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Spring Newsletter
Fancy A Monday
Morning Coffee ?
Registered Charity No. 1135718
Skill Me Up To Work
The Monday Support Group is
based at Woodley Youth and
Community Centre,
Hurricane Way,
Woodley, RG5
4UX
Its open Every
Monday 10.30
to 12.30
(excluding bank
holidays) even in the school holidays
with extra activities such as play & art
We were lucky enough to gain funding from the European Social
Fund (ESF) to run a course called Skill Me Up to Work to help
adults with Autism and or learning difficulties to learn additional
Pop along for a coffee, pick up some
leaflets or bring you preschooler for
a play while you have a chat.
skills to find or keep employment including voluntary work.
Everyone is welcome.
This course was attended by 10 people all of whom went to
training sessions and did voluntary placements in the community,
thanks to some local businesses such as The Food Bank, The
Three Frogs Pub, The Wokingham Theatre, Oxfam Music and
Books in Woodley and The Green n Tidy project run by the
Volunteer Centre.
VOLUNTEERING ?
We are always in need of
volunteers to help out at
our events. If you or
someone you know would
like to help, make friends
and have fun ! please
contact Theresa - see
contacts page
As a result of this, we are pleased to say some of the people have
secured themselves further volunteer placements, which would
not of been possible had they not have been on this course. It
was a pleasure to work with these people and we wish them all
the success in the future.
by Jayne, Support Worker, ASD Family Help
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Like Us !
Please click, like and share our
Facebook Page.
Registered Charity No. 1135718
Toby Runs a Half Marathon !
Our lovely volunteer Toby ran in the Reading
www.facebook.com/ASDFamily
Half Marathon to raise money for our charity.
When asked about how he got on he said “it
Everyone deserves a
little magic to create
happy memories…
it got really tough”
Merlin’s Magic Wand is a worldwide
charity for children, providing
magical days out for those who are
seriously ill, disabled or
disadvantaged. If you think you
might benefit from this please go to
www.merlinsmagicwand.org
was OK until I got to the nine mile mark, then
I am please to say he completed the course in a very good
time and has so far managed to raise just over £200. All at ASD
Family Help are extremely
grateful for his amazing
effort and hope that his
legs stop aching soon !
The money will be used
towards ASD Family
Help activities for
families.
Toby and ASD Family
Help would like to thank
all the people who
sponsored him.
Welcome …
by Jayne, Support Worker, ASD Family Help
A BIG WELCOME to our new ASD
Family Help Volunteers Emily. Andy
and Robyn. Thank you for
volunteering, we hope you all enjoy
it.
BORED ? Want to try something new ?
Take a look at SHINEPlus!
Sports & physical activities for adults with :
- a Long Term or Mental Heath Condition
- Learning or Physical disability
- or any adult that is a carer
Another BIG WELCOME to two new
members of staff.
Jan who will be doing Project
Accounts with our Treasurer Maria
and Melissa who will be providing
training to internal staff and
volunteers, plus a variety of
Parenting and ASD Training.
Costs from just £1.90 per session, with plenty to choose from !
Visit the link below for more information
http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/sports/disabled/shineplus/
Please note: If anyone is experiencing issues with applying for
SHINEPlus, please contact admin@asdfamilyhelp.org
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
How to Make a Boast Book
Committee Changes
Joshua Muggleton has Aspergers Syndrome,
Due to the retirement of Robert
Pasterfield as chair of the
committee, there have been the
following changes in the ASD
Family Help Committee :New Chair: Loraine Fraser
New Vice Chair : Helena Herridge
Secretary: Robin Lodge
Treasurer: Maria Land
Charity Trustees : Loraine Fraser,
Helena Herridge, Lorna Zaheer,
John Green and Maria Land. We all wish Robert a very happy
retirement and thank him for his
outstanding work and commitment
over the past 5 years.
Be an Animal Ranger
for the Day
A chance for your child to become
an Animal Ranger for a day, looking
after the lovely animals at the Farm.
Pi g s , G o at s , A l p a c o s , L l a m a ,
Shetland Ponies, Ducks, Chickens/.
Rabbits, Guiena Pigs, Chinchilla,
Hamster, Gerbil, Rats, Degus, Baby
Rabbits, Snakes, Bearded Dragons,
Quails, Stick insects ! Children will
get involved hands on with all the
animals, cleaning, feeding,
exercising, and lots of petting and
handling. A great educational day
for children suitable for ages 7+ 16 years Cost £25.00 per session.
Limited numbers, please note
sessions get booked very quickly.
For bookings
dawndingwall@btinternet.com
www.animalrangers.co.uk
and studied psychology at the University of St
Andrews. Since 2005 , Joshua has been
leading talks, lecturers and workshops on
autism spectrum disorders and related issues.
Last Year he gave a very interesting lecture
which included how to make a boast book. A copy of his
presentation is available to read at the ASD Family Help coffee
mornings. Joshua suggests to make a "Boast Book” start with two sections,
one for “Abilities” and the other for “Personality”. In each section
write positive attributes and support with photos, certificates,
comments and praises.
For example :
1) abilities : good at maths, good with animals, knows a lot about
flags, certificate from school for maths challenge, comments from
teacher, photos of person with animals
2) personality: caring, kind, funny - include photos, tickets from fun
days out, a funny story, examples of kind deeds, a thank you card,
comments from others
The idea is that this book can be a great reference point when the
moment is challenging and no hope or belief can be found at that
time. To be able to see evidence of success can pick you up to face
the next challenge. A book we all could benefit from and it's never
too late to start one!
by Loraine, Chairperson, ASD Family Help
Radio Marmalade
Radio Marmalade is a community radio station run by people with
disabilities for the benefit of the community. The range of
programming reflects Bracknell and Wokingham's unique blend of
community interests and cultural diversity. If you haven't listened
already, please tune in! Listen live on www.radiomarmalade.org.uk/
DJ-Who has a slot on Monday's 12.30 - 1.30pm, along with a
variety of other DJ's throughout the week - check out the website
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
Our Activities News
Family Yoga Sessions: We are currently in
Coming Soon….
the process of setting up a new weekly
Coming soon is another
session for family yoga. It is expected that
Exclusive Family Bowling
Session - look out for the flyers on
this activity will take place in Woodley on
Monday's from 4.30 - 5.30pm (term-time
website and on the facebook
page….
only). Price expected to be approx. £2 per
child/adult. ASD Family Help staff will be on
and also coming soon is
hand to welcome you all and the activity but will be led by Patricia,
“Dads
a trained Yoga Instructor. N i g h t O u t ” Please keep
checking our website for further
details about this event !
Patricia is a down to earth and enthusiastic children’s yoga teacher. Teaching from the heart, she brings fun into each of her lessons
where children have the opportunity to practice yoga and
mindfulness in a friendly, nurturing and supportive atmosphere. Thank you !
Having completed Special Yoga and Mindfulness for Autism and
Just a quick thank you to all
ADHD with Jo Manuel of the Special Yoga organisation, she is
those who regularly volunteer
dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of all who join in the
at our activities and events,
sessions! Sessions can help specifically with stress-relief, increased
your help is always valued and
concentration, reduced anxiety, learning relaxed breathing,
greatly appreciated by staff
increased strength, flexibility & balance. More info to follow.
those who attend the activities.
Bowling & Laser Quest - Ages 8 - 18. ASD
Children (or other learning disabilities) and
their siblings. Adult to child ratio will be 1
adult to 5 children, so booking will be
essential! We are in the process of re-starting
this activity. We hope to run it on a
Wednesday after school once a month (as we
are now also running the family session at Our House on a
Facebook
www.facebook.com/asdfamily
Please like our page , you will
be able to see all our flyers and
further information on our
activities.
Wednesday after school). Although this has reduced the amount of
bowling/laser quest, we hope you'll agree that we are instead
offering a variety to families and children that will enable everyone
to find something that they enjoy and wish to join in with. We
would like to open the session to siblings as well as our ASD
children. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for our
bowling & laser quest, please email Rachael@asdfamilyhelp.org
by Rachael, Activities Leader, ASD Family Help
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
Our Activities News cont./
Family Junior ASD Fun Session
at our house 3.30-5.30, Monthly 2nd Wednesday
This is an after school club for ASD children who are in Infant/Junior School. The focus is on our
younger ASD children, to give them the opportunity to use the wonderful bespoke Community Centre
at Our House. Facilities include sensory room, xbox, Wii, computers, soft play, toys, games & books. Parents stay on site and have responsibility for their children. Siblings and other family welcome. This session is free, but donations are welcome. Booking essential by email to Rachael@asdfamilyhelp.org
The session runs on the 2nd Wednesday of every month
from 3.30 - 5.30pm. Next dates: 13th May, 10th June, 8th July.
Summer Family Disco
Save the date or book early for our Summer Family Disco! We will be hosting this at Our
House, Emmbrook. The disco will allow families the opportunity to make use of all the usual
facilities at Our House, together with the disco & dancing, snacks & refreshments, party
games & prizes! (A quiet room will be available for those who feel they need some time
out). Children remain responsibility of parents. Activity cost is £2 per child. Booking essential via email to
Rachael@asdfamilyhelp.org
Friday 3rd July 2015 6.00 - 8.00pm. For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
APRIL EVENTS
Why Volunteer ?
Volunteering is a very rewarding
experience and not only do you
get to help a great charity like
ASD Family Help but you can also
gain a great deal too.
• New skills for your CV
• Gain confidence
• Make new friends
• Be part of a team
• Have Fun !
Current Volunteer Vacancies :
• Children and young people
activities
• Adult and family events
Shop & make us £’s
Do your shopping on-line via our
WEBSHOP and make money for
ASD Family Help
www.buy.at/ASDFamilyHelp
Donations
TEXT DONATIONS to 7007
To donate £10 text ASDF11£10 to
7007
We are always grateful for any
donations and your ideas to make
extra funds for ASD Family Help.
Some Corporate companies now
offer to double sponsorship
m o n e y. I f y o u w o r k f o r a
Corporate it might be worth
seeing what they offer to charities.
Thurs FBC All Stars
2nd
Sport for young
people with
disability
5:30-6.30pm
Finchampstead to book
Baptist Church jamie@fincha
Age:
mpstead.com
Reception to
13
Thurs Autism friendly film
2nd
screening
16:00
Vue, Reading
Please check
The
Spongebob
Movie
Sun
5th
Cineworlds
Contact Cinema
directly
Thurs Family Easter Egg
9th
Hunt
1-3pm all ages
Beverages available
Our House,
Toutley Road
Wokingham
RG41 1QN
Children
responsibility
of parents at
all times
£1
Mon
13th
Woodley Airfield Youth &
Community Centre, Hurricane
Way, Woodley
free
Autism friendly film
screening
SOLD OUT
Monday Support
Group
10.30 - 12 .30
Thurs Adult Social Club
16th Monthly: 3rd Thurs
Three Frogs
222 London
Road,
Wokingham,
RG40 1SW
Mon
20th
Woodley Airfield Youth &
Community Centre, Hurricane
Way, Woodley
Monday Support
Group
10.30 - 12 .30
£2
for more
details
3frogs@asdfa
milyhelp.org
Thurs SIbs Club
23rd Age 11+
Monthly: 3rd Thurs
4.30-7pm
Venue varies
according to
activities
Fri
24th
Martial Arts
EVERY FRIDAY
Term time only
6.50-8pm
The Loft, FBC, to book
Finchampstead rachael@asdf
amilyhelp.org
Sun
26th
Autism friendly film
screening
10:00
Vue, Reading
Please check
Mon
27th
Monday Support
Group
10.30 - 12 .30
Woodley Airfield Youth &
Community Centre, Hurricane
Way, Woodley
free
email
£5
rachael@asdf incl
amilyhelp.org tea
£2
Big Hero 6
free
ASD Family Help Activity, See website for more details
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
Wokingham Childrens Autism Partnership
Weds 1st April
Transition - Getting Ready for Change
10.30-12.00
Woodley Airfield Youth & Community
Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley
£5
£30*
Information to help parents/carers and practitioners* plan for each step of the journey from home to
adulthood
Weds
29th April
Writing advanced social/visual scripts - level
2
9.30-11.30am
Woodley Airfield Youth & Community
Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley
£5
£30*
an opportunity for parents/carers/practitioners* to build and practice skills already in place when using social
visual scripts for children with autism
Sat 9th May
How you can support children and young
people to manage emotions (incl anger)
Level 2
9.30am-1pm
Highwood Annexe, Fairwater Drive,
Woodley, RG5 3RU
£5
For parents & carers : How to support people with Autism to promote positive behaviour and how you can
support people with autism with their understanding of their own and others emotions (incl Anger) and how to
self-manage
Tues 12th May
Understanding the impact of Sensory Needs The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road,
- Level 2
Woodley, RG5 4JZ
9.30am-1pm
£5
£30*
For Parents/carers and practitioners* - an opportunity to gain an understanding of how we process information
via the senses, how this differs for some people, the difficulties it can present and the strategies and interventions
that can be used to support.
Weds 20th May
Drawing Whilst Talking - Level 2
9.30am-12.30
Woodley Airfield Youth & Community
Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley
£5
£30*
For Parents/carers and practitioners* - how to use drawing whilst having a conversation as an intervention
enabling the exploration and enhancement of conversational skills, social understanding and building the
understanding of how another person might feel in situations.
For information about any of these workshops or to book a place, please contact : Pam Breslin, Wokingham
Borough Council, LDD Service 0118 974 6882 pamela.breslin@wokingham.gov.uk
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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Spring Newsletter
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
Registered Charity No. 1135718
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Spring Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 1135718
CONTACTS
Office Appointments
and 1:1’s
Private meetings with ASD
Adults, parents or carers for
advice and information.
Completely private and
confidential and in the comfort
of an office setting by prebooked appointments only.
Wednesday 10am-1pm. Please
contact Jayne or Theresa
Jayne
jayne@asdfamilyhelp.org
9.30am-1.30pm
07733 601 755
Supervisor & Trainer (Staff), Project Admin. Family Liaison &
Support, Adult 1:1 Contract. Activities Support
Theresa
Mon & Fri
theresa@asdfamilyhelp.org
9.30am-1.30pm
07553 291 114
Supervisor & Trainer (Volunteers), Family Liaison & Support,
Adult 1:1 Contract. Activities Support
Rachael
Website
www.asdfamilyhelp.org
Mon & Weds
Activity Days
rachael@asdfamilyhelp.org
Activities Leader
Cathy
Mon
contact@asdfamilyhelp.org
9.30am-1.30pm
07707 660599
Operations Manager - Contracts and Funding
Address
c/o Wokingham Volunteer Centre, The Ritz Plaza, 10 Denton
Road, Wokingham, RG40 2DX
For general requires and to subscribe to this newsletter, please
email jayne@asdfamilyhelp.org or text/phone 07733 601 755
Our House for ASD Families
Our House is a Community Centre for
disabled children and their families in
Wokingham Borough. It is a building
where families can meet and where
children are celebrated, Offering support
from child, siblings, parents to extended family. Their
facilities include soft play, sensory room, computer pod and
a teenage room. See the ASD Facebook page for photos of
this brilliant venue. Our house can be hired out for parties
too. For details of ASD specific events please check their
website www.bftf.org.uk or call 0118 970 6704
Next ASD Family Session:
18th April 3pm to 5pm
EVERY 3rd Saturday, book with Jane by emailing jane@bftf.co.uk
For more information www.asdfamilyhelp.org
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