ARCHIVE NEWS
Afasic Cymru Christmas Cards
Christmas is coming, be prepared and buy your cards early. Cards are the winning designs from pupils in St Cenydd school who all have SLCN. Cards cost £2.00 for a pack of 10 - images of the cards can be viewed here.
Please email Jeannette to place an order while stocks last!
posted 24 October 2011 [top of page]
Talkabout
Alex Kelly, a speech and language therapist has delivered numerous training days in Wales on Social Skills. Alex is the author of the best selling TALKABOUT resources: Talkabout, Talkabout Activities, Talkabout Relationships, Talkabout DVD and Talkabout for Teenagers.
Talkabout is the original social skills package in the Talkabout series and we are delighted to announce that it has now been translated into Welsh. It includes the Talkabout assessment wheel and ideas for therapy and worksheets on all 5 aspects of social skills: self-awareness, body language, the way we talk, conversational skills and assertiveness. The cost is £38.99 and can be ordered directly from Speechmark .
posted 20 October 2011 [top of page]
Speech Therapist Youth Worker needed for new Youth Project
Our new Youth Project (see article above) needs a Speech Therapist Youth Worker to work on Thursday evenings.
For full details, please see the job description below. To apply please send CV and a letter expressing your interest along with why you feel the role would suit you to to Yvonne Brookes by 5pm on 10 October. Interviews to take place on Monday 17 October at Tape between 4pm and 5pm.
Full details and job description
posted 29 September 2011 [top of page]
Communication Counts
2011 is the National year of Communication therefore Afasic Cymru held the first of two events to celebrate the year, entitled Communication Counts at City Hall Cardiff on June 23rd. Read a review of the event. If you attended the event on 23rd June, please complete and return this evaluation.
The next event will be held at Glyndwr University Wrexham on 21st and 22nd September 2011. As Cardiff was a sell out we strongly recommend you book early to attend the Wrexham event to avoid any disappointment. The event will encourage partnership/collaborative working, sharing good practice and raising awareness of the SLI/SLCN and will be open to teachers and support staff, speech and language therapists and other health professionals, parents/carers and children and young people with SLI/SLCN. It will also host an exhibition of information, advice, resources and services pertinent to speech, language and communication needs.
Glyndwr University
Wrexham
21 September 2011
10am – 5pm
and
22nd September 2011
9am – 5pm
Map and directions
Google map
Wrexham Event flyer
The Exhibition space available is a 6ft by 2ft area/table.
Costs: Glyndwr University 2 days £200 (Electricity included)
Registered Charities, Voluntary Sector, Statutory Services Free of charge, however if electricity is needed there will be a surcharge of £20 per stand per day. Stand hire does not include Lunch though there is a facility to purchase refreshments at the venue.
Please note the number of free places is limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please contact Yvonne or call her on 01745 550461
Wrexham booking forms
**PLEASE NOTE: ALL WORKSHOPS ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED**
Entry to the exhibition is FREE and opens to all to attend and highly recommended with over 70 exhibitors to visit.
Exhibitors booking form (Welsh)
Outline and information
Outline and information (Welsh)
Parents and professionals booking - 21 Sept
Parents and professionals booking - 22 Sept
Maggie Johnson workshop downloads
Creating a Communication Friendly Nursery - F1
Selective Mutism - Children Who Can Speak But Don't - J3
updated 12 September 2011 [top of page]
Afasic launches its ‘Jigsaw Challenge’
Afasic has launched its ‘Jigsaw Challenge’ to help raise much needed funds so that we can provide help and support to families affected by speech, language and communication impairments.
Afasic helps parents to navigate through the maze of service provision to ensure that they secure the best possible support for their child.
The jigsaw symbolises the maze of information and services that a parent has to piece together to get the support needed to ensure that their child has the opportunity to reach their true potential. Now you can help ensure that the vital services that Afasic provides are there to offer support, guidance and information to thousands more parents across the UK by buying a piece of the puzzle.
Each donation received will reveal a piece of the jigsaw, so that everyone can see what progress is being made, and each donor can add their name and personal message to the piece(s) that they buy. This will be displayed alongside the puzzle on the Afasic website, or you can remain anonymous if you prefer.
A piece of the jigsaw costs £20 and every donation will make a difference:
• £20 pays for a family information pack
• £60 pays for 3 copies of a training pack for schools
• £100 pays for 3 hours of 1 to 1 support for a parent from our UK wide helpline service
Please support us and make a donation through our Jigsaw Challenge. Thank you!
posted 12 September 2011 [top of page]
Afasic wristbands
Afasic Cymru are selling trendy wristbands for children and young people thus raising awareness of Afasic Cymru and encouraging people who may not be aware of our existance to visit our website.
The bands are on sale for £1 each (inc p&p) and can be ordered directly by emailing Jeannette. Money raised from the sale of the bands will be used for direct work with children and young people with SLI/SLCN in Wales.
posted 16 August 2011 [top of page]
'My Word!' Challenge
To raise awareness of National Year of Speech, Language and Communication, Afasic launched the ‘My Word!’ Challenge in May. We invited school children to send in words that they regularly use but that cannot be found in a dictionary, along with a definition. The response has been magnificent, with almost a thousand entries having been received. The results have been thoughtful, clever and some very humorous indeed.
Some schools really pushed the boat out and compiled their own dictionary and had displays of the children’s responses. You can see the dictionary that Gledhow Primary School in Leeds put together below.
Entries included words such as:
Bishy-barnaby - a ladybird
Confuzzled - feeling confused and puzzled at the same time
Caccanalia - horrible or rubbish
Doots – feet
Gazzabadized - crowded or overwhelmed
Huffer - an asthma inhaler
Lishy - delicious
Sniffage - something with a strong smell
Vinegarize - to add vinegar to chips
Schools receiving LDA vouchers included: Bishopston Primary School, Brooklands Community Special School, Gledhow Primary School, Wallands CP School, and Woodlands Primary School Afasic would like to thank all the schools and pupils that took part in this challenge and we hope that you had fun. We would also like to thank LDA for their enthusiastic support for this event. Look out for our word challenge for next year.
posted 16 August 2011 [top of page]
European Day of Languages - 24 September
This free family fun day takes place on Saturday 24 September, 10am to 1.30pm at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Further information in English and Welsh
posted 8 September 2011 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru in the news
The Flintshire Chronicle has featured a former Argoed High School pupil, Jonathan Bellis, who has won an Afasic Cymru Youth Award.
Read the full story on the Flintshire Chronicle website.
posted 15 August 2011 [top of page]
Is it ever right to cut services?
The 13th meeting of Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board Clinical Ethics Committee will debate Money and Ethics: Is It Ever Right To Cut Services? at 6.30pm on Thursday, 8 September in the Education Centre, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
For more details or to book a place please telephone Karen Williams-Jones: 01978 727407 or send an email.
posted 15 August 2011 [top of page]
Dimensions and ODEON present Autism friendly films
Vision 21’s Training and Mentoring project are supporting an initiative by Dimensions housing by running a cinema trip to see an autism friendly screening of Mr Popper’s Penguins on Thursday 11th August 2011 at 11am. The screening is open to everyone and Dimensions are hoping that as many people as possible will support the event, as they would like to arrange more Autism friendly screenings in the future.
Please contact Vision 21 direct for more details.
posted 8 August 2011 [top of page]
ComIT Open Day - 30 September
ComIT (Communication Intervention Team) are holding an open day to celebrate the Year of Communication on Friday 30 September – Mary Jo Spearey, Head of ComIT says “all are welcome to attend though booking is essential” to confirm your attendance.
ComIT is a school based service set up by the five authorities of the South East Wales consortium for children with SLCN. They Aim to meet the additional needs of children and young people aged 3-16 with non-clinical diagnosis and primary need of Speech, Language and Communication when that need is severely impacting on the Childs learning.
The day is split into two sessions so you can attend either in the morning from 9.30am – 12pm OR 12.30pm – 3pm @ Brecon House, Suite 1, Llantarnam Industrial Park, Cwmbran. NP44 3AB Afasic Cymru will have an information stand in the free exhibition of information and services relating to speech and language communication needs. To book your session contact Mary Jo Spearey Tel: 01633 645468 Email: deacos@caerphilly.gov.uk
posted 26 July 2011 [top of page]
Family Day - 11 August
Do you fancy a day out in the summer Holidays where you can meet families in a friendly atmosphere? Then why not pop along to Bodelwyddan Castle on 11 August and bring a picnic. Entrance to the castle and the grounds or just the grounds is free for children accompanied by a paying adult with the Afasic Cymru voucher. Please print off and bring to the paying in desk with you for your free place.
As well as being a historic house and museum with a free audio tour available, the Castle also boasts large areas of formal garden and natural woodland. A particular feature is the area of practice trenches dating from the First World War.
It is an ideal location for a family day out with something for everybody, including an adventure playground, garden maze, Victorian games room, gift shop and tea room. Have fun with the interactive exhibits in our specially created learning environment, where you can have an email photo taken dressed in Victorian costume.
For more information please email Yvonne.
posted 25 July 2011 [top of page]
Transition Mission - 11 August 2011
Is your child going up to Secondary School in September?
The Dyscovery Centre in Newport is running an activity day to help children prepare for Secondary School.
- Learn about new subjects and equipment
- Help navigating around a new school
- Help with organisation skills
- Help with friendships
Further information and booking
posted 18 July 2011 [top of page]
Calling all schools...Communication Counts compeition
We are looking for schools in North Wales to get involved in our drawing competition. Pupils can use their imagination and artistic talents to paint, draw and/or write their ideas within a speech bubble. Closing date for entries: Friday 9 September 2011 - please email Yvonne or call her on 01745 550461 for further details.
Information - English
Information - Welsh
Speech Bubble
posted 12 July 2011 [top of page]
'Shine a Light' awards - apply now
The Hello campaign is inviting you or someone you know to take part in the 'Shine a Light' 2011 Hello campaign awards for developing children's communication.
'Shine a Light' has been created to celebrate communication friendly places; recognise great teams and draw attention to organisations and individuals that have made an enormous difference to children's lives. Applications are encouraged from a wide range of settings, professionals and individuals - those who work with children and young people, those responsible for planning children's services as well as parents and young people. Alternatively you can nominate an organisation or person you know that deserves recognition.
The Hello campaign is also seeking help to raise awareness of the awards, which are the first in the UK. Please be sure to mention the scheme and the website address to anyone you know that works with children and young people. It might be your chance to 'shine a light' on the amazing work they are doing. All applications must be submitted by the 15th July so don't delay. Please visit www.helloawards.co.uk to find out more about the awards and how to apply. Shine and Light is sponsored by BT and Pearson Assessment
posted 4 July 2011 [top of page]
Count Me In
Count Me In is an inclusive arts project open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Over the coming months a schedule of arts workshops, events, exhibitions and performances will take place along the North Wales Coast. The workshops and events are free of charge to attend for the end user and will lead to a series of performances and exhibitions at a number of the areas key venues and exhibition spaces.
The project will run on an annual basis and each year will run with a different theme. This years theme is: ‘Communication’ The project is a great opportunity to get involved in the arts, to work towards an exhibition and to learn about the work of arts organisations in your area. There will be a host of opportunities to engage with the project, ranging from weekly workshops over 10 weeks to one off 2 hour workshops and drop in sessions.
For more information, see the Count Me In website.
posted 20 June 2011 [top of page]
Hello Campaign – National Year of Speech, Language and Communication
This year has been designated the “National Year of Speech, Language and Communication”. This offers a massive opportunity for Afasic to raise the profile of speech, language and communication disabilities and also much-needed funds.
The aim of the year is to increase understanding of how important it is for children and young people to develop good communication skills. The campaign is being run by The Communication Trust, a coalition of over 35 communication charities (of which Afasic is a founding member); in partnership with Jean Gross, the Government’s Communication Champion.
Afasic Chief Executive, Linda Lascelles, said “This special year gives Afasic a one-off opportunity to raise awareness of this hidden disability and the impact that it can have on those affected. Afasic will work as hard as it can to make the most of this opportunity and to reach as wide an audience as possible to ensure that children, young people and their families get the support they need.”
posted 14 June 2011 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Snowdon Walk - Year 2
After last year's successful fundraising event on Mount Snowdon, Afasic Cymru is organising another sponsored walk. The event takes place on Saturday 24 September and Sunday 25 September. Why not join us on one or both of these days?
Further information (English and Welsh)
Registration form
posted 26 April 2011 [top of page]
Co op revolution update
Thank you to those who voted for us at the Co op revolution to win £5000 in order for us to run a Youth Project in North Wales. The closing date was the 29th May and unfortunately we did not win the £5000 but we did come an impressive 4th position across the whole of Wales. We are eager to run this project and will continue to seek funding, so if anyone out there knows of any other funding opportunities – we would be delighted to hear from you. Meanwhile we thank you for your efforts.
posted 7 June 2011 [top of page]
‘My Word!’
Get your school involved in National Year with our fun ‘My Word!’ Challenge. Afasic has launched a fun initiative for schools to participate and celebrate the National Year of Speech, Language and Communication – the ‘My Word!’ Challenge.
Afasic wants your pupils to select a word that is ‘made-up’ or not in the dictionary but which they regularly use and then write it – along with their definition – on a pre-designed postcard and then send these to Afasic. If there is not a word that springs to mind then they can use their imagination to create one! We all, at home, with friends or in different situations use words that only mean something to the people closest to us. For example, the remote control in our house is called the ‘doofer’. My Gran asks for a ‘ticky’ sugar in her tea – a small amount. ‘Cinemuck’ is the combination of popcorn, coke, and melted chocolate that covers the floors of our local Odeon!
The results will be, we are confident, interesting, illuminating, humorous and maybe even a wee bit controversial. The point is that all contributions are valuable. There is no judgement or distinction between the ways that pupils with SLCN and those without, express their choices. Afasic will create a presentation/artwork from the postcards and use this at our public events. There will also be prizes of vouchers, from LDA, for your school to spend on resources.
‘My Word!’ will help your students understand how frustrating and difficult everyday life can be with communication problems. We are asking that all participants donate £1 to Afasic, helping us to raise much-needed funds. The money raised by ‘My Word!’ will go toward funding ‘Transfer to Secondary Summer Schools’ for young people and also Afasic’s unique Helpline Service. Afasic will provide the postcards, stickers, posters, and leaflets and will support you as much as we can. We will also provide your school with a certificate from our President and Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP. Participating schools will feature in Afasic News magazine and on the Afasic website.
For more information, please contact Jeannette.
posted 19 May 2011 [top of page]
New Research Study Aims to Identify what Speech and Language Therapy Works Best for Pre-School Children
Afasic England is delighted to announce that it is supporting a major new research study which aims to identify and evaluate the types of treatment available for pre-school children with speech and language difficulties. Ultimately, the objective is to list the various techniques and programmes used by speech and language therapists which are supported by research evidence and which are perceived to be most helpful by families.
The research is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and will be carried out by teams based at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Universities of the West of England and Bristol, under the overall leadership of Professor Sue Roulstone, Clinical Research Director at the Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit, Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.
Linda Lascelles, CEO of Afasic, said about the project, “All too often we hear from parents desperately worried because the therapy their child is receiving (or received when they were younger) doesn’t seem to be helping them. This study should mean that every child will get the help they need, and we are very excited to be involved.” For more information about the research project, see their press release below.
posted 3 May 2011 [top of page]
Free Films for the spring and summer
There are a number of free film showings for families with disabled children. Find out if there are showings near you.
Information and booking (English and Welsh)
posted 19 April 2011 [top of page]
Free Family Fun Day - 8 July
Come along to Denbigh and enjoy a duck race followed by a hog roast. Tickets are limited so please book as soon as possible - a £10 refundable deposit is required by each family to secure your place.
Further information and booking form
posted 19 April 2011 [top of page]
Polls on 5 May
As you will be aware Wales goes to the polls on May 5th to elect new Assembly Members for the National Assembly of Wales. During this month, prospective candidates will be competing for your vote.
The Disabled Children Matter Wales (DCMW) campaign is all about disabled children and young people coming together with their families and friends to make sure that the Welsh Assembly Government, Local Authorities and Local Health Boards make disabled children and young people a priority over the next three years.
posted 12 April 2011 [top of page]
Please vote for us before 29 May - we need your support!
As you know we (AFASIC CYMRU) have entered the Co op revolution to win £5000. The reason we would like to win the money is to offer an innovative project that supports young people aged 11-19 who have an ongoing speech,language and communication difficulty.
The project idea is in response to a need expressed by the young people with this need and their families to the North Wales development officer.
The project aims to provide a safe,friendly and stimulating environment,focusing on creating opportunities to understand and build on friendships,develop their communication and social skills and have fun at the same time.The project will enable young people to take part in a range of activities that seek to encourage conversation,teamwork,turn taking ,and allows them to do things they would otherwise struggle to access due to their communication difficulty.This can include art and craft activities, cooking,sports activities,small group outings,and residential weekends trips.
It provides an opportunity for the young persons to have a voice,express their concerns and focus on their aspirations for the future :it helps to build their self esteem and confidence.The young people start to develop friendships and a peer support network,which will help to reduce their social isolation and (ideally) provide ongoing social contacts once they leave the project.The project may provide the only social activity in these young peoples lives.
To find out more, please see the Join The Revolution website. Thank you for your support.
posted 12 April 2011 [top of page]
WAG Child Poverty Strategy
Launching the new Child Poverty Strategy at Llwynhendy Children’s Centre in Llanelli the First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Deputy Minister for Children, Huw Lewis called on everyone to play their part in tackling child poverty in Wales. To find out more, please see the links below.
Strategy - English
Strategy - Welsh
WAG Press Release
posted 3 March 2011 [top of page]
Your Voice! Your Choice!
Young People's Participation Event
Saturday
26 March 2011 - 12 noon to 6pm
Central Station and The Vic Young People's Centre, Wrexham
Come along and find out about the participation picture in Wrexham. Free lunch, workshops and live bands.
For more information about the event contact Laura Williams on 01978 318810 or send an email.
posted 28 February 2011 [top of page]
Making your voice heard - an event for carers
Friday 15 April, Conwy
Monday 18 April, Swansea
Carers Wales has organised two events for carers including workshops and question time.
Please contact Carers Wales on 029 2081 1370 or send an email.
Details - 15 April (English and Welsh)
Details - 18 April (English and Welsh)
posted 28 February 2011 [top of page]
Ensuring National Well-Being – What matters to you?
The National Well-being Project aims to provide a fuller picture of ‘how society is doing’ than is given by economic indicators such as GDP. Understanding the economic performance of a country is important, but there is also a need to look at broader measures such as ‘quality-of-life’ indicators, and the impact that progress has on the environment.
The national debate will run between November 2010 and April 2011, and the findings will inform the development of the measures that will be used to track the nation’s well-being. You can take part in the debate by visiting the ONS website, calling 0845 601 5075 or following the ONS on Twitter.
If you would like further information, please email Alex Cooke at or phone 01633 456356.
posted 22 February 2011 [top of page]
Flintshire Speech, Language and communication information and awareness day
Deeside Leisure Centre
3 March 2011
10am-3pm
Do you have a child in Pre School?
Are you worried about their speech and Language?
Why not pop along and take the time to visit a speech therapist on the day to discuss your concerns in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Further information in English and Welsh
posted 17 February 2011 [top of page]
The King's Speech - 1 March 2011
There will be a special lunchtime showing of the King's Speech at Clwyd Theatr at 1pm on Tuesday 1 March. The film will be followed by a speech awareness talk and expert panel questions and answer session.
Further details and bookings from the Theatr Box Office: 0845 330 3564.
Struggle of Stammering brought to the Surface : The King’s Speech gives Ray of Light
A comment by North Wales Speech and Language Therapists
Gail Edgley and Lisa Grader in the run-up to the 2011 Oscars
posted 17 February 2011 [top of page]
Denbighshire Family Fun Day - 19 February
Families with disabled children can come along to this free fun day at Rhyl Leisure Centre, 11am to 2pm. Further details and information about the day are available in English and Welsh below.
Fun Day Poster - English
Fun Day Poster - Welsh
posted 7 February 2011 [top of page]
Free family film plus circus skills workshop
20 March Cardiff and 27 March Caernarfon
Contact a Family have arranged a FREE family film showing of MEGAMIND PLUS Circus Skills Workshop at Chapter Arts, Cardiff on Sunday March 20th 2011 @ 11am AND ALPHA and OMEGA @ Galeri Arts Centre Caernarfon on Sunday 27th March 2011.
Come and enjoy watching a film with your family. An opportunity where families, who usually find it difficult to attend the cinema together, can enjoy a family outing. We have sole use of the cinema so there is no need to worry about unexpected interruptions!
We request a £5 refundable deposit per family to secure your place. (Cheques payable to Contact a Family) There will be NO tickets distributed for this event. Book early to avoid disappointment For further information and to book your place please contact Jill Bartlett, 4 Tai’r Felin, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. LL56 4JF Telephone 01248 670965 or email Jill Bartlett.
posted 3 February 2011 [top of page]
Day Trip to Blue Planet Aquarium
The trip organised by C-SAW will take place on Saturday 5th March between 10am and 4.30pm, with the children being picked up and dropped off at Denbigh Leisure Centre, and the trip is fully funded. We need the forms to be returned to the C-SAW office by 11 February at the latest, in order for registration forms to be sent out. Please feel free to contact me on the number below if you have any questions.
posted 3 February 2011 [top of page]
Powys Youth Arts Festival
Held at the Royal welsh show ground on Wednesday 23rd Feb, running from 2pm – 6pm - £5 entry.
Workshops in: Free running, Circus skills, mask making, T-shirt printing, Graffiti Art and loads, loads more.
Further details and registration
posted 1 February 2011 [top of page]
Big Lottery Fund
We are delighted to announce that our funding application to The Big Lottery Fund was successful and we have recently received funding to continue our work in Wales over the next 3 years. This funding will enable us to continue to “roll out” the Secondary School Training across Wales.
You may be aware that Afasic Cymru has produced a Secondary Training pack entitled “In one ear, out the other” and funding from WAG last year allowed us to carry out “pilot” training in some Secondary Schools in South Wales. The training has been evaluated and has indicated there is little or no training delivered to Secondary School teachers and LSA’s to identify and better support pupils in a mainstream setting. In addition to this training, we will continue to raise awareness of SLI/SLCN thus continuing our quest for a more inclusive society.
Furthermore, the Big Lottery grant will facilitate direct work with children and young people at Social Skills classes and Youth Activity days with a view to setting up a Youth Forum, which will give a voice to the children and young people themselves so that they can demonstrate how we as an organisation can better support them.
posted 10 January 2011 [top of page]
Holding Out for a Hero
The makers of the successful BBC shows “In It To Win It”, “Who Dares Wins” and “Eggheads” are developing a quiz show with a difference for ITV and are looking for extra special contestants to take part.
On this game show, contestants don’t play to win themselves a prize; they play to win a life-changing sum of money to make someone else’s dream come true. Whatever money they win, they will be handing it over to their recipient - a deserving person, local cause or small charity with an amazing story who has no idea someone has decided to be their “hero”.
If you would like the opportunity to be a real life hero by putting your general knowledge to the test to potentially win BIG money to help others then the producers would love to hear from you!
If you’re interested in applying to be on the show or know of anyone who may be then they can email their story to hero@12yard.com or write to: Hero Applications, 12 Yard Productions, 131-151 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 5BB.
Please complete and return application forms by 11 February 2011. Any application forms received after that date may not be considered.
posted 10 January 2011 [top of page]
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) – GIVING VOICE Campaign
The Giving Voice campaign was launched on 30th November 2010 across the UK, Jeannette Carr, Director of Afasic Cymru (pictured below) attended the launch at the Senedd to support the aims of “Giving Voice” which are to demonstrate how speech and language therapy makes a difference to people with speech, language and communication needs, their families, and the wider society. RCSLT wants to show what speech and language therapy is and the positive impact it has. Giving Voice will also demonstrate that this unique and vital service is cost-effective and value for money.
Every day, speech and language therapists work with a huge variety of people – from young children who stammer to older people recovering from stroke and other brain injuries. Speech and language therapists enable people to express themselves, to listen to and understand others. They provide accurate identification, assessment and diagnosis of speech, language and swallowing disorders and enable people to develop or regain vital communication and swallowing skills.
Over the coming months, RCSLT will be encouraging you to come forward with your own stories to help us to explain the essential work speech and language therapists do and their impact on the lives of those they help. For more information, please visit their website.
posted 4 January 2011 [top of page]
Welsh Assembly Government Consultation Document
School organisation potential change to the process
Potential change to the legal processes relevant to school organisation, which includes changes to schools, new schools or school closures - this includes addition or removal of provision reserved for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) e.g. Language Units.
Overview: The Welsh Ministers are considering making changes to the legal processes needed in order to make changes to schools. The Welsh Ministers consider that any changes should help to streamline the process and ensure that most decisions about school organisation are made in the local area.
WAG is currently seeking the views from all interested parties, including young people themselves who should complete the WAG Consultation Questionnaire below. All other parties should respond using the attached Response Form and send to the following address:
Schools Management and Effectiveness Division 3
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10
3NQ
Or completed electronically and sent to:
SchoolsManagementDivision3@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Please respond by 18 February 2011
What Are Consultations?
WAG Consultation Document
WAG Consultation Questionnaire
Response Form
Afasic Cymru would be interested to hear from any parent/carer/teacher/professional who are aware of any likely changes to Language Units across Wales. Please contact Jeannette Carr.
posted 4 January 2011 [top of page]
SLI funding in the news
An article about SLI appeared in the Wales Online this week concerning funding and investment in speech and language therapy in Wales. The article raises some interesting points.
posted 7 December 2010 [top of page]
Children and Young Peoples Committee
Children and Young Peoples Committee recently produced their 1st Newsletter explaining who they are and what they do.
posted 30 November 2010 [top of page]
Snowdon Challenge Update
We also have some stunning photographs in a gallery of images from the day. We would like to extend our thanks meanwhile to the list of registered walkers. |
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We are delighted to report that we had 35 people participating in our sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon on Sunday 26th September. The event was a fantastic success so posted 18 October 2010 [top of page]
Coffee Afternoon - 24 January
Afasic Cymru would like to invite you to a coffee afternoon on Monday 24 January, 12pm to 2pm at Ysgol Coedmawr Language Resource Centre, Bron y De, LL57 4TL. Pop along to meet other parents and have a chat.
For more information please call Yvonne on 01745 550461 or email Yvonne.
posted 17 January 2011 [top of page]
Free family film plus circus skills workshop - 5 February
Contact a Family have arranged a FREE family film showing of The Legend of the Guardians PLUS Circus Skills Workshop at Riverfront Theatre, Newport on Saturday February 5th 2011 at 1.30pm.
Come and enjoy watching a film with your family. An opportunity where families, who usually find it difficult to attend the cinema together, can enjoy a family outing. We have sole use of the cinema so there is no need to worry about unexpected interruptions!
We request a £5 refundable deposit per family to secure your place. (Cheques payable to Contact a Family) There will be NO tickets distributed for this event. Book early to avoid disappointment For further information and to book your place please contact Jill Bartlett, 4 Tai’r Felin, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. LL56 4JF Telephone 01248 670965 or email Jill Bartlett.
posted 17 January 2011 [top of page]
Toy Story 3 - free showing
Contact a Family have arranged a FREE family film showing of TOY STORY 3 at Theatre Clwyd, Mold on Saturday 29 January 2011 at 11.30am. Come and enjoy watching a film with your family.
An opportunity where families, who usually find it difficult to attend the cinema together, can enjoy a family outing. We have sole use of the cinema so there is no need to worry about unexpected interruptions!
We request a £5 refundable deposit per family to secure your place. (Cheques payable to Contact a Family). There will be NO tickets distributed for this event. Please book by MONDAY JANUARY 23RD.
For further information and to book your place please contact:
Jill Bartlett, 4 Tai’r Felin, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. LL56 4JF
Telephone
01248 670965 or email Jill Bartlett.
posted 10 January 2011 [top of page]
Cardiff Marathon
On Sunday 17th October the sun certainly shone on the 15,000 runners taking part in the Lloyds TSB Cardiff Half Marathon and we were delighted that 3 people volunteered to run and raise money for Afasic Cymru. Lynn Gray, a teacher from Bishopston Primary School, Rhys Carr and Dominic Broad all completed the Marathon in excellent times.
Many sponsors donated using www.justgiving.com - a quick and easy way to sponsor any event, however at the time of writing we are awaiting the return of some sponsor forms so the total raised will be advertised soon. Meanwhile we offer our thanks to the runners for their efforts and indeed their sponsors for donating.
Money raised to date: £641
posted 18 November 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Coastline Challenge
This is a year long challenge to all our members, supporters and friends to cycle/walk/run around the coastline of the mainland UK, which I am told is about 5,000 miles, over the coming 12 months.
The aims of the event are to raise much needed funds for the work of Afasic; raise awareness of the hidden disability of speech, language and communication impairments; and raise awareness of Afasic and how we can help. If you decide to take part you should therefore look to get sponsored and publicise your participation in the challenge.
You can do this on your own, in groups, just once, or have as many trips as you want. It could be for a few hours, a day, a weekend, a week or a number of different trips, it is entirely up to you. The only stipulation is that there is a minimum distance of 1 mile, other than that you can do as much or as little as you want.
All we ask is that you let us know what you plan to do / have done towards it; let us know where you start and finish so that we can map it all, and send us your photos and stories. It would be especially great to hear from anyone with a special story about their trip, anyone doing a long distance, raising large amounts of sponsorship, doing a distance in the most unusual way (e.g. backwards, on a unicycle, in fancy dress etc), children or young people taking part etc!
We will hold a central master map and can advise people what bits of the coastline have been done already to avoid duplication of effort. Please encourage others to join in and so help us to raise as much money and publicity as possible.
To enter, and for more information, help and resources for this challenge please contact Mark Thompson at Afasic central office.
posted 2 March 2010 [top of page]
Activities for adults with a learning disability
Cynnig are looking to organise regular activities for adults with a learning disability as of September. These activities will take place either during the weekday, in the evening or at the weekend. The activities that they are looking to provide initially are Music and Drama, Art and Craft, Basic Cooking, Walking, Days Out and Cycling. Additionally, they will also be looking to expand / vary the activity base by offering Horse Riding, Metal Detecting, Photograpy and Fishing.
Each session will normally cost £2 per person and places will be limited. Music and Drama has already been organised and will begin on 15th September at the Cynnig Drop In for 10 weeks. The course will be delivered by two qualified teachers and will work towards a show as the Grand Finale! The cost for this is £2 per session and places are limited to 12 so be quick.
For more information please contact Nathan on 01745 815588 or 07917062448.
posted 26 August 2010 [top of page]
Funky Dragon Newsletter
You can view this month's Funky Dragon newsletter on their website.
posted 16 August 2010 [top of page]
Your Future Your Feature
The deadline for the ‘Your Future Your Feature’ Competition to mark the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Pupil Voice Wales website has been extended!
To mark the launch of the new Pupil Voice Wales website the Welsh Assembly Government is staging an exciting video clip competition called ‘Your Future Your Feature’.
Through this competition we are inviting young people from youth forums across Wales to submit video clips saying how they would like to be more involved in decision making in their youth forum/community, or how they have been involved in making improvements.
Ideas can be submitted to the competition address on a CD or DVD in FLV, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 format allowing it to be posted on our special YouTube channel. The closing date for entries has been extended and is now Monday 18th October 2010.
Don’t forget to ensure that photograph/video consent forms are also completed! These can be found on the same website address as below and need to be submitted with your entry form.
posted 16 August 2010 [top of page]
Calendar Check
Afasic Cymru have registered with Calendar Check to advertise forthcoming events in your area to view simply visit the Calendar Check website and enter charity name Afasic Cymru and authorisation code 1C24674.
This site has been designed to help charities to publicise their events, free of charge, in order to help them sell more tickets, increase awareness and make sure they are not clashing with other similar events in their locality. Calendar Check is also helping the charities to attract more supporters and volunteers.
Why not register for sponsored walk up Snowden on Saturday 26th September 2010 OR forthcoming cake bake and sponsored silence. All donations are gratefully received and will be used in Wales.
posted 9 August 2010 [top of page]
Free family film showing of Toy Story 3 and workshop
***FULLY BOOKED***
Sunday 28 November 2010 at 11 am
Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff
organised by Contact a Family
An afternoon where families, who usually find it difficult to attend the cinema together, can enjoy a family outing. We have sole use of the theatre so there is no need to worry about unexpected interruptions! During and after the film we will be holding an informal print making workshop hosted by Rhian Price who has experience of working with children with disabilities.
”The worry of a child crying or behaving inappropriately just wasn’t there –it was only after I got home that I realised I hadn’t been stressed and indeed none of the other families seemed stressed either. I’m sure this rubbed off on the children. It was a real treat for the whole family”.
A £5 refundable deposit per family is needed to secure your place. There will be NO tickets distributed for this event. To book your place please download the booking form by Monday 23 November.
All enquiries to Jill Bartlett, Contact a family 01248 670965 or e mail jill.bartlett@cafamily.org.uk
posted 4 November 2010 [top of page]
September Newsletter
To read the latest edition of the Afasic Cymru Newsletter, please download it here.
posted 3 November 2010 [top of page]
Afasic parent speaks at conference
Wendy Jones, an Afasic parent member, spoke at a conference called Locked up Locked out Conferece in Cardiff, headed by the First Minister.
Wendy spoke about her teenage son's problems with his speech and language impairments and his recent experiences when facing firearms charges.
Read Wendy's story here in the Daily Post.
posted 21 October 2010 [top of page]
Wrexham Coffee Morning
C-SAW (Community Support for Autism in Wales) are holding a coffee morning on Friday 15 October from 10am to 12 noon in Wrexham. The event is open to parents/carers and grandparents across North Wales affected by autism.
posted 5 October 2010 [top of page]
Article about SPD in SEN Magazine
The latest edition of SEN Magazine contains an article about semantic pragmatic disorder. The article was written on our behalf by Margo Sharp who is a speech and language therapist specialising in SPD and one of Afasic's trustees. We are very grateful to Margo for taking this on. For more information about SEN Magazine please see their website.
Margo Sharp's article in SEN Magazine
posted 13 July 2010 [top of page]
Polly Howat - International Performance Storyteller visits Denbighshire Language Units
Thanks to funding from Denbighshire County Council’s Cymorth Fund, Polly Howat an International Performance Storyteller from North Cambridgeshire recently visited young people within Denbighshire who have communication impairments. Interactive storytelling can be a beneficial way of encouraging participation through the use of repetition, rhyming and song.
Young people, staff and parents at Ysgol Melyd, Ysgol Mair, Twn O Nant and Tir Morfa were visited at school by Polly who delivered sessions of interactive tales with exciting puppets to help boost the pupil’s communication and language skills.
The young people enjoyed a day of interactive storytelling which enhanced their vocabulary and developed their imaginations. The children and adults who took part certainly had their own favourite stories and songs, but it was very clear that the puppets were a huge success.
posted 1 June 2010 [top of page]
New fundraising events
A fundraising meeting was held on Tuesday 20 April at Oriel House Hotel, St Asaph. and as a result Yvonne has arranged a few fundraising events across North Wales.
The first of the fundraising events is The Great Cake Bake Challenge and people from across whole of Wales can participate in this one, basically we want you all to get baking and then sell your wares. Please click here for flyer to promote the Great Cake Bake and when you’re ready to sell you can simply download this poster to advertise your event. The next cake bake will be held 1st – 7th November 2010 unless you want to organise one before!
For more info please send a message to Yvonne or phone her on 01745 550461.
posted 24 May 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Snowdon Challenge Sunday 26th September 2010
There are six main routes to the summit of Snowdon. They are fairly easy to follow, and mostly easy underfoot. Many thousands of people reach the summit each year, so you will not be walking alone. There is great camaraderie amongst the walkers on these mountains - as you go up you will meet people coming down, and they are happy to share how far you have to go, and what to watch out for.
Do you fancy the personal challenge of Snowdon with a view to helping children and young people who have a speech, language and communication difficulty and are willing to raise a minimum of £50 for charity? For an information pack including a sponsor form, please send a message to Yvonne or phone her on 01745 550461.
posted 24 May 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru teams up with revolutionary online children’s present service
Afasic Cymru has joined forces with a young entrepreneur to create what the South Wales Echo has termed ‘the perfect present for children...and parents’.
The first of its kind in the world, timto – ‘there is more to … birthdays’ – is a website that allows children to create a wish list, while simultaneously raising money for their chosen charity.
The online service timto.co.uk, which is a corporate member of both the Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Standards Board, was established to replace the small individual gifts that children receive on their birthday. Instead, guests are encouraged to make a contribution to the child’s very own timto birthday fund. The child’s family can then use this fund firstly to purchase presents from the ‘timto shop’, and secondly to make a donation to a charity of their choice. The amount donated to the charity is determined by the child’s family and 100% of the amount given will go directly to the chosen cause.
timto.co.uk is working in association with household names such as Amazon.co.uk and Red Letter Days to provide a wide range of products and children’s experiences from the online timto shop. The service also offers parents the opportunity to order high street vouchers for The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Mothercare.
Afasic Cymru is among the charities which have endorsed the concept and established a relationship with timto. As a result, any child choosing to host their own timto birthday party will have the opportunity to donate a proportion of their birthday fund to Afasic Cymru.
Now looking forward to what he hopes will be a successful relationship with the organisation, Luke Cornish, founder of timto.co.uk, said: “We are excited and very grateful to everyone at Afasic Cymru for supporting timto. The concept that we have created ensures that children receive the presents that they wish for, while family and friends benefit from the convenience, accessibility and simplicity of the service. Parents are then given the added opportunity of fundraising for Afasic Cymru or for another of the listed timto charities, by redistributing some of the money that may have been ‘wasted’ on individual gifts for the child.
Jeannette Carr, Director of Afasic Cymru, said: “We decided to join the timto family because it is a fantastic initiative for charities, a problem solver for busy parents, and provides a greater choice of gifts for the birthday child. It is a ‘win win’ situation!
“Charities will benefit from much needed voluntary donations, while parents can avoid spending time searching for appropriate birthday gifts. The child is then able to choose the ‘big’ present that they really want, whilst at the same time sharing their good fortune with a charity of their choice”.
Mr Cornish added: “In teaming up with Afasic Cymru, we hope to be able to encourage children across the whole of the UK to support such worthy organisations and to teach them the true value of a gift”.
posted 24 May 2010 [top of page]
Youth Award winner in the news
Afasic Cymru Youth Award winner, Rachel Bacon, has an article printed in the Flintshire Chronicle about her achievements. Rachel has achieved a Lifeguard Qualification and employment as a lifeguard at a local pool.
posted 11 March 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Golf Day 2010 - Friday 17 September
The amazing success of last year’s Afasic Golf Day has inspired us to continue this popular event in 2010 and we are happy to announce that we will host the competition again at the Shire London Golf Club in Barnet. This year we are looking to recruit 20 teams of 4! Whether you are a corporate team competing with another, or looking to entertain your clients or an individual simply wanting to enjoy a beautiful game of golf – the event is perfect for you. If you are interested in registering a team of 4 or you know anybody who might like to participate in this event, please get in touch now to reserve your place. We are also looking for auction items to be donated to us and are happy to provide sponsorship opportunities at this event. More information is available at the Afasic England site.
posted 2 March 2010 [top of page]
Family Forest Fun Days
Some free sessions for Children and families over the summer holidays - 10am–3pm.
Tuesday 20th July -Castell-y Dail wood, Newtown
Sunday 1st August – Dolforwyn wood, Abermule
Tuesday 10th August - Castell-Y-Dail woods, Newton
Sunday 22nd August - Gregynog Hall, Tregynon
For more info email Patrick Harrison or phone on 01686 668661. There is also a website with information about the event.
posted 5 July 2010 [top of page]
Fun Educational Excursions for children with an ASD ages 11 to 16
I am pleased to confirm the dates for four fun educational activities to take place during the summer holidays for children with an ASD aged 11 to 16 years old. All of these activities will take place on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm.
The C-SAW mini bus will leave Denbigh leisure centre at 10am prompt and will arrive back at the leisure centre for the children to be picked up at 5pm.
If you would like to attend any of the activities please complete the form below and return it to the C-SAW office no later than 15th July. Registration forms will then follow.
posted 19 July 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Survey and Prize Draw
During July, Afasic is carrying out a survey to find out what parents, members and other users think of our services and what we should be doing in the future. We would be grateful if you could complete a short questionnaire and return it to us either by post or as an email attachment. Completed questionnaires can be returned anonymously but if you include your name and contact details they will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 M & S voucher. Thank you very much in advance.
Afasic Survey - closing date: 31 July 2010
posted 5 July 2010 [top of page]
Donation from the Waterloo Foundation
We are delighted to report that we have recently received notification from the Waterloo Foundation that they will donate some money for us to use to train parents and carers and provide them with information so that they are better equipped to support their children. Training events will be arranged for 2010 and advertised on this website and our forthcoming newsletter but in the meantime if you are a parent/carer and you have a specific training need please contact Jeannette.
posted 23 February 2010 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Youth Awards 2009 - Winners
We are delighted to announce this years winners of the Afasic Cymru Youth Awards 2009. The winners were split into 2 categories – junior and senior with an overall 2nd place.
The junior winner is Oliver Ainsworth who has worked very hard in school to overcome and manage his specific language impairment. A great example of this is having the courage and confidence to stand up in front of the whole school and give a voluntary speech to put himself forward for the position of class representative for the school council. He has also been attending Tae Kwando for 9 months and has now achieved a purple belt in his grading which required him to understand and execute an 8-move pattern and other exercises in response to verbal instructions. He was able to participate without 1:1 support, which he requires in all other activities and at school.
The senior winner is Sam Fitzgerald who was statemented with S&L at the age of 4 – he attended a S&L Unit at Primary School and left the unit to attend mainstream secondary school with some support. He has worked incredibly hard and has achieved 3 A’s, 2B’s and 3C’s. The best results ever achieved by a child in Resource centre. Sam is now in 6th form studying - throughout his time at Sec school Sam has taken part in a wide range of hobbies and activities, he was elected to form captain and undertook a strenuous expedition in South America.
Second place was given to Rachel Bacon who is 17 and has SLI difficulties that have only recently been diagnosed so she has been without support throughout school. Through determination Rachel has achieved a Lifeguard Qualification and employment as a lifeguard at a local pool.
It is always a very difficult decision but the winners were the ones with the majority of votes from our Advisory group of 16 members. ALL nominations have received certificates of congratulations and the winners have been presented with a trophy, certificate and vouchers. We thank everyone who submitted a nomination and we are hopeful that this can continue as an annual event.
posted December 2009 [top of page]
Driving Theory Test and Young People With SLI
In response to numerous enquiries Afasic Cymru have contacted the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) regarding the Driving Theory Test and how young people with SLI should advise of their language impairment. The DSA have provided the following information.
DSA information and contact details
posted November 2009 [top of page]
Job vacancy
We are currently looking for an administrator to work in our Cardiff Office for 10 hours a week. Hours can be flexible and we are keen to employ an enthusiastic and organised individual. The job is varied and no two days are the same. Excellent IT skills are necessary together with good interpersonal skills. If you would like a "taster" day and would like to volunteer your administrative skills prior to the interview please contact Jeannette. As a small organisation, all help is greatly appreciated. NOW CLOSED.
posted November 2009 [top of page]
Free Family Activities and Workshops
Contact A Family are running a number of free family activities and workshops across Wales during the autumn and winter.
posted September 2009 [top of page]
Parents Information Morning
National Parents Week takes place from 19 to 26 October 2009. Flintshire County Council is running a parents information morning on Friday 23 October. The information morning is open to all parents, carers and professionals. More information is available by downloading the event poster.
posted September 2009 [top of page]
Call for poster presentations
Let the Children Speak: Learning of Critical Language Skills across 25 Languages is the theme of a conference to be held in London in January 2010.
Abstracts are invited for poster presentations, on any topic relating to language development and developmental language disorders.
posted September 2009 [top of page]
September Newsletter
Afasic Cymru's September newsletter is packed full of information and interesting stories. To get your copy, please contact Jeannette.
posted September 2009 [top of page]
Annual Sponsored Silence and Harvest Festival
Calling all schools
Following the success of last year's sponsored silence in which we raised £4850 from schools across Wales – we have decided to make this an annual event. Therefore we would be delighted to hear from schools that would be willing to once again support our charity. We have designated the week commencing Monday 19th October 2009 to hold the sponsored silences. We will of course provide sponsor forms and stickers to all participants.
By holding a sponsored silence it will help those participating to better understand how much harder it can be to communicate with others, how frustrating this can be and how difficult it can make everyday life. You will also be helping us to raise much-needed funds. The silence can be for as long as you think appropriate, but we are suggesting an hour as a target to aim for.
Schools participating in this year's events
You may also be aware that Afasic (with the help of many schools across Wales) was successful in obtaining a Guinness World Record for “the most people simultaneously performing sign language to a song at different venues”. The final total was 13,418 people taken part across the UK. As so many schools enjoyed this event, we have decided to use another song from Signalong Group to be used in your school Harvest Festival. Alison Burns, songwriter has now kindly supplied us with a song, words and signs for a song entitled “They Grew It”. We are looking for schools interested in learning this song and hope the schools would take a collection in the Harvest Festival and donate the money to Afasic Cymru.
All money raised in Wales will be used on projects here. As a relatively small charity dealing with a very widespread difficulty we will be very grateful for any support that you can give us. We can assure you that all donations are very gratefully received and put to good use. Money raised at last year's events have enabled us to offer “Youth Days” to pupils aged 11+ in both North and South Wales and the money has also helped arrange Summer Schools for pupils moving from primary to secondary school in September 2009.
To express an interest for either of these events, please send a message to Jeannette.
posted May 2009 updated September 2009 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Youth Awards 2009
Following the success of last years youth awards Afasic Cymru is inviting nominations from parents, teachers, S&L Therapists, the young person himself or indeed anyone who knows or is working with a child or young adult with a SLCI. The awards are a chance for a young person to be recognised for a personal achievement that they are proud of.
The nomination can be written, illustrated or a short digital story - the winning entry will receive a trophy and £50 voucher for themselves and of course we will feature the entries in future newsletters and here, on our website. A nomination form can be downloaded and emailed to us (all details on the form). Alternatively please contact Jeannette in Cardiff office 029 2046 5854 or Yvonne in North Wales 01745 550461.
Nomination Form
Guidance Notes
Last years winners were :
Aged 8 and Under |
Aged 9-13 |
Dee-Jay Clarke |
Luca Horton |
St Helens RC School Barry |
Ysgol Mair, Rhyl |
Dee-Jay spent a couple of years at Meadowbank – the only S&L school in Wales and started integrating into mainstream school in May for 1 day a week He is now a valuable and much loved full time pupil at St Helens. |
Luca worked incredibly hard while in a Language Resource Provision to overcome and manage his SLI. Since leaving the provision he has coped well in mainstream using cue cards to indicate when he needs help. |
Aged 14 and Over (joint winner) |
Aged 14 and Over (joint winner) |
Charlotte Pearce |
Evan Williams |
Rhosnesni High School, Rhyl |
St Cenydd School, Caerphilly |
Charlotte attends Rhosnesni and has worked hard to manage her SLI. She has inspired teachers from her primary school @ Acton Park so much, that she is invited back to give talks to current pupils and their parents about her achievements. |
Evan attends St Cenydd where he is studying for his GCSE’s – Evan spent over a month in hospital whilst studying for his mock exams. Evan wants to pursue a career in catering therefore his work experience was spent in Asda Café, where he received a glowing report for all his hard work. |
We also decided to give 2 other awards – a Certificate of Recognition was presented to Luis Roberts of Bryn Elian High School because Luis has designed a booklet for all new year 7 pupils entering High School. The booklet provides very useful information for all new pupils when entering the world of secondary education. The 2nd award – a Special Commendation Award was sent to Darren Lavender an ex pupil of Argoed High School because after passing his GCSE’s, Darren managed to secure himself an apprenticeship with Cheshire Housing fighting off competition from 3000 other applicants.
We look forward to receiving your nominations – the closing date is 4th December 2009. Presentations will be made before the end of Christmas term.
posted July 2009 [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Director Vacancy
Afasic Cymru is seeking a new Director to work from our Cardiff office. The closing date for applications is Friday 22 May 2009. See full details below:
posted April 2009 [top of page]
Parents Support Group Meeting
All parents of children with SLI are invited to a parents support group meeting at Rhosnesni High School on Thursday 23 April at 6pm. Further further details please contact Yvonne Brookes or phone 01745 550461.
posted April 2009 [top of page]
Parent Plus Website
This new website has been written by professionals from The Dyscovery Centre based at the University of Wales, Newport and aims to provide practical advice for those supporting children as they grow up and to provide practical guidance. Visit the site to find out more.
posted March 2009 [top of page]
Afasic Guinness World Record
It’s Official - We have received formal confirmation that Afasic has been successful in its attempt to set a Guinness World Record.
Afasic is now the proud holder of the record for “the most people performing sign language simultaneously to a song at different locations” with 13,418 people having taken part.
We are very grateful to all the schools that took part on the day and who sent in the necessary documentation to support this. We are sending out certificates to all the schools and a “roll of honour” of those who took part can be seen here.
We are also grateful to Ali Burns who wrote the song that we used and Signalong who provided the sign language, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Many thanks again to everyone for enabling us to achieve this.
posted February 2009 [top of page]
Swimming with Sharks
Yvonne Brookes our North Wales Development Officer had a completely mad moment and decided that she would swim with sharks at the Blue Planet Aquarium on 31st January 2009 to raise money for our charity. Joining her (and Jaws) was Afasic supporters, Liam Evans and Barry Evans.
Yvonne is looking for sponsorship and will be circulating a sponsor form to anyone who knows her… but in the meantime if you would be willing to sponsor Yvonne or indeed find other sponsors, please download a form from here.
You can contact Yvonne on 01745 550461 or you can send a message.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Here's some photos from the spine-chilling big day and our brave divers are still in one piece! There is still time to sponsor Yvonne (after the event) so please support our Afasic Cymru events.
Thank you.
(posted February 2008) [top of page]
Thank You
It's been very exciting here since the record attempt, as you know the current record stands at 4,800, we should break the record because according to all applications we received there should have been 12,000 + taking part in the event. To date we are still waiting confirmation from the Guinness World Records that Afasic can claim the record…we will of course let all participating schools know the outcome as soon as we hear ourselves and it will be announced on our website.
The “attempt” was supported by Assembly members who too took part at 9.30a.m. on Wednesday 22nd October 2008, a special thanks to Ann Jones AM Vale of Clwyd for organizing the event at the Senedd. The event was also supported by The Minister of Education & Lifelong Learning Jane Hutt & Jeff Cuthbert AM – who attended St Cenydd School in Caerphilly, The Children’s Commissioner, Keith Towler who attended Pen y Dre School in Merthyr Tydfil & Helen Mary Jones AM attended Meadowbank Primary School in Cardiff.
Special thanks to all the staff & pupils of the schools in Wales who took part, we were delighted with the support from…
|
Alun School Performing Arts Dept |
Bishopston Primary School |
Boras Park Infant School |
Broughton Infants School |
Brynford Primary School |
Ceiriog Junior School |
Cogan Primary School |
Dame Ellen Pinsent School |
Denbigh High School |
Frongoch Junior School |
Gwaenynog Infants CP School |
Meadowbank Special School |
Pen y Dre High School |
Ponthir CIW School |
Ruthin Prep School |
St Cenydd School |
St Cyres Hearing Resource |
Ysgol Bryn Castell |
Ysgol Delyn |
Ysgol Glan Gele |
Ysgol Hafod Lon |
Ysgol Henllan |
Ysgol Heulfre |
Ysgol Iau Bodnant |
Ysgol Mair |
Ysgol Melyd (LRP) |
Ysgol Pendorlan |
Ysgol Rhydygors |
Ysgol Tanyfron |
Ysgol Tir Morfa |
Ysgol Twm o'r Nant |
Ysgol y Castell |
Ysgol y Parc |
Thanks also to the Foster Carers @ Social Services in Rhyl.
(posted January 2009) [top of page]
Youth Award Results
Afasic Cymru has launched a Young Persons Achievement Award. The closing date for nominations was November 28th 2008 and we are delighted to have had such a great response from so many people.
Winning entries received a £100 cheque for their school plus a trophy and £50 voucher for themselves. We will feature the entries in future newsletters and on our website after the winners have been notified.
Click here to see the 2008 results in various age categories.
Thank you to all people who took the time to submit their entries, we intend to make this an annual event.
(posted January 2009) [top of page]
WCVA Network Wales Awards
Thank you to everyone who nominated Afasic Cymru for the WCVA Network Wales Awards where we were presented with a certificate for “Highly Commended” for the best communication category.
(posted December 2008) [top of page]
Carol Service
Afasic Cymru would like to invite our parents, friends and supporters to a carol service on Friday 12 December 2008 in Ruthin.
(posted November 2008) [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Advisory Group
Afasic Cymru has also set up its own pan Wales Advisory Group with members representing all aspects of speech, language and communication. Funding for an Advisory Group has been allocated, through the WAG (Wales Assembly Government) grant, to advise and support staff members to ensure that Afasic Cymru fulfils it’s agreed functions within the terms of Afasic’s Strategic Plan, and in line with the purpose and commitment set out within the terms of conditions of it’s funding, as well as supporting the future development of the organisation in Wales.
The Afasic Cymru Advisory Group will act as the expert reference group to Afasic Cymru. The terms of reference of the Advisory Group can be downloaded from this site both in English and Welsh.
(posted October 2008) [top of page]
Easy Search and Easy Fundraising
Afasic Cymru has signed up to Easy Search and Easy Fundraising. Search the web to raise money for Afasic Cymru and also buy goods online. A percentage of the transactions will be donated to Afasic Cymru. See the links below for more information
(posted October 2008) [top of page]
New Communication Tool
A new social networking website has been launched for people with learning difficulties. The Special Friends website, created by Martin Harris from Barry, aims to help people with learning difficulties to communicate more easily. The idea of the website is similar to Facebook or Bebo, but uses a simpler method called Smiley Talk which translates emotive images into sentences. It also provides a platform for carers and family members to speak to each other and share support and advice.
Martin Harris said, "For many years it has been evident that many mainstream forms of communication haven’t considered the requirements of users with special needs". Membership of Martins site is free for a limited period so there's no better time to join.
For details visit www.specialfriendsonline.com NB THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT SITE AND NOT MONITORED BY AFASIC
(posted September 2008) [top of page]
40th Anniversary Celebrations
Letters were sent to various schools in Wales inviting them to take part in the 40th Anniversary celebrations by holding a school party. Afasic offered £100 to the first 10 schools who responded to the letter and we are delighted to say that 3 parties were held in Wales. Read the full report here
(posted September 2008) [top of page]
Swimming in Flintshire
There is currently no provision in Flintshire for children who cannot cope in mainstream group lessons to learn to swim. Flintshire County Council are currently considering a pilot programme for swimming lessons for children with disabilities aimed at those that may not cope in mainstream group lessons and/or need one to one support in the water and based at Flint Leisure centre.
Denbighshire and Conwy however currently run very successful programmes of swimming lessons offering special sessions on a Sunday afternoon and one to one support in the water, at Rhyl Leisure centre in Denbighshire for which there is no waiting list and Conwy has Conwy Whales swimming club at Colwyn Bay offering specialist swimming lessons on Saturday afternoons for which there is a short waiting list. The sessions at Rhyl (and it is envisaged at Flint) are the same price as the mainstream group lessons for children. There is no additional cost for one to one support.
For Flintshire to see this as viable we need to show some interest from parents in the county so if you want further information or to register interest in the sessions please contact Janet Weil 07734 297224.
(posted September 2008) [top of page]
Bercow Final Report
The Bercow Review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs is published today (Tuesday 8 July). The report is England specific but it might be useful reading for our Wales website users.
The independent cross government review, led by John Bercow, MP, himself the parent of a child with a speech and language impairment, highlights the significant numbers of children and young people with SLCN and how this radically affects their life chances. (Read more in our press release).
Read the full review here (pdf - 1020kb)
Executive Summary (pdf - 361kb)
Government response press release
Parliamentary debate - 21 July
(posted July 2008) [top of page]
Afasic Cymru Conference 2008 *FULLY BOOKED*
The Afasic Cymru Conference launches Watch Your Language and will take place on Tuesday 11 November at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff. This year’s Conference will be aimed at a whole new audience…Research suggests that young people with speech, language and communication impairments (SLCI) are some of the most socially excluded young people in society. Their communication impairments often go unrecognized or they may not be immediately obvious. They may have difficulties in social interaction and manifest odd behaviours. Some of these young people will suffer from mental health or addiction problems. Without appropriate support they may more easily be led into crime or suffer abuse.
Therefore, in order to raise awareness of this “hidden disability” we have arranged a free training seminar for all organisations that work with young people in recreation and leisure settings, or support young people at risk. In particular the training will be relevant for national training officers, disability coordinators, strategic and regional managers and managers of youth provision or indeed anyone in contact with young people – Professor Amanda Kirby of The Dyscovery Centre, University of Wales. Newport, will launch the first training seminar. The training is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Further seminars will be rolled out across Wales next year. Each person attending will receive a free, clear and concise training package to use with staff and volunteers within their own organisation. All seminars will run from 1pm – 4pm, light refreshments will be provided.
In order to book a place at the first of these training seminars, please complete and return the booking form together with a £10 REFUNDABLE deposit for each person booking. The deposits will be returned at registration.
(posted July 2008) [top of page]
Afasic 40th Anniversary Celebrations
As Afasic is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2008 - letters were sent to a selection of schools and local groups nationwide inviting them to join in the celebrations for this milestone and all that Afasic has achieved for those affected by speech and language impairments over the years.
Afasic offered £100 towards the costs for the first ten schools/groups to contact us, with their plans for such an event. We asked that they take place in late June / early July if possible as the actual anniversary is the 4th July 2008.
We are delighted that 3 parties will be held in Wales to celebrate the anniversary - details here.
Even though Afasic has now allocated all the available money to the first schools/local groups to respond – we would be delighted if any other school would like to hold a party in celebration of Afasic’s anniversary. We do have posters and balloons that we could send to you to help the party go with a swing.
We have requested that each school provide us with photos and a write up of their event and these will be published on our website and/or Newsletters in the near future.
(posted June 2008) [top of page]
SPONSORED SILENCE AND GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
This year Afasic is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and to mark the occasion we are holding a sponsored silence as one of the many events to help raise awareness of speech, language and communication impairments – the hidden disability. You can download the posters below - please display the poster to publicise the event.
Sponsored Silence poster
World Record Attempt poster
We are in the process of writing to all Schools in Wales and local businesses in the hope that many people will be willing to take part in a sponsored silence that our charity is holding during the week commencing Monday 20 October 2008. Even though we are sending the letters to schools and businesses ANYONE can take part.
By holding a sponsored silence it will help those participating to better understand how much harder it can be to communicate with others, how frustrating this can be and how difficult it can make everyday life. You will also be helping us to raise much-needed funds. The silence can be for as long as you think appropriate, but we are suggesting an hour as a target to aim for.
Afasic is also attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records for “the most people simultaneously performing sign language to a song at different venues”. We are hoping for a good response, and this can be incorporated as part of the sponsored silence. The record attempt will be on the 22 October at 9.30am.
Download the sign language song here.
If anyone wants to see a video of the song with the signs then click here to see what Woodsetton School in Dudley have done.
We are promoting this event across the UK, but any money raised in Wales will be used on projects here. As a relatively small charity dealing with a very widespread difficulty we will be very grateful for any support that you can give us during our very special year.
Minister joins in the efffort to break the record. Read more here.
If you would like further information about taking part in the sponsored silence and or the record attempt then please call us:
029 2046 5854 (S Wales) OR
01745 550461 (N Wales).
We are happy to provide sponsor forms, stickers, posters, and leaflets and will support you as much as we can. After the event we will send a certificate confirming the amount raised by the school, business or individual. Your support could help to make a real difference to those affected by this disability and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sponsor form - Welsh
Sponsor form - English
(posted June 2008) [top of page]
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
4 training days have been arranged with Maggie Johnson, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. Two dates have been arranged in North Wales on 9th and 10th September 2008 and a further 2 dates in South Wales on 8th and 9th October 2008.
Further details and booking forms in English and Welsh are available on our Training page.
You may be aware that we now have a new North Wales Development Officer – Yvonne Brookes who is busy working for Afasic Cymru in North Wales.
(posted May 2008) [top of page]
AFASIC CYMRU 4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Afasic Cymru held their 4th Annual Conference in Cardiff in November 2007. The conference explored a range of issues, concerns and opportunities experienced by children and young people attending secondary schools in Wales.
Clare Moyle, Director of Afasic Cymru was delighted to invite speakers and workshop leaders from across the UK, and welcomed Afasic Chief Executive Linda Lascelles and Afasic Directors from other parts of the UK along with Afasic Trustee Board members.
The day started with an excellent presentation from Professor Amanda Kirby, followed by workshop sessions, and the AGM (see below). There were more workshops after lunch and the day was rounded off by another interesting and thought provoking presentation from Dr Victoria Joffe.
Cliff Warwick, Principal of Trinity Fields Resource and Special School heroically chaired the day with his leg in plaster!
Evaluations recorded ‘a successful day with lots of information’ which made all the hard work worthwhile and Afasic Cymru are looking forward to next years conference!
(posted December 2007) [top of page]
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2007 Annual General Meeting was held in Cardiff.
The three honorary officers all stood for re-election, no other nominations were received and all were re-elected as follows:
· Chair – Mike Clifford
· Vice-Chair – Bryony Walker
· Treasurer – John Larkin
Trustees Jim McIntosh, Caron Atwood and Carolyn Arthurs were all re-elected for another three years and it was confirmed that Ann Rannard will be co-opted for a further year on the Board.
A special resolution, approved by the Charity Commission, was passed by members to amend the wording of the constitution. This allows Afasic Scotland to register as a charity in Scotland.
The audited accounts were accepted by the meeting and the auditors confirmed for another year. It was also agreed to keep membership fees at the same level for 2008.
Copies of the minutes of the meeting together with the accounts are available from Afasic Central Office on 020 7490 9410 on request.
(posted December 2007) [top of page]
AFASIC CYMRU 3RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Afasic Cymru were delighted to host their 3rd conference at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff in November. Linda Lascelles, Chief Executive and Clare Moyle, Director were pleased to welcome the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning who opened the event (read speaker notes).
Parents, teachers and therapists were able to enjoy presentations from Dr. Courteney Norbury of Oxford University and Sally Rees North Wales Development Officer. The delegates also enjoyed a number of workshops covering a range of subjects. Huw Roberts of Bangor University kept everyone entertained throughout the day!
A big thank you to all the speakers, Afasic Cymru staff and of course the parents, teaching staff and therapists that regularly support our events.
(posted November 2006) [top of page]
BIG LOTTERY FUND CHEQUE
As you can see this photo shows a very happy Afasic Cymru team accepting a cheque from the Big Lottery Fund for almost £132, 000. This grant will be directed towards children and young people of the 11+ age group, a previous successful grant from the Welsh Assembly should enable Afasic Cymru to continue its support to the younger age group for the next three years. Congratulations!
(posted April 2006) [top of page]
WALES PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION PACK
Afasic Cymru, with funding assistance from the Wales Assembly Government
and the Big Lottery Fund has issued all 2000 primary schools in Wales with
a bilingual school information pack. In line with £3 million to be invested
into speech and language joint working services from the Wales Assembly
Government, this pack should be used to raise awareness, and help to identify
and support children who may have speech, language and communication difficulties.
The bilingual pack includes:
- A full set of Afasic Cymru Glossary Sheets
- 'How to identify and support children with speech and language difficulties'
- Early Years Poster
- Classroom awareness poster
- Lost for Words Introduction Leaflet
- Helpful hints for parents at Y6 Transition time (photocopiable)
The Director of Afasic Cymru, Clare Moyle hopes that schools will find this information pack a useful addition to resources.
(posted February 2006) [top of page]
WALES YOUTH INFORMATION PACK
Careers
Wales have agreed to distribute this bilingual information booklet at 14+
Transition reviews, with support from SEN advisors. The pack consists of
local contacts and useful information for teenagers.
The booklet also contains a laminated credit card style identity card to give information about speech and language difficulties which a young person could produce if in difficulties.
Some packs may be available on request while stocks last via the Wales office ~ note the Millennium Stadium in the background!
(posted February 2006) [top of page]
LOST FOR WORDS
One of Afasic Cymru's objectives, as set by the Community Fund now known as BIG Lottery Fund, was to provide training for its beneficiaries.
We have previously arranged training days with Maggie Johnson - a specialist speech and language therapist, and from the evaluation of the attendees, the courses were of a very high standard and well received by both professionals and parents alike.
Maggie gave us two consecutive dates for training in South Wales; the first was booked in Cardiff, at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday 25th May and the second in Swansea, at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday 26th May 2005.
We wanted to provide a course suitable for teachers, LSA's, SENCO's, S and L Therapists and parents, so chose a course on vocabulary development for speaking and listening. We entitled the course "Lost for words".
Vocabulary provides the building blocks for learning, communication and social interaction. Consequently, children with a limited range of vocabulary at their disposal are at a serious disadvantage both in their personal relationships and in accessing the curriculum. Conversely, children with a large vocabulary are not always able to use it effectively for problem solving and social communication. Maggie looked at the mechanisms involved in vocabulary acquisition, concept development and word recall, and considered those children who appear to use the language fluently but actually have limited understanding of the words they are using. A framework was provided for analysing children's language samples and planning appropriate intervention, with strategies involving both oral and written activities.
We distributed approx. 750 booking forms with a view to fill 47 places at each venue. Places were limited to enable an effective interaction between the speaker and her audience and also for housekeeping reasons i.e. the amount of time allocated to provide lunch for each attendee. Application forms were returned promptly and we needed to set up reserve lists for each venue. Applications were dealt with on a first come, first served basis giving no preference to the applicants' status of professional or parent, even though the majority of attendees were in fact professionals.
Maggie Johnson is held in high esteem with many professionals and we have no doubt that she was the great selling point for these courses. Maggie insisted that these courses would be suitable for both parents and professionals alike.
The days were a great success and both days enjoyed a relaxed and happy atmosphere and all attendees interacted well with each other and the speaker.
(posted September 2005) [top of page]
AFASIC CYMRU 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT
Afasic Cymru were delighted to host their 2nd conference on July 7th at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff. Clare Moyle, Director of Afasic Cymru , writes " Speech and Language services within Wales have been given a huge profile during the last three years and it has been wonderful to invite such dedicated and enthusiastic speakers from across the UK to share information with parents and professionals in Wales."
The event was attended by delegates from across the whole of Wales - all enjoying presentations from Dr Gilly Baird, Margo Sharp and Linda Lascelles, Chief Executive of Afasic. Opportunities for two workshop presentations per delegate were available during the day, and again , positive feedback from the workshops indicate a useful day and informative day was had by all.
Sadly, the whole day was affected by the dreadful events in London, most especially as many of our speakers were from London and unable to get home. However, I have to say that the Chair, John Parrott (NAPLIC) did a fantastic job of keeping everyone on task!
We hope to continue the conferences as an annual event and we thank you for your support once again. In addition to this, it would be remiss of me to not thank the rest of the staff at Afasic Cymru. As you will know, Jeannette and Sally work wonders with the resources and time available to them- and we are looking forward to seeing you all at our next annual conference or further events in Wales.
Best wishes to you all! Clare Moyle Director Afasic Cymru.
(posted September 2005) [top of page]
SHARING GOOD PRACTICE: JOINT TRAINING, INFORMATION AND NETWORKING IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
A joint event, hosted by Afasic Cymru, will take place on Monday 4th July to share good practice in speech and language, and will bring together the GELP (Gwent Early Years Programme) and SPEC (Special Parents of Exceptional Children) to look at early years intervention and working in partnership with parents. The event is applicable to both specialist and mainstream teaching staff, Speech and Language Therapists SENCOs, Nursery staff and well as officers of LEAs, NHS Trust and LHBs. The event will be chaired by Karen Allen (Head of Speech and Language Therapy North East Wales NHS Trust), with speakers from both Wrexham and Flintshire LEAs and presentations from GELP and SPEC.
(posted May 2005) [top of page]
STORYTELLING - STORIES, SONGS AND RYHMES
One special school and two language resources will benefit from a visit by a specialist travelling storyteller in July. Polly Howat, experienced in working in various settings and with a diverse age range, will be visiting the following venues:
12th July - Ysgol Gogarth, Llandudno
13th July - Mynydd Isa Junior School Language Centre
Acton Park Infant School Language Resource
Polly will be providing a programme of stories and songs, some of which are based on myths and legends. The focus of each session will be to promote re-count, turn-taking and repetition using the flow of rhyme to encourage the children attending each session to join as well as parents who will also be taking part in the fun. Each session will be lively and colourful, with Polly using puppets to support each performance.
(posted May 2005) [top of page]
NATIONAL LIAISON OFFICERS FOR WELSH MEDIUM SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES:
The Children's NSF which has just finished its final consultation phase will be formally launch in the summer of 2005. There are over 200 standards of which just over 60 have been flagged for action by March 2006. In the first instance there is one flagged standard, which is also a target set for Local Health Boards to met by March 2005 which may be of interest to the parent/carers of children and young people with assessed complex needs who receive services from 2 or more agencies.
Standard 5.4 states:
'A hand held record is provided for all disabled children with complex
needs that complements the Personal Child Health Care Record (the
red book), in line with the Welsh Assembly Government guidance to
be issued in 2004'.
The hand held record, commonly known, as the 'Orange Book' will be issued to all children who meet the assessed criteria. This hand held record is an attempt to include all information pertinent to the child and family, and to the professionals they are in contact with. One of the main aims of the 'Orange Book' is to cut down on the number of times the child and or family has to recount their 'story'. The record has the capacity to include details of, for example, a child likes or dislikes, his or her medication or the form of communication used by the child. The 'Orange Book will be begin to be distributed in Spring 2005. If you would like to find out more about the 'Orange Book' and the Children's NSF take a look at www.wales.nhs.uk/sites click on Children's National Services Framework and scroll down to 'Hand held record for disabled children'.
Another standard, which is of interest to Afasic Cymru, is Standard
5.26, which states that:
'Children and young people who require therapy services receive an
assessment within 12 weeks of referral, with the appropriate resources
commissioned. Waiting times are monitored and action taken when target
waiting times have not been met'.
This standard, within the consultation document, has not been flagged as a priority for action by March 2006. Given the current difficulties, and the pilot projects not yet operational it is difficult to see that this standard will be met in the foreseeable future. Afasic Cymru will be endeavouring to keep a close watch on the progression of the Children's NSF in relationship to children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties.
(posted Feb 2005) [top of page]
NEW FUNDING FOR AFASIC CYMRU
Afasic Cymru, during the last days leading up to the Christmas holiday period, heard that our organisation's bid for Section 64 Grant (Welsh Assembly Government) funding had been successful. So, amongst the popping of festive champagne corks we celebrated a loud pop for Afasic. This grant of £210,000 was welcome news as Afasic Cymru's Community Lottery funding for its current work plan commitments is due to expire in September of this year. The new funding will allow Afasic Cymru to continue to consolidate and expand the profile of the organisation, but more importantly the services and support provided to children and young people and their families across the whole of Wales.
(posted Feb 2005) [top of page]
AFASIC CYMRU CONFERENCE REPORT
We hosted our first conference at the Marriot in Cardiff in October and were delighted to welcome presentations from both the Minister for Education and the Minister for Health. A number of excellent speakers, from across the UK also gave presentations on the latest research and best practice to both parents with children with speech, language and communication difficulties, and professionals who support children who cope with such difficulties every day.
Issues regarding speech and language therapy intervention have been a major concern for services involved with special educational needs for some time, and Afasic Cymru has raised the profile of the issues of identification and intervention with the Welsh Assembly Government. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning and the Minister for Health and Social Services have both agreed that children with speech, language and communication difficulties should have their needs addressed and a joint working group has been set up.
Speaking at the first Afasic Cymru conference, Jane Davidson reported on the action plan, which has emerged from the WAG Speech and Language Therapy Action Group. Details of proposals were released at the Afasic Cymru conference, including proposals for joint working pilot projects, a joint co-ordinator to work across health and education in Wales and therapy support in-situ in schools.
The Minister for Education also discussed a National Communication Strategy, '…to renew the emphasis that speech, language and communication plays in a child's development and the need for services to work together to resolve inequalities in service delivery and the appropriate mechanisms to address these inequalities. Whilst we recognise that the training of additional therapists cannot happen overnight we can in the short term work together across agencies to improve service delivery.'
The Minister for Health added, 'we have a unique opportunity in Wales to bring together all the available knowledge there is in this field and to share our experiences and practices and debate how we can work together most effectively to improve services for our children and young people.' Evaluation of the conference has indicated that this first conference was a successful and informative day.
Clare and the rest of the Afasic Cymru staff are already planning the second conference in July next year!
INTERACTIVE CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP
Afasic
Cymru hosted a circus skills workshop facilitated by Circus Broli
on 30th October, held at The Clockhouse, Mostyn, Flintshire for children
5-11 years of ages and their parents/carers.
33 children and parents attended the event which was organised to promote balance, co-ordination and self-esteem through utilising circus skills and equipment. Both child and parent took part together trying out all the activities, which included diabolo, poi, devil sticks, juggling and not to mention pedalos which everyone managed to achieve by the end of the day, and the tightrope!
The
team events proved to be popular, especially the balancing relay events
where the competitive spirit of the parents emerged. But, what a fun
day was had by all involved, including the members of Circus Broli
who were truly empathic to the needs of the children and parents alike.
The workshop was exciting and colourful, and as one parent commented that they 'had a fantasitc day and had lots of fun' and that it was lovely to see her son 'enjoy himself so much', and as another parent commented on departure that she 'hadn't laughed so much in ages'. Finally as one child said it was 'just great' and that they had enjoyed 'everything'.
ALUN SION THOMAS RAISES MONEY FOR AFASIC
Alun Sion Thomas from Pandy Tudur, North Wales - recognising and appreciating how important it can be to support others - has completed a 6 mile sponsored walk, together with family members and friends to support him on along the way in aid of Afasic Cymru.
Alun walked along the coastal cycle way on a warm and sunny day from Pensarn near Abergele to Kinmel Bay and back. Alun, who is eight years old, has global Dyspraxia and attends specialised resourced provision and a mainstream school in the county of Conwy.
Alun, despite his own difficulties is full of confidence and has a zest for life. The walk was all his own idea and he had been collecting money earned from doing jobs around the house for his Mum Fiona before she realised what he was planning. Alun raised over £720, which is a great achievement for him.
Congratulations and well done Alun Sion.
FUN AT RECENT EVENTS
Afasic Cymru Fun Day
As
you can see in the photographs, our first Afasic Cymru Fun Day was
a great success. Parents and children from across South Wales joined
us at the Welsh National Institute of Sport for a fun day. "Ant"
from Dynamix led the children through various activities including
circus equipment, puppets and games. In fact, it was so much fun that
the parents joined in too!
Parents were able to enjoy a little "time out" at lunchtime while Ant single handedly entertained the children. We were able to chat and exchange information whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea and a sandwich. After lunch, we all enjoyed the sunshine outside and played games using a huge colorful parachute, which was followed by much-needed ice lollies to cool us down.
Owain from Pontypool asked, "please can we do this every Saturday?" Well, I don't know about every Saturday but we will certainly try to make this an annual event.
Free t-shirts and a party bag were given to each child that attended, so all the children were happy and all of the parents agreed it was great to have the chance to meet and exchange phone numbers and ideas.
All in all, the day was a success and it was lovely to meet some of the parents and children we support.