Feel a bit daft and sheepish today...Yesterday went to support group meeting...There was only 3 of us there to start with then 2 latecomers...One new parent and we made her very welcome...We'd been discussing a few things and then i kinda cracked up a bit duh!!!...I NEVER crack up like i did yesterday in front of people...Felt especially bad as new parent there and she must now think am some kind of raving mad woman...Did try to assure her am not...One member has known me ever since eldest lad was diagnosed and she's never seen me like yesterday...That member works for carers centre and is now handing my name and details to a local group that give support and help to parents who are not getting the services they NEED...Also now have name of highest up person for social work within council <g> ...If head of disabilities team still says am not a high priority for getting new named social worker then official complaint will be going to the highest up boss...I know there is a lack of sw's on the team...Am not disputing that...I know parents with newly diagnosed children need help soon as possible...BUT mine are now coming to an age where they will be in transition between child & adult services...I know i can talk to a backup worker but that is frustrating to say the least...Here's the scenario:~
Me: Have a problem requiring social work so give them a call
Receptionist: Do you have a named worker and which team do you need
Me: No not since last june and it is the disabilities team
Receptionist: I'll put you on hold and see if backup worker is available
Me: twiddles thumbs thinking here we go again
Receptionist: Just putting your call through now
Backup: Hello can you give me your details and what is the problem
Me: Give my boys names, mine, address etc and then say the problem
Backup: Ok i have details on computer now could you give me background on X so i can see how i can help
Me: Now have to tell whole history of last 12 years in a sort of nutshell
Backup: Might be better if someone comes out to see you or you come into the office.
Basically i am fed up of having to go through history of the boys before can even get onto whatever my current problem is...Last backup worker i had out for a visit (after weeks waiting) was good but would only discuss eldest future needs review...It would be much easier having a named worker and just the one voice/face to deal with...I need help with things for both boys and this seems to be a big deal for them...They will discuss one but not the other!!!...Sorry but am parent to 2 special needs teenage boys...IT is easier for me to discuss their needs with ONE person and not a succession of faces...Their care package is unaffected by this (thank goodness) except for playscheme...The funding for that is still reviewed yearly...Wonder if anyone remembers that...Doubt it...Other parents cannot understand why i am not a high priority for being allocated a named worker as soon as one is available...Hmmmm single parent, no family living close by, 2 special needs children, 1 in desperate need of help with complex issues...Description makes us sound rather bad which we aren't...Well we weren't when i did have named workers...I just wonder what does this idiot head of team think a high priority case is...He has no experience in the field he is head of...I met him once and come across as some kind of wimpy, wishy washy person mouthing words he didn't mean...If i had a named worker then i would be able to say what our needs are at current time in time allocated for a visit...As i don't then i don't have enough time to say what is needed...Am fed up of it all and angry and probs this why i cracked up and spent yesterday in tears...
Met best friend after meeting...Haven't seen her for over a week and she needs my help...She won't say that like but she does...So we went for a coffee and sandwich and had a good old blether...Gave her advise she needs and will always be around to support her...Especially with what is about to happen...she's always very supportive to me...not lacking in support and shoulders to cry on it is professional support i am currently lacking for first time ever (cept for own GP and schools)
Decided last night sod it going to have a drink...Lucky i don't get hangovers as drank an awful lot of vodka LOL...Feel so much better today...Still will email new parent and apologise as don't like impression i gave...Am always the one who is seen as a very strong person, offering advice, shoulder to cry on etc...Conclusion being i guess we can all be very vulnerable at times...
Today just spent chillin in morning...Took eldest lad to fun club, youngest wanted to stay at home watching sky...Daughter was in so that was ok...As youngest has been on best behaviour all week i told him he can have a reward...started doing this to try get behaviour under control LOL...Unfortunately sainsburys didn't have the CD he wanted...So tomorrow we will have to go into town to buy it...He has also decided he thinks he may be able to stand for gig by Brian Mcfadden locally...Seated is sold out as venue is mainly standing only...He loves new single and fortunately so do i...Never though would say that i really dislike westlife...Am in 2 minds if to get tickets or not...New single is called Demons...Now instead of jekyll & hyde i think angel & demon is better description of youngest...
Quickly before i go found another reason need named SW...Found a place that does respite holiday breaks...Need referal from social worker LOL...See how can someone do a referal unless they know the family...Sounds nice place as they take care of the special needs members whilst the other family members go out and do own thing and have a rest...Must remember apply for holiday grant (still not done it)...Anyways am less stressed today just sheepish and embrassed...Toodle pip xx
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