THINGS TO DO FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN DARTFORD, GRAVESHAM AND SWANLEY Summer 2013 5 – 11 years The information below is a combination of services provided by members of the North West Kent Consortium and others which parents have told us about. We cannot take responsibility for their suitability for your child and we have not necessarily vetted the organisation. Please let us know about any other activities which your child(ren) has enjoyed so that we can extend this list. Please send the information to The Parents Consortium, c/o Jacqueline Bobb, e: bobbj@parentsconsortium.co.uk ; a: Allsworth Court, St David’s Road, Hextable, BR8 7RJ; t: 01322 668 501 extn 1. Please note that we do our best to provide accurate information. 1. Targeted Activities - activities specifically for disabled children and young people 2. Befriending/mentoring- providing opportunities for disabled children and young people to access mainstream activities with support 3. 1:1 support 4. Integrated activities – mainstream activities which parents have told us are very welcoming to disabled children and young people 5. Siblings/young carers – providing opportunities for siblings to enjoy for themselves 6. Days Out 7. Cinema 8. Other useful information 1 1. Targeted Activities KIDSCAMP – FULLY BOOKED! Details: play scheme for 5 – 17 year olds Criteria: severe and profound impairments (personal care provided). Note: there are no more places for this summer Timings: 29 July to 30 August 2013 Venue: The Parents Consortium, Allsworth Court, St David’s Road, Hextable, Kent, BR8 7RJ Type of access: members of The Parents Consortium Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.uk PLAY SCHEMES – FULLY BOOKED! Details: play scheme for 5 – 15 year olds Criteria: any impairment (no personal care provided) Note: there are no more places for this summer Timings: 29 July to 30 August 2013 Venue: Cascades Leisure Centre, Gravesend and The Bridge, Dartford Type of access: members of The Parents Consortium. Subject to completion of a Support Plan Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.ukaent 2 Little Rascals Details: supported youth club for 5 – 11 year olds (there is currently a waiting list) Criteria: any impairment (no personal care provided) Timings: 4.30 – 6pm on Thursdays Venue: The Parents Consortium, Allsworth Court, St David’s Road, Hextable, Kent, BR8 7RJ Type of access: Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.uk Simpsons Club Details: specialist club with activities, play and supper for 5 – 19 year olds (there is currently a waiting list) Criteria: severe and profound impairments Timings: 4 – 7 pm twice monthly on Mondays and Tuesdays Venue: The Parents Consortium, Allsworth Court, St David’s Road, Hextable, Kent, BR8 7RJ Type of access: Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.uk Bridge 4 Young People Details: Youth Club for young people Timings: 7 – 9pm on Tuesdays at Swanley Youth Centre and 7 – 9pm on Thursdays at Dartford Bridge Learning Campus Venue: Swanley Youth centre, St Mary’s road, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7BU Organisation: Kent County Council Youth Services Contacts: caroline.mcnally-johnson@kent.gov.uk 3 Biebers Base Details: supported youth club for 5 – 11 year olds Criteria: any impairment (no personal care provided) Timings: 5 – 6.30pm on Wednesdays Venue: Northfleet Youth Centre (Sprints), Hall Road, DA11 8AJ Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.uk Wednesday in-it Details: Youth club for 11 to 25 year olds Criteria: any impairment (no personal care provided) Timings: 7 – 9pm on Wednesdays Venue: Northfleet Youth Centre (Sprints), Hall Road, DA11 8AJ Organisation: Northfleet Youth centre Contacts: Nigel Crocker (Senior Practitioner), T: 01474 351 451, E: nigel.crocker@kent.gov.uk Friday Fun Club Details: Come for an hour of trampolining, bouncy castle, soft play and other sports activities. Up to age 18yrs (No waiting lists). Criteria: Any child with disabilities and their siblings. We ask parents to stay with their children. Timings: 6:15 – 7:15pm every other Friday. Venue: Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LW. Type of access: Children and their families are welcome, just to turn up on the night. Organisation: Kent Friendz Website: www.kentfriendz.org Contacts: Sam Jardine; e: sam.kentfriendz@hotmail.co.uk : t: 01732 360033 4 Mad Play Details: Monthly informal stay and play session for any age and disability (accompanied) at Mad Play Children’s Play Centre. This session was set up by one of our parents and there is now a group of families who attend regularly. An ideal way to get to know other families in the area and for the enjoy some fun activities Age group: any (see their website) Timings: 1st Thursday of every month from 4.30pm onwards Admission Fee: Under 4’s £5, Over 5’s £6, parents £1 Address: 208 Charles Street, Greenhithe, DA9 9AJ Website: http://madplay.co.uk/ Tel: 01322 385 800 (Mad Play) Dance Club: Organisation: Bounce and Beatz Dance Academy Details: Dance Classes for adults and children with learning disabilities Address: Cascades Leisure Centre Tel: Chloe on 07837 871 049 Email: bounceandbeatzdanceacademy@gmail.com 5 2. BEFRIENDING/MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES Be Our Buddy Details: Volunteer providing one to one support for the young person to access a mainstream activity for 8 – 18 year olds. Click here for full poster (Be Our Buddy) Criteria: mild disabilities Timings: flexible, depending on activity/club Venue: Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Organisation: VAWK Contacts: area: Gravesend area: Rupert Garrett, T: 01322 294 524, E: Rupert.garrett@vawk.org.uk Dartford area: Jane Manwaring e:jane.manwaring@vawk.org.uk; T: 07903 952075 Swanley area: Richard Webb, T: 01732 454 785, E: richard.webb@vawk.org.uk Weekend Fun Club Details: WFC offer day and overnight short breaks for disabled young people aged 10-14 yrs and 14 – 18yrs to enable them access mainstream activities alongside volunteers their own age. Criteria: mild to moderate disabilities Timings: 10 – 4pm on Saturdays (monthly, with every 3rd month being residential overnight) Venue: Northfleet Youth Centre (Sprints), Hall Road, DA11 8AJ Type of access: Referrals only. Organisation: VSU Youth in Action (VAWK) Contacts: Alex Duncum, alex.duncum@vawk.org.uk, 01892 530330 6 3. 1: 1 SUPPORT: One to One Support Details: One to one support for 5 – 18 year olds (there is a waiting list). Generally 3 -4 hrs session per week/ or fortnightly Criteria: Children with a disability / impairments. Timings: Monday – Sunday 9am – 10pm. Varies depending on need. Venue: Either in House/ Support to go out and engage in activities. Type of access: Please contact Respite Service – 01634 582132. If living in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley support can be accessed through Direct Payments or self-funding. Anyone can contact parent, relative, professional etc. Organisation: Carers FirstTel: 0300 303 1555 Website: www.carersfirst.org.uk Contacts: e: susan.ashburn@carersfirst.org.uk ; t: 01634 582132 (Respite office); a: 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5TP 4. INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES: Football – Swanscombe Tigers F.C. Details: Football for 5 year olds to Adults Criteria: all disabilities Timings: 7 – 8pm on Wednesdays Venue: Swan Valley School, Swanscombe Type of access: Direct approach. Can just turn up Organisation: Swanscombe Tigers F.C. Website: www.swanscombetigers.com Contacts: Peter Alloway (Vice Chair); e: Swanscombe_tigers@hotmail.co.uk or Michaela Palmer (Parent Rep) T: 07833584953 7 Horse Riding Details: Costs depend on severity of disability Timings: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Venue: Arrow Riding School for the disabled, Darenth Park Avenue, Dartford , DA2 6LZ Contacts: Val Blake (Chairperson; t: 01322 294390 Gravesend Lions Wheelchair Basketball Team Details: The club welcomes everyone, whether you are a wheelchair user or not, whether you are disabled or not. Timings: Every Wednesday 4.30 – 6pm Venue: North West Kent College, Lower Higham Road , Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2JJ Contacts: Chris Manley; m: 07976 853826; e: chrismanley@nwkcollege.ac.uk or Mike Bishop; t: 01732 525389; e: mike.bishop@kent.gov.uk Dartford Judo Club Details: Junior judo classes for children of all ages. Criteria: Classes are for everyone. Can take a child with an impairment depending on the severity of the impairment. Timings: Wednesday 7pm - 8:15pm; Friday 7pm – 8:30pm Venue: Dartford Judo Club, Cotton Lane, Stone, Dartford, DA2 6PD Type of access: Can make enquiries at the club directly or call the club for more details. Has a membership fee of £35 per year and classes with members paying per class £3 and £4 for non-members Organisation: Dartford Judo Club Website: www.dartfordjudoclub.com Tel: 01322 222 071 Email: info@dartfordjudoclub.com 8 Callum Park Equestrian Details: “Teach many children, including some with autism”. Parents are welcome to make contact to see if it is suitable for their child Organisation: Callum Park Equestrian, Basser Hill, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne, ME9 7TY Contacts: 01795 844258; 07968 534570; riding@callumpark.com www.callumpark.com 5. Siblings/young carers Kent Young Carers Details: New county-wide service to support Young Carers aged 5-18 living in the county. KYC will enable Young Carers to receive some respite from their caring responsibilities, socialise with their peers and receive tailored support. Social groups for Young Carers called Chill Clubs, one per district. Organisation: Kent Young Carers (partnership between Carers FIRST and VAWK) Contacts: 0300 111 111 0; info@kentyoungcarers.org.uk; www.carersfirst.org.uk Sibs Club Details: Multi activity club for the siblings of disabled children aged 5 – 11 years Timings: Saturday mornings from 10 - 12 noon Venue: at Cascades Leisure Centre. Type of access: all siblings welcome. Places are subject to a completed Support Plan, current funding and proof of membership to The Parents Consortium Organisation: Parents Consortium Website: www.parentsconsortium.org.uk Contacts: Leisure Services, T: 01322 665474, E: leisureadmin@parentsconsortium.co.uk 9 6. Days Out Useful websites containing information about activities: Kent County Council Website: http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture.aspx - Parks - Parents’ recommendations include Shorne Country Park, Leeds Castle, Swanley Park, Danson Park, Dartford Park, Broaditch Farm ( http://www.broadditch.co.uk) - Attractions - Parents’ recommendations include Dickens World (Chatham) Dartford Borough Council website (for The Library Detective Trails etc): www.dartford.gov.uk Gravesham Borough Council website: www.gravesham.gov.uk Sevenoaks Borough Council website: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk Bexley Borough Council: http://www.bexley.gov.uk (including Hall Place) Kent PEPs (Kent Parents as Equal Partners) https://www.kentpeps.co.uk/events Groombridge Enchanted Forest Details: Discover the beautiful award-winning gardens and the delightful enchanted forest with its giant swings, zip wires and Crusoe’s World. Meet the new baby animals and enjoy a canal boat ride. Admire the peacocks from the newly refurbished ‘Peacock Bistro’. Also free with admission are the daily Birds of Prey displays (except Mondays). Address: Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG Tel: 01892 861444 Email: office@groombridgeplace.com Website: http://www.groombridgeplace.com Go Bananas Go Banana's is a family run playbarn full of kids! We have indoor play frames for children under 12, toddler playframe and an outdoor play area too! Website: http://www.gobananas-playbarn.org.uk Our address is: Butchers Lane, off Chapelwood Road, Ash, Longfield, Kent, TN15 7HT Tel: 01474 874118 10 The Hop Farm Details: Fun day out. Entry is free and activities are paid for by tokens, purchased individually Website: http://www.thehopfarm.co.uk Telephone: 01622 872068 Address: The Hop Farm Family Park (Kent Entertainment Ltd), Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 6PY Email: info@thehopfarm.co.uk Fairfield Pool, Dartford Details: Free swim for a carer when accompanying a child or adult with special needs. No restrictions any time of day and any day of the week. Check other swimming pools as they may offer a concession as well. Tel: 01322 884 400 7. Cinema Autism Friendly Film Screenings Organisation: Dimensions in partnership with ODEON cinemas Details: Mainstream films shown in a sensory friendly environment. Lights are on low, sound is turned down, trailers are omitted and people can bring their own food, make noise and move around the cinema as they feel comfortable. The screenings are for anyone who would benefit from the subtle differences made to the cinema environment and we hope it will enable people who may struggle to enjoy mainstream cinema to experience this newly released film with friends and family. Age group: Any Address: Various across UK Website: www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly (also FAQs page) Tel: Tickets via ODEON Accessibility Helpline Number 0800 138 3315 Email: Contact: kayley.worsley@dimensions-uk.org Kayley Worsley 11 Other useful information Merlin attractions (Alton Towers, Chessington etc.) Complimentary Carer Pass Details: should a disabled Merlin Annual Passholder require assistance on their visits to our attractions, we issue one complimentary pass per disabled Passholder to be used by any carer - this is transferable between carers; the carer Pass is issued the disabled guests and carers Passes will have the name, date of birth and a photo of the disabled guest. To obtain a complimentary carer pass, simply purchase a Merlin Annual Pass for the disabled guest in the usual way. The complimentary carer Pass will be issued on your first visit to our attractions. You'll need to provide proof of disability when getting your Passes issued. For further details http://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/help/disabled-policy Telephone: 08444 774444 The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card – FREE pass for Carers Details: This is a national card that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema (for those in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance or a registered blind person) Website: http://www.ceacard.co.uk Address: The Card Network, Network House, St Ives Way, Sandycroft, CH5 2QS Tel: 0845 123 1292 Email: info@ceacard.co.uk Radar Key Details: a special key which opens public disabled toilets. Costs £2.50 from your local borough council Website: www.dartford.gov.uk , www.gravesham.gov.uk , www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 12 Disabled Bus Pass Details: Free bus pass for child or adult and accompanying carer to travel on any bus in England off peak times. Valid one year. Tel: 08458 247 802 Website: www.kent.gov.uk/buspass Orchard Theatre, Dartford Details: Free ticket for a carer when accompanying a child or adult with special needs. Tel: 01322 220000 or visit in person Website: www.orchardtheatre.co.uk 13 MEMBERS OF NORTH WEST CONSORTIA Organisati on The Parents Consortiu m VSU Youth in Action (service of VAWK) Address Telephone Website Address Email address Allsworth Court ,St. David’s Road Hextable 01322 668 501 www.parentsconsortium.c o.uk admin@parentsconsortium. co.uk VSU, NWK College, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JT 01322 294524 / 07957 225817 www.vawk.org.uk tony.waite@vawk.org.uk Carers First & Medway Carers Centre Medway Carers Centre, 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5TP 0300 303 1555 www.carersfirst.org.uk caroline.pope@carersfirst.o rg.uk Kent Young Carers (Carers First and VAWK) Kent Young Carers (Carers First and VAWK) Kent County Council Youth Services KYC, 17-19 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1LS 0300 111 1110 www.kentyoungcarers.org .uk info@kentyoungcarers.org. uk Medway Carers Centre, 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5TP 0300 111 1110 www.carersfirst.org.uk info@kentyoungcarers.org. uk Fao: Nigel Crocker, Acting Area Youth Officer, C/o Swanley Youth Centre, St. Mary's Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7BU Tel 01322 615275, Mobile 07740 184063 Kent Friendz FAO: Chris Burton, CEO, Kent Friendz, 7 Cannon Lane, Tonbridge TN9 1PP Tel: 01732 360033 Nigel.Crocker@kent.gov.uk www.kentfriendz.org 14 chris.kentfriendz@hotmail.c o.uk Young Kent (formally Kent Youth) FAO: Jon Rees, Me2 Co-ordinator, Young Kent, 36 Hedley Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5AD (Formerly Kent Youth and KCVYS) Office telephone number: 01622 351150 Mobile number: 07525 324949 15 www.youngkent.org.uk jonme2@youngkent.org.uk