Merton Mencap

Providing support and services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and their family carers in the London Borough of Merton

Events

Friday 16 June, 10am to 12pm (Zoom meeting)

With Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Assistant Director of Education and Early Help, and Karla Finikin, Head of SEN and Disabilities Integrated Service (SENDIS)

A great opportunity to hear the latest information from senior officers in Merton and ask your questions! Register now to secure your place!

Merton Parent Carer Forum SEND Update 16th June 2023Download

Wednesday 24 May 2023, 10am to 11.20am (Zoom session)

With Phillip Warford, Managing Director of Renaissance Legal

If a person lacks the ability to make a decision, then their Mental Capacity is questioned. If you are a parent or carer of a child, young person or adult who may not be able to make decisions about their welfare and finances now or in the future, you will need to consider the best ways to protect them. Philip Warford, Lawyer and specialist in planning for the future of disabled and vulnerable people, will talk through the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, who can make a Powers of Attorney and how the Court of Protection might help. Book by Wednesday 23 May to secure your place! Joint session with Adults First and Merton Parent Carer Forum.

Thursday 11 May 2023, 10am to 11:30am (Zoom session)

With Philip Warford, Managing Director of Renaissance Legal

Philip Warford, Lawyer and specialist in planning for the future of disabled and vulnerable people, will deliver a talk about the options available to protect a disabled person using specialist Wills and Trusts. He will explain how to safeguard means tested benefits and how to provide financial security for your disabled loved one, as well as the rest of your family. Philip will talk through the different Trust options available, the importance of a Letter of Wishes and choosing the right Trustees. Book by Wednesday 10 May to secure your place! Joint session with Adults First and Merton Parent Carer Forum.

Planning for the Future with Wills and TrustsDownload

Join us for a stroll in the park followed by refreshments in the café after. New members welcome! 

Thursday 27 April 2023, 10.15am to 12.15pm

With Tracy Blackwell, Adults First Forum manager, Tuhina Shaikh, Forum Administrator and Stamatia Filippou, Wellbeing Practitioner from Merton Uplift

Meet other family carers and Adults First members on our spring walk in the park! Plus, Stamatia from Merton Uplift will be incorporating some mindfulness and relaxation exercises along the way. Get to know each other and enjoy a drink and cake at the café afterwards. All family carers of adults with a learning disability and/or autism, living or receiving services in Merton, are welcome to join us. Please book your place in advance if you can, using the contact details below, so we know you are coming, or just turn up on the day.  Meet us at the entrance to the park between the garden centre and the cafe at 10.15am. We look forward to seeing you there! Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD.

Thursday 23 March 2023, 10am to 12pm (in person meeting)

With Fran Turko and Shazia Khan from Merton Information, Advice and Support Service (MIASS)

The local authority must review your child’s EHC plan at least once a year. This is to look at how your child is progressing and to ensure that the plan is kept up to date. This process is known as the Annual Review. Find out how to get the best out of your child’s Annual Review at this information session which will cover what happens during a review, from explaining how you can prepare for the review meeting, professional reports, the meeting itself and who can attend, the review report and what happens next. Plus hear an update on how meetings are currently taking place and ask your questions. The Chaucer Centre (Combi Room), Canterbury Road, Morden, SM4 6PX (please confirm attendance by Friday 17 March)

March 2023 annual reviews – ShaziaDownload
March 2023 annual reviews – FranDownload

Thursday 9 March 2023 (provisional date), 10am to 12pm

With Matthew Taylor (Senior Mental Health Practitioner)and Gosia Pawlowska (Merton Schools Wellbeing Team Service Manager)

Hear about Merton’s Off the Record service for young people aged 11-25 who live in Merton, or have a Merton GP. Find out how young people can access free and confidential emotional support ranging from ongoing support via individual online (text-based) and face-to-face counselling, through to one-off support via a telephone support line, plus support for parents and carers of young people struggling with self-harm or school avoidance. Matthew will also be talking through some strategies you can use at home with your children. The Chaucer Centre (Combi Room), Canterbury Road, Morden, SM4 6PX (please confirm attendance by Friday 3 March).

Dealing with Social Media Pressures – KidsFirstDownload
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