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Claire

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The 2022 Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) report, which looks at the deaths of people with a learning disability and autistic people and aims to improve health and care, has been published. We send our condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

The government has published the final report by Baroness Hollins on the Independent Care, Education and Treatment Reviews programme, which aimed to move people with a learning disability and autistic people out of long-term segregation, alongside its response to this report

Charities and organisations have written to the Prime Minister about the omission of the Draft Mental Health Bill from the King's Speech

Do you support someone with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge? We can help.

If you are involved in supporting people with severe learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge, we can help.

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Homepage for the Challenging Behaviour Foundation

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The CBF aims to improve the life opportunities and quality of life for people with severe learning disabilities and their families.

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Supporting people across all ages to improve sleep, and provides sleep training to professionals in the health, social and corporate sectors.

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This can make normal activities such as learning, playing or simply experiencing the world a huge challenge. Through our research we offer solutions and advice to help these children and their families enjoy lives full of hope and discovery.

Research is the foundation for all our work

Whether we're providing an innovative solution to a problem or new research on an existing condition, we partner with our experts to produce research-driven, evidence-based services, advice and support.

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Cerebra - Working with you and your amazing child

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Cerebra is the national charity helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together.

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Caudwell Children | Children's Charity | Changing Children's Lives

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Caudwell Children is a children's charity that is transforming the lives of disabled children and their families.

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Welcome to Gloucestershire College provider of BTEC, Apprenticeships and other Further and Higher Education courses. The first choice for those who think differently.

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By Bethan Davies, Fundraiser, Ruskin Mill Trust We couldn't have asked for better weather, as the sun shone brightly on ...Read more

Report by Amy Pritchard, Transformative Movement Tutor, Argent College and Glasshouse College Blood sweat and tears were shed in our ...Read more

By Bethan Davies, Fundraiser, Ruskin Mill Trust It was an exciting morning for myself, Brantwood Class Tutor Sam, and a ...Read more

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By Bethan Davies, Fundraiser, Ruskin Mill Trust We couldn't have asked for better weather, as the sun shone brightly on ...Read more Report by Amy Pritchard, Transformative Movement Tutor, Argent College and Glasshouse College Blood sweat and tears were shed in our ...Read more By Bethan Davies, Fundraiser, Ruskin Mill Trust It was an exciting morning for myself, Brantwood Class Tutor Sam, and a ...Read more

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About us

Many things affect our health and wellbeing, such as where we live, how we spend our time, our financial situation and our relationships with friends and family.

Sometimes we need extra support, for example when coping with a short or long term health situation, or when life throws other challenges our way.

The Forest of Dean Community Wellbeing Team are part of a countywide service that may be able to offer support and advice to guide you during these times. The service is available to anyone over the age of 16 years.

First of all, a named member of the team will have a conversation with you about what matters to you, where your interests lie, what your strengths are and what would help meet the challenges you face. This may lead to some one-to-one support, connection with others in your community or an introduction to a group or organisation.

Who can the wellbeing service help?

It can be helpful:

in times of change, for example after redundancy, health issues or retirement

in time of emotional hardship, such as after bereavement

if you are worried about debt or financial issues

if you don't know where to turn for support

if you would like to volunteer in your community

We have a dedicated team, each covering a specific geographical area of the Forest of Dean district.

The have a good local knowledge and understanding of community and voluntary sector support.

The Community Wellbeing Service is part of our Community Engagement Team and benefits from its wealth of community-based connections throughout the Forest of Dean district and beyond.

How can people access the well being service?

We can take direct referrals from health professionals, including GP surgeries and the Integrated Community Teams.

We are able to offer one to one appointments at our GP surgeries in the district as well as community venues.

You can also contact us directly if you prefer. If you think the Forest of Dean Community Wellbeing Service might be able to help you and you would like to talk to someone in confidence please:

If you would like to know more about how we use your personal information please read our Community Wellbeing privacy notice.

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Many things affect our health and wellbeing, such as where we live, how we spend our time, our financial situation and our relationships with friends and family. Sometimes we need extra support, for example when coping with a short or long term health situation, or when life throws other challenges our way.

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We started Jamats in 2010 with a vision of helping to make a difference to people with special need.

Having a son of our own with special needs gave us the insight and confidence, to cary our vision forward as we build it with our own son in mind our ain is for everyone to go home with a smile on their faces after having had a fun filled exiting day Jamats staff are dedicated to creating games and activities that everyone can enjoy and take part with never mind what the needs are.

Don worked for a local aircraft company for 25 years before creating Jamats, It was a big decision but was made a lot easier through being passionate about the prospect of trying and aiming to make a difference. I love coming into work in the mornings. I am greeted on a morning with a smile and such enthusiasm for the day a head from Jamats members and staff. I love working with my wife Joan. We have been married for 30 years, and I feel we make a really good team.

Joan has worked in care for many years, then went on to be a area manager in a personal development centre for 10 years. My first love however is being a mum. My two boys ( well strapping men!), are creating their own lives now, however James needs to be understood and needs people around him that give him time and show him patience. I believe all young Adults that have learning difficulties , and special needs should have this opportunity. I love working with Don as we both know what is important. We will both always aim for positives to shine through every day at Jamats, have lots of fun, everyone to belong , to grow and prosper. We have been told many times that Jamats has such a relaxed, comfortable , family feel. We love that!

Don and Joan opened Jamats Activity Centre in September 2010. The Centre is for Adults with learning difficulties and Special Needs. We are very proud parents of two sons, James and Matthew (Ja Mats).Our eldest son James is 31 years old. He has Severe Autism and Learning difficulties. When James left education at the age of 20, it was important to us for him to have the opportunity to continue to learn and develop. We soon realised there weren't a lot of facilities in the Gloucestershire area which prompted us to look into opening a centre ourselves. We wanted to create an activities centre that provided opportunities and fun within a learning environment with lots of space.

Jamats Activity Centre

We offer you a fun packed filled day from start to finish with a Spacious Gym and Games area

Social events throughout the year

Valentine, Fantastic Halloween and X-mas Party & Discos

Jamats Activity Centre provides a fun, relaxed and friendly environment for adults aged 16+ with special needs. Our friendly and unique atmosphere allows the opportunity for all to take part in a variety of Life skill, learning, creative and social activities.

Jamats aims for everyone to achieve something however big or small and prides itself on creating an environment that is suited to the specific needs of the user. The user will guide us to what they require from the activity centre and will find a group that will fit their capabilities, needs and wants.

Due to very popular demand we also provide places for post 16 and college students throughout the year to come and join in with our activities during their half term holidays and unallocated days. The transition from school/college to the adult world can be an incredibly daunting one and so the opportunity to get involved in and familiarise with what the future may hold is something we believe to be highly beneficial to the user and their families.

"At Jamats we like to focus on the abilities of our users and not their disabilities"

Please like and Share us on face book

Support us with Gloucester lottery

Gloucester Lottery is a weekly online lottery created to support local causes in Gloucester. Tickets are only £1 per week! With 60% going to local good causes and prizes up to £25,000! to support us click on the link and look for Jamats activity centre

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We started Jamats in 2010 with a vision of helping to make a difference to people with special need.

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National Star is a provider of specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

National Star and National Star College are working names of National Star Foundation which is registered in England and Wales, company number 00522846, charity number 220239. Registered office Ullenwood Manor, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QU.

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National Star | Realising aspirations of people with disabilities

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National Star is a provider of specialist further education, training, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries. National Star and National Star College are working names of National Star Foundation which is registered in England and Wales, company number 00522846, charity number 220239.

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In order to qualify for Free School Meals for your children you must be in receipt of one of the
following benefits:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an
annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax
Credit

Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year / £616 per month(after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Young people who receive any of the above benefits in their own right (i.e. they get benefits
payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian) are also entitled to receive Free School
Meals at sixth form.

You can claim for children attending a state school who are of statutory school age (reception age to
16) and sixth form pupils in schools. If the pupil attends a college, you will need to contact the
college direct.

The Government does not allow us to recognise any other benefit other than those mentioned.
2. My child is eligible for Free School Meals but I don't want to take up the offer - why am I being encouraged to apply?
For every child that is entitled to Free School Meals the school receives extra funding to enhance
provision and improve progress and outcomes for children. This is called the Pupil Premium Grant, the school can use this in any way they choose but many use it to provide free milk, reduced cost trips or help with uniforms etc.
3. What are Universal Infant Free School Meals?
Your child can still bring a packed lunch if they prefer but by applying through the Free School Meal Portal you ensure their school receives this grant.
4. Can over 16s qualify?
From September 2014 all infant school children were eligible to have a school meal for free. You still
need to apply through the Free School Meal Portal to ensure your child's school receives any
additional funding they may be entitled to.

To be eligible for a free meal, students must be enrolled in further education provision funded via
the Education Funding Agency at:
5. What is the Free School Meal Portal?

General further education colleges, including specialist colleges sixth form colleges

Commercial and charitable providers

Higher education institutions (HEIs) with 16 to 19 funding from the EFA

Independent specialist providers (ISPs)

Local authorities (LAs) and FE institutions directly funded for 16 to 19s

Skills Funding Agency (SFA) only traineeship 16 to 18 providers

European Social Fund (ESF) only institutions

16 to 19 academies and free schools

6. Do you need to have a computer to do this?
As a parent and/or carer you can apply for Free School Meals online along with your Admissions and
Transport applications. The Free School Meals Portal also includes an online eligibility checking
service which provides instant feedback - so we can easily confirm if you are entitled.
7. What do you need in order to apply?
No - applications can also be made using your Smartphone or tablet. It's also possible to use
computers at Gloucestershire libraries
8. Can I use my login and password which I had when I applied for a school place?
You will need to have an email address and your National Insurance or National Asylum Support
Service (NASS) number to hand
9. Is this the only method of applying?
Yes, it will be the same login and password as when you applied through the portal for School
Admissions or if you have recently made an application through the Year 2 Funding portal.
10. Do all parents need to apply?
No, the paper forms are still available but it will be far more efficient and quicker to apply using the
portal. The portal will advise you of your entitlement shortly after you have fully submitted your
application, unlike the current five day processing time with paper forms. The school will also be informed immediately that there is a change to your entitlements.
11. Do parents from all Gloucestershire schools apply through the Gloucestershire County Council portal?
If your child(ren) is currently receiving Free School Meals, it is not necessary to apply again. This new
system for applying is for new claimants.

A few of the Gloucestershire schools have opted to administer their Free School Meal applications
rather than apply through Gloucestershire County Council. If your child attends one of the schools
below, please contact the school directly to submit an application:
12. Will my claim be back-dated?

Bourton on the Water primary school

Five Acres High School

Gloucester Academy School

Holmleigh Park High School

Henley Bank High School

13. What can I expect my child to receive as a meal?
No. In accordance with the Department for Educations policy entitlement to free meals will start
from the date entitlement is confirmed. This is why it is important to apply as soon as you can
14. How do I apply for free milk?
A school meal can be either hot or cold. It depends on what facilities the school has. Your child will
receive a main course and a dessert. Drinking water should be provided by all schools, and you will
need to pay for any alternative drinks.
15. How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?
If your child's primary school provides milk at break-time, this will be free for the time your child is
entitled to Free School Meals. Please contact your child's school to see if free milk is available and
how to apply for it. This is not available in secondary schools.
16. What if my benefits cease?
The schools have a live link to the free school meal entitlements for their own school, they will receive an automatic email to alert them to the fact that there has been changes to your child's entitlement.
Each school makes its own arrangements for notifying the dinner service staff which children are
eligible to receive a free school meal. You can use your letter of entitlement as confirmation.
17. What if I change school?
You will need to contact the Free School Meals Team immediately. They can check if your child is on
the protected period for Free school meals, in which case your child can continue to receive free
school meals until the protected period, the staff at freeschoolmeals@gloucestershire.gov.uk will be able to give you this date.
18. What does "Transitional Protection" mean?
If your child transfers school and was receiving Free School Meals at their previous school you do not
need to reapply as entitlement will transfer automatically to their new school if it is still a state
school in Gloucestershire. If your child is moving into Gloucestershire from out of county you must
inform the Gloucestershire County Council of your previous eligibility to free school meals and which
local authority/school you have come from.

If your child is claiming free school meals based on benefits as of the 01/04/2018 their entitlement
will be protected until the 31/03/2022 and after that date to the end of your child's educational
phase i.e. primary, secondary.
19. My eldest child's free school meals are protected until 2022 will this protection cover future applications for siblings?
Transitional protection is exclusive to the child receiving meals as of the 01/04/2018. Transitional
protection will also be awarded to anyone who meets the free school meals criteria and applies
between the 01/04/2018 and the 31/03/2022.
20. Where can I find information on access to food during the school holidays?
Protection is exclusive to the child that is protected and will not automatically cover the whole
family. In order for a sibling to be protected the family will have to meet the free school meals
criteria. If you do not meet the free school meals criteria the protected child will remain entitled
until the 31/03/2022 but any subsequent applications for siblings will not be approved or protected.
21. If I have a query, who can I contact?
Details on where you can access food can be found in our Access to Food Leaflet. If you can not access this PDF please let us know.

General advice and support can be given by the Free School Meals Team by emailing
freeschoolmeals@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

Free School Meals Frequently Asked Questions (printable)

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In order to qualify for Free School Meals for your children you must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The guaranteed element of Pension Credit Child

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The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover. Help us be here for children. Please donate now.

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Georgina W. Teacher - Davenant Foundation School

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Online Safety Training For Schools | National Online Safety

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Our online safety training courses, webinars and resources enable schools to keep children safe online and meet statutory online safety requirements.

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Olaf is a three-year-old fox red Labrador therapist and a published author. He was invited to speak at the Cheltenham Literature Festival 2023. Olaf is a family pet registered with the Pets As Therapy (PAT) Charity. His job is to make people smile when, with his human mum (a specialist teacher and mindfulness coach), he visits hospitals and schools.

Every Thursday morning, Olaf goes to Battledown Special School. He enjoys his visits so much that he set his second book there! Team Olaf to the Rescue is a heartwarming story about his classroom adventures (it very cleverly rhymes!). With help from his merry band of canine mates, Olaf saves the school's Christmas celebrations and gives the children a party they will never forget. All the dogs in Team Olaf are Olaf's real friends whom he sees every day on his walks. They all play a vital role in the story, showing kindness, creativity, and bravery. Fun activities are added to stimulate the reader's imagination and memory.

Battledown School uses Makaton as part of their teaching and learning, so we included their symbols in the book to enable more of Olaf's human friends to enjoy it. We were delighted Makaton wanted to be involved in our project and are grateful to the Team for their expertise and patience. They provided symbols for the concepts/story words and explained where to place them on the page, so that the story makes sense to the Makaton reader.

Olaf's first book, Mr. Olaf the Therapist, is a mindfulness scrapbook, diarying his experiences in a mainstream school and his work in the NHS. As a PAT dog, Olaf visits Cheltenham General Hospital where he is a valued member of the Knightsbridge (Gastric) and Critical Care Teams. He has been doing this for over two years but is still banned from the staff rooms because of the doughnuts... It is a privilege and humbling to be welcomed so warmly by patients, their families, and Olaf's NHS colleagues. Olaf also shares his lifestyle wisdom with self-care activities and mindfulness questions to help us reflect on our own work/life balance.

Olaf gives all the proceeds from his books to the Pets as Therapy charity. He attends promotional PAT events e.g., Crufts and Goodwuff.

For more information about PAT and/or to buy Olaf's books, please visit Pets as Therapy.

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Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation

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My Clothing Limited, your premier school uniform supplier

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UK's largest school uniform provider, a quick and easy way to get great value school uniforms in your school's colours, complete with embroidered emblem - and to raise money for your school just by shopping with us.

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Forest Mobile Meals In The Forest Of Dean

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Forest Mobile Meals based in Cinderford provide hot food at lunch for people in the area. As a charity it is run by volunteers and relies on donation and support from the local community.

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Food Bank

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We have some exciting news

After 2 years of hard behind the scenes work The Forest Food Bank is now an independent charity. We are now a CIO.
Coleford Baptist Church has been an integral part of The Forest Food Bank. In the lead up to 2013 many churches got together with the Baptist Church in Coleford where a number of the church members became Trustees of The Forest Food Bank.
During the last few years, it was felt that the size of the Food Bank now warranted it becoming an independent charity, able to draw on a larger pool of Trustees.
We will continue to operate as part of the Trussell Trust network and to serve the needs of the people of the Forest area. Coleford Baptist Church along with the other local Churches, will continue to support the work of the food bank and its new Trustees.
We will share a statement by the new Trustees very soon.
Thank you for your continued support.

Donations during Covid-19 crisis - Drop off points

You can drop off your donations at the following locations where we regularly pick up:
Tesco Lydney - in-store shoppers only. Any food that has been purchased in a different store and brought into Tesco store should be sealed and clearly labelled as having been purchased elsewhere
Tesco St Oswalds Gloucester - in-store shoppers only. Any food that has been purchased in a different store and brought into Tesco store should be sealed and clearly labelled as having been purchased elsewhere
Co-op Cinderford
Co-op Coleford
Co-op Lydney
Eskimarket, Coalway
St James Church Centre, Bream, GL15 6ES (please drop off in the foyer between 8:30am-4:30pm)
Vales Butchers, Drybrook
Kevin's Family Butchers, Mitcheldean
Ruardean Post Office
Lidl, Coleford
Blakeney Fish and Chip Shop
The Main Place, Coleford
Town Council Offices, Coleford

IMPORTANT How to access an e-referral

The Forest Food Bank is OPEN, we are here for YOU.
We will feed anyone who needs us no matter who you are or what walk of life you come from, it doesn't matter if you are a single person, a couple or a family we are here for you.
Until we have an end in sight for the need for our service to our community we have to work closely with the agencies in The Forest of Dean to help with your immediate crisis but also help you to access a more long term solution. To access a food parcel you do need to be referred by an approved agency. There are a number of agencies we work with but you can also check with your child(s) school or your local church, they will be more than happy to refer you if you need help with food. Some of our agencies require you to be registered with them to access an e-referral.
To access agencies who can refer you click the 'Get Help' button go to vouchers. Call any of these agencies and they will do an e-referral for you.
1. Check the list of agencies on our Facebook page or website. Each agency as an area of expertise please approach the one who fits your crisis.
2. Contact the agency for an e-referral and they will sign post you to help with your particular needs. If you need toiletries or dog/cat food please ask them
to add. If you need a Fuel Voucher ask them to add that to the voucher too.
3. E-referral is placed and delivery to you is arranged.

Current Shopping List July 2021

Tea Bags
Jam
Instant Mash
Tinned Potatoes
Toilet Rolls
Shower Gel
Shampoo
Many thanks for your support

Where we are
Get directions & opening times

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The Forest Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

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After 2 years of hard behind the scenes work The Forest Food Bank is now an independent charity. We are now a CIO. Coleford Baptist Church has been an integral part of The Forest Food Bank.

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Please support us if you can.

Your donation will will help protect the physical and mental health of 1,000s of children and young people with disabilities by meeting their needs and supporting them and their families with professional guidance and access to specialist equipment.

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Gympanzees - The Inclusive Leisure Centre

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Please support us if you can. Your donation will will help protect the physical and mental health of 1,000s of children and young people with disabilities by meeting their needs and supporting them and their families with professional guidance and access to specialist equipment.

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We’re Sense, the national disability charity. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

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The Gloucestershire County Council website aims to provide access to a wide range of advice and materials for teachers, parents, and others working with children and young people with SEN, in Gloucestershire.

Information about the range of Special Educational Needs support that is available in Gloucestershire, together with the county's SEN policy, is available from the Gloucestershire County Council website.

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The Gloucestershire County Council website aims to provide access to a wide range of advice and materials for teachers, parents, and others working with children and young people with SEN, in Gloucestershire. Information about the range of Special Educational Needs support that is available in Gloucestershire, together with the county's SEN policy, is available from the Gloucestershire County Council website.

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Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

LD CAMHS

If your child has a moderate to severe learning or developmental disability, attends a special school and is expressing their emotions through behaviour the Learning Disability team within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (LD CAMHS) can offer assessment, intervention and support with:

behavioural difficulties

sleep problems

mental health

risk management

puberty and sexuality issues

epilepsy awareness and monitoring

medication

health promotion.

Your child will need to be referred into this service by a professional.

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Gloucestershire County Council - Social Care Support

If you contact Gloucestershire County Council for support professionals at the Children and Families Front Door will speak to you to understand the severity and complexity of your situation. You will then be allocated either to the Early Help Service (Level 3 - Targeted Intervention) or if there are complex disability issues or safeguarding concerns to the Social Work Assessment Team (Level 4 Specialist Support). The Social Work Assessment Teams work with a wide range of children including those with disabilities.

Once you have been allocated to Early Help or the Social Work Assessment Team your family will have an assessment. An 'assessment' is when a professional talk with you about your child's and family's strengths and supports, and any concerns you have, or gaps in your support. All disabled children are entitled to an assessment of their social care needs, leading to a support plan to meet any assessed needs. Any agreed need for short breaks or Personal Assistant (PA) time will be included in your assessment and plan. It should be noted that two children with the same disability may require different services as it also depends on their environmental and family circumstances.

When an assessment has been completed for a child with additional needs those with complex and severe disabilities, complex health issues or severe learning disabilities will be transferred to the Disabled Children and Young People's Service (DCYPS) within Gloucestershire County Council. Those children who have additional needs but are functioning at a higher level are supported within the locality teams outside of DCYPS. The Social Workers in these teams have the skills to be able to respond best to these families and can offer them the right support. Support from all of our services is intended to enable disabled children to have the same range of opportunities as non-disabled children, and with their families to be able to experience the 'ordinary' things of life that others take for granted.

If you want to ask for an assessment, contact the Children and Families Front Door on

The Children and Families Front Door is open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

If your child has a moderate to severe learning or developmental disability, attends a special school and is expressing their emotions through behaviour the Learning Disability team within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (LD CAMHS) can offer assessment, intervention and support with:

behavioural difficulties

sleep problems

mental health

risk management

puberty and sexuality issues

epilepsy awareness and monitoring

medication

health promotion.

Your child will need to be referred into this service by a professional.

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Specialist Support Services - Gloucestershire County Council

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If you contact Gloucestershire County Council for support professionals at the Children and Families Front Door will speak to you to understand the severity and complexity of your situation. You will then be allocated either to the Early Help Service (Level 3 - Targeted Intervention) or if there are complex disability issues or safeguarding concerns to the Social Work Assessment Team (Level 4 Specialist Support).

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Sensory Spectacle | Sensory Processing | Shop | Courses | Podcasts

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Sensory Spectacle offer workshops, online training and immersive learning experiences to give a unique insight into the lives of people with Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD).

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It means we can:

See what content is most useful to people

Target more help where it's needed

Show relevant advertisements for our own services, no-one else's

It also means we can work more closely with partners in government, local councils and other public bodies, targeting support where it's needed most and offering a better range of services.

It's your choice whether to allow them or not, but you're helping us do more if you opt in. Thank you.

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We're Scope, the disability equality charity in England and Wales

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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Family Fund deliver grants for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

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We are a local charity for local people; Calderdale has been our home since 1950 boasting 68 years' experience helping people live life to the full. We were the first charity in Calderdale to offer this support and we are driven by those we support. We aim to create an open and caring environment based on promoting choice, independence, person centred care and active citizenship.

COURSES PROVIDED
We cover a variety of courses, these are updated regularly. We are currently updating our courses for 2019, you can join our mailing list to be one of the first to hear about them. Head over to courses and add your details.

Years Serving communities

We are a local charity for local people; Calderdale has been our home since 1950 boasting 68 years' experience helping people live life to the full.

Thousand PEOPLE HELPED

We were the first charity in Calderdale to offer this support and we are driven by those we support.

We offer a range of structured activity sessions both within the activity centre and local community. Our aim is to develop activities and engagement opportunities for people with learning disabilities, bespoke to their needs and interests. We believe that the best outcomes are achieved through inclusion and ensuring sessions are purposeful.

All aspects of occupation are important; we provide social, leisure, education, life skill development and employment as a platform for everyone.

January 2019

"The Mayfield Trust has given me an amazing opportunity to fulfil my dream career to be an accountant."

Jodieleigh, Finance Assistant Apprentice.

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We are a local charity for local people; Calderdale has been our home since 1950 boasting 68 years' experience helping people live life to the full. We were the first charity in Calderdale to offer this support and we are driven by those we support.

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Barnwood Trust | Building Belonging in Gloucestershire

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We work together with the people of Gloucestershire to bring the county closer together, exploding myths about disability and mental health.

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Funding individuals with disabilities of all ages and not-for-profit groups Find out if you're eligible for a grant About Gloucestershire Disability Fund The Gloucestershire Disability Fund provides grants to people of all ages living with a physical, sensory, and/or learning disability, as well as to not-for-profit organisations and community groups which support them.

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We look after ourselves, each other, our places and the environment. Through listening to each other and paying attention when someone has something they want to say we support the development of self respect and feelings of worth and appreciation. We recognise one another for the people we are, understanding and accepting preferences and beliefs to ensure a personalised care and support.

We also believe the best results are gained through working as a team, valuing suggestions and encouraging new ideas as we strive to continuously improve the care we provide. We appreciate that knowledge, skill and understanding develop over time and through the sharing of experience. Seeking best practice and innovation we work closely with others to achieve the best result. We value the contribution of clients, families, staff, volunteers and our partners to support us to be the best we can.

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The Orchard Trust - Care Home and Supported Living Homes

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We look after ourselves, each other, our places and the environment. Through listening to each other and paying attention when someone has something they want to say we support the development of self respect and feelings of worth and appreciation.

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The Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service currently offer a range of training courses for professionals working with primary aged children.

Understanding Language training covers

The development of understanding of concepts, instructions, questions

Factors affecting understanding of language

Supporting children with difficulties understanding language

Delivering speech and language therapy targets

Expressive language training covers

The development of grammar, vocabulary and narrative skills

Factors affecting expressive language

Supporting children with difficulties using language

Delivering speech and language therapy targets

Speech Sound Development training covers

The normal development of speech sounds

When to refer

Different types of speech difficulties

Supporting children with speech difficulties

Delivering speech and language therapy programmes

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Children's Speech and Language Therapy > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust

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The Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service currently offer a range of training courses for professionals working with primary aged children.

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Telephone: 0300 421 6988
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays
Springbank Community Resource Centre, Cheltenham, GL51 0LG

Please be aware that the Children's Occupational Therapy Service is prioritising support for children with critical and urgent needs during November and December 2022. This may mean, if your child's needs are not urgent, we would encourage you to explore the resources available below to help support your child. For urgent support, or if your child's condition should worsen and you are concerned, please call the CYPS Occupational Therapy administration team on: 0300 421 6988, Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm.

The Children's Occupational Therapy (OT) service is a specialist service working across the county. This service is for children, their families and carers in Gloucestershire across hospital, community and educational settings.

We support children and young people to reach their full potential and independence in daily activities at home, school, college and in the community.

This includes children up to the age of 18 years:

who are leaving hospital following illness or injury and need therapy*

who have physical difficulties as a result of illness or disability

who have functional difficulties as a result of developmental coordination disorder

who have a physical disability and attend a mainstream nursery, school or one of the designated special schools in the county and need occupational therapy help with education

Children who have functional difficulties as a result of a learning disability or Autistic Spectrum Disorder*

This also includes:

Children aged between 3-19 years with a long-term disability which impacts on normal day-to-day activities, and who need Occupational Therapy support to access a care placement such as Family Link or foster care

Young people up to the age of 19 years who access full time education with functional difficulties.

Following an assessment appointment, we will work with you to plan the next steps (an intervention) which is based on the individual needs. As part of this, we will agree goals and targets with the child, parents and carer which may involve specialist advice, equipment, accessing specialist therapy programmes or arranging specialist adaptations to the environment at home or school.

*For contact details for hospital discharge, ASD or autism support, visit the further information section below

Our occupational therapists are trained to assess, advise and support children and young people with any disability. We can help with everyday tasks at home, school and at play. We can help with:

specialist equipment

home adaptations

development of play and personal care skills

splinting for chronic conditions

coordination and fine motor skills development

sensory processing and integration

school advice.

Our ultimate goal is to enable children, young people and their carers to participate in the activities of everyday life in the short and long-term. This may include self-care, such as getting ready to go out or eating a meal, being productive by going to nursery or school or leisure activities such as playing with friends or doing hobbies.

Requesting support and further information

If you would like to request support for a child from the Occupational Therapy Service, please complete this form>

Education staff can contact the School Advice Line: 0300 421 6976 on Tuesdays 1.30pm-4pm (term time only).

Grants, returning equipment and other queries

Returning equipment

For details on how to return disability equipment, please contact: Gloucestershire Equipment Service (GIS)

Disabled facilities grants

Disabled Facilities Grants may be available from the local district council by which major adaptations to the home environment can be funded, for children with long term substantial disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria. The Occupational Therapist makes recommendations based on the impact of the child's environment on their functional ability to manage their activities of daily living, and where possible to maximise their independence. The Occupational Therapist may make a referral based on these recommendations to the local district council for consideration for a DFG. For advice on eligibility for Disabled Facilities Grants towards the cost of adapting a home for someone with a disability please see https://www.direct.gov.uk

Assessment, recommendations and letter requests

We are not able to make assessments of medical needs or recommendations to the Housing Authority in relation to this and would suggest families seek advice from their Doctor about housing issues that may affect their child's health (for example, central heating to help with a child's asthma or a shower to help with a skin condition).

Requests for general letters to support a family in applying for re-housing and charitable fundraising do not need to be referred to the OT service. Any professional that knows a child or young person or family well, such as the family doctor, social worker or lead professional, can write a letter to support a family's request for re-housing or support the benefits of purchasing play equipment.

Hospital discharge

If your child, due to an acute episode of illness or injury, requires therapy to facilitate discharge from hospital to their community, please contact an occupational therapist using the Hospital Discharge telephone line: 07817 824555.

Learning disability and autism queries

For queries relating to children and young people up to the age of 18 who have functional difficulties as a result of a learning disability or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, please phone the ASD/LD Advice Line to contact a specialist occupational therapist on: 0300 421 6591, Monday to Friday, 12.30-3.30pm.

Where you may be seen

We work across the county and will ensure we meet with you in the most appropriate setting for the child's assessment, intervention and ongoing support. This may be at a clinic, hospital, health centre, children's centre, play group, family centre, nursery, mainstream primary or secondary school, special school, non- LEA school or at home.

Many children and young people will be seen in clinics at our main sites - see details below:
Cheltenham, Cotswolds and Tewkesbury

Independent Living Centre, Cheltenham, GL51 0BY

The Bungalow, Cirencester Hospital, GL7 1UY
0300 421 6920*

North Gloucester and Forest of Dean

Quedgeley Clinic, St James', Gloucester, GL2 4WD
0300 421 6988

The Lodge, The Dilke Hospital, Cinderford, GL14 3HX
0300 421 8570*
South Gloucester and Stroud

Quedgeley Clinic, St James', Gloucester, GL2 4WD
0300 421 6988*

Children's Occupational Therapy Team (opposite Stroud Maternity Hospital), Field Road, GL5 2HY
0300 421 6930*

The Vale Community Hospital, Littlecombe Business Park, Dursley, Gl11 4BA

*Please note that the above telephone lines are not manned daily. If your enquiry is urgent, please call the main number: 0300 421 6988

Resources & information for families

Please explore our Occupational Therapy toolkit for helpful resources and information below:

Eating and drinking

Mealtimes are an important aspect of family life. Children begin to develop self-feeding skills from birth. Self-feeding is a very complex task and it is common for children to have difficulty using cutlery to feed themselves. It usually takes until a child is 7 years old before they can successfully use cutlery to feed themselves without being too messy.

The following activities use some of the same skills necessary for using cutlery. They will give your child opportunity to practise the skills, other than at mealtimes. Any games or activities that encourage the child to hold one hand still whilst moving the other hand will help with the foundation skills for using cutlery.

Using a dustpan and brush - emphasise keeping the dustpan still and moving the brush. Your child may be tempted to move both together at the same time.

Using scissors - start with easy patterns and progress to more complex designs.

Using playdough - practise cutting using cutlery.

Cooking / Baking - holding a bowl while mixing with a spoon or spooning the mixture out of the bowl.

Colouring - ensure the paper is held with one hand whilst the other hand does the colouring.

Opening screw top bottles and jars.

Construction games.

Gradually introduce other foods and keep going back to the foods your child did not like before. Children's tastes change. One day they'll hate something, but a month later they may love it. Keep offering a variety of foods - it may take lots of attempts before your child accepts some foods. Find out more here>

Cambridgeshire Community Services have kindly given us permission to share their useful Development of Cutlery Skills printable guidance sheet>

Cycling

Cycling is a complex activity requiring motor planning and balancing skills which some children with co-ordination difficulties find difficult to master. The skill can be taught by breaking it down into small steps to help children learn how to plan and organise their body movements.

Before attempting to teach your child bike riding, remember:

Your child needs to 'want' to learn and being motivated is essential

Choose a time when you can dedicate some regular practice e.g. daily in the holidays or after school

Make sure the bike is in good working order and is an appropriate size and weight for your child i.e. BMX stunt bikes tend to be heavy, with low set handlebars and therefore are not always the ideal first bike

Ensure a safe and obstacle free space to practice

Check the brake levers are positioned so that they are in front of the handlebars, rather than below where they are harder to squeeze

Initially set the bike's saddle at a height where your child's feet are flat on the floor

Ensure your child always wear a helmet.

Toilet training and continence

Our Health Visiting team has developed a Handy Guide to toilet training PowerPoint with guidance and advice as to when your child is ready, bladder and bowel function and constipation, along with links to further useful resources.

ERIC is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with continence problems. It also has information on toilet training. Find ERIC's website here>

Getting dressed

Learning to dress independently is an important life skill that takes a lot of practice, but it will provide your child with a sense of achievement to master a new skill.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have developed a really useful site which includes hints and tips, information sheets, videos and visual aids. Access the resources here>

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Children's Occupational Therapy > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust

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Telephone: 0300 421 69888.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank HolidaysSpringbank Community Resource Centre, Cheltenham, GL51 0LG Please be aware that the Children's Occupational Therapy Service is prioritising support for children with critical and urgent needs during November and December 2022.

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Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

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Children's Physiotherapy > Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust

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Children's Physiotherapy is a countywide specialist physiotherapy service for children and young people up to 19 years old in full time education. We work with children with a variety of presentations and conditions including cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions, Down's syndrome and developmental delay.

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Access our safeguarding policy here.

Co-ordinated by Active Gloucestershire, we can move is a social movement designed to get more people active in the county.

About us

Being active should be normal and easy. We look at barriers to being active and use campaigns to encourage people to try something new. We ask people to spot things that need to change and highlight their achievements so that they can inspire and be a champion to others.

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Our impact

Our work develops by learning from what has and hasn't worked before. We use independent research, and commission our own. We listen to people and organisations in the county. Our aim is to have a real and measurable impact on the lives of people in Gloucestershire.

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Our team

Let's talk! We work with many groups and organisations across Gloucestershire, from schools to networks that support older adults. We also do valuable work helping find funding and assist people and organisaations to change where they live, so that more people can be active.

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© Active Gloucestershire 2023

Active Gloucestershire Ltd is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales with charitable status.
Registered Office: City Works, Alfred Street, Gloucester, United Kingdom, GL1 4DF Company number: 7344552 Charity number: 1138546

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This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyse traffic. Read our cookie policy

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Third Floor Design <hello [at] thirdfloordesign.co.uk>

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Active Gloucestershire | Co-ordinating body for 'we can move'

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Active Gloucestershire co-ordinates the 'we can move' social movement designed to get more people active in Gloucestershire.

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Kingfisher Treasure Seekers is an organisation supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people to become ‘the best version of themselves’

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Adventure Race South Africa 2022

We have asked Julie to write a blog for us, outlining all the trials and tribulations of their latest extreme sports adventure, Adventure Race South Africa. We look forward to sharing this with you shortly.

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We provide a visionary and unique centre to enable children, young people and adults throughout Gloucestershire, to overcome disability.

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The Charity is run by a group of trustees, mainly parent members, who form the management committee.

Follow us on Social Media

Join our team

We are always looking for people to come and join our Committees. Join our Fundraising Committee to help with event planning and organisation, or our Trustee Committee to help with the overall running of the Charity.
Read more about joining us

Activities & Events

February half term

February Activity letter

Activities resuming

Hi Everyone, We are pleased to say that we have circulated information about our regular activities. If you have not received this information or are interested in what we offer, please contact us in the office.

Latest News

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Forest Pulse are now the NEW instore charity for The Original Factory Shop - Cinderford!! We would like to say a huge thank you for supporting Forest Pulse, and to the customers who have: Swiped their loyalty cards Bought a carrier bag Made a donation in store

Office Move News!

Hi Everyone, We are very excited to share that we have moved to a new office! As of 1st May 2022 our new address will be:- Forest Pulse 4th Floor, Carlson Suite, Vantage Point Business Village, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0DD Our office telephone number (01594 826357), email addresses and mobile phone numbers remain the same. ...

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Forest Pulse - Supporting children and young people with disabilities and their families.

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Follow us on Social Media We are always looking for people to come and join our Committees. Join our Fundraising Committee to help with event planning and organisation, or our Trustee Committee to help with the overall running of the Charity.

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Seated Exercise for everyone including falls prevention and balance with Matt from GFitness Fun and seated exercise class to build strength and balance and includes fall prevention. Join Matt to […]
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Contact - for families with disabled children | Contact

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We are Contact, the charity for families with disabled children. We support families, bring families together and help families take action for others.

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Welcome to glosfamilies directoryWelcome to Glosfamilies, an online directory bringing together information, services, resources, and things to do in Gloucestershire. If you are a young person aged 0 - 19 years (or up to 25 with SEND), a parent, prospective parent, carer, or you work with children and...