Liverpool first stop on Autism Education Roadshow

AROUND 4,500 people living in Liverpool have been diagnosed with autism, including over 1,000 school-aged children. Education is a fundamental part of every child’s life, but far too many children with autism are not getting the education they need and deserve.

A recent survey from the National Autistic Society (NAS) which launched the charity’s Great Expectations campaign on Special Education Needs, found that just 52% of parents who have a child with autism feel they are making good educational progress. The research also revealed that 7 out of 10 parents found it difficult to get the educational support their child needs, and while they waited and fought for the right support, their child’s educational progress (69%), mental health (60%), behaviour (68%) and self esteem (68%) all suffered enormously.  But with the right support, every child has the opportunity to succeed. Parents and young people both agree that a good knowledge of autism helps meet children’s needs. However, 43% of young people with autism felt their teachers don’t know enough about the condition.

In response, the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism, has joined together with SEN teaching and support recruitment specialist, Axcis Education Recruitment, to develop a series of conferences designed to help teachers and other professionals learn the tools and strategies they need to support children with autism effectively.

The roadshow will be made up of a series of 5 conferences which will take place across the country over the next 6 months. Liverpool plays host to the first event on Tuesday 11 October 2011, featuring a range of expert speakers, workshops and a panel debate. The one-day event will provide education, health and social care professionals, as well as parents of pupils with autism, with an opportunity to gain crucial knowledge about how to best support children with autism.

The Liverpool Autism Education Roadshow’s keynote speaker will be Dr Steve Huggett, Director of the Autism Education Trust who will be talking about the outcomes, standards and good practice with children and young people with autism in the context of the SEN Green Paper.

Kay Ribbons, an adult with autism from Chester, will also be speaking at the event, providing a personal perspective of her experience of school whilst undiagnosed. Kay said:- “For me, growing up as a child with autism without a diagnosis was extremely challenging and emotional. Since receiving my diagnosis as an adult it has helped to provide clarity on my younger years and I am now able to come to terms with some of difficulties I faced. I now want raise awareness of growing up with a hidden disability and help other children with autism have a better experience at school and at home.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS said:- “Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and is a lot more common that most people think. Parents and young people agree that knowledge of autism, more than anything, helps children's needs to be met in school and many teachers also tell us that they would like more training in autism. We are really excited to be launching the roadshow in Liverpool and we hope that this series of conferences developed in association with Axcis will empower teachers and professionals to ensure that children with autism in the education system are supported in the best way possible.”

Jean Wilson, Managing Director of Axcis Education Recruitment said:- “We are delighted to support the National Autistic Society in delivering training which is set to benefit teachers, support staff and, most importantly, individuals with autism. This partnership is indicative of our ongoing commitment to putting something back into education. I am looking forward to co-chairing these events.”

The first conference takes place at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, L3 1QW. The roadshow will then continue to Newcastle, Birmingham, Exeter before ending with a final conference in London in March 2012. For a full list of event details, programmes and further information please visit:- autism.org.uk/conferences/roadshow2011.

Glaucoma support group meeting

THE Eye Unit at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and the Southport and West Lancs Glaucoma Support Group is inviting the public to discuss glaucoma care.

The Clifford Huxtable Memorial Trust is sponsoring the meeting which is also being supported by the International Glaucoma Association.

Guest speakers are Mr Jose Gonzalez-Martin, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr Alex Silvester from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Mr Russell Young, International Glaucoma Association.

The meeting will be held in the Windsor Suite of the Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade, Southport PR8 1RB  on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 2.30pm.

Light refreshments will be served during the afternoon and there is free car parking at the hotel.

Terry’s the talk of the town

LIVERPOOL has its very own Town Crier – the first in more than 200 years.  Following an intense shout-off outside the Town Hall, 65 year old Terry Stubbings is now ringing the bells of victory after being selected as the city’s official town crier.

The former town crier for Lincoln fought off stiff competition from 3 other hopefuls, and impressed the judging panel with his vocal abilities, his self-penned tribute to the city and his knowledge of civic protocol. 

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast, was part of the panel. He said:- “It was a really tough decision to make as each candidate was really exceptional and they were really enthusiastic about being an ambassador for this great city.  All the interviewees did fantastic cries outside the Town Hall and attracted a lot of attention and crowds which is exactly what we want our new recruit to do!  Terry’s experience gave him the edge, and I’m confident he will do an outstanding job representing the city and shouting about all the fantastic things this city has to offer.”

Terry, originally from Lincolnshire now lives in Kirkby with his wife Trish. He was a sergeant in the Parachute Regiment for 17 years, and was appointed Lincoln town crier in 1994, a role he carried out for 14 years. He now takes on the position three times a year for Gainsborough.

This latest appointment isn’t his first taste of victory – Terry took gold in the British Town Crier Championships in 2004. And he hopes that his winning-streak continues as he represents Liverpool for the first time tomorrow at the Huddersfield Town Crier competition.

Terry said:- “I’m over the moon to be Liverpool’s official Town Crier – I knew I was up against three really strong competitors, and we were all desperate for the title, so I’m delighted to come out on top.   Liverpool really does have the wow-factor and has so much to offer. During my cry I wanted to try and fit in as much as possible and really sell the city, but in 60 seconds you can’t really do the city justice!  My wife is originally from the city and she is so proud of my new role and can’t wait for me to get started.  It will be wonderful to represent Liverpool for the first time tomorrow in Huddersfield and hopefully I’ll get my new role off to a winning start.”

A schedule of town crier engagements is set to be drawn up over forthcoming weeks but it will see Terry play a role in key civic and ceremonial functions, welcome international passengers at the Cruise Liner Terminal and be an ambassador during high profile events.

Here’s Terry’s ode to Liverpool which helped him scoop the title:-

Oyez, oyez, oyez
Welcome all to Liverpool, the city with a heart.
We have so much to offer, I don’t know where to start.
Maybe you like cathedrals, in that case we have two,
For football fans, we’ve two great teams, one red, the other blue.
We’ve fine historic buildings, set in many places,
You should start off by the Pier Head, and visit the Three Graces.
If shopping is your forte, you can’t beat Liverpool one.
Then stay on for our nightlife, you’re sure to have some fun.
This city’s full of humour, with talent through and through.
So sing along with Liverpool, and say you love me do.
God save the queen.