The Buzz Network - for parents and carers of a child or young person with special needs
The Buzz Network is funded from Aiming High money and is unique to Southampton. Its purpose is to provide positive experiences through short breaks for children and young people with special needs.
Why should you enrol?
You will receive regular newsletters and information about activities, including special offers and exciting new events.
If your child is eligible, you will be sent a Buzz Network Pack which contains a passport with your membership number that allows your child to go to special needs play schemes run by Rose Road, Mencap and Hampshire Deaf Association.
The passport also enables your child to get support from Rose Road, Mencap and Hampshire Deaf Association to go to any groups or activities that are open to everyone such as Brownies/Cubs or going to a sports activity or drama group.
You will also receive hours to use for the One2One service which gives your child an entitlement to individual support to take short breaks of their choice, for example doing something they enjoy at home, being taken out to the park, bowling, cinema etc. by their support worker.
Who can enrol?
The network is open to children from birth until their 19th birthday.
You are automatically eligible if you live within Southampton City Council (SCC) boundaries (i.e. pay your council tax to SCC) and are able to tick one or more of the following categories for your child:
- in receipt of higher level Disability Living Allowance
- has a statement of special educational needs
- is attending Springwell, Vermont, Cedar, Great Oaks or Polygon School.
- is receiving a service from one of the following:
- Jigsaw
- Complex Children's Health Team
- Community Children's Nursing Team
- Occupational Therapy Service
- Physiotherapy Service
- Portage Service
- Wordsworth House
You are also eligible if you live within Southampton City Council (SCC) boundaries (i.e. pay your council tax to SCC) and are able to tick any two of the following for your child:
on School Action Plus
normal activities are interrupted by frequent health needs, affecting progress in development or education
requires frequent use of specialist equipment including wheelchair/buggy and/or help from carer to get around
requires regular support with basic self care functions e.g. eating, going to the toilet, washing, dressing and/or need more regular supervision through the day and sometimes at night than you would expect for a child of their age
doesn't hear spoken words and/or needs help to make up for complete loss of sound awareness and may have hearing aids or implants
needs special support and understanding from someone else to communicate
has very little or no sight and/or are registered blind or needs support to move around.
How can you enrol?
You will need to fill out a short form.
To request one, call Katherine at the Children and Young People's Information Service (CYPIS) free on 0800 169 8833 or local rate number 023 8083 2069. Katherine can also supply the form in other languages, answer any queries and give advice on how to fill out the form if necessary.
Need more information?
Get in touch with Katherine at the Children and Young People's Information Service (CYPIS)
Tel: free on 0800 169 8833 or local rate number 023 8083 2069.
Email: katherine.kerr@southampton.gov.uk
