On this web page you will find lots of useful links and contacts around your child’s future. Please explore and contact, and report back to us during your child’s EHCP what you have found to be helpful.
Many thanks for finding the time to have a look. I look forward to talking to you during your child’s EHCP meeting.
Post 19 Provision
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https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/flourish-fe
https://www.bluebellparkknowsley.co.uk/flourish-transition-video/
Flourish is a Post 19 Provision College for High Needs in Huyton specialising in sensory and behavioural needs through a curriculum designed to develop skills for Preparation for Adulthood.
Tel: 0151 443 2004
Email: flourish@knowsley.gov.uk
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KCC – https://www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/supported-learning/
KCC’s Supported Learning courses offer the chance for you to increase independence and build employability skills by providing a flexible learning environment, taking in to account your individual needs.
After completing a Supported Learning programme at Knowsley Community College, you will leave better prepared for independent living, equipped with an abundance of tools and confidence.
You will also join our friendly support network and make new friends along the way. Our emphasis is on improving your Math, English and ICT knowledge as well as enhancing your independent and social skills.
The college provides 3 day provision from 9.00am – 4.15pm and facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, art room and sensory room which are all part of the students timetable. We are able to provide all aspects of personal and medical care which is delivered by qualified care staff.
Contact Paula Humphreys at: phumphreys@knowsleycollege.ac.uk Tel: 0151 4775713
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Activate (Bracknell Centre) – https://activateces.org.uk/
Welcome to Activate Activate is a registered Charity which was founded in 2005. We deliver personalised educational and vocational programmes for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities in both Knowsley and Wirral.
This personalised study programme is for 19-24 year olds with learning difficulties and disabilities and focuses on building the skills and experience needed to pursue an active life in the local community.
Contact: Tammy Bowden Email: Tammy@activateces.org.uk Tel: 0151 545 1279
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Your Choice Your Voice & FACE –
- https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/yvyc-your-voice-your-choice
- https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/family-and-community-education-face
We are a service that provides free health and wellbeing courses to residents of the Knowsley area and beyond. Since we started in 2015 we have welcomed over 1000 students through our doors who have participated in courses. All of our courses are co-designed and co-delivered by volunteers and people with lived experience of mental health issues. By doing this we aim to empower the people in our communities to play an active role in generating better health and wellbeing outcomes for themselves and future generations.
Contact: Alex Horrocks Email: Alex.Horrocks@knowsley.gov.uk Tel: 0151 443 5400
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St Helen’s College – www.sthelens.ac.uk/prospectus, www.sthelens.ac.uk
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omj7zW6jZ3g&t=97s
St Helens College caters for students of all ages, studying at all levels. We provide courses and training to around 8,000 students across two main sites, the Town Centre Campus and the STEM Centre Technology Campus. Our courses include BTEC Vocational programmes and Apprenticeships across a wide range of areas. Some additional information:
- www.sthelens.ac.uk/apply our applications open from 1st October and we have no close date but recommend you apply before March 2021
- https://www.sthelens.ac.uk/virtualopenevent our virtual open event takes place on Wednesday 21st October (it will launch at 10:00am) and students will need to register for their place. The videos will be pre-recorded and will remain on the website for students to access anytime afterwards.
Contact: 0800 66 99 66 (Enquiries team) or email admissions@sthelens.ac.uk
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Hugh Baird – https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/locations/thornton-college
Thornton College is our specialist centre dedicated to providing a caring and supportive environment for young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities in the Liverpool City Region.
We work closely with Sefton Special Educational Needs Schools to provide the best possible place for students who need extra help and support, using our specialist facilities, expert approach and caring attitude.
We build on prior learning and provide a progression route to help students develop the skills necessary to achieve their individual potential. Thornton College holds the ‘Makaton Friendly’ status.
Contact: thorntoncollege@hughbaird.ac.uk
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The City of Liverpool College – https://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/
The City of Liverpool College is the only general FE college in the city and the largest FE college in Liverpool City Region. It offers the widest, most diverse vocational curriculum in the region and ranges from entry up to degree and post-graduate levels.
If you become a member of the college community, you’ll be taught by well supported, enthusiastic and engaging teachers who treat students as individuals, encouraging independent learning styles that set you up for further study at higher and advanced level learning.
You’ll also enjoy an experience like no other and the skills and diversity-rich curriculum ensures that students leave us equipped with all the skills they need to be successful, both in their chosen career and beyond.
Contact: Main switch board
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Carmel College – https://www.carmel.ac.uk/
We are a small and friendly department for students with Moderate Learning Difficulties studying at Entry Level and Level 1. Our Entry Level courses focus upon Personal and Social Development and Employability Skills while our Level 1 course is a BTEC Introduction to Vocational Studies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJN25_2uvbg&feature=youtu.be
Applications are now open and found on our website. Anyone who is interested should make contact with Carmel College / apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. (Before Christmas).
We are happy to arrange video calls with parents for a Q&A session if they would like this. We have already done this with some parents from other schools.
Contact: Mollie Swadkins Email: mollie@carmel.ac.uk
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Myerscough College: www.myerscough.ac.uk
https://vimeo.com/myerscoughcroxtethpark
Myerscough College offers a wide range of vocational courses in a choice of land-based and sports subjects – from entry level practical programmes up to three A-Level equivalent Diplomas, ideal for progression to university. We provide ‘outstanding’ care and support, excellent success rates, superb progression opportunities and strong links with employers. Plus – all our courses focus on academic knowledge supported by practical skills, making you more employable.
https://vimeo.com/myerscoughcroxtethpark
Contact: Paul Ryan School Liaison Officer (Merseyside) Tel: 0151 541 4077 Email: pryan@myerscough.ac.uk
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Supported Employment – https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/knowsley-council%E2%80%99s-supported-employment-co-ordinator
Knowsley Community College Supported Internship: https://www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/supported-learning/supported-internship-programme/
The Supported Internship Programme is a partnership between Knowsley Council and Knowsley Community College which gives young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience which could lead to future employment or voluntary work.
The programme which runs over one academic year gives interns the chance to try up to three different full time work placements throughout the year which complements their strengths and abilities to ensure they make a positive addition to the workplace and contributes to their long term goals. Each Intern will spend four days a week on placement and one day a week at the base room with their Job Coach and Tutor.
The success of the Supported Internship programme is formed from a strong partnership approach between both the young person, family and organisation working with the intern.
Contact: Vicki Moss Email: VMoss@sthelens.ac.uk
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Steady Chefs – http://www.stedychefscateringagency.co.uk/
VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/1319105558171952/videos/1383034048522841
StedyChefs Learning Centre is a SEND provision based in Liverpool specialising in Cookery Courses for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. The whole aspect of StedyChefs is a completely unique concept and it has had a number of great outcomes. Students that join into the family at StedyChefs have their choices and outcomes completely personalised based on what they want. For example, some students may attend to increase their independent living skills, others may use their skills as a pathway to employment, whereas some students thoroughly enjoy cooking, and use the service as an alternative to regular ‘Day Centres’.
Contact: Amy on info@stedy-chefs.co.uk Tel: 0151 936 1968 | 07400897397 www.stedychefslearningcentre.co.uk
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EPIC’s day care services support young people with Autism, age 19-25, to consolidate their education. OUr team and local experts offer a range of development activities to support care packages including:
Preparing for independence
Leisure – Activities
Social – Friendship circles
Work experience and volunteering opportunities
Feel free to email Kim for further information or arrange a visit, epic@ce3.org.uk
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Greenbank College is part of Greenbank, a Liverpool-based registered charity that was established in 1983 with a vision to transform lives, and a mission to support individuals to reach their potential through inclusive education, sport and leisure activities. Many of our students have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or are from other disadvantaged groups. We also support adults who need to gain valuable work skills to enable them to get into employment.
As the college is small, offering places to approximately 300 students every year, we are able to develop a close relationship with all our students. This means we can ensure that every individual has the best possible chance of achieving and progressing into employment, further study or volunteering.
Benefits of studying at Greenbank College
- Small class sizes
- Tutors experienced in working with SEND students
- Friendly, supportive environment
- Good achievement rates for those who have previously struggled to achieve
- Rated “Good” by Ofsted – see report
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Act for Action
We are Act for Action
Act for Action was formed in November 2018 because of this shocking statistic – only 6% of people with a disability or learning difficulty are in paid employment.
- We had to ACT and take Action for change! We want to support adults with disabilities and/or learning difficulties to reach their goals : –
- Personalised training in work skills and qualifications
- Volunteering
- Supported employment
- Social club
We offer training and supported employment/ volunteering in the cultural sector(theatres, museums, art galleries etc) and employment opportunities within our own Theatre in Education company.
We also have a social club if you want to make new friends
Who are Act for Action? – passionate about inclusion and lots of fun!
Helen is a qualified teacher with 20+ years of experience in the SEND sector including senior management. Loves a bit of drama! Beware she will sing when you least expect it.
Louise is a qualified teacher with 15+ years working in the SEND sector as a teacher, mentor and sensory coordinator.She is also a qualified careers advisor and as a full time wheel chair user, our wheelie queen knows all about barriers faced by disabled people.
Donna is a former SEND youth worker and PE assistant. She is a busy mum of two football mad boys and has experience in her personal life of disability but nothing stops her breaking down barriers and living life to the full.
We are acting together to make the world more accessible for all.
Acting for change
Taking Action for accessibility
Act now be part of the action for change
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Moving Senses-Positive Futures provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our sessions enable children and young people with a range of additional needs to interact socially with peers and increase their social and emotional skills. Our sessions incorporate a range of activities that meet the needs of the children. Our child-centred approach enables a sensitive learning relationship and environment for each child that is conducive to enabling the child to enjoy their experience.
Working in small groups’ and one to one sessions, we offer arts and craft making, therapeutic sensory activities- massage, aromatherapy, relaxation and cooking and nutrition. Our quality provision creates a safe, sensory orientated learning environment to enable each child to grow, engage and exercise their own choices in life.
CONTACT US
07846 784378
Southmead Children’s Centre
Sherwood Drive
Whiston
Liverpool, Merseyside L35 3XZ
Extra Support
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Adult Social Care – https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/residents/care/get-help-from-social-services
Social Services may be able to support you if you face challenges with health needs, family difficulties or problems at home. There are a number of reasons you may need support including:
- Disability, learning difficulty or mental health issues
- Hearing or visual impairments
- Respite care or caring for an adult
- Difficulties in managing at home
- Family difficulties
- Help or alcohol abuse
Contact: Please visit the web page and fill out the form. If you already have a social worker please contact them directly to discuss your matter.
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Direct Payments – KDC – https://www.kdc.org.uk/direct-payments/
Direct Payments help you to have more choice about the services you receive. Direct Payments help you have more control over the way your services are designed. Please visit the website for direct information regarding your personal circumstances.
Contact: Please go to the main website where you are able to send them a message.
The BIG Pathway
The BIG Pathway learning programme for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Free 15 week programme of learning and development
Link: https://www.kdc.org.uk/the-big-pathway-2/
Maths
Maths Learning
A free maths programme for adults with a learning disability and/or autism.
Link: https://www.kdc.org.uk/math-skills/
English
KDC offer a free English programme for adults with a learning disability and/or autism. You can work towards achieving AQA accredited certificates through the AQA Unit Award Scheme
Link: https://www.kdc.org.uk/english/
Maths and English leaflet (PDF)
Managing my Money
A free programme to boost your confidence and help you to take control of your money
Link: https://www.kdc.org.uk/elementor-8996/
BIG Science
Coming Soon! A new free science programme for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Explore:
- Climate change, plastics and the environment
- Chemistry in our homes
- Colour and Flames
Messy Mondays
Arts and Crafts
Messy Mondays is a monthly arts and crafts session for adults with a learning disability and /or autism
Link: https://www.kdc.org.uk/elementor-8870/
Stories
Reading together
Do you love stories? Do you like listening to stories? Do you want to tell your own stories? Stories is a reading group for adults with learning disabilities and / or autism.
It’s FREE, it’s FUN
We’ll talk about Stories, you can just listen or tell your own stories.
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Family First – https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/family-first-0-18-years
Family First is one of the key resources delivering interventions to families with complex, interacting needs in line with Knowsley Family Policy, the national Troubled Families agenda and the Early Help Strategy.
The core offer of the service is the co-ordination and delivery of multi-agency interventions, based on whole family assessment and action planning to helping families achieve positive outcomes for themselves while reducing the likelihood of escalation to high cost, statutory, crisis intervention services such as Children’s Social Care.
Referrals can be made to the service from any source when outcomes for children are compromised by issues affecting parents and carers such as Domestic Abuse, Substance Misuse, Mental Health, Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour. Families engaging with the service can expect a wide range of support either delivered directly by Family First Case Managers or through co-ordinated partnership.
Contact: Please call 0151 443 2600 if you need to discuss a referral or 0151 443 2670 if you need to speak to a Case Manager
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Knowsley SEND Local Offer 0-25: https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/categories/knowsley-local-offer-send
The Local Offer is for children and young people aged up to 25 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those who do not have Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Also for their families and the people who work with or alongside them, either in a professional or voluntary capacity. Please visit the Local Offer website for more information. You can contact them by calling 0151 443 3247 or Email: fis@knowsley.gov.uk
They have also put together a video Introducing the Local Offer (produced by the new SEND Youth Engagement Officer).
Services
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Autism Initiative – https://www.autisminitiatives.org/contactus
Please let us know how we can help you!
We currently operate services in the North of England, East of Scotland, all of Highland, parts of North Wales, Cardiff and South West Wales and in selected areas of Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Some of our services start from the age of five, with the majority of services centring around provision of excellent support services for autistic adults.
Autism Initiatives is one of the founder members of The Autism Alliance. If you are looking for services in other parts of the UK or for support with diagnosis then another member of the Autism Alliance may be able to help you. Follow this link to find out about Autism charities in other areas.
Contact: Please go to the main website where you are able to send them a message.
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SEND Activities Knowsley – http://youthactivitiesinknowsley.co.uk/
Knowsley produce a calendar of activities and events in and around Knowsley, within this website there is a tab you can visit Activities for children/young people with SEND. Though please feel free to select other tabs on the page to see what universal activities are out there. You can contact them by calling 0151 443 3247 or Email: fis@knowsley.gov.uk
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KDC – https://www.kdc.org.uk/
Knowsley Disability Concern provides a range of services to help people have choices, be in control and enjoy more independence. Knowsley Disability Concern has been supporting local people who face challenges by reason of their disability for more than 30 years. Originally established in 1977 as a service for adults with learning disabilities, KDC has developed and evolved into a modern, forward-thinking organisation specialising in delivering services to support local people to live independent lives in the community.
Our Vision is to see communities where all people are included, live independently and are valued as equal citizens
Our Mission is to provide support and services that enable people to have choice, control and independence
Our Values describe “the way we do things around here”
Managed Account Service – KDC – https://www.kdc.org.uk/managed-account-service/
If you need extra help to operate your direct payments, our Managed Account Service takes care of all the administration tasks involved – whilst ensuring that you have full choice and control.
Our Managed Accounts Service takes the stress out of using direct payments by carrying out all of the financial transactions on your behalf. We use accredited systems and processes and all our staff are trained and experienced.
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Carers Trust – http://www.knowsleycarers.co.uk/
We care for you, because you care for them! Knowsley Carers Centre is an independent, local registered charity and network partner of Carers Trust. We provide a range of services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid carers throughout Knowsley.
Contact: Tel: 0151 549 1412 Email: enquiries@knowsleycarers.co.uk
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The Salvation Army – https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/prescot & https://www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/steps-work
Video link of one of their learners: https://we.tl/t-Kmf6JtsW9n
We work to ensure that people with disabilities are given real opportunities to participate in all available activities. We believe that everyone should be treated as an equal regardless of an individual’s disabilities or desired goals.
Contact: Alan: Alan.Triggs@salvationarmy.org.uk Email address: prescot@salvationarmy.org.uk Phone: 0151 426 2278 / 07776 515800
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Knowsley Big Group – https://www.kdc.org.uk/being-involved-group/
BIG stands for Being Involved Group and it is a group for people with a learning disability. They discuss all issues to do with their lives, including health, housing and services. It started with the government White Paper, ‘Valuing People’, which outlines how people with a learning disability have been excluded but should in the future be provided with the opportunity to live full and independent lives as part of the community.
Contact: biggroup@kdc.org.uk
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Brothers of Charity – www.brothersofcharity.org.uk
Brothers charity has a vision to provide services which support eople’s individuality, choice, rights and aspirations.
Contact: Sue Quayle, National Director of Care Tel: 01257 266311 Fax: 01257 265671
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Y.A.R.S – https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/young-adult-respite-service-yars
Video is https://youtu.be/viRPPs_vL5A
Mission Statement – ‘Creating positive change through interaction and activities in the lives of young disabled adults.’ The aim of the project is to offer a service in the community and group (8 – 12 people) residential breaks to Merseyside young disabled adults (aged 16 – 30). To have a service that is specific for young disabled adults, a group usually caught in-between children and adult services. The organisation was set up because we used to run disability projects in Knowsley for disabled children and young people. Parents asked if we would set up a service that worked with their children when they became adults. Whilst the service will work with up to 25 every one of our young adults have been aged 17 – 25.
The website is www.yars.org.uk
The Facebook page is ‘young adult respite service CIC’Contact: Thomas Radcliffe on Tom – 07403 199 954 or at info@yars.org.uk
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Senior Community LD Nurse & LD Transition Lead – https://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/learning-disability-knowsley
Our service supports adults in Knowsley who have difficulties using mainstream adults’ health services because of a learning disability. This could be for a number of reasons, such as problems communicating or problems with mobility. Our team is made up of specialist learning disability nurses, who are experts in working with people with learning disabilities, as well as occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists.
We will assess you to help us understand what is causing your issues and how we can help. Following this assessment, we will put together a care plan that needs your individual needs. This could include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology services and psychiatry. We can work with people in their own homes, at college, at our team base at Willis House in Whiston, or at day services across Knowsley. This may be on a one to one basis, in a group or by supporting family members and carers. We also provide training for family members, carers and other professionals supporting adults with learning disabilities.
Willis House – Specialist Learning Disabilities Team for Adults in St Helens and Knowsley
We are a team that consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists and will support any adult over the age of 18 who has a learning disability and has a GP in the Knowsley or St Helens areas. We help adults with learning disabilities who have a range of health needs. We work alongside GPs, hospitals, social care and day and education provisions to promote the well-being of our service users. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any additional questions about what we can offer.
Contact: Tel: 0151 426 5885
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Al’s Club/Al’s Arc – https://www.facebook.com/groups/223450001142972/
Al’s club offer a place for young adults with learning disabilities or complex needs to enjoy activities together in a safe and stimulating environment. The club has a base at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, and at Mosscroft Community Centre during school and college holidays
Contact: Debbie O’Brien through facebook link above.
Other Links
(If you know of anyone who would like to link to our page, please email bluebell.park@knowsley.gov.uk)
