Useful Recycling information for your old Electricals

If you got that “all I ever wanted” electronic gadget or appliance in the New Year sales or your Christmas stocking, don’t throw the old one in the bin – it can be recycled.

You can recycle small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) such as kettles, irons, hair dryers, hair straighteners, toasters, alarm clock/radio, radios etc., at the following locations in Ipswich (as well as at the big recycling centres in Portman Walk and at Foxhall: Vinnicombe Court (Cambridge Drive, Stoke Park), the Woolpack pub (Tuddenham Road), Whitton and Gainsborough sports centres and Waitrose store (Crane Boulevard).

IBC portfolio-holder, said: "This is a time of year when many of us who have had new gadgets and appliances for Christmas will be wondering what to do with the old one. Every year across the country an estimated two million tonnes of WEEE items are discarded by householders and companies and that is a terrible waste. We can recycle most items that have a plug or a battery – everything from washing machines and microwave ovens to computers and televisions.”

Bigger items can be picked up for free from your doorstep by the Ipswich Furniture Project, on behalf of the Borough Council. Last year, they collected 4,371 items – that’s a cool 195 tonnes!

Ipswich Borough Council’s bid for funding from the WEEE Improvement Fund has been successful – with an award for £40,000 to expand the reuse and recycling of WEEE items in the town through promotional events and educational roadshows. The Council is also planning to provide more WEEE recycling points and drop-off events. 

Ipswich Furniture Project, 4 St Matthew’s Street, Ipswich IP1 3EU. Tel: 01473 404004 www.ipswichfp.org

Beware - Distraction thefts – Ipswich

Warning from Suffolk Police

Following two incidents in Ipswich, Suffolk Police are issuing a warning for the public to be vigilant about distraction thefts especially in supermarket car parks in the run up to Christmas. 
The first took place on Friday 13 November around midday in the car park of Sainsbury’s supermarket, Warren Heath, Ipswich. A 73 year old lady was sitting in her car in the car park when a woman accompanied by a man knocked on her window asking for directions to London. The woman suspect then opened up a map in front of the victim. Whilst this was happening it is believed that the man stole credit cards from the victim’s purse. These cards were later used to withdraw £250 from a cashpoint. It is possible the victim was watched whilst using her card at the supermarket cashpoint and the PIN noted by the suspects. 

The second incident took place shortly afterwards at just after midday on Friday 13 November in the car park at Tesco supermarket, Copdock, near Ipswich. A 68 year old lady who was putting goods into her car was approached by a man and a woman. The woman asked for directions to Cambridge. As the victim got a map to assist her, the man opened the car door and removed three bank cards from her purse which was on the car seat. As the suspects left the car, the victim realised what had taken place and shouted at the man who dropped the cards and walked away. 

Police believe the suspects in each case to be the same. The woman suspect is described as being in her early twenties, wearing a belted jacket and trousers and had a darkish scarf on her head. The man is described as also in his early twenties with dark facial stubble and was wearing a beanie. Both are described as speaking with foreign, possibly East European, accents. 

Police are appealing for anybody who witnessed either incident or who has any information to contact Ipswich Police on 101, reference 14757/15 (Sainsbury’s car park) 14917/15 (Tesco car park).

It takes seconds to protect your valuables: 

Be vigilant when entering your PIN - make sure you cover the keypad on both chip and pin machines and at cash points every time you enter your PIN number 

Be aware of who is around you and make sure people stay a good distance away from you. 

Don’t let anyone distract you while you are using the cash machine or making a card payment. Cancel the transaction if you are worried. 

Be aware of who is around you and make sure people stay a good distance away from you. 

Keep your valuables secure - never leave them unattended, even for few moments. Keep your belongings tucked away safely in a zipped pocket or bag and use a purse chain if you have one. 

Report stolen cards - if you lose your wallet, report it to your bank immediately. 

Mobile phone tracking - if you have a smart phone install the app that helps you trace your device if it gets lost or stolen. Contact your service provider for details on what is available.

Delivering the best schools and skills in Ipswich

Not usually my area of expertise but a great interest of mine, especially as my day work within my business has often been in schools. So I asked for some information and I share that with you, regarding Ipswich.

There's also been a lot of negative publicity by Labour councillors without really giving any facts and figures, as is their want, on anything much at all. So I felt it important to look into this.

Labour failed our young people as we plummeted down the international league tables for school performance. Between 2000 and 2009 England fell from 7th to 25th in reading, 8th to 28th in maths, and 4th to 16th in science in the PISA league tables (PISA study, DfE Press Release, 7 December 2010)

So what are we doing?

Academies – giving schools more freedom

·         Academy status gives schools more freedom, allowing them to help each child reach their full potential. Over half of England’s secondary schools are now benefiting from Academy status, including 6 in Ipswich.

Free Schools – innovative, community-led education

·         Free Schools let talented and committed teachers, charities and parents respond to local demands, raising standards and improving education in their community. There are now over 300 Free Schools in England, but there are none in Ipswich yet.

Capital Spending – investing in schools

·         We are ensuring that Local Authorities have the money they need to provide enough school places because nothing is more important than investing in the next generation. Between 2011 and 2015 schools in Suffolk will receive over £59 million of extra funding to provide new school places.

·         We are making sure school buildings are repaired so that children can learn in the best environment possible. Between 2011 and 2015 schools in Suffolk will receive over £48 million for repairs.

In addition, in Ipswich:

·         Suffolk New Academy is being rebuilt under the Priority School Building Programme:.

·         And, Coppleston High School received £46,500 from the Academies Capital Maintenance Fund.

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EBacc – the core academic subjects

·         Thanks to our EBacc more pupils are taking the key subjects that they need to get a good job. The EBacc incentivises schools to encourage more pupils to take core subjects at GCSE. It recognises pupils who achieve A*-C grades in English, Maths, 2 sciences, a language and History or Geography.

• In 2010 only 21.1 per cent of pupils in Ipswich studied for the EBacc, but this rose to just under 40 in 2013, with nearly 22 per cent achieving the qualification, a rise of over 8 per cent.

Under Labour the number of pupils studying an academic core collapsed. The EBacc encourages more pupils to take core subjects at GCSE. It recognises pupils who achieve A*-C grades in English, Maths, two sciences, a language and History or Geography.

Ipswich (National Average)	2010	2013	% rise
% entering a combination of EBacc subjects	21.1 (21.6)	39.5 (35.3)	87.2 (98.0)
% achieving the EBacc	14.1 (14.9)	21.7 (22.5)	53.9 (82.3)

 

Pupil Premium- supporting the poorest children                 

·         The Pupil Premium gives schools extra funding to raise attainment for disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gaps between the most disadvantaged pupils and their peers. Between 2011 and 2015, schools in Ipswich will receive over £12.1 million through the Pupil Premium.

Ofsted – expecting the highest standards

·         We have toughened up the Ofsted regime to ensure that all schools are giving the best possible education to our young people. In 2010, 27 schools in Ipswich were rated good or outstanding; this has fallen to 23 schools in 2013.

Ipswich	Aug 2010	Dec 2013
Outstanding	7	5
Good	20	18
Requires Improvement	11	8
Inadequate	1	5

Apprenticeships – getting our young people into work

·         Apprenticeships give young people the chance to earn a salary and gain a qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. 630 people started an apprenticeship in Ipswich in 2012/13. An increase of over 62 per cent compared to 2009/10. In total, 2,930 people have started an apprenticeship in Ipswich since 2010.

Ipswich – Ben Gummer MP

Academies

Ipswich (National Average)	May 2010	Feb 2014
Number of converter Academies	0 (0.0)	2 (4.2)
Number of sponsored Academies	0 (0.4)	4 (1.3)
Total number of Academies	0 (0.4)	6 (5.5)
% primary schools that are Academies	0 (0.0)	3.4 (7.3)
% secondary schools that are Academies	0 (6.8)	50.0 (50.2)

Pupil Premium

Ipswich	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	Total
Eligible pupils	2,440	3,980	3,980
Amount (£)	1,181,000	2,451,000	3,535,000	4,864,000	12,013,000

Capital Spending

Suffolk	2011-12	2012-13	2013-15	TOTAL
School repairs (£)	18,733,328	15,397,812	13,925,925	48,057,065
School places (£)	19,916,234	17,241,395	21,880,233	59,037,862

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Don’t lose your vote!

Ipswich residents are being urged not to lose their right to vote in the 2014 European Parliamentary and local council elections by completing their annual registration without delay.

From today the Electoral Registration Officer (the Borough Council’s Chief Executive) and his team will be delivering annual canvass forms to every residential property in Ipswich. The form should be completed with the names of every person in the household who is eligible to vote and returned to the Electoral Registration team as soon as possible. 

If there are no changes to the people currently registered at the property, you can confirm your details using our simple, free and secure internet and telephone registration service. Just visit www.registerbyinternet.com/ipswich or telephone 0800 197 9873 and use the two-part security code printed on the top of your form.

Completing the annual canvass form ensures that you are included on the electoral register for forthcoming elections. If you are not on the register you will not be able to vote!

If you have any queries about registering to vote or if you haven’t received a canvass from please visit our website at www.ipswich.gov.uk/canvass or telephone the helpline on 01473 432533.

Issued by the IBC press office, tel: 01473 432031

Politics, The Games People Play and why I am proud of Ben Gummer

Every aspect of our lives has some political connection, be it rules and regulations or just the fact that funding seems to be the governor of all things.

It is obvious that when it comes to local and national politics, different parties will have a go at the others whether they are justified or not.

This week, in Ipswich, we saw some treachery at work and I suppose this is one of my biggest personal dislikes in this 'other' world I find myself in.

It is important to me in my political world to have honesty, authenticity and a desire to help my residents. I am not sure many people understand this because all they see are negative stories and media agendas on councillors and MPs alike. In Ipswich, conservatives have a worse deal with local papers and journalists who tend to be more Left leaning. Thank goodness for blogs.

I have always stated that there are good and bad councillors in all parties and that some Labour councillors have my utmost respect, even fondness. I want them to be happy, effective local champions who do good for the people in this town.

This week, I have witnessed one of our own activists who decided that writing a controversial blog was more important than loyalty, proving that he is not fit to be a councillor or a candidate. Whether people like it or not we have to stand together as a party. This person was an activist and does not really know what is going on behind the scenes. Any decisions we make are for the group only and just a part of that is released to our activists, although leaks do happen sometimes.

All of us will tell you that we need to stick together in order to bring about changes. However, when you are in opposition, there is still no real influence in council - but what we must do is bring accountability to those in power.

This is where I consider Tory behaviour to be different from Labour's, who tend to disagree with anything we might decide, do or believe in, just for the sake of it, whereas we offer occasions where we agree on a particular stance (especially if it's in our manifesto's) and other times when we are allowed a free vote. This does not make us 'shambolic' - it means we are more authentic. So I refute Ipswich Spy's comment that at council, when we voted differently in a council motion, that this was tantamount to being 'a shambles'. Far from it - especially as the motion, brought by Labour to make themselves look clever, is as ineffective as before the motion.

There has also been some talk about Councillor Stewart's effectiveness as a leader and I want to say something about that. In fact I wanted to support him before this, but held back in order to avoid stoking the fires of untruths.

You may know that we were up against each other for the position of group leader and that I refused deputy leadership (this was because I knew we would work in completely different ways and it would've been draining for both of us!)

I am a big picture person that gets straight into the action, makes quick decisions and is bold in my words and my deeds. I do not need to be liked and nor do I lack the confidence needed to do a good job.
Chris is more measured, enjoys fine detail and takes a cautious approach. This method needs more time before it can show itself to be effective.

Now whether the decision was right or wrong is irrelevant and Chris has my total loyalty, support and expertise right behind him. The group is working together to help him find his way and this includes being patient while he works out a solid way forward.

So to conclude on this, what might look like pear-shape from the outside, is actually a nice apple in the ripening, on the inside.

And for those who are not loyal to the people in our family, then they have the right to leave and join a void that is totally useless against the real enemy of our country - Socialism.

Last but not least is our shining star - Ben Gummer MP. Again Ipswich Spy are not looking at this in a logical way or from the eyes of Ipswich people. All those that meet Ben say the same thing 'I am so impressed' and I know that Ipswich people will vote for the best MP they have had for decades.

Ben works hard for Ipswich, is articulate, charming and has a great sense of humour. He can relate to anyone, at any level and is honest and tactful. I am so proud when I canvass with him by my side.

I held a 'Ben' house meeting this week, where Stoke Park residents could ask him anything they wanted, over wine and food. Every one of them concluded that he was knowledgeable, authentic and impressive.

If you get the chance to meet Ben at one of his house meetings or monthly Ben in the Pub events, then go see for yourself and tell me if you don't agree. Of course staunch Labourites are exempted from this challenge!

Have a great week...

I Laughed so Much at Ipswich Labour's Rose - Now Here's the Truth

As a rule, I don't often feel compelled to reply to any of the usual Labour B.S. that I read in their Rose but I'm afraid today, all decorum is going to go out of the window to burn off in the midday sunshine.

I laughed so much at all the latest triumphs Ipswich Labour have tried to hoodwink you into believing was all down to them, that I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd also announced that the sunshine in the last week was down to them campaigning to the Great Sun God himself!

Where do I begin?

The item you might have expected me to reply to - yes, that good old number bus route 16 - is not the one that finally made me keel over. As I've said before, it was down to the petition that I instigated and the signatures I received, and since passed onto IBC, that got things moving. Thanks to the resounding return from residents, Ipswich Labour moved very quickly and Ipswich Buses changed it's mind in a matter of days.
They also want you to believe that they are awaiting a reply from SCC on bus no 22 but fail to mention that SCC asked them for help on another route and were refused.

No - It wasn't even the fact that at the SW committee where we ALL agreed (yes, they forget that there is one Tory councillor - little ol' me) to fund various projects such as goal posts at Lavenham Road, A CCTV camera at Lavender Hill etc that prompted me to write this blog post.
Not even the fact that Councillor Barry Studd took all the credit for raising the issue of the need for renovation of a bus shelter in Stoke Park Drive - the real person was a resident in Whitland close who then reprimanded councillor Studd and Councillor Ellesmere for not stating that it was he who brought this to a councillors attention. It will be corrected at the next meeting, because of that confrontation, and if the resident wants to make himself known then he can reply in the comments.

This proves that they are not worried about bringing people closer to the decisions making. If that had been me, I would've told everyone in the room 'See you can make a difference - a resident has asked for this and got what he asked for'. No, not Labour councillors, the chief makers of all that is good and useful.

It wasn't even the fact that, with all their failings in the NHS - and boy, are they big ones, they have the audacity to talk about asking David Cameron to listen to them. There are no cuts to the NHS, Labour had an open door policy that has seen our NHS groan under the strain, as well as our schools and other public services and they completely ignore Andy Burnham's role in so many deaths. It is the Coalition that has carried out reviews but councillor Ellesmere would have you believe that the demise of the NHS is down to the Coalition. Not so laughable. That's when the smile started to be wiped from my face.

But it wasn't even that which prompted me to put digit to keyboard. It was the final story. 'New Building At Last for Suffolk New Academy (Chantry High)'.

They have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this new build. It has taken a while but that decision was accomplished by Ben Gummer MP - He fought hard and long to get the government to agree to a new build. He brought Gove to our town to show him why it was a priority. He talked and talked and talked about it at Westminster until we got the go ahead many months ago. We had done leaflets to that effect at the time. HOW DARE THEY TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS ONE!!! I was so shocked but then I laughed - it dawned on me then they will take the credit for absolutely anything. Perhaps, as well as the sun, they might want to pat themselves on the back for the reduction in crime that has been so massive in our town, and all that success with less money and a PCC (Tim Passmore), even though they were against elected PCCs in the first place. Look out for the crime stats in the near future and know this - They had nothing to do with that either.

So ladies and gentlemen - they have stepped up their sleight of hand, misdirection and downright fibs (meaning the witholding of relevant information that would change the meaning of what is being read) on their leaflets for several reasons but the number 1 is the fact that councillor Ellesmere is using his position as leader of the council and the exaggeration of anything good happening in this town being down to him and his colleagues, so that he can win in the General Election. Watch this space and mark my words. I will be highlighting more of the same if they shove more of this rubbish through my door.

When that happens I might resurrect that good old song I used to sing in the playground.

Pants on Fire Councillor Ellesmere - Pants on Fire...

Latest from SIT on Windfarms and court actions

I have been collating the latest completed surveys from residents and in fact will be delivering further survey forms this week in the final areas of Stoke Park.

In the meantime Stop Ipswich Turbines latest e-mail is full of good news and gives me renewed hope that we are spending good time in fighting the Thorington proposal

Thanks to jenny, I quote here

I'm sure you saw or heard something of the news about the National Trust winning their case about wind turbines close to Lyveden New Bield. In case you didn't catch it all, here's a clip from the ITV news

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/story/2013-03-08/high-court-windfarm-ruling/ and a piece in the Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/9918022/Conservationists-win-landmark-High-Court-victory-against-wind-farm.html

Although it is not comparable to our situation, it is an implicit acknowledgement that there needs to be some restraint and consideration given to each local situation. The more important case for people like us is the Milton Keynes Council action, about setback distances and the right of a council to determine them. That still awaits a decision.

Here's a story that was carried in the EADT and the BBC about the transport issues at the construction phase. We have been told very little about this by PfR, except the route. I hope to have some more news on that soon.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-21711938Daily Mail Thursday 7th March - page 13. Incidentally this is a smaller turbine than those under consideration here.

Finally, to give us all a little encouragement, there are people in high places who share our point of view about appropriate siting of wind energy projects.

Cross-border turbine fight: Tories unite to fight windfarms

Thorington Windfarm Survey 2

The following is the latest survey for residents in Stoke Park from Ben Gummer MP and myself.

After the last survey which showed a resounding 92% against the windfarm on Thorington, Ipswich, and the campaign by SIT (Stop Ipswich Turnbines), PfR responded by consulting with the public again showing new positions of the turbines.

Only one turbine will be on Ipswich land now and it is slightly further away from Stoke Park residents with the second turbine to be situated on Aldous land and now on the other side of the railway line about 400 mtrs further away from Ipswich.

What we do not want, is the survey results to become a moot point because of the new position so we feel that residents need to give their opinion once more.

Please do not think that because you responded last time, we do not need your input now - because we do. We need an up to date consultation response from the residents of Ipswich.

Feel free to print out the survey and respond. Do not worry about 6/3 deadline - we can hold off for a week or so until I have collated them all.

Through The Tears - Buy my book for International Womens Day and Oxfam

Last night I went to a presentation by Oxfam in readiness for the launch of International Womens Day 8th March 2013.

We heard how Oxfam transforms lives across the world helping people, especially women and children to make something of their lives - this is an extract from their website

Oxfam is working towards a world where everyone has enough to eat and where women especially have the opportunity to earn a decent living.

Life is tough for millions of poor food producers, but the current economic crisis is hitting them particularly hard. And it's women that are worst affected. Many women work the land or are employed in informal, casual work, so when things go wrong, they're the first to lose their jobs and go without when household budgets shrink.

Lasting solutions to poverty

"Oxfam believes in giving a 'hand up' out of poverty rather than just a 'hand out'. 

...the story of farmer Leyla, her community and how with Oxfam's help they built an irrigations system for their crops and now harvests make enough money to put food on the table, build homes and send their children to school."

We were asked to promote the GET TOGETHER day on 8th March to raise funds so I am going to do 2 things.

1) I am going to promote the Get together day by tweeting, blogging and word of mouth

2) I am going to donate ALL profits from the sale of a book I co-wrote a few years ago, called Through The Tears which is about 2 friends, one that is suffering from domestic violence and one that is grieving over a lost relationship. 

We realised we were not going to make money out of the project but it was something we wanted to do as friends. It was fun, therapeutic and we did sell a few dozen!

It's been sitting gathering dust on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and so I have decided to resurrect it for the purpose of raising funds.

Anything made from now until 11th March 2013 will be sent to Oxfam. After that I will pick another worthy charity probably NSPCC

So 2 websites for you to look at. the first is the Oxfam site

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-together?intcmp=hp_163_hych2_get-together_2013-02-15

and the second is where you can take a look at the book and then buy!

http://www.lulu.com/shop/nadia-cenci-and-stella-lever/through-the-tears/paperback/product-392804.html

Ben gummer - On Leveson

Leveson Larks by Ben Gummer MP

I am writing this in the library of the House of Commons - a beautiful, book-lined and panelled room with mahogany tables and green leather chairs. Behind me are a sextet of low-slung armchairs which are impossible to sit in without falling asleep - which is precisely what you'll find some older members doing after dinner. It's all rather disconnected, other-worldly - as is the character, at times, of this place.

Last night I took a tour of constituents from Rushmere around the Palace of Westminster. Explaining the history of the place and what goes on here refreshes my feeling of great privilege at being able to work in such beautiful buildings where so much of importance and interest has taken place. And I explained how the hubbub can be captivating - the gossip, the intrigue, the high politics and low scandal of the place.

It is a privilege but it is also a danger. People get sucked in here and do not emerge. They see the world increasingly as they imagine it, or imagine it should be, or would like to imagine it, rather than actually how it is. And that comes to shape their priorities, which become as is inevitable to be more self-centred and self-obsessed.

And with that, I will go into the chamber to hear the prime minister give his statement on Lord Justice Leveson's Inquiry. When I get back, this rather odd preamble will be explained...

... it's an hour and a half later and I'm back at my Gothic desk. The House is contorting itself over the rights and wrongs of governing the lords of print.

I am bemused by much of this. Other than the powerful testimony of the Dowlers and other victims of press intrusion, the evidence session of Lord Leveson's was a farrago of moaning celebrities, point-scoring politicians and self-righteous hacks. Very quickly, the rest of the country turned away. They had other things - more important things - to think about. Not that that was reflected in the press, who continued to obsess over who said what, which allegation had been made by whom, and what all of this meant for freedom of thought and speech.

It exposed what is most ridiculous about modern Westminster. It is not the old rituals, the history, the invention of tradition, the flummery, the green leather and the mahogany desks. Done properly, these add dignity to your democracy, for which people have fought and died.

It is not these things that make politicians and pressmen distant - it is the entirely human and understandable tendency of some in any community to get so involved in their own affairs that they forget the context in which they work - the reason why we are sent here, what we are supposed to do, and the degree of proportion we are charged to exercise.

The circus that surrounded Lord Leveson's report - it's production and its publication - exposed this fault fully. Of course there are serious points at issue here: but look at his conclusions. Aside from his central recommendations on press regulation, his findings on the some of the other big arguments that have consumed months of airtime and miles of newsprint is that there was essentially not much of a story to report. In short, a whole load of people in Westminster - press and politicians - worked themselves into a tizz and then expended many months and much energy arguing about it.

Meanwhile, most people continued to think about their child's school, their career, if and when they could next go on holiday, the size of the gas bill, the failure of their football team, falling in love, dealing with grief.

No wonder newspaper sales are falling and fewer and fewer people turn out to vote.

Programmes for Parents - Choices Updates

Please see previous posts about this subject but as it is viewed on a regular basis I thought I would just do a quick summary of contacts and Suffolk's programmes for parenting courses and hubs for support. People to contact are shown at the bottom of this post.

I have attended some of these programmes and they are excellent!

See below for programme descriptions:

Strengthening Families Programme

Oxford Brookes University

An evidence based programme for parents and young people aged between 10 and 14 years.  This is a DVD and activity based programme, which supports families to have a positive outlook as young people approach their teenage years.

Parents aim to improve their nurturing and support skills while considering effective discipline and guidance strategies.  Young people build skills for resisting peer pressure and dealing with stress.  During the sessions the families work together to reflect on the strengths of their family.

This programme has been proved to be effective in preventing alcohol and substance misuse amongst young people.

For further details see www.mystrongfamily.co.uk

Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) This set of interventions was developed at the University of Queensland, Australia,  by Professor Matt Sanders, a clinical psychologist, and is now run worldwide.   There are a variety of different group and individual programmes varying according to need,  from universal (information and advice), through to support with common issues in children  and young people, to group programmes and 1:1 work (both face to face and by phone).  ·         Group Triple P runs for 8 weeks (including 3 weeks where 1:1 phone support is  substituted for group meetings). ·         Group Triple P Teen runs for 8 weeks (including 3 weeks where 1:1 phone support is  substituted for group meetings). ·         Primary Care Triple P is a 1:1 intervention tailored to the particular issues the parent  wants to work on, and supported by professionally designed tip sheets for parents to keep.  Sessions can be phone-based as well as face-to-face. ·         Seminar Triple P is a series of 3 presentations on raising confident, resilient children,  which covers issues of interest to a universal audience.   These can be delivered to a large  group (up to 50), for example in school or the workplace.  ·         Seminar Triple P Teen is a series of 3 presentations on raising connected, competent  and resilient teenagers, which covers issues of interest to a universal audience.    These can be delivered to a large group (up to 50), for example in school or the workplace.  For further details see www.triplep.net or contact:

The Incredible Years/Webster Stratton

Created by Caroline Webster Stratton, an American clinical psychologist used and researched for 20 years, this is an early intervention programme for parents of children under 10.  The programme encourages parents to build strong relationships with their children through play and rewarding positive behaviour. It strengthens communication and enables parents/carers to understand the developmental stages of the child. 

After completing the course parents will have a range of tools from which to choose including; effective limit setting, time-out, handling consequences and problem–solving.

This programme is appropriate for all families including those with young people with a diagnosis of ADHD or ODD.

For further details see www.incredibleyears.com, or contact Judith Moore, Parenting Coordinator, judith.moore@suffolk.gov.uk, tel. 07515 188522

Living with Children/Living with Teenagers

The courses are offered as part of the Suffolk Community Learning Adult Education Programme and are accredited with the Open College Network.  The course is open to any parent or guardian of a child or teenager who would like to develop their skills and knowledge.  Parents can enrol themselves or agencies can make referrals on their behalf.  The course offers parents a chance to develop their skills and learn some new ideas. The course covers understanding children’s needs and parent’s needs, recognising different styles of parenting, developing skills in a positive communication style, listening skills and ways to support children’s self esteem, positive strategies for managing behaviour and setting limits.   Participants will also be able to receive information about other learning opportunities they may wish to go on to.

For further details contact Gill Johnson@suffolk.gov.uk

Caring Dads Developed in Canada, is an intervention programme for fathers (including biological, step, common-law) who have physically abused, emotionally abused or neglected their children, or exposed their children to domestic violence or who are deemed to be at high-risk for these behaviours. It consists of a 17-week, empirically-based, manualised group parenting intervention for fathers, systematic outreach to mothers to ensure safety and freedom from coercion, and ongoing, collaborative case management of fathers with referrers and with other professionals involved with men’s families. The group component of Caring Dads combines elements of parenting, fathering, battering and child protection practice to enhance the safety and well-being of children. Programme principles emphasize the need to enhance men’s motivation, promote child-centred fathering, address men’s ability to engage in respectful, non-abusive co-parenting with children’s mothers, recognize that children’s experience of trauma will impact the rate of possible change, and work collaboratively with other service providers to ensure that children benefit (and are not unintentionally harmed) as a result of father’s participation in intervention. Run by team of male and female facilitators. See www.caringdads.org

 Who’s In Charge

Does your child threaten, hurt or intimidate you? Do you feel you are losing control? Want to better handle conflict?

The Who’s in Charge? Group is an 8 week programme for parents or carers of young people (8-18) who are beyond control or defiant.  The group aims to:

Provide a supportive environment to share experiences and ideas

Reduce the guilt and shame most parents feel

Offer ideas to help to develop individual strategies for managing your child’s behaviour

Explore ways of increasing safety and well being

Help parents feel more in control and less stressed.

Suffolk Family Learning

Suffolk Family Learning is part of Community Learning and Skills Development and offers a comprehensive range of programmes for parents, carers and families. We work across the county in partnership with schools, nurseries and other voluntary and statutory organisations.

Being a parent/carer and supporting children's development and learning is one of the most enjoyable and challenging jobs there is. All these programmes give the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other parents and carers in a friendly atmosphere.

The aims of Family Learning are to:

enhance the skills of the children involved in intensive programmes

enhance the home school partnership

encourage home activities

increase the understanding of the children's curriculum

increase the literacy, language and numeracy skills of the adults

Contact: 01379 672711

Living with Babies Course Part of Community Learning and Skills Development Family Learning Courses Parents attend with their babies Courses are 5 sessions of 2 hours and give parents a chance to share activities with their baby, have a go at making games and activities to do at home.  The course includes an introduction to how babies develop and learn.

AUTISM SUFFOLK Autism Suffolk is an advice/support/information service for families of children who have a diagnosis of ASD. Please contact Autism Suffolk for details  of times and dates   01473 632700. Karen Smith Family Support Worker Autism Suffolk Tel 01473 632700

Parents Under Pressure™ is a new 20-week programme for parents who have a child under two and are on an opioid treatment programme or an alcohol abstinence/relapse prevention programme. Parents Under Pressure™ aims to help families with the difficult job of parenting, providing them with the safe and caring support they need. Throughout the programme, NSPCC workers will visit parents in their own home to provide support and guidance on parenting and on maintaining their own emotional wellbeing. For further information, please contact Ipswich Service Centre, NSPCC, Hyde Park House, 1 Crown Street, Ipswich, IP1 3LG. Tel: 01473 234850. Email: IpswichAdminInbox@NSPCC.org.uk

Local Children’s Centres

The Hawthorn Children's Centre  (IP2 0QY)
Highfield Children's Centre (IP1 6DW)
Hillside Children's Centre (IP2 8NY)
Meredith Children's Centre (IP1 6ED)
Chatterbox Children's Centre (IP4 5HB)
Ormiston Children's Centre (IP3 9BU)
Quayside Children's Centre (IP4 1QJ)
Ravenswood Community Children's Centre (IP3 9QJ)
The Tree House Children's Centre (IP3 0RH)
Wellington Children's Centre (IP1 2PB)
The Willows Children's Centre (IP2 9UX)
The Wooden House Children's Centre  (IP4 3EJ)

For programmes in your area contact:    

Carole.Williams@ipswich.gov.uk     

Ipswich Senior Parenting Practitioner - Ipswich Borough Council 07921 941 620

Judith.moore@suffolk.gov.uk

Suffolk County Parenting Co-ordinater - Suffolk County Council 07515 188522

Vacant                

Ipswich & Coastal  Area Parenting Co-ordinater -     Suffolk County Council 07540 671191

Gill.black@suffolk.gov.uk                    

South & West Suffolk  Area Parenting Co-ordinater - Suffolk County Council 07540 671192

Frances.desborough@suffolk.gov.uk   

North, Waveney and Central Suffolk  County Parenting Co-ordinater - Suffolk County Council 07515 188522