The letter was "in strictest confidence" and I've had to keep the news under my hat since, which has been excruciating!! It has, however, given me lots of time to reflect on the award and the fab people that have made it happen - so here's a bit more background.....
Warrington Parents and Carers
The citation states that I receive it as Vice-Chair of Warrington Parents and Carers, for services to disabled children and those with special educational needs, so obviously my first shout out is to the WarrPAC team.....
These ladies are all so special to me - especially in the last year, which has been pretty tough! I stepped down as chair in the spring after a really wobbly time with my boy - his condition was regressing and I was preparing for a disabled facilities grant to put in a through the floor lift and wet room. I could no longer give the time and energy to my WarrPAC work that it deserved, but I needn't have worried as these lovely ladies have taken our work from strength to strength and worked hard with the council and health colleagues to make sure that the voice of disabled youngsters and their families is heard at the highest level, feeding in to decisions that plan and shape services in Warrington.
Over the years I've worked with lots of other parents and carers, and it has been an honour to work along side you all. Forgive me for not naming you all, but your input has been invaluable, especially given your own responsibilities to your special families.
For more information on Warrington Parents and Carers, check out our website: http://warringtonparentsandcarers.org/ For anyone thinking of getting involved, I say GO FOR IT!! We really need as much input as possible to enhance our work, and it is SO rewarding when you start making a difference in our families' lives.
What's Happened In Warrington
I was recently asked what my highlight has been in my WarrPAC work. I have been fortunate to be involved in lots of progress over the years, which is particularly rewarding in the light of times of austerity. We have a right to be proud of the work that has gone on, however, and it's worth celebrating the things we have achieved - here are some of them.....Play and Sensory Centre.
This is a fabulous place for our families - a purpose built soft play area for those with additional needs. Check out their website: http://www.warringtonsensorycentre.org/
 |
| My boy Matthew, with Isabel and Mel enjoying the ball pool |
Woolston Learning Village
The excellent schools at Fox Wood and Green Lane were brought together on one site, together with a new Sixth Form College, sharing state of the art specialist resources.
Integrated Services
Also on the Woolston site are the headquarters of Warrington's Integrated Services team. This brings together health, education and social care under one umbrella to work together better for our families. Unfortunately, there have been a number of enforced cuts to staff in this area - the teams that are left are overworked and extremely dedicated. My praise goes out to them for all that they do. I am also EXTREMELY grateful to the wonderful staff at Westland Drive short break centre - it is SUCH a relief to know that my wee man can have an overnight stay there, giving me a break whilst knowing he's in such caring, professional hands. WELL DONE for your second "Outstanding" Ofsted report recently.
Working Together
It has been a privilege to work with so many agencies and charities across Warrington - a huge thank you to you all, and apologies if I've missed anyone out....
Play and Leisure
When I started my work in parent participation, there were few opportunities for play and leisure for disabled children. Thanks to all our partners, there is now a MUCH wider range of things to do, including swimming, youth clubs, sports clubs, arts & crafts. A big thank you to all our partners.
Co-Production
This is the next step in parent participation - we started off with the council and others telling us what was going to happen..... then we started to have input into those decisions. The next step will be very exciting! We will all be working TOGETHER to plan and decide changes - you'll be hearing lots from Warrington Parents and Carers about this in the coming months :)
Supporting Me!
Apart from all those involved in the "work" side of things leading up to my award, I can't miss the opportunity to thank my family, friends and church for all their help over the years. Nearly twelve years ago, my world was turned upside down when epilepsy struck my wee man out of the blue. It has been a tough, but fabulous journey since then, and my heartfelt thanks go to all who have made it possible x x x
Again - I'm sure I've left people out - thank you everyone!
And Finally....
One of my first thoughts when I opened the award letter was "Our Dad would have been proud" We lost him this year, and the hole I feel in my life is immense. I love you our Dad x x x
