In Touch April 2015 December 2014 HRH The Duchess of Cornwall attends a story session at Seven Stories alongside One Point users See page 14 for full story. Photo credit: Damien Wooten © Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books Highlight on a Hub Service Update Children’s Centre Review Outcome On 18 March 2015, Durham County Council’s Cabinet agreed to recommendations on the future of Children’s Centre services in County Durham which was informed by a review of the Children’s Centres and a 12 week public consultation. A community delivery model will be used which means services will be delivered closer to where children and families live from community buildings families already go to. There will be no reduction in services. The 43 ‘designated’ Children’s Centres will reduce to 15 designated Children’s Centres but no buildings are closing. The 28 buildings which will not be retained as ‘designated’ Children’s Centres will either transfer to schools or other providers who will continue to offer services for children. Cabinet agreed the following would be retained as designated Children’s Centres:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Moorside Children’s Centre Stanley Children’s Centre Bullion Lane Children’s Centre Brandon Children’s Centre Laurel Avenue Children’s Centre Easington Children’s Centre Seaham Children’s Centre Horden Children’s Centre Seascape Children’s Centre Wheatley Hill Children’s Centre Dean Bank Children’s Centre Tudhoe Moor Children’s Centre Newton Aycliffe Children’s Centre Woodhouse Children’s Centre Willington Children’s Centre Further information about the consultation and Cabinet’s decision are available to view at www.durham.gov.uk/childrenscentreconsultation 2 What’s happening in your locality? It’s always good to share our good news and the following articles highlight some of the successful projects being carried out by the One Point Service across the county. Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill locality Parent helpers volunteer in the community Over the past 12 months a number of volunteers have designed and delivered a successful programme of activities at Shildon Children’s Centre. With the support of Children’s Centre staff, eight volunteers completed a programme of workshops for the families of Shildon. A total of 250 children enjoyed the activities, which included a Bringing Stories to Life session, a Mini Sports Day and a People Who Help Us session, which helped to build community cohesion and educate families to stay safe. Following the success of these sessions the volunteers have now progressed to volunteer in the wider community, in a range of projects to support vulnerable families in the area, including: Food Aid at Shildon Alive Credit Union in local schools Devising questionnaires for the Health Express team Volunteer driving for the community bus Delivering craft course for adults with learning difficulties and care homes Volunteering in a Children’s Centre Seven of the original volunteers took up the opportunity to further their skills with support and training, including Equality & Diversity level 2, Health & Nutrition level 2 and Safeguarding. A special congratulations to Lan Quach and Julieanne Austin who both recently gained employment. Both volunteers were supported by One Point with their application forms and interview skills, with Lan receiving support at her induction as English is not her first language. Lan now works in road crossing patrol for the local school and Julieanne is busy preparing lunches for the local luncheon club. Well done both! Find out more about volunteering opportunities from Newton Aycliffe Children’s Centre 03000 263 666. Young parents’ trip to Adventure Valley On Tuesday 16 December, 20 young mams, dads and their children from Newton Aycliffe, Ferryhill and Spennymoor attended a trip to Adventure Valley Winter Wonderland. The children visited Santa in his grotto and received a Christmas present. They also met reindeer and explored the winter wonderland marquee where they saw snowy owls. Some young parents had a go at roller skating and the children and parents had lots of fun playing on the soft play slide. The trip gave the young parents the chance to meet other young parents, and a chance for the children to visit a farm and meet different animals. Young parent Rebecca said “It was great to visit somewhere different that I wouldn’t normally visit.” Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill both run weekly young parents sessions. For further information, or to refer a young parent to either group, phone Ferryhill Hub on 03000 261 113. 3 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Newton Aycliffe Teen Parent Project The Newton Aycliffe Teen Parent Project has been running since mid January and has had a great response from the young parents that attend. Nine young mams attend on a regular basis and have learnt about a range of issues including positive relationships, communication skills and the importance and benefits of play with their children. The young parents will be able to work towards Youth Achievement Award, Food Hygiene Certificate, and have a better understanding of Baby Child Lifesaving/Child Safety. CV building and career guidance will also play an important part of the programme. Each week parents are able to contribute to a joint learning journal which shows how their children are developing in their physical, social/emotional and communication skills. The journal also includes pictures of the children and parents playing together. The provision of a crèche facility means that the young parents are in a better position to attend the programme and positive feedback from young parents is that this is the first time they have left their children in the care of a nursery provider. At the end of the 18 week programme, parents should be in a better position to seek further education, employment or training and will have gained better understanding and awareness of how important play is to their child’s development. In addition they will have made some good long term friends and be less socially isolated. Royal invitation for Newton Aycliffe teens Two teenagers enjoyed a date with royalty when they attended a Duke of Edinburgh’s presentation ceremony in January. Emma Partridge, 17, and Kara Ward, 18, of Newton Aycliffe, attended St James’s Palace, London, to receive their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. The girls have been attending the Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre Duke of Edinburgh’s group since 2011 and have completed the bronze, silver and gold awards with the support of One Point youth workers. The award involved completing expeditions, learning new skills, fitness activities and volunteering, with an additional residential session at Gold level. Youth workers predominantly deliver the expedition section of the award, with day walks and expeditions in Weardale, Teesdale, Swaledale and the Lake District, whilst also supporting the young people to complete their other sections in their own time. Both girls took part in volunteering with the younger boys at Neville Parade Boys Brigade, and used the other sections to develop and improve on performing arts and physical fitness. Emma said: “We would strongly encourage other young people to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.” To find out more or get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award pop in at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre on a Sunday, from 6.00-8.00pm , or contact Keith Rodway on 01325 305722. 4 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Durham and Chester-le-Street locality The Teen Parent Programme in Durham The Durham Teen Parent Programme aims to give young parents the best opportunities possible to be good parents whilst developing skills to ensure they have the best opportunities themselves to progress and reach their full potential. 12 mams are currently attending the sessions in Brandon Children’s Centre. A crèche facility is provided to enable parents to attend the sessions for a full Tuesday each week. Parents are covering a range of topics, including building confidence and self-esteem, parenting techniques, baby massage, budgeting, food hygiene, paediatric first aid, CV building and sex and relationship sessions. Some elements of the course are accredited, so parents receive recognised qualifications for completing them. “I really enjoy meeting up with my new friends, I don't want the programme to end.” Feedback from parents has been very positive. “I really enjoyed learning baby massage.” “I didn't think I would be able to leave my child.” “I didn't know that we had to give consent to have sex.” “I will always use a condom now when I have sex.” Brandon Pre-Engagement Group The Brandon Pre-Engagement Group is run by Area Youth Workers, Gemma Greenwood and Julie O'Connor and supported by Youth Worker, Rachael Avery. The group engages young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) between the ages of 16-19 and helps to increase their confidence and self esteem, enabling them to access employment or education. Young people meet once a week in a variety of support sessions, such as CV training and the group has had great success: Two young people have applied for and completed Construction Skills Certification Scheme site tests Two young people have gained employment at Rushyfields Care Home 14 young people have been awarded a British Heart Foundation Heart Start qualification One young person had an apprenticeship interview Two young people got a driving licence One young person got a passport Young people have given excellent feedback about the group: “Good and helpful advice - thank you” “Best day out ever - great experience and learnt new skills” Feedback from the group’s power boating experience 5 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Case studies (names have been changed and models used in photos to protect identities) Lucy aged 20 Lucy came along to the group to get support on where to go and what to do with her life. She felt like she had floated along and not really done much with her life. Lucy started to volunteer at the Youth Club with the Lads Group and Friday night sessions to keep her busy and stop her taking part in undesirable activities, especially on a Friday evening. Lucy was a natural with the young people offering a friendly face and was excellent in the kitchen and selling tuck. Lucy always had good fun with the group and during group work. She grew in confidence and sought support when required. Lucy has applied for numerous jobs, and with support and additional qualifications she will be able to secure employment. Sarah aged 19 Sarah has had numerous issues to contend with over the years and still has ongoing issues. She has tried to engage with the service for a number of years - but circumstance has always prevented her, or lack of commitment and confidence on her behalf. Sarah accessed the service due to her previous contact with One Point. She built her CV, took part in team and communication sessions and started seeking employment. Initially Sarah started a training programme but as in past experiences she did not fair well and eventually got kicked off the course. Sarah started looking for paid employment - a great motivating factor for her as she is self-funded and has a home and son to provide for. She attended an interview at Rushyfields Care Home and came into the youth project to practice interview questions and to ask for advice about presentation and clothing. Sarah was successful in her application and has been offered a job at the care home. She is currently awaiting her DBS check to come back - and then can start in the local area. With no transport and a pay day as motivation - her youth worker believes that Sarah can eventually get her life back on track. Well done Sarah - this is the confidence booster that should hopefully make her grow in to a strong independent young woman. 6 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle locality Willington community kitchen Volunteers are being trained to open a community kitchen in Willington Children's Centre. The group has five members who intend to cook healthy meals for the public, using local produce, and to teach people how to cook easy, healthy meals by handing out recipe cards. The volunteers cooked for One Point staff before Christmas, which a family worker described as “Absolutely gorgeous and a great success!!” The group hope to open the community kitchen in the next few months and to run it alongside their internet cafe. The community kitchen also hopes to plant an allotment in the centre’s garden, with children and parents helping to produce meals in the kitchen. They also hope to be booked to cater for functions, not only by One Point but by the public. Future thoughts are to run a breakfast club and an afterschool club giving children a healthy start, making them ready for school. Case study Bishop Auckland One Point Hub have recently commenced the Teen Parent Pathway and engaged several young mams. One of these girls had a friend who was going through a hard time and needed some advice and support and she immediately realised that One Point were the service that her friend needed and accompanied her into the hub. One Point gave her the support and advice she needed; she was very distressed and had suicidal thoughts so a member of staff encouraged her to make an emergency appointment with her GP and confide in her parents. The young person wanted someone to talk to as there had been an issue on Facebook. Staff reassured her that ignoring it was the best option and explained to her the consequences of commenting and escalating the issue. She felt much better having an adult put it into perspective. She is in a better place now and feeling more optimistic. She thanked her friend for telling her about One Point. Staff have kept in contact with her to ensure all continues to improve. The young mam is delighted that her friend is no longer so low and feels great for helping her friend find a resolution to her issues. 7 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Story Time at Woodhouse Close Children and parents at Woodhouse Close Children’s Centre have been enjoying stories, snacks and snuggling at their Story Time sessions. Story Time sessions were introduced as an extension of the Seven Stories Again project, making stories fun and exciting for children, developing their speech and language skills through repeated readings of favourite stories. Children and their younger siblings are thoroughly enjoying attending the sessions, which run on a four weekly basis, reading one story for four weeks and carrying out different activities related to the story. Each session begins with a warm snack such as cheese on toast, pizza breads or porridge, followed by a fun activity, story reading and singing. Parents who attend all four sessions receive a copy of the story the group has been focussing on to enjoy at home. Sessions encourage children’s listening and attention skills, using props such as story sacks to keep their attention, using different voice tones and getting them involved. Introducing new vocabulary and repeating the same story is helping to develop speech and other skills and routines are also being learnt through the accompanying activities. The groups’ first story, Snug, used the centre’s sensory room to create a cosy atmosphere and activities included creating dens and using torches. Their final session focussed on the bedtime routine. Parents brought their children’s pyjamas and toothbrushes and following a warm snack, children got ready for bed before snuggling into a cosy bed of bean bags, blankets and cushions where they read the story and sang lullabies. The group continued its success with readings of the Gruffalo, linked with a half trip to Hardwick Park. They would love to build up numbers and engage new families, so please spread the word. Parents have given some great feedback on the sessions: “It’s calm and a good time for a settling down story, snack and play.” “Great group that he has talked about all week, he enjoys coming.” “Enjoyed wearing their PJs! Loves playing bedtime and had great fun.” 8 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Adult Learning Achievements 14 learners are now accessing the Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools course, which enables learners to develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to support the learning of pupils in Primary, Secondary or Special Schools. The majority of the group have found their own school placements and one learner is currently volunteering in a Special Educational Needs School. Some of the learners are also developing their Maths and English skills at Woodhouse Close Children’s Centre. Level 2 Food Safety in Catering training has also been organised. Maths Tutor, Mat Childs delivered Level 1 and 2 sessions at Woodhouse Close Childrens Centre. 2 learners achieved their Level 2 qualification and 4 achieved Level 1. Building on this success, Maths and English sessions now run on Mondays, at Woodhouse Close Children’s Centre, with tutor Ann Simpson. Tutor James Watling has 25 years of Martial Arts and is a former Professional Full Contact Fighter. He delivered a block of four x two hour Ladies’ Self Defence sessions at Woodhouse Close Children’s Centre, teaching women how to PREVENT physical confrontation or attack whilst developing certain attributes and skills to 'defend' themselves if a physical assault took place. Nine ladies gave 100% attendance and were invited to take part in The ‘Leap of Faith’ at Teesdale Community Resources, The Hub, Barnard Castle. The Power Fan activity involved climbing a 45 feet telegraph pole and stepping off. The aim of the activity was to increase confidence and help desensitise their fear of heights. Four ladies did the climb twice! The Ladies Self Defence sessions have been so successful that other courses were held across the locality. Dad saves son’s life after adult learning course Michael Crawford from Willington completed a paediatric course with One Point in September 2014. Michael thanked staff at the Children’s Centre for providing him with these skills as just after completing the course his son choked on some food and Michael was able to use the techniques he had learn on the course to save his child’s life! 9 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Bishop Auckland/Barnard Castle Family Day On 31 October 2014, 35 adults and 55 children from Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle came together for a fun day of family activities. Families were invited by their lead worker to take part in the event, which aimed to allow families to spend time together, encourage them to get on with each other and enjoy each other’s company. The session allowed families with all ages of children to do activities they would not usually have thought about doing or would not normally be able to access. Activities included messy play, face painting, cookery, crafts, nail art, dance and music sessions and sports such as canoeing and BMX. Prior to the event, when asked how they usually get on, 38% of families said ‘good’ and 29% said ‘ok’. When asked how they got on during the family day event, 96% of families said ‘good’ and 4% said ‘ok’. All families were given a family photo in a frame to take home and families made some really positive comments about the day: “All activities were brilliant and everyone was friendly and helpful.” “We spent the day together as a family and we all got on happily together no fighting and no arguing.” “Kids had a brilliant day and even conquered some fears on the high rope.” “Me and the children had a FAB day.” “Absolutely FANTASTIC I would definitely do it again.” 10 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Seaham and Peterlee locality Staff at Peterlee One Point received a thank you letter complimenting them for the support they provided during a difficult time. The mam of five, who was a widow had had difficulty handling her youngest son. Family Worker, Tracey provided support including helping the mam to replace her broken cooker. “She has been fantastic at keeping appointments and keeping me up to date on help for xx which I’m really grateful. I’m engaging in the nurturing group helping me with getting strategies in place with my children.” She also thanked Sam from Stronger Families, for her help in encourage her son to behave well. “Tracey and Sam are the best staff I’ve been able to work with. Credit to your team.” Young person supported by One Point begins a high flying career In 2010/11 Kieran Loverance received support with school attendance from Education Welfare Officer, Linda Swallow during a difficult time in his life. In September 2014 he graduated into the Royal Air Force having excelled in his entrance tests and basic training. Linda visited Kieran and his family when he was refusing to attend school at St Bede's in Peterlee, following the loss of his mother to breast cancer. With support, Kieran returned to school and following a transfer to Bishop Barrington school, he achieved excellent exam results. He is now training to become an electrical engineer in the RAF. Kieran’s grandma sent a thank you letter to Linda for her support: “He is the youngest to pass at this level… We are so proud of him especially what he went through. Thank you again for the help and understanding you gave us all.” Team Around the School Group Youth workers have developed programmes around increasing confidence and self-esteem, raising awareness around risk taking behaviour, anger management and looking at raising young people’s aspirations and setting goals for their future. The Team Around the School Group are currently delivering in five schools: Wellfield School, Shotton Hall Academy, St Bede’s School, Dene School and Seaham School. The Team around the School identify young people who they feel would benefit from additional support and over a period of 6 - 12 weeks young people undertake a programme in which they will achieve a social and emotional capabilities outcome. They can also use their evidence of work towards gaining an Accredited Outcome. Good relationships have been established and some young people have now progressed into weekly youth sessions. They have formed new friendship groups and are enjoying the experiences of learning new skills by actively taking part in youth programmes. 11 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Easington volunteer recruitment drive A recent volunteer recruitment drive at the Easington Children’s Centre has proven successful. Parents, grandparents and students from across Seaham, Murton, South Hetton, Easington and Peterlee have applied for volunteer opportunities within Children’s Centres across the locality. Nine volunteers have successfully completed the volunteer recruitment and induction process and are taking up their placements alongside family workers. Margaret Blackwell, volunteer lead at Easington Children’s Centre, said the volunteers have brought a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to our services. They have all been DBS checked and accessed a training programme which includes Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Whoops Child Safety Basics, and a programme of e-learning. All volunteers are completing a file including Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Induction and Training evidence and are building a great portfolio for future CV’s and employment. Their volunteer roles will include working alongside family outreach workers to support parents/carers and children in a variety of groups such as Busy Bee’s, Teen Parents and Twinkle Time. Volunteer Sam Greathead is at university studying for her Counselling Foundation Degree and is doing an assignment on the One Point Service. Volunteering is giving her a first-hand insight into the service and supporting her university course. A parent volunteer has stepped up as Chair of the Easington Local Advisory Board and chaired her first meeting in January. If anyone would more information on volunteering please contact Margaret on 03000 261 752 or email margaret.blackwell@durham.gov.uk Parent / Carer feedback: “I have found the training and volunteering opportunities very beneficial as it has enabled me to gain experience and update my knowledge and understanding of first aid, child protection and keeping children safe. I have really enjoyed working with everyone and I feel the sharing of people's life experiences throughout the courses provided has supported me in developing my knowledge and skills.” “I am thoroughly enjoying my experience as a volunteer the training has been fantastic whoops child safety and paediatric first aid and we have just completed an introduction to safeguarding. I am chairperson for the LAB and am gaining confidence in my new role. I feel like a valued member of the community through my role as a volunteer and I know my opinions are taken on board.” Photograph from left to right: Lesley Maltby, Principal Family Worker (Easington), Volunteers Toni Berry, Penny Woods, Reece Rountree, Stephanie Carrel, Rachael McGann, Shannon Raine, Margaret Blackwell, Family Outreach Worker 12 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Engaging Young People in Seaham Personal Advisor, Leanne Schofield and Youth Worker, Alison Pattison are currently running a project which aims to engage young people between the ages of 16-19 with youth provision and activities, to re-engage them into education, employment or training through the provision of information, advice and guidance in an informal setting. Activities include: Taking part in a wide variety of group activities which will allow them the opportunity to develop personal and social skills Taking responsibility for decision making as a group on a number of activities they will undertake Trying new activities which will allow them to overcome personal challenges and set personal goals Making plans for their future and take responsibility for their career pathway Creating an up to date CV Completing a Bronze Youth Achievement qualification As part of the project: Six young people are working towards Bronze Youth Achievement awards One young person is at college on a full-time course One young person is employed A number of young people are volunteering at the local youth centre One young man is a member of Seaham Youth Centre management committee There has been a definite increase in self-confidence and self-worth with the entire group and young people are working on setting up a career library in the youth centre to help other young people to gain qualifications and access training and employment. Case Study Lewis attended college after leaving school but found this pathway was not for him, Lewis has not been engaged in any training/learning since college as he was unsure of which route he wanted to take. As part of the project recruitment process Lewis was approached by the two key workers and asked to be part of the programme. Lewis had attended every session and brought other young people from the local area to the project. His confidence and skills have increased and has been a positive role model to the other young people and the local community, for example he helps in the local youth centre and passes on his enthusiasm and knowledge to the younger members. Lewis has been nominated and accepted to be a member of Seaham Youth Centre management committee to be an advocate for the young people in Seaham. 13 Highlight on a Hub What’s happening in your locality? Consett and Stanley locality Stanley Young Parents Group Stanley Teen Parent Programme started on 14 January. The 18 week course for parents aged 19 years and under and their children is delivered by Youth Workers and Family Outreach Workers across the area. In the morning the children go into the crèche and parents are taking part in sessions on topics such as employability, first aid, sexual health, food hygiene, cookery and taster sessions of the parenting programmes. In the afternoon parents take their children out of the crèche and they are enjoying taking part in play and learn activities together, such as messy play, swimming and pottery painting. Stanley families visit Royal story session Families from a story session run by the One Point Service in Stanley were recently invited to visit Seven Stories in Newcastle, to take part in a story session observed by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. The story sessions provided by the One Point Service, in the local Annfield Plain Library, help to develop the children’s speech and language skills, as well as encourage social skills and a love for books. These sessions are often supported by Seven Stories and because of this partnership Annfield Plain families were invited to the special event. The Duchess of Cornwall is a keen supporter of projects that promote literacy and the enjoyment of books and reading. She visited the project to see the vital work they do to celebrate and share Britain’s rich heritage of children’s books. The families were thrilled to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity: “I was very excited about going. I am looking forward to telling Ben all about it when he is older. I really enjoyed the very special event” “It was a very worthwhile visit, the staff were experienced and enthusiastic with the young children. Henry and I enjoyed every minute, a great experience and in future years Henry can say he met a royal” Kimberley Stephenson, One Point family worker said “Taking families which we work with to Seven stories to meet HRH the Duchess of Cornwall was a fantastic experience for all those involved. The families took part in a ‘story party’ which was observed by Camilla. The children engaged fantastically and we all felt a little star struck! After the royal visitor the families explored the exhibitions and had a thoroughly great time. We even enjoyed some cake courtesy of seven stories celebrating their 10th Birthday on the coach trip home!” Photos: Damien Wooten © Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books 14 Highlight on a Hub Useful information One Point on display If you are organising an event and would like to brighten up your stand, why not borrow some of our new One Point promotional materials? Banner stands and display tables are all available to hire through our online ordering system. Place your order at www.leafletweb.durham.gov.uk and select ‘One Point’ from the menu on the left handside. You can also order copies of our new and reprinted leaflets if your stocks are low. A number of admin staff have been registered on the Leafletweb system to order on behalf of their area. Please ask your team admin lead if you are unsure who is your contact. Correction In the December 2014 edition of In Touch, we included a Strengthening Families case study. We would like to apologise, as this should have been published as a Stronger Families case study. Start Today 350 young people signed up to apprenticeships or training during the Start Today campaign between January and March last year. During the same period, the on-line booklet was accessed on the Help4Teens website by more than 35,000 people. Young people seeking training or apprenticeships can get help with the Start Today campaign organised by One Point. It can match-up vacancies available for 16 to 19 year olds, not in education, employment or training. Vacancies can be accessed in an on-line booklet at www.help4teens.co.uk/start 15 Highlight on a Hub Useful information Wellbeing for Life Team The Wellbeing for Life team work with children aged 5—13 years of age and their parents to help them to feel more confident and able to cope with the challenges of family life. The children’s and families wellbeing for life worker will: Provide flexible support to family members in their own homes and in community settings Help families to make links with other services and workers in their local community Support them to take part in fun and interesting group session that help them identify what they are doing well Provide opportunities to learn new skills that can help to develop stronger family bonds and relationships Provide opportunities for families to meet other children and parents and enjoy learning together Visit families at home and provide practical help and encouragement to help them to use their new skills and knowledge to build a happier and healthier family life To find out more about the team, please contact your nearest One Point hub. Check out the latest The latest timetables for Children’s Centres are now available to view at: www.surestartcountydurham.org/pages/Activities Find out all the latest One Point news on our Facebook pages. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/onepoint and follow the links. 16
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