Spring 2009 - Westminster City Council

WestminsterchildrenfirstYour magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s servicesIssue 6, Spring 2009NationalFamily WeekFind out what’s onKeeping ourchildren safeThe work of theSafeguardingChildren BoardA greatplace togrow up!Supportingyour childHelp from NHSWestminsterMeet ourcommunitychampionsWe visit All Stars BoxingGym and WestminsterBoating BaseWestminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 1

Dear Parent or Carer,In March, Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of the councillaunched a new programme of renewal for 2012 tocreate a ‘living city of opportunity’ in which families canthrive. He pledged to build a strong economy – byhelping individuals, supporting businesses, sustaininghousing and reducing costs for families.We have already launched a City Recovery programme tohelp residents through the recession by putting peopleback into work, advising others how to cope and makingsure we deliver value for money. This year also sees acouncil tax freeze.We hope that you find Children First useful in helpingyou to access free and low cost services and gettingvalue for money from the council and NHS.This month, we find out more about the WestminsterBoating Base and All Stars Boxing Gym. You can alsofind out more about our National Family Week eventstaking place in May.If your child is going through tough times, theMarlborough Family Centre may be able to help. We visitthe centre to hear from the people who use it. See page6 for details.Lastly, you can find out what’s on for children and youngpeople over the summer holidays by signing up for textor email updates. Email wow@westminster.gov.uk orkeep an eye open for information at your local libraryor One Stop Shop from late June.Contents3468910121415NewsThe latest news from around Westminster.Early years focusWe visit Churchill Gardens Children’s Centre.Health focusHow to help your children through tough times.Junior focusA greatplace togrow up!Take to the water at the Westminster Boating Base.Surviving examsHow to help your child through the exam season.Youth focusFind out more about the All Stars Boxing Gym.Keeping our children safeThe work of the Safeguarding Children Board.National Family WeekCome along to our Family Week events.What’s on this summer?Keeping your family entertained during the school holidays.CouncillorSarah RichardsonCabinet Member forChildren’s ServicesWestminsterCatherine LongworthNon Executive Directorand Children’s ChampionNHS WestminsterchildrenfirstYour magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s servicesWestminster Boating BaseSee page 8 for details.NationalFamily WeekFind out what’s onKeeping ourchildren safeThe work of theSafeguardingChildren BoardMeet ourcommunitychampionsWe visit All Stars BoxingGym and WestminsterBoating BaseA greatplace togrow up!Issue 6, Spring 2009Supportingyour childHelp from NHSWestminsterWestminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 12Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

World AsthmaDay 2009Children and young peoplewith asthma were the focusof World Asthma Day, onTuesday 5th May.Westminster’s SchoolNurse Lead, JessicaStreeting, says it’simportant that children withasthma remember to keeptheir inhaler nearby at allPhotography: Jody Kingzetttimes and that parents keeptheir school up to date ofany changes in their child’streatment plan. She says:“Regular asthma checkupswith a practice nursewill ensure children keep ingood health.”Further information isavailable fromWestminster’s SchoolHealth team on 020 87465546 or 020 7226 8760.Westminster has healthyschoolsHalf of all schools in Westminster have achieved thenationally recognised Healthy School Status, which helpsyoung people to be healthy and happy through a curriculumthat promotes healthy lifestyle choices.By 2010, the Government requires that all schools should beworking towards Healthy School status.Visit www.healthyschools.gov.uk or email jgouveia@westminster.gov.uk or antonia.rich@westminster-pct.nhs.uk for further information.Choosing your hospital: it’s your choice!Did you know that if your GP refers you, your child or a family member to see a specialist, youcan choose to go to any hospital in England, including many private sector and independentsector hospitals?* You can choose a hospital with the best reputation, good parking facilities,the one with the shortest waiting times, or simply the one that’s most convenient for you.For more information, ask your GP or visit www.nhs.uk/choices.*You may not be given a choice when referred to mental health services or where speed is important, such assuspected stroke, heart attack or cancer.NEWSIt pays to begreenLooking for ways to savemoney and go green?The council’s Go Greenwebsite has all theinformation you needincluding an interactivemap of open spaces inWestminster. Find yournearest park, wildlifearea or sports facility tohelp you plan a day outin the city.The website also offersadvice for schools whowould like to be moresustainable. Visit www.westminstergogreen.co.uk.Wanted: your views on educationWestminster’s Education Commission invites parents, carers and children to contributetheir views on how to improve education in our schools. The newly formed commission ismade up of an independent panel of experts, headed up by Professor David Eastwood. Theyare seeking your opinions and suggestions based on questions such as: how can children bebetter prepared to start school and how can children with additional and multiple needs becatered for better?We want to hear your views. To find out more or submit your views to the commission visitwww.westminster.gov.uk/educationandlearning/wec or call Sam Mowbray on 020 7641 1864.Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 3

EARLYYEARSFOCUSChurchill GardensChildren’s Centre“The crèche is really useful and meansI can attend the sessions for parents.I found out about the centre from theTate Britain where we go to the Big andSmall art sessions.”Larissa Kuna, mum of Erik, age 3“I come to the stay and play sessionswith my son. I get to meet otherparents and my son can play with otherchildren in the secure area outside.”Sylvia Hiscock, mum of Leon, age 24 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

Churchill GardensChildren’s Centre workswith the local communityincluding Pimlico library,Westminster AdultEducation Service and TateBritain to provide childcareand services for the parentsof children aged 0 – 5.Churchill Gardens Children’s CentreChurchill Gardens Primary SchoolRanelagh RoadSW1 3EUTel: 020 7439 1578/020 7641 5674Tube: PimlicoExercise sessionKeep fit for mums.Crèche providedMondays (term time only) from 9.30 – 11amChurchill Gardens Primary SchoolSW1 3EUStay and PlayCome for information and a chat whilst yourchildren play.Wednesdays from 10am – 12 middayChurchill Gardens Youth CentreSW1V 2EDThursdays from 1.30 – 3pmChurchill Gardens Children’s CentreSW1 3EUBig and SmallStories, art activities and walks around thegallery.Fridays from 10am – 12 middayTate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RGJust for DadsSongs, rhymes and stories for children andtheir dads.First Saturday of every month10.30 – 11.30amPimlico LibraryRampayne Street, SW1V 2PUExpert health advice at Paddington libraryYou can now get expert healthadvice at Paddington librarydrop-in sessions run by yourlocal NHS.Ruth Quigley, Physical ActivityCo-ordinator runs the sessions withMental Health Promotion Specialist,Nadra Gadeed. She says: ”We offeradvice on physical activity, copingwith stress, anxiety and depressionand have information on other localservices. So far, we have helpedmany people including new mothersneeding local health information,carers needing support, and peopleHealth Minister, Ben Bradshaw,visited the Katharine Bruce DayNursery in Queen’s Park in March aspart of the National Day NurseriesAssociation’s Healthy Body, HappyMe week run by WestminsterChildren’s Society (WCS). Thenursery uses fresh, local and wherepossible organic food to prepare itsmeals. Parents can also attendregular healthy eating workshops.Call 020 7641 5835 or visitwww.wcs.org.uk for furtherinformation.Parental support network, Home-Start, is looking for volunteers towork with families who arestruggling to cope. Volunteers visitfamilies in their own homes to offersupport and practical assistance forat least two hours a week.As well as learning new skills, youwill receive lots of support alongthe way. After attending a five weekwith disabilities who can benefitfrom our services.“People often do notrealise just how muchhelp is on offer that canimprove their healthand wellbeing.”Wellbeing drop-in sessionsThursdays from 10am - 12 middayPaddington LibraryPorchester Road, W2Ben Bradshaw MP visits local day nurseryVolunteer with Home-Starttraining course in central London,you will be carefully matched with afamily.If you are a parent or haveexperience of working withchildren or families visitwww.home-start.org.uk or contactSunny Walker on 020 7724 1345 tofind out more.Westminster Children First, Issue 6, 6, Spring 200955

Helping children toovercome challengesat home or school issomething mostfamilies face. InWestminster, wehave a uniqueservice to supportyou and your childthrough tough times.The Marlborough Family EducationService in St. John’s Wood helpsfamilies with problems ranging fromschool exclusion to a breakdown incommunications at home.Brenda McHugh, Joint Centre Manager ofthe Marlborough Family Education Servicesays: ”We bring children and parentstogether to deal with difficulties in a calmenvironment. We also run groups soeveryone can learn from other families’experiences. Families help families breakthe cycle.”Westminster mother, Princess and herson Tariq, 8, have completed theprogramme and their whole family hasseen a dramatic improvement in their livesas a result. Princess says: ”Tariq washaving behavioural problems at school andwe did not know which way to turn next.“My son’s school put us in touch with thecentre, where we can take a step back tolook at the problems.“I found out I was not onmy own and other parentsare also in the samesituation.Supportingyour child“I discovered that the root of the problemwas the distress my son was feelingwhen his Dad was away for work.“Now we understand the situation myrelationship with my son, his school andmy family has improved. He is muchhappier and is gaining good grades atschool.”Monica is another Westminster parent whohas received help from the MarlboroughFamily Education Service. Her son John, 9,was having problems at school and hadlost his confidence. She says:“I could not sleep or eatas I was so worried aboutmy son but now he ishappy and less angry,enjoying school anddoing well.“It is like a miracle John has learnthow to cope with stressful situationsand we are spending more timetogether.”6 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

“I found out I was noton my own and otherparents are also inthe same situation.”Princess, MumPrincess and Monica are so impressedby the service, they are becomingparent partners at the centre to helpother families.The Marlborough Family EducationService is a partnership between CentralNorth West London NHS Foundation Trustand Westminster Children’s Services.ContactIf you are worried about your child, speak to the Early Intervention Worker at your school who will liaisewith the Marlborough Family Education Service. You can also call NHS Westminster’s Patient Advice andLiaison Service (PALS) on 0800 587 8818 for further information on services.Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 7

All aboard atthe WestminsterBoating BaseFor the past 33 years, children and youngpeople in Westminster have set sail on the RiverThames from the Westminster Boating Base.Founder of the centre,Kevin Burke, says: “I usedto love coming here whenI was at school, it wasgreat fun and offeredsomething exciting to do.”Kevin became a volunteer instructor andin the mid-80s, when the centre’sfunding was under threat, he workedalongside fellow volunteers Robin Turnerand Dick Conlon to secure its future.They worked for three years withouttaking a wage to create a venue that canbe hired for corporate functions andwedding receptions.He says: “We use the profits to fund thecentre. The boating base is free to use,we just ask for a small contributiondepending on what people can afford -whether it’s £1 or £10.”Kevin and his team have built a sense ofcommunity at the centre. He says: “Manyof our young people become instructors,both here and at other centres acrossthe country. They use the sailing andsocial skills they learn here to do greatthings with their lives.”He finishes: “I love working here. Withhelp from Robin and Dick, we have acentre that provides fun and excitingactivities and a focus for the lives of themany young people who attend.”“I have lots of fun here. There shouldbe more places like this for children.”Sarah Khweiss, age 15“I think it’s great here, it’s free and weplay lots of cool games on the water.”Theresa Awolesi, age 15What’s on?Youth sailingMondays at 6.25pm(beginner and experienced)Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5.15pm(beginner and experienced)Sundays at 9.45am and 1.45pm(experienced)Youth kayaking and canoeingMondays at 6pm (experienced)Tuesdays at 4.45pm (beginner andexperienced)Wednesdays at 4.45pm (experienced)Sundays at 9.45am and 1.45pm(experienced)Westminster Boating Base136 Grosvenor RoadSW1V 3JYTel: 020 7821 7389www.westminsterboatingbase.co.ukTube: Pimlico or Vauxhall8 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

Surviving examsWith exams coming up, children may find it difficult to cope with theextra pressure. NHS Westminster has some practical ways for you andyour child to beat exam stress.Tips for parents• provide your child with practicalsupport such as healthy meals andsnacks and by setting bedtimes andbedtime routines such as having abath• don’t add pressure, can it wait?• listen to your child• encourage exercise and active play• be flexible - do they have to cleantheir room today?• be available for a chat. Spend sometime each day talking to your childabout their exam worries. Explain it’snatural to feel nervous or stressed.Tips for children andteenagers• remember to eat a healthy diet, fivepieces of fruit and vegetables a dayand drink lots of water• take time out from your study• use study or revision groups forsupport – check if your school hasany classes• plan your revision. Have a timetableso you can plan time for work andtime to have fun. Have activities tolook forward to• have a study buddy• stay active such as walking, playingfootball, swimming or dancing• talk to someone if you are feelingstressed, anxious or worried.Information and supportwww.childline.org.ukTel: 0800 1111www.connexions-direct.comTel: 080 800 13 2 19www.mind.org.ukTel: 0845 766 0163www.parentlineplus.orgTel: 0808 800 2222www.samaritans.orgTel: 08457 90 90 90www.youngminds.org.ukTel: 0800 0182 138 (Parents helpline)www.nspcc.org.ukWestminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 9

StarsYOUTHThe starof All StarsFOCUSEarlier this year, youtold us who is special inyour community as partof our NeighbourhoodLeadership awards. Wemeet the winner of the‘changing the lives ofchildren and youngpeople’ category, MrIsola Akay, 73.Mr Akay, founder of the All Stars BoxingGym, has helped hundreds of childrenand young people to turn their livesaround. His dedication was recognised in2000 with an MBE for services to thecommunity.During his 33 years at All Stars, Mr Akayhas given confidence to many ofWestminster’s younger residents. Somehave even gone on to be regional,national and European champions.Mr Akay was introduced to boxing by hisuncle when he was 13 and growing upin Ghana. He says: “Every day I wouldgo to see my uncle after school so hecould teach me.”His son, Tee Jay, followed in hisfootsteps and won his first title age 11.Encouraged by his success, his friendswanted to join his boxing club but wereturned away because they were black.Mr Akay soon found himself training 24children every day outside his flat inQueensway.With help from the council, thesessions moved to Moberly Youth Clubwhere Mr Akay taught for the nextseven years and in 1984 he raised£150,000 to open All Stars. He says:“I started with closedeyes and learnt as I wentalong.“We’re still struggling with fundingbut have become a force to bereckoned with.”The secret of the club’s success isdiscipline and respect. He says:“It’s about a sense ofbelonging andtransforming negativeenergy into positiveaccomplishments.”Highly commended:Ann TaylorCategory: Changing thelives of children and youngpeopleAnn has juggled a full-time job with voluntarywork at All Stars for the past 20 years.Working at the club has changed herviews of children and young people. Shesays: “I could meet a gang of youths onthe street and it wouldn’t phase me. Theyoung people at the club are polite anddisciplined.”As for the future, Ann says: “We’re alreadyEuropean Gold medallists but an OlympicGold would be the icing on the cake.“But I can’t watch the boxing, I have to turnaway!”All Stars owner, Mr Akay, says: “We wouldn’tbe able to make it work without Ann.”All Stars Boxing Gym is a charity run byvolunteers.Contact576 Harrow Road, W10 4NJTel: 020 8960 7724www.allstars-gym.co.ukTube: Westbourne Park or Queen’s ParkDaily training sessions from 5.30pm onMonday – Thursday and 5pm onFridays.Ages 11 plus.Circuit training Monday to Thursdayfrom 7.30pm.10 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

A positiveengagementSpeaking at schools toencourage young people toturn their lives around, exoffenderHarley Smythe,18, turned his back oncrime after entering theWestminster YouthOffending Programme.After spending a weekendin police custody, Harleyhad a chance to think abouthis future and his messageto others is:“It’s up to you toturn your lifearound, no-onecan force you tochange but thereis lots of helpavailable to helpyou do it.”Harley encouraged studentsto join the council’s PositiveActivities for Young Peoplescheme, a programme ofactivities run by YouthWorkers.Contact Sue Jenkins PAYPService Manager on 07734343 228 or emailsjenkins@westminster.gov.uk for further information.Help is at handA new youth support service isbeing trialled in Westminster,helping vulnerable young peoplewith personal difficulties whomay not qualify for existingservices.The Integrated Youth SupportTeam (IYST) works with schools,youth clubs and the police tosupport young people dealingwith issues such as familybreakdowns and bullying.Please contact Sophia Tonge on020 7641 5332 for furtherinformation.MP visits youngmentorsMeg Hillier, MP visitedChurchill Gardens YouthClub in February to see howthe ‘Fear and Fashion’workshops are helping totackle youth crime. Theworkshops are run byWestminster teenagers tohelp other young peoplesteer clear of trouble.Mentor Justin Sesay, 21,from Queen’s Park, says:“Running the workshopsmakes me feel I haveachieved somethingworthwhile.“I enjoy giving adviceto teenagers whomight otherwise endup in trouble.”Fear and Fashion issupported by the council,Metropolitan Police andLeap Confronting Conflict, avoluntary youth organisation.Connexions winsVolunteering Partnership awardA volunteering project for young people has won avolunteering partnership award from Volunteer CentreWestminster.NEWSTeenagers took on an Apprentice-style challenge to learnhow to prepare for a job interview whilst competing for aplacement in a recruitment company.Abdul Adde, who took part in the event, said:“Many young people don’t knowwhat’s out there.“So many people stay in their own area and can’t see thatthere are other options.”The project was organised by Connexions, which is fundedby the council, and recruitment consultancy HuxleyAssociates provided the placements.Call Volunteer Centre Westminster on 020 7402 8076 forfurther information.Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 11

Keeping ourchildren safeHow can we keep children safe from abuse and neglect? Child safetyhas been at the forefront of everyone’s mind following the death ofBaby P. In Westminster, the Local Safeguarding Children Board(LSCB) has that responsibility.The board brings together localagencies who work to protect thewelfare of children and youngpeople. It is made up of membersfrom the council, NHS, the policeand the voluntary sector.“We support and monitor children’s healthto ensure our children meet their fullpotential and remain safe.”Aileen Hamilton, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding ChildrenIndependent Chair of the board,Terry Bamford, says:“Safeguarding iseveryone’sresponsibility.“Neighbours, health visitors, GPsand nursery staff have a crucial roleto play in spotting early signs whenchildren are not being properlylooked after.“Our aim is to pick up concernsearly, give the right support tofamilies and create an environmentwhere children and young peoplefeel safe and healthy.”Lindsay Ancock, Head of InclusiveEducation at St. Marylebone School,believes that school staff play a vitalrole in referrals. She says: “We arein daily contact with children so canpick up on changes in theirbehaviour. Communication betweenagencies is essential. To do the bestfor the young people in our care, weshould listen to each other and keepeveryone informed.”When there are very seriousconcerns about the safety of a child,a Child Protection Plan is put inplace and a social worker allocatedto the family. This happens only ifthere are concerns that a child is atrisk of significant harm or neglect.Terry Bamford,LocalSafeguardingChildrenBoardOur priorities this year include:• supporting children andfamilies who have been affectedby domestic violence• involving the views ofchildren, young people andparents in our activities.ContactsTo find out more about the LSCB,please contact Laura Pearson,LSCB Manager on 020 7641 2311.If you are concerned about a child,call the Children and FamiliesAssessment team on 020 7641 7525.Call 999 if you are worried that achild is in immediate danger.12 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

“The plan makes sure the child stays safe, promotes their health anddevelopment and provides support for the parents.”Diary of a social worker welfare. We gather informationSarah Gillon,SeniorPractioner,Duty andAssessmentteamWe receive up to 40 referrals aweek. They come from thepolice, schools or anyone whois concerned about a childÕ sto decide if the child is at riskand usually assess around 15of these cases ourselves.A typical week involves homevisits to families who havebeen referred to us. If thechild is vulnerable, they mayneed a Child Protection Plan.We also have strategy meetingsfor high risk cases, which areusually attended by a socialworker, health visitor, thepolice and a representative fromthe childÕ s school. At themeeting we decide if a ChildProtection Conference needs totake place.For cases that go toconference, we write a detailedreport including the familyhistory and why the case needsto go to conference. We alsoinform the family. At theconference, we decide if a ChildProtection Plan is required.Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009 13

Get involvedwith NationalFamily WeekCome along to our National Family Week open days to find out how you can beatthe recession and make the most of council services for your family.Culture ShoxFind out about free artsand culture venues andevents for 13 – 19 yearolds.Children’sCentresMeet the Children’sCentre team for detailsof free services forparents with childrenaged 0 – 5 available atour 12 centres.Help to getback to workNextstep will give youadvice on training andfinding work.LibrariesMake the most of your locallibrary and find out aboutfree internet access andactivity sessions for children.YouthPassportJoin our Youth Passportscheme for discountsfor 0 – 19 year olds atWestminster’s leisurecentres and libraries.ConnexionsFree support and adviceon education, training,jobs, money and lifestyledecisions for youngpeople aged 13 – 19.Housing andmortgage adviceFind out what to do if youare in mortgage arrears.Lost World GreatReading AdventureVisit your local library this halfterm and join in the national LostWorld Great Reading Adventure.The Lost World Read celebratesthe 150th anniversary of the birthof Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and thebicentenary of the birth of CharlesDarwin. Dinosaur themed activitieswill take place across half-termand beyond.Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries to find out what’s on atyour local library or follow us onwww.twitter.com/WCCLibraries.Tuesday 26th MayAbbey Community Centre34 Great Smith StreetSW1P 3BUTel: 020 7222 0303There will be entertainment for children of all agesincluding:• badge making • face painting• circus skills • free goody bags.Plus the City Guardians will be security markingmobile phones and bikes.For more information on National Family Week call theFamily Information Service on 020 7641 7929.Wednesday 27th MayBeethoven CentreThird Avenue, W10 4JLTel: 020 8969 5881Thursday 28th MayGreenside Community Centre24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SRTel: 020 7641 415514 Westminster Children First, Issue 6, Spring 2009

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Essential numbers for parentsFamily Information ServicePatient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)Breastfeeding helplineChelsea and Westminster HospitalChildren and Families Assessment teamChildren with disabilitiesCitizens Advice BureauEducation Welfare ServiceEnvironmental action lineHousing benefit and council tax benefitLibrariesNHS Direct for general health advice and supportOut of hours GP or district nurseSchool AdmissionsSpecial Educational NeedsSt. Mary’s HospitalStop smoking supportWestminster Jobcentre PlusWestminster Sports UnitYouth Service020 7641 79290800 587 88180844 20 909 20 (National)020 7479 8767/0777 184 0488 (Westminster)020 8746 8000020 7641 7525020 7266 70900870 126 4040020 7641 7580020 7641 20000800 072 0042020 7641 13000845 4647020 8969 7777020 7641 1816/1817020 7641 5351020 7886 66660800 328 8537020 7853 3834020 7641 2012020 7641 1591/1592PS-68-B-0409Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based inks