Sympsons

Sounds like a plan. I'm just putting the finishing touches on mine.

On Friday April 16th, Sympsons (Sheffield Youth Mentoring & Personal Support Scheme)is hosting a theatre production on Independent Living. Performed by ‘In the boat’, whose actors and musicians will draw on their own experiences of overcoming barriers to independent living. Venue: The Community Hall at Centre in the Park (Norfolk Park) The show begins at 1:00 Tickets and refreshments are free for any disabled person aged 13-19 and their PA/Carer/Parent/Support worker. If you are interested in attending, please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536746 or by email [email protected].

It's coming up soon...

On Friday April 16th, Sympsons (Sheffield Youth Mentoring & Personal Support Scheme)is hosting a theatre production on Independent Living. Performed by ‘In the boat’, whose actors and musicians will draw on their own experiences of overcoming barriers to independent living. Venue: The Community Hall at Centre in the Park (Norfolk Park) The show begins at 1:00 Tickets and refreshments are free for any disabled person aged 13-19 and their PA/Carer/Parent/Support worker. If you are interested in attending, please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536746 or by email [email protected].

Hi I am looking for disabled people in Sheffield to take part in a mentoring session with a group of friendly disabled teenagers and volunteer support workers. Ideally we'd like the mentors to talk about obsticles they have overcome in terms of barriers in society that disable you. The event will take place on January 23rd at Centre in the Park (Norfolk park) Look forward to hearing from you.

SYMPSONS (Sheffield Youth Mentoring & Personal Support Scheme) is about to restart and we are currently able to invite more young people (age 13-19) to join in (physically and/or learning disabled welcome). The project is lottery funded and supported by 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' and therefore free to use. The main aims are to increase the disabled young people's independence and to provide social opportunities where they can make friends and enjoy the types of activities that non disabled teens take for granted. Examples of the activities include: Theme parks Cinema Cycling Sports IT Healthy Living & Managing money workshops Drama If you feel you know a young disabled person who would benefit from the scheme please contact me asap as numbers are limited.

SYMPSONS (Sheffield Youth Mentoring & Personal Support Scheme) is about to restart and we are currently able to invite more young people to join in (physically and/or learning disabled welcome). The project is lottery funded and supported by 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' and therefore free to use. The main aims are to increase the disabled young people's independence and to provide social opportunities where they can make friends and enjoy the types of activities that non disabled teens take for granted. Examples of the activities include: Theme parks Cinema Cycling Sports Healthy Living & Managing money workshops Drama If you feel you know a young disabled person who would benefit from the scheme please contact me asap as numbers are limited. Please contact me (Brett Howarth) by email [email protected] or phone 2536746

Inclusive Living Sheffield currently has vacancies for sessional workers to assist in running workshops and outings with disabled teenagers. Before applying for the position, please bear in mind the following: You will be technically self employed and it will be your responsability to complete a self assessment form each year and pay tax and NI (Although the project co-ordinator may be able to assist). There are no set hours and no guarantee of hours each week, it will be a casual role. The role may involve travelling to several locations in Sheffield. The role may involve personal care The role will involve working Saturdays The job description is as follows: To support SYMPSONS participants in workshops & individual or group activities in accordance with the following project aims: To help transform the lives of the most disadvantaged disabled teenagers To involve disabled young people in developing their own service To promote self advocacy To give young people greater autonomy and choice and enable them to take part in ordinary day-to-day activities Duties and responsibilities are: Help arrange a series of workshops in which groups of disabled young people, including those with the high support needs, will be able to explore their aspirations, and ways of achieving them, in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment. Support individuals / small groups to enable them to take part in activities of their own choosing. Meet with young people and families at home, in school etc as necessary. Ensure that appropriate child protection / safeguarding measures are in place at all times. Ensure risk assessment is completed per session and attendance with session evaluation. The Person specification is as follows: Essential Criteria Knowledge and Experience Experience of working with young disabled people Experience of organising activities / sessions Ability to prioritise and manage time Personal attributes and skills Ability to work creatively, confidently and safely with disabled young people with a range of backgrounds and skills, including those with high support needs Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels Good planning skills Open, creative and energetic attitude Must be willing to undergo enhanced CRB disclosure Desirable Criteria Experience of working with young people and their families / carers Moving and handling / feeding / personal care Knowledge of direct payments and how people can apply For an application form, or for further details please email Brett Howarth (project co-ordinator) [email protected] There may also be vacancies arising for Personal assistants in the near future on the same (casual, self employed) basis; if you are interested in working one on one as a PA, please register your interest using the above email address.

Hi Janette. Have you heard of Inclusive Living Sheffield? They are an organisation of disabled people. Most of the orignal founders of the organisation had MS. They are a registered charity and they aim to promote choice, control and independence for disabled people in Sheffield. Membership to the organisation is free and you'll get regular newsletters and e.mails updating you on disability related issues. You can download a membership application from their website at http://www.inclusivesheffield.org.uk or e.mail [email protected]. They offer an information & sign-posting service run by disabled volunteers, an advocacy service aimed at helping disabled people access health services, a youth project where disabled youngsters are supported to enjoy activities that their peers enjoy and other volunteering and networking opportunities. :)

Hi Natasha, Are you interested in working with disabled teenagers?

Hi Inclusive Living may be able to help. There is a thread called SYMPSONS project in the disability forum pages. Email me [email protected]

Hi At Inclusive Living Sheffield we are currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympsons' project. This stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We require volunteers to assist in the running of the project which aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19 to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project Volunteering in the scheme is very rewarding and all expenses will be paid, including meals (where applicable). For more information email [email protected] or telephone 0114 2536746. Thank you

Hi At Inclusive Living Sheffield we are currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympsons' project. This stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We require volunteers to assist in the running of the project which aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19 to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project Volunteering in the scheme is very rewarding and all expenses will be paid, including meals (where applicable). For more information email [email protected] or telephone 0114 2536746. Thank you

25 years ago my partner spent 6 long months living on the streets. This was at a time when there weren't loads of hostels and charities helping the homeless. He had 2 choices - go to the YMCA and spend the nights in an un-safe dormatory with drug addicts/alcoholics/perverts or sleep rough. He chose the sleeping rough option. He was homeless through no fault of his own - He had lived at home with his mum and dad and found out that his mum was having an affair so he got chucked out. It was autumn time and he managed to find a dis-used garage at the back of a large council estate. He slept rough in the empty garage for a full winter. He had to get washed in a cold stream cos there wasn't anywhere else. Sometimes he was so cold he thought he would die. He wasn't an alcoholic or drug user - just a regular lad who'd been chucked out. No-one came and rescued him. No charities helped him. He had to help himself and that's exactly what he did..... As it was winter he walked round the housing estates asking people if they wanted snow shovelling from their garden paths for 10 pence. When the weather got better he did odd-jobs for people - painting guttering, tidying gardens etc. Eventually he had £10 to pay the deposit on a shared bed-sit - Filthy place where you wouldn't want to leave your dog. Eventually he got himself a job working 12 hours a night welding for £1.50 an hour - dirty/hard/physical work. Do you know what he did with his first pay packet??? Most homeless people would spend it down the pub but not him - he spent it on a deposit for a better flat. He then got a better job and eventually bought his first house sometimes doing 3 jobs to pay for it. He now owns a house worth over 250K and its paid for in full. He also runs his own business and has significant savings. He says he will never be homeless again and paying his house off has been his priority for the past 20 years. He hates homeless people and never gives them anything because he thinks they should do exactly what he did - help themselves !!!

Can't see the point in adding flouride to kiddy milk when all the commercial manufacturers of toothpaste add flouride. Just make your kids clean their teeth !!! Adding flouride would be a bad thing anyway cos too much flouride is bad for you. That's why Yorkshire Water debated for so long about whether to add flouride to our water.

Could I get the details please? You can contact me securely via the ILS website. Brett

Could I get the details please? You can contact me securely via the ILS website. Brett

You too Helen. I only officially take over the project on Monday and I am on holiday in a few weeks time so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a month or two, I haven't forgotten you! I hope to have the project up and running in September.

Thanks for replying. The reason I didn't put the web address was because it was my first post and it wouldn't let me! http://www.inclusivesheffield.org.uk/

Hi Ray of hope: I have spoken to Ray of Hope but for any one else: All the previous users of SYMPSONS are welcome to return and should contact me at ILS. Brett

I'll have a closer look, thanks

Hi My name is Brett and I am currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympson' project. I don't mean the yellow families on TV, Sympsons stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We are currently welcoming new young disabled people (physical and learning) and volunteers to assist with the running of the project (any amount of time will be appreciated!) SYMPSONS is part of 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' which operates under the philosophy of the social model of disability. This means that disability is viewed as the fault of the structure of society (for example, staircases, access to buildings, lack of understanding of needs). The SYMPSONS project aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19(strictly) to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project For a number of young disabled people coming new to the project there were many benefits: The environment at SYMPSONS gave many their first chance to make sense of their situation in a way that supported their development, rather than putting them down. For many members, this was their only initial opportunity to mix with other members of similar age and circumstances outside their family and home surroundings. Members were coming into settings which were fully accessible and inclusive, contrary to former experiences of segregation and isolation. Gradually as young disabled people become more confident, they began to express their beliefs and ideas cooperatively and acquire new skills through the various opportunities of voluntary work within the project. When speaking to other young disabled people and support workers, this gave them ideas and information about ways in which they could achieve goals and move on in their lives. Member's perceptions of the value of the project reflect the impact it had on their personal feelings, understanding, skills and hopes for the future: "Being part of a group where you're not alone feels powerful, because we understand and support one another." "I feel more confident and independent." "I'm beginning to understand discrimination and have the confidence to challenge it." "I feel like I can try to do anything I want now because nobody really believed in me before or even gave me a choice." The project is lottery funded and therefore we will avoid charging for the service where possible. For more information please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536750 or visit the website (by clicking on my username 'Sympsons') where you can obtain further information and contact me directly.

Hi My name is Brett and I am currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympson' project. I don't mean the yellow families on TV, Sympsons stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We are currently welcoming new young disabled people (physical and learning) and volunteers to assist with the running of the project (any amount of time will be appreciated!) SYMPSONS is part of 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' which operates under the philosophy of the social model of disability. This means that disability is viewed as the fault of the structure of society (for example, staircases, access to buildings, lack of understanding of needs). The SYMPSONS project aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19(strictly) to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project For a number of young disabled people coming new to the project there were many benefits: The environment at SYMPSONS gave many their first chance to make sense of their situation in a way that supported their development, rather than putting them down. For many members, this was their only initial opportunity to mix with other members of similar age and circumstances outside their family and home surroundings. Members were coming into settings which were fully accessible and inclusive, contrary to former experiences of segregation and isolation. Gradually as young disabled people become more confident, they began to express their beliefs and ideas cooperatively and acquire new skills through the various opportunities of voluntary work within the project. When speaking to other young disabled people and support workers, this gave them ideas and information about ways in which they could achieve goals and move on in their lives. Member's perceptions of the value of the project reflect the impact it had on their personal feelings, understanding, skills and hopes for the future: "Being part of a group where you're not alone feels powerful, because we understand and support one another." "I feel more confident and independent." "I'm beginning to understand discrimination and have the confidence to challenge it." "I feel like I can try to do anything I want now because nobody really believed in me before or even gave me a choice." The project is lottery funded and therefore we will avoid charging for the service where possible. For more information please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536750 or visit the website (by clicking on my username 'Sympsons') where you can obtain further information and contact me directly.

Hi My name is Brett and I am currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympson' project. I don't mean the yellow families on TV, Sympsons stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We are currently welcoming new young disabled people (physical and learning) and volunteers to assist with the running of the project (any amount of time will be appreciated!) SYMPSONS is part of 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' which operates under the philosophy of the social model of disability. This means that disability is viewed as the fault of the structure of society (for example, staircases, access to buildings, lack of understanding of needs). The SYMPSONS project aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19(strictly) to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project For a number of young disabled people coming new to the project there were many benefits: The environment at SYMPSONS gave many their first chance to make sense of their situation in a way that supported their development, rather than putting them down. For many members, this was their only initial opportunity to mix with other members of similar age and circumstances outside their family and home surroundings. Members were coming into settings which were fully accessible and inclusive, contrary to former experiences of segregation and isolation. Gradually as young disabled people become more confident, they began to express their beliefs and ideas cooperatively and acquire new skills through the various opportunities of voluntary work within the project. When speaking to other young disabled people and support workers, this gave them ideas and information about ways in which they could achieve goals and move on in their lives. Member's perceptions of the value of the project reflect the impact it had on their personal feelings, understanding, skills and hopes for the future: "Being part of a group where you're not alone feels powerful, because we understand and support one another." "I feel more confident and independent." "I'm beginning to understand discrimination and have the confidence to challenge it." "I feel like I can try to do anything I want now because nobody really believed in me before or even gave me a choice." The project is lottery funded and therefore we will avoid charging for the service where possible. For more information please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536750 or visit the website (by clicking on my username 'Sympsons') where you can obtain further information and contact me directly.

Hi My name is Brett and I am currently in the process of restarting the 'Sympson' project. I don't mean the yellow families on TV, Sympsons stands for Sheffield youth mentoring and personal support scheme! We are currently welcoming new young disabled people and volunteers to assist with the running of the project (any amount of time will be appreciated!) SYMPSONS is part of 'Inclusive Living Sheffield' which operates under the philosophy of the social model of disability. This means that disability is viewed as the fault of the structure of society (for example, staircases, access to buildings, lack of understanding of needs). The SYMPSONS project aims to help young disabled people aged 13-19(strictly) to overcome the barriers in society. SYMPSONS offers young disabled people: A safe inclusive environment An informal place to meet other young disabled people Make new friends/socialize A place to talk with and consult project worksers and older disabled people Trips and outings during term time Increased confidence, through choice, control and independence Prospect of being a mentor Opportunities to volunteer to help run aspects of the project For a number of young disabled people coming new to the project there were many benefits: The environment at SYMPSONS gave many their first chance to make sense of their situation in a way that supported their development, rather than putting them down. For many members, this was their only initial opportunity to mix with other members of similar age and circumstances outside their family and home surroundings. Members were coming into settings which were fully accessible and inclusive, contrary to former experiences of segregation and isolation. Gradually as young disabled people become more confident, they began to express their beliefs and ideas cooperatively and acquire new skills through the various opportunities of voluntary work within the project. When speaking to other young disabled people and support workers, this gave them ideas and information about ways in which they could achieve goals and move on in their lives. Member's perceptions of the value of the project reflect the impact it had on their personal feelings, understanding, skills and hopes for the future: "Being part of a group where you're not alone feels powerful, because we understand and support one another." "I feel more confident and independent." "I'm beginning to understand discrimination and have the confidence to challenge it." "I feel like I can try to do anything I want now because nobody really believed in me before or even gave me a choice." The project is lottery funded and therefore we will avoid charging for the service where possible. For more information please contact Brett Howarth on 0114 2536750 or visit the website (by clicking on my username 'Sympsons') where you can obtain further information and contact me directly.