ILEAP 2008 Feedback and suggestions.

Abbreviations: YP = Young Person, PYW = Project Youth Worker

• Elizabeth continues to enjoy Pamper Club especially when she can go with her friends.

• I haven’t used this service before, but found Peter very helpful when I emailed him.

• Cailin is looking forward to the activities.

• Jenny continues to enjoy the activities and the 2 hours a week with Fliss. All ILEAP activities are extremely well organised and very good value for money.

• Stefan thoroughly enjoyed the weekend away.

• The group activities are such a good idea as it enables all age ranges to get together and socialise. I know that Daniel gets a lot out of these sessions and he really looks forward to them.

• Great to see so many activities planned for the holiday dates. It makes such a difference and gives Charlotte something to look forward to. Thanks.

• Alice enjoys all the ILEAP activities; please continue with all your good work.

• What a pity the Lets Go Recreation session is on a Monday and clashes with the SWADS. It is a pity that shared group transport cannot be provided at a reasonable cost when sessions are at a distance eg. Stratford – Mega Bowl / Hatton. Chris was very upset that he had to miss the Hatton Trip again at half term as no transport was possible even though this had been requested on the original form. It is difficulkt when I am working to arrange transport and yet this is a time when sessions would be most appreciated.

• The Thursday swimming session is extremely well received and Caitlin gets great satisfaction (and exercise!) from this. Visits to Mega Bowl at Leamington are also very popular and represent a means of socialising for Caitlin. Hatton Farm was a new experience and she seemed to have enjoyed a new experience.

• George really enjoys Multi Sports and Football sessions. He has made many friends and it keeps him fit and active and healthy. When George was born he had very poor muscle tone apart from downs syndrome. Being able to come to something like this he is able to keep his muscles toned up.

• Thank you again guys for all your hard work and commitment. We really value all the activities and support you give Luke. Your project gives Luke a life outside of home and school for which we are extremely grateful. Thank you again.

• A big year for Dan now he is an Adult. A worrying time ahead for us as he is going to residential. To know ILEAP will be there for us in the holidays is keeping us going. Dan is so upset about leaving Welcombe Hills School and very very frightened about College. ILEAP will be there for him during this extremely difficult time thank goodness, and give him a break from his anxieties.

• I think what you do is fantastic and cannot thank you all enough!

• Just a note to you and all the team to say a big thank you for giving Annabel such a lovely weekend. She has thoroughly enjoyed herself and has told us a lot about it. She said the best bit was the sleepover - the first time she has had a teenage sleepover with lots of girls! the weekend has certainly widened her horizons and given her more independence and confidence, so thank you all very much for giving up your weekend! It also allowed us to spend some quality time with Annbel's big sister who was back from uni for the weekend.

• We cannot thank ILEAP enough for its commitment to our Young Person. Luke would find it impossible to access activities with his peer group. I would like to thank all your staff for their enthusiasm, care and commitment. Luke loves seeing his friends and joining in as many activities as he can. ILEAP is the most valuable service for disabled people I have came across. We find you reliable and trustworthy, and everyone seems so happy to work together, giving Luke (and others) such an enjoyable time. Thank you.

• It would be helpful if Joshua could attend some otheractivity eg Hatton Country World or Cycle Ride at Grrenway with a Craer who will have been CRB checked. He is very sociable and although not in the necessary age range that you request, would enjoy both of these activities. I understand that from an insurance point of view he may not be able to attend until he is 8 years old, perhaps it could be looked at with a 1:1 carer.

• Hope loves SWADS with Danny-ThanksXX

• We are very happy with the activities your ILEAPare providing especially half term activities. Keep up the good work.

• A fantastic service. We are really pleased Social Services are supporting Dan to finance the transport and activities usung direct payments. Transport is much needed, it gives Dan independence and us much needed respite time. ILEAP provides Dan with valuable time with his own age group. Good to see ILEAP is trying to cater for adults we were worried it would stop at 18. Dan needs this service more than ever now he is an adult. Good to see young people at residential college, coming back and using ILEAP at weekends / holidays. ILEAP enables young people to keep in touch with their local community so if they choose to return after college courses they still have friends here. Another big concern for us as Dan starts residential next year and hopes to still use ILEAP in this way. Thank you.

• Katy enjoys coming to these events, especially the bowling on the holiday acativities. She tends to be a bit rigid about her routine so needs to be encouraged to take part inn everything. Its great that these kids have these activities, Katy likes having things to do at weekends and in her holidays. Could we sometimes have bowling or swimming as a Saturday Club activity?

• Tim has really enjoyed the half term activities-an excellent variety as well.

• George thoroughly enjoys multi sports and football. It is worth the effort to drive so far for him to join in. He enjoys the company, independence and it keeps his muscles toned up and keeps the weight off!

• Jamie is having a great time with Hollie each Wednesday. It’s allowing him independence and he gets to do things that he wouldn’t do often with me. It also gives me a chance to have a little time with my older son- who sometimes comes second to his brothers needs. Thank you to all at ILEAP for the brilliant work you do, and a special thanks to Hollie who is simply brilliant- we all love her!!

• I AM FINDING IT A STRUGGLE TO MEET COSTS IT REFLECTS ON HOW MUCH HE CAN PARTCICIPATE. We are not entitled to benefits other then DLA. But fully understand ILEAP current circumstances.

• I can only say. THANK YOU!

• A great organisation – my daughter loves all the activities provided and has a very capable understanding young lady for individual sessions. What would we do without ILEAP.

• More activities for younger children would be good.

• George enjoys going to ILEAP and making new friends. He also enjoys the experiences being with Graham and Danny and also meeting other members of staff but most of all seeing his best friend Nico that he has made at ILEAP. I know he would like Nico to be his Youth Worker or Support Friend. Without making friends he would not have come out of himself and making new friends is giving him confidence to go places and to do more. We hope he can stay with ILEAP as long as he can. It is a big thank you to Pete and all the staff for all the hard work that they do in running ILEAP!

• Our son always thoroughly enjoys all ILEAP activities. The staff are fantastic- just the right balance of fun and discipline. The wide range of activities is marvellous as it gives him a chance to experience many new things in a very safe and friendly environment. ILEAP makes it possible for him to take part in activities, which would otherwise be impossible for him, eg. Football, visit to redwings horse sanctuary, golf group lesson.

• Heather has not attended ILEAP for some time as she is away at college at present. She will be delighted to be included in some of the sessions over the Easter period and see some old friends. Just the mention of ILEAP and SWADS and her face lit up!! I think it is so important for all our young adults to maintain social contact with their peers, especially if they are having a few years away at college. ILEAP does a wonderful job and we wish it every success in securing much needed funding for the continuation of the group. I keep my ears open for anything/anyone who might be in a position to help. Hilary Rhead

• The range of activities has proved very popular with Richard and we hope that the activities will continue.

• I enjoyed the bowling and sports.

• Katy really enjoys going to SWADS. Can we have the bouncy castle more often?

• Although Pippa was a little sceptical at first about how much she can do she quickly adapted and seemed to enjoy it a lot. Good for her to be with older girls. Doing both SWADS and then dance on a Friday night is very convenient for the parents.

• Fun and good to meet up with friends.

• Daniel enjoys SWADS very much. He has more confidence in that he will stand up for himself if he needs to. The activity is well run and the helpers take notice of what is going on. Should there be a problem it is sorted immediately.

• Claire enjoys these Friday sessions very much. She never stops talking about them. During the week and can never wait until the next one. She has so much to say and can remember everything that she has done. She is always a happier person after her Friday night at SWADS.

• I LIKE SCORING GOALS

• Everyone is friendly.

• The Youth Workers were extremely friendly and nice.

• Tom just loves the football It has given him so much more confidence-even to play with his peers at school. Tom would quite like to try Basketball in a different session maybe.

• DJ loves all the activities and enjoys the company and support provided by caring workers.

• The service that we get from Hollie is brilliant. Jamie has a wonderful time. As yet we haven’t accessed any other activities during school holidays as we have a holiday home we visit each half term but during this Summer we hope to arrange for Jamie to take part in some of these sessions. The variety looks wonderful – really something for everyone. Thank you to everyone for offering this fabulous service!

• I am very grateful for all the help and support that David receives from ILEAP. He has particularly enjoyed his one to one sessions with Hollie and now with Martyn they have developed fantastic positive relationships with him and have enabled him to do the sorts of things that other young people of his age do without having to have his Mum along. Thank you for everything that you do, and special thanks to Hollie and Marty.

• Since leaving Welcombe Hills School we feel it is very important for our daughter to be able to meet her friends especially as she goes to college in Coventry. It is brilliant that she can meet her friends and have fun and it gives her indepenedence whilst being supported. We have been with the ILEAP a long time now and Sammy has made new friends and looks forward to seeing old friends. She gets along with the staff at ILEAP very well and we have always had ery positive responses from Sammy, The sessions are varied and quite often in the community which is beneficial. Without the group Sammy would be so restricted and would miss out on normal social life that everyone takes for granted when they can go out by themselves. We know she is safe with responsible staff and having a lot of fun. We cant thank ILEAP enough. Keep up the good work without you we would be lost!

• Tim has enjoyed all his sessions – he especially likes the bowling and the lunch. Thank you!

• Kate enjoys going out on Wednesday with Lisa. She loves bowling and shopping. Kate likes to go bowling during the holidays and making friends. Pamper Club is most enjoyable having hair and make up and nails done.

• Our Son really enjoys ILEAP activities particularly the sports based sessions. We are very pleased to see closer links being forged between school and ILEAP. The after school activities are a good way for us to spend time with our daughter whilst our son is happily occupied developing his tennis and other sports skills. Hopefully other specialist sessions eg. Tae Kwon Doe or Badminton might follow?

• In spite of all the difficulties you have regarding funding you are offering a great program.

• Laurance is now 9 years old. He first used the services of ILEAP when he was quite young, to go to activities in the holidays when he was about 5 years young. These sessions were not entirely successful, partly because the activities were not as appropriate as they might have been and partly because Laurence didn’t know the ILEAP workers and they didn’t know him. He had very little communication and had / has complex needs. More recently he has had the same worker, first to support him in what had already been regular sessions at Tumble Tots/ Gymbobs: this meant that his Mum was able to taxi his siblings to their respective activities whilst knowing that Laurence had the 1:1 support that he needed. The relationship between Laurence and his ILEAP worker developed over time. They could understand each other, the worker did some Makaton training, which proved to be very useful and also gave her confidence to understand more of what Laurence was trying to communicate. They have now been working together for two and half years. They have developed a great understanding. Laurences worker knows how to get the best out of him: how to deal with him when he is tired and unfocused: what activities he likes doing: how to persuade him to join into group activities and to stay in them and she is very aware of the level of care he needs. Laurence still has little communication, has no sense of danger and is liable to wander off on his own. Being supported by ILEAP has meant that Laurence has been able to pursue the leisure activities that he enjoys without having to always be escorted by a parent, like his brother and sister did when they were at that age. It has led to him being able to join group activities such as SWADS, where he is looked after in a group but with a worker who knows him well keeping a special eye on him. She has passed on her experience with Laurence to other ILEAP workers so that Laurence has also been able to attend group activities without her and has still remained safe. Laaurence has learnt to take turns and join in a wide variety of group activities. Meanwhile the rest of the familyhave been able to follow their own choice of activities safe in the knowledge that Laurence is doing something enjoyable and worthwhile, at the same time being able to have some level of independence from his family.

• I feel that the location of the Easter Scheme in Alcester may have prevented Warwick / Leamington young people accessing it maybe.

• As usual- we were delighted with the activities on offer and Luke tried something new (the driving range.) The staff always exceed our expectations, are always happy to help, and have a very professional attitude. Thanks again.

ILEAP & Lets Go Summer 2008 Feedback and suggestions.

• James has only used the group sessions for the first time this Summer and has had a brilliant time. As a parent I know that he has been very well looked after and has been kept safe and entertained. Thhe ILEAP staff are fantastic and I am very grateful to all of them. The range of activities has been great with something for everyone, Thanks again.

• Very impressed with Summer programme, Laura enjoyed most of the activities and helpers all very good. Favourites were Graham Adams Centre and bowling and is looking forward to barge trip.

• James has thoroughly enjoyed each of the activities over the Summer break. The choice and quantity of events was amazing. We enjoyed choosing a variety of activities, settling at one for each week of the holidays apart from week 5 when we were away. The prices charged were excellent value for money and when we leave James in the care of the ILEAP staff we can be confident that he is in a safe, secure and well managed environment. Wee enjoy going to the various locations as we are fortunate that transport isn’t a problem. It is nice to have a few hours to enjoy a little respite and relaxation. With regards to transport we would be happy to give a lift to anyone who may have difficulty getting to an activity. With many thanks.

•It is very helpful that you are adding a monthly soft play trip for younger members. Thank you.

•We are really pleased with your service keep up the good work.

•Dear all, thank you for a fantastic summer programme a really great range of activities. The summer sizzler was really enjoyable for Luke. As he starts residential caollehge in Sept-we will really miss all the guys at Monday swads and sat club- but will really enjoy seeing you all again in the half term break.

•Our Son thoroughly enjoyed the Summer Sizzler. He particularly enjoyed the visit from Tropical Inc with all the animals; he said it was very interesting. He enjoys the sports, it keeps him fit, keeps the weight off and improves his muscle tone and concentration. He also meets new people and develops socially. Thank you to all your workers for their time and effort.

•A good variety of venues and activities over the Summer, our Son enjoyed everything.

•Summer Holidays have been the best ever thanks to ILEAP! Our daughter is focused, having fun and coping with no school routine. Many Thanks!!

•Our son has thoroughly enjoyed the Summer activities has reaffirmed friendship made last year.

•Absolutely brilliant. Sammy had a lovely Summerenjoyed meeting old friends and making new. Boosting confidence, for her independence. Love to see plenty for older age groups. Thinking of future glad to see you’ll be there for us. Keep up the good work, fantastic variation, something for everybody you’ve all worked so hard to be there for everyone.

•ILEAP provides some great activities for our Daughter to participate in and it also provides a wonderful and friendly social environment for her to make friends and enjoy herself outside of her family. Thank you.

•Our Son has really enjoyed his activities with ILEAP over the Summer. Thank you! ILEAP increases the activities and social interactions available to him.

•Its good to see you are now doing activities for 25+years so that our kids will be able to continue with activities. The different activities this Summer are good, there is a lot of variety.

•Yet again I must thank you and everyone at ILEAP. You are amazing.

•A lot of thought has gone into activities and I see that feedback forms are making a difference as you listened when we asked for more for older groups.. Without ILEAP Sammy would be isolated and wouldn’t have the ability to keep in touch with friends she has made and grown up with especially once she has let school its doubly important that she gets the opportunity and ILEAP provide that and much much more, cant thank you all enough!

•This organisation enables young people with disabilities to take part in normal activities, which they would not otherwise be able to do.

•A much needed and vital programme for children and adults in this area – excellently run!

•ILEAP-Brilliant as always.

•Wide range of activities on offer to participants

•ILEAP gives my daughter something to look forward to during te Summer Holidays, it gives her an opportunity to meet up with friends and have fun. She would become very bored during the holidays without ILEAP activities.

•A service like this is invaluable – not just for the child themselves but also their family. It allows parents time with their other children, but more importantly allows their child with special needs to become more independent, make new friends, and try new activities, and promotes confidence in a safe environment. Thank you to everybody for organising the programme. Kind Regards

•This project and its dedicated staff have opened up sporting opportunities for Tom. Before coming to ILEAP, Tom used to stand on the fringes at school –too anxious with poor self esteem to try any sports because he felt, and was told, that he was rubbish. Your wonderful staff included and gently matured him so now he runs in and plays until he is red in the face and comes home saying he has had a great time. When we watch him, he is in the thick of it and his self esteem has rocketed! He is now happy to try all sports at school as a direct result of the ILEAP project!! THANK YOU ALL All SO MUCH!!

•Invaluable to our family. Fantastic opportunities for activities and fun days out.

•Programmes like this are invaluable to adults with learning difficulties. There needs to be more provision for adults.

•This is vital for young disabled people, as they need to socialise and join in, in a safe environment.

•Fantastic opportunities to try new things in a well supported and friendly setting.

•Daughter away at college so forms completed / returned late and limited activities of choice available because sessions were full. Could allowance be made for this, not necessarily first come first served basis! •ILEAP IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO OUR AREA. PLEASE HELP TO KEEP IT GOING IN THE FUTURE.

•During the Summer Sammy likes to be able to meet friends and have fun and learn new skills and visit places in the community. I am confident whole-heartedly that ILEAP provide a safe environment, that the staff are well trained and able to provide this service. They are not just there to ensure safety but to befriend our children and through them they become more confident, out going, they have fun and I would like to think much better off and able to show the community what a brilliant job they do. While out with ILEAP they are a group mixing with others confidently, hopefully in the future I would like to see ILEAP with children having fun helping the community. Sugesstions: Perrhaps gardening: A few may like to do voluntary work within the environment, recycling which could include arts within the community. Keeep up the good work and let the community see what we are all about (could be good for future funding.)

•Could not get through the long Summer Hols without ILEAP.

•Without ILEAP my child, as many other children are unable to access such activities and integrate so well.

•Think you’ve done a good job giving lots of choice of activities-particularly pleased about the swimming. Hope it’s a great Summer for Everyone!

•Thank you for your letter regarding summer activities. I have sorted out with Lisa, Kates times for her 1 2 1 sessions. Thankyou so much for your letter regarding Kate's residential placement. Kate has got her funding for September to go to Hinwick Hall near Wellingborough. We believe the extra letters/reports we received have helped to secure this funding for her. Kate will still like to be on the ILEAP books for hoilday activities. Thank you again

•Excellent programme, action packed, full of choices for all children. Will look forward to seeing the staff again this year. Good to see some new activities.

•Thank you for providing more activities for the younger members, there seems to be an increase in the activities for 5-8 year olds which is very much needed.

•There are no local venues except one at Alcester.

•I think your programme is wide and varies. Its good to see the Cyber Junction activity is early evening as a lot of our young people feel its good to meet up with their friends in the evening – and there is little opportunity to do so – so well done on a good programme.

•George has enjoyed making new friends and seeing his old ones too.

•Any chance to see activities taking place in the Kenilworth Area. Good to see The Big Chill at Kenilworth Youth Centre.

•David really enjoys his sessions with ILEAP and we are really grateful for the help and support that he gets. The variety of activities on offer is excellent there really seem to be something to suit pretty much everyone. Many thanks.

•James thoroughly enjoys the various holiday activities. We have had great fun choosing from the Summer calendar of events. Thank you very much.

•The activities look great – the boys are disappointed they will be away fro the Scalectrix activity!

•Jamie has not yet attended any ILEAP group activities, but has been going out 1:1 with Hollie each Wednesday. I have chosen the activities overleaf, having spoken to Hollie, as she will be attending these too. I need to build Jamie’s confidence and feel that starting with activities that Hollie will also be at will achieve this. As time goes on, I hope that Jamie will be able to do other activities even if Hollie is not present. Many Thanks.

•Cailin really enjoys going to the activities and has been made to feel very welcome as she was new. She is very happy with both the choice of activities and the staff available –ILEAP will really make a difference to Cailin.

•I think what you do is fantastic and I cannot thank you enough. It would be good to know if you offer 1:1 for Eleanor with who and how much you charge.

•Its great to see sessions in Kenilworth. Unfortunately Stefan can only come to one as we are on holiday. It would be helpful to have longer sessions.

•The ILEAP activities are varied and challenging for the young people, which enables them to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. ILEAP’S support is vital for us in school holidays to provide stimulating activities whilst allowing parents to fulfil their job responsibilities.

•Although Helen is to old for most of the activities it looks like a very good programme you have put together for ILEAP members –Well Done.

•As usual ILEAP is providing a packed programme full of variety –Well Done! Unforunately due to holidays we are unable to specify anything this time!! Thanks and keep up the good work.

•The activities look great – the boys are disappointed that we will be away on holiday for the Scalectrix activity!

•Excellent Summer Programme Planned.

•Sorry but as we now work during school holidays it is difficult to arrange the transport in the week or on Saturdays. If possible YP would rather go out shopping with Youth Worker as she does during term time.

•Tim enjoys ILEAP outings-especially the bowling! The events at Alcester are too far to travel, although Tim may be able to attend these later in the year.

•Very please to see that there are different/additional activities during the Summer ie Hatton / Canal Barge ect. The addition of different activities enhances the already excellent service provided by ILEAP.

•Just keep up the good work. Nice range of activities

•Looks like a very busy Summer with lots of new and different activities –Good to see more activities in all of South Warwickshire. Thanks to all the team again for providing such a valuable service for our young people –I know Luke would not be able to have such a fun filled summer without ILEAP. We are always so pleased with what you offer and really do value all the staff for their hard work and commitment, and making a difference to young peoples lives. ILEAP has given Luke the opportunity to be with his peers throughout the Summer-which would not be possible otherwise. Keep up the good work.