Birmingham Parents and Carers Group, 2008

Birmingham Parents and Carers group leader Debi Stableford, with other project group leaders at the Parent Support Project seminar

The Birmingham North group were one of the ten groups chosen to participate in the TreeHouse Constructive Campaigning: Parent Support Project (PSP) in the summer of 2006. Since the start of the project the Birmingham North group have made excellent progress by campaigning constructively in Local Authority area, on issue of transition.

We are pleased to announce that the Birmingham Parents and Carers group has taken over these excellent campaigning efforts, and will be working with the Constructive Campaigning Parent Support Project from now forward.

This is an exciting development for TreeHouse PSP and parents and carers in Birmingham. The aim of the Birmingham Parents and Carers group is to work with stakeholders to plan for service improvement in autism education, focusing on the issue of school exclusions.

Parenting Plus - A brighter future for parents and carers in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council demonstrated it's commitment to working with parents by hosting Parenting Plus – a brighter future for parents and carers on 15th May 2008. The conference aimed to develop Birmingham’s parent support strategy, and promote positive messages about parenting via information and discussion.

Debi Stableford the Birmingham Parents and Carers group leader was a speaker at the afternoon workshop ‘Engaging Parents’. Debi's presentation stressed the importance of valuing parents. Debi discussed the positive experiences of parents who have joined the local parents views count BESD work stream, stating they felt ‘welcome and respected throughout’. The concept of parents as experts was also covered, advocating that parents and professionals should work together sharing knowledge, for the benefit of children and young people with autism in Birmingham.

The event was highly successful, and attended by a range of parents, carers and professionals.

Autsim Charity Show - Kidzlikedanny 8

Birmingham North Autistic Support Group held an autism charity show at the Holy name centre club Birmingham, on 7^th March 08. This quality night of music played host to bands and artists involved in the Kidzlikedanny CD 1, and up and coming bands and acoustic acts featured on Kidzlikedanny CD 2. The event was a great sucess with all attendees receiving a free CD. For more information email kidzlikedanny or visit the kidzlikedanny webpage.