Welcome to PCAN

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Lesley

Welcome to the PCAN! We are the independent, parent-led forum in Kirklees for all parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs aged from birth to 25 years.

You are in the right place to find lots of good information, links to social media for networking with other parents, and to help us to develop a strong, collective voice so that we can work in partnership with service providers across Kirklees.  Together we can improve services for our  children and young people with additional needs!

We welcome all parents or carers, whether you are just beginning to become aware that your child or young person may have additional needs, or if they have confirmed diagnosis or disability.

It is free to join, so please click the “join us” link above!

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Back to school links for SEND

Posted on August 19, 2020 by PCAN Admin

As we near the expected time children and young people are due to return to school Contact have shared a few links that may be of use to you and your families:


https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/covid-19/back-to-school-advice-(england)/

https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/news-opinion/news/new-guidance-published-transport-school-and-toolkit-released-use-face-coverings?

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-school-after-lockdown

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-child-returning-to-school-after-lockdown/

https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/updates/education-and-school/back-to-school-guide.aspx#

11 Resources to Help Children Settle Back into School After Lockdown (Plus a FREE downloadable Social Story™ for Returning to School after Lockdown)

https://www.autismhampshire.org.uk/index/covid-19-resources/transition-back-to-school-after-lockdown-resources

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Share your experiences of the Kirklees SEND System

Posted on July 2, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Kirklees Council would like to know more about your experience of support within the SEND system and to work together to identify ideas and opportunities for the future.

Kirklees Council and PCAN have previously worked with a number of parents, carers and families who have children and young people with additional needs to understand their experiences of the SEND system and local services. Previous work has included the high needs review, what early help looks like in Kirklees and the current behaviour survey.

Kirklees Council is working on improvements to the local system, but recognise that there are still gaps in our knowledge. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed additional challenges on children, young people and their families, the learning from this experience can inform improvements to the SEND system and local services in Kirklees.

As ever, your views and experiences are instrumental in helping us shape the future support for children, young people and their families across Kirklees. To support this work, we would be grateful if you could take the time to complete this survey which shouldn’t take any longer than 15 minutes.

You can access the survey link here.

The survey will be open until the 13th July 2020. An external partner IMPOWER will be supporting us to analyse the results of the survey.

The survey covers:

  • Experiences of the SEND system during the Covid-19 pandemic;
  • Experiences of support before the pandemic;
  • Experiences of transition points across the education journey;
  • Experiences of Exclusions;
  • Ideas and opportunities for improving the system.

All responses to the survey are anonymous. Please be as open and honest as possible in answering these questions.

We would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey, your input is valued and will inform our new approach in Kirklees.

Posted in Collective Voice | 2 Comments

PCAN upcoming Zoom socials

Posted on July 1, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Hi, we are running Zoom virtual events currently instead of meeting up in person.  Grab a cuppa and a cake if you have some and join us for friendship, information and signposting. They will be very relaxed and informal – chat or listen in the background, it’s up to you.  Go on, be brave…. dates and links are shown below. (The links will take you to page where you can register for the meeting, then you will receive an email with a link to click on the actual date and time).

Monday 29th June 8-9 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kdeyurD4rHNdMRSC2tD6svwQOUIAgYjph

Tuesday 30th June 10-11 am

Register in advance for this meeting:https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ucuCpqDwpGt3iyTlFgw-leML2mBShd4Z7

Wednesday 8th July 8-9 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYucu2qrz8tGtwDb2DaDwdS8e8y0uNCyvH2

Friday 10th July 10-11 am

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld-yhqzkoHtcjifVIQzWZpcax51ypZdhY

Monday 13th July 8-9 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkcO2opjgjEtdqr1CLQX-CwsvwR9Suh75-

Wednesday 15th July 10-11 am

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqf-GhqjgrEtAhZG5YOvWYkORbDXQ4Ztvw

If you have any queries about using Zoom, or about how to join these meetings, please contact Trace on 01484213313

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Upcoming webinars for parents

Posted on June 9, 2020 by PCAN Admin

 Realities of Home Schooling Wed, Jun 10, 2020 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM

The Realities of Home Schooling – We know that being a parent of a disabled young person is a big ask! Parent carers deserve a medal just getting the children out of the house and to school on time. None of us were expecting things to change so rapidly and the impact of Corona Virus has been enormous. Suddenly we are full time teachers, keep fit instructors, bakers, and candle stick makers! On top we are trying to get our heads around new guidance and do we stay alert or do we stay at home. This webinar aims to discuss:

• Expectations from school, ourselves, outside influences (family members social media)

• What are the real difficulties, your pains, what works, what doesn’t, what do you need help with, what creative solutions have you found?

• What ideas do we have that are thinking outside the box?

• How do we look after ourselves in these uncertain times with the added pressure of looking after our children?

We don’t have all the answers and we do not promise to be home school experts but we are parent facilitators and know that by coming together with like-minded people does make us stronger. Katie Clarke and Karen Hickton are from sunny Yorkshire and have worked in the voluntary sector and with families for many years. They both have lived experience of disability and know too well the many ups and downs of being an Awesome Parent!

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6795187875543628299

Returning to School: Support and strategies for managing behaviour and worry Mon, Jun 15, 2020 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Dionne (Occupational Therapist) and Stephanie (Speech and Language Therapist) will present this Webinar with a focus on returning to school. They will talk through support strategies such as visual structure and accessible information, managing rising emotions and adjusting expectations as we all tackle going back to school after this long break or after significant changes to school timetables.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6683467598513844751

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Kirklees Virtual Autism Show Weds 29 April

Posted on April 27, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Message From Kirklees Council:

Welcome to Kirklees’ seventh annual autism show.

“This will be our first virtual event since the outbreak of COVID-19 and will be shown live on 29 April between 10.30am and 3pm.

Due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 it is not possible to hold a physical event this year; however, we are still committed to supporting autistic people and carers and to showcase the support available in Kirklees – the show must go on! Therefore, this year our event will be virtual!

There will be 3 live webinars. More details will be added to this page as they become available. You will be able to ask questions and take part in the webinars.

  • 10:30‐11:30 ‐ Autism and social opportunities
  • 12:00‐13:00 ‐ How Kirklees Libraries can help autistic people
  • 13:30‐14:30 ‐ Involvement ‐ getting your voice heard

If you can’t take part in the webinars at the time of live session, don’t worry they will be recorded and added to this page for you to watch later.

We will also be sharing information from each of the organisations who would have had a stall at the event. You can get in touch with any of the organisations to find out more information.

To join in visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/autismshow on 29th April

We hope you enjoy the show

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Where you can get help in Kirklees

Posted on April 2, 2020 by PCAN Admin

For our wonderful families out there in the community, we have collected some useful information which we hope will help you and your families in these unprecedented times, The PCAN Team

Kirklees Council Covid-19 Community Response

We (Kirklees Council) are working alongside our citizens and local organisations to make sure that together we can all support our neighbours and communities over the coming weeks. We’re working especially closely with our voluntary sector partners. Together we’re offering a co-ordinated Community Response. This will help us all to make sure that people can easily request help when needed. We’re also offering support for local groups and organisations to make sure that we can all help each other in our local places.

If you need support, or if you can offer support, please get in touch. We are with you.

Request support via the online form here

Call on 01484226919

If you would like to offer help, please complete the form here

Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership

Offering immediate help and information to anyone in Kirklees about benefits, housing, food provision, and accessing medication queries.

Please contact if you are concerned about your well-being, feeling socially isolated or at risk of domestic abuse. 07562252940 8 am to 8 pm 7 days a week. Messaging available via Facebook

Carers Count – as always, there to offer support and advice to people who are caring for someone. Tel: 0300 012 0231
info@carerscount.org.uk Lots of useful info on their Facebook page as well.

COVID-19 Mutual Aid Groups

These are Facebook groups all over the country set up by local individuals and groups to help people in the community and are valuable source of information for what’s going on in your area and where you can get help and support locally.

Please click here to find the groups in your area (this takes you to a map, click on your area, then scroll down below the map for the list of groups and the links to them. If you are keen to help, you can also volunteer through most of these groups.

Food Banks:

Batley Food Bank Click on the link to find out how to access the foodbank

The Welcome Centre While they remain open, they are doing deliveries now, no collections. Please visit the site for more details

Fusion Giving Foodbank, Empire House, Wakefield Rd, Dewsbury WF12 8DJ

Tel: 01924454770. Currently still open but with varying opening hours.

Holme Valley Food bank. Open at the date of this post. Please check their website for location and opening hours.

Or call Kirklees Local Welfare Provision on ‪01484 414782‬ for help/advice

Mental Health and Wellbeing

A list of helplines are published on the South West Yorkshire Partnership website. Please click here. The page includes phone numbers for the Samaritans, Saneline, Rethink, Mencap LD helpline and more.

For under 18s, you can still contact Northorpe Hall (Chews Service). Their contact details are: Telephone: 01924 492183
E-mail: info@northorpehall.co.uk

Or you can submit a form by email here (Scroll down the page)

If you need their help, please read their Coronavirus information here

The latest Chews newsletter can be found here.

Other MH resources include:

Young Minds – What to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus https://youngminds.org.uk/…/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-a…/

Papyrus – Advice for young people at risk of suicide
‪0800 068 4141 (UK only)‬
Opening times https://papyrus-uk.org/

IAPT – Provide a choice of services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, stress, panic and obsessive compulsive disorders.
‪01484 434625/6‬
www.swyt.co/kirkleesiapt

SHOUT – Shout is a 24/7 UK crisis text service available for times when people feel they need immediate support. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258

(If your life is in imminent danger, please call 999)

The Well-Bean Cafe Kirklees: A safe and confidential service offering mental health support to anyone in crisis living in Kirklees. Currently operating as a phone service only, the numbers are:

Fri-Mon: 07741900395 Tues-Thurs: 07867028755

To access the service, please ring from 6 pm to make a referral

Domestic Abuse

Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership: 24 hour helpline 08000527222

Womensaid – Safety advice for Coronavirus Cover your tracks online

I need Help

If you would like us to add something to this page, please email us at info@pcankirklees.org

The information above was correct at the time of publication

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School and College guidance for parents and carers

Posted on March 20, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Here is some information from the Department for Education about schools – who can still attend, which schools will be open, what happens if you are a key worker, transport etc,

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

To be clear on what the Department of Education means by “vulnerable children”, please follow this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people

It basically includes those children who have a social worker and children and young people up to the age of 25 with EHC Plans.

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List of key workers

Posted on March 20, 2020 by PCAN Admin

List in full
Health and social care
This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach. Key public services
This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.
Local and national government
This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies. Food and other necessary goods
This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines). Public safety and national security
This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.
Transport
This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass. Utilities, communication and financial services
This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

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Coronavirus information

Posted on March 13, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Please visit the Kirklees Council website for information on local restrictions. There is an orange banner across the top. Click on that and it will take to the various parts of the information and support.

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Future Planning Event 25 March, Brian Jackson Centre- cancelled

Posted on March 13, 2020 by PCAN Admin

Carers Count and Kirklees Council are holding an event to help you plan if you have an adult with additional needs still living at home with you.

There will be representatives from Carers Count, Client Financial Affairs, the Benefits Team, Community Enablement Team and the assessments teams, along with PCAN and LD Carers Voice.

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