Comedy, Theatre & Coffee
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Welcome to our October Newsletter!
express News in Brief
Phew what a very busy September we had! Along with meeting new families, organising new groups and events, we had a lovely time at the Surbiton Farmer's Market. Thank you to everyone who popped along to see us and thank you to Surbiton Farmer's Market for making us so welcome.Thank you also to John for making us laugh all morning :)
Our new Girls Group (for girls on the autism spectrum aged 8-11) has started on Tuesdays. There are still some spaces available. Email info@expresscic.org.uk for more information.
Our new Mum's Group starts 6th October. See below for further details. Hope to see lots of you there!
Our next Coffee Morning at The Rose Theatre is on 20th October. Book your space here
Express is run by parent/carer volunteers. We have an excellent dedicated small team of volunteers but we really do need more support with fundraising to help cover our increasing costs. Please do consider fundraising for us, however big or small it all helps! Some ideas ... Coffee mornings, cake sales, quiz night in your local, good as new sale or pamper evening. Please also nominate us in your local supermarket schemes or look out for community funds we can apply for. We really need your help!
We are still working on providing even more evidence that there is a need for services! We really do need all parent/carers to take a few minutes to complete our survey
Please could we ask as many people as possible to sign up to easyfundraising. It doesn't cost you anything and you can raise money for express when you shop online. You can also set up a regular donation via direct debit on our local giving page.
Your comments are always welcome - please click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
For further information on our upcoming events you can visit www.expresscic.org.uk & for other events locally www.afclocaloffer.org.uk
best wishes,
Annette & Tracey
express Support Groups
If you haven't yet been to one of our parent/carer support groups, please do come along. We are all very friendly and these groups are run by and for you. These groups are for whether you are currently going through diagnosis, have just received a diagnosis or have valuable experience to share. We run both daytime and evening groups.
Bi monthly (dates via newsletter) at the Rose Theatre
NEXT: OCT 20th
NEW Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time) at the Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: OCT 6TH
NEW 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Express Offices 9:00-11:00am
NEXT: OCT 11th
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month at Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: OCT 12th
TYA 3rd Monday of the month at the Express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: OCT 17th
Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: OCT 18th
Every Tuesday EHCP 1:1 Support by Appt. - Express Offices 9:00-12:00pm Contact anna@expresscic.org.uk or shirley@expresscic.org.uk (to arrange appt.)
Express Dad's Group
The group runs from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month (next group 12th Oct). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Mum's Group
A new group for Mums.The group will run from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the first Thursday of the month (launching 6th Oct). Come along, say hello and meet some other Mums. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Girls Group
Tuesdays 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Girls Group is a new weekly meet up opportunity for girls on the autism spectrum aged 8-11. The group will be run by Dramatherapist, Louisa Webster, who will use her creative skills and experience of working with young people to create fun, creative and inclusive sessions for the girls who join. The sessions will run on a Tuesday, term time only, from 5.30pm-6.15pm at Express CIC in Tolworth (just off A3). We ask for group members to commit to at least a term of attendance.
For more information and to book please contact: info@expresscic.org.uk
Congratulations and Thank you to John Williams
John's book 'My Son's Not Rainman' was published on 1st September
We are immensely proud that John is our Patron and friend. John does an incredible amount to support Express and he has very kindly donated 5% of author profits to Express. Thank you so much John.
Thank you also to John and 'the boy' for sharing your story. We wish you both the success you truly deserve. May there be lasting change for all the dudes.
We love the book but don't just take our word for it - look at some of the 5* reviews
Northern Comic with the soul of a romantic poet
John Williams has the heart and soul of a romantic poet and teaches us to fall in love again with our autistic children and their different way of being..."we don't celebrate just 'being' enough" he writes in the introduction,"Yet often, it's in the smallness,in the everydayness of life that real beauty occurs".
It's a must read
This is a book about life, love and family. It's an extension of the blog of the same name. It will make you laugh, cry and inspire you. It is one family's experience of living with autism, of trying to make sense of a world which one of you sees differently. But mostly it's a book about love, of father to son and son to father.
John has been featured in The Guardian and on Waterstones Blog
'My Son's Not Rainman' will be back at the cornerHOUSE on 25th November 2016
BOOK TICKETS
You can change how education works for children & young people with autism.
We need your experiences to help with Ambitious about Autism's upcoming campaign looking at the impact of the school system when it fails children and young people with autism. A big focus will be on exclusions but they have also been doing some new research on appeals and tribunals.
They will be launching soon but the campaign itself will run for 3 years as part of a wider campaign called Every Child which will be a partnership between Ambitious about Autism and the National Autistic Society. What Ambitious are looking for at present are some good case studies and they have approached Express so we would like to invite you to a specific parent group at our offices to share your experiences in a secure environment. We will have Justin Cooke coming along from Ambitious about Autism who will be able to talk more about the campaign and how your experiences can help shape the findings.
From Ambitious about Autism:
You can change how education works for children & young people with autism.
At Ambitious about Autism we are passionate about making a difference to the children and young people with autism that attend our schools and colleges. We also want to improve things for every child and young person with autism in England.
That’s why we do policy work. Policy work and campaigning allows us to make a difference to all children and young people with autism by influencing national policy, organisation’s practice and individual’s attitudes and behaviours.
We will shortly be launching a campaign looking at the impact of the school system when it fails children and young people with autism. This will form part of a wider joint Every Child campaign, a partnership between Ambitious about Autism and National Autistic Society.
And you can make a difference by telling us your families story:
Real stories have more impact that any statistics we can offer decision makers, and they shape the way we work as an organisation. If you are happy to talk to our team about particular circumstances that made your life better, that challenged you or caused you stress – we’ll be grateful. We care about your family so we’ll treat your story with respect, and we’ll only use it in ways you feel comfortable with.
Thank you for your support,
Please register your interest by emailing us at info@expresscic.org.uk and we will be in contact to arrange a date. We really hope as many of you as possible will come along and share your experiences.
To My Son, Your Stimming Is Beautiful
'I don’t want to change you; I want to change the world so when you stim the world sees what I see: your passions, your love, your fears, your soul shining through – and you, all the parts of you, are beautiful.'
Makaton Courses
We are delighted to host Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - see details
The Tempest25 October 2016 — 4 November 2016
A Flute Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre co-production
For young people with autism and their families25, 26, 28, 31 Oct, 1, 2, 4 Nov 10.30am & 2.00pm
Suitable for ages 8+
BOOK HERE
Parent Carer Needs Assessments
Parent carers of children under 18 years of age have a stand-alone right to assessments and services under the Children’s and Families Act 2014. This is called a Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA).
Parent Carer Needs Assessment forms are now available on AFC Local Offer website.
Take a look at our new video - An Introduction to Express CIC
Thank you to John Williams who made this lovely video for us.
Interesting Articles :
Three things that happen when your autistic child is different at home and at school
Parents Of Children With Autism Face ‘Exhausting Battles’ To Get Educational Support
The college giving young adults with autism a chance at a career
Autism: Can’t We Just Be Reasonable?
I'm ever so sorry. I really DON'T look autistic.
Hey mum, you’re autistic too! Me, my boys and my adult autism diagnosis
A Letter to the Parent or Carer of an Undiagnosed Autistic Girl
“Can’t Help Won’t” — Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome
Mother's Photos Capture Her Son Growing up With Autism - 'What a wonderful gift he is to me, his family, and this world'
If you come across any interesting articles you'd like us to share in our newsletter next month please do email them to us. Also feel free to share on our facebook page.
SEND FAMILY VOICES
Schedule of events now updated including upcoming open meetings.
EASYFUNDRAISING
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you could be raising a free donation for Express?
There are nearly 3,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation, including the holiday companies above as well as Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury's – it doesn't cost you a penny extra!
It's really simple, all you have to do is:
1. Join.
Head to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/expresssurbitoncic/ and sign up for free.
2. Shop.
Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first, pick the retailer you want and start shopping.
3. Raise.
After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and Express will be really grateful for your donations.
Thank you for your support.
Express CIC - 'creating a hub in the heart of the community, supporting young people with autism and their families, a place for everyone'
Reg. no. 8202424
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View this email in your browser
Welcome to our October Newsletter!
express News in Brief
Phew what a very busy September we had! Along with meeting new families, organising new groups and events, we had a lovely time at the Surbiton Farmer's Market. Thank you to everyone who popped along to see us and thank you to Surbiton Farmer's Market for making us so welcome.Thank you also to John for making us laugh all morning :)
Our new Girls Group (for girls on the autism spectrum aged 8-11) has started on Tuesdays. There are still some spaces available. Email info@expresscic.org.uk for more information.
Our new Mum's Group starts 6th October. See below for further details. Hope to see lots of you there!
Our next Coffee Morning at The Rose Theatre is on 20th October. Book your space here
Express is run by parent/carer volunteers. We have an excellent dedicated small team of volunteers but we really do need more support with fundraising to help cover our increasing costs. Please do consider fundraising for us, however big or small it all helps! Some ideas ... Coffee mornings, cake sales, quiz night in your local, good as new sale or pamper evening. Please also nominate us in your local supermarket schemes or look out for community funds we can apply for. We really need your help!
We are still working on providing even more evidence that there is a need for services! We really do need all parent/carers to take a few minutes to complete our survey
Please could we ask as many people as possible to sign up to easyfundraising. It doesn't cost you anything and you can raise money for express when you shop online. You can also set up a regular donation via direct debit on our local giving page.
Your comments are always welcome - please click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
For further information on our upcoming events you can visit www.expresscic.org.uk & for other events locally www.afclocaloffer.org.uk
best wishes,
Annette & Tracey
express Support Groups
If you haven't yet been to one of our parent/carer support groups, please do come along. We are all very friendly and these groups are run by and for you. These groups are for whether you are currently going through diagnosis, have just received a diagnosis or have valuable experience to share. We run both daytime and evening groups.
Bi monthly (dates via newsletter) at the Rose Theatre
NEXT: OCT 20th
NEW Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time) at the Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: OCT 6TH
NEW 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Express Offices 9:00-11:00am
NEXT: OCT 11th
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month at Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: OCT 12th
TYA 3rd Monday of the month at the Express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: OCT 17th
Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: OCT 18th
Every Tuesday EHCP 1:1 Support by Appt. - Express Offices 9:00-12:00pm Contact anna@expresscic.org.uk or shirley@expresscic.org.uk (to arrange appt.)
Express Dad's Group
The group runs from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month (next group 12th Oct). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Mum's Group
A new group for Mums.The group will run from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the first Thursday of the month (launching 6th Oct). Come along, say hello and meet some other Mums. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Girls Group
Tuesdays 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Girls Group is a new weekly meet up opportunity for girls on the autism spectrum aged 8-11. The group will be run by Dramatherapist, Louisa Webster, who will use her creative skills and experience of working with young people to create fun, creative and inclusive sessions for the girls who join. The sessions will run on a Tuesday, term time only, from 5.30pm-6.15pm at Express CIC in Tolworth (just off A3). We ask for group members to commit to at least a term of attendance.
For more information and to book please contact: info@expresscic.org.uk
Congratulations and Thank you to John Williams
John's book 'My Son's Not Rainman' was published on 1st September
We are immensely proud that John is our Patron and friend. John does an incredible amount to support Express and he has very kindly donated 5% of author profits to Express. Thank you so much John.
Thank you also to John and 'the boy' for sharing your story. We wish you both the success you truly deserve. May there be lasting change for all the dudes.
We love the book but don't just take our word for it - look at some of the 5* reviews
Northern Comic with the soul of a romantic poet
John Williams has the heart and soul of a romantic poet and teaches us to fall in love again with our autistic children and their different way of being..."we don't celebrate just 'being' enough" he writes in the introduction,"Yet often, it's in the smallness,in the everydayness of life that real beauty occurs".
It's a must read
This is a book about life, love and family. It's an extension of the blog of the same name. It will make you laugh, cry and inspire you. It is one family's experience of living with autism, of trying to make sense of a world which one of you sees differently. But mostly it's a book about love, of father to son and son to father.
John has been featured in The Guardian and on Waterstones Blog
'My Son's Not Rainman' will be back at the cornerHOUSE on 25th November 2016
BOOK TICKETS
You can change how education works for children & young people with autism.
We need your experiences to help with Ambitious about Autism's upcoming campaign looking at the impact of the school system when it fails children and young people with autism. A big focus will be on exclusions but they have also been doing some new research on appeals and tribunals.
They will be launching soon but the campaign itself will run for 3 years as part of a wider campaign called Every Child which will be a partnership between Ambitious about Autism and the National Autistic Society. What Ambitious are looking for at present are some good case studies and they have approached Express so we would like to invite you to a specific parent group at our offices to share your experiences in a secure environment. We will have Justin Cooke coming along from Ambitious about Autism who will be able to talk more about the campaign and how your experiences can help shape the findings.
From Ambitious about Autism:
You can change how education works for children & young people with autism.
At Ambitious about Autism we are passionate about making a difference to the children and young people with autism that attend our schools and colleges. We also want to improve things for every child and young person with autism in England.
That’s why we do policy work. Policy work and campaigning allows us to make a difference to all children and young people with autism by influencing national policy, organisation’s practice and individual’s attitudes and behaviours.
We will shortly be launching a campaign looking at the impact of the school system when it fails children and young people with autism. This will form part of a wider joint Every Child campaign, a partnership between Ambitious about Autism and National Autistic Society.
And you can make a difference by telling us your families story:
Real stories have more impact that any statistics we can offer decision makers, and they shape the way we work as an organisation. If you are happy to talk to our team about particular circumstances that made your life better, that challenged you or caused you stress – we’ll be grateful. We care about your family so we’ll treat your story with respect, and we’ll only use it in ways you feel comfortable with.
Thank you for your support,
Please register your interest by emailing us at info@expresscic.org.uk and we will be in contact to arrange a date. We really hope as many of you as possible will come along and share your experiences.
To My Son, Your Stimming Is Beautiful
'I don’t want to change you; I want to change the world so when you stim the world sees what I see: your passions, your love, your fears, your soul shining through – and you, all the parts of you, are beautiful.'
Makaton Courses
We are delighted to host Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - see details
The Tempest25 October 2016 — 4 November 2016
A Flute Theatre and Orange Tree Theatre co-production
For young people with autism and their families25, 26, 28, 31 Oct, 1, 2, 4 Nov 10.30am & 2.00pm
Suitable for ages 8+
BOOK HERE
Parent Carer Needs Assessments
Parent carers of children under 18 years of age have a stand-alone right to assessments and services under the Children’s and Families Act 2014. This is called a Parent Carer Needs Assessment (PCNA).
Parent Carer Needs Assessment forms are now available on AFC Local Offer website.
Take a look at our new video - An Introduction to Express CIC
Thank you to John Williams who made this lovely video for us.
Interesting Articles :
Three things that happen when your autistic child is different at home and at school
Parents Of Children With Autism Face ‘Exhausting Battles’ To Get Educational Support
The college giving young adults with autism a chance at a career
Autism: Can’t We Just Be Reasonable?
I'm ever so sorry. I really DON'T look autistic.
Hey mum, you’re autistic too! Me, my boys and my adult autism diagnosis
A Letter to the Parent or Carer of an Undiagnosed Autistic Girl
“Can’t Help Won’t” — Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome
Mother's Photos Capture Her Son Growing up With Autism - 'What a wonderful gift he is to me, his family, and this world'
If you come across any interesting articles you'd like us to share in our newsletter next month please do email them to us. Also feel free to share on our facebook page.
SEND FAMILY VOICES
Schedule of events now updated including upcoming open meetings.
EASYFUNDRAISING
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you could be raising a free donation for Express?
There are nearly 3,000 retailers on board ready to make a donation, including the holiday companies above as well as Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury's – it doesn't cost you a penny extra!
It's really simple, all you have to do is:
1. Join.
Head to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/expresssurbitoncic/ and sign up for free.
2. Shop.
Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first, pick the retailer you want and start shopping.
3. Raise.
After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and Express will be really grateful for your donations.
Thank you for your support.
Express CIC - 'creating a hub in the heart of the community, supporting young people with autism and their families, a place for everyone'
Reg. no. 8202424
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Discover
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