Including Disabled Young People
There are a variety of faith based organisations working with disabled young people in Barnet. Disabled young people are often supported from within their faith community on a more informal basis. The organisations listed here are able to advise youth groups, as well as to provide services, in some cases. The Inclusive Play Opportunities Project (IPOP) can also advise on including young people in play and leisure activities – contact Peggy Sharp on 020 8441 0404 or peggy@ipop.org.uk
Christian organisations
St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre – A local organisation that supports churches and families where there is a learning disability. They also support churches to run Saturday afternoon clubs for families with a disabled child. Check the website for details and dates of clubs running at St Philips, Gravel Hill and St Mary Magdelen in Whetstone. Contact: St Joseph’s Grove, The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4TY, tel: 020 8202 3999, e-mail: enquiries@stjoseph.org.uk, website: www.stjoseph.org.uk
Mary Immaculate and St Gregory the Great Church – a local church in Barnet, hold inclusive masses which are open to everyone but particularly those with learning difficulties. They also run liturgical signing courses which are open to all. There is support from St Josephs Pastoral Centre for sacramental preparation – which could be on a one to one basis, small group or within the family. It is a very personal level of support – which adapts to the needs of the individual and their family. Contact Mary Boland on 020 8449 3338. Website: www.barnetrc.org.uk
Through the Roof – provides churches with training and resource materials to include disabled people in church life. For more information see www.throughtheroof.org, e-mail info@throughtheroof.org or call 01372 749955.
Churches for All – A partnership of UK Christian disability organisations. They can help churches to make the adjustments that they need to include disabled people, train in disability awareness and provide literature and resources. www.churchesforall.org.uk or e-mail makeadifference@churchesforall.org.uk
Causeway Prospects – A national organisation working in partnership with churches throughout the UK, supporting them to run groups meeting the particular needs of the people with learning disabilities in their congregations and communities. Contact: Head Office, Causeway Prospects, 69 Honey End Lane, Reading, Berks RG30 4EL, tel: 0118 951 6978, e-mail: info@prospects.org.uk , website: www.prospects.org.uk
Go! Sign is the working name of the Christian Deaf Link UK (www.deafchristian.org.uk). See www.gosign.org.uk for more information about the networking, equipping, teaching and outreach offered to deaf Christians.
New Wine - Annual Summer conference in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, suitable for parents, church leaders and those working with children and young people in their Church. Includes worship, teaching, games and craft activities designed especially for people with special needs. For more information see www.new-wine.org or e-mail specialkids@new-wine.org
Scripture Union - Offers a variety of resources, including EN:Able - a section on special needs - see www.scriptureunion.org.uk
St Barnabas Church – www.stbarnabus.co.uk - a local church with a special needs co-ordinator helping to include disabled children and young people into church life. Contact the office for more information - 0208 343 5770, or e-mail theoffice@stbarnabus.co.uk
Our Lady of the Annunciation Church – runs a Monday evening club for disabled people of all ages. Contact by e-mail burntoak@rcdow.org.uk or ring
020 8959 1971
Jewish organisations
Unity: Run by Norwood, provides recreational services for children with disabilities. In Barnet, it is based at Kennedy Leigh Family Centre, Edgeworth Close, Hendon, NW4 4HJ. Contact: Jo Shone, 020 8559 6210, or e-mail jo.shone@norwood.org.uk. For more information see www.norwood.org.uk/What-we-do/cfs/cfs/unity
Step North West: Provides out of school activities for children with Special Needs. See www.stepnorthwest.org.uk
Special Children - A group affiliated to Norwood which offers advice and information to families who have a disabled member. The group is run by parents who have a disabled child or young adult and is open to all family members including grandparents and siblings. Telephone 020 8428 6706, or e-mail monique.lauder@btinternet.com
Jewish Deaf Association - www.jewishdeaf.org.uk - The JDA is an independent, registered national charity, offering support, information and a range of social, cultural and educational programmes for its deaf members, people with all levels of hearing loss, tinnitus sufferers and hearing people living or working with deaf and hard of hearing people. T. 020 8446 0502 (voice) Text phone 020 8446 4037 F. 020 8445 7451 E. mail@jda.dircon.co.uk
jweb - A new interactive online guide to what is available for people with learning disabilities in the UK Jewish community. It is the first online directory of its kind, offering news, events and listing services for the Jewish special needs community. To find out more, go to www.jweb.org.uk
Muslim organisations
Salaam – A Muslim organisation providing ‘Short Break’ opportunities to families with disabled children living in Barnet. People from all backgrounds and cultures are welcome. For more information see www.salaamability.co.uk, or contact Amreena Husain-Ali – e-mail mail@hendonmosque.co.uk or call 07795 128370.
