ARCHIVE NEWS
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.
Further information and an application form are available below.
Application Form
Job Description
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.
Full details are available here.
posted September 2009 [top of page]
September Newsletter
Afasic Cymru's September newsletter is available for download below. The newsletter is packed full of information and interesting stories.
September Newsletter (pdf file - 6.56MB)
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.
Sponsor Form (English)
Sponsor Form (Welsh)
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. Click the links below to download the song and words.
The words and signing
Words in Welsh
The song (wma format 2.03MB - needs Windows Player or Real Player)
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. See full details below:
Job Advert - English
Job Advert - Welsh
Job Description
Job Application Form
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.
Full details - English
Full details - Welsh
(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.
Booking form - Welsh
Booking form - English
(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.