An event offering advice and information for parents, carers and professionals who care for young people with additional needs is being held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street next Wednesday (20 June).
Swindon Borough Council is hosting the Preparing for Adulthood Transitions Roadshow following the success of two previous events last year.
The event will take place between 12noon and 6pm. Preparation for the transition to adult life can start from around the age of 14 and looks at aspects such as good health, independent living, social life, employment, education and training.
Over 30 stallholders, including a number of organisations who are new to the Transitions Roadshow, will provide information and advice about the services they provide for young people who have additional needs to help them to prepare for adulthood.
There will be four presentations from experts, as follows:
- 1.15pm – 2pm – Education, Health & Care Plans
- 2.15pm – 3pm – Adult Social Care, Eligibility and Direct Payments
- 3.15pm – 4pm – Routes to Employment
- 4.15pm – 5pm – Housing Options
This Roadshow takes place during National Learning Disability Awareness Week (18 – 24 June), which this year focuses on Mencap’s ‘Treat Me Well’ campaign which wants to transform how people with a learning disability are treated in hospital.
Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and School Attainment said: “Moving away from services for children and young people into Adult Social Care and Adult Health Services, and from school into college or work, can often be daunting for all those involved. However, there are many services in Swindon which support young people and those who care for them throughout this transition, and many of these will be on-hand at the Roadshow to offer information and advice.”
Cllr Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “The Roadshow provides an excellent opportunity for parents, carers and professionals who care for a young person with additional needs to receive any extra information they may need to support the young person through transition. I hope that the event helps those who attend to feel more informed and confident.”
The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Junab Ali, will also be attending the event.
The first two Roadshows, held in March and September 2017, proved highly successful in providing parents, carers and professionals with the advice and information they needed.
More than 90 parents attended, one of whom said: “I have found the whole Roadshow enlightening, reassuring and very worthwhile. I have a considerable amount of information to take away, digest and apply about the local services and organisations which provide pathways, opportunities and experiences that can help my daughter to live as much of an independent life as possible.”
For more information about this year’s event, please visit: www.mycaremysupport.co.ukor contact Victoria Guillaume of Swindon Borough Council: VGuillaume@swindon.gov.uk
