Art in the Park 2013

Rethink Mental Illness will be holding an event at John Hall Garden in Leek for Arts in the Park.

The event will include plant pot painting and collage for children, pitch and put, flower arranging workshops and plants for sale. There will also be cakes and refreshments. For more information, click here to view their poster.

The events will take place on Saturday 11th May, 11am - 5pm and Sunday 12th May, 11am - 4pm at the John Hall Gardens. Click here for a map.

Rethink provide advice and information for everyone affected by mental health problemsand campaign for national change towards mental health issues. They have support services and groups across England including crisis contacts for people who need help during an emergeny. Visit their website for more information about Rethink.

Photography Life Stories - Photography Activity available from Elite

Elite Staffordshire are offering a new activity - Photography Life Stories.

Starting on Monday 22nd April, you can join Jayne at The Pavilion in Chesterton to learn how to use a digital camera to take photos, print and display them on different media and how to showcase your life, your likes and your dislikes in a visual way.

Only 15 places are available, so you will need to be quick to book a place. If you are interested, you can book a place by calling Elite on 01782 662872 / 611992. Or for more information click here to view their flyer.

If you would like to find out more information about the other activities and services that Elite provide, you can click here to visit their website. Alternatively, you can call them on the number above.

Financial Support for Families

Do you have a child with a special need or disability?

Would you like to find out more about benefits, concessions and grants?

Staffordshire Umbrella Network (SUN) is a networking group of parents and carers of children with additional needs, voluntary groups and agencies, co ordinated by the Parent Partnership Service. SUN in conjunction with Contact a Family. are offering a free information session.

Places must be booked and will be on a first come first served basis.

For more information please contact Marie on 01785 356921 or email sun@staffordshire.gov.uk

You can view the flyer here

Autism Radio UK volunteer appeal

Are you interested in working in radio? Autism Radio UK are currently appealing for volunteers to join their team.

They are looking for presenters, production assistants, sound editors, administrators, general assistants and people with social media skills.

This is a great opportunity for adults on the Autistic Spectrum, those awaiting diagnosis or people interested in working in radio. Training will be given if required.

Autism Radio UK is part of the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society, formed in 2007 by a group of service users who are all on the Autistic Spectrum. It aims to provide support for adults in Staffordshire affected by Autism or Asperegers, provide information, provide training, raise awareness and to enable people to build confidence and skills.

If you are interested in volunteering for Autism Radio UK, you can call Rob Ledgar on 01782 617088 Mon to Fri 11 am to 4pm or email studio@autismradiouk.co.uk stating what you are interested in. More information can also be found on their flyer.

CareMatch Recruitment

Carematch is now the communication tool for what was SSCWP. They provide free training courses, recruitment initiatives, local events, such as job fairs and funding opportunities. Please visit the CareMatch website for more information.

Direct Payments Contingency covered by Agency

Golden Years Care Ltd
The Company Number is 7405832
Registered with CQC

We are new forward thinking company who has developed the following initiative.
To provide cover for Direct Payment and Personal Budget Clients who employ their own PA's in North Staffordshire.
We will endeavor to provide a contingency and much needed cover for
Annual leave
Maternity or Parental leave
Personal assistant ends their employment. (cover until another PA is employed)
Long-term sick.
Where possible we will endeavor to cover short-term sickness.

We aim to offer this service 365 days a year and at a price of 10.37 per hour. This will give a person another option of contingency cover without having to arrange a Social worker visit to put an agency rate into the care package. We also feel that this service will help people who may feel they are in a crisis and ensure the assessed need is covered until the PA returns to work or another PA is employed.

For more information please contact
Carol Wells
Doreen Astbury
By Telephone 01782 599866
By Fax 01782 599146
By e-mail golden-years1@btconnect.com 

Peer Support Events 

Staffordshire's peer support group, ELITE (Enabling Living Independently Today and Everyday), is hosting a series of mini events throughout the year for Direct Payments users. The Rowan Organisation will have a stand at these events to provide information. There will also be guest speakers at the events.

For more information on any of these events, please contact ELITE on 01782 444576 or by email. You can also find more information on their website.