Christmas Events
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Welcome to our December Newsletter!
express News in Brief
Hello lovely people, you did it!! We are finalists in the AVIVA community funding program with 5051 votes! Thank you all so much for voting, sharing and staying with us whilst we 'nagged' everyone to vote :) We find out in January who the judges have chosen so fingers crossed until then.
Thank you also to everyone who came along to our Comedy Night and also to John Williams and the CornerHOUSE. We had a lovely evening and raised around £1500!
With the Christmas Present Season fast approaching, 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. Or for difficult to buy christmas presents or instead of cards you can donate to express on our local giving page.
Express is run by parent/carer volunteers. We have an excellent dedicated small team of volunteers but we really do need more support. We do not receive funding. We rely on fundraising and donations 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
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 for a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Annette & Tracey
My Son's Not Rainman
We are incredibly proud and lucky to have John Williams as our Patron and friend. John does so much to help and support us. It's now our turn to help John by telling everyone about his book ( as he's rubbish at promoting himself 😉)
If you haven't yet read My Son's Not Rainman please do treat yourself. It will also make a fantastic Christmas present!
Available from all good bookstores and on Kindle & Audible.
An entertaining and often very funny read. Williams has a naturally comic touch ... [and there] are abundant laughs that will strike a chord with anyone with a disabled child or sibling (Daily Mail)
If you read one book this year, make it this one ... I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in a very long time, if ever! (Your Autism Magazine)
[My Son's Not Rainman] isn't an attempt to teach readers about autism and it doesn't lecture. It's simply a heartfelt account of what it means to love a child on the spectrum ... it's inspiring, insightful and rib-tickling in equal measures (AuKids Magazine)
See the 5* reviews https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sons-Not-Rainman-…/…/ref=sr_1_1…
Rotary Santa Sleigh & Rotree
Express are delighted to have again been asked to participate in the Rotary club's Christmas fundraising events.
We will be at the Rotree in Kingston town centre on Friday 2nd December between 11am-5pm, we will be joined by the funniest, jolliest Santa ever :) between 1pm-2pm so do come and say hello.
In addition we will be on the Santa Sleigh touring the Berryland's area on Wednesday 7th December from 6pm-8pm again joined by our wonderful Santa! If you are in the area do come out and say hello!
Our thanks to the Kingston Rotary Club!
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: TBC
..........................
Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time) at the Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: DEC 1st
..........................
2nd Tuesday of the month at the Express Offices 9:00-11:00am
NEXT: DEC 13th
..........................
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month at Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: DEC 14th
..........................
TYA 3rd Monday of the month at the Express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: DEC 19th
..........................
Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: JAN 31st
..........................
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.)
Someone Asked My Son Why Eye Contact Is Hard
"I am sad when people think I don't like them."
IF THIS WERE HAPPENING TO MAINSTREAM KIDS,
THERE WOULD BE UPROAR
NOVEMBER 25, 2016 | THEWORLDOFGORGEOUSGRACE
Pop along to the CornerHOUSE Gala Night
Tues 6th December
(donations from proceeds in aid of Express)
Parents helping parents is what Express is all about.
with thanks to Special Parents Handbook for sharing
Express Mum's Group
The group runs from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the first Thursday of the month (next group 1st Dec). Come along, say hello and meet some other Mums. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
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 14th Dec). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Girls Group
Tuesdays 5:15pm-6:15pm
Girls Group is a 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 5.15pm-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
Express Christmas Coffee - with Specialist Educational Psychologist
Come along for our Christmas Coffee get together at Express. We will be joined by Tom Connor, Specialist Educational Psychologist. Spaces are very limited so please email info@expresscic.org.uk to book your space.
Easyfundraising
START YOUR ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NOW AND DONATE TO EXPRESS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU
Sign up to Easyfundraising and start shopping and raising now
Personal Independence Payment and other benefits at 16 Information for parents of disabled children in England, Scotland and Wales
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.
Makaton Courses
We are delighted to host Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - see details below
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 :
'All my life suddenly made sense': how it feels to be diagnosed with autism late in life
Equality act loophole allows schools to discriminate against children with autism whose behaviour challenges!
The Loneliness Of Special Needs Motherhood
Autism in the workplace – an opportunity not a drawback
My Advice for the Teacher of My Son on the Autism Spectrum
Autism in the workplace: a parent's view
Dyspraxia is more than just ‘clumsy child syndrome’ – it can cause emotional distress and anxiety throughout life
Reasonable adjustments - SEND Family Voices
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.
EASYFUNDRASING
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 December Newsletter!
express News in Brief
Hello lovely people, you did it!! We are finalists in the AVIVA community funding program with 5051 votes! Thank you all so much for voting, sharing and staying with us whilst we 'nagged' everyone to vote :) We find out in January who the judges have chosen so fingers crossed until then.
Thank you also to everyone who came along to our Comedy Night and also to John Williams and the CornerHOUSE. We had a lovely evening and raised around £1500!
With the Christmas Present Season fast approaching, 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. Or for difficult to buy christmas presents or instead of cards you can donate to express on our local giving page.
Express is run by parent/carer volunteers. We have an excellent dedicated small team of volunteers but we really do need more support. We do not receive funding. We rely on fundraising and donations 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
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 for a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Annette & Tracey
My Son's Not Rainman
We are incredibly proud and lucky to have John Williams as our Patron and friend. John does so much to help and support us. It's now our turn to help John by telling everyone about his book ( as he's rubbish at promoting himself 😉)
If you haven't yet read My Son's Not Rainman please do treat yourself. It will also make a fantastic Christmas present!
Available from all good bookstores and on Kindle & Audible.
An entertaining and often very funny read. Williams has a naturally comic touch ... [and there] are abundant laughs that will strike a chord with anyone with a disabled child or sibling (Daily Mail)
If you read one book this year, make it this one ... I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in a very long time, if ever! (Your Autism Magazine)
[My Son's Not Rainman] isn't an attempt to teach readers about autism and it doesn't lecture. It's simply a heartfelt account of what it means to love a child on the spectrum ... it's inspiring, insightful and rib-tickling in equal measures (AuKids Magazine)
See the 5* reviews https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sons-Not-Rainman-…/…/ref=sr_1_1…
Rotary Santa Sleigh & Rotree
Express are delighted to have again been asked to participate in the Rotary club's Christmas fundraising events.
We will be at the Rotree in Kingston town centre on Friday 2nd December between 11am-5pm, we will be joined by the funniest, jolliest Santa ever :) between 1pm-2pm so do come and say hello.
In addition we will be on the Santa Sleigh touring the Berryland's area on Wednesday 7th December from 6pm-8pm again joined by our wonderful Santa! If you are in the area do come out and say hello!
Our thanks to the Kingston Rotary Club!
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: TBC
..........................
Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time) at the Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: DEC 1st
..........................
2nd Tuesday of the month at the Express Offices 9:00-11:00am
NEXT: DEC 13th
..........................
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month at Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: DEC 14th
..........................
TYA 3rd Monday of the month at the Express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: DEC 19th
..........................
Last Tuesday of the month (term time) at Moor Lane Centre 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: JAN 31st
..........................
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.)
Someone Asked My Son Why Eye Contact Is Hard
"I am sad when people think I don't like them."
IF THIS WERE HAPPENING TO MAINSTREAM KIDS,
THERE WOULD BE UPROAR
NOVEMBER 25, 2016 | THEWORLDOFGORGEOUSGRACE
Pop along to the CornerHOUSE Gala Night
Tues 6th December
(donations from proceeds in aid of Express)
Parents helping parents is what Express is all about.
with thanks to Special Parents Handbook for sharing
Express Mum's Group
The group runs from the Waggon and Horses in Surbiton 7.30-9.30pm on the first Thursday of the month (next group 1st Dec). Come along, say hello and meet some other Mums. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
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 14th Dec). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads. To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Girls Group
Tuesdays 5:15pm-6:15pm
Girls Group is a 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 5.15pm-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
Express Christmas Coffee - with Specialist Educational Psychologist
Come along for our Christmas Coffee get together at Express. We will be joined by Tom Connor, Specialist Educational Psychologist. Spaces are very limited so please email info@expresscic.org.uk to book your space.
Easyfundraising
START YOUR ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NOW AND DONATE TO EXPRESS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU
Sign up to Easyfundraising and start shopping and raising now
Personal Independence Payment and other benefits at 16 Information for parents of disabled children in England, Scotland and Wales
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.
Makaton Courses
We are delighted to host Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - see details below
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 :
'All my life suddenly made sense': how it feels to be diagnosed with autism late in life
Equality act loophole allows schools to discriminate against children with autism whose behaviour challenges!
The Loneliness Of Special Needs Motherhood
Autism in the workplace – an opportunity not a drawback
My Advice for the Teacher of My Son on the Autism Spectrum
Autism in the workplace: a parent's view
Dyspraxia is more than just ‘clumsy child syndrome’ – it can cause emotional distress and anxiety throughout life
Reasonable adjustments - SEND Family Voices
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.
EASYFUNDRASING
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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Follow
Discover
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