SEND Newsletter- Friday, 17 June 2022

Learning Disability Week 2022

Next week is Learning Disability Week which runs from 20-26 June, 2022.

Every year we have Learning Disability Week. It is all about making sure the world hears what life is like if you have a learning disability .

The theme of this years campaign is ‘Living Life with a Learning Disability’.

This year, we want to show how people with a learning disability are reconnecting with friends and their communities. We also want to talk about the issues many people still face after the end of COVID restrictions, like still having to isolate or dealing with poor mental health and anxiety. 

Check out the Mencap website to learn more. Learning Disability Week 2022 | Mencap

Follow the campaign on social media with the hashtag, #LDW22.

We will be sharing content on the Local Offer and on our social media to support the campaign.

Annual Health Check

People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people.  An annual health check can improve people’s health by spotting problems earlier.

You should have your Annual Health Check even if you are well. This is an important part of self-care.

If you have a learning disability you will be asked at your EHCP or social care review if you are on your GP’s learning disability register and if you have had your annual health check.

It is important that everyone over the age of 14 who is on their doctor’s learning disability register has an annual health check.

NHS England » Annual health checks

Who should have one?

If you are aged 14 and above and have a learning disability that means you need additional support through the process, or to manage your health needs independently, you can get a FREE annual health check with your GP once a year.

They will develop a health action plan with you.

Having your annual health check every year helps you to become confident with the process. This means that you will feel comfortable getting support for your health when you are unwell or in an emergency.

More than 400 local people have not had their annual health check in the last year. Please contact your GP.

Get involved

We are trying to reach people who may not be aware of the health checks or did not attend when they were invited by their GP. Please get in touch with us so that we can understand your experience and journey.

We are also looking for young people that would like to help us promote the health checks and feature in a short film and parent/carers to help us develop information about the annual health checks.

If you would like to help us improve local services for everyone who uses them then please contact: Angie.Kershaw1@nhs.net.

Councillors approve new education strategy

“NORTH East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet have approved a strategy setting out how it will work with local schools, academies and education settings to help children achieve their potential.

“The Education and Inclusion Strategy was approved by Councillors at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet last night (Wednesday 15 June 2022).

“The strategy, which is an update to the previous strategy published in 2016, sets out the Council’s vision for learning and education in our area.”

Read the full article: Councillors approve new education strategy – NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

EHCP Annual Review

Is your EHCP Annual Review coming up?

Remember that you can view a copy of your EHC Plan before your review to refer to during the meeting. This can be found on the EHC Hub or from your coordinator.

If you should be having an Annual Health Check it is a good time to think about it when you have your EHCP Annual Review.

More guidance documents and video’s on using the Hub have recently been added to the Local Offer. NELC SEND Local Offer | Education Health and Care Hub (nelincs.gov.uk)

Remember to give us your feedback on your annual review so that we can improve the process for everyone. EHCP Annual Survey Review | QuestionPro Survey

Barrie Wells Trust. Box4Kids

Box4Kids invites seriously ill children to enjoy sporting and entertainment events from the comfort of executive boxes.

They accept applications for children diagnosed with a physical illness, disease or disability that is serious or life limiting. A child must be aged 8-18 to attend a Box4Kids event.

Find out more: BarrieWellsTrust- Box4Kids.

Carers Week

North East Lincolnshire Council’s SEND Engagement Team joined the Carers Conference on Friday 10 June to show their support for Carers Week.

We had some great conversations with parent carers and professionals.

As well as meeting new people, we saw many familiar faces from parent carers who engage with us on other projects as well as representatives from SENDIASS, and NELPCF.

Training, activities and more

Young Minds Matter have workshops you can take online at your leisure.

These include key topics like ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. Parent and Carer Workshop Overview :: Young Minds Matter (lpft.nhs.uk)

They also have an ADHD parent carer peer support group. Parent Support Group :: Young Minds Matter (lpft.nhs.uk)

Young people

If you are 14 or older and have autism you can get involved with the Faraway Clinic. Autism Mentoring | The Faraway CIC | England

Activities

Visit Families First Facebook for local activities and updates about childcare and local events. (2) Families First | Facebook

The Community Spotlight calendar has a range of activities for people of all ages- Community Spotlight – NELC | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)

Get two free taster sessions of box ability for 5-15 year olds with additional needs. (2) Cleethorpes Trinity Boxing Academy – Posts | Facebook
There is also Grimsby Town Ability Counts disability football team for those aged 16+. Welcome to the official website of Grimsby Town Ability Counts FC | Grimsby, Lincolnshire (gtacfc.co.uk)

---

Found something? We love hearing about new places that you’ve found that are accommodating to those with SEND. Share what you’ve found by emailing lauren.thompson2@nelincs.gov.uk.

---