CEDA Latest

Swop to Facebook

2010-04-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

In the interests of productivity blah blah blag, a notice to all you people following this blog that we have launched a CEDA Facebook site - www.facebook.com/cedaexeter
- all updates and info will be posted on this page and this blog is suspended for the now.

CEDA Summer Sizzler

2010-04-09T05:06:00.001-07:00

Mark Saturday 15th May in your diary. That's when "Heart of CEDA", our user group have organised a Variety Show Extravaganza with fun for the whole family - bouncy castles,face painting, table top sales and refreshments will be available all afternoon from 2-6, with Variety Style acts - including Martial Arts Display, Steel band, acoustic and accapella singers, and a magician - to entertain you.
Money raised will fund social activities for our disabled adult students - a group for whom going out has traditionally been prohibitively expensive because of their support needs. After a successful trip to The Comedy Club in March, the students want to keep the momentum going and keen to arrange more outings.
Come and support them and have a great afternoon yourself too.
This event will be held at St Peter's School on Quarry Lane on The Broadfields estate, and all are welcome.

Get Online with our free workshops

2010-04-08T02:27:00.000-07:00

CEDA is hosting yet another series of free workshops, introducing computers and the internet. These workshops will be throughout late April and May, so phone us now on 01392 360645 to book your place.

2010-03-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

CEDA's new soft playroom is surpassing our expectations - the children love it and its benefits for sensory integration and play therapy are becoming ever more apparent. We are now receiving requests from organisations who would like to use the room for the children they work with - availability is limited so if you have a small group of children who would benefit, contact us asap.

Try our after school club for free

2010-03-12T03:08:00.000-08:00

Any child in Exeter entitled to Free School Dinners can now access out of school activities through the "Don't Stop Me Now" scheme. This gives children the opportunity to try out our after school club for free for a term. Children and their parents/carers can choose which evening they would like to come. We have a range of fully inclusive activities, including accessible sports sessions and gardening, computers and filming, sensory and soft play area, arts and crafts, cooking, and some exciting new projects about recycling and the environment coming up. For more info, or to visit and see what we offer, ring Sam Harris on 01392 360645.

Balloon Race and Bus Launch

2010-03-12T02:42:00.000-08:00

The air above Exeter City Centre will be filled with Red Balloons on Saturday 27th March, with fantastic prizes including luxury hotel stays to be won. Donate a recession- busting £1 to set off your balloon and help your local charity for people with disabilities. Our vision is that disabled people should have the same opportunities as everyone else. We are delighted to have a new accessible bus, and the money raised from the balloon race will pay for evening outings which our disabled students would not otherwise be able to go on. This event has been organised by our user group - Heart of CEDA.

CEDA has new Soft Play Room

2010-03-12T02:36:00.000-08:00

That children love soft play has been long established; what is newer knowledge is the vital role that sensory integration plays in childhood development. It is now recognised that for many children with autistic spectrum conditions, dyspraxia, and other developmental and learning disabilities, sensory integration therapy can play an integral part in the resolution of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. CEDA staff are working with Devon County Council Occupational Therapy Sensory Integration Team to make best use of the playroom and train our staff in sensory integration techniques.

The Gentlest of introductions to computers

2010-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Here at CEDA we know that computers can be daunting if you don’t understand them or have never used one. So we are offering free workshops, giving some simple information and the opportunity to have a go on a specially designed user- friendly game, where you go at your own pace, and have as much support as you need.

We are a UK online centre and can introduce you to the internet very gradually. Many people have sent their first ever email from CEDA, and been amazed how easy it can be.

On Wednesday 24th February, we invite people to a “Gentle Introduction to Computers” workshop from 1.30p.m. to 4.30p.m. and on Thursday 25th February, we are providing am easygoing session on “Using the Internet Safely”, from 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.

Both sessions will be held at our fully accessible building on Exeter Business Park, near the Met Office. We are easy to reach by car or bus, and can give you full directions by phone or email.
If you would like to come to either of these sessions, or find out when sessions are running from March onwards, please phone Trish or Craig at CEDA on 01392 360645 or email craig.b@cedaonlinbe.org.uk.

CEDA hosts info and consultation event

2010-01-22T05:48:00.002-08:00

Next wednesday, 27th January 2010, Parent Carer Voice and Joint Agency Services Team Leaders will be here to answer your questions, hear your concerns and fill you in on new developments. We'll provide tea, coffee and nibbles, so you will have the chance to chat informally after the latest updates have been given. It's also a chance to find out about CEDA and meet children's staff.
The meeting starts at 7.30 - for travel directions please ring Trish on 01392 360645

2010-01-22T05:48:00.001-08:00

Delighted to see Joe Oliver is now following the blog!

Inclusive Sport

2009-12-10T03:56:00.000-08:00

Monday nights will be Sports Nights at CEDA's afterschool club in 2010. As I blog, our dynamic Sports and Activities Leader - Howard Hoskins - is liaising with various venues to create an exciting programme of accessible exercise. Disabled children from 5 upwards are welcome.

Christmas Glass Art Workshop

2009-11-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

Your chance to make a special Christmas gift, supported by a talented glass artist and CEDA staff. By providing the opportunity to work with colour and light, and enjoy festive refreshments CEDA will conjure up a little Christmas magic - on Wednesday 16th December from 10.00a.m. till 1.p.m. Get into the spirit of Christmas - phone Craig on 01392 360645 to book your place. An inclusive organisation based in an accessible building, CEDA is providing this workshop to appeal to people with disabilities and carers.

John Muir Award

2009-11-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

Starting in the new year, CEDA will be delivering the John Muir Award.

The John Muir award is and environmental award focusing on Wild Places. It encourages awareness and responsibility for the environment, in the spirit of fun, adventure and Exploration. In order to gain the award, participants must complete four challenges; Discover a wild place. Explore it, do something to Conserve it and Share your experience of it with others. The programme is flexible and fully adaptable and can apply to a wide range of wild places, from the top of a mountain to an overgrown area in a local park!
CEDA how has 3 fully trained John Muir Award Instructors, who can deliver the award to participants in both the Adults and Children’s Services. Please phone Howard Hoskins on 01392 360645 for more info.

Get Online Friday 23rd October

2009-10-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

ever wondered how to get on to Iplayer? As a UK online centre, CEDA is offering a series of workshops to Get Online. Come along to an information afternoon on Friday 23rd October, between 12.oonoon and 3.00p.m. to find out about upcoming free training opportunities. This is suitable for complete beginners, so even if you don't know how to switch on a computer, you don't need to feel daunted.

21st Birthday Celebration!

2009-09-21T02:57:00.000-07:00

CEDA 21st Birthday Celebration

21 years ago a group of local parents got together. Angry about the lack of opportunities for young disabled adults, they used their anger to fuel motivation to create a great new service.

21 years on, this Celebration at Exmouth Pavillions, on Thursday 24th September, will include a play performed by a group of learning disabled actors, and feature key students in a “This is your CEDA life” nostalgia trip, and an impressive home baked 21st Birthday Cake.

ABOUT CEDA

Initially fairly small, albeit providing valuable social and creative opportunities, CEDA has grown beyond all recognition, into a vibrant community where disabled people of all ages access inclusive opportunities.

From Vegetable Growing to Film making, from Creative Writing to Cookery, from Drama to Dance, CEDA believes that no disability should prevent people taking a full part in society.

With a thriving Holiday Club for Children, a fantastic range of course for adult students, and support for Carers, CEDA is an integral part of Exeter’s Community.

Free Computer Training

2009-09-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

You don't get much free these days. CEDA is offering free computer drop in sessions, workshops, and getting online courses. Please pass on to anyone who may be interested and ask them to phone 01392 360645 for more info.

Adult Services

2009-08-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

The new programme has got off to a good start. Here's the choice:

Mural making

Leisure IT

Topic Group

Music

Staying Safe

and that's just on a Monday!

Tuesday has:

Cooking

History

Sensory

Complimentary therapy,

Environment

Sports

Wednesday adds in

Photobook Communication

Using Computers

More Sport

and Thursday has

Basic skills

Social group

Christmas Crafts

Heart of CEDA

Relationship

and on Friday there is

Drama

Chemistry

Sensory

Leisure IT

so, if you're surprised at the diversity of what we offer, come along and visit us, and see how we do it.
WARNING - A VISIT TO CEDA MAY ALTER YOUR PERCEPTION OF DISABILITY!

CEDA AGM

2009-08-19T05:37:00.002-07:00

Our AGM will be held on Thursday 24th September, from 2.00 - 3.30p.m. at Exmouth Pavilions. All our welcome to come and hear about the achievents of the last year.

Newsletter now out

2009-08-19T05:37:00.001-07:00

The Autumn issue of the newsletter is now out - collect one from CEDA or order one from the website. Or phone us up (01392 360645) and we're send you one.

Children's Clubs

2009-08-12T01:19:00.001-07:00

Places at CEDA for children are usually funded directly by the Joint Agency Services, or by parents using their Direct Payments. Parents of children who do not reach the threshold for joint agency services, can claim 80% of the cost back if they are eligible for the childcare element of working families tax credit. To be eligible, any parent living in the same household as the child needs to be working at least 16 hours per week.
Children within the Exeter Beacon Learning Community can access our afterschool club through the "Don't Stop Me Now" scheme, which offers out of school activities to children who are eligible fro free school meals. The Beacon Learning Community covers the following schools:
St James' School
St Luke's Science and Sports College
St Peter's Church of England Aided School
Stoke Hill Infant School
Stoke Hill Junior School
St Michaels Church of England (VA) Primary School
Ladysmith Infant and Nursey School
Ladysmith Junior School
St Nicholas Catholic Primary School
Whipton Barton Infants School
Whipton Barton Jonior school
Willowbrook Primary School
Pinhoe Church of England Primary School
Ellen Tinkham School

Information for Carers

2009-08-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

Information for Carers
CEDA is located on Exeter Business Park (near the MET Office) and is easy to reach by car or public transport.
Computer sessions for carers
Friday 23rd October is “Get Online” Day. As a UK online centre, we welcome you to CEDA for free, user friendly sessions, which will help you feel confident online. Drop in from 12.00noon to 3.00p.m. - you will work at your own pace, and once registered, can access the “My Guide” training from other computer – or come back to CEDA for more free sessions and drop ins.
Drop in sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times.

September 2009
Wednesday 16th
10.00a.m. – 12.00noon
October 2009
Wednesday 28th
10.00a.m. – 12.00noon
November 2009
Wednesday 25th
10.00a.m. – 12.00noon
December 2009
Wednesday 9th
10.00a.m. – 12.00noon
Phone Trish or Craig on 01392 360645 for more info and directions.

Carer Support
We offer the opportunity for carers to join a small confidential support group, and have 2 spare places in a group starting this autumn. Please phone Trish Oliver on 01392 360645 to regiswter interest and find out more.

Adult Learning Courses

Using Computers
Tuesday Evenings beginning October 6th -6.30 – 8.30

Personal Development
Tuesday Evenings beginning October 6th – 6.030 – 8.30

The Benefits of Complementary Therapy
Thursday Evenings beginning October 8th – 6.30 – 8.30

Creativity – Crochet Skills
Thursday Evenings beginning October 8th – 6.30 – 8.30

For more details of any of the above; contact Trish Oliver at CEDA.
Phone 01392 360645
Email trish.o@cedaonline.org.uk

2009-08-04T07:45:00.001-07:00

From September, we will be offering another round of free training to help carers feel confident online. We also have 2 spaces left in a small support group. Phone us on 01392 360645 if you are interested.

CEDA SERVICES

2009-07-24T01:54:00.000-07:00

To update you on the services we offer at CEDA:

For Adults - a range of quality activitiesmalls in the day, a user led curriculum includes cooking, gardening (accessible allotment and sensory garden) computers, music, drama, mad experiments in chemistry sessions, accessible communications sessions, art, literacy, creative writing, life skills.
All set in a social interactive context.

For Disabled People and Carers - early evening enrichment courses - including personal development through scrapbooking, crochet, computers and complementary therapy

For Carers - small confidential support groups, and drop in/info sessions

For Children - afterschool, Saturday, and School Holiday Clubs. These are always popular, including lots of outings to Devon's many attractions, and sport, drama, arts and crafts, computers, cooking, sensory sessions and play at CEDA. Children also use our accessible allotment and sensory garden.

For more info on any of the above, please phone 01392 360645

Disability Show

2009-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Just about to go and set up for the Disability Show at Westpoint in Exeter - come and visit us there this weekend.

2009-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

The holiday club is about to start at CEDA. This year it is packed full of outings, sports, harvesting the vegetables at our allotment, drama, film making, alongside all the usual favourites - music, computers, arts and crafts and visits to playparks.
The Playpark has asked CEDA kids to help them in making a documentary to show just how great the playpark is.
We're more aware than ever of the need to provide some new services for teenagers. We are hearing from parents that there are gaps in provision, both for activities for older kids generally, and in transition. Keep feeding your ideas for what you need to us, and they will inform our plans. Email me at trish.o@cedaonline.org.uk with your thoughts etc.

Own a signed Harry potter Gold DVD!

2009-07-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yes you can! CEDA is auctioning a Gold DVD of the Harry Potter film "Order of the Phoenix". Signed by Daniel himself. We also have a signed album of "The Joshua Tree" U2's seminal album from back when we all really believed in Bono........
And, for you footie fans, the original 1966 team who took England to Victory in the World cup - you can bid for a signed photo.
All come with full certificates of authentifications.
Email me for more details at trish.o@cedaonline.org.uk.
But hurry........tempus fugit.

Lots happening

2009-07-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

CEDA kids club is busy as ever, with a range of sports, drama, film and other activities happening. As ever, our children go on lots of outings, and a huge variety are planned over the summer holidays - Sam and Heather have been heard groaning as they make the many necessary arrangements!
We have splaces in our kids club, and now is the time to organise sessions for afterschool or Saturdays in September. We like to meet the children and their parents, and give them both a chance to see what we offer, and tell us anything they would like us ton know - likes, dislikes, medical info etc.

Adult CEDA students have a month left to go with this term's programme. Gardening and Complementary Therapies have been popular additons. Tuesday's cookery group is an old favourite, Rosie adds her special brand of magic both to the session and the meals! They taste great. Everyone wants to be at CEDA on a Tuesday. We offer an amazing range of courses for disabled adults - you are always welcome to come and see what we provide - be prepared to be surprised!

internet and email

2009-06-23T01:42:00.001-07:00

Hurrah - internet and email upgrade up and running now at CEDA

Kids clubs at CEDA

2009-06-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

There are some spaces in all our kids clubs - holiday, Saturday, afterschool. Referral process takes 2 - 3 weeks as we like to meet you and your child, and give them a bit of time to get used to us etc. We do range of activities - from arts and crafts and filming to gardening and sport. Our Sports and Activities Leader ensures everyone is included. To find out more, visit our website, or come and see us at the Clare Milne Centre on Exeter Business Park - near the Met Office.
Phone 01392 813028

internet hell

2009-06-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

No internet at CEDA this week - how we are all so dependent on computers!!!! - or more accurately broadband. PLease phone us on 01392 360645 if you need a speedy reply to any communication.
Going to the MET Office today to kick start interest in CEDA and disability awareness.

2009-06-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

lots happening at CEDA - the charity in Exeter providing opportunities for disabled people of all ages. Loads of sport going on with our very own Howard Hoskins. And more IT training for carers coming up in September.

Open Afternoon

2009-06-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's today - 1.00p.m. with Pimms and Heather's delicious cake. Happy Birthday to CEDA - where did all those years go - LOL
If you are reading this after today, then pop in and see what great things we provide anytime. Loads of education and socializing for disabled adults, and loadsa fun for the kids.

Nearly There

2009-06-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone Craig here, we've all been very busy preparing for the CEDA open event taking place on Friday, 1-3pm if you didn't already know... great excuse to slip away from work early and join us as we kick off our birthday celebrations, you can even grab a slice of cake and glass of pimms if your there early enough.
Everone has been working hard on setting up some fantastic displays and producing new litriture explaining all the new things CEDA are launching.

As well as the open day we are getting ready for the long 7 week childrens holiday, battling the rain to access our fantastic fully accessible allotment and keeping up with all this modern technology. The new website if well under construction now, and when it is all finished expect to see this blog on there and updated frequently.

Well hope to see you on Friday and click follow to receive updates everytime either Trish or I add to the blog.

1.00p.m. start for open day

2009-06-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

aaaaarrrgh - typical me - I have beeen saying the open afternoon on 12th June starts at 1.30 - by which time you will have missed Ren's speech, the cutting of the cake and the Pimm's. So please arrive at 1.00p.m. so that you get more than cake crumbs and dregs of Pimm's, and the last half sentence spoken by Ren.

Spent a very hot and sticky day at the Corn Exchange today - now fired up with how to get the funding we need for our respite services pilot - although a scary to actually move it forward, it is needed and what CEDA can offer will mean more choice for all those carers needing breaks, and disabled people needing breaks from their carers - watch this space......

2009-06-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

You can follow this blog to find out all the latest info about CEDA. CEDA is probably Devon's bet kept secret. We provide opportunities for disabled people of all ages - children, young people in transition and adults. You'll be surprised at some of the things we offer - gardening at an inclusive allotment, dance, debate, computers, to name but a few. We have sensory rooms and a sensory garden. A fantastic playroom with loads of toys, and a "teenagery" music room. One of the special things about CEDA is its staff - they go the extra mile to offer a bespoke service to every CEDA student or CEDA user. You are always welcome to have a look round - we're easy to get to - being by the MET Office at Exeter Business Park. We have an open afternoon on 12th June - one to put in the diary.

2009-05-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

really happy day for the kids today - lovely sunshine - everyone smiling.

Open day coming up on 12th June - good to let people see what we do.

So much going on and hoping it all comes to fruition.

HERE GOES

2009-05-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

Here goes.....the first entry of many in the CEDAlatest blog. This will keep y'all updated on all the latest fun, games and developments happening at CEDA. You can checkout our latest film - made by a group of young learning disabled people on our website soon. We have a fantastic new inclusive allotment,; we are looking for volunteers to keep an eye on the plants, water, plant new things etc for any greenfingered bloggers out there.

Trish