Events
Spring term 2023
January
Let’sTalk Pre-Teens online sessions
Let’s Talk Pre-Teens Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Let’s Talk Pre-Teens is an opportunity for you as a parent or guardian of a young person aged approximately 9 to 12 years old to hear about the challenges they are facing today, and the tools you can use to support your children and community.
Please see below for details:
Tuesday 24th January 2023
- Relationships
- Exploitation
- Pornography
- Societal Stereotypes
Tuesday 31st January 2023
- Physical risks
- Safety planning
- Mental health
- Self care
Parents who have joined our Let’s Talk Teenagers sessions said:
“Thank you so much for these great sessions and for all the encouragement, sometimes it’s so easy to blame ourselves as parents and feel like we are not doing enough for our children and feeling supported is so important.”
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, as sometimes online events can be difficult to follow and not always relevant to questions I have. This one was really punchy and interesting. I was able to impress my son with things I knew better than him and we were able to compare notes! I will recommend the new one you are doing to my friends.”
“These sessions have been so helpful. Thank you for all the information and support.”
The Art of Home-Education
There is an exhibition at Exeter Picturehouse from Mon 9 Jan until Mon 13 Feb 2023 with works of art from home-educated children from all over Devon. The art work is covering the walls of the café, so if you are in the area and get chance to pop in, its well worth a visit.
Exeter Picturehouse, 51 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter EX4 3AJ
‘Autism and Us’ Parent Programme and autism themed workshops (Spring Term 2023)
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 waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
The‘Autism & Us’ programme and themed workshops delivered this academic year will once again be offered during the forthcoming Spring term for parents/carers of Devon primary and secondary aged 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.
Autism & Us programmes are 4 weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes.
- Autism overview Wed 11 Jan – 4.30 – 6.30 and Mon 6 Mar – 10 – 12
- Communication Wed 18 Jan – 4.30 – 6.30 and Mon 13 Mar – 10 – 12
- Understanding and supporting behaviour Wed 1 Feb – 4.30 – 6.30 and Mon 20 Mar – 10 – 12
- Sensory Wed 8 Feb – 4.30 – 6.30 and Mon 27 Mar – 10 – 12
Apply direct by emailing educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk to secure a place on any of the above programmes or express your interest for forthcoming programmes. We will confirm your booking request and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered online ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Topic based workshops:
The following topic based workshops, are also available for parents/carers 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. You can choose from these based on the relevance to you and your family.
- Autism – Sensory processing + integration Tues 17 Jan 10 – 12
- Autism and Girls Thurs 26 Jan 9.30 – 12
- Autism – Demand avoidance + PDA Tues 23 Feb 10 – 12
- Autism – Communication (verbal – support strategies) Tues 2 Mar 10-12
- Autism – Managing stress + anxiety Tues 14 Mar 10 – 12
- Autism – Vulnerability + online safety Thurs 23 Mar 10 – 12
- Autism – Communication (pre/non verbal – support strategies Tues 28 Mar 10 – 12
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk
To secure a place on any of the above topic based workshops. We 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.
Neurodive Events and webinars
ADHD – an ancestral approach
A webinar on using an understanding of human evolution and the hosts lived experience to find creative ways to support people with ADHD.
Wednesday 11th January 2023, 7pm – 9.30pm
Tickets £10.30
Book a place for the ADHD – an ancestral approach webinar here
Regular Support Groups
Parental Minds
Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues. They offer a safe place for Parents/Caregivers to be heard and somewhere to exchange ideas, hints and tips with other Parents/Caregivers.
You can learn more from their website https://www.parentalminds.org.uk/ which includes resources, counselling services, events, and more.
Hubs can be attended in the following areas:
- Honiton: Every Monday, The Wine Bar, 11.00 – 13.00
- Exeter: Every Tuesday, John Lewis Community Room, 10.00 – 12.00.
- Sidmouth: Every Wednesday, Port Royal Sailing Club, 10.30 – 12.30.
- Online: Zoom, every Thursday, 13.30 – 14.30
There are Facebook pages Parents can join:
- Main Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PPSHUB
- Private forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/610844532880490
WayMakers AFAB Group Barnstaple
Wednesdays 1:00pm-2:30pm (during term time)
There are a few places available in this term’s AFAB Group, meeting in Barnstaple during term-time. These sessions offer autistic teen girls and those assigned a female gender at birth the chance to:
- Meet other autistic teens with whom they might share experiences in a comfortable and calm space.
- Offer and benefit from peer support: support and advice from each other might feel more relevant and helpful than the support they get from adults.
- Connect socially, providing the opportunity to make new friends.
- Enjoy shared activities, games and informal chats.
- Be supported by adults with expertise in working with autistic people.
- Meet occasional visitors with some connection to your experiences or offers of available support. Visitor opportunities are discussed and agreed as a group.
For those aged 14-19, no diagnosis necessary. £3 voluntary contribution per week. Sessions must be booked in advance – please email alex@waymakers.co.uk for information. Sessions will be held at Early Nourishment CIC Ground Floor, Church House, Church Lane, Barnstaple. EX31 1DE on Wednesdays from 13:00–14:30.
Esteem Team Parent Carer CATCH (Coffee and Tea, Chat and Help)
Parent/Carer social and peer support sessions.
Wednesday mornings (term time) from 9:30-11:30
Scott Drive Church, 39 Scott Drive, Exmouth, EX8 3LF (Car parking available at the rear of the church)
For further information and updates, follow the Esteem Team Parent Carer Support on Facebook.
Neurodiverse Parenting Support Group
This support group is for parents of neurodivergent children including autistic, ADHD, PDA, SPD in West Devon, and offers face to face meetings.
2nd Thursday of the month 10:00 – 11:30 term time. Okehampton College Community Centre
For more information telephone either Allyson on 07808 523111 or Heather on 07546 258403.
Email heather@communitylinks-sw.co.uk
To find out more visit the Community Links SW website
Aspirations Group
South Devon Aspergers Group was formed during 2003 to provide a missing link for parents of children suffering from ADHD, Aspergers and Autism. It is a place where parents can come, talk and discuss problems with likeminded people, sharing ideas and experiences, whilst offering children with any of the aforementioned conditions the freedom to express themselves through play and play worker sessions, and of course not forgetting activities laid on for siblings to have some fun!
Every Tuesday 4:30 – 6:45 PM for Ages 5 to 18
Kingsteignton Youth Centre, Broadway Road, Kingsteignton TQ12 3EH
(Generally during term time but please refer to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/asperationsgroup/ for more up-to-date information)
Short Breaks Coffee Mornings
The Short Breaks Project is working to improve the short breaks offer for disabled children and their families.
And as part of this work, they are working alongside Parent Carer Forum Devon to host a series of coffee mornings for parents and carers so that you can talk directly to them about your experiences of the service.
Several in-person sessions, primarily aimed at parents and carers, will be taking place between now and Christmas.
Please see the SEND Local Offer website for full dates and details, including how to book.
Cranbrook Community SEND Support Project
Cranbrook Community Support project is for families with children who have additional needs. The aim is to provide a support group in a safe place where parents can meet other parents, share their experiences, and talk with others in a similar situation. The project is run by Sam Wells, Ambassador Volunteer and Nurse Naomi Cranbrook Medical Practice.
All family members and children welcome. No diagnosis required.
St Martins Primary, 1st Friday of the month
Community Hub, Cranbrook Education Campus 3rd Friday of the month
For more information:
- Email cranbrooksendproject@btinternet.com
- WhatsApp Cranbrook Community SEND on 07359 067788
- Arrange a call back by leaving a message on 01392 462013