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In a global first, the European Space Agency has announced that they are looking to recruit an individual who is professionally qualified to be an astronaut, and has a physical disability. The project aims to provide an astronaut with a physical disability the opportunity to fly to space, for the first time in world history. 

Last week, the government announced that funding has been extended to help improve services and provide practical support to disadvantaged families and children with SEND. Organisations including Contact, Family Fund, the Council for Disabled Children and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums will share the £42 million to run projects in local areas.

Healthwatch continues to hear concerns about dentistry, which were first highlighted in the “Dentistry and the impact of COVID-19” report following a 452% rise in calls and complaints to local Healthwatch. In a follow-up review of people’s feedback on dentistry, we looked at a further 1,129 people’s experiences of accessing dental care, received between October and December 2020.

There are currently two thousand people with autism or a learning disability detained in secure inpatient settings, the majority of whom could be managed in the community according to evidence presented at a Health and Social Care Committee inquiry.

ITV want to hear from you for their show ‘Eat, Shop, Save’ which airs in the summer. The programme helps families facing ‘modern life burnout’ by looking at their diet, finances, fitness. ITV believe looking into the dietary requirements of a disabled child may be able to help other families that have a child with the same or similar condition. The closing date for entries is 31st March 2021.