Dear All,
WPCC's latest newsletter is below...
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In This Week's Issue...
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HAVE YOUR SAY
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ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
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EVENTS AND INFORMATION
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BREAKING NEWS
Grant Funding Programmes in Wiltshire
We have received details of several Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF) grants available in Wiltshire. Please see details of all the WCF grant programmes we are aware of in our Events and Information section below.
Reminder: Temporary Changes to HCRG Single Point of Access Telephone
Due to an unusually large number of incoming referrals to the HCRG (formerly Virgin Care) Single Point of Access (SPA), the WPCC has been advised of some temporary changes to two of the SPA phone line options. These temporary changes will only be in place during the month of August and the phone lines will revert back to full opening hours on the 1st September 2022.
As of 4th August 2022, HCRG will be reducing the opening hours for their phone options that cover: -
- appointments (option 2)
- general queries (option 3)
to 9am-12pm and 4-5pm daily, to allow the SPA team to process referrals coming into the team.
Their universal line, option 1, (with access to the duty School Nurse and Health Visitor), will remain open as usual throughout the day, 9am-5pm.
The WPCC has been advised that HCRG can be contacted by email as usual, throughout the day.
HCRG’s SPA telephone number is: 0300 247 0090
HCRG’s SPA email address is: vcl.wiltshirespa@nhs.net
Reminder: Have your Say on WPCC’s Next Information Event
Our last big information event was held in Trowbridge and we had Information Stands from 30 different services and providers, a workshop session by Oxford Health on helping your child to manage anxiety, and we provided free tea, coffee and cakes for all attendees throughout the event.
We are in the process of planning our next Information Event which we hope to organise for November 2022. We would like to give you the opportunity to tell us where you would prefer the event to take place, and suggest a theme for the event as well as a theme for a workshop session.
Please complete this quick SURVEY to give us your feedback and help inform our next event.
Reminder: WPCC Social Media Engagement Survey
Thank you to all who participated in our survey about preferences for engaging with the WPCC via social media.
The majority of people who responded to the survey already followed the WPCC on Facebook, and the majority of those who didn’t already, expressed a desire for engaging through Instagram. As a result, the WPCC has now created an Instagram page which can be found HERE and we will post on this platform where appropriate. However, some content that the WPCC promotes is not compatible with Instagram and we have therefore taken the decision to continue using Facebook as the main social media platform that the WPCC will share most information through, especially as the majority of people said this was still their preferred platform.
So, if you haven’t already, please follow us to stay up to date with the latest information and events: FACEBOOK
You can also follow WPCC on Twitter: @WiltsPCC
And you can also sign up to receive our Weekly Newsletter which contains all the information and events we share HERE
Reminder: Wiltshire Short Breaks Scheme Monitoring Form 2022
If you successfully applied for the Short Breaks Payment or COMBO option for your child or young person this year, you can now complete your Monitoring Form.
Everyone who has received either the Payment or the COMBO option of the Wiltshire Short Breaks Scheme, should have received an email that was sent on the 29th July 2022 with a link to this year’s electronic Monitoring Form. If you can’t see the email in your Inbox, please check your Spam and Junk folder.
If you need help to complete your Monitoring Form, please contact the WPCC and we will do all we can to support you.
Please Note: -
- Your second Short Breaks payment will not be released until your Monitoring Form has been completed and returned to Wiltshire Council.
- If you want to receive your second payment by the end of September, your Monitoring Form must be completed and returned by 31st August 2022. If you need help with your form, please contact the WPCC in plenty of time
- Any Monitoring Forms completed and returned after 31st August and before 31st October will mean that the second payment is unlikely to be paid until October or November
- The Short Breaks Scheme closes completely for the year on 31st October 2022 and no further payments will be made after this date under any circumstances
You can contact the WPCC by telephone: 01225 764647 or by email: admin@wiltspcc.co.uk.
Have Your Say
General Feedback (see attached form)
If you have any general feedback you would like to share, please telephone us on: 01225 764647 or send an email to: admin@wiltspcc.co.uk. Please be assured that when we share feedback with services, we never identify the person who gave the feedback, unless we have their consent to do so.
When sharing your feedback, it is often helpful to know:-
- Which part of Wiltshire you live in? (North, South etc.)
- How old your child/young person is?
- Consent to share your contact details? (optional) This is so we can work with service providers to address issues with you individually.
You may prefer to complete the attached feedback form, send us an email or call us to give your feedback.
Activities for Children and Young People
What’s On Children/Young People’s Calendar August 2022
For a full list of activities for August for children and young people with disabilities, including music, social, sport, drama, trampolining clubs and much more, please go to our What’s On Calendar for more details: What's On Calendar
Yes You Can Early Years Sessions – Warminster
Yes You Can (formally Jacob’s Ladder) will be running two new early years sessions for children with additional needs. The sessions are planned to start at the end of September/early October at Warminster Christchurch Hall, BA12 9NS.
For the time being, the sessions will focus on children aged 0-5 but there are plans to introduce a Saturday Club in the near future which will be open to families who have a child with additional needs of any age.
Mondays: Explore Session, 10.00am – 11.00am
A structured session for children aged 0-5 with additional needs with a focus on communication.
Thursdays: Stay and Play session 9.30am -11.00am
A stay and play drop-in session for families with a child with additional needs.
Numbers will be limited so places must be booked in advance.
For more information, please see the Yes You Can Wiltshire Facebook page. If you have any questions or would like to express interest in either of the sessions above, please contact Kirsty by email: YesYouCanWiltshire@outlook.com
Updated Information: Inclusive Play Sessions - Corsham
See the posters HERE on our website for more information about inclusive play sessions for 4-12 year olds with complex and/ or additional needs at Springfield Community Campus, Beechfield Road, Corsham SN13 9DN. Regular sessions take place on the 1 st Saturday of each month and there are some extra sessions planned for the summer holidays
NEW Information:
- All sessions taking place on Friday 19th August will have a trampoline and instructor, as well as all the new play equipment.
- Parents and carers can now join the Inclusive Play Facebook Group for up-to-date session information and any other developments.
Reminder: WPCC's Summer 2022 Short Breaks Bulletin is Now Available
See the latest WPCC Short Breaks Bulletin for information about accessible activities, leisure and social opportunities for children and young people with SEND, and their siblings and families in the Summer school holiday. You can download a copy (see attachment WPCC Summer Bulletin 2022) or view it as an online interactive booklet HERE. Don’t forget to look at our section that has information about funding and passes you may not be aware of.
Events and Information
What’s On Parent Carer Calendar August 2022
For a full list of training/events/support groups for August for parent carers, please see our What’s On Calendar for more details: What's On Calendar
Family and Community Learning (FaCL) Course – Shop for Less
Join FaCL for their cost cutting course to help make your money go further. The course is face-to-face and will run at two venues:
Trowbridge
Monday 22nd August 10.30am – 1.30pm at Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ
Salisbury
Wednesday 24th August 10.30am – 1.30pm at St Michaels Community Centre, SP2 9LE
Places must be booked in advance by 5pm, Wednesday 17th August.
For more information, please see the attached flyer (Shop for Less).
FaCL Courses are funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Courses are FREE if you are 19+, have been a resident in UK/EU for 3+years, have less than 5 GCSEs grades A-C, in receipt of benefits, a service family or you may have other issues that joining a course could help you. You might be stuck in a rut or going through a difficult time? FaCL want to hear from people who are unsure about if they can join and they are always happy to talk things through.
For more information, please click HERE.
The FaCL team can be contacted by calling: 01225 770478 or email: familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk
Grant to Support Young Entrepreneurs
Wiltshire Community Foundation is working in partnership with the South West Enterprise Fund (SWEF) to provide business grants of £2,000 to young entrepreneurs in Wiltshire and Swindon that are aged between 18-30.
As part of the programme, SWEF provides the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences and learn.
To be eligible to apply, you need to be: -
- aged 18 to 30
- living in Wiltshire or Swindon
- planning to start your own business within the next six months or running your own business which has been trading for no more than two years
- without easy access to other sources of finance
Grants can be used towards capital items and running costs such as: -
- stock, equipment or materials
- rent or business-related bills
The grant cannot be used for salaries, to pay any existing debt or household bills.
Wiltshire Community Foundation prioritise applications from groups that are often underrepresented in business, including people on low incomes, women, migrants, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people with few or no formal qualifications.
More information and details of how to apply are available here.
Education Grants for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)
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Wiltshire Community Foundation offers grants of £1,000 to support children and young people with SEND to enhance their education and development.
You can apply for an Education Support Grant if a child or young person: -
Grants can be used towards equipment or support costs which school or college funds do not cover such as: -
This list is not exhaustive and if you have an idea that fits within the scope of education, please email the Grants Team on info@wiltshirecf.org.uk
This programme is always open for application. The deadline for applications to be considered at the next panel meeting in October is 2nd September 2022.
Full criteria and a link to the application form is available here.
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Grants to Support the Costs of Apprenticeships or Vocational Training
Wiltshire Community Foundation offers grants of up to £1,000 to support the costs of an apprenticeship or vocational training for young people in Wiltshire and Swindon.
You can apply for a vocational grant if you: -
- are under 25 at the age of application
- will be studying at school, college or sixth form or undertaking an apprenticeship
- have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for at least two years
- your parents or guardians receive a means-tested benefit
Grants can be used towards costs that college or school fund do not cover such as: -
- educational resources or equipment
- out of school activities which contribute to learning
- course related study or field trips
- IT equipment
- travel costs - in some circumstances
This is not an exhaustive list and if you have an idea that fits within the scope of education or training, please email the Grants Team on info@wiltshirecf.org.uk
This programme is always open for application. The deadline for applications to be considered at the next panel meeting in October is 2nd September 2022.
Full criteria and a link to the application form is available here.
South Wiltshire National Autistic Society Return to Face-to Face Support Meetings
South Wiltshire National Autistic Society have returned to face-to-face support meetings. The aim of the group is to provide individuals, friends and family help, support and information with all aspects of the spectrum and is open to all ages. The group meets on the 1st Monday of the month (expect bank holidays, then it will be the following Monday)
Where: Tesco community room, Southampton Road, Salisbury.
When: 1st Monday of the month, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
For more information, please call 07795368113, Email: southwiltshire.branch@nas.org.uk, visit the NAS Website or the South Wilts NAS Branch Facebook page
AS We Are Group for Adults with Autism
The AS We Are Group is a social group for adults with autism, who live in Wiltshire.They also offer informal peer-support and knowledge-sharing. Group members receive weekly updates about what the group is doing and information about research, opportunities, and surveys.
The sessions usually run during the daytime, on a Friday. You don’t need to attend every session.
If you would like to join this group, please email the WSUN office: info@wsun.co.uk or Richard Conlon (who has run the group since 2015): richardconlon@wsun.co.uk and ask to be added to the AS We Are Group list.
Additional information is also available on the NAS websiteReminder: FREE Inner Flame Courses for Young People aged 16-25
The transformative Inner Flame courses for young people aged 16-25 will be running again soon in Trowbridge and Swindon. The Inner Flame team are now looking for the next groups of participants.
All three programmes are FREE for participants and transport costs may be covered (depending on location). Please note, there are no SEND specific courses but Inner Flame endeavour to make the programmes accessible for all.
Course benefits:
- See new possibilities
- Plan a bright future
- Discover new things about yourself
- Find your identity
- Make new friends for life
- Get your life sorted
- Gain confidence
... and have a load of fun!
Manage Anxiety Your Way
In a safe and supportive environment; Discover ways to manage your own anxiety and create a toolkit that you can take forward in life. Sessions are relaxed and informal. You won't be put on the spot but will have plenty of opportunity to take part.
This is an 8-week, part-time, online course.
Next start date: 29th August
Prince's Trust Achieve
A short programme that develops personal employability skills. The programme includes time management, body language, healthy routines and leading a more active life. This is a great stepping stone to the Team course (details below).
This is a 2-week, full-time course based at Inner Flame.
Taster Day: 24th August
Start Date: 26th August
End Date: 9th September
Prince's Trust Team
The Team Programme changes lives for the better! By the end of the programme, participants will have gained employment skills, communication skills, confidence, made friends and made loads of fun memories.
You'll also meet new people and build friendships that will last a lifetime. It's a full-on challenging programme and the life skills and experiences make young people stronger and ready for their next steps.
The programme includes a Community Project, Work Placement, Residential Activity Stay, Teamwork Sessions, Employability Week and much more.
This is a 12-week, full-time course based at Inner Flame.
Taster day:14th September
Start Date: 19th September
End Date: 9th December
If you are interested in any of these programmes, or would like more information, please email: progress@inerflame.org.uk or text / phone 07729 837 501
More information can also be found on the website: www.innerflame.org.uk
Reminder: Head2Head Sensory Theatre – Multi-Sensory Videos
Head2head Sensory Theatre is a small, volunteer-led charity that makes theatre fully accessible and inclusive for all. They offer a variety of multi-sensory videos to purchase and enjoy in the comfort of your home.
Adventure with Pinocchio the puppet, join King Henry VIII at a Tudor party or visit Neverland with Peter Pan and play some games … the possibilities are endless.
How do the multi-sensory, immersive videos work?
Once you have booked, you will be sent a USB stick and an accompanying pack. In this pack you will find a list of bits and bobs you need to get ready in advance. You then just grab your props and join in the fun!
For more information, please click HERE.
Reminder: Parent Support Group – Westbury
A monthly parent support group for parents/carers of children with SEND. Come and chat, share your experiences, gain advice, and learn new strategies.
Where: Leigh Park Community Centre, Leigh Park Way, Westbury Wiltshire, BA13 3FN
When: 2nd Friday of every month
Time: 6pm until 7.30pm
Cost: FREE
For more information, please contact Leigh Park Community Centre on 01373 825774 or email: office@lpccwestbury.org.uk
Reminder: Carers Support Wiltshire (CSW) Parent Carer Group
CSW Carer Cafés are a great way of connecting with other carers over a cuppa. CSW hosts a monthly Carer Café for parent carers at The Bear Hotel in Devizes. Each session will feature a guest speaker.
Parent Carer Group - August
When: Wednesday 17th August, 10.30am - 12.00pm
Guest speaker: Eriko from the Carers project will be talking about benefits and finances.
Reminder: Community Connecting Newsletter July 2022
Community Connecting assist customers to find out more about their local community, supporting people to access clubs, meet friends, travel training, voluntary work and much more.
To read the latest (July 2022) edition of the Community Connecting newsletter, please click HERE, or see the attached information.
For more information, including links to short films that illustrates the kind of support they offer through their Employment and Community Skills team (WEST and Community Connecting), please click HERE.
And More…...
Contact’s Free Parent Carer Listening Ear Service
You might be struggling emotionally and looking for strategies to help you cope. Maybe you just need to talk to someone who understands the extra challenges you face and who can point you in the right direction to get the support you need for your family.
To help, Contact offer 1-1 telephone appointments with a family support adviser for parent carers looking for a listening ear, reassurance and practical and emotional support (see attached flyer).
Contact have released a video and podcast that explains the listening Ear Service in more detail.
Making an appointment for the listening ear service is simple: choose the day (morning, afternoon or evening), and when you register choose the time slot you want. Appointments are regularly updated and are subject to availability.
Contact's Brighter Beginnings Workshops - FREE
Contact is offering a number of free online/virtual workshops for parent carers of children and young people aged 0-16 with additional needs. The workshops, called Brighter Beginnings Workshops, are available thanks to funding from a range of funding sources. The workshops are free virtual one-off sessions and it is hoped that Contact may be able to offer in-person workshops again in the future, once it is appropriate to do so.
‘Regional workshops’ are for families who live in those areas only, due to funding arrangements.
Click on the workshop links on the website to book onto your chosen workshop/s. Not all workshops have dates yet, but new dates are continually being added, so if there is not a workshop available suitable for you, please revisit the website.
The workshops are very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment.
South Wilts Mencap Newsletter
South Wilts Mencap supports people with learning disabilities in South Wiltshire; inspring them to achieve their full potential and enabling them and their families to lead fuller lives. They support families in the South and Salisbury region of Wiltshire. They support with clubs, activities, fun days, short breaks and more.
CLICK HERE to have a look at their recent newsletter.
Contacting the WPCC
WPCC Phone Line 2022.
Our phone lines continue to be open as normal (10.00am – 5.00pm) and the number to access the WPCC SENDIS team remains as: 01225 764647.
When you call, it is likely that your call will be answered by one of our telephone triage workers who will take basic details of your enquiry and pass it on to a member of the team. If you cannot get through, please leave a message with your name and contact number, or email and we will call you back as soon as possible; please be mindful there are times when our phone lines can be extremely busy.
If you cannot get through on the phone, you can email us: admin@wiltspcc.co.uk
You can find previous WPCC newsletters here: Previous Newsletters
Keep safe and well,
The WPCC Team
