An interesting day of ups and downs - and thoughts on inclusion

One of the big ups was a conversation with the Inclusive Solutions people about the variety of tools and services that they are able to offer.

They are unusual in addressing inclusion of disabled children, young people and adults across all disabilities in all aspects of education, community and leisure. I was particularly struck by the Circle of Friends idea. This addresses inclusion through peer groups. There is a parallel with IPOP's work in Barnet - delivering inclusive play PE sessions in primary schools. Both approaches raise awareness of disability amongst children and young people and result in an enhanced sense of community responsibility.

Inclusion is not to be delivered by adults for children - but is everyone's responsibility. That takes us back to IPOP again - and working with play and leisure providers so that they develop their inclusive practices.

Inclusive Solutions have taken the idea further to develop Community Circles. The concept being "to leave your label at the door" - and come together as individuals with needs and wants of all kinds that can be addressed as part of a multi-faceted community. This is entirely consistent with Person Centred Planning - but at a group level. I would be interested to know whether this can be used across faiths to improve community cohesion - but perhaps that needs to be mulled over a little more. It also strikes me that the eighties legacy of the "cult of me" continues to expose those that are vulnerable - and we still see that in social care planning. Maybe this is a strand to be explored in another posting though!

If you have read this far - Happy Easter, Pesach and Bank Holiday - and much love.

Slideshare

Flourishing has just joined Slideshare.

This is a great resource for sharing presentations and I've seen a few really useful ones in the last couple of days.

Try this one if you want some information about the history, use and power of social media tools. Lots of useful graphics too. http://slidesha.re/aq3bvb

DJ Jo Whiley backs Short Breaks for Disabled Children

The BBC Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley is backing a campaign to improve access to short breaks for disabled children.

The Be the Big Difference campaign was part of Share the Care Week, which took place from 7 to 14 March and was run by the Shared Care Network. Whiley has a sister with learning disabilities. "We grew up together and there were times when it was really difficult," she said. "Life would have been a lot easier if there had been people there just to take Frances out, even for a couple of hours." The campaign is backed by other celebrities, including TV presenter Amanda Holden, actor Liza Goddard and 1992 Olympic 100m champion Linford Christie.

Talking to parents of disabled children about inclusive play

Yesterday I spent an afternoon talking to parents about inclusive play - and the opportunities available for their disabled children to attend after school clubs, holiday playschemes and other leisure activities with support in place.

Barnet has a fabulous organisation - IPOP - who can provide such support. Check out their details on www.ipop.org.uk

The principle is that every child should be able to access any play opportunity. IPOP work to remove barriers to access, by providing extra support - and also by working with play and leisure providers to help them to develop their inclusive practices. Really good stuff - and these parents definitely thought so.

Competency Workshop

Another good morning with the senior management team of a local CVS. Refining the draft competency framework through a combination of briefings and team exercises. Linking it to a new appraisal system with an on-line 360 degree assessment element - so that feedback can be gathered from staff, customers, funders and colleagues.

The driving theme is to deliver the framework in a way that is consistent with the values enshrined in the competencies. For example, demonstrating a commitment to participation at all levels by involving every member of staff in the development of the competencies for their own job roles.

The fine detail is all coming together now - and will give the organisation a good basis for embedding recent changes and demonstrating to the outside world that they are focussed, ready and able to respond to the changing environment.

Enormously satisfying to work with visionary clients.

Very impressed with Harrow!

I've been spending a few hours putting together a proposal for some work in Harrow and uncovered a fabulous website www.harrowyouth.co.uk

A really good example of youth participation in action. Harrow has a youth parliament and a variety of engagement mechanisms in place - including a version of the Children and Young Peoples Plan designed specifically for young residents.

Well worth a look for anyone working for a local authority, and interested in participation mechanisms that really engage and work.

Delivering those tender documents

Go Alex...

Drive like the wind (but observing all traffic and highways restrictions).

Deliver those tender documents by midday.

Why Flourishing?

What does it mean?

1. To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive.
2. To do or fare well; prosper.
3. To be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence.
4. To make bold, sweeping movements.

Many thanks to Jenny B for sharing these thoughts all those months ago.

Thank you!

Well, this is a momentous day.

Many thanks to Charli at Jelli Ltd for applying all her creative talents to produce this website.

Flourishing has been working hard over the last few years, and has grown and grown through personal recommendations and referrals. We have had fantastic support from many people and this is the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

We could name many people - but let's just start with four - Simon, James, Louis and Rufus. Inspiring, challenging, thoughtful and always there with an encouraging word and a nice cup of coffee. Thank you.

WEBSITE LAUNCHES TODAY!

New website launches today!

http://www.flourishing.me.uk

Head over to find out all the services on offer to help your organisation flourish!