Shared Carers sought across Poole

Could you help make a difference to disabled children and their families in Poole? Borough of Poole’s Shared Care scheme is actively seeking more local people to get involved with disabled children in their community by providing regular respite care.

Under the Shared Care scheme, families, couples or individuals invite a disabled child into their home and care for them for regular short periods. For parents of a child who is disabled short breaks can be essential, allowing them to catch up with simple tasks like going shopping, spending time with other children, or having an evening out together, knowing they can relax and that their child is with someone they know and trust.

Shared Carers give children with disabilities the chance to make new friends, develop more independence and have new experiences away from home in a secure and familiar environment. There are currently 22 Shared Carers in Poole, but many more families of disabled children are looking for a break. Shared Carers with a spare bedroom are particularly needed, who can offer monthly overnight care at weekends and during school holidays. People who are able to offer regular day care at least twice a month are also needed.

Cllr Janet Walton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Families and Young People, Borough of Poole, said: “As a carer you are helping another family in need, but your own family can also learn about understanding special needs and make rewarding new friendships. It can be an amazing experience, and one which many of our families really need.”

People from all ages and backgrounds are needed - they can be older or young, in a partnership or single, retired, unemployed or working. They may or may not have children of their own, or their children may have left home. Experience of children with disabilities can help, but it is not essential as full training and ongoing support is provided. Carers are also paid a specialist fostering allowance, but there is no charge to the child’s family. 

Tracey Bulgarelli has been a Shared Carer since September 2009, and provides care for Brecon, a lively 7-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder similar to autism, as well as severe epilepsy.  Brecon needs to be monitored 24/7 as he has a very high pain threshold, no fear and no sense of danger. Tracey and Brecon have developed a close relationship where Brecon has new experiences in a safe environment, and Brecon's family are able to take the time they need together. 

Tracey said: "Working as a Shared Carer is rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that you are able to give support and respite to a family and enable them to spend some quality time together safe in the knowledge their child will be having fun and being cared for.”

 

Brecon’s mother, Lucy Parr, added: “Brecon is a beautiful boy who unfortunately has many challenges in life. Because of this he needs one-to-one care, and obviously for a family with four children and two full-time occupations this is a very hard balance to strike in ensuring everyone gets the support they need to thrive. When Tracey has Brecon, it gives our whole family some breathing space and time to function as a typical family would. 

“I also know that Brecon is getting the very best care and his various complex needs are being met. He has developed an amazing relationship with Tracey and it’s incredible to see him so happy after spending time with her. From the point of view of families receiving this service, I cannot over-emphasise how vital it is in maintaining ongoing sanity and a slight sense of balance in the otherwise chaotic life that comes with having a disabled child. If you feel you could offer this to a family and their child, please get in touch with the team.”

Amanda Harriskine, Senior Practitioner for Shared Care, Borough of Poole, said: “As we can see from the example of Tracey and Brecon, becoming a Shared Carer can be an immensely rewarding opportunity. We’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch, and see how they can make a real difference to another family in a way that fits in with their own lifestyle.”

For more information about becoming a Shared Carer in Poole please contact the Poole Shared Care Social Workers on 01202 714640 or visit www.boroughofpoole.com/sharedcare  

Review - Carddies, the Card People to Colour and Go

 

Carddies - lots of fun in a small box!

 

We were given the opportunity to review a set of Carddies, the card people to colour and go, and we chose the school set.

 

When the set arrived my 5 and 8yr old daughters were keen to see inside. 

The set contains everything to keep a child occupied and is well thought out, I showed them what the stands were used for and off they went, needing no more input from me.

 

 

 

 Both girls love to colour but I did think this may interest the younger child more, however I was pleasantly surprised to find the set held the attention of both of them for almost two hours!

 

Reluctantly the girls had to pack away as it was time for homework but they were able to put the pieces back in the box with ease.

 

We asked the 8yr old what she thought and she asked for some more for Christmas! We think the sets would make a great stocking filler or something fun to slip in the bag on a long journey.

 

 Carddies are available to buy from their Amazon store at RRP of £8.99.  12 sets to choose from including Carddies London, Sports, School, Fairies, Cavemen, Football, Ballet, Knights, Family One and Two, Farm and Nativity, Carddies suits both girls and boys aged 3 to 10.  

 

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER (promotional code XMASOFFR) on orders placed before 31 December 2014 (while stocks last):

 

• Save 10% when you purchase 1 Carddies set;
• Save 15% when you purchase 2 or 3 Carddies sets;
• Save 20% when you purchase 4 or more Carddies sets.

 

To receive this discount enter code XMASOFFR  in the “Gift Card and Promotional Codes” box at the checkout when placing your next order from the Carddies own store at Amazon (http://tinyurl.com/no4nhn8 )

(Postage is payable to Amazon under their usual terms and conditions (a minimum total spend of £10 is required for Free Super Saver delivery).

WIN - Family ticket to Robin Hood Panto. Lighthouse, Poole.

Join in with adventure, laughs and surprises this Christmas with Robin Hood and his band of merry men in Lighthouse, Poole’s fun-packed traditional panto from Friday 5 December – Sunday 4 January.

Starring CBBC's Ed Petrie (All Over the Place, Marrying Mum and Dad) as Robin, Patrick O'Kane (Game of Thrones, Jamaica Inn) as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Tom Bright (who also writes and directs) as Friar Tuck.

There are non-stop thrills and spills as Robin takes on the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and still finds time to catch the eye of the fearless Maid Marion in this classic tale for all the family. With a superb cast, sing-a-long tunes, stunning dancing, slapstick, silliness and lots of chances to join in, Robin Hood is the perfect festive entertainment this Christmas.

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (admits 4, minimum 1 child) on Saturday 3 January at 3pm, please post the answer to the following question below.

What is the name of the lady that catches Robin Hood's eye?

A. Matilda
B. Marion
C. Miranda

A winner will be chosen at random and announced on 22nd December. Winner will be notified by PM and a response is required within 72 hours. Failure to respond may mean the prize is redrawn.

Click here to enter

Visit Santa and support Julia’s House

Father Christmas will be making a grand entrance in Wimborne on Saturday, November 29^th  to take up residence in the Julia’s House grotto.

He will be arrive in style aboard a horse-drawn dray at noon - ahead of the town’s official Christmas light switch on later that evening – and will be welcoming visitors until 6pm.

The grotto will be open every Saturday in the run-up to Christmas, including 20^th December, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Every child who visits will receive a gift and every visit will be supporting local life-limited children. It costs £6 to meet Santa with all proceeds going to the Dorset children’s hospice.

There will be festive activities for all the family plus a few surprise guests popping up at the grotto – last year they included Mickey Mouse, a giant polar bear and a pair of adorable Shetland ponies complete with antlers!

“We are so excited to be back in Wimborne this year, just up the road from our hospice,” said Community Fundraising Manager Lin Hudswell. “It is such a wonderful town and everyone has been so welcoming.

“Last year was a huge success with more than 350 children visiting Santa. The Wimborne community were thrilled to have a local charity at the heart of their Christmas celebrations. We hope lots of families will come along and see Santa and join in the festive fun.”

For more information about the Julia’s House Christmas Grotto, please visit juliashouse.org.

Santa returns to the Quay

Santa Will Be Parading In Poole

 

 

Santa will still be parading in Poole this year thanks to Borough of Poole working with the local community and partners.
The busy man will be taking time out from his packed schedule to join in with a host of festive fun on Poole Quay on Sunday 7 December, 4-7pm for a free evening of seasonal treats sponsored by Jenkins Marine Ltd.

His extra special stop is the result of the council, with support from local business and organisations, stepping in following the cancellation of the traditional Dolphin Shopping Centre Santa Parade. As a result the Santa will be joining in with Christmas on the Quay, a community event supported by the Jolly Sailor, Poole Harbour Commissioners and Poole Tourism.

Families will have a free opportunity to see the man himself, as Santa arrives on Poole Quay at 4pm by RNLI Lifeboat decorated with Christmas lights. Santa plus a few special guests including stilt walkers, and his elves, will take to Poole Land Train, parading up and down the Quay before a quayside walkabout to hand out special treats, kindly donated by Sainsbury's Poole. Santa will wave goodbye to the crowds at 5.30pm and leave the Quay, again by the RNLI lifeboat.

Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Borough of Poole, said; “The strength of feeling within the community following the cancellation of the Santa Parade really showed how important the event is to Poole's residents. Christmas on the Quay has been a fantastic event for many years and we are particularly grateful to Jenkins Marine, the Jolly Sailor, Poole Park Land Train and Poole Harbour Commissioners, for allowing us to add this parade to their annual Christmas event. I would also like to commend Poole Tourism and the council's Economic Development and Transportation Teams for working to ensure this event goes ahead this year.”

Poole’s Christmas on the Quay will provide plenty of cheer with children’s rides, stalls, colouring corner and festive music, as well as a chance to write your letter to Santa. Test your strength on the ring the bell machine, win a prize on the tombola or Splat a Santa game. Jamie Jigsaw will help you to sharpen those circus skills in his workshop or create and take home your own balloon character at the free Make & Take.

After Santa departs, Children from Old Town First School will add to the Christmas Spirit with traditional carols by the tree against a background of seasonal snow. Festive food, traditional refreshments, mince pies and roasted chestnuts will be available as the Jolly Sailor, Scaplens Court and Quayside bars and restaurants offer a range of seasonal fare with music and seasonal songs, plus performances from singer Karl Lattimer.

From 6pm Poole’s quayside will light up with a magical Flotilla of Lights as illuminated boats take to the waves to parade alongside Poole Quay, lighting the water with their Christmas light displays with prizes and a trophy awarded to the best dressed boat.
As well as rides and Christmas street entertainers, children will have the chance to write that all important letter to Father Christmas which can be posted in Santa’s special post box in the Welcome Centre.

This year Poole Museum is celebrating the festive season with an atmospheric late night opening of Scaplen’s Court with a Tudor-themed Christmas experience and the chance to enjoy a mince pie, some traditional wassail (mulled cider) in an unique historic setting. As well as carol-singing there will be a range of free activities guaranteed to put the family into the festive spirit. Help to decorate the Yule log, make pomanders and take part in Tudor crafts. All activities are free and materials are provided. There’s no need to book, simply drop in, but the earlier the better as it always a popular event with activities from 3.30pm until 7.30pm.

Rod Jenkins from Jenkins Marine, said: “Christmas on the Quay is a lovely community event with a real sense of the spirit of the season and this year will be even better. The traditional games and activities bring festive family fun that adults remember and kids really enjoy. It is fantastic to see how everyone involved has pulled together. We love being involved with it and hope everyone enjoys it.”

Graham Richardson, Head of Poole Tourism, said: "We are very pleased that Poole's residents will be able to welcome Santa as he arrives at Poole Quay and are grateful to the RNLI for agreeing to use their illuminated lifeboat for the occasion. We are working hard with partners and the council’s Economic Development and Transportation Teams to ensure the event provides fun, family entertainment. Whilst the event cannot be the same scale as the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s Santa Parade, it will still allow children a great opportunity to meet Santa and his elves and we would like to thank everyone for their support."

Poole Quay from Corkers to the Thistle Hotel will be closed to vehicles from 3.30pm and will re-open by 8.30pm. Free parking is available in Poole Town Centre car parks from 10am-6pm.

 

Review - Party entertainer Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the dragon

Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the dragon

We first met Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey 11 years ago when he performed his show for our older children. It was a pleasure to introduce him to the younger ones. We went along to one of his shows recently at the Sovereign centre, when we arrived he was setting up and as with all our entertainers we didn't tell him we were reviewing.

There is quite a large difference from entertaining at an organised party to performing in a shopping centre, there didn't seem to be many children around and those that wondered past were ushered away by their parents, busy with their shopping chores.

Mr Merlin began his show and gradually children appeared and adults slowed down to watch. Within just a few minutes quite a crowd had formed and we were impressed at how Mr Merlin engaged the crowd as well as a few older children who pretended they weren't interested!

We enjoyed the range of jokes aimed at both older and younger parents and the children were giggling at the magic tricks. Several children were picked to go on stage and all the children were keen to participate.

The highlight of the show has to be the cute dragon Okey Dokey , my daughter was picked to go on stage and as I have mentioned before, she is very shy and I thought she would refuse. Not only did she go on stage but she spoke into the microphone and kissed Okey Dokey!

A timeless entertainer who appeals to all ages, you can contact Mr Merlin here