Makaton in February

I’ve decided to make February the month we focus on food signs in my weekly Makaton video. Last week there was a focus on fruit and vegetables. This week it is all about the curry.

I’m having problems deciding where to film my makaton videos, so you’ll notice lots of different places until I find the perfect spot!

My videos are posted on my social media pages (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). And this week I learnt how to share my YouTube video onto my Twitter page. Slow steps but I really feel this is the year we all up our IT game. I mean my parents are even doing online banking now, for goodness sake!

The current filming set up for this weeks makaton video. The box of creme eggs were essential, thank goodness I brought them ;-)

Hello February

I started February supporting C (a young child with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities - PMLD) to explore different textures. She made it very clear which ones she liked to touch and the ones she did not ended up on the floor. The cord one was definitely her favourite and she passed it between both her hands and held on it.

One of the other young people I support who also has PMLD and a degenerative condition, showed me old school video from when she was around 7 years of age. It was great to see her and see what she could do but it was tinged with sadness at what she had lost. However her family loved sharing stories with me and it gave me, as a carer, a better insight into their journey and why her siblings do the things they do. Having a sibling with such complex needs is an emotional roller coaster and I think the siblings struggle the hardest as they are children themselves and trying to learn, develop and understand in a unique set of circumstances.

In other news, the cat only managed to interrupt one zoom session this week. Thank goodness! I absolutely love supporting young people with learning disabilities and I’m so fortunate that the staff and family members supporting the individuals are absolutely amazing. The sessions focus on wellbeing and our feelings but I take a light hearted approach and try to make them relaxed and funny. This is as much for the staff and family members as it is the young people as this is such a trying time. Next week is my last week before half term and I’m going to take a few days off as I need to sort out my work space and give my house a ‘proper’ clean. You know the one where you pull everything out and clean everything rather than just the middle? Well, I need to do one of those.

Other than this, the week has plodded on with the usuals; me trying to get the cat to take his medication, me trying to not drink lots of cups of coffee each day and not chip my nail varnish (instant fail so had to be removed).

I’d like to finish with the wise words from the legend that is Captain Sir Tom Moore:

“For all those who are finding it difficult at the moment; the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away”. RIP

Lady C exploring lots of different textures…..with both hands!

Nail varnish at the ready - but it was only on my nails for 5 minutes!!

January finally ended

I know everyone is saying it; but my goodness, January 2021 was the longest month ever!

I thought I’d take this opportunity to reflect on the last month. At the moment it is easy to get swept up in the anxiety and uncertainty of the current situation. These feelings are all valid and genuine, but for me, I need to have a break from these and force myself to focus on the things I have achieved and the successes of the past month.

So, I’ve learnt to develop my skills around zoom, PowerPoint and iMovie. My best friend is my personal IT consultant as she’s brilliant at all things computery but I think I’ve exhausted her as she’s been telling me to ‘look it up on YouTube’ or ‘google it’. I mean, who can blame her, I have 100 questions an hour! As a result I’ve been busy searching for things on YouTube to develop my skills. Sometimes I’m not sure how to do things……but it works out well in the end……and then I struggle to remember what I did. Or I spend ages trying to learn something and then figure out what I need to do is sooooo easy to achieve that I end up laughing at my own ridiculousness!

I’m most proud of my evolving zoom and filming skills. I’ve learnt to share a screen and play a video. And now I even know how to ensure everyone else can hear it too! My success rate on sharing a screen is around 50% but I’m hoping February will see this improve. I’m not sure how long I can expect others to be patient of my limited skills so here’s hoping they get better asap.

I’ve also started sharing some videos on YouTube but this is very early days and now I’m phaffing about ‘good light’ and ‘overcast days’. As the days get lighter for longer I’m hoping to get better at making short videos around Makaton signs and topics of interest……..I’ve got to remember to film in landscape as it looks better on social media. If only I could remember. But I’m enjoying making signing videos and sharing knowledge. I even did one in the car, in the snow and ice. That drew some stares from people walking past I can tell you!

Looking into February…….I’m hopeful that the days being lighter for longer will help everyone start to feel a bit better. Sun light is amazing at helping us feel a little better. And, of course, I have my IT skills to improve……..so watch this space!!

Take care and stay safe

Hello February - you’ve been greatly anticipated for!

Harvey and Me

Last night I settled down to watch ‘Harvey and Me’ on BBC1. I expected to enjoy the programme and I thought I could guess what I would see. However, how wrong was I!!

The hour long programme follows Harvey Price as he and his Mum, Katie Price, prepare for adulthood and life after special school. Having been a Transition Manager for a local authority this process is very close to my heart and one I remain passionate about. I am keen for families and their son/daughter to have access to high quality information early on in the process and I am totally dedicated to the voice and aspirations of the young person be heard and responded to. After all, this is their life and they have to live so doing things that are important to them is vital.

Harvey is an amazing young man with complex needs. But what was even more amazing was Katie Price and her other children. They all accepted Harvey for who he is and accepted that at times they had to adapt things or their behaviours to meet his needs. Harvey was being shown residential colleges which could be a post school option for him. It’s fair to say that there are many excellent provisions around the country that see the needs of young people with complex needs. Some people can have their education package created locally whereas as others have to move away. I was very lucky, the local authority I worked in had a Broker who would create bespoke packages of education for young people that could not attend a local college, even with additional support. A lot of families I supported did not want their children to stay away from home due to their religious and/or cultural beliefs so this lead the drive for local packages. However residential colleges definitely have their place in the pool of options available to young people and I have been fortunate enough to visit some amazing ones.

But back to Harvey…..

Anyone who knows me, knows I am as passionate and enthusiastic about supporting children and adults with severe learning disabilities, as I was when I was 18 (and I’m now 41). Watching Harvey and his friend at the train station chat about their favourite train line, repeat the announcements and appear genuinely happy, just feels my heart with warmth. These two young men are so pure and organic in their presentation and conduct. They say and do what they want and are not under the pressure of expected norms (well it seemed this way although I could be wrong). This made their conversations and reactions so pure and engaging.

What was very clear was whoever supports Harvey going forwards will be a lucky team as he’s a great young man with loads of personality and potential. And Katie will never stop worrying, advocating, protecting and ensuring doors don’t bang, for her son.

I wish Harvey, Katie and the children at home all the very best x

The cat and zoom

Well! What can I say……? My cat disgraced himself on Thursday during my zoom session. The session is one fo my favourites; Girls Group. This week we were talking about our periods and sanitary towel placement in our underwear. My kitchen table was covered in knickers, sanitary towels and wrappers. During the session my cat (who is 16 years old and going deaf as well as being a diva) demanded attention. So to silence him I picked him up and held him. This worked for a short time as we was quiet and the students were responding well to the discussions. Suddenly Georgie (my cat) jumped onto the table and then panicked. He had managed to get a sanitary towel stuck to his paw and was meowing. He jumped off the table……with the sanitary towel stuck to him. The students and staff, unfortunately witnessed this scene and were shouting at me “he’s got a sanitary towel stuck to him”!!! Georgie ran around the kitchen until his paw was free and then he quickly left for the safety of the sofa. Meanwhile, I tried (and failed) to remain professional…….

Another day. Another zoom. Another cat bing a diva.

Take care and stay safe everyone!

In the middle of all this landed my cat……..

Back on zoom

Well this week has seen my sessions return to zoom, but not just me sitting in my kitchen and the students and staff at school……….oh no! We are zooming in from my kitchen, school, people’s lounges, hallways and kitchens. I was a nervous wreck trying to figure out how to make everything work and trying to me ‘interesting’. Talking of being interesting I failed in one session as a student fell asleep at home! I found the funny side but I’m hoping to pop my game next week and maybe the student will stay awake for some of the session: fingers crossed!

So I don’t think my sessions were interesting but it was good to know who was zooming in and what their expectations were. Next week I’m introducing signing to music and Kim’s Game as well as getting the students to search for a fruit or vegetable in their house. Well, that’s the plan anyway……..

And of course Girls Group is back!!! I love facilitating Girls Group and we are back to talking about our periods again. That and Tok Tok…….obviously.

I’ve also discovered a great PMLD YouTube channel called Jen-Sory which I’ve been using with one of my young people to engage her at home. Jen is clearly an amazing practitioner who provides short videos with a focus on stimulating individuals with PMLD (Profound & Multiple Learning Disabilities). This week we’ve been on a Winter Walk with Jen which was great and thoroughly loved by the young person I’m supporting.

This weeks disaster was the 3 ingredient brownies I made……..oh they were dry and very thin. Clearly using the wrong tin and leaving them in the oven too long did not help!! Ooooops oh dear. Better luck next time.

I think that’s it for now. I’m clearly effected by my insomnia as my mind has gone completely blank……

See you next week and take care. Remember you can only do your best.

Take care and stay safe x

3 ingredient brownie DISASTER!

Getting my zoom on! I’m so happy to be back supporting the students.

And these arrived too and I want everything!!!

Not what was planned!

This week turned out to be not what was planned and I’m not even talking about COVID! I had made a plan where on a Monday evening I would bake something for my new 3-ingredient series and on a Tuesday I would film my weekly Makaton video. However, all the best laid plans and all that…..I ended up at the emergency on Monday evening and on the phone Tuesday evening. So my cooking remains in the cupboard but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to do this tomorrow……..

The cat is ok now, but I’ve got to find new and creative ways to get his medication in him. He’s 16 years old and knows all the tricks so this should be interesting.

I’ve spent the week preparing resources for my zoom sessions. However these will now be starting next week due to the country going into Lockdown 3. Next week I’ll be sitting in my kitchen doing my my zoom sessions but it won’t just be with a class in school, it will also be with the young people learning from home too. I’m excited, nervous and terrified in equal measure about this. This time last year I had never heard of zoom, and now I’m using it daily and getting better at screen sharing. What would I do without zoom now? It’s an essential part of my tool-kit.

I’ve been very aware that my previous videos have been quite poor quality so I’ve brought a small ring light to see if I can improve my videos. I have no training in this at all so it’s all guess work and constructive feedback from my best friend and my brother. Apparently having the camera level is a good place to start……if only I knew!! LOL. I’ve been practising filming this week. I never knew how often I touched my face…..it’s constant. If it’s. not my face, I’m pushing up my glasses or tucking my hair behind my ear. I never knew! It’s so annoying. My brother has suggested I set up a YouTube channel to put my videos onto. This will be a good accessible space to share the videos and hopefully I’ll be able to link them to my website (I need to speak to Josie about this). I’ve got big ideas but no skills to implement them!

So, if tomorrow goes to plan I’ll have a YouTube channel and be eating my 3 ingredient chocolate brownies by bedtime. Watch this space…….

COVID has hit me hard this week; the grandparent of one of the profoundly disabled and medically complex young people I support has died of the virus. My thoughts and love go out to the family at this devastating time.

Take care everyone and stay safe

Hello! It’s me and here’s to another good week……

Getting ready for zoom with my lip balm and hand cream always close by.

Busy packing up resources for the new term of zoom sessions.

All packed up and ready to deliver to school.

And now I have a light ring- no idea how to use it but I’m learning…..

2021

Well, it’s finally arrived and we are now in 2021. The year we never thought would arrive has and I’m optimistic for a good one going forwards. I’ve got lots of ideas for my business and for my personal life and home, so I’m eager to get going.

My current plan is to write something on my blog every week. I’m going to aim for a Friday as I think a weekly round up might be a good idea and interesting to read……then again, maybe not! But I’ll give it a whirl and see how I get on.

Business wise I’m looking at developing my signing and uploading a weekly Makaton video. This will usually be on a Tuesday and will hopefully encourage us all to sign more to develop our communication skills with makaton users. I am also thinking of exploring my thoughts around sensory pencil cases further and seeing where that takes me. I’ll keep you posted.

But for now, on the first day of the year, I’m glad to be at home with my cat and drinking hot chocolate as it’s blinking freezing outside!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL (and remember to be you!).

Take care ands stay safe

Blinking freezing……..brrrrrrrrrr

3 ingredient Frittata

As you know, I love meals that have 3 ingredients. On Friday, S and I made frittata for lunch. It was so tasty and so easy to make I thought I’d share it on here in case anyone else wants to try it.

You will need (equipment):

1. 1x rectangular loaf tin (non-stick)

2. 2x dessert bowl

3. 1x fork

4. 1x grater

5. 1x sieve

6. 1x small plate

You will need (food):

• 6x eggs

• 1cup frozen veg (e.g. sweetcorn, peas, onions)

• 60g cheese

Method:

Turn the oven to 200.

Put water in the kettle and boil.

Put the frozen vegetables into the dessert bowl.

Cover with boiling water and leave it to stand.

Next, break the eggs into the other dessert bowl.

Whisk the eggs with a fork.

Pour the eggs into the loaf tin.

Drain the vegetables over the sink with the sieve.

Tip the vegetables onto the eggs and mix with the fork.

Grate the cheese onto the plate.

Scatter the grated cheese over the eggs and vegetables.

Put the loaf tin into the oven and leave for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes take the loaf tine out the oven and leave it to cook for around 10 minutes.

Turn off the oven

The frittata will be ready to eat whenever you are. You can tip it out the loaf tin and cut it into slices to serve with salad and new potatoes, or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea (just as S did).

Happy cooking!

As you can see, we used a tin liner as I had one left, but these are not necessary.

Delicious!

Enjoying the last of the summer sun

Last weekend was beautiful and I was working with an amazing little girl who will be 6 soon. How fast time goes! I have been supporting her since she was 2 years old and it’s literally flown by. Anyway…….I’m digressing……

So, what with the beautiful weather, we decided to spend some time in the garden and get our feet out. I’m a fan of washing up bowls. They are so versatile. I use them for water play, sorting, carrying things, painting, and stuff. So I placed a sheet of paper in the bowl and dolloped some paint on it. Then I added C’s feet. I let her explore freely the different textures of the paint, paper and bowl. C was shocked, initially, by the cold paint but then really got into it. She was moving her feet independently and making some amazing images on paper. I kept swapping the paper and then added more paint to the bowl. After a while I removed the paper and added glitter to the bowl. C loved this and was very animated in her exploration of the different textures.

As we were outside there were lots of different sounds too; vehicles, planes, birds, children in the other gardens, and so on. C loved this and was laughing and having a great time.

We then had water play with some beautiful smelling soap whilst I washed the paint off her feet and legs (and leggings - luckily it’s washable paint: phew!). C loved kicking and splashing in the water.

We had such a lovely afternoon and unsurprisingly she had a good nap later on :-)

Happy painting and creating!

Only just started and there’s paint up her legs!

You can never have enough glitter……..although I kept finding it for days for after

The cleaning process begins……

Drying off and getting ready for a nap

Welcome September

September always feels like a fresh start to me; a time to reflect on the past few months and then plan ahead for the next few. This year is no different but how things are undertaken are slightly different, to say the least!

My main focus at the moment is working towards greater work-life balance by January 2021. This is including a focus on updating and relaunching my website, creating different sensory resource packs to sell and some focus on craft for wellbeing (my own and others). As you know, my best friend is my IT guru so she’ll definitely be helping me with this.

I’m also thinking of the new academic year and Girls Group sessions. I’m currently working on a ‘Chatter Bag’. My idea is that it’s a bag which contacts questions and pictures which the young people can discuss, answer and explore together to help support their conversation skills. I tend to find that some girls are great at this whilst others need more structure and guidance to develop their skills in this area. Once I’ve finished it I’ll share it on here and go through each activity.

Finally, did anyone watch Panorama last week on SEND support in schools and COVID? I’m really interested to hear your thoughts………? The confusion and complication to families seemed overwhelming and clearly added to a very stressful home life. The local authority staff seemed over worked and clearly not enough of them as things were taking time and mistakes were being made in written reports. It seemed very unfair to the children with SEND that needed support to access learning and prepare for adulthood.

So, I’ll be back soon with short and sweet blogs as a record of what I’m doing……

Bye for now

My new essential accessory - I prefer the reusable face masks as they are washable and good for the environment. Win win!

It’s a good month

Be a Voice of Positivity: I’m really trying to be. What you out out into the universe, you get back.

Thinking about activities for Girls Group and building self-confidence and self-esteem in young people with SEND.

2020 has caused a lot of young people with SEND to become distressed and confused which has lead to them being distressed. This is helping support one young man.

Paddling Pool 'fun'

As it’s been really hot recently, I decided to get a paddling pool as one of the children I support absolutely loves water. I am signed up to Amazon Prime so within 24hrs a fabulous paddling pool arrived…….but due to my enthusiasm in ordering the pool, I forgot to get a pump. With much determination I decided to blow the pool up with my own set of lungs. It took several hours as I had to keep stopping to recover and return to a normal colour again. But eventually it was inflated. Well, sort of anyway. It was going to have to do!

The child loved it. As he likes to keep returning to activities I let him fill up the paddling pool. He set up a succession of watering cans which water had to be poured from one into another before finally reaching the paddling pool. We then put a small amount of washing up liquid in and we washed the toys and then without warning he jumped in and sat down……still in his clothes. Fortunately his family are amazing and know what he’s like!! He had so much fun splashing and playing that it was definitely money well spent. He spent 2 hours playing with water……the whole time he was ‘supported’ by the cat. Their relationship is beautiful, even though they’re not 100% sure of each other. Animals are so understanding.

And finally, the emptying of the paddling pool……..did we pull the specially designed plug at the bottom? Absolutely not! We turned the pool over and I ended up soaking wet too, along with the towels. The cat moved ta speed so remained dry. LOL

Once the weather warms up again I’ll definitely have the paddling pool out again. But (and I know you know this) I never left the child alone with the water. I was with him the whole time and then the water was tipped away for safety.

Happy Paddling-Pooling!

Who would order a paddling pool and not the pump……..Ooooops

It started so well…….

The cat enjoys his role as life-guard and takes it all in his stride

Crochet for wellbeing

As we entered March and the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the UK, I focussed on balls of wool. Because that’s what I do when things get a bit too much and my anxiety levels start to rise. So I took to my crochet hook with gusto and even though I’ve been incredibly lucky and been working full time, I’ve still found time to crochet.

I start making a blanket which is now know as my ‘covid-19 blanket’, it was made using up all my odd balls of wool and I used them in a sort of rainbow way……sort of, but now quite. This blanket turned out to be really big and will great to snuggle under and watch telly when the evenings get darker.

I then decided to make a blanket for one of the young people I’m supporting who may be moving home soon. When I asked her if she liked it she replied ‘no’ which made me laugh. I absolutely love the honesty and clarity that comes from supporting children and young people with learning disabilities. Where else are you guaranteed a direct answer……..whether you want it or not? LOL To be fair, she does now have the blanket on her bed so I don’t think she minds it really ;-)

I’ve been using multi-coloured wool to make a large granny square which I then use of children’s laps or feet boxes to support sensory sessions. These are great and so resourceful (and easy to wash and dry). I’ve used them loads recently and I’m going to make one for my friend’s baby who will be 1 in August, as part of a sensory bag. I’m planning on using bells, bubble wrap, foam to enhance the tactile sensory experience.

And finally, in a quest to be green (and I’d seen it on Pinterest and Crochet by Lauren) I made a reusable swiffy cloth thingy. And it works. And it washed really well and still worked! So I’m looking to make a few more over 2020, but I’ve got some cushions to make first for my arbour…….oh yes, I have a seat arbour and I love it but it obviously needs cushions, fairy lights and bunting…..obviously. But more of that another time.

Keep crafting for wellbeing - it’s proven to support your mental health and I am testament to it. So Happy Crafting!

And so my ‘covid-19 blanket’ begins

Crocheting with the cat in my pjs - I’m so rock n roll ;-)

I love the different colours and textures of each wool. It really ‘makes’ the blanket.

Ta-dar! My ‘cover-19 blanket’ is finished and I absolutely love it

Starting a new blanket, this time for a young person.

The blanket grew quite quickly and it was the first time I’d tried different stitches and loved the effect.

Ta-dar! Do you like it? No! :-)

Close up of the stitches in case you’re interested……you might be, but then again….. x

This wool had a velvety texture and was a definite favourite with this young person.

I added ribbons to this square but the ribbons are detachable so they can be moved to suit the individual and can be thrown away too.

The ribbons in action……this young person loved the ribbons being moved over her feet.

Trying to be green

Multi-coloured and finished

Here it is……all finished and ready to go :-)

I thought I'd do more baking.....

Now, don’t get me wrong……I’ve eaten plenty during the lockdown period (as my poor jeans can confirm) but I’ve not baked as much as I thought I would have. In fact I’ve hardly baked at all. The families I support are happy for me to bake with their children but other things seem to have taken priority…….but cake eating has continued in earnest……even if it has been brought.

I did flick through pinterest (something I do on an hourly basis) and come across some great 3 ingredient receipts. The best one is featured below but I did not have honey so used golden syrup instead. These oat bites were utterly delicious and were great for breakfast………….and snack, dessert, just because……you get the idea.

One of the young people I support turned 15 and she chose her own birthday cake. I had major cake envy as I would have loved this cake as a child……to be honest I’d have loved it now (if it was gluten free); a tiara and a cake. Perfect combo. The young person loved the cake, well actually the icing and filling but that’s the best bit anyway isn’t it.

One of the family’s I support made me a traditional dinner. This was amazing. The flavours were awesome and I didn’t want my dinner to end. Truly delicious home cooking. Yummy.

And then I did bake with one little girl. We made a cake for Father’s Day. We had some much fun exploring the ingredients and getting mucky that my all my baking skills left me and we ended up with cake pieces. I manage to form these into some sort of cake shape and we used buttercream to stick it all together. I’m sure it tasted lovely and the little girl loved the experience which is the main thing.

So, perhaps I need to improve my baking skills over the next few months……..but my cake eating skills are perfect so perhaps I need to not work so hard on this area…..LOL

Happy Baking!

Thank goodness for Pinterest!

Cake of my dreams…….cake and tiara, what a perfect combo

WOW Just wow

Are we ready for Bake Off?

Maybe not this year’s GBBO…..

If in doubt, just add butter-cream! I’m sure Mary Berry would agree……..?

PPE

So, anyone struggling to get PPE? After nearly running out of gloves, I now have several boxes safely stored away and ready when needed. These are in a variety of colours and sizes, but needs must. My preferred glove is a Medium in pink but I’m currently rocking blue, white and a new addition of teal LOL

Now, face-masks. Are we fans of the disposable or the washable? I tend to have washable for shops etc and disposable for the hairdressers as my hair is dyed. But I tend to panic when I first wear them as I’m convinced I can’t breathe. Obviously I can but it just takes me a few minutes to settle into wearing them. How are people coping when communicating with vulnerable people and those with a language delay or communication barrier, such as a learning disability? I’m finding the young people I support with profound and complex needs are coping better than the young people with autism. They are becoming stressed and anxious by the face covering. I’m currently looking into other options……

And finally……antibacterial hand gel. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always carried a little bottle of the stuff on me and during a trip to the USA I went to Bath & Bodyworks and picked up some of their gels which come in the most amazing flavours. But sadly I’ve run out of those now so I’m back to whatever is available in Morrisons.

So, even though PPE can be a nightmare at times. The correct use of it (don’t get me started on people incorrectly using gloves) is helping to keep us all safe and enabling us to get out and see more people. Even though I moan about not having pink medium gloves I am only joking and grateful that these items are available to us and keeping us all safe.

Happy PPE wearing!

Supporting vulnerable children in lockdown

I’m currently supporting 4 families at this time. What is so strange is that all the support is within the family home so we are being creative with what we are doing to ensure the child gets the best possible care and stimulation without being compromised in the community.

Lots of easy-at-home sensory resources have been made and used. I think my favourite so far has been the ikea sandwich bags filled with a dollop of paint. There are great to explore with your hands or feet. initially the paint is cold in the bag but it warms up and squelches as you move it. It’s incredibly relaxing and sooooo cheap to do.

The great opportunity at present is that all the boxes of random stuff ‘that I might need’ is currently being used. This is great as it also helps to tidy my work space as I go searching for things. Different materials and textures have been used to explore with our bodies. I’ve also come across some things that I’ll never use so once the lockdown is lifted these will be donated so others can use them.

I’ve also found time to use beautiful smelling moisturisers (I obviously confirmed with the family that these were ok to use first) on their limbs to help them relax but also create a lovely sensory session. Creating sensory spaces within the family homes has been once of the success stories of the lockdown. It’s enabled us all to focus on what the child has and put these resources to good use. The whole family benefits from the relaxation, whether it be the lights, sounds, smells, or the time to themselves.

I’ll add more soon but I’m off to work now…..byeeeeeeee

I'm my own worst enemy.......

So, as I’ve ,mentioned before, writing is not my strong point. I’m much better at talking. To be honest I talk too much and need to work on that but writing is definitely something I avoid. But. I really want to write a blog where I log all that I do in my work around wellbeing and supporting people with earning disabilities. As a result i have always included photographs in my blog. One, because I think it’s more interesting with photographs and accessible to most people, and secondly, because it means if my writing is vague or confusing, hopefully the photos will clarify things. I am not an IT guru. I love technology and couldn’t live without it but I’m absolutely hopeless at setting up IT systems and apps and things. So when things go wrong (e.g. I can’t find my photographs and even if I do find them I can’t move them or share them) I fall to pieces and claim everything is over. Yes. This is incredibly selfish and dramatic of me, but unfortunately there you go. I’m not proud of my response but it’s true. Normally at times like this I entice my best friend and IT legend around for a Mexican feast and she’ll fix it. She will be calm and tolerant with me whilst I’m being hideously dramatic. Once fixed I return to ‘normal’ and all is well.

Yes, I’m sorry, you’re bored now so let me get to the actual point…….finally!

As you’ve guessed I cannot currently attach pictures to my blog as I’ve obviously done something (no idea what). So in full diva mood I claimed that I couldn’t possibly write my blog! I need pictures. Fact.

But, as I’m sitting her today, with COVID19 all around. I am incredibly grateful to have my health and that of my loved ones. So what if I don’t have photos attached to the blog until the lockdown is lifted. Does it actually matter in the grand scheme of things? Nope. So I’m now aiming for the blogs without photos until I can cook a Mexican feast and get my best friend over.

Watch this space…..

Cookies make the world a happy place :-)

A lot of the children and I adults I support like to bake. The process of baking is so sensory (and tasty) that it is accessible for all and the outcomes are pretty quick to arrive. With this in mind I often have a couple of packs of cookie mix or cake mix in the cupboard for activities at home. Normally I wouldn’t buy these boxes but when you’re supporting people with additional needs sometimes all the weighing and measuring is too much to maintain their engagement so these boxes are great. They require a small amount of weighing/measuring but lots is already done. Last week I made chocolate chip cookies for a welcome home gift with one child and then M&M cookies as a treat with another.

So, I suppose all I’m saying is……..have a box or two in the cupboard for those moments where you need to create an activity with no notice. You know when it suddenly tips down with rain, or you’re self-isolating, or your plans have suddenly changed and you need an alternative.

Give them a go and happy baking (and eating!).

Girls Group - CONSENT

The last half term has been supporting an amazing group of girls with learning disabilities to understand what the word consent means and what it looks and feels like in the real world. We have had some enlightening and really deep conversations around choice and making decisions for yourself. I believe that saying ‘yes’ is the easy option but saying ‘no’ is hard and unpredictable. For young girl, especially those with additional needs, saying ‘no’ is even harder. So we tackled this complex and tricky topic in a variety of ways, including:

WOULD YOU LIKE A CUP OF TEA? I’d seen some YouTube videos around offering a cup of tea and linking it to consent. So I used a tea pot and a cup and offered staff in the room a cup of tea. Some said yes and some no. I then asked if consent had been given and we spoke about this. One member of staff changed her mind…….was this ok? Could she do this? This lead to lots of examples being given and an ‘interesting’ conversation about consent v wellbeing. Lots of role play and examples were used to explore this in detail.

FRIES I’m a lover of Pinterest and came across a picture of a portion of McDonald’s looking fries with the word ‘fries’ meaning something linked to consent. So we used this as another tool to explore consent and used different language linking to the same topic.

PUPPETS I’ll introduce you formally to Jasmine and Tommy soon but the power of puppets always amazes me. I first came across this at a LUTON SENDIAS conference where a man with puppets was. Whilst people were mooching about the stalls he stood with an orang-utan puppet and just watched everyone. The puppet became real and we all started to watch him and quiet down. It was so powerful. In my own small way I am trying to do the same dn I’ve started with two small puppets called Jasmine and Tommy to role-play situations and have dilemmas for the group to solve.

The conversations took on the topic of marriage - lead by the girls and we had some great conversations about marriage and relationships. One student was very clear that she would not be getting married because it’s too expensive! We all chuckled about this one with lots of staff nodding in agreement. Ha ha ha.

So this is just a snap shot of some of what we have covered and how when trying to tackle the complex subject of consent. But the clear message was ‘yes’ (when given freely is YES and everything else is NO. Fact.

December 2019

I thought that before I started banging on about the plans for 2020 and my current thinking around ‘healthy body, healthy mind’, I thought I’d re-cap December. It’s been such a busy but amazing month. I have felt so privileged in my job to share some magical moments with some really special children and I treasure these moments so much.

I have to say that I could not have survived December without the £1 craft packs form the The Works. These packs are literally a-mazing. They contain everything you need for a simple craft activity. I often do these with children in the fast food restaurant after they’ve eaten. The foam Christmas tree was a totally success and if these are on sale next year i shall be bulk buying them! One of the children I support likes to complete the craft activity and then have a photo with it. He will then break it up and put it in the bin. The activity is clearly finished. Luckily I have permission to take photos of him during our sessions so his family get to see what he has created…….even though it never gets home.

The Works packs even contain felt pens and although these are not the best quality they do the job well enough. However. In honour of it being Christmas (and we happened to be in Tesco and they were a good price) I brought some Crayola felt pens. Now. These are brilliant and thankfully are washable (as felt pen seems to get everywhere……literally everywhere). But they do need their lids putting on to last……something we are working on.

Living near Luton we have amazing travel routes and I feel that children should be exposed to these whilst they are young to build up their confidence and tolerance to see what skills they can develop going forwards. At the end of the day I am passionate about preparing the children I support (and their families) for adulthood. So between Christmas and New Year…..in that strange time when no one knows what day it is but chocolate seems to be eaten at any time……we went on the train to Flitwick from Leagrave. Both these stations are quite small and the parking at Leagrave is next to the station which supports our journey. The train was virtually empty which suited us greatly and we had a lovely time in Flitwick…..Costa, Tesco and the park. So lovely and lots of ‘hidden’ walking took place. Obviously I am always keen to visit a Costa so the fact there is one right by the station in Flitwick is quite rewarding for me too! Be rude not to really wouldn’t it…….

I love what I do but I have to be honest and say the most amazing part of the month was supporting a beautiful little girl to visit Santa. We booked to see Santa at Poplars Garden Centre in Toddington. The Santa experience was provided through Great Grottos UK and they were what they said on the tin. For £10.00 we met with the elves, met Santa, saw some talking reindeers (yes you read that correctly) and grew a Christmas tree. The team were so good with the little girl who has a very complex learning disability. Everything was so well planned and the staff were polite and eager. I’m sure by the time we arrived (21 Dec) they were sick to death of smiling and tolerating children but they were just awesome. Santa, in particular, had some wise words about the importance of siblings of a disabled child having the attention and focus on them too. Something I am passionate about and I hope that whilst I am supporting the disabled child their siblings are getting much needed attention from their family. Anyway……..back to Santa. They took a photo and a gift was given. The child also gets a free hot chocolate in the cafe. We opted for the platinum package where lots of photos are printed. I am very aware that you should live every day and for some of the children I support it is known their lives are likely to be shorter than their non-disabled peers so I wanted as many memories for her parents as possible. We had such a great time and it is definitely a Santa I will return to and will recommend (especially for children with SEND)……although they do not have a Changing Places facility…….but that’s for another day.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think you have beat an iced biscuit. And lets face it; the more iced the better. So we popped to Morrisons to get some decorating essentials and then decorated some pre-made biscuits. Yes, yes, yes, lazy I know but sometimes the lady I support can be a little ‘motivationally challenged’ so at least her family had a plate of treats this way. I think it’s fair to say that some biscuits had all the icing and sweets whereas others were a little plainer. But she did it herself and that what matters to me. It is all about the person doing what they can and not watching their carer doing it for them.

We visited a cafe in Bedford called A Different Brew. It is run by adults with learning disabilities…..more about this venue later on as we are planning to return soon.

Supporting families and focussing on their wellbeing is very important to me. Wellbeing is a key part of Marjorie and Me. It is something I am really keen on and will be trying to focus more on this in 2020 for myself and the people around me. Anyway, I’m waffling (again), so on the day before Christmas Eve five of us supported an amazing young lady to choose some CDs for Christmas. We had been working on this and felt that she really needed this treat. So myself and my colleague arrived at Sainsbury’s early and we took photos of the route to the CD section and then sent them to the family so they could share them with her prior to arriving. So with us two and three members of the family we created a ‘supportive bubble’ around her. She did brilliantly and her smile (and that of her Mum’s) made it all worth while and really kick-started my Christmas. It made why I do what I do all worth it. So onto 2020 for her……

And finally, and importantly, I did some Girl Group sessions on relaxation. It has to be acknowledged that this time of year is stressful. Fun. But stressful too. And just because you’re a child does not mean you miss the stress or anxiety. It impacts everyone. So our sessions were around lavender heat packs, hand massage, colouring and quiet time. Not only did the girls relax but their support staff did too. Nothing can prepare a new member of staff for the business of December is a special needs school! Having been in this field of work for 22 years I hope I was able to prepare the newbies for what was coming….. Hopefully the girls were able to have time to relax as part of the school holidays too. For me, it’s crochet. Crochet supports my mental health, relaxation and one day, I’m hoping, my sleep (fingers crossed).

Right! That’s December all wrapped up. Now onto 2020…..but first I’m off to my parents for a delicious roast beef dinner for New Years Day :-)