Kidz to Adultz Virtual event March 2021
As we have been unable to hold our Kidz to Adultz Scotland and other events this year, we are holding our second free to attend Kidz to Adultz Venue, as a Virtual event, in March 2021.
'Venue to Virtual' is a free to attend event dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their parents, carers and the professionals who support them, right across the UK and much further afield. This free virtual event will take place during week commencing 1st March 2021.
The online platform offers visitors virtual access to the many exhibitors, companies, voluntary and support organisations who will be showcasing their products, equipment and outlining details of their services, at various times during the week- long event.
You will also be able to download exhibitors’ PDFs and brochures, with the additional bonus of an online Q&A chat facility, where you can ask the experts questions, and for their advice on a wider range of products, issues and concerns (anonymously if you prefer). There is also the opportunity to take part in live polls and competitions!
Autism on the Water: News update for 2021
"Autism on the Water" is a charitable organisation which aims to raise awareness of, and assist people with Autism to access sailing. To help more people experience getting out on the water, they have just purchased another boat.
AOTW founder Murray said:
"We are absolutely delighted with this whole outcome - it has all come together so quickly and so successfully, in so many ways. We are very grateful to the family of the previous owner, who worked very closely with us to ensure the purchase went smoothly and to all who helped us raise the funds to purchase the boat. Everything has just worked out so well."
It is now time for the AOTW team to start making preparations for which jobs are required to bring the boat up to scratch.
"I will probably be here 5 days a week from now until March. There is a small number of repairs needing to be done and local marine businesses have kindly offered us their services.”
If anyone would be willing to help, especially those on the autistic spectrum, please get in touch by emailing Murray:
I name this ship!
With a new boat for AOTW now purchased, we have decided to change its name to something more Autism related. We are running a 'Name the Boat' competition which is open to people, of all ages who are on the Autistic spectrum. Family or friends of people with autism can also enter on their behalf.
To enter, please email your boat name idea to:
Boat names should be associated with Autism, or experiences with Autism.
Money Matters: Falkirk Council’s Community Advice Service
This year has been very challenging for everyone and, now Christmas is past, and the January bills are coming in, you may be worried about how you are going to pay them. If you are worried about getting into debt, or have other debt issues which are causing you concern, Falkirk Council's Debt Advice Service can help. The service can also provide assistance and guidance on how to manage your finances. The service is free, confidential, impartial and independent.
If you are worried about any type of debt you have, regardless of the amount outstanding, come and talk to us. We will check to see if any of your debts require urgent action; for example, if you are about to lose your home, or are being taken to court for money you owe. We can deal with these issues straight away. We can contact your mortgage lender, or landlord for you. We can contact the court for you. We will then review the money you have coming in and going out and discuss what options you have to deal with your debt.
We take into account your needs and those of your family, as well as those of your creditors, when working out repayment plans. We will help find the right solution for you, and help put it in place. We will talk to your creditors for you and we can also represent you in court, if required. We can help you sort out your debt and be with you every step of the way.
Welfare Benefits
Times have certainly been different and very difficult for a lot of us this year, putting a strain on our finances.
Falkirk Council's Welfare Benefits Team can help maximise your income, by carrying out a benefit check, to ensure you are getting all the benefits you are currently entitled to. If you have lost your job, or had a change in circumstances regarding your employment, for example; a reduction in your number of hours, a drop in income, or if you are unsure if you are entitled to benefits, our team can help. Our officers will provide you with free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. They will help to complete benefit forms and, if you are turned down for benefit, they will help to try and get the decision changed. They can also provide you with representation at an appeal tribunal if necessary.
Due to current restrictions, appointments can be carried out by telephone, email or video conferencing.
Changes to the Independent Living Fund
Due to an exceptionally high level of demand, the Transition Fund will operate to a £1500 maximum grant from the 1st December 2020. We appreciate that this will be disappointing news to some individuals, however the fund will continue to provide an opportunity for young disabled people to access financial support during this challenging time. Evidence has shown us that young people can still benefit greatly from relatively modest amounts of money so £1,500 can still make a big impact.
We are working closely with the Scottish Government and will
keep the position under review.
For further queries, please contact:
Disabled Parental Employment Support Fund (DPESF)
Falkirk Council has launched the Disabled Parental Employment Support Fund (DPESF), to help unemployed parents with a disability (and those facing in-work poverty) to find work, boost skill sets and get advice on money.
The fund will also provide support for disabled parents who face barriers to progressing their careers, including; help to gain qualifications, improving skills or work experience, money advice, and motivational support.
Those eligible, will work with a dedicated advisor to help them progress their work ambitions and guide them to other support that is available.
Forth Valley Sensory Centre Groups, Activities and Classes
Our online Green Cafe will be back in the New Year on 27th January at 2pm. The speaker this month is Mari Claire who is the lead for the environment at Falkirk Council. We will have our usual quiz and chat. For further details please contact Kirsty Banks on
The Centre has a new website, please go and have a look at www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org and we are adding new activity videos, including bite sized exercise classes for all ages and abilities as well as easy to follow cooking classes. We have also had a number of groups returning virtually, including our book group, talk and sign, history group and music quiz. For more information on what is happening when or to take part in anything follow us on facebook, just search for Forth Valley Sensory Centre or email Groups Coordinator Linsey Stocks
Finally remember our Café is open weekdays from 9am to 3:30pm for homemade soup, sandwiches, rolls and toasties as well as organic, fair trade tea and coffee.. Right now you can get soup to takeaway for just £1 so pop down and bag the tastiest bargain ever!
Please note that due to COVID-19 restriction some of our face to face activities and cafe may be temporarily close, visit our website at www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org for the latest information
CVS Falkirk
CVS Falkirk provides a central point of information for the third sector and local communities of the Falkirk and District area.
Through our website, you can access a range of COVID-19 information and resources about being a good neighbour, following restrictions and safe volunteering and much more.
As part of our Wellness in Winter campaign we have created an online directory providing information about local groups and organisations who are providing support and activities to people in their local communities.
There is information about local food banks, food pantries, befriending services, health and wellbeing, financial support, and how to contact them.
You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook @CVSFalkirk where we promote local initiatives and events that you may want to support or attend.
If you are interested in volunteering or perhaps being a good neighbour then please visit www.volunteerfalkirk.org.uk for more information and resources for getting involved and supporting your community.
New Support Services for Adults with Physical Disabilities
If you live with a disability you may have found that trying to find the right support, when you need it, can be tricky. Sometimes we need professional specialist support but, at other times, just talking things over and sharing experiences, can help. Right now as it's not possible to meet up in person to chat, we are developing online groups and support. If you would be interested in chatting to others with the same condition as yourself, please get in touch telling us how you want to take part. (For example using, Messenger, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc). Our contact details are:.
If you aren’t comfortable using technology, perhaps you would find chatting over the phone right for you. Please phone or text Sandra to arrange a call.
We look forward to working with colleagues from NHS Forth Valley and Health and Social Care partnership to try and provide support for you