Upcoming Events and Webinars
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Summer Term 2024
Neurodive – Sam Harris
What even is a ‘PDA’ anyway? ft Harry Thompson Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:30 – 22:00 BST
Confused about what PDA actually means? Join a fun chat with Harry Thompson to clear things up!
In this event Sam Harris of Neurodive is joined by Harry Thompson PDA Extraordinaire and author of ‘The PDA Paradox’ to discuss what PDA means to them. Harry will bring his own experiences as an Autistic person with a PDA profile, a PDA’r or PDA person will get into that on the webinar! Sam has worked with and supported Autistic young people and their families for two decades, many of whom fit the PDA profile and so brings his vast wealth of experience supporting these individuals to the event.
As always with our events, there is no real agenda or running order [this in itself would be pretty unPDA friendly], however some of the topics we will look to cover will be:
- A definition or understanding of PDA – based on both diagnostics, neurology and experience.
- Misunderstandings and misinterpretations of PDA.
- Supporting others with PDA
- Supporting yourself with PDA
- Why PDA, like all aspects of Neurodivergence, is so important to our society and world.
As with all events, you can ask questions live or email in advance with any questions you have and will receive a recording to watch if you can’t make it live. Visit the What even is a ‘PDA’ anyway? Eventbrite page to book a ticket
Studio KIND free workshops for neurodiverse young people and adults
Studio KIND are an artist-led, not-for-profit contemporary gallery and project space at The Corn Store in Barnstaple’s Pannier Market.
They are offering a series of workshops for neurodiverse individuals (and their parents/carers) of varying ages at Studio KIND.
Their current exhibiting artist, Alison Lam will guide participants to make 3D sculptures with paper, inspired by the origami lotus flowers within Alison’s exhibition at Studio KIND at The Corn Store.
The sessions will start with an introduction and trust-building exercises, and Alison will explain how she collects conversations and moments of overwhelm, and being happy and sad. Sessions will be tailored to different age groups, and individual needs. There will be regular movement breaks and quiet moments. Participants will need to give their permission to be filmed during the sessions, as they want to produce a film.
- Session 1: Thursday 25th April 10:00-12:30 (under 18s – must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/carer. Numbers will be limited) Book the under 18s session on Eventbrite
- Session 2: Thursday 25th April 14:00-16:30 (all ages. Numbers will be limited) Book the all ages session on Eventbrite
- Session 3: Friday 26th April 10:00-12:30 (under 18s – must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/carer. Numbers will be limited) Book the under 18s session on Eventbrite
- Session 4: Saturday 27th April 13:00-16:00 (drop-in, no need to book. Open to all ages. Please note the numbers will not be limited in these sessions)
For more information regarding workshops and booking head over to the events and children tabs on the Studio Kind Website
To find out more about the exhibition, visit the This is Where I leave You page on the website.
Devon Information Advice and Support (DIAS) drop in sessions
Date: Thursday 25th April
Where: Roundswell Community Centre, Barnstaple
Time: 10.00am -12.30pm
If you’re in North Devon and looking for information and support about any SEND issue, you can talk to Kate or Michelle directly at their bookable one to one sessions. At the session you’ll have a chance to talk individually face to face with one of the DIAS Officers, where you can ask questions, discuss your options and plan your next steps.
• Each slot with a DIAS Officer lasts a maximum of 30 minutes.
• Sessions are open to parents, carers and to young people.
• If you’d like to find out more or book a slot, contact michelle.johnson@devon.gov.uk or kate.boyd@devon.gov.uk
Newton Abbot Museum – Make and Create
Cultural Headdresses *FREE’ Saturday 4th May, 10.30am-12.30pm
Throughout history headdresses have formed an integral part of many cultures and have been the inspiration for many works of fiction. Join the session and be inspired by tradition and the arrival of Spring to create spectacular headdresses. Express who you are and what is important to you by making the ‘crowning glory’ of your identity!
Visit the Make and Create Eventbrite page to book your free ticket.
Find out about other events on the Newton Abbot Museum What’s On page or follow them on their Eventbrite page
Help me – I’m a Parent! – S.E.N.D. – Cognition & Learning Webinar
This FREE event will be hosted by Sam & Jo from Devon Family Hubs, Action for Children and will look a little more closely at Cognition and Learning needs in children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
In the webinar, on Thursday 16th May from 10:00am – 11:00am, Sam & Jo will explain:
- What are Cognition and Learning needs
- What causes cognitive delays in children
- How do you know if your child has a cognitive delay
- How you can support cognitive development delay
- They’ll also look briefly at activities and strategies that you can use with your children
- And where to go for support.
The webinar provides a safe, friendly and informal space for parents and carers to come together and listen to two Family Hub Negotiators, ask questions and share thoughts and ideas.
Spaces are limited, so visit the Help me -I’m a Parent! Eventbrite page to book a place.
Esteem Team Parent Carer CATCH
CATCH (Coffee and Tea, Chat and Help) invite you to their parent carer social and peer support sessions.
Wednesday mornings (term time) 9.30-11.30am
Scott Drive Church, 39 Scott drive, Exmouth EX8 3LF
Check their Esteem Team Parent Carer Support Facebook page for updates.
North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD
Thursday Coffee Mornings 10:00am – 12:30pm
Roundswell Community Centre, Barnstaple (next to Sainsburys) EX31 3NL
Since Covid it has not been possible to bring the books and resource items held in the library but if you require a something just ask and they will sort it out. This is the Library List link which will take you to the list of items available.
The cost is £1.50 for the coffee morning which includes a tea / coffee / squash and a wrapped biscuit – often a top up is had. You do not have to be a member to attend. Take the opportunity to show your proof of diagnosis to a Trustee if you do not wish to go on line with it. It is an ideal opportunity to chat to others in similar circumstances, gain and give information.
Since Covid their numbers have dropped from about 30 to 10 / 14 (which includes the 3+ trustees). They meet at 10, the speaker has the floor about 11am and speaks for about 15 minutes then a Q & A session, often those attending take the opportunity to have a quiet chat.
Before stepping down as Trustees due to other commitments, Louisa and Keith attended and were ably helped by Keith’s mother, Shirley, in the kitchen. If anyone wishes to help as a volunteer please make contact with a Trustee to join.
Children are welcome at these events – especially in school holiday time. It is suggested they bring something to keep themselves occupied during the morning, even more so if there is a speaker.
25 April
23 May
27 June
25 July
22 August
26 September
24 October
28 November
NONE IN DECEMBER
Newton Abbot Upcoming Relaxed visits
Newton Abbot Museum welcomes anyone who might benefit from visiting the Museum at a quieter time.
The next Relaxed Sessions will be:
- Monday 10th June, 3pm-4pm
- Monday 12th August, 3pm-4pm
- Monday 14th October, 3pm-4pm
In the meantime you can contact the museum to find out when the quieter times in the museum are or check their ‘What’s On’ page. Explore our galleries in a calm and relaxed environment where we will ensure our sound levels are reduced. There will be a quiet space available away from the galleries, and you are welcome to borrow our new sensory bags and ear-defenders.
These sessions are great for visitors with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other communication and sensory needs and their families / carers but are suitable for all.
To help you prepare for your visit we have made a visual story which you can see if you click here. For other access information please visit our Museum Access page.
If you have any questions about the Museum’s relaxed visits or require any further information, please email museum@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk or phone 01626 20112
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
Drizzle’s Green Guardians Trail 12th April – 2nd June 2024
Did you know that the sanctuary is home to thousands of insects, animals and plants? They all rely on Drizzle and her friends to boost the biodiversity on our land. Whether they are grazing meadows or collecting seeds in their coats and spreading them around, all of our donkeys lend a helping hand to their neighbours.
Now it’s your turn to keep an eye out for the critters and plants which call the sanctuary their home. Follow Drizzle and her friends to see who you will discover!
Combine family fun, exercise and brainpower for just £5 per trail, including a prize when you complete the trail. Head to the Gift Shop to pick up a trail sheet and you’re ready to uncover the sanctuary’s wildlife.
Visit The Donkey Sanctuary Events Page to find out more.
Plus with a new bat beacon interactive exhibition, natural play area, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, award-winning gardens and, of course, hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, there’s so much to explore with your own herd, whatever the weather. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too!
General admission and parking at the sanctuary are FREE (donations welcome). Dogs on leads are welcome.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU
Home Educators in the Exmouth area
Exmouth Coastal Churches are currently advertising for a Youth Worker. Following research, it has been identified that there are not enough daytime groups for home educated young people. Please complete this survey (parent/carer and young people) as the answers and comments will be used to identify what is needed.
Eden Project Community Days: Free Entry Offer
The Eden Project invite a range of groups to visit and enjoy the Eden Project for free on certain dates. Home Educators are able to take up this offer by pre-booking on their website.
Community Bookings for the dates will open closer to the time.
Each ticket entitles the individual to free entry to the Eden Project for them and their immediate family for the day (that’s a maximum of one extra adult and two children aged 16 and under). Please book for all members of your family, including children and personal assistants (for those with a disability). Then simply bring the relevant ID with you when you arrive.
You will need to take a copy of your EHE Registration Certificate or confirmation letter/email to show that you are home educating.
Booking for next dates will be available later in the year for the winter season.
To check when they are available and to book a ticket, visit the booking page on the Eden Projects Website
Family Fund
Discover Digital workshops
Family Fund run a range of creative and support iPad workshops. The creative workshops are fun for your child and family. The support workshops are aimed at parents/carers to help get your device set up safely. Upcoming workshops include:
- Wednesday 24th April iPad workshop: Staying safe
- Thursday 2nd May iPad workshop: Make a social story
- Wednesday 29th May iPad workshop: DJ superstars
Find out more and book a place on any of the above workshops here on the Family Fund website.
Let’s Talk Teenagers Bitesize Videos
South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership – Let’s Talk Devon have uploaded six bitesize recordings onto their YouTube Channel. The sessions range from just 19 minutes long to a maximum of half an hour and they offer their usual tips and techniques, along with details of support services.
The recordings include:
- Family Strengthening
- Changing Youth Culture
- Community Risks
- Online Challenges
- Emotional Wellbeing
- Healthy Relationships
Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool
Cold water swimming is returning at Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool!
It will run weekly from 9-10:30am, starting on 17th September.
Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool will share water temperatures each week but would expect it to be around 20° in the first week.
With full lifeguard support and hot drinks to warm you up after, it’s a lovely way to acclimatise to cold water swimming as the seasons progress.
Newton Abbot Museum
The museum supports Home Education and have this message on their website:
We recognise that learning takes many forms, and we are delighted to welcome home educators to our Museum. If you’d like to organise workshops or activities as a group of home educators, then please contact us using the form at the bottom on the Home Education page.
Home educating families are welcome to visit at any time, and we have a range of activity sheets available for you to use as you explore the museum. Some of these are available above to download at home before your visit from our Resources page.
Home Ed Lego Workshops
We also collaborate with Brickideas to run workshops specifically for home educators.
Taking inspiration from the museum collection you will have the opportunity to create wonderful contraptions from Lego.
Brickideas can help home schools groups by providing design and technology workshop which can link to any topic.
Please note that the children will be working in group of 2-3 during these workshops. They must be aged 6+ and accompanied by an adult.
The next session is sold out, but check on the Brickideas page for future sessions.
The Flock That Rock – Tiverton Swan Sculpture Trail
From Easter 2024, Tiverton invites families, art enthusiasts and locals alike to embark on a journey through the heart of the charming town with the unveiling of The Flock That Rock – Tiverton Swan Sculpture Trail.
Tiverton Swan Trail promises to be a wonderful blend of art, nature, and community. Elegant swans, each with a unique design by a local artist, will be placed at key locations around the town, transforming Tiverton into a scene of artistic expression.
Amy Dugard, Economic Development Team and Visit Mid Devon, said:
“As our swans migrate to Tiverton and settle into their locations for the season, we hope residents and visitors enjoy the outdoor art experience and rediscover parts of town they may not normally visit. Tiverton (meaning ‘the town on two fords’) is built around the Rivers Exe and Lowman and is also home to the Grand Western Canal. With swans regularly nesting on all three waterways, the trail is designed to link the popular canal destination to the town centre, promote the shopping quarters, and highlight our key attractions and parks.”
The launch of the trail will be held at the Grand Western Canal Basin in April 2024, which will kick-start a summer of celebrations for the Tivertonian’s 50th anniversary. One of the last horse-drawn barges in the country, the living heritage attraction has won several awards.
Phil Brind, owner of the Tiverton Canal Co, said:
“We are tremendously excited to be part of this trial and to decorate our own swan ‘Rosie’. What a fantastic way to welcome people to Tiverton’s Grand Western Canal and encourage visitors to follow the trail into the town. We were blown away by the support shown to us by Tiverton and the Mid Devon community during the pandemic. To thank everyone, we will host a summer of celebrations at the Basin. Following the trail launch, we will celebrate the first ever Horse-Drawn Barge trip 50 years ago with the Tivertonian’s special first trip of the season.”
Collect your trail maps from the Tourist Information Centre (at Tiverton Museum) and the Visitor Centre at the Canal Basin. Twelve swans will be located around the town, with a naughty escapee 13th swan, ‘Swanning Around’, to find. It will keep everyone entertained this summer! Keep an eye on the Facebook page @TheFlockThatRock for linked events and news about our swans.
This trail has been funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, through the Shared Prosperity Programme.
The Curly Hair Project Webinars
The Curly Hair Project is an organisation that helps people on the autistic spectrum and the people around them, founded by autistic author Alis Rowe.
The webinars are suitable for parents, professionals and young people.
Upcoming topics include:
- Females & Autism Thursday 25th April
- Eating & Autism Thursday 9th May
- Autism and Gender Dysphoria Friday 17th May
- Socialising and Autism Wednesday 22nd May
- Emotions & Autism Wednesday 29th May
The above webinars run from 8pm – 9pm, unless otherwise stated, and tickets cost from £9.95.
Find out more and book a place by visiting The Curly Hair Project
Autism and Us’ Parent Programme (Summer Term 2024)
Support from the Communication and Interaction Team – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
Support for parents/carers of Devon primary and secondary children who are either on the autism assessment waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
The ‘Autism & Us’ programme delivered this academic year will once again be offered during the forthcoming Summer term of the 2023-24 academic year for parents/carers of Devon DCC primary and secondary school children, pre or post diagnosis.
The Team are delighted to announce that they are offering access for families of CYP (Children & Young People) who are currently on the autism assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Attending the ‘Autism & Us’ parent programme gives you an opportunity to develop your understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting your child’s presenting needs, whilst also connecting with other parents/carers.
Full programme details and application process below:
Autism & Us programmes:
• 4 weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
• weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
1 Autism overview
Tues 23 Apr – 10 – 12
Thurs 13 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
2 Sensory
Tues 30 Apr – 10 – 12
Thurs 20 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
3 Communication
Tues 7 May – 10 – 12
Thurs 27 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
4 Understanding and supporting behaviour
Tues 14 May – 10 – 12
Thurs 4 Jul – 4.30 – 6.30
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk
To secure a place on either of the above programmes, or express your interest for forthcoming programmes. They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Additionally they will also be offering the following very popular themed/topic based workshops, which lead on from the above programmes for themes/topics that may be a priority area for you against your child’s presenting needs:
- DIAS (Devon Information & Advice Service + PCFD (Parent Carer Forum Devon) Wed 22 May 10-12
- Autism – Sensory processing + integration Thurs 16 May 9.30-12.30
- Autism and Girls Wed 5 Jun 9.30 – 12
- Autism – Demand avoidance + PDA Thurs 13 Jun 10 – 12
- Autism – Communication (Speaking children – support strategies) Mon 1 Jul 10-12
- Autism – Managing stress + anxiety Wed 10 Jul 1 – 3pm
- Autism – Vulnerability + online safety Wed 19 Jun 10-12
- Autism – Communication (Non/Limited Speaking children – support strategies Thurs 27 Jun 10-12
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk to secure a place on any of the above topic based workshops. They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Young & Animated Saturday Club – April 5 Week Course
Saturday session dates:10am – 1pm
20 Apr, 27 Apr, 04 May, 18 May, 25 May
This popular Saturday morning group for 8-13 year olds provides fun and detailed exploration of both digital and stop motion animation. Get messy making your own plasticine character and bring them to life using stop animation techniques. Then you will have the chance to add your very own sound effects!
This course is run by highly-trained animators and filmmakers. The tutors recognise the importance of attending to individual needs, meaning the group is suitable for those experienced in animation and those curious to make a start. Over the five-week period there will be opportunity for plenty of development and experimentation, as well as time for each participant to complete a personal project.
Places are limited and pre-booking is required via the Exeter Phoenix booking page
Young & Animated+ Saturday Club – April 5 Week Course
Saturday session dates:1.30pm – 3.30pm
20 Apr, 27 Apr, 04 May, 18 May, 25 May
This animation course is designed for autistic young people, based on the long running Young & Animated Saturday Club, but with a smaller class size of up to 4, and 2 tutors, the course provides fun and detailed exploration of digital and stop motion animation.
Interested in joining Young & Animated+? The Young & Animated+ course will run for five weeks on Saturdays during term-time. The cost of this course is higher than the Young & Animated Saturday Group due to the reduced class sizes. Previous participants of this course have been able to use their direct payments to cover the cost.
If you would like to ask any questions email digital@exeterphoenix.org.uk. or visit the Exeter Phoenix booking page to book a place.