S.N.A.P.

Special Needs children And young adults Parents’ support group

January 2005

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR MEMBERS!

 We hope that the New Year will bring positive change and surprises to you all.

The first meeting of 2005 is going to be 

 Monday 31^st January at 7.30pm

In the Noust at the Picky Centre

Adrian Williams and Phil Bennet will be there - they are keen to hear parents’ comments and ideas for the Summer Play-scheme for Children with Special Needs. They will also be able to tell us what the situation is with the empty post of Children and families worker. If anyone would like to see a copy of the Executive Summary of the 2004 Summer Playscheme Evaluation before the meeting please contact Inga Gilmour.

*************** BREAKING NEWS! ***************

Would anyone interested in attending a discussion on the new Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act on Wednesday 23^rd February please contact Inga Gilmour.

Elaine Grieve – Assistant Director of Education (Childrens Services) has been in touch to say that she is delighted to offer parents the chance to take part in this discussion. Originally they were going as far as Wick, but she has persuaded them to include us as well!

Space will be limited so please get in touch as soon as possible to try and book a place.

This is YOUR chance to ask questions and make comments on the New Act.

Parents of Children with records of needs who would like to see and comment on a draft copy of the New Accessibility Strategy can contact Inga Gilmour (details below) or Terry Delaney at Papdale House, Berstane Rd. Kirkwall.

 Shopping / eating out / going to the pictures…

These are all normal every day activities, but they can be more difficult for people with children who have special needs. Have you had any difficulty getting out and about, or getting into buildings with your child?

Please let us know if this has been a problem for you and we can pass on your comments.

 NEXT TOY LIBRARY MEETING will be from 2.15 - 3. 15 p.m.

in the New Library on Saturday the 5^th February

This session is only to return and pick up toys. There will be no more deliveries of toys until a new co-ordinator is appointed.

 The Autism and Aspergers Support Group

will not be meeting this month as Karen and family have not been well.

The new Senior Carers Group (for Parents of young adults)

Next meeting in St. Magnus Centre on Thursday 27^th January

from 12.00-2.30(bring a packed lunch!)

There will be a visit from Kirsty Murray the Employability Co-ordinator from a project based at the Jobcentre

If you would like to have a chat with another parent or if you would like more information please contact:

This letter comes to you courtesy of the staff – (esp. Maureen) - at Crossroads Orkney Carers. We would like to thank them for all their help.