A special event designed for parents, carers and professionals who care for young people with additional needs will be taking place later this month.
Following the success of the first Preparing for Adulthood Transitions Roadshow earlier this year, a second event will take place on Tuesday, 19 September from 12noon to 6pm at The Academy in Great Western Hospital (GWH).
There will be a focus on health and wellbeing with many GWH departments, such as Dieticians, Audiology, Epilepsy and Occupational Therapy, attending as well as representatives from Swindon Borough Council, Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and voluntary sector organisations.
Information will be available about the ‘Ready Steady Go’ programme which is offered by GWH to support young people and their families through the transition to Adult Health Services. This gives the young person and everyone involved in their care time to plan and prepare for the transition and to discuss what healthcare may be required throughout adulthood.
Cllr Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and School Attainment, said: “Moving away from a team of doctors and nurses that a young person has been with for many years can often be daunting for all those involved.
“However, there are many services in Swindon which support young people and those who care for them throughout this transition, and many of these will be on-hand at the roadshow to offer information and advice.”
Preparation for adulthood can start from around the age of 14 and looks at aspects such as good health, independent living, social life, employment, education and training.
Cllr Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults’ Health and Social Care, said: “The Preparing for Adulthood Transitions Roadshow provides an excellent opportunity for parents, carers and professionals who care for a young person to receive any extra information which they may need in order to support them through transition to adulthood. I hope that the event helps all those involved to feel more informed and confident.”
The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Maureen Penny, will also be attending the event.
The first roadshow, which was held earlier this year, proved highly successful in providing parents, carers and professionals with the advice and information they needed. Over 90 parents attended, one of whom said: “I have found the whole roadshow enlightening, reassuring and very worthwhile.
“I have a considerable amount of information to take away, digest and apply about the local services and organisations which provide pathways, opportunities and experiences that can help my daughter to live as much of an independent life as possible.”
For more information about this year’s event visit: http://tinyurl.com/y76kmm2w
