Page 16 - link magazine

16 The Link Magazine • November 2003
MP meets mums-to-be'
Nine young pregnant women from across the town were presented with certificates for completing a'mums-to-be' course by Swindon South
MP Julia Drown and mother of two sons at the Link Centre on 10 October.
The 12 week course, run by "I would encourage any
Gale McKay and Caroline y oung woman who falls preg-
White of U-Too Community nant to attend a course if they
Business Ltd, covered life- can."
skills and parenting and Members of the group in-
aimed to help young mothers tend to stay together after their
be better prepared for when babies have been born to con-
their baby arrives. tinue giving each other sup-
Julia said mums from a pre- port.
vious course had travelled to The next 'mums-to-be'
the House of Commons to tell course starts in November.
other MPs about the benefits Anyone interested in taking
of preparing for motherhood. part should call Gale McKay
"I was so impressed when I on 07733 221433.
met those who attended the
Julia Drown with 'Mums-to-be'
course earlier in the year that
at the Link Centre
I invited them to give evidence
to the Health Select Committee to help if anybody felt down about
help influence health policy of the their situation, or felt unwell. Partnership provides independent
future. The course gives young "The course involved writing
mums-to-be a real boost in confi- and craft activities, and also using support and advice to parents
dence and support." a computer; it was quite hard as
Course member Kayleigh Dixon we thought we had left that be- The Swindon Parent Partnership Service (SPPS), running now for
from East Swindon said getting hind at school. We also had talks three years, offers independent help, advice and support to parents of
pregnant had been a major shock from health workers about baby children with all sorts of special educational needs (SEN).
and she had been both scared and development and what pregnancy Parents can ring in for general
worried at first. "Getting together was doing to our bodies and it was information on SEN issues, or if
with others was very good; we good to visit the hospital labour they just need a listening ear to
could encourage each other and ward as a group. express frustrations. They can also
talk over specific concerns with
professional staff members, serv-
Surgery expands in Shaw ice coordinator Susan Bennett, and
to improve patients' provision Jill Wells, assistant, or trained vol-
unteer independent parent sup-
A West Swindon doctors' practice is hoping to start work on an porters.
extension in early January ready for use by the middle of next year. "Sometimes the parents who call
The expansion at the Ridge are very exciting. The extension in often breathe a sigh of relief that Susan Bennett,
Green practice in Shaw will almost will allow another doctor to be there is someone on the end of the left, and Jill Wells
double the floor space, to provide appointed when appropriate, but phone who will just listen," said A
more consulting and treatment in the first instance it will provide Susan. "We also provide practical going support is provided once
rooms, as well as much needed better facilities for treatment as help in explaining the paperwork the volunteer is supporting par-
administration space. well as provide staff with space to and educational jargon surround- ents. A new training course will
In a deal struck with Swindon deliver better health care. The so- ing SEN or helping with a child's start in January.
Council to increase community cial hall will add to the facilities for Statutory Assessment; we attend For details call 01793 466515.
provision, the doctors' practice will the community and we will an- meetings with parents at their
pay for and manage a second build- nounce the letting details in due child's school as well. The service also runs workshops
ing on an adjacent site off Ramleaze course." "Staff and volunteers are happy for parents to find out more about
Drive. This will be a small social She added that although plan- to make home visits or parents can a particular special need or how
hall with kitchen and toilets which ning permission has been granted, make an appointment to meet at support services help children in
will be available to rent by local improvements to the plans will be the office in Premier House." school. The next takes place on
groups. Practice manager Julie considered by Swindon Council's Twice a year parent representa- Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm
Margaram said, "the plans we have planning committee in November. tives from support groups meet to 9.30pm at the Drove Centre and
with local education authority of- will cover What's new in SEN?
ficers at the SEN Forum to discuss This is an opportunity for parents
issues and concerns about special to hear all about the latest devel-
educational needs. The parents opments locally and will cover:
meetbeforehand to draft questions • LEA criteria for statutory
to which they want answers and assessment;
then report back to their support • Action / Action Plus Entitlement
groups. document;
Susan Bennett wants to know if • SENRAP funding criteria;
there is anyone who would like to • The latest Ofsted report.
Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 1WL help parents. "We are always look- The discussion will also look at
Reception open: ing for interested people willing to the Government's latest Green
train as volunteers to support par- Paper 'Every Child Matters' and
Monday to Friday lam to 6.30pm ents of children with SEN. They ask parents views on:
Tel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 723875 need to have the time and under- • Combining education, health
and social services into one
standing to help parents with com-
E-mail: [email protected] plicated paperwork or at stressful 'Childrens Trust';
www.tawhilisurgery.nhs.uk meetings." • Better information sharing;
• Less arguing over funding;
The training is thorough and
New patients always welcome takes place over sixteen weeks; on- For more information contact Jill
Wells on 466515