Blog

Welcome to the SYAS blog

Lady Gaga is shown from the chest up holding a microphone to her mouth and pointing off to the right of the image. Her her is blonde and in a bun. She is wearing lace covered in bright red roses and green vines.

Lady Gaga and her Fibromyalgia

Rowan Foster, one of the UVP Team and SYAS members, talks about Lady Gaga and her experiences with chronic illness and pain as a result of fibromyalgia.

Image Description: The creator of Pokémon, Satoshi Tajiri picture with a plush Pikachu. He is sitting in an egg chair that is red on the inside. He is wearing a black blazer with a blue top and black trousers. He is holding a large pikachu plush toy between his legs.

Satoshi Tajiri: how autism inspired Pokémon

Sarah Foreman, a member of the User Voice and Participation Team, talks about Satoshi Tajiri: a video game developer with Autism. He is well-known for his creation of Pokémon.

Image Description: Confucius in a wheelchair. The picture is a black and white drawing showing Confucius in a carridge-like wheelchair being pushed by a person. Three people who appear to be working in a field are greeting Confucius as he passes. The style is an ancient chinese design.

The History of Mobility Aids

As part of UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) Rowan Foster, one of our SYAS and UVP team members, looks back at the history of mobility aids,

A woman sits on a block with her knees hugged to her chest and her head resting on her knees. She is wearing a black camisole dress and has long hair. Her left arm has a prosthetic. The back ground is plain and the image is in grey-scale.

How Language Impacts Lives: Stigma and Ableism

Sabrina Peters, the SEND Participation Officer for the User Voice and Participation Team (Surrey), talks about the stigma around additional needs and disabilities, bullying and ableism.

"Jamie Oliver is picture leaning on a chopping board on a kitchen counter top. Wearing a blue-green sweat-shirt with his short hair brushed back, Jamie Oliver stares straight at the camera. The kitchen is tidy but decorated in a maximalist style using bowls, jugs, kettles, storage containers and plants."

Jamie Oliver: a chef with dyslexia

Jamie Oliver is a British celebrity chef with dyslexia. Read more to find out about his views and experiences on having dyslexia.
Written by Rowan Foster

Wooden squares scattered. Each square has a different capital letter written on it in black. & squares are shown in the middle that read: My Story

Comorbid Mental Health and SEND Needs

Rowan Foster, one of our SYAS members, shares her knowledge and experience with comorbid mental health and SEND needs. Contents Introduction Misdiagnosis The accessibility of treatment Chronic physical illness and mental health Lack of services Conclusion Introduction When someone has SEND needs, the way they experience the world and consequently the way they experience mental […]

Staying Safe at University

Whether you’re a fresher, returning student, or a postgrad, you’re likely to have a few concerns about the upcoming academic year. We’ve put together this blog post, detailing the changes you’re likely to see, and the guidance you need to bear in mind – we hope you find it useful.

Back to college safely in Surrey

If you’re over 16 and due to start or continue further education this academic year, it’s important you can get back to college or training safely. Being back supports your progress towards higher education or employment, but it’s also a more fun way to learn and develop, as you get to be face-to-face with tutors […]

“Keeping in touch with the people that matter is important”.

With the new guidelines of meeting people during lockdown, we understand it may be pretty difficult to get used to this! However, our UVP Apprentice, Amy, shares with you why it is important to keep in contact with your loved one! Read more to find out!

Loneliness

We have been hearing from children and young people that they have been feel lonely during this difficult time. Gina, a UVP Advocate in the team has created some top tips for being alone during self-isolation without feeling lonely. Check it out!

Online Safety – Myth Busters!

It’s important you make sure that you’re staying safe online. Our UVP Participation Officer, Helen, has crated some myth busters around online safety! See if you can get them right!

Reporting Cyber-Bullying

In a recent Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey 76% of young people had been affected by online bullying. 69% of young people who answered our Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey knew how to report online bullying, but if you are unsure how to, read more to find out how! Stay safe!

CYA: Cyber-bullying and the impact on young people’s mental health.

Cyber-bullying is fast becoming one of the biggest issues for young people. In a recent online Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey, young people told us that 76% had been affected by a type of online bullying, with the majority being victims of bullying on group chats or on social media platforms. Read more to find out […]

Anxiety

We have been hearing from SEND Youth Advisors that they are feeling anxious during self-isolation and that they would like more resources on anxiety. Do not worry – SABP have made an anxiety leaflet for you about what anxiety is and how you can get support!

How to – Strawberry and banana trifle

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, why not shower your kindness and make an appetising strawberry and banana trifle for your loved ones! Our User Voice and Participation Advocate, Sania, will show you how! Share your recreations with us, we hope you have fun making it, enjoy!

Contacting emergency services during COVID19

We have recently heard from children and young people that they are apprehensive to call emergency services due to the COVID19 outbreak. However, our Apprentice, Amy, from the User Voice and Participation team has created a brilliant blog post on why it is okay to contact emergency services during this pandemic. So, do not worry! […]

Kooth’s Kindness Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week

For Mental Health Awareness Week check out Kooth’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing! Kooth also challenges you to the Kooth Kindness challenge! 1) Offer to do the shopping. 2) Pay a few compliments. 3) Smile more often. 4) Express your gratitude. 5) Send a sad friend a funny video. Click below to see how you can […]

Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. Mental health can affect anyone, at any time. This year #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek is all about how much #KindnessMatters If you would like to get involved with #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 18th – 24th May 2020 get in contact with us! We’d love to share […]

Sleep self-care tips

We understand that during this strange time, it is difficult to catch some sleep. Therefore, we created some tips that can help you sleep so you can look after yourself! Let’s talk about good sleep hygiene, we hope this works out for you!

Domestic Abuse guidance – where to get help

If you’re worried about abuse, your safety, or the safety of your friends or loved ones, please take a look at the resource and information pack created for young people by the User Voice and Participation team’. Please be aware that this content may be triggering. Do not feel alone and seek help!

Dyslexia

One of our amazing SYAS member’s, Ryan, has created this fantastic blog piece all about dyslexia. It’s definitely worth the read! Click to find out more!  

Lost your job or struggling with finances?

Due to the recent COVID19 pandemic, we understand many people are in a vulnerable position who are facing financial struggles. Our User Voice and Participation Team’s Apprentice, Amy has put together advice and useful information if you are in hardships! Read more to find out.

Staying safe online at home

Staying safe at home is important. If you feel you’re struggling, be sure to reach out to people who can help you! For more safety advice, read more to find out!

Anger

Have you been feeling angry recently especially since this COVID19 pandemic? Helen, a Participation Officer from the User Voice and Participation team created a post about anger and ways of coping with it!

10 ways to connect with nature without leaving your home this Spring!

Tired of staying at home during quarantine and fear you’re missing out this Spring? Do not worry – find yourself doing different activities and connect with nature this Spring! Spring brings an uplifting and a sense of comfort, so enjoy it while you can!

Students help isolated people during Covid19 through #Task4Help

Since Universities have closed, students are out to help people in self-isolation using the new initiative #Task4Help launched by UniTaskr app. Through this app, people can task students to collect supplies and deliver in their homes! How thoughtful, right?! Read more to find out how this service has been helping so many vulnerable people!

Self-care tips during COVID-19

It’s difficult keeping your mental health positive and being distracted from this COVID-19 isolation we are all in. So, one of our amazing CYA Staines member, Tiffany, has kindly shared her experience and thoughts on taking care of your mental health. Thank you, Tiffany! Read more to find out!

CYA Guildford wellbeing workshop – ‘Flower of positivity’

Yesterday, CYA Guildford took part in a virtual workshop with Gareth from the CYP Haven, and collaboratively created this flower of wellbeing with petals of positivity on Zoom! We hope this flower brightens your day 🙂 Thank you CYA Guildford!

News: UK coronavirus rules relaxed for people with autism and learning disabilities

The UK government has announced their change in policy for those people that have autism and learning disabilities. Now, there are flexible measures for people with autism and learning disabilities can now exercise more than once a day and travel outside their local area with precaution under lockdown guidelines. How amazing! Check out the link […]

Self-care activities

One of our wonderful CYA Guildford member, Hannah, has created an amazing poster of her tips and ideas of activities you could do for self-care! A big thank you to Hannah. Check it out!

Kooth are still here for you!

We would like to remind you that Kooth are still available to support your wellbeing! Check out their posters below for more information.

Covid19 & Exams

Are you feeling uneasy about what’s happening with your GCSE or A-Level exam grades this year? Check out our video on SYAS Facebook or our Instagram IGTV! Dom explains all! https://www.facebook.com/SurreySYAS

Isolation Vlog!

As we come to the end of World Autism Awareness Week, Andrew who is a SYAS member has created a Vlog; A week in the life of Andrew during self-isolation! Make sure to check it out on SYAS Facebook – Add us as a friend on SYA Surrey! Or follow us on Instagram @ourvoicesurrey https://www.facebook.com/SurreySYAS

Positive News

As we near the weekend, we would like to share with you some positive news stories we heard in March 2020! Make sure to check them out! We would love to hear your positive news, get in touch!

World Autism Awareness Week!

We are so proud and privileged to be able to share Emma’s experience with ASD! Emma’s experience highlights Girls with Autism and Wishes for the Future – please take a moment to read and share! Thank-you Emma!

Isolation Tips!

Self-isolating can be really difficult so Georgia in the User Voice and Participation Team has created a guide to self-isolating, including fun activities you can be doing at home! Make sure you check them out! If you do any of the activities we’d love to hear from you and see what you’ve created!

Virtual Support!

The User Voice and Participation Team would like to share what virtual Emotional Well-being and Mental Health support is available to you! Accessing virtual support is so important to keep ourselves emotionally and mentally supported especially during self isolation! Make sure to check the services out!

How To Keep a Structure During Self Isolation

During this unsettling time it can be difficult to keep a structure or routine whist self-isolating. Joe, an apprentice in the User Voice and Participation shares some top tips on what we can be doing during self isolation! Check them out here!

How to look after your mental health during Coronavirus

We understand that there is panic within our communities due to COVID-19, and we can only do as much as we can to protect ourselves and others around us, physically and mentally. An advocate within our User Voice and Participation team, Sania, created a blog post on top tips to protect your mental health during […]

Stop Bullying!

Bullying has a huge effect on young people’s mental health which can result in school refusal, high anxiety, depression, low mood and can also have a detrimental impact on young people’s education. Check out what CYA would like Surrey and schools to do to stop bullying! Remember be kind always!

Coping Calendar: Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind

Action for Happiness has create a Coping Calendar! Click here to check it out – 30 actions to look after ourselves and each other during this difficult time.

Virtual SYAS

We are proud to announce Virtual SYAS is taking place next week via Facebook Video Chat Friday 27th March! Come and join in!

YES! Awards 2020

What a wonderful evening we had, celebrating children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities amazing achievements at the YES! Awards 2020! Take a look at an overview of the evening!

Mental Heath Awareness 2020

During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked CAMHS Youth Advisor Freya a few questions on why mental health awareness is so important. Make sure to check it out – includes top tips for being brave!

SYAS – SEND Youth Advisors Surrey

SYAS is a participation group for children and young people age 10-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) living in Surrey. There are two SYAS groups across Surrey: Epsom – runs the 3rd Wednesday of every month Woking – runs the 1st Thursday of every month If you would like to be involved make […]

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