Tag Archives: HUB

UPDATE FROM A4U AND SHROPSHIRE AUTISM HUB

A4U wish to thank STACS officially here for organizing the Light Parade.

John Woodvine (STACS Deputy Chair) is transferring from a STACS volunteer who works in the hub every week to an A4U volunteer doing the same thing.

ALL A4U staff are undertaking a substantial distance learning course called Understanding Autism. This is a government scheme overseen by Learning Curve which will see each one of them personally accredited rather than the organisation as a whole. These are sizeable and comprehensive modules involving each member of staff in many hours of study in their own time which underlines A4U’s commitment to providing an excellent service for ASC.

One A4U worker is half-way through their City and Guilds Advocacy qualification.

Mary Walker, an existing A4U caseworker, is now a fully qualified SEND worker.

The hub is developing some commercial streams like attractively decorated plant pots and small wooden items that will be for sale in the foyer. To support this initiative, a lockable glass cabinet to display these works has been bought out of the Innovation capital fund of £18.5K issued to each local authority.

Louise House café will be re-opening on 10th May. A free taster session was held on 5th May, and if this food is a sign of things to come the café is sure to be a success.

A4U and Ignition are embarking on a 3-year strategy to provide 2 after school clubs for young people on the spectrum – one for 11-14 year olds and one for the 14-18’s. These will share the adult hub’s ethos and Ignition will be delivering key messages through their theatre work in a similar way to the very successful recent production ‘How Fish Climb Trees’. This project is expected to cost around £300k with funding coming from a number of sources including the Arts Council.

Marion Youens will be retiring in August. Part of her role will be taken up by Ann Wyatt, who is already employed by A4U, and the remainder split across other staff.

A4U will shortly be releasing a new policy defining the split between hub space and STACS space, and the reasoning behind it.

This is the first report arising from the hub facilitators’ monthly case meetings. STACS has always been excluded from these as it is deemed inappropriate for parents to be present when the progress or issues of their own or other’s children is discussed.

Due to time constraints, it has been decided that these meetings will now be bi-monthly.

Marilyn Jones (Chair STACS).

HOLISTIC THERAPIES TO BE OFFERED AT LOUISE HOUSE

A4U facilitate the Shropshire Autism Hub on Thursday afternoons at Louise House, Roman Rd, Shrewsbury, SY3 9JN.

They have arranged for a holistic therapist, Sue Robdale, to offer a variety of treatments, which will be available to STACS members and Hub service users. Initially, treatments will be offered on a fortnightly basis between 2.30 – 4.30 pm, but may become weekly if there is sufficient demand.

The treatments available will be Daoyin Tao ( Chinese massage & Acupressure), foot reflexology, Indian head massage, Bach Flower Therapy, and Reiki.

The cost will be £15 for a 30 minute session, which will need to be booked in advance with A4U,  on a first come first serve basis. A non-refundable deposit of £5 will be required at the time of booking – so only £10 to pay on the day of the appointment. There will also be a health form handed to the client to complete in advance and bring with them to their first appointment, to avoid imposing on appointment time; Sue will need to keep to very strict times.

Sue will be coming to Louise House at 1.00pm 16 June to talk to STACS members, and explain more about the treatments on offer.

She will also be offering 20 minute free taster sessions  on 23 June between 2- 4.30pm, by appointment. Treatment sessions proper will begin the next week on 30 June , between 2.30- 4.30pm.

AN EXCITING EVENT SATURDAY 9 APRIL: SHREWSBURY GOLDWING LIGHT PARADE

On Saturday 9 April, over 60 Honda Goldwing motorcycles will be parading around Shrewsbury to raise money for the Shropshire Autism Hub. These fantastic machines are fully ‘tricked-out’ with display lighting, so it will be a spectacular event!
The bikes will hold a static display in the Quarry from 12 noon until 4pm. Then at 8pm they will parade around Shrewsbury, returning to the Quarry for a static light show.
This will give you some idea of what to expect. Please come along and show your support.
Final Flyer
STACS will be holding a tombola to raise money. Can you donate anything we can offer as one of the prizes? If so, please leave the item with the reception desk at:
Louise House, Roman Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 9JN. Many thanks!

 

 

WORKSHOP AT THE HUB: PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP) FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for working age people who have a disability or long-term health problem, and need help with daily living activities and/or getting about.

PIP replaces DLA for people aged 16-64. This process started in April 2013 and will be completed by early 2018.

No one will be automatically transferred onto PIP. Everyone will have to make a new claim, including people already receiving DLA.

On Friday 24 October  11.00am to 12.30pm, there will be a PIP Workshop facilitated by Majella O’Dwyer, A4U and Sara Heath, Autonomy.

The session will include the following:-

  • How to make a claim;
  • Information about the points based criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP);
  • Top Tips on how to complete PIP forms.

Who should attend: Service Users on the ASC spectrum, and their Carers.

Location: Meeting Point House, Telford.