Greetings!
I continue to be indebted to all of those people who have provided so much comfort to me over the last few weeks. Sad times indeed, but I thank you again for your kindness.
So just where did the last two years go? This February issue marks the start of the third year of the newsletter, and I am so pleased with the positive support that it receives! January saw our highest ever open rate.
With 2011 being marked as the year of communication I am delighted to be featuring I CAN, the children's communications charity, and alongside that a worthwhile connected event in support of their fundraising. Please do forward this email to anyone who you think may find the articles of interest. |
| Hello - talk-listen-take part ... | |
 Hello, is a campaign to increase understanding of how important it is for children and young people to develop good communication skills. The ability to communicate - to say what you want to say and to understand what other people are saying - is fundamental.
The campaign is run by The Communication Trust, a coalition of 40 leading voluntary sector organisations, in partnership with Jean Gross, the Government's Communication Champion. In the UK today over 1 million children and young people have some form of speech, language and communication difficulty. There are at least 2 or 3 children in every classroom! This can affect them severely for the rest of their lives.
In areas of poverty, over 50% of children start school with delayed language skills. This puts them at a huge disadvantage as they struggle to learn and make friends. Hello aims to make communication for all children and young people a priority in homes and schools across the UK so that they can live life to the full. For more information visit the Hello website ... The I CAN's Chatterbox Challenge (see below) is the first milestone Hello event! |
| I CAN Chatterbox Challenge ... | |
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 This year is the 10th Anniversary of the I CAN Chatterbox Challenge, an annual fundraising activity for nurseries, children's groups and childminders. Children aged 0-5 will have fantastic fun and develop their communication skills by singing songs and rhymes to raise money for children who struggle with their speech and language.
Talking Tots, the UK's leading programme for developing children's communication skills will be singing up for the Chatterbox Challenge from Feb 14-18th, in venues all around the UK.
Amanda Smith is class leader for the only Talking Tots centre in Essex. She teaches 13 classes each week across six venues. "The children really enjoy the sessions and their parents are delighted because they know that their little ones are learning vital communication skills that will be so beneficial when they eventually start school."
Started by two Paediatric Speech and Language therapists in 2005, Talking Tots now has over 35 centres across the UK. Each Talking Tots session is carefully designed to help every child build social confidence and communication skills whilst having lots of fun!!
Children who attend Talking Tots classes in the Chelmsford and Maldon area are very excited to be taking part!
Want to know more? visit the Talking Tots website, or you can email Amanda. |
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Disabled access to Online Services ... | |
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An eAccessibility Forum has been formed to develop a wide ranging Action Plan that will play a key role in helping the UK meet its obligations under the EU Riga Convention.
Formed by the Government, industry and the voluntary sector coming together in a joint initiative, it's aim is 'to ensure accessibility, affordability and equal participation for disabled users in the digital economy'.
Read more about the Forum here. |
| And Finally - Go Grab a Coffee ... | |
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Clearly the article in the January issue of SMP News on The Kings Speech hit the mark. Was it's release timed to coincide with the Year of Communication? I think so!
But have you seen it? Every so often a film comes along which is just magnificent and for me this was it. Highly recommended.
Let's hope that Mr Firth gets his just rewards at the Oscars.
If you missed the link last month click here ... |
