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Churchend Primary Academy

Be the best possible version of yourself

Parenting Special Children.

 

Exciting News: New Website and Logo Launch!

 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website and logo, made possible through recent funding! This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our charity, learn about our services, meet some of the team, and experience our fresh new look.

The launch event will be held both in person at Oracle, Thames Valley Business Park, Reading, and virtually for those who can't attend in person. 

Interested in Joining?
Please RSVP by September 20th to Tess:
tess@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
Please include any dietary and access requirements. For those attending in person, Tess will also need your mobile number and email address for Oracle’s visitor list. Please note that spaces are limited. 

We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you!

 

Post Separation Parenting Support Group for Mums
Did you know we have a  monthly, confidential, PSC support group for mums who have separated from an abusive partner?

 

Domestic abuse can have a damaging impact on victims and their families. The effects can be long term and across all areas of a survivor's life.

We discuss, support and signpost, covering many topics such as: SEN, Local Support Services, Contact/No-contact Issues, Narcissism, Child-to-Parent Abuse, Post-Separation Abuse, Trauma, Mental Health, Financial Issues.

For further information, or referral, please contact:
lisa@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk or katie@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
or phone 07557102623.

 
 
Celebrating 5 years!
PSC Community Support Groups

We recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of our Community Support Groups in Reading, Bracknell and Slough. Parents and carers joined Charlie and Denise from PSC for a celebration!
  • The groups provide a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and gain support with the unique challenges faced by families of children with additional needs.
 
 
 
 
 
 

For booking and further information please contact: 

Charlie Taylor on 07810 689679 or supportgroups@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
or check our website:
Community Support Groups

 
 

Buckinghamshire ADHD Course
Following the success of our first ADHD Course for Buckinghamshire families we are running another on Wednesday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd October, 7-9pm via Zoom. 

The course is a collaboration between Parenting Special Children and Brighter Futures Together, a Marlow-based not-for-profit organisation that runs a range of different projects for young people and parents/carers across Buckinghamshire.
For further information and booking click: Buckinghamshire ADHD Course
 
 

Firewalk for PSC
This November we will be holding our first ever Charity Firewalk to raise funds for PSC. Held at the Weller Centre, Caversham on 23rd November from 4pm we want as many of you as possible to show your bravery by walking on hot coals. Feel what it's like to be a warrior this winter!
For more details email:
 sarah.roy@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

 
 

Supporter 'Shout Out'
Michael Hawkins of Home Care Removals
We're incredibly grateful to Michael for his amazing support of PSC over the past few years! His efforts have been instrumental in raising thousands of pounds through the BNI Ascot Golf Day and by choosing us as his nominated charity. A massive thank you, Michael! Your dedication truly makes a difference.

Home Care Removals are a friendly, family run business with years of experience in removals. As a small business they are extremely proud to be referred to most of their clients through word of mouth and the connections they have made by moving other members of a family. The company thrive on offering an exceptional, professional service that is also personal and personalised. Home Care Removals deal with people, not just possessions. 

To find out more click: Home Care Removals

 

Autism and ADHD Service

for Parents, Carers, Children and Young People

 

Our Autism and ADHD Service is offering the following events. Details of these can be found by clicking on the titles below.

ADHD Courses

Three linked sessions for parent/carers supporting children and young people pre or post assessment for ADHD.

ADHD Course: Berkshire East
For families registered with a Berkshire East NHS area GP surgery (Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead). 
Dates: Thursday 19th and 26th September, and 3rd October, 7-9pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

ADHD Course: Berkshire West
For families registered with a Berkshire West NHS area GP surgery (Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire). 
The course for September has already started. The next course will run in October. Bookings will open soon.

ADHD Course: Buckinghamshire
For Buckinghamshire parent/carers.
Dates: Wednesday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd October, 7-9pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

 

Autism Course

Three linked sessions for parent/carers supporting children and young people pre or post assessment for Autism. 
For families registered with a Berkshire East NHS area GP surgery (Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead). 
The September course has already started. The next course will run in November. Bookings will open in mid-October.

 

Sensory Processing Workshop

A single workshop for parent/carers of children and young people who may have difficulties with Sensory Processing, whether they have received a diagnosis or not. This is a common factor for Autistic/ADHD children and young people.

For families registered with a Berkshire East NHS area GP surgery (Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead). 
Date: Wednesday 16th October, 7-8:30pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

 
ADHD: Medication, Treatment Choices and Outcomes
Two linked workshops for parents/carers led by Dr Carsten Vogt (Berkshire CAMHS Consultant).
Dates: Wednesday 6th and 13th November, 7-8.30pm. Venue: online via Zoom.
 

The A Team: Awesome Autism and ADHD

A monthly group for autistic girls (age 8 to 18 years old), who live, or attend a school, in Berkshire, to meet, socialise, have fun and try new things. Parents and carers may stay on site and attend our Autistic/ADHD Girls Parents/Carers Support Group. You can attend the support group without a child attending The A Team. 
Date: Saturday 21st September, 10am -12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church.

 
Social Confidence Course for Children and Young People
A 6 week course for young people in mainstream education, in school years 4 to 8 (year 9 may be considered) who either already have a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD or are on the Berkshire CAMHS waiting list for assessment.

This programme has been made possible due to funding from Berkshire West NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which serves Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire and is provided as part of the Berkshire West Autism and ADHD Service in partnership with Autism Berkshire

Therefore, only children who are registered with a GP surgery that is part of the Berkshire West NHS CCG will be able to access this course. 

Dates: Mondays: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th November, 2nd and 9th December, 4.30pm – 6.30pm.
Click the highlighted event title above for an application form.

 
 

We are offering the following events for Professionals. Details of these events can be found by clicking on the titles below.

Trauma and Attachment Workshops for Professionals

Supporting Children with Trauma/Insecure Attachment at School
This training will be delivered over two workshops via Zoom. 
Date: Friday 4th and 11th October, 12.30-2.30pm.
 

 

Trauma and Attachment Service

for Parents, Carers, Children and Young People

 

Our Trauma and Attachment Service is offering the following events. Details of these can be found by clicking on the titles below.

Attachment-focused Parenting/Caregiving Courses

Children with experiences of insecure attachments need a different kind of parenting/caregiving. Based on the work of respected children and family practitioners from across the world, we offer three different Attachment Focused Parenting/Caregiving courses for parents/carers of children affected by trauma through adverse childhood experiences. 

Attachment-focused Re-Parenting Course for Birth Parents/Families
The course runs on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12pm on the following dates: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd October, break for Half Term, 6th, 13th and 20th November. Venue: online via Zoom.

Attachment-focused Caregiving Course: Adopters, Foster Carers and Kinship Carers
The course runs on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12pm on the following dates: 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th October, break for Half Term, 7th, 14th and 21st November. Venue: online via Zoom.

 

Attachment-focused Sleep Workshops 

Sleep Well Workshop (Trauma Informed)
For adopters, foster carers, kinship carers, and birth parents of children and young people affected by early life trauma.
Date: Friday 27th September, 10am-12.30pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

 

Let's Get Creative (inc Adopters Support Group)

A monthly group for adopted children (age 5 -13), with the aim of building social skills through various forms of art. Includes an informal adopters support group.
Parents and Carers are required to stay for the duration of the session in the room next door where we hold an informal support group. Parents/Carers are welcome to attend the support group without a child attending Let’s Get Creative.
Date: Saturday 5th October, 10am-12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church. Future dates: 2nd November, 7th December.

Let's Get Creative (inc Kinship Carers Support Group)

A monthly group for children (age 5-12), who live with Kinship/Connected Carers and/or Special Guardians, with the aim of building social skills through various forms of art. 
Carers are required to stay for the duration of the session in the room next door where we hold an informal support group. Carers are welcome to attend the support group without a child attending Let’s Get Creative. 
Date: Saturday 28th September, 10am-12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church. Future dates: 12th October, 9th November, 14th December.

 

Dads and Male Carers Support Group

A group for male carers (Adoptive Parents, Foster Carers and Kinship Carers) who are parenting/caring for children who have experienced developmental trauma and/or have special needs.
Date: Tuesday 17th September, 7:30-9:30pm. Venue: Emmanuel Church Centre, Reading. Future dates: 8th Oct, 12th Nov, 10th Dec.

 
Post Separation Parenting Support Group for Mums
A monthly, confidential, support group for mums who have separated from an abusive partner.
Date: Friday 11th October, 10am-12pm. Venue: Reading. Futures dates: 15th November, 13th December.
For further information, or referral, please contact:
lisa@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk or katie@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk or phone 07557102623.
 
 

Sleep Service

for Parents, Carers, Children and Young People

 

Our Sleep Service is offering the following events. Details of these can be found by clicking on the titles below.

Sleep Course for Parents/Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs: Berkshire West

For families registered with a Berkshire West NHS area GP surgery (Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire). 
Date: Monday 30th September, 7-9pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

Sleep Course for Parents/Carers of Children and Young People with Additional Needs: Berkshire East

For families registered with a Berkshire East NHS area GP surgery (Bracknell Forest, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead). 
Date: Monday 7th October, 7-9pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

 

Sleep Well Workshop (Trauma Informed) 

For adopters, foster carers, kinship carers, and birth parents of children and young people affected by early life trauma.
Date: Friday 27th September, 10am-12.30pm. Venue: online via Zoom.

 

Sleep Tips for Children and Young People (age 8+): On Demand Presentation

A 12 minute presentation for children and young people (age 8+).

Sleep for Teens: On Demand Presentation

A 40 minute presentation for parent/carers to share with teenagers.

 

Parenting Programmes

for Parents and Carers

 

Our Parenting Service is offering the following events. Links to details of these can be found by clicking on the titles below.

Time Out for Special Needs

A course for parents/carers who have children and young people with Special Educational Needs who live, or attend a school, in the West Berkshire Council area.
This course will include a session dedicated to sleep difficulties. Creche available.
Dates: Tuesdays from 9.30-11.30am: 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd October, break for half term, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th November. Venue: Calcot and East Family Hub.

 

“Who’s in Charge?” - Child/Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (APVA)

An 8 week course providing a therapeutic approach for parents/carers of children and young people (aged 8 – 16) who are violent or aggressive.

This course is for parents/carers with a child who lives or attends a school in the following local authority areas: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham.

We will have a course available for West Berkshire families in Jan/Feb 2025.

Dates: Monday evenings: 7-9pm: 30th September, 7th, 14th, 21st October, break for half term, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November. (Follow up session: expected Feb/Mar 2025). Venue: online via Zoom.
 

 

Support Groups
for Parents and Carers

 
PSC now runs a number of Support Groups across Berkshire. 

Adopters Support Group
The support group runs alongside the Let's Get Creative sessions. You don't have to have a child attending Let's Get Creative in order to attend the support group.
Date: Saturday 5th October, 10am-12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church. Future dates: 2nd November, 7th December.
 
Kinship Carers Support Group
The support group runs alongside the Let's Get Creative sessions. You don't have to have a child attending Let's Get Creative in order to attend the support group.
Kinship carers are family members or friends who end up looking after a child because their parents aren’t able to care for them due to any reason, for example bereavement, imprisonment, ill health, drug or alcohol misuse etc. 
Date: Saturday 28th September, 10am-12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church. Future dates: 12th October, 9th November, 14th December.
 
Autistic/ADHD Girls Parent/Carer Support Group
The support group runs alongside The A Team: Awesome Autism and ADHD sessions. You don't have to have a child attending The A Team in order to attend the support group. 
Date: Saturday 21st September, 10am -12pm. Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church.
 
Community Support Groups
We have support groups in Bracknell, Reading and Slough. Please contact Charlie Taylor on 07810 689679 or supportgroups@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

Bracknell:
 Thursdays, 12.30-2.30pm on 26th September, 24th October, 28th November and 12th December. Venue: Great Hollands Community Centre.

Reading: Fridays, 9.15-11.15am on 20th September, 11th October, 15th November and 13th December. Venue: South Reading Community Hub.

Slough: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm on 23rd October, 13th November and 4th December 2024. Venue: Farnham Common Village hall.
 
Dads and Male Carers Support Group
A support group for birth fathers and male carers (adoptive parents, foster carers and kinship carers) who are parenting/caring for children who have experienced developmental trauma and/or have special needs. 
Date: Tuesday 17th September, 7:30-9:30pm.
Future dates: 8th Oct, 12th Nov, 10th Dec.
Venue: Emmanuel Church Centre, Reading.
 
Post Separation Parenting Support Group for Mums
A monthly, confidential, support group for mums who have separated from an abusive partner.
Date: Friday 11th October, 10am-12pm. Venue: Reading. Futures dates: 15th November, 13th December.
For further information, or referral, please contact:
lisa@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk or katie@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk or phone 07557102623.
 
 
 

The Diagnosis Support & Helpline Service offers one to one support, signposting and information to families who have recently received a diagnosis for their child/young person or are awaiting an assessment.

This service can support parent/carers in a variety of ways:

  • - A pre-booked telephone consultation
  • - Ring our Helpline
  • - E-mail conversation
  • - Face to face meetings

We aim to help parent/carers on a 1:1 personal level by:

  • - Offering understanding and support at an emotional and often frustrating time
  • - Reducing parental loneliness and self-blame
  • - Building up the self-esteem of the parent/carer by offering knowledge, useful tips and strategies to manage behaviour
  • - Signposting families to other local and national services
  • - Offering several ways of contacting the service when convenient for the parent/carer (phone, text, email, Social Media)

To access the Diagnosis Support and Helpline Service, please contact us.

 

 

 

 

We are running the following events face-to-face or online via Zoom. They are free for Berkshire families or at a nominal cost. Some events have a small number of tickets available for non-Berkshire families. Please click on the highlighted event title for further information and to book.

*Please note that due to changes in our funding some events have restrictions by location. Please make sure you book the correct ticket*

 

 

 

Events This Week

Sleep: Autism and ADHD - Berkshire West
For families registered with a Berkshire West NHS GP surgery (Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire local authority areas).
The workshop will cover: Children’s sleep cycles and sleep needs, The reasons behind night settling and night waking, Strategies to feel less stressed when sleep training, Strategies for settling your child to sleep, and staying asleep.
Tuesday 14th May, 7-9pm via Zoom.

 

 

 

Dads and Male Carers Support Group
For birth fathers and male carers (adoptive, foster and kinship families) of children who have experienced trauma and/or have special needs.
Tuesday 14th May, 7.30-9.30pm.
Venue: Emmanuel Church Centre, South Lake Crescent, Woodley RG5 3QW.

 

 

 

Attachment-focused Re-Parenting Course for Birth Parents/Families
This 7 week course is aimed at birth parents/families of children affected by trauma through adverse childhood experiences like domestic violence, family break-up, bereavement, parental mental health issues and/or substance misuse. It has attachment theory underpinning all modules.
The course runs on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12pm on the following dates: 15th and 22nd May, break for Half Term, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 3rd July. Via Zoom.

 

 

 

Who’s in Charge? Child/Adolescent to Parent Violence & Abuse - Berkshire
For parents/carers with a child who lives or attends a school in the following local authority areas: Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham. The course provides a therapeutic approach for families of children and young people with special needs (aged 8 – 18) who are violent or aggressive.
Wednesday evenings: 7-9pm: 15th and 22nd May, (break for half term), 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June, 3rd and 10th July. (Follow up session: expected Sep/Oct 2024). Via Zoom.

 

 

 

Attachment-focused Parenting/Caregiving Course: Adopters, Foster Carers and Kinship Carers
The course has attachment theory underpinning all topics. It is set up for families living in Berkshire or parents/carers of Berkshire children. There are limited spaces for non-Berkshire families.
The course runs on Thursday mornings between 10am and 12pm on the following dates: 16th and 23rd May, break for Half Term, 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th June, 4th July. Via Zoom.

 

 

 

Community Parent/Carer Support Group: Bracknell
A support group for family members who have children/young people with additional needs living within the community of Bracknell. Children welcome under parent supervision. Refreshments provided. *Please note we are a dairy free setting*.
Thursday 16 May, 12.30-2.30pm.
Venue: Great Hollands Community Centre.

 

 

 

The A Team: Awesome Autism/ADHD (inc Girls Parent/Carer Support Group)
For Autistic and/or ADHD girls (age 8-18) who live, or attend a school, in Berkshire. We have a few tickets for non-Berkshire girls. Parents and carers may stay on site and attend our Autistic/ADHD Girls Parents/Carers Support Group. You can attend the support group without a child attending The A Team. 
Topic: Boardgames and Crafts.
Saturday 18th May, 10am-12pm.
Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church.

 

 

 

Events Next Week

 

Lets Get Creative! Kinship Families: Age 5-12 (inc Kinship Carers Group)
A monthly group for children (age 5-12) who live with Kinship/Connected Carers and/or Special Guardians, including an informal carer support group. You can attend the support group without a child attending Let's Get Creative.
Saturday 25th May, 10am-12 noon.
Venue: Lower Earley Baptist Church.

 

 

 

Places Still Available

 

Social Interaction Group for Children and Young People: School Years 4 to 8
The course is for young people in mainstream education (school years 4-8, though year 9 may be considered) who either already have a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD or are on the Berkshire CAMHS waiting list for assessment, and are registered with a Berkshire West NHS GP surgery (Reading, West Berkshire, Wokingham).
Aim: To develop the confidence and emotional well being of young people through meeting regularly with peers and exploring the social world together. The course will focus on issues including knowing ourselves, friendships, self-esteem, independence and self advocacy.
Mondays: 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th June, 1st and 8th July
Venue: Tilehurst Youth and Community Centre.

 

 

 

ADHD Course: Buckinghamshire
For Buckinghamshire parent/carers supporting children and young people with ADHD.
Session 1: Introduction to ADHD: What is ADHD?, Challenges & concerns, Strengths and opportunities, Signposting to support.
Session 2: Anxiety and ADHD: What is anxiety?, What is the relationship between ADHD and anxiety, Coping strategies for children/young people and parents/carers.
Session 3: Managing ADHD Behaviours: Attention Deficit Behaviours, Hyperactive Behaviours, Impulsive Behaviours, Behaviour Management Strategies
Thursday 6th, 13th and 20th June (3 linked sessions), 7-9pm via Zoom.

 

 

 

Sensory Processing Workshop
A single workshop open to all parents/carers. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis in order for you to attend this event.
The workshop will cover: What is Sensory Processing?, Unpicking the science behind Sensory Processing, Sensory overload, sensory seeking behaviour – what does this mean?, Strategies to support child/young person better and manage levels of sensory arousal.
Tuesday 9th July, 7-8.30pm, via Zoom.

 

 

 

ON DEMAND PRESENTATIONS

 

Sleep Tips for Children and Young People (age 8+)

A 12 minute presentation for children and young people (age 8+). Available to view on demand. £2 per download.

Sleep Tips for Teens

A 40 minute presentation for teenagers who struggle with their sleep. 

Available to view on demand. £4 per download.

 

 

 

PSC are working in partnership with Autism Berkshire to provide Autism and ADHD related support under the 'Berkshire West Autism and ADHD Service'. You can see additional events provided by Autism Berkshire here.

For additional events provided by GEMS, the Berkshire East Autism and ADHD Support Service, please click here.

 

 

 

For help and advice or if you just need to talk:

 

Helpline and Diagnosis Support Service (Mon – Thur, 10am – 2.30pm)
Tel: 0118 9863532, email: helpline@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

Trauma and Attachment Service
Tel: 07557 102623, email: tas@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

Sleep Service
Email: sleep@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

Community Support Groups
Tel: 07810 689679, email: supportgroups@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

For any other enquiries please email admin@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk 

 

 

 

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