Our Children - 28 June

The June 2024 newsletter welcomes Renfrewshire Council’s Whole Family Wellbeing teams and the newly funded Third Sector Organisations.

For the newbies, this newsletter aims to provide a monthly update on children, young people and families related topics. If you have a story you want to share, information on your service, a call to action for the network, or anything you feel is relevant, and could benefit the children, young people and families of Renfrewshire, please contact Jane – jhamilton@engagerenfrewshire.com.

This newsletter is packed with local supports and information to be shared with your professional networks and the children, young people, and families you support.
 

• ASN Family Wellbeing Support
• KLAS Care Summer Play Scheme
• Art Wise – WFW
• Free Sport Activities for Kids – Inchinnan, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Langbank, Renfrew
• The Promise Renfrewshire
• The Village – New WFW programme
• Domestic Abuse Drop-in
• PACHEDU – Opuruiche Karungi (Uniquely Beautiful) – New WFW programme
• The Parental Employability Support (PES) Outreach
• Renfrew YMCA – Summer programme
• Training – Third Sector Staff and Volunteers – New GIRFEC E-Module
• Funding

ASN Family Wellbeing Support

In It Together YMCA Renfrew
Drop-in support, guidance and advice
Wednesdays 4pm- 6pm
RENFREW YMCA BUILDING In it together promotes the inclusion of children and young people with additional support needs into mainstream activities where a member of staff can work on a 1-1 basis with young people.

One Ren Disability Sport
One Ren provide a variety of programmes throughout the summer to support children and young people with disabilities, and their families. To find out more, click here - Disability Sport | OneRen

Bricklane Music Academy
Bricklane Music Academy provide a variety of activities throughout the year for children and young people with additional support needs.

All year round: Bricklane Music Academy, 7-9 Weir Street, Paisley, PA3 4DW - 0141 328 6983 www.bricklane.co.uk
0-4 years 11am - 12 Musical Tots Activities 
0 - 4 years 1pm - 2pm Musical Tots Activities 

Term time Music Activities:
1.30pm - 2pm younger kids - Saturday mild ASN Family Music Session
2pm - 2.30pm older kids - Saturday mild ASN Family Music Session 
 
3pm - 3.30pm younger kids - Saturday mild ASN Family Music Session
3.30 - 4pm older kids - Saturday mild ASN Family Music Session
 
Every Wednesday 4pm - 4.45pm After School - more complex ASN supported Activities.
 
Every Thursday 4pm = 4.45pm After School - more complex ASN supported Activities 
 
At enrolment quote: “Whole Family Wellbeing” when booking any places so we know they are free places.



SUMMER FUN IN MARY RUSSELL SCHOOL
Summer is here and the fun activity programme starts on the 1st of July until the 2nd of August in Mary Russell School, 115 Hawkhead Rd, Paisley PA2 7BE.
Providing a safe environment for children with additional support needs, lead by a team of professional staff that are experienced in the needs of dealing with children with ASN.
This activity club will be respite for both the families and the children, with a flexible approach to how many and when sessions are booked gives the parent and the child choices.
With a rights-based approach and aiming to getting it right for every child there will be the offer of 3 sessions per day. 15 free sessions will be provided through Renfrewshire Councils Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. Additional sessions may be available and will have a cost of £17 per 3 sessions. Sessions can be book concurrently, if you require any further information on this please call 01505331931 and ask for information on “Summer Fun, Mary Russell School”.
The programme is:   
Session one 09:00-10:50am    Session Two 11:00-12:50pm   Session three 13:00-14:50
Week 1
1/7/24 *Rhythm and Dance – promoting co-ordination       *Cold cooking - enhancing fine motor skills   *Bounce and catch – encouraging hand to eye skills
Week 2
8/7/24 *Messy and tactile play – connecting with sensory needs    *Chopping and weighing - enhancing fine motor skills and time *Balance promoting problem solving skills
Week 3
15/7/24           *Skoobmobile – reading and drawing – promoting creativity and imagination       *Dress up – making use of     role play to being out confidence    *Planting – promoting care and nurture
Week  4
22/7/24 *Construction – promoting self-regulation *Den building – increasing creativity and curiosity   *Science – enhancing STEM and confidence with numbers.
Week 5
29/7/24  *Bubbles – using bubbles to increase concentration          *Teamwork – promoting empathy and healthy friendships     *Party day with a music festival that the children will take part
 
Due to the kitchens being closed please provide packed food, we will provide snacks and water.

KLAS Care Summer Play Scheme

Play Scheme at Linwood KLAS Care opening times are 7:30-6pm Monday to Friday, available sessions are 8am-1pm , 1pm-6pm, 9am-3pm and 7:30am-6pm, prices range from fully funded (criteria must be met) to £21 for a full day. Children can be dropped off anytime up to 10am and collected at anytime after 4pm daily. Full day trips are excluded from these session times as these can only be booked from 8am-6pm.

We do offer a free packed lunch as an optional extra, included in the price is all trips, breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day.  To book call 0150533193

Art Wise

Impact Arts are running two opens on 03 and 10 July 1pm – 3pm for their Art Wise wellbeing and development programme. The sessions are based in Gallowhill Community Centre and welcomes families from throughout Renfrewshire.

Free Sports Activities for Kids

Get Active Coaching CIC – Community Sport
Get Active Coaching CIC are offering free community sport for children and young people (8 – 15) to help them positively engage with sport and physical exercise. This programme, funded by The National Lottery Young Start Fund is community led, so the children and young people taking part influence the activities, and will have the opportunity to become Sport Ambassadors for the organisation. The sessions are delivered locally in Inchinnan, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Langbank, and Renfrew, however they are open to children and young people throughout Renfrewshire.
Please share with your networks, and if you require further information you can contact Martin – coachgetactive@gmail.com

The Promise

Youth Services are excited to share with you our fun filled Promise Champ Summer programme, co-designed with young people to ensure we have lots of fun opportunities for care experienced young people, young people who are on the edges of care and young carers to get involved with during their summer holiday. Consulting with our current Paisley Promise Champs youth club members, their main ask has been for us at Youth Services to facilitate youth events and trips during the summer holidays themed to teenage interests. We are so pleased that we have been able to respond to this ask and will be delivering youth events, youth clubs and trips this summer with the support of continued Future Paisley funding.

Paisley Promise Champs Summer events
Our Paisley Promise Champs Summer events will take place on the following Fridays in summer within the Methodist Church lesser hall (Main Hall) from 1 -3pm on the following dates. Open to young people aged 11-17 years of age;




Gallowhill Promise Champs Youth Club and Event
We will also be delivering a summer youth club care experienced young people, young people who are on the edges of care and young carers aged 10-15 years of age, in priority area Gallowhill, at Gallowhill Community Centre. Consent forms can be sent prior to Parent/Carer or completed by Parent/Carer on first attendance of youth club.



Promise Champs summer trips!
Alongside our Promise Champs youth events and club, we have planned the following Promise Champs summer trips for those who attend our Promise Champs Youth Clubs, Residential or art engagement programmes. Open to ages 11-17 years of age. On these following dates;

• Monday 08 July - 11 - 4pm – Glasgow Science Centre + planetarium (packed lunch will be provided)
• Monday 15 July - 11am - 4pm – Inflata Nation + Foxbar Drop In centre for lunch and games.
• Monday 22 July - 11am – 4am – Ayr beach trip + outdoor games (packed lunch provided)
• Monday 29 July - 10am – 4am – Blair Drummond Safari adventure park (packed lunch provided)

If you have a young person in mind that would like to attend one or more of these trips but who hasn’t yet attended our Promise Champs programme we ask that you please support them to come along to one of the next Paisley Promise Champs youth club dates on either Monday 17  and/ or Monday 24 June at the Methodist Church, 1st floor, 4.30-6.30pm to meet our Youth Services staff, existing Promise Champs and for our staff to identify any supports they may need to put in place before the young person attends a full day trip.
A consent form will be provided to attend each selected trip and must be completed by a Parent/Carer and returned to Siobhan.gray@renfrewshire.gov.uk asap to secure their young person’s place on the selected trip.


Falkirk Champs Board Education Video
For those of you that are not already Promise Keepers I wanted to share this powerful video.
Falkirk Champions Board have co-designed a powerful video about their experiences in Education and the impact that their Care Experience has had on their learning and school experiences. The video emphasises the importance of nurture and positive relationships within schools.
You can view the video by clicking the image or via the link below.  
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31ppclsgSXQ
If you would like to know more about becoming a Promise Keeper, please contact Sam - samantha.macrae@renfrewshire.gov.uk . You will receive training, regular updates on The Promise, both locally and nationally, and join a network of likeminded individuals striving to create a culture of equality and inclusion for all care experienced people.

The Village

The Village – Support for Parents with Care Experience in Renfrewshire
Help us make a difference for parents with care experience in Renfrewshire by spreading the word about The Village. This independent online community is designed for expectant parents or parents of children aged 0-5 years who have experience of care.

About The Village
The Village was created in collaboration with Care Visions, Early Years Scotland, and Scottish Attachment in Action, and is now part of The Why Not? Trust. Developed by and for parents with care experience, it provides a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment. Our community is built on the principle that all parents need support, offering resources and a listening ear to help parents navigate their journey.

Why The Village Matters
Parents with care experience often face stigma and additional anxiety when starting their own families. The Village provides a supportive community that understands these unique challenges and offers resources to help them on their parenting journey.

Our Goal
We aim to reach all new parents with care experience in Renfrewshire and ensure they know about The Village. We need your help to share this resource and support meaningful change. Join us in creating a nurturing social network that provides the support every parent deserves. We are committed to being guided by the voices of lived experience and honouring our commitment to Keep the Promise.

What The Village Offers:

• A Warm Welcome: A listening ear, advice, information, and occasional freebies.
• Personalised Support: Each member is paired with a Team Member for ongoing support and advice.
• Safe Digital Environment: Parents control their involvement, accessing resources like online chats, groups, videos, courses, and more.
• Peer Mentoring: The option to participate in our Peer Mentoring programme, which pairs experienced parents with new parents to support them on their parenting journey.
• Inclusive Community: No need for referrals, making it accessible to all parents with care experience.

Key Features:

• Confidential and judgement-free support.
• Access to valuable resources like data packages, hospital packs, and parenting tips.
• Opportunities for parents to voice their needs and access advocacy services.

Get Involved
Encourage parents with care experience to join The Village. Share information, signpost them to our online community, and, with permission, share contact details so we can reach out directly.
Join us in creating a nurturing social network that provides the support every parent needs. Together, we can make a life-changing difference to care-experienced parents in Renfrewshire.
Become a Peer Mentor. Do you or someone you know have the experience and passion to support new parents? Join our Peer Mentoring programme and make a difference!
Our Peer Mentoring programme connects experienced parents with new parents, offering essential support and guidance through the early stages of parenthood. Interested in becoming a Peer Mentor? Contact our Peer Mentor Lead, Ashleigh, for an informal chat and more information.
Call: 07850 725799
Email: ashleigh.donaldson@whynottrust.org

• Website: www.whynottrust.org/the-village
• Instagram: @TheVillageScot
• Facebook: TheVillageScotland
• Sign up to the Why Not? Hub

Domestic Abuse Drop-In

Jubilee House are holding discreet drop in support services throughout the summer in The Central Library and The Charleston Centre. No appointment is required, anyone seeking support or advice should ‘Ask for Crystal’. This support is open to anyone experiencing, or supporting someone, in an abusive relationship.

PACHEDU - Opuruiche Karungi

PACHEDU was established in 2016 in Renfrewshire as a registered charity working with diverse minority ethnic groups across a broad range of protected characteristics according to the Equality Act 2010 to promote diversity, tolerance and dignity for humanity. They have recently been awarded Whole Family Wellbeing funding to deliver support to minority families with neurodiversity, their programme includes:

1. Family Support Workshops & Training
2. One-on-One Counselling 
3. Peer Support Groups
4. Cultural Awareness Events
5. Resource Development
6. Social and Recreational Activities

 
For more information please contact – Chinedu - Pachedu Charity
Tannahill Centre,
76 Blackstoun Rd,
Paisley PA3 1NT
Tel:   0740 4220 460

Parental Employability Support (PES)

The Parental Employability Support (PES) team are offering support to parents who are unemployed or working and receiving benefits and are looking for a better paid job.  The PES team are happy to confirm that the following outreach sessions are now available.
The PES staff will be happy to support you at any of these outreach locations.
Please see below all our Invest in Renfrewshire Outreach Programmes for parents.

 

Training

Children in Scotland – New GIRFEC E-Module
The STTS team wanted to inform you all of the recently published new Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) e-Learning Module which has been created by Children in Scotland, in collaboration with the STTS Project and Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities (THRE).
 
This module is designed to enhance understanding and application of the Scottish Government's Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) policy. In this module, you will explore GIRFEC and how it helps to ensure that children and young people get the right help, at the right time, from the right people. The module is aimed at third sector staff and volunteers who work directly with or alongside children and young people in Scotland.
 
To access this new module and the others in the e-Learning Hub you will need to create an account, which is completely free.
Click here to get started: https://lms.childreninscotland.org.uk/login/index.php

Funding

Boost Small Grants Programme – CORRA Foundation
The Boost Small Grants programme is for local community organisations across Scotland supporting children and families affected by poverty. The work you are doing might be about providing practical help, or organising activities and gatherings, or addressing another local need. Boost Small Grants will provide grants of £500-£3,000 to constituted groups and charities with an annual income of £50,000 or less. Unconstituted groups can apply for grants of between £250-£1,500. There is £225,000 available to distribute, and we anticipate making approximately 80-120 grants. There is no closing date. Find out more here
 

New Funding Hub – The Prince’s Trust
In partnership with NatWest and British Business Bank, The Prince’s Trust has launched a new funding offer that will support young entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of starting their business to overcome the financial barriers they face. This ‘Grant Hub’ will provide two distinct opportunities for 18- to 30-year-old entrepreneurs to apply for financial help when starting their business – an initial Test My Business Idea grant, as well as start-up funding when they are ready to launch. Find out more here


Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for Care Leavers (UK)
The Open University, in collaboration with the John Lewis Partnership, offers young people who experienced care the opportunity to study an undergraduate qualification for free. The Care Experienced Scholarship programme offers six full undergraduate scholarships for 2024/25 to young people aged 25 and under who have spent time in care and faced significant barriers to entering and succeeding in higher education. Those who successfully apply for the scholarship can study flexibly, including spreading their learning over three years, to fit in with family or existing work commitments. Applications close at midday on 24 July 2024. Find out more here