Everything you need to know during the coronavirus outbreak including resources & tips for families, benefits and employment, going out, health & wellbeing, social care, education, shopping and working from home:
We have a new public facebook page in addition to our existing facebook group. We will be posting useful information, fun things and when lockdown eases, notifications of our groups and activities.
You can like us on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/CambridgeNAS
If you also choose See first under Following or Follow settings this makes sure facebook will always show you our posts.
After questions were raised about the effect of the Coronavirus lockdown on people with autism the Government has issued some new guidance which will hopefully bring some reassurance to our members. For more details see the post on the National Autistic Society website:
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are holding a consultation on their draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2024, which outlines the priority areas and how local councils, the NHS and community organisations would like to work together to improve people’s health and reduce health inequalities that exist across the area.
If you would like to give your views on the strategy, use the link below to the online survey. There is an easy-read version of the survey available as well.
https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-consultation
Are you or your child feeling anxious about Covid-19 or struggling with all the changes to your usual routine?
We’ve found a few helpful websites with suggestions to reduce anxiety and support your mental health through the next few months:
Coronavirus and your wellbeing – advice from MIND the mental health charity
Managing your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak – from Rethink Mental Illness
How to help an autistic child during the coronavirus outbreak – advice from the Priory
Uncertainty, anxiety and the Coronavirus pandemic – Ambitious about Autism
The Cambridge Science Festival runs from 09-22 March 2020.
Bookings for all pre-book events open on Monday 10 February. When booking for events, you can state if you would like, for example, early entry for a public lecture, seating near the exit etc.
The Festival web address is: www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/
With hundreds of free events over two weeks on everything from Astronomy to Zoology, the 2020 Cambridge Science Festival welcomes adults, teenagers and families to explore science with researchers from across Cambridge. Join us for talks, hands-on activities, performances, exhibitions and films exploring the theme of ‘vision’; the Festival has something for everyone!
The festival has some events on the latest research into the autism spectrum, please see a list with links below:
• Genetics research in autism: ethical perspectives (Friday 13 March) https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/genetics-research-autism-ethical-perspectives
• Autism research in Cambridge (Sat 14 & Sun 15 March) https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/autism-research-cambridge
There is also the opportunity for adults and children who have an autism spectrum condition and their families to explore Cambridge science in a quieter and less-crowded space at:
• Hands-on at the Guildhall: autism-friendly hour (Sun 15 March), bookable from Monday 10 February https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/hands-guildhall-autism-friendly-hour
Chitra Sethia Autism Centre (Garden Room), Cambridge Road, Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB21 5EF.
You are warmly invited to our AGM Meeting. This is an open Meeting for anyone to attend.
We will report on Branch Activities for the past year and our proposed activities for the coming year.
We will vote on our nominations for Branch Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Tea, Coffee, cake and biscuits will be freely available.
How to prepare your autistic child for Christmas
Training kicks off 25th November and lasts for 2 weeks and delivered via a pop up Facebook group and email
Even if you are overwhelmed, stressed and have zero time
So you can be assured that they are getting all the support they need
And you can go back to juggling the other millions of things that you need to do
Designed for extremely busy parents
This training ran last year and had a brilliant response from families
For more details and to sign up visit this link
Your child is invited to take part in a research study sponsored by Nottingham Trent University, evaluating a new iPad’app’.
The app, called ‘Point OutWords’, trains people to control movements of their fingers, hands or mouths. Some children with autism find it very difficult to use speech to communicate, but research and feedback from patients and families has suggested that a proportion of children understand quite a lot of language but find it difficult to make the movements needed to speak.
Dr Matthew Belmonte, a psychologist in Nottingham Trent University, has developed an iPad game specifically to help children learn the motor skills needed to speak.
We need to find out if it is practical and enjoyable for children and families to use, and work out the best way to carry out a clinical trial of this intervention.
Before you decide if your child can take part it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve.
Contact details if you are interested in taking part in the study:
Dr Emma Weisblatt, 01733 777939, or email eiw44@cam.ac.uk
Pinpoint will be hosting an information session for parents/carers of children who are currently claiming DLA (disability living allowance) and approaching age 16+ and due to transfer onto PIP.
On: Thursday 19 Sept 2019 10.30am to 12.30pm
At: Queen Mary Centre, Queens Road, Wisbech PE13 2PE
Anjela Jones, Manager from the Welfare Benefits Advice Team will be offering parents free support and assistance with claiming PIP and other connected benefits.
Find out about:
There’s time for a cuppa after the session.
To book email: jackie@pinpoint-cambs.org.uk