The training has helped them to take positive steps forward with confidence and access opportunities for employment in the future.

The parents said `it was fun and interesting and has helped me to feel more positive about myself`

Thanks to Michael and Julie Allen for supporting SAFSS with this training.

The parents were proud to receive their certificates.

If you would like to attend the session or know more about our Parents and Carers Group please contact Neelam on (0121) 558 2198

Winter conditions did not stop the SAFSS Winter Celebration Party on Saturday 18th December. The event, supported by Irwin Mitchell, went ahead despite the terrible snow. Food, dancing and fun was had by all and our thanks to Irwin Mitchell and all our staff and volunteers who helped the event.

Any child or adult who uses our services can attend the daytrip free of charge and can also bring a main carer who is free of charge. For any additional seats SAFSS are charging a flat rate of £7.00.

For further information and a booking form please contact Kam or Amar on (0121) 558 2198

Mark Davis (SCVO), Neelam Pallen (SAFSS) and Carole Harte (SCVO)

For more information about PQASSO visit: http://www.ces-vol.org.uk/index.cfm?pg=329

The Safe Place Scheme has been designed to help people with learning disabilities know what to do if they become a victim of hate crime, bullying or harassment in the community.

Each person with a learning disability carries a card which gives their name and personal contact details. The logo on the card matches the logo displayed in local shops, businesses and community venues. The logo is recognised by a person with a learning disability and they know they can go to this place if they are in trouble.

If a person with learning disabilities comes into SAFSS we will assist them by making one or two phone calls and will provide a temporary safe place until further help and support is accessed.

For further information on the Safe Place Scheme:

http://www.laws.sandwell.gov.uk/ccm/content/councilgeneral/pressreleases/2009-03/safe-places-scheme-launched.en;jsessionid=ahaAvHqwr2Bf

Makaton is a language programme used by children and adults who
have communication difficulties. Makaton uses speech, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and body language and it enables children to develop communication skills.

Our staff, who work in our After School Club, Adults Domiciliary care and Children’s Domiciliary care, all gained a basic knowledge of Makaton. The aim of the session was to give staff a range of tools and techniques for communicating with the children and adults that they care for.

Staff learnt how to write sentences using symbols and how this can be used to write menus and plan activities for the people who use our service. By learning new communication techniques our staff can support our services users to make independent choices about the service that they receive.

The course was funded by Sandwell Early Years at SMBC and the training was provided by Sue Eley from The Orchard School. Our thanks to both SMBC and Sue.

Congratulaions to all our staff!

Artemis is a quality e-learning package, developed by the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) to embrace the ‘One Children’s Workforce’ philosophy.

The package acts as an introduction to the Every Child Matters (ECM) five outcomes and outlines seven induction standards to which all people working with children must meet. The ‘One Children’s Workforce’ includes the statutory, private, voluntary and independent sector and includes the unpaid workforce such as volunteers running a football club.

Chief Executive Parpinder Dhatt said “SAFSS are proud to be one of the first organisations to do this induction and we are setting standards for other organisations in the health and social care field, as well as in the wider voluntary and community sector. SAFSS believes in the Artemis philisophy and rationale of ‘Everyone can make a difference’ and ‘We need to work together better to protect our children’ and it fits with our organisational mission and vision.

For more information on the Children’s Workforce Development Council www.cwdcouncil.org.uk

Chief Executive Parpinder K Dhatt said ” I would like to thank all the staff who worked so hard to organise our day trip to Legoland. The annual daytrip is very important to SAFSS and our families always look forward to it. We have had a wonderful time and families are already asking where we are going next year.”

Every year SAFSS needs to raise £4,500 to pay to hire specially adapted coaches and associated costs. Please contact Claire Bradshaw on (0121) 558 2198 or devmgt.safss@btconnect.com if you are interested in sponsoring our daytrip for 2010.

MINIBUS DRIVER 20hrs/week
SANDWELL ASIAN FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE
Post 1 – (Ref DRI001)
Salary £7,754 per annum

We are currently looking for a minibus driver who will transport children and adults with disabilities within the general Sandwell and Birmingham area. Applicants must be aged over 25 years and hold a clean driving licence. Applicants must also have 12 months driving experience with a category D1 licence.

Duties also include the general fuelling and maintenance of the vehicle. The hours of work will be afternoons, evenings and weekends. All applicants will be required to take a driving assessment and be submitted for an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Sandwell Asian Family Support Service is an independent organisation that provides a range of quality care and support services and opportunities to enable South Asian children (aged 0-18 years) and young people (aged 18-40 years) with disabilities and/or life threatening conditions and their families living in Sandwell and/or neighbouring boroughs, to enhance their quality of life.

For further information/ application form please contact Kam or Amar on
(0121) 558 2198.

Please send completed application forms to:
Sandwell Asian Family Support Service
Fenton Street, Smethwick, B66 1HR

Closing date: Friday 18th September 2009
Interviews: Friday 25th September 2009