Telford and Wrekin - Parents Open Doors (PODS)

Hello, I am Alice Hirst. I am pleased to introduce myself as the Parent Participation Project (PPP) Officer for your region. I came into post at the end of June 2009 and am looking forward to working in partnership with parents and the local authority to enhance parent participation locally.

PPP is keen to work with parents and carers to support the development of parent participation in Telford & Wrekin and we really want to hear your ideas and feedback on what would make a difference locally; such as training courses, networking events, information days etc. For further information about the project and to share your views please do not hesitate to contact me on 07545 697 307 or email me on ahirst@treehouse.org.uk

I look forward to hearing your ideas!

Already established in Telford and Wrekin are Parents Open Doors (PODS). PODS aim is for parents and carers to have a voice in how services for disabled children are shaped and delivered locally.

Are YOU interested in:

• Finding out more about local service developments and how they affect your children?
• Sharing your views with other parents and professionals?
• Getting involved through consultation and participation?

If the answer is YES, find out more . . . .

If you would like to become a member of the Telford and Wrekin Forum it is FREE to join and you can be involved as much or as little as you feel able. Please download the PODS leaflet for our memberships form or telephone: 01952 457439.  You can also contact PODS by mail: PODS, c/o Parent Partnership Service, The Poplars, Lightmoor, Telford, TF4 3QN

Or email: julie@parentpartnershipshropshireandtelford.org.uk or visit the Shropshire and Telford Parent Partnership website

PODS For me by Julie Stafford  PODS member

'We are a group of parents with children with additional needs who want to contribute to the quality of life and provision for disabled children and their parents locally.

We also want to be actively involved in the process on how services for children with disabilities and additional needs in Telford & Wrekin can be improved and developed.

We are a diverse group of parents offering different gifts and skills to PODS. Some of us are very vocal who wish to act as champions for parents with children with disabilities who wish to publicly address genuine needs and concerns. Others are good at speaking out, listening to fellow parents and sharing views and concerns with others.

We all have vast life and professional experience who believe in fostering an inclusive forum for support in an atmosphere full of laughter, mutual support and genuine care for one another. We just want to do are part in making a difference to children with disabilities in the Borough.'

Recent PODS developments by Debbie Gibbon (Parent Partnership Manager)

Parent Partnership service are extremely pleased to announce they have been awarded phase two Aiming High Money from the DCSF for this year. The money is dedicated to parent participation.

This is in recognition to all the hard work of Julie and our parents of PODS. We secured phase one money for January to March which saw the birth of PODS. I would like to thank all of those parents both the very active ones and  all of those who have taken part in any way for their dedication, expertise and energy!

I look forward to working alongside you for this next year. This is a huge achievement and you should all be very proud!

Some of the things PODS have identified to spend the money on include:

• an annual event for parents –conference event
• workshops/Training for parents to increase awareness of how to participate   
• parents sat on steering groups helping to make decisions
• recruitment of more parents
• roadshows to enable parents within existing communities to participate

PODS have already been involved with consultation locally about SEN provision within the Borough and are working on a letter, which will go out to parents. They are being asked to look at the wording and the content.
PODS have already been consulted about short breaks.  
PODS have already been involved nationally with putting their points of view forward to the OFSTED SEN review.

This is on top of the day job caring for their beautiful children!

To find out what the Telford branch of the National Autistic Society have been up to in November, their most recent newsletter is available to read here.