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FREE Positive Behaviour Workshops

Following our earlier post, just a reminder that the Challenging Behaviour Foundation are hosting two workshops at Project Art Works. The workshops are in November and December, and you can read more about them HERE.

What’s been happening with the Peer Support Network?

P.A.T.H. Workshop: A number of Project Art Works artists and network members attended a workshop in late August where they learnt about a technique called PATH.

PATH stands for Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope, and is a visual planning tool. Using images and key words, you are able to rapidly capture a huge amount of information that supports aspirational thinking. The information identifies long-term goals, and records steps and support needed in order to reach those goals.

We started by finding repeatable motifs that could be drawn quickly and simply. These were then used to create a real PATH for one of the workshop attendees later that day.

We started by finding repeatable ways to draw key motifs quickly and simply, which were then used when creating a real PATH for one of the workshop attendees later that day.

We will hold future sessions where the artists who learned the process help other people create their own PATH. If you would like to discuss whether the technique could be helpful for you and someone you support, then please email [email protected] or call 01424 423555.

Decision Making / Mental Capacity Seminar: Thanks to everyone that joined us for this really informative workshop on 18th September.

Philip Warford from Renaissance Legal talked us through Power of Attorney and the legal appointment of another person to make decisions on behalf of an individual with a disability. He also talked about the Court of Protection, who they are and what they do, as well as becoming a Deputy for a disabled or vulnerable person, including the timescales and the costs.

We hope to invite them back to deliver a session on Wills and Trusts in the future. Let us know if this is a session you would be interested in attending.

At the end of the workshop, Philip mentioned Renaissance Legal’s Child Trust Fund Campaign‘ which is a campaign and petition set up in response to the UK Government’s Child Trust Fund. The fund was introduced in 2005 with the aim of ensuring every child had savings at the age of 18.

However, the planning was not properly thought through for children who are disabled and vulnerable, not least because these children may not have the mental capacity to be able to access and manage this money at the age of 18.

If they do not have the mental capacity, then their families/carers will need to apply to the Court of Protection to act as the child’s deputy. This process can cost in excess of £365, a sum which may exceed the amount held in the Child Trust Fund in the first place.

It can also be a lengthy and time consuming process, putting unnecessary pressure and hurdles on families who already live with many challenges.

You can read more about the campaign on the Renaissance Legal website, and you can view the petition, calling for a change to the system, HERE.

External events

17th October, 9.30am – 1pm: Employment Pathways Post 16 – SEND – Information Event

Join the team from Supported Employment East Sussex to find out more about the various pathways into employment for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in East Sussex. Click HERE for more information.

‘Like’ the Peer Support Network Facebook page

The Peer Support Network has its own Facebook page where we share news and discuss issues that affect the network. If you’d like an additional way to stay in the loop, then please ‘Like’ the page on Facebook.

For more information about the Peer Support Network, contact Jane Caley: [email protected] or call 01424 423555.

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