Covid-19 - Coronovirus - Learning Resources and Activities

Learning Resources and Activities

Small textWith schools now closing to most children due to the COVID-19 situation, take a look at the articles on this page to get ideas for learning and activities to do at home.

New Educational TV Shows for Children of all Ages

Virgin Media has put together a list of some of the best educational TV shows to help parents easily find useful educational resources for all ages, including structured lessons and practical advice.

Find out more [here].
(This is a mix of terrestrial television channels and subscription services).

Specialist SEN Support Team (SSENS) Information Resource Pack and Newsletters for Parent Carers

Please see our website for information on resources available to parent carers from the SSENS team during this challenging time: [Resource pack for Parent Carers]


February 2021 - New SSENS Team Newsletter - Get Creative with Learning

Wiltshire Council's Specialist SEN Service have produced a new newsletter which focuses on supporting children and parent carers with getting creative with learning now that children are starting to return to school.

Moving away from remote learning provides opportunities to support children’s learning in fun and imaginative ways with virtually NO SCREENS involved! In this newsletter there is a focus on emphasising an inventive, practical and possibly inspirational approach to learning. Ideas can help with homework tasks and aim to emphasize a child’s interests and strengths to support those areas they may find challenging.

Click on the following link to take a look - Get Creative with Learning Newsletter


To see previous newsletters please [click here]

Colouring Activity

'Hope you are all well and staying safe. Thought I'd share something that we've done over the weekend for a bit of fun.

Meet our new pet George :-)'


If you'd like to make a 'George', please click here

Ability Sports Activity Packs

Due to the current lockdown, unfortunately Wiltshire Council's Ability Sports team cannot provide weekly Ability Sports sessions, but they have provided some activities for children to do at home. They will publish a new activity pack each week which will contain further ideas for you to get active, stay in contact and stay focussed, all from the comfort of your home. They want the packs to be as interactive as possible so if you have any ideas for future packs please email them at sportsdevelopment@wiltshire.gov.uk

Ability Sports Activity Pack - week 5

Ability Sports Activity Pack - week 4

Ability Sports Activity Pack - week 3

Ability Sports Activity Pack – week 2

Ability Sports Activity Pack – week 1

There is also a full range of activity packs and a variety of things to do at home on the Active Communities resource [website]

Barnardo's Short Breaks Activity Books

The latest Barnardo's Short Breaks Activity Booklet is called Sports

Also take a look at the other activity books designed by the Barnardo's short breaks staff based on the activities they do with young people in their clubs:

BOOK 1

BOOK 2

Space Activity Pack

Activity Pack 4 from Barnardo’s: [Let's Get Messy]

Home Learning Resource Pack

Activity Pack 5

Activity Pack 6 - Transport

Animals Activity Pack

Get Active! Activity Pack 7

Drama WSB Activity Pack

Music WSB Activity Pack

Adventures

Autumn

Halloween Activity Pack

Winter Celebrations

Hope and Kindness

Science

Free Tactile Resources for Blind People

Living Paintings loans audiobooks, tactile books and other tactile resources free to blind and partially sighted adults, young people and children.

Visit the [Living Paintings website] to find out more.

Fun Things to try with Disabled Children.

Written by a parent of a disabled child, this page has tips and fun things to do with your child if they have a disability or additional needs; none of them are screen based and many can be doe indoors.

[Fun things to Do]

Signed Songs

Lots of signed songs from nursery rhymes to Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

See all their songs on their [YouTube channel]

Free Audiobooks

Calibre Audio is a national charity lending free audiobooks for anyone who is print disabled. Calibre’s audiobook services can be accessed to suit every individual's needs:-

• directly streamed from their website to your mobile, tablet or computer
  
• access their download service through a smartphone
  
• or tablet memory sticks can be posted direct to your home, with their free postal service
  
• they will post CDs direct to you free of charge
  
• Calibre Audio is also available through In Your Pocket, "The simple talking smart phone for visually impaired people".
  

Calibre Audio is free to join for everyone who has a print disability.
A print disability is a difficulty or inability to read printed material where someone is unable to see, read, manipulate or comprehend the text. This can include:-

• A learning disability, such as dyslexia;
  
• A brain injury or cognitive impairment such as head trauma or stroke;
  
• A vision impairment or blindness;
  
• A physical dexterity problem such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease, arthritis, paralysis or terminal illness.
  

Calibre Audio has free books for children, young people and adults.

Visit their [website] to find out more.

Disability Sports- Home-based PE and Physical Activities

Please see the following Physical Activities Sheets that Rob Paget, Disability Sports Development Officer has put together.

They contain information on a number of home workouts people can do either in the house or garden whilst the weather is nice and all of us are stuck at home!

There are a range of activities on the sheets that are suitable for all ages and abilities including inclusive activities, dance activities and live daily workouts:

ACTIVITY SHEET 1

ACTIVITY SHEET 2

For more details or further information please contact Rob Paget, Disability Sports Development Officer on 01722 434770 or email robert.paget@wiltshire.gov.uk

Online Learning Resources to Support Children with SEND

The Department for Education (DfE) has developed a list of online resources and apps to support home learning.

On their website, there is a section of resources and apps specifically for children and young people with SEND: [SEND Home Learning]

Home Learning Dyslexic Resources

Barrington Stoke has published a free digital pack of advice, information and resources to support dyslexic children learning from home. It contains a variety of tips on reading and home schooling during lockdown, access to activities and resources for all ages. There are also links to a range of organisations that can offer further support. Take a look: [Dyslexic Resources]

British Dyslexia Association – FREE access to Contact magazine

The British Dyslexia Association is pleased to launch the June 2020 edition of Contact magazine in its brand new, digital format.

For the first time ever you can access Contact magazine exclusively online. This means more useful articles, more interesting features, and more resources to help support people with dyslexia.

In this edition we feature:
• Investor and entrepreneur - Guy Hands
• Move Beyond Words - a duo seeking to challenge perceptions of dyslexia through movement
• Multi-sensory teaching at home with Dr Susie Nyman

We hope you'll find this edition of Contact entertaining and informative. Share your thoughts on social media @bdadyslexia

[Read the full Contact magazine now]
[Read our mobile-friendly version]

South Wilts Mencap (SWM) Facebook Group – Online Activities

SWM would love to hear from you, share activity ideas with you and generally keep in touch, so they have created a group on Facebook for you to join: [SWM Facebook]

Activities lined up already include Zumba and a sing –a –long.

The Facebook group is private and SWM will moderate the members and content to ensure it is a safe online environment for everyone involved. If you don’t use Facebook but would like to join in the Zumba or sing-a-long they can send you the link to the zoom session.

Email Emma: secretary@southwiltsmencap.org.uk for the details.

ONLINE Music workshops for children with SEND - English Touring Opera

The English Touring Opera (ETO) have recently started Inclusive weekly music workshops for children with SEND led by Bradley - English Touring Opera's Head of Learning & Participation. The first session aired on 29th April (link to past session – [HERE]) and will run at 11.00am every Wednesday. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response. Here are some comments from parents:

"He really loved all of it. It was great that there were ways of joining in that didn’t just involve singing. He was really keen to join in with the singing"

"The session went really well, it was easy to follow and the concept was well planned and carried out."

"it was noticeable how he responded particularly well to the voice of the presentation at the start, and continued to be excited and engaged"

Watch past and future workshops [HERE]

Here are the links to the live sessions (Wednesdays 11am) on the following dates:
13th May 2020 – https://bit.ly/ETOworkshopweek3
20th May 2020 – https://bit.ly/ETOworkshopweek4
27th May 2020 – https://bit.ly/ETOworkshopweek5
3rd June 2020 – https://bit.ly/ETOworkshopweek6

The Multi Sensory Art Project

As The Roche Court Educational Trust are unable to engage with children and participants face to face, they are seizing the opportunity to share a host of sensory offerings digitally with families and teachers on their website, on [Facebook], [Instagram] and our [YouTube playlist]. The theme this year is SUPER NATURE! The artists and educators who created The Multi Sensory Art Project have been inspired by sculptures exhibited at Roche Court Sculpture Park. They invite you to experience, explore and imagine with them. They have created a number of playful videos, images and some information sheets to help you do this at home with your family or at school. Take a look to find out more [HERE]

Head2Head Inclusive Theatre Group - Interactive performance of “Come Trot to Camelot”

As Head2Head cannot tour with their latest production of 'Come Trot to Camelot', they have been working hard to come up with some new ways to entertain you during the coming weeks:

On [Twitter] they have jokes, snippets of rehearsals ... with Makaton signing and captions.

Facebook videos: [HERE]
If you click 'Following' after you have viewed the video, you will automatically be linked to all their other videos.

On [YouTube] they are offering some other fun activities with craft and baking ideas that you can try out at home.

Shortly they will launch an interactive version of their latest production, 'Come Trot to Camelot'. Due to social distancing and as a temporary measure, this will be filmed in the home of two of their actors. It will be a lot of fun as you can have a treasure hunt around your home for items that you can use as props when watching the video to make it really interactive. Once social distancing is lifted they will film the full production with three actors and a professional videographer.

Activity Ideas for Children with SEND

Veryan Cranston is an experienced Special Needs Teacher and has kindly put the attached information together for any parent carers wanting some ideas on fun and cheap activities to try at home, including free apps! Click here to take a look.

Veryan is also happy to offer support and advice over the phone. If you would like to make contact please call/text Veryan on 07769 228572.


Home bucket activity

See Gina Davies doing a simple bucket type activity for home - [click here] to view.

Here are some other ideas to go with it:

• Anything you can spin (plates, balls, saucepan lids)
• Anything that flashes (torch, running lights)
• Things that turn on and off (an old phone that you can set different alarm sounds on, electric toothbrush, toys belonging to big brothers and sisters (as children can look but not touch)
• Old leftovers from Christmas/birthdays(party poppers, a balloon, crackers, birthday candles to light and blow out)
• Small electric fans, Hand fans or even a newspaper that you can flap to make a breeze
• Things that make a good noise (drop rice/pasta etc into a saucepan, jangly keys, a stiff brush that makes a noise when you brush it on carpet, a bike bell or horn,)
• Things you can drop with good effect (flour sprinkling through a sieve, a floaty
• Scarf, spoons onto a baking tray)
  

Other resources/ activities for young people with SEND

[BBC Newsround]: helpful information for children about the coronavirus, including explainer videos. They also have a 'happy news' section to brighten the day

[Childline] has a 'calm zone', with videos, activities, games, and calming activities to help children who are worried about anything

[Calibre Audio Library]: UK charity that lends audio books and streams books online for anyone who struggles to access print, including children.

[Living Paintings (UK)]: Free postal library supporting blind and partially sighted adults, children and young people. They make tactile versions of pictures that come to life when fingers feel them.

[BBC CBeebies for special needs]: Resources and help for children with additional needs from the BBC, including Mr Tumble!

[ITV Signed Stories]: Signed Stories help improve the literacy of deaf children from infancy upwards. The website also provides useful advice and guidance for parents, carers and teachers of deaf children, and for the deaf parents of hearing children.

Twinkl has lots resources and ideas to stimulate and entertain children of primary school age. And the [Twinkl SEND resources] are worth checking out for fun stuff to do at home.

[Singing Hands on YouTube] has videos of songs signed in Makaton. And they will be doing live sessions on YouTube at 10.30am.

Bumble bee physio London are doing live physio for children who are wheelchair users at 10am on their [Facebook page].

[David Walliams] is releasing a free audio story every day for 30 days!

[Storyline Online], streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children's books alongside creative illustrations.

If your children are into animals and the natural world, [National Geographic Kids] on You Tube has lots of fantastic, interactive videos.

[Khan Academy Kids] is an educational app for children aged two to seven. Animated characters guide children through educational materials. It's an American app but lots of relevant activities.

And here is an [article with tips for games and activities] to do with children with special educational needs, that are not screen based - many of them indoors.

London Science Museum Online Activities

Although the Science Museum doors are currently closed you can still explore their amazing collection through their subtitled virtual tours, hands-on sensory experiments and wonderful 3D objects.

Take a look:
[Virtual Tours]

[3D Objects]

[Sensory Experiments]

Summer Reading Challenge

Wiltshire libraries won’t be able to run the regular Summer Reading Challenge in libraries this year but the Reading Agency (who manage the challenge nationally) have created a digital version as an alternative. The theme for the digital challenge will be ‘Silly Squad’ and it will launch on Friday 5th June.

The digital challenge platform will include a safe sign-up process, a personal profile area where children can set reading goals, review books, view book recommendations and access guides to e-lending. There will also be a forum to chat to friends, play games, download and print activities, as well as family activities with rewards and unlockable content to keep children and families engaged throughout the summer months. The platform will be free for children and families to use.

There are plans to buy Silly Squad medals to give to children who complete the online challenge, which will hopefully be available from the autumn subject to availability. The service has lots of children’s eBooks and will be buying more over the next few weeks for those who may have difficulty accessing books. They will also be offering online activities throughout the summer to link into the challenge via their Facebook, Twitter and Youtube channels. Click [READING CHALLENGE] to find out more.

9am PE Lessons with Joe Wicks

Catch up on this week's online [PE lessons] with Joe Wicks. You can access the recordings at any time.

Free Les Mills Workouts

Thanks to Five Rivers Health & Wellbeing Centre, you can access free workout videos by [Les Mills]. The videos also include yoga, breathing and mindfulness for those seeking some tranquillity and ‘Born to Move’ children’s workouts for 4-16 year olds.

Thrive activities

Here are some creative activities that you can use with your child to support their emotional development at home. Play releases lots of feel good chemicals that help us feel calm, steady and connected. If possible, look to do these activities for as much as 20 minutes or more each day.

Thrive activities for children

Message and activity resources from Aiming High, Swindon

Good afternoon,

In light of the current outbreak of Covid-19, we will not be issuing the Aiming High Spring Newsletter as it stands. Since collating the information, many of the planned activities and events have since been cancelled or postponed until further notice. As you will know, the picture is changing every day, however we are currently seeking the latest information and will send an email with any updates.

Please see the Social Distancing Timetable from Active & Inclusive Swindon. This timetable is a little bit different, it offers activities for the 7 days of the week but offers suggestions for activities outside of physical activity.

Kind regards,
Kylie Cohen, Inclusion & Outreach Officer

(This timetable supports the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ by using activities that look after your mental wellbeing at what might be an anxious or lonely time. We will be staying active, learning new things, connecting with nature, ourselves and others, giving our time to others and taking notice of how we are feeling.)

Free Online Maths Test Games

Maths Chase are offering their online maths test games free of charge. Maths Chase have a number of tests in game format suitable for year groups from Reception to Year 4. Find out more by visiting the [Chase website].

Lots more learning resources and things to do!

[Blockly] - Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.

[Scratch] - Creative computer programming.

[Ted Ed] - All sorts of engaging educational videos.

[Duolingo] - Learn languages for free. Web or app.

[Mystery Science] - Free science lessons.

[The Kids Should See This] - Wide range of cool educational videos.

[Crest Awards] - Science awards you can complete from home.

[Paw Print Badges] - Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.

[Tinkercad] - All kinds of making.

[Cbeebies Radio] - Listening activities for the younger ones.

[The Artful Parent] Facebook page - Free art activities.

[Red Red Art] - Easy arts and crafts for little ones.

[The Imagination Tree] - Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.

[Toy Theatre] - Educational online games.

[DK Find Out] - Activities and quizzes.

Online Computer Skills Activities for Children

Earth Games are now offering free live-streamed lessons every Friday morning during this home learning period. Whilst they do not offer specific SEND support their resources for the Hedgehog game in particular are in a variety of formats (slideshows, videos and live-streamed lessons) so students can access it in the best way for them.

They have two learning opportunities this term both starting on Thurs May 7th, then every Friday from the following week:

• The Hedgehog Game - this covers almost all of the primary computing curriculum for KS2 through creating a game in the block based programming language Scratch. Free slideshow tutorials, videos and live-stream lessons. Aimed at 8-11 yrs old.
  
• The Insect Game Competition - this is a competition, in association with the charity Buglife, to create a board game or game in Scratch. Aimed at 6-11 yrs with live-streamed lessons and resources to support the creation of the students projects. Excellent prizes including trail cameras, bug houses, trips to London.
  

More details are on their website [HERE]

Earlyarts – Free Resources for Families

Earlyarts have produced a [Creative Care Package], designed to bring artists and cultural organisations into the homes of families across the globe during lockdown. These free fortnightly mailings are short and sweet e-bulletins with a selection of carefully curated arts activities for families to do together with their young children in ways that are fun and purposeful.

You can also view [previous Creative Care Packages here].

Chatter Pack - Online Resources While You Stay at Home

[Chatter Pack] have compiled a list of resources from virtual tours of museums to free concerts to maths tests to health and wellbeing guides and much more. A bit of a one-stop-shop to dip into when you need some inspiration.

Scouts - The Great Indoors

As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, the Scouts want to do what they can to help.

While they normally love the great outdoors, they’ve pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas. Keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoor - https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors/

The Great Indoors – Staged Activity Badges Now Available!
The response to the Scouts “The Great Indoors” programme has been incredible, and they have been inundated with requests for a badge to go along with it. They have launched [The Great Indoors Staged Activity Badge], a badge to recognise young people taking part in Scouting activities at home. This is open to all, non-members too.

Interactive Road Safety Modules for 11-18 year olds

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have now released all four modules of their interactive road safety workbooks for students’ home-learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the Road Safety Team have been unable to deliver their usual programmes in schools due to social distancing, they’ve created interactive workbooks about road safety during and after the Covid-19 pandemic for Key Stages 3, 4 & 5). The modules are vibrant and engaging, with various forms of media to include public health messages, activities, assignments, and quizzes, as well as exercises to help mental health and promote interaction with family members. Each module covers a different topic – essential travel, drivers, pedestrians and using two-wheelers.

Road safety manager Christine Sharma said: “The modules have been created for 11–18-year olds to complete at home, with the aim of encouraging them to consider the impact of risky road behaviours on the community and, of course our NHS. We also signpost for other issues like mental health and other safeguarding concerns which may be affecting families at home. We’re thrilled with how successful the workbook has been so far, with numerous educational professionals having downloaded the modules nationally. The fourth and final module was released on Monday 11 May and we hope to see this success continue.”

By completing the course, students will have a better understanding of what essential travel means and why it is important; what could distract road users in the current climate and how they can help; social distancing and the impact this is having on the use of roads; and finally, protecting the NHS and other emergency services.

The workbook is a free resource, aimed at KS3, KS4 and KS5. The modules are aligned with the PSHE curriculum, encompassing elements from Health & Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

The workbook can be found [Here] and can be used by anyone.

Free Online Book to Help Children Understand New Protective Measures that May be in Place at their School

[‘My Back to School Bubble’] aims to help children understand the new protective measures that may be in place at their school, in an age-appropriate way. It reinforces public health messages including the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene, while reassuring children that everyone makes mistakes, helping to combat feelings of anxiety that have been reported by parents.

The published story is available as a free [download] and has been created with the input from a network of teachers, parents and public health professionals.

Understanding and Coming to Terms with COVID-19 – Free Online Books for Children

[My Hero is you]: is a free online book that aims to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19. This explains how children can protect themselves, their families and friends from coronavirus and how to manage difficult emotions when confronted with a new and rapidly changing reality.

[Coronavirus, a book for children]: this free online book answers key questions about the Coronavirus in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds.

[The Stay Home Superheroes]: a free online ebook about the importance of staying at home and how this is helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Online Children’s Story – While We Can’t Hug

Hedgehog and Tortoise want to give each other a great big hug, but they're not allowed to touch. Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar bring you a new story: [While We Can't Hug]

Free Book Explaining the Coronavirus to Children – illustrated by the illustrator of the Gruffalo

A free information book to help explain the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, was released on 6th April.

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, which is free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. The book has been published by Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.

The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds: -

• What is the coronavirus?
• How do you catch the coronavirus?
• What happens if you catch the coronavirus?
• Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
• Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
• Why are some places we normally go to closed?
• What can I do to help?
• What’s going to happen next?

Simply click [BOOK] to access it.

Corona Virus Social Story

Social Stories are a social learning tools that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism of all ages.

Take a look at the below Corona Virus Social Story by The Autism Educator which may be helpful to children with Autism but also other children with hidden disabilities such as ADHD/Speech and Language Difficulties: [Social Story - Corona Virus]

Corona Virus Stories by ELSA Support

Take a look at the below two stories to share with your children. They are from the [ELSA Support] website which has a wealth of information and resources for parents and schools:

[Corona Virus - Children's Story]

[Story - Why is my school closed?]

A Social Story - Pandemics and the Coronavirus

A social story that you might find useful - social story

Free Online Autism Course

The University of Bath is offering a free online autism course for parents and professionals. The course will run for four weeks, starting on Monday 30th March, and will benefit parent carers and educators working with children and young people with a diagnosis of autism. The first online course begins with a forum for people to share tips with each other on being at home with a child or young person with autism.

[Click here] to find out more.

Spectrum Live - The Coronavirus Series

Many autistic people and their families have concerns about the current situation with coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) are pleased to announce a series of Spectrum Live Episodes which will be pre-recorded and hosted on their Facebook page.

Take a look to find out how it works and how you can join in: [Spectrum Live]

Top Tips for Families and Adults from the National Autistic Society (NAS)

This unprecedented period of change and disruption is very difficult for many autistic people and families. NAS have created some tips that they hope will help you. Remember it’s not forever and there are lots of things you can do that may make things easier: [NAS Top Tips]

Please also see the poster I Can Control

Autism Tips

Helen Eaton is a parent of a child with autism and delivers leadership and management training, as well as writing books to help the understanding of autism.

Podcasts
Helen has recorded her first podcast about Autism and you can listen to it on her [website]. Helen says: “It was an 'interesting experience' making, as I'm no tech genius or voice artist! I hope you find it useful, I will be releasing more very soon, and please do share them with friends and family.”

Anxiety
These are difficult times for everyone, and autistic adults and children may find their anxiety levels are much higher than usual. Helen offers a few suggestions which may help: -

• Recognise that you are feeling anxious. It may be making you more irritable, sad, impatient and lots of other unhelpful emotions!
  
• Fill your 'anxiety time' with an activity. Focus your mind on doing or making something and then there is less time and head space to worry.
  
• Share your worries so that others understand how you're feeling. You might want them to help find some answers or to simply listen.
  
• Think about what you can control. You can't control Covid-19, but you can control things such as how comfortable you, staying hydrated, the TV shows you watch and the news you read.
  
• Recognise that nobody has all of the answers yet, and worrying about the unknown is a less constructive use of your time than looking after yourself.
  
• Every day recognise people and things that you're grateful for.
  

Top tips for dealing with uncertainty

• Whenever there’s uncertainty try saying “it may be different but it could also be okay. It might even be better.”
  
• Avoid catastrophising (presuming the very worst). Take your thoughts down a different and more pleasant path.
  
• If you’re struggling take each day at a time. Live through that day, and do things rather than worry about things.
  
• Think about what you can control and influence. There are lots of great books and resources out there on circles of influence and control. For example I know I can’t control Covid-19. What I can control and influence is sensible hygiene practices in my home, and the choices I make about socialising.
  
• Don’t fill in your own blanks where there’s uncertainty – get accurate and reliable information. Try and balance that with not obsessing over news story and the latest lists of Covid-19 statistics.
  
• Always seek professional help if your fears and anxieties are overwhelming you to the point that you are struggling more than usual.
  

In Helen’s new book 'Arna & Ruby - An Autism Story' Arna struggles with the uncertainty of school and becomes overwhelmed with anxiety, which explodes into anger. Take a look on Helen’s facebook page to see how to enter the chance to win a FREE copy: https://www.facebook.com/HelenEatonAutism/

South Wilts Mencap (SWM) Facebook Group – Online Activities and “This is Me” Competition

SWM want to continue to share activity ideas with you and generally keep in touch, so they created a group on facebook for you to join: [SWM Facebook]

Weekly activities vary and include Zumba, sing –a –longs, tea time, quizzes and Bingo. The facebook group is private and SWM will moderate the members and content to ensure it is a safe online environment for everyone involved. If you don’t use facebook but would like to find out more and join in any of the SWM activities they can send you the link to the zoom session. Email Emma secretary@southwiltsmencap.org.uk for the details.


There are lots of talented people in the SWM community – some people are artists and paint and draw, others sing and dance, there’s bakers, cooks, sports men and women and writers creating stories and poems.

They would love you to submit an entry that showcases something you are good at or like doing or just says "this is me".
You can be creative as you like and send them a photo or video.
Post your "this is me" entry in their facebook group or email it to Emma secretary@southwiltsmencap.org.uk.
They would love to choose one entry to win a prize of a £10 gift voucher so they ask that all entries are in by 21st June.

MENCAP TV Launches

On Monday 13th April 2020, MENCAP launched its own TV YouTube Channel with fun and helpful videos for anyone with a learning disability. The channel aims to connect people to a range of videos for people with a learning disability, by people with a learning disability.

Watch: [Introduction and Launch of MENCAP TV]

Watch: [Keep Moving with Andrew] - a fun and simple exercise routine from the amazing Andrew Self.

Watch: [The Perfect Tuna Sandwich] - watch and follow Harry's simple step by step guide on how to make a tuna sandwich.

Beating the Coronavirus – Support to Help Young Adults with Learning Disabilities

Books Beyond Words have produced some short wordless stories to help people to understand what to do if they have Coronavirus and how to keep themselves and others safe. The stories also show how to safely help others who may be self-isolating, and explain social distancing, lockdown, and support with mental health and daily routines suggestions. Supplementary text at the end of the stories give information on where people can seek help if they are unwell, and signposts to other useful resources.

There are several titles available on the Books Beyond Words website including:

[Beating the Virus] and [Good Days and Bad Days During Lockdown]

All titles are FREE to download from the Books Beyond Website, and a free video of the Beating the Virus book is [available on YouTube here].

AutonoMe app - FREE support for anyone with a Learning Disability

In response to the recent escalation of our Government’s Coronavirus strategy and the challenging months ahead there is now a FREE version of AutonoMe available to any person with a Learning Disability in the UK, 14 years old or older.

[AutonoMe] will provide, through their App, free access to their online library of instructional videos and reminders to anyone with learning disabilities. All of their videos demonstrate skills for independent living and fall into 4 categories; cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, safety and security including how to properly wash your hands. They are available 24/7 and work across iOS and Android smart devices.

Access to AutonoMe can support people with learning disabilities and their carers through the Coronavirus Pandemic. Please follow the link to find out more: [AutonoMe]

Learning Disability England - National resources that might help

Learning Disability England has produced a comprehensive list of online resources that might help during the Coronavirus pandemic. Some of the information includes: -
• A webpage for people and families to help share useful links, practical tips and ideas, including information about what people who manage their direct payments have put in place for themselves and their PAs.
• Photosymbols: a new website just for Coronavirus information called Keep Safe with lots of useful resources.
• Resources for any families who are trying to home educate through the Coronavirus outbreak, including useful multi-media resources for anyone about Covid19.
• Guidance that has been given to GPs about how to support their most ‘at risk’ patients.
• Advice around supporting people with sensory loss, learning disability and autism.
• A ‘Coping Calendar’.

And lots, lots more. Visit: [Learning Disability England’s website].

Salisbury Museum’s “Giant Themed” Colouring Competition

Take part in the Salisbury Giant themed children’s colouring competition, have your work displayed at The Salisbury Museum when they re-open and enter a prize draw to win museum membership for your family for a year! Get creative at home and give your personal touch to their Salisbury Giant [Colouring Sheet]

Post your completed masterpiece to the museum along with the accompanying contact information form. For full details on how to enter and download the colouring sheet click [HERE]

Make sure to take a photo and tag them on social media! @SalisburyMuseum #pickandmixtsm #linesimply.

The competition will run until the museum re-opens.