Stop, Look, Listen on Thursday 22nd March 2012

Friday, December 30th, 2011

* STOP * LOOK * LISTEN * is being organised by the PAX Forum for parents and carers of children with special needs or a disability.   *STOP*LOOK*LISTEN* Thurs. 22nd March 2012 at 9.30am-2.30pm in Welcome Area (above library) Dolphin Centre, Poole.  There will be lots of information stands as well as a chance to give your views on services to people who really want to listen – We believe that parents and carers really are experts and you can make a difference!

  • You can drop in and STOP for a while, anytime from 9.30am to 2.30pm for a cuppa and a chat (join us for the  free buffet at lunchtime)
  • There will be plenty to LOOK at - a wide range of information stands and people who can answer your questions about their services
  • There will be people who really want to LISTEN to you – some people are particularly seeking your views to help improve their services – they will be waiting to LISTEN to what you have to say

Please put this event in your diary and visit this website for regular updates – the new PAX Newsletter will be published in mid-March 2012 and will be available at the event – watch this space for that too

For more information, contact Marilyn Hoskins (Chair) on email: poole.snforum@gmail.com or 07786 892 084

New Coordinator at PoPPs Poole Parent Partnership Service

Friday, December 30th, 2011

On 1st September 2011 Jacky Westmaas took over as coordinator of PoPPs.  She is supported by Michelle Pollitt, who has worked to support parents and carers through PoPPs for almost 6 years.  Jacky has a wealth of experience in education and plans to continue giving parents and carers of children with special educational needs (SEN) the high quality service and support that PoPPs is well-known for in Poole.  If you would like to speak to Jacky or Michelle concerning any educational concerns for your child, or would just like some general information about SEN, do contact them in total confidence. 

Telephone: 01202  261933

Email: parentpartnership@poole.gov.uk

Thank you to Coping with CHAOS

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Until recently the Poole Parent/Carers` Special Needs Forum was run by Coping with CHAOS, a local voluntary organisation.  They had a contract with the Borough of Poole to set up and coordinate the running of the Forum.  Coping with CHAOS decided that they did not wish to renew their contract after March this year (2011).  So the Borough of Poole made arrangements for an independent coordinator (see separate news item) to ensure that the vital work of the Forum continues.

As current coordinator, I would very much like to thank 3 parents, who were employed by Coping with CHAOS to set up and run the Forum over the last few years.  A big “Thank You” to Chris Faulder, Jean Miles and Emma Hall.  Luckily we have not lost their expertise as Jean and Emma are still members of the Forum committee and Chris is still employed by Coping with CHAOS to help parents on their helpline, through her work with face2face, and by her regular attendance at TIME4ME sessions in Poole.

Marilyn Hoskins, Coordinator and Chair

Who is the coordinator for the Forum?

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

My name is Marilyn Hoskins and I am currently the coordinator and Chair for the Poole Parent/Carers` Special Needs Forum.  I retired at the end of August (2011) after more than 11 years running PoPPs Poole Parent Partnership Service and I now have a contract with the Borough of Poole to coordinate the work of the Forum.  I am really pleased to be able to continue my work with the Forum, having supported their work very actively whilst I was running PoPPs.

I truly believe that services for children with special needs and disabilities can only meet the needs of the children, or young people, and their families if the parents and carers are fully involved in improving and developing these services.  In my role as coordinator for the Forum I will work hard with parents and carers, together with those who provide services, to make sure that parents and carers are truly involved.

I welcome your comments at any time on poole.snforum@gmail.com or

  • you can leave your views and comments on the link on the the Home page of this website
  • or complete the form on the Home page to become involved

Please revisit this website regularly for news of the Forum`s work and future events.  My best wishes to you all, Marilyn Hoskins

Bus Passes for Disabled Children

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Did you know that you can apply for a bus pass for your disabled child? Go to the Borough of Poole website, then onto Concessionary fares (bus passes), click apply for it button and then download the Connect Card download on top right of page.  There is a list in section C of who qualifies. Take a look, it may be of use! I have spoken to transport about the fact that you are supposed to take your child down to their offices to apply, and they have said that if that is tricky for parents of some children with SEN or disabilities, they can make special arrangements for you to take photos and DLA information to the office without taking your child. Just give them a call. Tel-01202 634249

Free Cinema Passes

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Did you know that if your child is receiving DLA you can apply for a CEA card (Cinema Exhibitor’s Association)? This card is nationally regonised in cinemas. It allows 1 person to be admitted for free if they are accompanying your child. It costs £5.50 and is available at www.ceacard.co.uk . or telephone 0845 123 1292.

ASD support website for parents

Monday, June 28th, 2010

If you have a child with Aspergers or Autism, check out this website. http://www.autismfriendly.org. It’s an online community of carers who share tips, vent frustrations and generally share the joys of caring for a child with ASD.