Contact a Family - Holidays, play and leisure

8/14/2019 Contact a Family - Holidays, play and leisure

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Holidays, play and leisure

Information for familes

Holidays, play and

leisureIncorporating TheLady Hoare Trust

UK


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Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555Web:www.cafamily.org.uk


Your childs rights

Parents may nd it helpful to know thatdisabled children and young people havecertain rights relating to play and leisure.

Local authority duties to disabledchildrenThe Children Act (1989) recognisesthat childrens need for good qualityplay opportunities change as they growup but they need such opportunitiesthroughout childhood to reach andmaintain their optimum development

and well being. The Act says that local

Introduction

Disabled children and young people consistentlysay that leisure and play, after school, in theholidays and at weekends, is the most importantmissing element in their lives. Parents strive tomake opportunities for these but often nd manyunnecessary barriers, including a basic lack ofinformation about whats available.

This guide provides some information about whatplay and leisure options may be available, whereto nd more information and suggests ways accessfor disabled children can be improved. It also hasinformation about arranging holidays for disabledchildren and details of organisations which providegrants for things like this.

Contents

Your childs rights ............................... ................................. ............................. 3Play and leisure in your area ............................ .................................. ......... 5

Disability sport ................................. ................................. ................................ 8Days out ............................... ................................. .................................. ........... 10Information about holidays ............................................................. ............. 12Holidays or holiday accommodation ................................................... ..... 13Wish granting ............................... ................................. .................................. ... 15Equipment and mobility ......................................................... ....................... 16Help to pay for leisure activities and holidays ................................. ...... 16Travel Insurance ................................................................................................ 18Making play and leisure work for disabled children ............................. 19Resources for professionals ...................................................... .................... 22

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authorities (LAs) shall provide services tominimise the effect of disabilities on thelives of disabled children and give themopportunities to lead as normal a life aspossible. LAs must treat disabled childrenas children rst and promote access forall children to the same range of services.

This Act applies in England and Wales.There is similar legislation in NorthernIreland and Scotland.

In England, the Education and InspectionsAct 2006 means local authorities in

England need take more responsibility tomake fun and positive activities availablefor all young people.

Please note

Throughout this factsheet we usethe term local authority or LA whenreferring to departments like socialservices, sometimes known as childrenwith disabilities teams or childrensservices.


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procedures which would enable adisabled child to participate in all aspectsof school life. For example, schools mustinclude disabled children on school trips,holidays, and any leisure opportunitiesunless excluding them can be justied(for example because of health andsafety requirements).

Information about servicesFrom April 2008, in England and Wales,

The Childcare Act 2006 means localinformation services need to provideparents with disabled children details

of services available locally. This shouldinclude information about play andleisure.

Need advice about your rights?If you feel that your child has beendiscriminated against when trying to useplay and leisure facilities or at school thenring the Contact a Family helpline. Theycan also advise you on any other aspectof your rights and help, such as nancialassistance to pay for activities or holidays.

Protection against discriminationrelated to being disabledThe Disability Discrimination Act (DDA1995) makes it unlawful for serviceproviders to discriminate againstdisabled people by treating them lessfavourably than others. It also requiresservice providers to make reasonableadjustments to policies, practices andprocedures which might remove oralleviate any disadvantage a disabledperson might experience when usingtheir services. Part III of the Act came intoforce in October 2004 and means many

service providers should have madepermanent physical changes to theirpremises if these put disabled people ata disadvantage this covers indoor andoutdoor adventure playgrounds, leisurecentres, play areas in public parks andplaygrounds.

Also, the disability discriminationlegislation has provisions:

making it unlawful for operators oftransport vehicles to discriminateagainst disabled people;

making sure that private clubs with25 or more members cannot keepdisabled people out, just because theyhave a disability;

ensuring that discrimination law coversall the activities of the public sector.

Rights to be included in schoolactivitiesSpecial Educational Needs and DisabilityAct (2001) brought all educationproviders within the scope of theDisability Discrimination Act. This meansthat schools need to make reasonableadjustments to policies, practices and

Play and leisure in yourarea

Who to askIf you are a parent and want to knowmore about leisure facilities and clubs inyour area you could contact a local parentsupport group. Some run their ownactivities and, if not, may know who does.The Contact a Family helpline can check ifthere is a group in your area. You can alsoask your childs social worker or, if theydont have one, contact the local childrenwith disabilities team. Alternatively,contact:

your local library;

a local leisure or youth service for detailsof inclusive facilities or specialist sportsclubs;

national umbrella organisations suchas the National Association of Toyand Leisure Libraries and the NationalAssociation of Swimming Clubs forpeople with disabilities (see below);

a national organisation, such as Phab orSpecial Olympics (see page 9);

Play inclusion projects (PIP)Many places around the country nowhave play inclusion projects (PIP) whichare set up to promote and increaseopportunities for disabled children.Contact a Family runs one of these in theLondon borough of Lewisham. They haverecently published a directory of inclusiveplay and leisure services for children inLewisham. Your local information servicemay produce something similar butshould certainly have details of play andleisure activities along with information onother services. Your local parent support

group may also have more details of suchprojects.

Other contacts for information aboutplay and leisureThere are many national bodies andorganisations which provide informationabout play and leisure opportunities fordisabled children:

National Association of Toy and LeisureLibraries (Playmatters)68 Churchway, London NW1 1LTTel: 020 7255 4600Web: http://www.natll.org.uk

A national body for toy and leisurelibraries in the UK. They can advise youon the nearest toy library.

Childrens need for goodquality play opportunitieschange as they grow upbut they need suchopportunities throughoutchildhood to reach andmaintain their optimumdevelopent and well being.

The Children Act (989)


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National Association of SwimmingClubs for people with disabilitiesThe Willows, Mayles Lane, WickhamHampshire PO17 5NDTel: 01329 833 689Web: http://www.nasch.org.uk

They encourage the development ofswimming clubs and run regional andnational swimming galas. Also offertraining courses for helpers.

The Scottish Out of School CareNetwork

Level 2, 100 Wellington Street, GlasgowG2 6DHTel: 0141 564 1284Web: http://www.soscn.org

They promote, support and develop goodquality, sustainable out of school care inScotland.

Kids6 Aztec Row, Berners Row,London N1 0PWTel: 020 7359 3635Web: http://www.kids.org.uk

Provide services through a network ofregional branches for disabled children,young people and their families. Theseinclude education, play, leisure andtraining.

Kids National Development Division6 Aztec Row, Berners Road,

London N1 0PWTel: 020 7359 3073Text: 020 7359 3520Web: http://www.kids.org.uk/ndd/pip

Promote inclusive play for disabledchildren through national training,consultancy and publications. They alsorun the Playwork Inclusion Project (PIP)

which aims to increase the numbers ofdisabled children in play and childcaresettings. (Formerly part of Kidsactive andmerged with Kids in 2003)

Childrens Play Information Service(CPIS) is a national information serviceon childrens play based at the NationalChildrens Bureau Library. The websitehas information on everything from playconferences and events to downloadablefactsheets and student reading lists.Web: http://tinyurl.com/z32hm

Play Wales

Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, CardiffCF10 5FHTel: 029 2048 6050Web: http://www.playwales.org.uk

Provide information and guidance on playin Wales.

Play EnglandChildrens Play Council, 8 Wakley StreetLondon EC1V 7QETel: 020 7843 6300Web: http://www.playengland.org.uk

Play England is a ve-year project topromote strategies for free play and tocreate a lasting support structure for playproviders in England.

Phab EnglandSummit House, 50 Wandle Road,Croydon CR0 1DFTel: 020 8667 9443Web: http://www.phabengland.org.uk

Phab is a national charity dedicated topromoting the integration of people withand without physical disabilities. Theyorganise an annual summer programmeof activities.


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FABB Scotland (Facilitating Access andBreaking Barriers)Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, EdinburghEH7 5QYTel: 0131 475 2313 (Mon-Thurs, 10am-4pm)Text: 0131 475 2313Web: http://www.fabb.org.uk

FABB empowers disabled people toactively engage in the social, leisure,educational and vocational activities oftheir choice.

Play Scotland

Midlothian Innovation Centre,Pentlandeld, Roslin,Midlothian EH25 9RETel: 0131 440 9070Web: http://www.playscotland.org

Play Scotland works to promote playopportunities in the community for allchildren and young people.

Disability sport

To get involved in disability sport contactone of the following organisations:

Scottish Disability SportCaledonia House, South Gyle, EdinburghEH12 9DQTel: 0131 317 1130Web: http://www.scottishdisabilitysport.com

Leading the development of sport andphysical recreation for people withdisabilities throughout Scotland

Disability Sport Wales

Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia GardensCardiff CF11 9SWTel: 029 2066 5781Web: http://www.fdsw.org.uk

Disability Sport Cymru is a joint initiativebetween the Federation of DisabilitySport Wales (FDSW), the Sports Councilfor Wales and local authorities in Wales.The programme is aimed at developingquality based sporting and physical

activity opportunities for disabled people.They also have details of disability sportofcers throughout Wales.

English Federation of Disability SportManchester Metropolitan University,Alsager Campus, Hassall Road, Alsager,Stoke on Trent ST7 2HLTel: 0161 247 5294Text: 0161 247 5644Web: http://www.efds.net

An umbrella organisation, representingthe sporting and physical activit y interests

of disabled people and organisations inEngland.

Disability Sport Northern Ireland,Unit 6, Ormeau Business Park, 8 CromacAvenue, Belfast BT7 2JATel: 028 9050 8255Text: 028 9050 8254Web: http://www.dsni.co.uk

Working to promote equality ofopportunity for people with disabilitiesto take part in sport and recreation,and to help improve their standard ofperformance and enjoyment at the levelof their choice.

Special Olympics Great BritainNational Development Ofce GroundFloor, 123 Golden Lane London EC1Y 0RTTel: 020 7696 5569Web: http://www.specialolympicsgb.org

Is the major provider of sportingopportunities for people with a learningdisability and provides equality ofopportunity for all athletes, regardless ofability or degree of disability.

We need to have accessto different out of schoolactivities for the children(art, dancing, clubs,gymnastics, trampolining,music) where the staffunderstand the childsdifculty and give thema chance to explore and

develop their potential.Come on In! Developing InclusivePlay and Leisure Services.


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Days out

Many of these organisations and schemesprovide opportunities for days out andcan advise you about any accessibilityissues you may want to be sure aboutbefore the day.

The National TrustPO Box 39, Warrington WA5 7WDTel: 0870 458 4000Text: 0870 240 3207Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The National Trust works to preserve andprotect more than 300 historic placesand gardens to visit in England, Walesand Northern Ireland. Most propertieshave a good degree of access and theiradmission policy admits a companionof a disabled visitor free of charge. Theiraccess guide provides more informationabout the accessibility of their properties.Contact the Access for All Ofce onTel: 01793 817 400

24 Hour MuseumPO Box 3470, Brighton BN1 1DATel: 01273 623 266Web: http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk

The 24 Hour Museum has an onlinedatabase of more than 3,800 museums,galleries and heritage sites. The childrenssection of the website has lots of ideas,games and listings.Web: http://www.show.me.uk

Safari and wildlife parksWeb: http://www.safaripark.co.uk

A web resource for safari and wildlifeparks with contact details, opening timesand admission information. Clickable linkstake you to each parks information whereyoull nd details on accessibility.

KidsoutTheir Funds-4-Fun small grants schemehelp with the provision of new toysand special play equipment, as well asfun days out, holidays and activities for

individuals and families (see sources ofnance on page 17 for contact details).

Legoland WindsorWinkeld Road, Windsor, BerkshireSL4 4AYWeb: http://www.legoland.co.uk

Provide free entry for the parent orguardian of a child in receipt of DisabilityLiving Allowance (DLA) or other proof oftheir childs disability. They also providea shortcut designed to assist guestswho dont understand the concept ofqueuing, have difculties with everydaysocial interaction or may becomeagitated or distressed having to wait forperiods of time. The park is 95 per centaccessible for guests with disabilities and

a wheelchair can be used in the majorityof queue lines.

Cinema Exhibitors Association CardThe Card Network, The Technology CentreRossmore Business ParkEllesmere Port, Cheshire. CH65 3ENTel: 0845 123 1292Text: 0845 123 1297Web: http://www.ceacard.co.uk

This is a national card that can be usedto verify that the holder is entitled to onefree ticket for a person accompanying

them to the cinema. To apply for the card,you will need to meet one or more of thefollowing criteria: be in receipt of DLA orAttendance Allowance, or be a registeredblind person. The card is valid for threeyears from the date of issue.

Riding for the DisabledLavinia Norfolk House, Avenue R,Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LYTel: 0845 658 1082Web: http://www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk

Provide the opportunity for disabledpeople to ride and/or carriage-drive, tobenet their health and well-being.

Always check the disabilitypolicy of venues you goto - lots of attractions letcarers in for free.Jane


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Information aboutholidays

Everyone needs a change of scene fromtime to time. You may nd some of theorganisations listed below useful for ideasand information on the different holidaysto choose from.

Tourism for all UKThe Hawkins Suite, Enham Place

Enham Alamein, Andover SP11 6JSTel: 0845 124 9971Text: 0845 124 9976Web: http://www.tourismforall.info

Provide information to people withdisabilities and older people in relationto accessible accommodation and othertourism services. In 2004 Tourism for Allbrought together Tourism for All, HolidayCare and IndividuAll.

RADAR (Royal Association for Disabilityand Rehabilitation)12 City Forum, 250 City Road, LondonEC1V 8AF Tel: 020 7250 3222Text: 020 7250 4119Web: http://www.radar.org.uk

A national organisation run by, andworking for disabled people. Theycompile Holidays in Britain and Irelandprice 13.50 incl p&p.

National Autistic Society393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG

Tel: 0845 070 4004 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)Web: http://www.autism.org.uk

Provide an information sheet on holidaysfor people with autism and relateddisorders. Is available as a download fromtheir website.

Disabled Holiday Directory6 Seaview Crescent, Goodwick SA64 0AZTel: 01348 875 592Web: http://www.disabledholidaydirectory.co.uk

Internet based directory for wheelchairaccessible holidays.

Enable Scotland6th Floor, Buchanan Street,

Glasgow G1 3HLTel: 0141 226 4541 (Mon-Fri, 1pm-4pm)Web: http://www.enable.org.uk

Support children, young people andadults with learning disabilities. Theyproduce a booklet on holidays in theUK and abroad with information aboutfunding.

Holidays or holidayaccommodation

There are many organisationswhich provide holidays and holidayaccommodation for families and disabledchildren. Listed below is a range coveringactivity and group holidays, reduced costbreaks and purpose built centres.

3H Fund (Help the HandicappedHoliday Fund)147a Camden RoadTunbridge Wells TN1 2RATel: 01892 547 474Web: http://www.3hfund.org

Organise group holidays that aresubsidised, inclusive of accommodationand transport, for physically disabledpeople over 11 years. When funds areavailable, they provide grants to familieson low incomes with a disabled child tohave a modest UK holiday break.

Badaguish Outdoor CentreAviemore PH22 1QUTel: 01479 861 285Web: http://www.badaguish.org

Provide a wide choice of outdoor activitiesto suit all levels of ability. Has an activityholiday unit and 24 hour respite care isavailable.

Break1 Montague Road,Sheringham NR26 8WNTel: 01263 822 161Web: http://www.break-charity.org

Breaks services include supportedholidays, short breaks and day caresupport for people with learning

disabilities including self catering holidaychalets and homes for children.

Calvert TrustPurpose built centres offering a widerange of sports and recreationalactivities. Has full board or self-cateringaccommodation.

Calvert Trust - Kielder Kielder Water,Hexham NE48 1BSTel: 01434 250 232Web: http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder

Calvert Trust - KeswickLittleCrossthwaite, Keswick, CA12 4QDTel/Text: 01768 772 255Web: http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/keswick

Calvert Trust - Exmoor Wistlandpound,

Kentisbury, Barnstaple EX31 4SJTel: 01598 763221Web: http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

A good inclusiveexperience for any child,with any disability, largelydepends on the attitude ofthe providers. No amountof training can take theplace of the willingness toinclude all disabilities.

Everybody Here? Play and Leisure for

Disabled Children and Young People. 3


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Grooms HolidaysPO Box 36, Cowbridge CF71 7GBTel: 0845 658 4478Web: http://www.groomsholidays.org.uk

Part of John Grooms national charity.Provide opportunities for disabled peopleto go on holiday with friends and familiesby providing accessible locations ataffordable rates around the UK.

HELP (Holiday Endeavour for LoneParents)P.O. Box 244 Gainsborough DN21 9AQ

Tel: 01427 668 717Web: http://www.helphols.co.uk

Provides reduced cost holidays forany lone parent and their children.Membership cost is 5 per year.

National Holiday Fund for Sick andDisabled ChildrenPO Box 44, Belvedere DA17 6WTTel: 01341 280 486Web: http://www.nhfcharity.co.uk

Provide holidays to Florida for chronicallyor terminally ill children, and temporarilyor permanently physically disabledchildren, aged 8 -18 years. Does notprovide grants.

Scout Holiday Homes TrustGilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW

Tel: 020 8433 7290Web: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/holhomes

Provide inexpensive self-catering holidaysat a variety of holiday camps aroundthe UK for any families with a disabledmember. They do not have to be a scout/guide to benet.

Stackpole Trust CentreThe Old Home Farm, Stackpole,Pembroke SA71 5DQTel: 01646 661 425

Provide self-catering, active holidays forfamilies or groups which include peoplewith severe disabilities.

Vitalise12 City Forum, 250 City Road,London EC1V 8AFTel: 0845 345 1972Web: http://www.vitalise.org.uk

Provides short breaks for disabled peopleand carers at accessible centres in the UK.

Wish granting

These charities offer special treats orholidays for children who are very ill orare living with severe disabilities. Theycover the whole of the UK but havedifferent eligibility criteria so you will needto check with them directly for furtherinformation.

Make a Wish Foundation UK329-331 London Road,Camberley GU15 3HQTel: 01276 405 060

Web: http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk

Granting wishes of children aged 3-18living with life-threatening illnesses.

Starlight Childrens FoundationMacmillan HousePaddington Station, London W2 1HDTel: 020 7262 2881Web: http://www.starlight.org.uk

Grants the wishes of critically, chronicallyand terminally ill children aged 4-18.

National Holiday Fund for Sick &Disabled Children(see page 14)

Dreams Come True CharityKnockhundred House, KnockhundredRow Midhurst GU29 9DQTel: 0800 018 6013Web: http://www.dctc.org.uk

Fulll dreams for children and youngadults, 2-21 years of age who are livingwith a serious or terminal condition.

Happy Days Childrens Charity ClodyHouse90-100 Collingdon Street, Luton LU1 1RXTel. 01582 755 999Web: http://www.happydayscharity.org

They fund and organise holidays, daysout and theatre trips throughout the UKfor disadvantaged young people (aged 3-17) with learning difculties, physical ormental disabilities and with acute, chronicor life limiting illnesses.

When You Wish Upon a StarFuturist House, Valley Road, Basford,Nottingham NG5 1JETel: 0115 979 1720Web: http://www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk

Aims to fulll wishes for any child (aged2-16 years) who has a life threatening orterminal illness.


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Equipment and mobility

For help in choosing the right equipmentor for information about getting around,see the following organisations.

British Red Cross44 MooreldsLondon EC2Y 9ALTel: 0870 170 7000Web: http://www.redcross.org.uk

Has a network of centres which canlend aids and equipment, including

wheelchairs. Details of the nearest centreare available from your local branch of theBritish Red Cross (see telephone directoryor their website for details).

Disabled Living Foundation380-384 Harrow Road, London W9 2HUHelpline: 0845 130 9177Text: 020 7432 8009Web: http://www.dlf.org.uk

Publish information on all types ofdisability equipment and mobilityproducts including choosing childrensplay equipment and suppliers ofchildrens equipment.

RADAR(see page 12)

Has a National Key Scheme (NKS)offering independent access to 7,000locked public toilets around the UK. NKSkey price 3.50. The accompanying NKSguide price 10.25

Door to DoorWeb: http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door

A transport and travel website for disabledand less mobile people.

individual poverty and hardship. Price34.95Web: http://tinyurl.com/3antg7

Your local library or CAB may have a copyof this, and the helpline can search forcharities you can approach.

Family FundUnit 4, Alpha Court, Monk Cross Drive,York YO32 9WNTel: 0845 130 4542Web: http://www.familyfund.org.uk

May be able to help towards holiday costswhen there is a child who is severelydisabled (aged 15 and under). Grantsvary in size and can be used towardsfamily holidays with or without the child.

to allow them to buy in the services theyhave been assessed as needing.

You are entitled to a Direct Paymentto meet your childs assessed need inNorthern Ireland, Wales, Scotland andEngland.

How much are Direct Payments?The amount you receive should beenough to allow you to meet all costs,including tax and national insurance, aswell as the fee for a police check. Socialservices will usually deduct an amount

from the payments equivalent to whatyou would have been charged if theyhad arranged the services. Or they maymake the payments in full and ask youto reimburse them any assessed charge.Any payments you receive must be usedto pay for services to meet the assessedneeds.

Help to pay for holidaysFamilies with disabled children may beentitled to help from the local socialservices department. Some authoritiesmay provide grants towards holiday costs,others may offer holidays at places oftheir own choice. Some local authoritiesinsist on means-testing and, even whengrants are available, they are usually

small. Many charitable organisations willhelp towards holiday costs. Some arelisted below, and Tourism for all UK (seepage 12) publishes A guide to nancialhelp towards the cost of a holiday, respitecare or convalescence price 2.50.

A guide to grants for individuals inneed 2006/07Details of a wide range of funds andother support available for the relief of

Let us and our childrenchoose what is right for us!Dont make assumptions orput us into boxes. Providea range of experiences tomeet a range of abilities.

Hello! Are you Listening

Help to pay for leisureactivities and holidays

Direct PaymentsIf you are unable to nd appropriateleisure activities you may wish to considerusing Direct Payments to purchase somehelp for your child to attend a local clubor playscheme. Local authorities can givepayments instead of services, to allowdisabled people and carers to buy in the

services they have been assessed asneeding. Direct Payments are intendedto promote the independence of parentsand their disabled children who wouldlike to manage their own social careneeds.

If a child is under 16 years of age DirectPayments will usually be made to theirparent. When a child becomes 16 theycan receive payments in their own right


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What disabled young people sayabout leisureResearch by the Joseph RowntreeFoundation2 found that leisure wasvery important to disabled youngpeople, particularly when they hadmore time for leisure because oflimited opportunities in education andemployment. Young people said:

their education experiences had amajor impact on their opportunitiesfor friendships and leisure activities

outside school; they valued the opportunity to beinvolved in mainstream activities, butalso wanted to meet other youngdisabled people to share experiences;

their lives were blighted by loneliness,isolation and exclusion;

The research also found that:

professionals saw inclusive leisureas a way for disabled youngpeople to learn life skills, increaseindependence and/or increase self-esteem. Young people saw inclusiveleisure as a way to have fun andmeet friends;

lack of appropriate support (liketransport, personal assistance andsupport to facilitate and/or interpretcommunication) was a key barrier foryoung disabled people wanting toaccess inclusive leisure;

disabled young people were oftenexcluded but, beyond this, theirinterests and concerns were nodifferent to those of their non-disabledpeers

What parents of disabled youngpeople say about leisureContact a Family conducted a survey,Everybody Here?3 which found thatparents felt bowling alleys had the mostinclusive facilities, with playgroundsand parks being the least inclusive. The

survey also contains a list of attractionsfrom across the UK that families withdisabled children enjoyed visiting, as wellas examples of good practice. Parentsalso had the following suggestions forleisure providers:

publish information about localaccessible facilities and activities;

allocate some specic sessions to caterfor disabled children;

portray positive images of disabledchildren in your publicity;

use bright colours, textures andsounds to help children with sensoryimpairments;

buy items to increase the rangeof activities for disabled children,for example wheelchair-friendlyroundabouts;

put a changing table in accessibletoilets, suitable for older children whowear nappies or pads;

provide large unisex cubicles inswimming pools to also accommodatea carer;

install wheelchair accessible gatesinstead of stiles and kissing gates onmarked country walks;

fund volunteer buddy schemes to helpyoung people use and get the most outof leisure facilities;

provide leisure passes which giveconcessions to disabled children andaccompanying carers.

Examples of good practicearound the country

Merseyside Disability Sports DirectoryThe 2007 Disability Sports Directorycontains a wide variety of accessible clubsfor disabled children. More informationfrom: Merseyside Sports PartnershipTel: 0151 231 5239Web: http://tinyurl.com/2em8um

Leicester City Council Concessions3This council provides a leisure pass which

entitles carers on benets (includingCarers Allowance) up to 50 per cent offactivities provided by leisure centres. Italso entitles them to concessions fromother facilities including some cinemasand restaurants. Available from locallibraries and leisure centres in LeicesterCity.

Rochdale Parents Forum3The forum met with leisure servicemanagers about the poor changingfacilities in toilets at two swimmingpools in Rochdale. As a result two newchanging tables were installed at bothpools along with new disabled changingareas with central lockers.


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Holidays, play and leisure Contact a Family, August 2007

Order code i11

Other information

booklets availableThis factsheet is one of a seriesproduced for parents and groupsconcerned with the care of disabledchildren. A full list of Contact a Familypublications is available on request orcan be downloaded from our websitewww.cafamily.org.uk Concerned about your child? (UK) Fathers (UK) Understanding your childs

behaviour (UK) Grandparents (UK) Siblings (UK) Special educational needs (England) The tax credits guide (UK) Living without a diagnosis (UK)

Working (UK) The NHS and caring for a disabledchild (England)

Disabled childrens services inEngland and Wales (England & Wales)

Registered Ofce: 209-211 City Road,London EC1V 1JNRegistered Charity Number: 284912

Company limited by guaranteeRegistered in England and Wales No. 1633333VAT Registration No. GB 749 3846 82 Contact a Family is a registered trade mark

Although great care has been taken in thecompilation and preparation of this guide toensure accuracy, Contact a Family cannot take any

responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Getting in contact

with us

www.cafamily.org.ukwww.makingcontact.orgContact a Family Head Ofce:09- City Road, London ECV JNTel 00 08 800Fax 00 08 80Email [email protected]

Free helpline for parents and families

0808 808 3555

Open MonFri, 10am4pm;Mon, 5.307.30pmAccess to over 100 languages

Textphone

0808 808 355


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Insert for Holidays Play and Leisure Guide Page 17

The Family Fund is a grant giving organisation that can help families caring for adisabled child.

From April 2009 their age limit has increased. They can now give grants forseverely disabled children aged up to their 18th birthday in England, NorthernIreland, Scotland and Wales.

Eligible families must have a gross income of no more than 23,000 pa (25,000 inNorthern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) and savings of 18,000 or less.

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Family Holiday Association (FHA)

Please note, if a family makes an application to the FHA and they are eligible forhelp from the Family Fund they will no longer be eligible for help from the FHA. TheFHA will tell them to apply to the Family Fund (even if they have had a grant withinthe past year).

FHA help families with disabled children up to the age of 25, so if a disabled childis too old to get help from the Family Fund they can still get help from FHA.

Contact a Family - Holidays, play and leisure

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