This information leaflet written by our Chartered Psychologist, Dr Kirstie Rees, gives parents advice and guidance on how to talk to their child about cerebral palsy.
The leaflet covers:
Kirstie Rees is a chartered psychologist who is supporting the team on a regular consultancy basis. Kirstie is trained as a child and educational psychologist and has significant experience of supporting children and young people with disabilities, and their families. Kirstie has carried out research and has written papers and a book in this area and is passionate about supporting children and adults to develop coping strategies that enhance their mental health and wellbeing. Kirstie has worked in three different local authorities in Scotland and also works as a tutor on the MSc in Educational Psychology at the University of Dundee. Kirstie is chair of the Scottish Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH).
This year, we will be sharing content created by people from the cerebral palsy community in Scotland throughout the month of March on our social media channels and website.
Cerebral palsy awareness month is an opportunity to raise the voices of people of all ages with experience of cerebral palsy across Scotland, raise awareness of cerebral palsy, show the diversity of the cerebral palsy community and share what matters to our community!
Read our spring newsletter which is packed with stories about the difference your support makes for people with cerebral palsy in Scotland.
In this edition, we share the stories of Nada, and Cheryl and her daughter Amber. Our specialist therapists are supporting Nada to develop stamina and strength as she embarks on a series of professional dance performances. The Cerebral Palsy Scotland team are helping Amber to develop her communication and find ways to play with toys, now that she has started at a mainstream primary school.
The newsletter lets you know about different ways you can support people with cerebral palsy – including joining our campaign to improve healthcare for adults with cerebral palsy, taking part in Kiltwalk, or playing our community lottery.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of listeners across Global’s radio brands – Capital, Heart, LBC, Classic FM, Smooth, Radio X, Capital XTRA and Gold, we have received £19,584 to support our baby group in 2022/2023 and a further £10,000 to support children and adults with cerebral palsy in 2023/2024.
Thanks to Global’s support, our fortnightly baby group will restart in April, following a pause during the Covid pandemic. Run by our team of specialist therapists, the baby group is an important and much-needed space for children aged 0-2 and their families who are concerned about their child’s motor development, or who have been given a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Baby group sessions help children develop movement to enable play, exploration and communication, and also allow parents and carers of young children to meet each other and share their experiences.
Now in its eighth year of service, Global’s Make Some Noise has supported over 400 local charities whose work has helped a total of 150,000 people across the UK. As well as supporting Cerebral Palsy Scotland, money raised has paid for food banks, befriending projects for the elderly and isolated, cancer wellbeing programmes, domestic abuse refuges, and employment training.
Emma Bradley, Director of Global Goodness at Global said:
It’s been an incredibly tough couple of years for everyone. With the cost of living continuing to increase many more people will turn to local groups for help, putting extra strain on their resources. So we’re pleased to be able to help small charities at the centre of communities and will continue to raise money and awareness for their vital work.”
You can find out more about our baby group here.
