Parents and Carers Events
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Wednesday 5th February 2025
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Carers Together Wiltshire Parent Carer Support Groups
[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month from September 2024.
Wednesday 4th December 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 19th December 2024, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group Christmas Quiz on TEAMS
Wednesday 8th January 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 16th January 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th February 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 13th February 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 20th March 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Please email Jo Hiller-Culley - jo.hiller-culley@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk to request the meeting link for any online sessions.
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 5th February 2025
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Social Prescriber Drop-in Trowbridge Library
First Wednesday of the month 9:30-12:30
Are you an adult who is struggling to manage your health and wellbeing? Your social prescriber from the local GP surgery may be able to help you.
Drop into Trowbridge library on the first Wednesday of the month to find out more. Social prescribers can put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better. This could be an introduction to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or support to find legal advice or debt counselling.
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 5th February 2025
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Autism & Sleep
Wednesday 5th February 2025, 10am-12pm
This is an information session looking at autism and sleep and it will include support to help reduce stress around sleep. The presentation gives an overview of common sleep issues and tips and strategies that can help.
The session is free and will be delivered over Zoom. It is for parents and carers of autistic individuals (no diagnosis required) living in South West England you must be registered in advance.
Click [HERE] to book your place.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 6th February 2025
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Wiltshire SENDIASS Drop-in Sessions
[Wiltshire SENDIASS] aims to support children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers by providing specific, easy to understand, information, advice and support on their rights in relation to the law. Their support is free, confidential and impartial.
Wiltshire SENDIASS is now offering community drop-in sessions to provide an informal opportunity for Wiltshire families to meet their team, discuss any questions or concerns you may have and receive relevant advice and support in relation to these. There is no need to book, just simply drop in.
Where and When the Drop-ins are Happening?
• Warminster Library - Every second Monday of the month between 12:00pm and 2:00pm
• Trowbridge County Hall Family Hub - Every third Monday of the month between 11:30am and 1:30pm
• Chippenham Library - Every fourth Tuesday of the month between 11:00am and 1:00pm
• Salisbury Library - Every first Thursday of the month between 10:30am and 12:30pm
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Other for ages
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Friday 7th February 2025
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WPCC’s Next Information Event – Friday 7th February 2025
We are delighted to announce that we are taking bookings for the WPCC’s Next Information Event. This event will take place on Friday 7th February 2025 at The Civic Centre, Trowbridge. This event will run from 9:30am to 2:00pm (Registrations from 9:30am, event starts at 10:00am).
As usual, a key feature of our event will be our ‘Market Place’, where we anticipate over 40 services and providers across the local area will showcase their offer.
FREE Tea, Coffee and Cake
We will be providing free tea, coffee and cake throughout the event for all attendees. Unfortunately, due to the cost of the venue, we are unable to provide free lunch at this event; however; shops including M&S and Greggs a close by for anyone wishing to pop out to buy a sandwich on the day.
We will be offering a free workshop at this event; please see the [WPCC's Pre-Event Information Booklet] for information about the workshop. Places for the workshop will be limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
There will also be a presentation at the beginning of the event about the Neurodevelopmental Pathway and the Needs-Led Approach (see the [pre-event Information Booklet] for more information).
The [Pre-Event Information Booklet] gives early information about what to expect from the event. Information in the booklet includes: -
• Information about stands confirmed by beginning of January 2025 (more are anticipated as we get closer to the event).
• Information about the free workshop.
• A draft agenda.
• Links for booking places.
Parent carers will be able to claim car parking, travel and childcare expenses if attending the event.
Please share information about our event with everyone you know, we would love to welcome as many people as possible – please see our Event Flyer.
See the WPCC's virtual [Pre-Event Information Booklet] for lots more information about the event.
To go straight to the booking form, click [BOOK].
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Information fairs for ages
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Monday 10th February 2025
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Wiltshire SENDIASS Drop-in Sessions
[Wiltshire SENDIASS] aims to support children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers by providing specific, easy to understand, information, advice and support on their rights in relation to the law. Their support is free, confidential and impartial.
Wiltshire SENDIASS is now offering community drop-in sessions to provide an informal opportunity for Wiltshire families to meet their team, discuss any questions or concerns you may have and receive relevant advice and support in relation to these. There is no need to book, just simply drop in.
Where and When the Drop-ins are Happening?
• Warminster Library - Every second Monday of the month between 12:00pm and 2:00pm
• Trowbridge County Hall Family Hub - Every third Monday of the month between 11:30am and 1:30pm
• Chippenham Library - Every fourth Tuesday of the month between 11:00am and 1:00pm
• Salisbury Library - Every first Thursday of the month between 10:30am and 12:30pm
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Other for ages
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Monday 10th February 2025
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Help to Develop HCRG’s Online Referral Form and Digital Portal
HCRG Care Group, who provide children’s community services in Wiltshire, are developing a digital online referral form and portal for their services. This will enable parents and carers, young people and professionals to refer securely using the online digital referral form. There is also an aspiration that once referrals are submitted, people will be able to visit the online portal to track the progress of their referral.
HCRG Care Group would like to engage with parent carers, to share the draft questions proposed within the new platform and explain how the form will work.
In partnership with HCRG Care Group colleagues, the WPCC is offering a session to gather feedback from parent carers about the type of information and questions being asked in this online form, and to have a conversation about the design of the form.
This will be an online session, via Microsoft Teams, taking place on Monday 10th February 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
We hope as many parent carers as possible will be able to join and help to shape this piece of work.
If you would like to book a place, please contact the WPCC on:- 01225 764647 (option 1), or email: reception@wiltspcc.co.uk. Once booked onto the session, we will send a joining link to all attendees closer to the session.
The WPCC is in conversation with HCRG Care Group regarding the possibility of offering a recorded session for people to be able to view and submit responses, for anyone keen to participate, but unable to attend the live session.
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Consultations for ages
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Wednesday 12th February 2025
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An online through Teams get together with other SEND parents, carers and professionals who understand.
Every other Wednesday at 7pm-9pm
Tickets are free but you do need to book. For more information, please click [HERE]
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 12th February 2025
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The Haven is a free autism/ADHD parent support group where parent carers can share experiences and strategies together.
The group is led by Debbie Riall. Debbie retired this summer but prior to that worked as an autism specialist. She has also written a number of books relating to autism which offer practical strategies for both families and professionals.
The Haven runs one morning or evening each month at Corsham Baptist Church.
For session dates and more information, please see the poster below and contact Debbie at:- theautrm1@gmail.com
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 12th February 2025
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Oral Health Support for Children with Learning Disabilities – FREE Online Workshop
Does your child have a learning disability and struggle when having their teeth brushed?
The Community Children’s Learning Disability Health Service is providing a FREE online workshop about oral health on Wednesday 12th February 2025, 1:00pm to 2:30pm.
This workshop includes:-
1. Why oral health is important
2. Oral pain
3. Visiting the dentist
4. Tips and strategies around toothbrushing
Parent carers will need to register and book a place in order to attend. Please click [HERE] to find the online registration form. If you need support, please call the SPA on 0300 247 0090 and they will request a member of the Community Children’s Learning Disability Health Service team calls you back.
The Community Children’s Learning Disability Health Service also provide a one-to-one oral health service for parents, where they can support access to dentists, provide resources and advice and help with de-sensitisation. Parent carers and professionals can refer to this service using the form found on the [HCRG website] or by contacting SPA on 0300 247 0090.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 13th February 2025
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Carers Together Wiltshire Parent Carer Support Groups
[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month from September 2024.
Wednesday 4th December 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 19th December 2024, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group Christmas Quiz on TEAMS
Wednesday 8th January 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 16th January 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th February 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 13th February 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 20th March 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Please email Jo Hiller-Culley - jo.hiller-culley@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk to request the meeting link for any online sessions.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 13th February 2025
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Autism Central Wiltshire Meet-Ups
Autism Central is offering a number of community coffee meet-ups in and near Wiltshire.
Sometimes talking to people who share similar experiences to yours means you are more likely to feel understood and get the support you need. People attend Autism Central coffee mornings for various reasons:-
• To ask for advice and support
• To chat to other parents and carers and share their experience with people who understand
• To meet others and make new friends
• To feel seen and heard
A warm welcome (and coffee) awaits you. No need to book just turn up on the day. See below for dates, times and venues.
Salisbury: Cosy Club, 49 New Street, Salisbury, SP1 2PH from 10:30am to 12:00pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 27th February and Thursday 20th March.
Trowbridge: Red Admiral Pub, Hilperton, BA14 7GW from 11:30am to 12:30pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 13th February and Thursday 13th March.
Chippenham: Grounded, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham, SN15 2BB from 10:00am to 11:30am on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 and Thursday 27th February.
Autism Central offers a number of different events and sessions; visit [Eventbrite] to find out more.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 13th February 2025
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Stimming, the Inner Body & Movement Senses
Thursday 13th February 2025, 9.30-11.30am
An online information session looking at sensory processing differences.
This session will include:
- Stimming - what stimming is and why it is important that autistic people engage in stimming. We will also discuss how stimming at times can be harmful and how to support our family members ensuring their needs are met while keeping them safe at the same time.
- Interoception our inside (internal) body sense. It is how we make sense of our body signals and interpret our feelings.
- Vestibular - the sense of balance that tells your brain about your body’s position, movement and co-ordination.
- Proprioception is sometimes called “deep body sense” or “body awareness”. It is different from your sense of touch, but has some areas that sound similar.
This is an online event with Loren Snow as facilitator.
Click [HERE] to book your place.
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Other for ages
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Monday 17th February 2025
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Wiltshire SENDIASS Drop-in Sessions
[Wiltshire SENDIASS] aims to support children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers by providing specific, easy to understand, information, advice and support on their rights in relation to the law. Their support is free, confidential and impartial.
Wiltshire SENDIASS is now offering community drop-in sessions to provide an informal opportunity for Wiltshire families to meet their team, discuss any questions or concerns you may have and receive relevant advice and support in relation to these. There is no need to book, just simply drop in.
Where and When the Drop-ins are Happening?
• Warminster Library - Every second Monday of the month between 12:00pm and 2:00pm
• Trowbridge County Hall Family Hub - Every third Monday of the month between 11:30am and 1:30pm<b
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 19th February 2025
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Carers Support Wiltshire (CSW) Parent Carer Group
CSW Carer Cafés are a great way of connecting with other carers over a cuppa. CSW hosts a monthly Carer Café for parent carers at The Bear Hotel in Devizes.
Parent Carer Group dates:
Wed 15th January
Wed 19th February
Wed 19th March
All sessions take place 10.30am-12pm at The Bear Hotel, 2-3 The Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS
For more details, please visit the What’s On section of the [CSW website].
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Other for ages
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Friday 21st February 2025
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Understanding Autistic Overwhelm, Meltdowns & Shutdowns
Friday 21st February 2025, 6pm-7.30pm
An introduction to understanding autistic overwhelm, meltdowns and shutdowns for parents and carers of autistic children (any age) in the South West (no diagnosis required).
In the session we will explore sensory sensitivities, anxiety, communication difficulties and a range of other issues can contribute to distress. We will discuss:
Autistic Overwhelm, shutdowns and meltdowns
What causes distress
How to support autistic people in distress
This is an online information session and will be held using Zoom.
Zoom details will be sent out to ticket holders in advance of the session.
Click [HERE] to book your place.
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Other for ages
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Tuesday 25th February 2025
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Wiltshire SENDIASS Drop-in Sessions
[Wiltshire SENDIASS] aims to support children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers by providing specific, easy to understand, information, advice and support on their rights in relation to the law. Their support is free, confidential and impartial.
Wiltshire SENDIASS is now offering community drop-in sessions to provide an informal opportunity for Wiltshire families to meet their team, discuss any questions or concerns you may have and receive relevant advice and support in relation to these. There is no need to book, just simply drop in.
Where and When the Drop-ins are Happening?
• Warminster Library - Every second Monday of the month between 12:00pm and 2:00pm
• Trowbridge County Hall Family Hub - Every third Monday of the month between 11:30am and 1:30pm
• Chippenham Library - Every fourth Tuesday of the month between 11:00am and 1:00pm
• Salisbury Library - Every first Thursday of the month between 10:30am and 12:30pm
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Other for ages
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Tuesday 25th February 2025
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The Haven is a free autism/ADHD parent support group where parent carers can share experiences and strategies together.
The group is led by Debbie Riall. Debbie retired this summer but prior to that worked as an autism specialist. She has also written a number of books relating to autism which offer practical strategies for both families and professionals.
The Haven runs one morning or evening each month at Corsham Baptist Church.
For session dates and more information, please see the poster below and contact Debbie at:- theautrm1@gmail.com
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Other for ages
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Tuesday 25th February 2025
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Good Autism Practice in Education Settings
Tuesday 25th February 2025, 10am-12pm
This free online session will help parents/carers understand what good autism practice in education settings looks like, what reasonable adjustments should be offered, how to communicate effectively with school.
The session will be facilitated by Amy Phipps. Amy is an experienced autism trainer who has Dyscalculia delivers information sessions and autism courses. Amy is mum to an autistic child and has worked in the field of autism for 20 years.
The session will be held online using Zoom, joining details will be sent to ticket holders in advance of the session.
Click [HERE] to book your place.
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 26th February 2025
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An online through Teams get together with other SEND parents, carers and professionals who understand.
Every other Wednesday at 7pm-9pm
Tickets are free but you do need to book. For more information, please click [HERE]
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Other for ages
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Thursday 27th February 2025
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Autism Central Wiltshire Meet-Ups
Autism Central is offering a number of community coffee meet-ups in and near Wiltshire.
Sometimes talking to people who share similar experiences to yours means you are more likely to feel understood and get the support you need. People attend Autism Central coffee mornings for various reasons:-
• To ask for advice and support
• To chat to other parents and carers and share their experience with people who understand
• To meet others and make new friends
• To feel seen and heard
A warm welcome (and coffee) awaits you. No need to book just turn up on the day. See below for dates, times and venues.
Salisbury: Cosy Club, 49 New Street, Salisbury, SP1 2PH from 10:30am to 12:00pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 27th February and Thursday 20th March.
Trowbridge: Red Admiral Pub, Hilperton, BA14 7GW from 11:30am to 12:30pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 13th February and Thursday 13th March.
Chippenham: Grounded, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham, SN15 2BB from 10:00am to 11:30am on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 and Thursday 27th February.
Autism Central offers a number of different events and sessions; visit [Eventbrite] to find out more.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 27th February 2025
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Autism Central Wiltshire Meet-Ups
Autism Central is offering a number of community coffee meet-ups in and near Wiltshire.
Sometimes talking to people who share similar experiences to yours means you are more likely to feel understood and get the support you need. People attend Autism Central coffee mornings for various reasons:-
• To ask for advice and support
• To chat to other parents and carers and share their experience with people who understand
• To meet others and make new friends
• To feel seen and heard
A warm welcome (and coffee) awaits you. No need to book just turn up on the day. See below for dates, times and venues.
Salisbury: Cosy Club, 49 New Street, Salisbury, SP1 2PH from 10:30am to 12:00pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 27th February and Thursday 20th March.
Trowbridge: Red Admiral Pub, Hilperton, BA14 7GW from 11:30am to 12:30pm, on Thursday 16th January 2025, Thursday 13th February and Thursday 13th March.
Chippenham: Grounded, 1 Bath Road, Chippenham, SN15 2BB from 10:00am to 11:30am on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 and Thursday 27th February.
Autism Central offers a number of different events and sessions; visit [Eventbrite] to find out more.
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Other for ages
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Thursday 27th February 2025
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One Page Profiles
Thursday 27th February 2025, 10am-11.30am
An online information session looking at One Page Profiles.
The aims of this session are to understand:
What One Page Profiles are and why they’re important
What goes into a One Page Profile: strengths, differences and needs
How to ensure your child’s voice is heard and included
What good practice looks like with a One Page Profile
How to use a One Page Profile to support family life
Throughout this session we will be looking at how you can be pivotal as parents and carers in both advocating for your child and ensuring that their voice is heard.
This is an online event and will be held using Zoom. The Facilitator for this session is Loren Snow.
Click [HERE] to book your place.
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Other for ages
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Monday 3rd March 2025
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South Wiltshire National Autistic Society Return to Face-to Face Support Meetings
South Wiltshire National Autistic Society have returned to face-to-face support meetings. The aim of the group is to provide individuals, friends and family help, support and information with all aspects of the spectrum and is open to all ages. The group meets on the 1st Monday of the month (expect bank holidays, then it will be the following Monday)
Where: Tesco community room, Southampton Road, Salisbury.
When: 1st Monday of the month, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
For more information, please call 07795368113, Email: southwiltshire.branch@nas.org.uk, visit the [NAS Website] or the South Wilts NAS Branch [Facebook page].
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Other for ages
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Monday 3rd March 2025
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Creative Carers - Salisbury
Drop in and join us for a creative art/crafts session led by talented volunteers. No experience of crafts is necessarily – come along and enjoy some time to yourself, learn some new crafts and techniques and meet other unpaid carers. We meet on the first Monday of every month.
Take a look at their [Facebook page]
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Other for ages
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Tuesday 4th March 2025
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Free Webinar Series to Support Dyslexic Learners
Kingston University's School of Education and the Driver Youth Trust are sponsoring a series of free remote workshops to equip educational professionals and parents to use technology and strategies effectively to ensure children and young people who struggle with literacy are supported to achieve their full potential at school.
• Technology to overcome reading difficulties. Tuesday 7th January 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.
• Technology and strategies to help overcome difficulties with writing. Tuesday 4th February 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
• Strategies and technology to overcome difficulties with memory and processing. Tuesday 4th March 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Past Webinars are also available to watch:
• Why is learning hard for students that struggle with literacy?
• Stop dyslexic learners underperforming in exams.
For more information and the links to either the book a place or to access the past webinar recordings, please check [HERE].
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Other for ages
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Tuesday 4th March 2025
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Disability Dedicated Fayre – Salisbury
Meet a range of local disability organisations from in and around Salisbury.
Refreshments available.
Tuesday 4th March 2025 from 11:00am to 2:30pm at St. Thomas’ Church, Salisbury.
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Information fairs for ages
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Wednesday 5th March 2025
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Carers Together Wiltshire Parent Carer Support Groups
[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month from September 2024.
Wednesday 4th December 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 19th December 2024, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group Christmas Quiz on TEAMS
Wednesday 8th January 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 16th January 2025, 7:00pm - 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th February 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - Support group at Cosy Club, Salisbury. Drop in.
Thursday 13th February 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm - New Venue! - Condado Lounge, Market Place, Devizes. Drop in.
Thursday 20th March 2025, 7:00pm – 8:00pm - Virtual Evening Parent Carer Support Group on TEAMS
Please email Jo Hiller-Culley - jo.hiller-culley@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk to request the meeting link for any online sessions.
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Other for ages
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Wednesday 5th March 2025
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Social Prescriber Drop-in Trowbridge Library
First Wednesday of the month 9:30-12:30
Are you an adult who is struggling to manage your health and wellbeing? Your social prescriber from the local GP surgery may be able to help you.
Drop into Trowbridge library on the first Wednesday of the month to find out more. Social prescribers can put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better. This could be an introduction to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or support to find legal advice or debt counselling.
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Other for ages
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