Meeting 13 March 2007

Minutes of Allsorts Inaugural Meeting
Tuesday 13th March 2007 - 7.30pm

Apologies
Mari Watson Dot Harries Nicky

Welcome & Sign In
Sam outlined the aim of the group which would principally be for support and the sharing of information and to potentially offer services which are currently not available in the Purbeck area e.g. physiotherapy.

Housekeeping
Directions were given to toilets and fire exits.
Establish Ground Rules
Tracey asked the group for suggestions:-
Mobiles to be on ‘silent’
Confidentiality
Respect e.g. not interrupt anyone who is speaking
The group is to be positive thinking

Introduction About The Group
Sam asked that people present to spread the word about the group and use it to collate ideas. She spoke of the need for such a group in Purbeck having seen what is on offer outside the area, but which should be available to smaller communities.

Previous Allsorts Group
Sue talked about the previous group which folded some time ago. Although this is a completely separate group it was decided the name was a good one and we should use it, with permission. The founders of the original Allsorts group very kindly offered what remained in the group’s bank account which amounts to approximately £300.00. It was also suggested the new group may which to use the existing bank account and merely change the two signatories. Thanks were offered for the kind donation.

Introduce Ourselves
As this was confidential no notes were taken.

Establish Aims Of The Group/ Questionnaire
Doug led the discussion and welcomed ideas resulting in the following aims:-

Meeting Place
A place to exchange ideas and experiences and be a voice for change as solo voices are not always heard

Information Group
Share information. If application for funding is successful, create a reference library of books, DVDs, leaflets. Maisie offered to loan books and Portage toys.
Mike Hadley has offered to set up a f.o.c. blog on the Internet with links to useful sites. The Methodist Church offered photocopying facility

Education
A need for information on location of schools. Advice on moving schools. Statementing (in the past Weymouth College has run a course entitled ‘A Parents Guide to SEN’. With enough interest they would possibly run it again)

Benefits
What to claim and how to go about it

Speakers
It is hoped to invite guest speakers. The following suggestions were made:-
School SENCOs
Linda from St. Georges’s First School who teaches ‘Brain Gym’. (Useful web site - www.relaxkids.com)
Representative from a similar support group to tell us how their group runs
A representative of Purbeck View School and Nicky from Victoria School
Social Services re: respite

Family
Effects on siblings were discussed. Siblings may also be classed as carers
CAPS - Carers and Parents Support Group - unfortunately a waiting list
Possibility of social events involving siblings
CHAOS - Activities for special needs children and their families - www.copingwithchaos.org
Contact A Family - it can put you in touch with other families of children with disabilities - www.cafamily.org.uk
‘Treat’ A toy library/ craft suppliers/ fancy dress hire Contact details to be sought at next meeting

Counselling
Sue is a qualified counsellor and offered her services at a reduced rate. Sue can be contacted on 01929 422900

Next Meeting

Thanks were offered to Sam and Tracey for their work so far and to Sylvia of The Methodist Church for the use of the hall.
Questionnaires were collected in for analysis.
The next meeting was provisionally agreed for Tuesday 17th April 2007 @ 7.30pm subject to use of the hall (Sue to confirm.) The meeting will be advertised with posters and hopefully in the local press! All present at the meeting would be telephoned/emailed with confirmation of date.

Meeting closed @ 9.15pm

allsorts

allsorts
Originally uploaded by m.hadley.

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