"what next?" event returns

After a break of eight years 2011 will see the return of the what next? events that were run between 2000 and 2003.

For the last two years the Transition Group of Birmingham City Council have run Information, Advice and Guidance events aimed at young people with LDD, their families, friends and professionals who support them. The events provide an opportunity to find out about the range of support and provision available to help young people with LDD make a smooth transition to adult life.

This year Connexions Birmingham is taking the lead in organising these events with support from the Disabled Children’s Team and we have taken the opportunity to link the events to our established what next? publication.

This autumn there will be two events:

• Thursday 20 October from 1.00pm to 8.00pm
  The Saffron Centre
  256 Moseley Road
  Birmingham B12 0BS
• Thursday 3 November from 3.00pm to 8.00pm
  Carrs Lane Church
  Carrs Lane
  Birmingham B4 7SX

We are expecting a wide range of organisations, agencies and services to exhibit at the events including:

• Children’s and Adult Disability Teams

• Voluntary organisations

• Supported Employment Services

• Local colleges with supported learning courses

• Training providers

• Organisations supporting independent living

Schools have already had some initial information about the events and flyers are being sent out to all young people in Years 9 to 14 who have a statement. A supply will also be available to area teams so that you can pass them on to other young people who you think would benefit from going to one of the events.

The events are also a great opportunity for you to update your own knowledge of the options and support for LDD clients.

Following feedback from schools, the event on 20 October is going to start at the earlier time of 1pm so that groups of young people can attend the event and get back to their schools before the end of the school day.

There are also going to be workshops at both events, which visitors can attend to find out more about transition planning and services that support transition.