Making the transition from children’s to adult services

This panel session, filmed at the Cerebral Scotland Conference 2018, provides information and personal experiences on making the transition from children’s to adult services.

The session was moderated by advocate and YouTuber Jenny Trott, who is also the parent of a young person who lives with a disability. Jenny’s YouTube channel is packed with useful videos covering topics from exploring communication aids to advice for how to plan for a caregiver emergency.

Panel contributors on the day were: Gavin Drysdale, a student and athlete about to make the transition into adult services, and Dr Danielle Farrel, managind director of Your Options Understood (YOU), a community interest company providing advocacy, consultancy and training on the self-directed support process. The third panel member was Claire O’Neill, advanced nurse practitioner and founder parent of Bobath Scotland, whose 25-year old son lives with cerebral palsy and made a positive transition into adult services.

 

Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference biggest and best yet!

Held on 4 October at Hampden Park, the fifth annual Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference and Exhibition was a great success, bringing together around 200 delegates and 40 exhibitors.

Organised by Bobath Scotland and supported by Digby Brown Solicitors, the conference is Scotland’s only event focussing on cerebral palsy (CP) and aims to bring together all people with experience of CP – either directly, through family or professionally.

Delegates heard from a diverse range of speakers, including Richard Davenport, Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions and Dr Jenny Preston MBE, Clinical Lead for Neurological Rehabilitation in NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

Workshops on the day covered topics including mental health and CP, making the transition from children’s to adult services, self-directed support, postural care, Bobath therapy, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).   

The exhibition area was very popular with delegates, showcasing 40 organisations providing specialist equipment and a range of services that support people with CP.  

Commenting on the conference, Stephanie Fraser, Bobath Scotland CEO said:

“Bobath Scotland is determined to make the lives of those living with cerebral palsy better. Delivering the annual Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference is just one of the ways we do this, alongside providing a range of services including specialist therapy, running groups and events, and working for changes in policy. 

“This was the fifth Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference that Digby Brown and Bobath Scotland have organised together and we were delighted to attract more delegates and exhibitors to the event this year than ever before. The conference is unique in Scotland in bringing together the whole CP community and it provides a valuable opportunity to network, discuss key issues and find out about relevant services and organisations.  

“There was a really positive atmosphere at the event with many valuable conversations and discussions taking place throughout the day. We are very grateful to Digby Brown Solicitors for continuing to support this fantastic conference.” 

Highlights from the day were captured in this short film, put together by conference contributor and vlogger Jenny Trott.

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Bobath Scotland needs to raise £8.50 of every £10 we spend to deliver our services and support to children and adults with cerebral palsy. We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with TAM Asset Management in a new initiative that allows individuals to invest their money while raising funds for our therapy centre.

Established and managed by TAM Asset Management, Greenfinch is a new wealth management platform that allows users to invest in a range of mainstream and ethical portfolios, either directly via a general investment account (GIA) or via an individual savings account (ISA).

Through TAM’s You Give We Give (YGWG) scheme, Greenfinch users can then choose to donate a slice of their annual profits to Bobath Scotland. Investors are also given the opportunity to make an initial donation when they open their accounts.

In addition, TAM Asset Management – an award-winning specialist in discretionary investment management – matches the donation with an equal percentage from their annual fee. 

Other charities that have officially partnered in the scheme include The Archway Project, HEART UK – the Cholesterol Charity and the Willow Foundation. So far, Greenfinch has raised £53,000 for charity.

Virginia Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Bobath Scotland said: “We are delighted to be partnering with TAM Asset Management on this innovative scheme. Greenfinch customers really can change the lives of children with cerebral palsy, with TAM Asset Management adding to every donation you give from your returns.”

Lester Petch, CEO of TAM Asset Management, described You Give We Give as “a totally unique way for charities to engage with their supporters and raise funds.”

He added: “It allows investors to combine their environmental and social considerations with strategies designed to deliver long-term capital growth. We are confident that this approach will provide ethically minded investors with the investment solutions they have been looking for, while also opening up fruitful new fundraising opportunities for our charity partners.”

New legislation has come into force in Scotland which states that a person who has lost their voice or has difficulty speaking must be provided with communication equipment, and support to use it.

The legislation, which was passed in the Scottish Parliament in 2016, and officially commenced on Monday 19 March, is part of the Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc. and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016.

Guidance on how to implement the new duties will be developed by Scottish Government and sent to Health Boards in May 2018. It is thought the guidance will include:

• a vision statement,
• principles
• definitions of equipment and support in using that equipment.

Work on pathways of care and support for people who use and need AAC is also being taken forward.

CALL Scotland has published a useful article on the new legislation, as well as describing the background to their development. 

Who lives in the woods? Owls do!

Today there were some very special visitors to the centre, not just the mums and dads and brothers and sisters who came to say hello today.

It’s been another amazing day at Bobath Buddies, our holiday club for primary school children with CP. Today there was singing round the campfire as well as one to one time before a visit from some very special friends from Owl Magic!

Chilli, Storm, the twins and Otis spent time with both morning and afternoon goups. The owls chatted to everyone and we all had a turn at holding them or stroking their feathers. Can you see any of your friends in the photos? There’s more at https://www.facebook.com/BobathScotland/ where you can follow all the activities of the week too.

With our thanks again to the Scottish Children’s Lottery Chance to Connect programme for helping all the children make new friends, some of them with long ears and beaks!