates, whilst working towards
achieving personal goals and developing life skills.
Contact Debbie Davies on Tel: 01254 693148
Olive Tree Agency
Office Location: 37 King St, Blackburn, BB2 2DH
jonathan@otdom.com - Tel: 01254 674295
The Altogether club (services up to 25 years) Activity based group
email lizzytoms@hotmail.co.uk or call 07745984797
In Di Go
Supporting young disabled children, young people/Adults 0-25 years and their families;
Call Diane Marie Price 01254 209708 / 07505353508 diane@myindigoworld.org.uk
The Curiosity Club (Young Adults and carers)
Energy Zone, Newfield Drive Blackburn
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Blackburn with Darwen
Short Breaks Statement
“Knowing that my child is safe and happy and enjoying a
social opportunity with peers outside of school environment”
One parent response when asked what was important
In October 2013 the council launched the ‘All About Me’ communication passport to promote the voice
of the child. The document is being widely used at Child in Need reviews, Looked After Child reviews and
SEN reviews to ensure that children and young people’s views are heard and they are given choices about
services and support.
For more information contact The Apple Trees Hub (Children’s Disability Service) on:
(01254) 666863 or (01254) 503773.
Legal Context:
Short Breaks Statement
2015/16
Consultation with children and young people:
Extract from Children and Young Persons Act 2008:
“Every Local Authority must provide services designed to assist carers in their area by giving them
breaks from caring... (for a disabled child or young person)
(A) local authority must have regard to the needs of those carers who would be unable to continue to
provide care unless a break from caring was given to them.
In performing those duties, a local authority must also have regard to the needs of those carers who
would be able to continue to provide care more effectively if breaks from caring were given to allow them
to:
undertake education, training or any regular leisure activity; or
carry out day to day tasks which they must perform in order to run their household.”
How can you get involved?
We are keen to ensure that service delivery continues to meet the needs of our families, and parental/
carer involvement is critical. There are a number of ways you can get involved and have your say:
Disability Links
Information sharing service, 544 families as of October 2015.
Contact Ann Marie Pickering (01254) 666711
Parent Forum Established in 2005, the forum was initially overseen by the council. In
December 2014, the responsibility for delivering the forum was
transferred to a group of local parents. The forum is now independently
run by Parents In Partnership (PIP) who organise forum meetings and
information based events and consultation. The local authority
will continue to work in collaboration with the forum and discuss service
development and popular issues in the borough.
Contact : bwdpip1@gmail.com
For further information, please contact the Apple Trees Hub on (01254) 503773 or The Duty Worker from
2pm Monday - Friday or the team on (01254) 666863.
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