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The WACA GR8 Minds, children's social prescribing and mental health service invited parents, and carers to a Special Educational Needs (SEN) event designed to inform and connect those supporting children and young people with additional needs.
The event, held at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley, gave the opportunity to meet a range of local support services, including specialist autism and learning disability support services, organisations that empowered children through creative arts as well as charities offering life-enhancing accessible activities.
Organisations were on hand to offer guidance, answer questions, and share information about the resources available to families navigating the complexities of SEN support.
Attendees also had the chance to network with other parents and carers, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
"This event was about bringing people together,” said Shameem from WACA “We know that navigating SEN services can sometimes feel overwhelming, so creating a space where families can access support, ask questions, and connect with others is incredibly important".
WACA would like to offer a special thank you to Rachael from AWARE who kindly did a talk on 'Emotional Support and Self-care' for parents and carers supporting children with special needs and took time to speak with parents individually on many aspects of their wellbeing.
To learn more about the GR8 Minds Service, visit https://www.wacalliance.co.uk/our-projects/waca-mental-health-service/gr8-minds.html
WACA are celebratingSocial Prescribing Day by hosting a series ofdrop‑in Social Prescribing clinics across local community venues, making it easier for residents to access personalised, non‑medical support close to home.
The clinics will give local people the opportunity to drop in, ask questions and speak directly with a Social Prescriber about what support is available to help improve their health and wellbeing. This may include support with social isolation, mental wellbeing, physical activity, financial worries, housing concerns, or help connecting with community groups and activities.
Social prescribing is an established part of WACA’s approach to improving health outcomes across Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven, helping people to access practical, community‑based solutions alongside traditional healthcare services.
Drop‑in clinic venues
WACA will be hosting Social Prescribing drop‑in clinics at the following venues:
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Grange Park Surgery, Burley in Wharfedale- Monday 23rd March 9:30am–12:00noon
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The Place - Duke Street , Settle -Tuesday 24th March 11:30-2pm
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Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley - Thursday 26th March 9:00–11:00am
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The Sangat Centre, Malborough Street, Keighley- Tuesday 7th April 10-12 noon
(No appointment required – residents can simply drop in during advertised times.)
Why Social Prescribing matters
Social Prescribing recognises that many factors affecting health and wellbeing sit outside of medical care. By connecting people to local activities, services and voluntary sector support, social prescribing helps individuals take greater control of their health, reduce pressure on GP services and strengthen community connections.
Who can attend
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Adults over 18 years of age, living in Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven
- People looking for support with wellbeing, lifestyle changes or social connection
- Anyone curious to learn more about social prescribing and what support is available locally
No referral is needed to attend the drop‑in sessions.
Find out more
You can read more about the WACA Adult Social Prescribing Service https://www.wacalliance.co.uk/our-projects/social-prescribing-service.html
The WACA GR8 Minds Team are holding an informative event showcasing the support available in your local community for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within Wharfedale and will give parents, carers and professionals the opportunity to speak with professionals, and access helpful resources.
The event is being held on Thusday 12th March at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley from 2pm - 5pm.
AWARE will be running a 'special guest talk' on Parenting an Autistic Child – Emotional Support and Self‑Care at 2.30pm
The event is free to attend but places must be reserved - to book, please visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-educational-needs-event-ilkley-tickets-1978826906546?aff=oddtdtcreator
For further information, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our Community Cancer Champion Sharon is running a Cancer Peer Support Group for patients of Ling House Medical Centre every other Tuesday from 10am - Midday.
The next group will run on Tuesday 24th February and will take place at the Mornington House building (across the car park).
The group will offer a safe and welcoming space to share experiences, receive emotional support and connect with others who have been affected by cancer.
For more information or to let us know you would like to come along, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This week we held a Men's Health Event at Skipton Golf Club for their members.
The event was supported by WACA's Cancer Champion, Sharon Cope, along with Dr David Thompson & assisted by Bob Jarman from the club.
Dr Thompson did a talk which outlined the pros and cons of Prostate Screening and following the talk, 37 members completed a PSA test and were also invited to have a full NHS Health Check.
The PSA test (prostate specific antigen) is a blood test to see if you might have prostate cancer. In England, the PSA test is available free to any well man aged 50 and over who requests it from their GP practice. To learn more about prostate cancer and PSA testing, visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/
The club ran a raffle for Prostate Cancer UK and raised an amazing £500 including a very generous donation from a local business.
