Find out what's been happening at our recent events...
Community of Change Residential Event April 2017
Members of In Control's Community of
Change gathered in Milton Keynes in April for the first
residential event of the year. The gathering was a fantastic two
days, packed with ideas and enthusiasm from speakers and
participants alike. The blend of family members and professionals
proved to be a perfect mix, with both groups sharing and learning
together.
The event kicked off with inspirational talks from Andy Walker, sharing his plans to climb the
highest mountain in Africa, and Will Case. Both were widely praised by the
attending members in their unanimously positive feedback.
The solution circles and hot topics are becoming a regular
feature of the event and give Community of Change members the
opportunity to work together on finding creative solutions to
difficult issues. Topics this time included: personal health
budgets, how to make the most of the POET feedback we've gathered,
co-production and community, good person-centred planning and
culture change, working with schools, and early intervention.
The feedback from April's event was exceptionally positive, with
one participant saying: 'Really great two days - really informative
and helpful both as direct learning from others, but also as a
space to reflect for improvement and development of my team and
services users.'
Looking ahead, members suggested a number of topics to be
covered at future events. Our next Community of Change residential
event takes place on 17th-18th October 2017 in the
north of the country, so make sure to put the date in your diary.
The agenda for the event will be circulated shortly.
Thanks also to those who sponsored Andy. Sponsorship money from
our Community of Change was dropped off last weekend and he wanted
to say a big "Thank you!" to all who sponsored him both in cash and
online.
East Midlands Young People Event
"Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction
we are moving.
We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against
it.
But sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at
anchor."
'I was asked to spend time with a group of young people to
discuss and help them to understand the changes to special
educational needs and support. On the day there were about twenty
young people and six supporters. The young people's support needs
varied from some of them having Autism, some of them didn't use
words to speak, some had physical disabilities and some learning
difficulties.
Because of the shortage of time and the fact I hadn't met any of
them before, I had asked that each young person bring a
prepared poster with questions about school and leisure time. The
posters were fantastic; some had used photographs, some had drawn
wonderful pictures. As each of them introduced themselves the
posters went up on the wall, making the room colourful and
friendly. The poster gallery helped everyone to relax.
I gave a brief presentation giving an overview and highlights of
the SEND reforms. I also left easy-read versions for everyone.
After lunch we used cards to help us see what resources we had in
the room. This gave all the young people confidence and helped the
supporters to see what a wide range of things the young people were
interested in and able to do. I then split the group into two teams
and with support they designed a 'mock' radio interview, telling us
what was good about the education they had, and what worked well
etc.
We ended the day by giving each person a chance to reflect on
what they had heard during the day. This was recorded so that the
people who had commissioned the day had something to take
away.'
Lynne Elwell
West Berkshire Local Authority SENCOs: 'Looking at things from
a family's perspective'
'It was pleasure to work with a fantastic group of SENCOs in
West Berkshire. We spent the day putting our heads together and
reminding ourselves why we are doing what we're doing and
rediscovering what drives us to give the best possible to the
children we support in these challenging times. It was really
positive and vibrant day and I hope everyone got something out of
it to take away with them.'
Nikki Dalgarno
Last Updated : 12 May 2017. Page Author: philippa.barker.
