Awesome Awareness April
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Welcome to our April Newsletter!
express News in Brief
We've been incredibly busy at express HQ and we are taking a break over Easter to relax and recharge the batteries. Hope you have a lovely break too.
Lots coming up at express. We are really pleased to offer another SEN Advice Session with Ed Davey. We are also really excited to be offering a new Drama group and we are extending our dramatherapy groups.
We had a fabulous day at express' annual Autism Conference on 22nd March.
Thank you Dean Beadle, Chris Bonnello, John Williams & to the Local Young People for their fabulous talks. Thank you to the Rose Theatre and to Cllr Julie Pickering RBK Mayor, The Fircroft Trust, Ruils, Curly Hair Project, Halsa, Balance, Kingston Carers & Your Healthcare for being part of our event. A big thank you to our amazing volunteers, Anna, Paula, Sam & Aisling. Also a big thank you to the lovely Grace, to Helen, Kay & Dorothy and to Lucy & Alice for the fabulous cakes.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day special.
'Another brilliant day thank you express cic! I was in awe of the local young people weren’t they wonderful? And it was lovely meeting other parents too'
'Thanks to you All at express for bringing all of these amazing speakers to Kingston and organising such an amazing event'
It was exhausting but we are already thinking about the next one
Huge thanks also to Nina & Susan at Burlington School who held a cake sale for express and raised an incredible £168 for us! We are very grateful to you all.
April is Autism Awareness Month
There is much criticism on social media (not directed at us) that 'autism awareness' is only for those able to speak for themselves and it doesn't represent the autism spectrum.
We know how wide the spectrum is and we aim to raise understanding and acceptance for everyone. We meet with and work with many families and just on our panel we have family members across the autism spectrum.
Whatever all our unique person's strengths and challenges are we will continue to acknowledge 'autism awareness' and help spread understanding because each and every one of them could not be loved more.
Please do scroll down for lots of information, events, groups and articles.
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 visitwww.expresscic.org.uk www.facebook.com/expresscic & for other events locally www.afclocaloffer.org.uk
Annette & Tracey
New for 2018!
We are really excited to offer a new drama club. Please emaildrama@expresscic.org.uk for more information and an application form 🎭
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advice SessionPlaces are limited so please phone
020 8288 2736 to book asap.
April 16th 9.00am-11.30am
at express CIC, 452 Ewell Road, Tolworth
express are delighted to be working with Ed Davey MP to establish SEN Advice Sessions.
These advice sessions are for all SEN issues (incl Autism/ADHD & co morbidities, MLD, SLD, PMLD) as well as an understanding environment for autistic young people and adults to meet their MP.
If you live in the Kingston & Surbiton constituency, and you would like your MP to know some of the issues you’re facing in particular relating to school provision, EHCPs, services and employment do get in touch and book an appointment.
Ed Davey says:
"I am increasingly concerned to hear of the difficulty constituents have in accessing support for their child or themselves and I would like to invite you to a SEN Advice Session to have an understanding of your experience."
To arrange an appointment, please contact: 020 8288 2736
Quote ref: SEN Advice April 16th
Please provide your full postal address and a contact number.
Family Statement on HSE Prosecution of Southern Health
Tears here. So much love and respect for #JusticeforLB
Help Needed!
We really need you
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, mufti days, 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! Please contact us info@expresscic.org.uk to see how you can help.
Whilst running the office and developing services we continue to work on our bigger goal. We are making progress. It may be slow but we will get there A quick summary of what's on offer at express, all details can be found on our website www.expresscic.org.uk including referral forms (we accept self referrals):
Mondays:
Yoga Club for autistic children and young people (referral needed)
NEW Drama Club (application form needed)
Tuesdays:
EHCP, DLA Support by appt.
Counselling by appt. (referral needed)
Siblings Group (referral needed)
Girls Group (referral needed)
Last Tues of the month (term time): Parent Support Group
Wednesdays:
Counselling by appt. (referral needed)
2nd Wed of the month (term time): Dad's Group
3rd Wed of the month (term time): TYA Support Group
Thursdays:
Drama Therapy 1: (referral needed)
Drama Therapy 2: (referral needed)
1st Thurs of the month (term time): Mums Group
Fridays:
NEW Group Drama Therapy 3: (referral needed)
Saturdays & Sundays:
Makaton professional courses both Foundation and Enhanced (parents costs are substantially subsidised, see registration details below)
And of course we are always in the office for 1:1 support or a chat just drop us an email or phone us 0208 390 4273 to let us know you'd like to pop in.
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) Rose Theatre
NEXT: TBC
..........................
Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time)
Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: MAY 3rd
..........................
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month (term time)
Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: MAY 9th
..........................
Parents of teen/young adult 3rd Wednesday of the month
express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: APR 18th
..........................
Last Tuesday of the month (term time)
express Offices 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: APR 24th
..........................
Every Tuesday EHCP & DLA 1:1 Support by Appt.
express Offices 9:00-12:00pm
Contact anna@expresscic.org.uk to arrange an appt.
..........................
Counselling Service every Tuesday, Wednesday by Appt.
express Offices
Contact counselling@expresscic.org.uk to arrange appt.
Powerful video highlights difficulties
autistic people face on public transport
Kingston University are looking for children (as well as their parents & their professionals) with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Williams Syndrome & Downs Syndrome who will be starting secondary school in September 2018.
To take part contact Erica Ranzato: e.ranzato@kingston.ac.uk
Please email beth.hitchens@achievingforchildren.org.uk to register your interest
Home Education
Gill Hines and I have written several books about parenting, of which the best known in probably Whatever!. Last year we were commissioned to write a book about home-education and we have researched the subject in great detail, including the various reasons for deciding to take this step. We would very much like to talk to a few parents who are home-educating autistic children, either on their own or in a group which express are kindly willing to facilitate. Those we talk to would have total control over what appears in the book, and be fully consulted over the context in which it is used. Those who have spoken to us so far have commented that we are respectful, collaborative and that the experience of talking about their solution to the education of their young person has been both cathartic and enabled their voice to be heard. If you would be willing to talk to us please contact Alison Baverstock a.baverstock@kingston.ac.uk
Interesting Articles and Guides :
The part of our day they don’t see…
Catatonia and autism
Autism: ‘I wasn’t defective. I could be explained. I even came with a manual’
The F-Word I Worry About for My Son on the Autism Spectrum
From high achiever to school refuser
10 reasons to watch “Are You Autistic?” (by someone who already knows it inside out!)
While you’re reviewing “Children in Need”, can you fix SEND too please?
The autistic musician who 'makes music with his mind'
Anxiety and depression in autistic people who speak few or no words
Please Visit our Facebook Page for lots More Articles!
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.
The Annual Review
CDC animation to help understand the process
Help express raise funds.It's really simple, all you have to do is:
1. Join.
Join here 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.
Makaton Courses @ Express
We are delighted to host regular Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - contact Fouad for more details and availability on the courses
Professional Training Route
Foundation workshop
Next Course: 9th & 10th April 09.30am-16.00pm
(regular dates coming up contact fouadabbad@gmail.com)
at express CIC, 452 Ewell Rd, Tolworth, London, KT6 7EL
cost professionals £150, parents £90
includes manuals and pocket guides to sign & symbols (lunch not included)
Please contact adam.thomas@accesssport.co.uk for more information and to book
Please Support Express
We have a small number of people who have very kindly set up Direct Debits to support express. We really appreciate their support. It's good to know we have some regular money coming in to contribute to the costs of running the office, providing services and support.We really do need more lovely people to consider setting up Direct Debits. It's a secure way to donate and we can claim Gift Aid!
You can donate from as little as £2 per month and make a HUGE difference to express.
Please take a look at https://localgiving.org/expresscic and see how you can help. Thank you.
We get invited to many events and we do our best to attend when we can. We are a very small team so sometimes it is not possible but do let us know if there is something you would like us to come along to.
Take a look below for details of our groups and referral forms. We are taking referrals for all key stages and we will look at matching similar age groups. Depending on eligibility and criteria you may be able to apply forAiming High Funding to support with costs.
We have been meeting lots of new parents, many who have only just found out about express. If you work in a school or other setting, please do pass on our details and spread the word. Parents really do benefit from the support of other parents who 'get it'. We offer telephone and email support as well as group and one to one support.
We are still working on providing even more evidence that there is a need for services! We really do need all parents/carers to take a few minutes to complete our survey.
Counselling Service
for parents/carers of children with special needs
express have launched a low-cost counselling service to parents and carers of children with autism and additional needs.
As parent/carers, life can be very challenging. It can feel overwhelming trying to manage the needs of your child and balance this with all the other parts of your life; family, work, friends. It is often hard to talk about your feelings with those close to you because you don't want to burden them or it can feel like they won't understand. Parenting a child with additional needs also puts huge pressure on relationships with partners and families that can be difficult to resolve. Counselling can offer a safe space where you can talk through all of your difficulties and anxieties. A counsellor is trained to listen and support you in a non-judgemental way, creating a safe space for you to express your feelings, whatever they may be. By talking, worries and difficulties can often seem clearer and easier to manage.
The counselling sessions will take place at the express offices in Tolworth by counsellors with knowledge of autism and special needs. There would be a charge for sessions, on a sliding scale (£10- £30 per session) based on ability to pay. This is to cover our costs in delivering the service. We would offer 12 sessions initially, with the possibility of extending this to further sessions, depending on demand.
If you are interested in this service, please email counselling@expresscic.org.uk
Please pass on to anyone who may be interested.
Express Yourself Arts Groups
Thursdays 4:15pm-5:00pm & 5:15pm-6:00pm
NEW GROUP starting on Fridays
Express Yourself provides a space for children on the autism spectrum to interact and connect with others in a fun, supportive environment. The group aims to meet the specific and unique social and emotional needs of children with autism using creative tools such as drama, puppetry, art, music and storytelling.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to info@expresscic.org.uk
SIBS@Express
Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
Sibs@Express is a group for children who have a brother or sister with autism to come together, make new friends and have a space to share their feelings.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to 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. The group is run by Dramatherapist, Louisa Webster, who uses her creative skills and experience of working with young people to create fun, creative and inclusive sessions for the girls who join. The sessions run on Tuesdays, term time only, 5.15pm-6.15pm at express CIC. We ask for group members to commit to at least a term of attendance.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Yoga Club
Mondays 4:45pm-5:30pm
We are delighted to add a new club to our list of groups here at express. This will be offered initially to those on the autistic spectrum however long term we would like to extend the offer to siblings and families so please do complete a referral form for all those who might be interested.
The sessions run on a Monday, term time only, at express CIC.
Costs £6.50/£10 per group session (payable to the instructor in advance each half term).
More info. from Lorna our Yoga instructor - It is our aim to bring the calming and grounding benefits of yoga to children of all needs and abilities, giving them the chance to stretch, strengthen and relax, whilst providing them with stress management tools to set them up for the future. Regular yoga and mindfulness practice brings the physical and emotional body into balance. It helps to reduce stress and reactivity and takes us to a place of calm. I completed the Yoga and Mindfulness Course for children with Autism and ADHD in 2016 with The Special Yoga Foundation. Since then I have been providing 1:1 sessions offering the use of yoga and mindfulness therapeutically to children on the autistic spectrum. I am now very excited to be able to offer group sessions with express to children with autism, something I wish was available when my brother was growing up, as he takes part now and just loves it!
To sign up fill out a referral form and email toinfo@expresscic.org.uk and Lorna will be in contact to discuss further and arrange a taster session.
Please help express to continue to offer our services and support.
Did you know that you can donate securely at LocalGiving? You can make one off donations from £2 or set up a direct debit. Donate from as little as £2 per month and make a HUGE difference to express. Please take a look at LocalGiving and see how you can help. Thank you.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for working age people who have a disability or long-term health problem and have difficulty or need help with daily living activities and/or getting about.
PIP replaces DLA for people aged 16-64. In Great Britain this process started in April 2013 and in Northern Ireland it started from 20 June 2016. From these dates no new claims for DLA can be made by people aged 16-64, you have to claim PIP instead. The Government plans to have ended all existing DLA claims for people aged 16-64 by the end of 2018.
see NAS guidance
Latest autism friendly films
Click for details
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, term time (next group 3rd MAY). 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, term time (next group 11th MAY). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads.
To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
SEND FAMILY VOICES
Schedule of events including upcoming open meetings.
An Introduction to Express CIC
Thank you to John Williams who made this lovely video for us.
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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Welcome to our April Newsletter!
express News in Brief
We've been incredibly busy at express HQ and we are taking a break over Easter to relax and recharge the batteries. Hope you have a lovely break too.
Lots coming up at express. We are really pleased to offer another SEN Advice Session with Ed Davey. We are also really excited to be offering a new Drama group and we are extending our dramatherapy groups.
We had a fabulous day at express' annual Autism Conference on 22nd March.
Thank you Dean Beadle, Chris Bonnello, John Williams & to the Local Young People for their fabulous talks. Thank you to the Rose Theatre and to Cllr Julie Pickering RBK Mayor, The Fircroft Trust, Ruils, Curly Hair Project, Halsa, Balance, Kingston Carers & Your Healthcare for being part of our event. A big thank you to our amazing volunteers, Anna, Paula, Sam & Aisling. Also a big thank you to the lovely Grace, to Helen, Kay & Dorothy and to Lucy & Alice for the fabulous cakes.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day special.
'Another brilliant day thank you express cic! I was in awe of the local young people weren’t they wonderful? And it was lovely meeting other parents too'
'Thanks to you All at express for bringing all of these amazing speakers to Kingston and organising such an amazing event'
It was exhausting but we are already thinking about the next one
Huge thanks also to Nina & Susan at Burlington School who held a cake sale for express and raised an incredible £168 for us! We are very grateful to you all.
April is Autism Awareness Month
There is much criticism on social media (not directed at us) that 'autism awareness' is only for those able to speak for themselves and it doesn't represent the autism spectrum.
We know how wide the spectrum is and we aim to raise understanding and acceptance for everyone. We meet with and work with many families and just on our panel we have family members across the autism spectrum.
Whatever all our unique person's strengths and challenges are we will continue to acknowledge 'autism awareness' and help spread understanding because each and every one of them could not be loved more.
Please do scroll down for lots of information, events, groups and articles.
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 visitwww.expresscic.org.uk www.facebook.com/expresscic & for other events locally www.afclocaloffer.org.uk
Annette & Tracey
New for 2018!
We are really excited to offer a new drama club. Please emaildrama@expresscic.org.uk for more information and an application form 🎭
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advice SessionPlaces are limited so please phone
020 8288 2736 to book asap.
April 16th 9.00am-11.30am
at express CIC, 452 Ewell Road, Tolworth
express are delighted to be working with Ed Davey MP to establish SEN Advice Sessions.
These advice sessions are for all SEN issues (incl Autism/ADHD & co morbidities, MLD, SLD, PMLD) as well as an understanding environment for autistic young people and adults to meet their MP.
If you live in the Kingston & Surbiton constituency, and you would like your MP to know some of the issues you’re facing in particular relating to school provision, EHCPs, services and employment do get in touch and book an appointment.
Ed Davey says:
"I am increasingly concerned to hear of the difficulty constituents have in accessing support for their child or themselves and I would like to invite you to a SEN Advice Session to have an understanding of your experience."
To arrange an appointment, please contact: 020 8288 2736
Quote ref: SEN Advice April 16th
Please provide your full postal address and a contact number.
Family Statement on HSE Prosecution of Southern Health
Tears here. So much love and respect for #JusticeforLB
Help Needed!
We really need you
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, mufti days, 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! Please contact us info@expresscic.org.uk to see how you can help.
Whilst running the office and developing services we continue to work on our bigger goal. We are making progress. It may be slow but we will get there A quick summary of what's on offer at express, all details can be found on our website www.expresscic.org.uk including referral forms (we accept self referrals):
Mondays:
Yoga Club for autistic children and young people (referral needed)
NEW Drama Club (application form needed)
Tuesdays:
EHCP, DLA Support by appt.
Counselling by appt. (referral needed)
Siblings Group (referral needed)
Girls Group (referral needed)
Last Tues of the month (term time): Parent Support Group
Wednesdays:
Counselling by appt. (referral needed)
2nd Wed of the month (term time): Dad's Group
3rd Wed of the month (term time): TYA Support Group
Thursdays:
Drama Therapy 1: (referral needed)
Drama Therapy 2: (referral needed)
1st Thurs of the month (term time): Mums Group
Fridays:
NEW Group Drama Therapy 3: (referral needed)
Saturdays & Sundays:
Makaton professional courses both Foundation and Enhanced (parents costs are substantially subsidised, see registration details below)
And of course we are always in the office for 1:1 support or a chat just drop us an email or phone us 0208 390 4273 to let us know you'd like to pop in.
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) Rose Theatre
NEXT: TBC
..........................
Mum's Group 1st Thursday of the month (term time)
Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: MAY 3rd
..........................
Dad's Group 2nd Wednesday of the month (term time)
Waggon & Horses 7:30-9:30pm
NEXT: MAY 9th
..........................
Parents of teen/young adult 3rd Wednesday of the month
express Offices 7:30-9:00pm
NEXT: APR 18th
..........................
Last Tuesday of the month (term time)
express Offices 1:00-2:30pm
NEXT: APR 24th
..........................
Every Tuesday EHCP & DLA 1:1 Support by Appt.
express Offices 9:00-12:00pm
Contact anna@expresscic.org.uk to arrange an appt.
..........................
Counselling Service every Tuesday, Wednesday by Appt.
express Offices
Contact counselling@expresscic.org.uk to arrange appt.
Powerful video highlights difficulties
autistic people face on public transport
Kingston University are looking for children (as well as their parents & their professionals) with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Williams Syndrome & Downs Syndrome who will be starting secondary school in September 2018.
To take part contact Erica Ranzato: e.ranzato@kingston.ac.uk
Please email beth.hitchens@achievingforchildren.org.uk to register your interest
Home Education
Gill Hines and I have written several books about parenting, of which the best known in probably Whatever!. Last year we were commissioned to write a book about home-education and we have researched the subject in great detail, including the various reasons for deciding to take this step. We would very much like to talk to a few parents who are home-educating autistic children, either on their own or in a group which express are kindly willing to facilitate. Those we talk to would have total control over what appears in the book, and be fully consulted over the context in which it is used. Those who have spoken to us so far have commented that we are respectful, collaborative and that the experience of talking about their solution to the education of their young person has been both cathartic and enabled their voice to be heard. If you would be willing to talk to us please contact Alison Baverstock a.baverstock@kingston.ac.uk
Interesting Articles and Guides :
The part of our day they don’t see…
Catatonia and autism
Autism: ‘I wasn’t defective. I could be explained. I even came with a manual’
The F-Word I Worry About for My Son on the Autism Spectrum
From high achiever to school refuser
10 reasons to watch “Are You Autistic?” (by someone who already knows it inside out!)
While you’re reviewing “Children in Need”, can you fix SEND too please?
The autistic musician who 'makes music with his mind'
Anxiety and depression in autistic people who speak few or no words
Please Visit our Facebook Page for lots More Articles!
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.
The Annual Review
CDC animation to help understand the process
Help express raise funds.It's really simple, all you have to do is:
1. Join.
Join here 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.
Makaton Courses @ Express
We are delighted to host regular Makaton courses run by Makaton Trainer Fouad Abbad - contact Fouad for more details and availability on the courses
Professional Training Route
Foundation workshop
Next Course: 9th & 10th April 09.30am-16.00pm
(regular dates coming up contact fouadabbad@gmail.com)
at express CIC, 452 Ewell Rd, Tolworth, London, KT6 7EL
cost professionals £150, parents £90
includes manuals and pocket guides to sign & symbols (lunch not included)
Please contact adam.thomas@accesssport.co.uk for more information and to book
Please Support Express
We have a small number of people who have very kindly set up Direct Debits to support express. We really appreciate their support. It's good to know we have some regular money coming in to contribute to the costs of running the office, providing services and support.We really do need more lovely people to consider setting up Direct Debits. It's a secure way to donate and we can claim Gift Aid!
You can donate from as little as £2 per month and make a HUGE difference to express.
Please take a look at https://localgiving.org/expresscic and see how you can help. Thank you.
We get invited to many events and we do our best to attend when we can. We are a very small team so sometimes it is not possible but do let us know if there is something you would like us to come along to.
Take a look below for details of our groups and referral forms. We are taking referrals for all key stages and we will look at matching similar age groups. Depending on eligibility and criteria you may be able to apply forAiming High Funding to support with costs.
We have been meeting lots of new parents, many who have only just found out about express. If you work in a school or other setting, please do pass on our details and spread the word. Parents really do benefit from the support of other parents who 'get it'. We offer telephone and email support as well as group and one to one support.
We are still working on providing even more evidence that there is a need for services! We really do need all parents/carers to take a few minutes to complete our survey.
Counselling Service
for parents/carers of children with special needs
express have launched a low-cost counselling service to parents and carers of children with autism and additional needs.
As parent/carers, life can be very challenging. It can feel overwhelming trying to manage the needs of your child and balance this with all the other parts of your life; family, work, friends. It is often hard to talk about your feelings with those close to you because you don't want to burden them or it can feel like they won't understand. Parenting a child with additional needs also puts huge pressure on relationships with partners and families that can be difficult to resolve. Counselling can offer a safe space where you can talk through all of your difficulties and anxieties. A counsellor is trained to listen and support you in a non-judgemental way, creating a safe space for you to express your feelings, whatever they may be. By talking, worries and difficulties can often seem clearer and easier to manage.
The counselling sessions will take place at the express offices in Tolworth by counsellors with knowledge of autism and special needs. There would be a charge for sessions, on a sliding scale (£10- £30 per session) based on ability to pay. This is to cover our costs in delivering the service. We would offer 12 sessions initially, with the possibility of extending this to further sessions, depending on demand.
If you are interested in this service, please email counselling@expresscic.org.uk
Please pass on to anyone who may be interested.
Express Yourself Arts Groups
Thursdays 4:15pm-5:00pm & 5:15pm-6:00pm
NEW GROUP starting on Fridays
Express Yourself provides a space for children on the autism spectrum to interact and connect with others in a fun, supportive environment. The group aims to meet the specific and unique social and emotional needs of children with autism using creative tools such as drama, puppetry, art, music and storytelling.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to info@expresscic.org.uk
SIBS@Express
Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
Sibs@Express is a group for children who have a brother or sister with autism to come together, make new friends and have a space to share their feelings.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to 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. The group is run by Dramatherapist, Louisa Webster, who uses her creative skills and experience of working with young people to create fun, creative and inclusive sessions for the girls who join. The sessions run on Tuesdays, term time only, 5.15pm-6.15pm at express CIC. We ask for group members to commit to at least a term of attendance.
To sign up fill out a referral form and email to info@expresscic.org.uk
Express Yoga Club
Mondays 4:45pm-5:30pm
We are delighted to add a new club to our list of groups here at express. This will be offered initially to those on the autistic spectrum however long term we would like to extend the offer to siblings and families so please do complete a referral form for all those who might be interested.
The sessions run on a Monday, term time only, at express CIC.
Costs £6.50/£10 per group session (payable to the instructor in advance each half term).
More info. from Lorna our Yoga instructor - It is our aim to bring the calming and grounding benefits of yoga to children of all needs and abilities, giving them the chance to stretch, strengthen and relax, whilst providing them with stress management tools to set them up for the future. Regular yoga and mindfulness practice brings the physical and emotional body into balance. It helps to reduce stress and reactivity and takes us to a place of calm. I completed the Yoga and Mindfulness Course for children with Autism and ADHD in 2016 with The Special Yoga Foundation. Since then I have been providing 1:1 sessions offering the use of yoga and mindfulness therapeutically to children on the autistic spectrum. I am now very excited to be able to offer group sessions with express to children with autism, something I wish was available when my brother was growing up, as he takes part now and just loves it!
To sign up fill out a referral form and email toinfo@expresscic.org.uk and Lorna will be in contact to discuss further and arrange a taster session.
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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, term time (next group 3rd MAY). 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, term time (next group 11th MAY). Come along, say hello and meet some other Dads.
To register your interest, please email info@expresscic.org.uk
SEND FAMILY VOICES
Schedule of events including upcoming open meetings.
An Introduction to Express CIC
Thank you to John Williams who made this lovely video for us.
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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