10-18 activities winter newsletter s -...
TRANSCRIPT
AS
GM
A M
att
ers
10-18 Activities
Winter
2017/18 Newsletter
2 www.asgma.org.uk
Contents
Editorial
In The News
January Activity Calendar
February Activity Calendar
March Activity Calendar
Activity Overview
Information Service & Parent/Carer Support
Page 3
Page 4, 5, 6, 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
A reminder of our opening hours and contact details
The offices in our Stretford Resource Centre are open 8.45am-4.15pm Outside of these times, please leave a
message and we will get back to you at the earliest opportunity.
@ASGMAManchester Asgma Aspirations
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Editorial
Welcome to Autism Matters – Winter 2018 Edition
Season’s Greetings Everyone and welcome to the Festive Edition of our Newsletter.
Help Us to Help You! There are a few easy things you can do to make sure we can stay in contact with you, give you the best service we can and keep you safe. Keep your contact details up to date. This includes your emergency contact details, or if you move house, change your email or phone number. Medication and health conditions. If your medicines or the dose change, or if you are diagnosed with a new health condition (or get better from one—even better!) update your form so we can make sure you have the right care in case of emergency. Booking activities. Please use the booking forms that come with the newsletter, or confirm by email if you have to book by phone. Bookings have been lost in the past and some members have been upset and disappointed to miss out on their favourite activities. Consent form. If you need consent from a parent or carer to go on an activity, we must have a completed signed consent form from them. If we don’t, then you won’t be able to join the activity. It’s the Law! (LOL)
Thank You All and a Happy 2018!
Recruitment Our recruitment drive has seen three new staff joining the team and our commitment to our on-going recruitment campaign continues throughout the year. If you’re currently working towards a qualification in Social Work or Health & Social Care and wish to apply for a placement in support of your academic studies, or if you have previous experience in working with people on the Autis-tic Spectrum and would like to apply for a support worker role then please get in touch. If, instead, you have an interest in working with our members but lack experience and skills then volunteering may be the pathway for you. As a volunteer you can gain new qualifications and ex-perience within a real work environment as well as access to a whole range of support from a highly qualified and experienced staff team. We’d love to hear from you Contact Wendy: 0161 866 8483, e-mail: [email protected]
Member Involvement ASGMA encourages member involvement in everything we do and through continued consultation we aim to improve upon our existing choice of activities. This consultation process has led to some new additions to the programme and a re-introduction of some of our past activities which we hope you’ll find exciting. The aim here is to continuously evaluate all that we do and add even greater interest to our already comprehensive range of activities.
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In The News
Hello and welcome to our winter edition of ASGMA Matters. The Board of Trustees and staff would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy
holiday and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
In this edition I would like to share with you some of the exciting developments taking place with the National Trust and Job Centre Plus and how our own members can join in some of ASGMA’s operational decision making in the coming year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the many organisations, businesses and the very special individuals who have generously offered their support to ASGMA over the years. THANK YOU! So without further delay!
Calling All Members! The New Year means new resolutions and ASGMA would like to capitalize on the enthusiasm by establishing our very first Member Involvement Forum!
Would you like to be part of an influential group that can shape the future of ASGMA? Would you like to represent the voice of our members? Would you be interested in working closely with staff and managers alike in
influencing some of the work that they do? Would you like to learn new skills in how to present your ideas and suggestions at
high level meetings? Would like to influence future bid and grant making applications? Do you have a spare two hours per month?
Then we’d love to hear from you! You can apply by writing your name and contact details on the ASGMA Member Expression of Interest Form next to the Member Signing-in Book. Once we have a list of names we will contact each of you and invite you to a meeting where you can ask questions and learn more about the Forum.
The National Trust The National Trust have teamed up with ASGMA in designing a new project which aims to involve more of our younger members in conservation work. The project will start in the New Year and aims to preserve some of the ancient woodland potted around parts of the Manchester region whilst sharing knowledge, skills and new experiences to those keen on exploring new and unique environments. All equipment, work wear and travel to and from the venues will be provided for. So, for those interested in planting trees, building fences, preserving wildlife, building nest boxes, and would like to see wildlife in its natural surroundings then this may be for you! This project is full of fun things to do, in places that are amazing and delivered by people who are absolutely brilliant at what they do!
If you’d like to find out more please come along to our National Trust Day planned for early in the New Year.
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In The News!
Job Centre Plus
ASGMA have been invited to partner with Job Centre Plus staff in order to promote more autistic friendly environments and improved customer engagement for those receiving benefits and seeking work. Job Centre Plus recognize that people on the autistic spectrum often feel left out and confused when searching and applying for jobs and this initiative aims to improve customer service and access to appropriate support that is autism friendly. We hope to give you more information about this visionary piece of work in our next newsletter.
We Want To Thank All Our Sponsors and Fundraisers
Connor Watson and Janet Reid (Stuart’s mum) for their donations Monty O'Rourkes family for the art equipment Skyline that raised £119.36 from the Courtney O'Connor Tandem Event Mott Macdonald that raised £255 from Dress-down day and Cake Sales John Molyneux who donated £2000 from sponsorships for completing dry October Lush for donating the relaxing and reviving bath bombs and shower gels. Brenda Crank for her kind donation Greater Sport for their kind donation of £3,276
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In The News
10-18 Activities and Walking Group For October half-term we went to the Chill Factore where we sledged down sledge’o’mania, slid down the luge slip’n’slide and whizzed down the downhill donuts! We all had a great day with lots of laughter and fun. Some of the members made new friends and we all went to the Trafford Centre for lunch afterwards. The Saturday activity on 28 October was go-karting. We went to Teamkarting in Warrington where we split into two groups of 6 and raced around the track. Some were apprehensive at first but with some encouragement from the other members they got back out on the track and loved it. They all did really well; some of our members were like professional racers and I was impressed and proud of them all. For the walk on 25 November we went to Moorland Waters in Denshaw. It was a brisk day with snow on the moors and we all really enjoyed it,. We saw some lovely views at the top of the hills and had a stroll around Piethorne Reservoir. We all did really well and finished the walk in high spir-its despite the weather. In the next quarter we will be going to Werneth Low, Biddulph Valley and Gawthorpe. This quarter our walking group numbers have grown with many new faces enjoying the walks and making new friends. If walking in the countryside and seeing lots of wildlife is for you then why not try a walk in the New Year and burn off some of those Christmas calories.
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In The News!
Help during the Holidays
If you need help while we are closed these services are available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Childline
Call us free on 0800 1111 or find out how to get in touch online. Whatever your worry, we're here for you. The Sanctuary
If you are in crisis overnight from 8pm - 6am, call us on 0300 003 7029
We provide support to adults who are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal
thoughts or are in crisis. The Sanctuary offers a space to talk and assistance with coping after the
initial crisis.
This service is available to residents (ages 18+) living in:
Manchester, Trafford, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Glossop, Wigan and Leigh from 8pm – 6am
Bolton from 4pm – 12am (midnight)
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone on 116 123.
We're here round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediate-
ly, it's best to call us on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don't have to be suicidal to
call us.
Bolton 10—19 Group
This quarter we introduced some new activities in our 10-19 Bolton Group which have been a great success. So if you like aeroplanes, or enjoy solving problems in order to find secret treasure, or enjoy a crazy golf experience, or indeed have your own ideas for a great time that you’d like to share with us then read on. Steak on a Plane was a great success! Members enjoyed a varied menu of “fast food” and spent time in the cockpit of a Russian Boeing 737—a rare treat for those who have always wanted to sit up front and explore the cockpit of an aeroplane. So if pulling levers, checking elevations and speed dials whilst watching fast food being prepared is your idea of a great time, then sign up for our next flight ex-perience. No Exit Escape Rooms. We entered the “Tomb of the Pharaoh” with 60 minutes in teams of 5 to solve clues, find the treasure and the last pyramid piece to ensure our escape! With hidden cupboards, doors in walls and clues appearing on a video screen to help us on our way it is definitely something we would like to do again… Maybe the 007 Room next time! Along with our regular favourites such as Toby Carvery and Pizza Hut we are all looking forward to the next quarter!
JANUARY 2018
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
1 CLOSED
HAPPY NEW
YEAR!
2
Stretford Resource Centre Reopens
3 4 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Pizza Hut 5.30pm—7pm
5 6 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 10-18 Saturday DVD Take-away Youth Club Stretford Centre 12pm—3pm Bring money for food
7
8 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre Clay Modelling 6pm—8pm
9 Parent Support Group Life Centre Café , Washway Road Sale 12noon-2pm 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre Clay Modelling 6pm—8pm
10 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
11 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Burger King/Jump Extreme 5.30pm—7pm All Age Girls Group: DVD Take-away Stretford Centre Please bring money for take-away 5pm—8pm
12 13 10-18 Saturday Activity: Game On Bring change for snacks/drinks, lunch provided Meet at Stretford Centre 10am-3pm
14
15 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
16 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
17 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
18 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 10—19 Group Trafford Centre – Odeon Cinema (film tbc) 5.30pm—7pm
19 20 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 16+ Lunch at Nando’s Meet at the Trafford Centre in the Food Court near the escalator. Bring money for lunch 12pm-3pm
21
22 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
23 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
24 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
25 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Grill and Green, Mexican Restaurant 5.30pm—7pm
26 27
10-18 Walking Group Meet at Stretford Centre. Bring packed lunch, spare change for a hot drink, water-proofs/suitable clothing and footwear 10am—3pm
28
29 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
30 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
31 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
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FEBRUARY 2018
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
1 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group No Exit Rooms Puzzle Gaming 5.30pm—7pm
2 3 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 10-18 Saturday DVD Take-away Youth Club Stretford Centre 12pm—3pm Bring money for food
4
5 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
6 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
7 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
8 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Toby Carvery Watergate Toll 5.30pm—7pm All Age Girls Group: Tea & Bowling at Trafford Centre Meet outside Namco Fun Scape Please bring £10 for tea 5pm—8pm
9 10 10-18 Saturday Activity: Sealife Centre Trafford Centre Meet at Stretford Centre Lunch money and goodies if possible 10am-3pm
11
12 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
13 Parent Support Group Life Centre Café, Washway Road Sale 10am—12pm 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre T-Shirt Printing 6pm—8pm
14 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre T-Shirt Printing 6pm—8pm
15 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 10—18 Group Trafford Centre – Virtual Reality expe-rience. 5.30pm—7pm
16 17 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 16+ Activity Bowling and Lunch: Meet at the Trafford Centre in the Food Court near the escalator. Bring money for lunch 12pm-3pm Center Parcs Meet Stretford Centre 9am
18
19 HALF TERM Center Parcs Meet Stretford Centre returning 12pm
20 HALF TERM Dino Adventure Golf Meet at Stretford Centre Bring money for lunch 10am– 2pm
21 HALF TERM
22 HALF TERM
23 HALF TERM Ice Skating Altrincham Meet at Stretford Centre Bring packed lunch 10am-2pm
24 10-18 Walking Group Meet at Stretford Centre. Bring packed lunch, spare change for a hot drink, waterproofs/suitable clothing and footwear 10am—3pm
25
26 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
27 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
28 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
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MARCH 2018
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
1 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Amazonia indoor adventure golf 5.30pm—7pm
2 3 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 10-18 Saturday DVD Take-away Youth Club Stretford Centre 12pm—3pm Bring money for food
4
5 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
6 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
7 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
8 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Olympus fish and chips 5.30pm—7pm All Age Girls Group: DVD Take-away Stretford Centre Please bring money for take-away 5pm—8pm
9 10 10-18 Saturday Activity: Conwy Castle Bring packed lunch and money for goodies 9.30am-3pm
11
12 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
13 Parent Support Group Life Centre Café, Washway Road Sale 12noon-2pm 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre Baking 6pm—8pm
14 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre Baking 6pm—8pm
15 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 10—19 Group Trafford Centre – Namco Funscape bowling and dodgems 5.30pm—7pm
16 17 All Ages Football DW Fitness Trafford Park 10am—11am 16+ Lunch at Tampopo Restaurant Meet at the Trafford Centre in the Food Court near the escalator. Bring money for lunch 12pm-3pm
18
19 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
20 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
21 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
22 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group ‘Steak on a Plane’ 5.30pm—7pm
23 24 10-18 Walking Group Meet at Stretford Centre. Bring packed lunch, spare change for a hot drink, wa-terproofs/suitable clothing and footwear 10am—3pm
25
26 10-18 Salford Youth Club Beacon Centre, Salford 4.30pm—6.30pm 15-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
27 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
28 10-18 Youth Club Stretford Centre 6pm—8pm
29 16+ Gaming Group Stretford Centre 12pm—4pm 13-19 Bolton Group Pizza Hut 5.30pm—7pm
30
GOOD FRIDAY CLOSED
31
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Activity Overview
Youth Clubs We run four youth clubs from our Resource Centre. There’s a weekly one on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-8pm, and our Saturday DVD Take-away Youth Club (see above). Alongside this we run a weekly club every Mon-day at Salford in the Beacon Centre, pool, games, computers, music and FUN!
10-18 Saturday DVD Take-away Youth Club Our revamped youth club was a hit. If you would like to be part of our DVD/Take-away Saturday Youth Club or would like
further details please call us on the office number. There will also be all of our usual well loved activities. Please bring some money for a take away (around £7, we’ll order at 12.15pm), pop open a snack, sit back and relax whilst you watch a movie. Bring your favourite DVD and we can decide to-
gether what to watch.
10-18 Saturday Activity If you would like to come and join us, you can book on these through our general booking form.
All Ages Football Twice a month on a Saturday we run an ‘all ages’ 5 a side football activity from 10am-11am at DW Fitness Soccer Dome.
You don’t need to be a pro at football, just get involved to have some fun.
Walking Group We run this group once a month on a Saturday from 10am—3pm. It’s a fantastic way to escape, make friends, get fit and see some unbelievable views of our beautiful countryside. Please always wear appropriate clothing and bring a packed
lunch. Bring money for a hot drinking if possible.
13-19 Bolton and Trafford Centre Laser Quest Group
Once a month on a Thursday evening the Bolton group meet up with other members from around Greater Manchester Area to go into Laser Quest battle! The meeting point is the Trafford Centre main escalators at The Orient at
5.30pm and we return there at 7.30pm.
16+ Gaming Group This group runs every Thursday at our Resource Centre from 12pm-4pm. Whether it’s Call of Duty or Dungeons and Drag-
ons that you’re into, there’s always a game going on. Come along, join in and make some new friends!
All Ages Girls Group We run a monthly Girls Group as we recognise that being a woman or girl in a predominately male group isn’t easy. This quarter we will be enjoying take-away and film nights at the centre and bowling & tea at The Trafford Centre. If you think
you would like to be part of this group we always love to have new members.
With yet another action-packed quarter ahead of us, here’s a guide to all the activities! Remember if you’re not sure what to book on then call the Centre on 0161 866 8483 and we’d be happy
to talk through this with you.
16+ Activity Group Our 16+ Activity Group runs each month and this quarter we will be bowling, plus having meals at Nanods and Tampopo. All
the activity ideas for this group come from our members, so please let us know if you have any suggestions.
13-19 Bolton Group
Every Thursday we run activities for our Bolton members. Some of the activities included in this quarter include “No Exit Escape Rooms” “Amazonian Crazy Golf” and “Steak on a Plane”. We are looking for new members for our Bolton group so If you live in Bolton or know anyone who does please get in touch!
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Parent Carer Forums are groups of parents and carers of disabled children who work with local authorities, education, health and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children aged between 0-25 years and families.
BOLTON Bolton Parent Carer Consortium Tel: 07701 305 782 Email: [email protected] BURY Bury Parents Forum Tel: 0161 641 4585 Email: [email protected] MANCHESTER PACT (Parents Achieving Change Together) Tel: 07874 690 056 Email: [email protected] OLDHAM Parents in Oldham In Touch (POINT) Tel: 0161 667 2054 Email: [email protected] ROCHDALE The Parents’ Forum for Children with Disabilities. Tel: 07901 854 741 Email: [email protected]
SALFORD Salford Family Forum Tel: 0161 833 0217 Email: [email protected] STOCKPORT Parents in Partnership (PIPS) 07786 101 072 Email: [email protected] TAMESIDE Our Kids Eyes (OKE) Tel: 0161 371 2084 Email: [email protected] TRAFFORD Trafford Parents Forum Tel: 0161 872 0183 Email: [email protected] WIGAN Wigan Parent Carers Forum Tel: 01942 233 323 Email: [email protected]
Parent/Carer Support ASGMA’s Parent Support Group
This group aims to provide parents and carers of children and adults with ASC the chance to meet others in a similar position. There is no need to book - just come along when you want to have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
We meet once a month at the Life Centre—235 Washway Road, Sale, M33 4BP. For more information contact 0161 866 8483 or [email protected]
Information Service
ASGMA’s Information Service offers free impartial specialist support and advice on Autistic Spectrum Conditions to parents/carers and professionals including: Diagnosis Information and advice about getting an ASC diagnosis for a child or adult, and what happens after. Benefits and Housing Advice Including DLA (Disability Living Allowance), PIP (Personal Independent Payment) Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, Need and Care Assessments and supported living. Family Support Services Providing parent and carer support groups/events, a dedicated support telephone line and use of our library. Employment Support Help, support and advice for individuals with ASC, and their employers. Education Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) and SEN Support. The Aspirations Project Our service for children and adults on the Autistic Spectrum.
Please contact us on 0161 866 8483 or [email protected]