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 7 February 2025, 10am to 12pm (in person meeting)

With Avril Doyle, Operations Manager for Merton, Rianna Saunders, Young Carers and Jodie Clemente, Young Adult Carers

Carers First were commissioned by Merton to deliver Carers Services from 1 April 2024.

Find out about the range of services Carers First can offer parent carers of CYP living in Merton.

Meet some of the team and find out how to register with Carers First to ensure you can access all their services which includes a helpline, in person and online events, 1-2-1 practical and emotional support and online help and advice. Plus hear about the support offered to Young Carers aged between 5 and 18 and the Young Adult Carer group for those aged between 18 and 25. This is an informal, peer-led group for Young Adult Carers to get together, share experiences and have peer-support.

Book now to secure your place!

Chaucer Centre, Room J, Canterbury Road, Morden, SM4 6PX

Tuesday 28 January 2025, 10am to 12pm (Zoom meeting)

With Daniela Woolston and Hannah Andrew, Employment Advisors, Merton Employment Team, Nichola Headings, Project Officer for Supported Internships, Merton Council and Matthew Kaye, DFN Project SEARCH Manager, St Georges University Hospitals

Daniela and Hannah will explain how Merton’s Employment Team can help people with learning disabilities aged 18 plus, or people aged 19-30 with a past or current EHC Plan into employment by providing 12 months of employment support and guidance with CV writing, one to one job searching, job applications, interview skills, benefit checks, in work support and more. Plus hear about 2 local Project Search supported internship programmes for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism aged 17–24, with an EHCP. Trainees are supported to learn employability skills alongside work placements.

Nichola will talk about Merton’s recently launched supported internship programme and Matthew will cover the project at St George’s which is a partnership between St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cricket Green School.

Find out more detail about the programmes, such as the application process, the type of work and departments interns will likely work in, skills they will learn and what happens at the end of the programme. Register in advance here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday 16 January 2025, 10am-12pm (in person meeting) and Tuesday 21 January 2025, 5-7pm (online meeting)

With Georgie Tyrell, SEN Team Manager & EHCP Co-Ordinators, and Fran Turko and Shazia Khan from Merton’s Information, Advice & Support Service (MIASS)

Don’t miss this opportunity for year 5 parents to come and hear what the process for the transition of children with EHCPs from primary to secondary school will look like for a September 2026 start date (parents of children with EHCPs in other primary school years also welcome). Georgie will be giving an overview of the process and introducing you to some of the team of EHCP Co-Ordinators. Fran and Shazia will give a short presentation on the legal framework, some top tips and what to expect from schools. Book now to secure a place at this popular annual session! In person meeting: Chaucer Centre, Combi Room, Canterbury Road, Morden, SM4 6PX

On-line meeting: Register in advance

Tuesday 3 December 2024, 10am to 12pm (in person)

With Angelyn Wildman

Get crafting this Christmas at our free festive workshop and social. We’ll be making decorations and cards for Christmas and other celebrations throughout the year that you can take home! All materials provided as well as Christmas nibbles and drinks. Book your place now to join in the fun and meet other carers. We’re meeting up at Leyton Road day centre in the large room adjoining the garden. Please let us know if you can make it so we have enough food and refreshments for everyone! We look forward to seeing you there!
Leyton Road Day Centre, 21 Leyton Road, Colliers Wood, SW19 1DJ

Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am to 12pm (in person meeting)

With Laura Barritt and Charlotte Bell from the Baked Bean Charity, M. Gallego from M-Bodiment, Lottie Smith from Frog Learning, Carol Petley from Inclusive Online Activities, and Alix Lewer from Include Choir

We have a great session lined up with some wonderful organisations who provide opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism to take part in dance, drama, singing and music! Come along, meet other carers and hear from our fantastic line up of speakers: The Baked Bean charity offer lots of different groups and activities from drama or dance, to music or DJing to enable, empower and encourage people to make their dreams reality. M-Bodiment offer inclusive therapeutic dance and movement sessions, on line and in person, to support mindfulness, personal development and self-expression. Frog Learning run dancing sessions on Monday afternoons locally in Morden and provide fulfilling activities for people with learning disabilities. Inclusive Online Activities run fun Zoom sessions on a wide range of activities including music, singing, dancing, party nights, Jam with Jess and In the band, to build confidence and encourage friendships in a safe space. Include Choir welcomes people with and without learning disabilities or autism. It is a fun-loving friendly place to make friends and practice communication skills. Refreshments provided! Book now to secure your place! Leyton Road Day Centre, 21 Leyton Road, Colliers Wood, SW19 1DJ

M-BODIMENT PresentationDownload

Thursday 5 December, 10am to 12pm (in person meeting)

With PC Sophie Lawrence 1395SW, SEND Youth Engagement and Diversion Officer and Junior Cadet Leader at Cricket Green School and The Sherwood School

Sophie has been working in schools in Merton as a Police Officer for ten years and specialises in working with children with SEND. Sophie currently runs a Met Police SEND Cadet Unit for students at Cricket Green school and regularly supports Cricket Green, Melbury College and Raynes Park High School. Sophie will be talking about her role as SEND Youth Engagement and Diversion Officer and will be talking through what happens in a stop and search interaction with a young person. Stop and search is probably the most likely interaction a child or young person will have with the police. Sophie will also talk about the procedures followed if a child/young person is arrested. Plus hear information about the Police Cadets, for young people aged 13-18. The Police cadets is inclusive and helps young people to develop their volunteering and personal development opportunities, have fun, exciting experiences and learn about policing. Following the presentation Sophie is happy to answer any questions you may have about the topics discussed and anything else you wish to know. Book now to secure your place.

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