About Derby SEND Voice
Derby SEND Voice was founded to provide a bridge between the parent and carers of children and young people with additional needs, and the people making the decisions that affect their families.
We believe that the best way to inform positive change is by listening to the experience and knowledge of parent carers and working in co-production with the Local Authority, Health, Education and Social care.
By attending strategic meetings, discussions and workshops, we give the collective voice of our members which is vital to the process of shaping services for SEND families in the City of Derby.
Mission
Our mission is to advocate for fair representation for SEND families and to make sure their voices are heard by policy makers in the Local Authority, Education, Health and Social care.
We aim to influence positive change and to empower parent carers in navigating the SEND landscape by offering signposting to resources, offering free training and workshops along with a supportive and understanding community.
Vision
Our vision is for a future that supports positive change to create a city where every child and young person is accepted for the unique and wonderful individuals that they are.
We want our children and their families to feel represented and to enjoy a sense of belonging. We wish for an inclusive system where children can access education to suit their individual needs. A city where young people feel supported into taking the next step in further education, the workplace and to independence. We want to help create a place where our children and young people and their families are able to access services without a fight, and to feel understood, happy and free to reach their full potential and have access to the opportunities they deserve.
What is a Parent Carer Forum?
A parent carer forum is a structured organization or group that brings together parents or caregivers of children with special needs or disabilities. Its primary purpose is to provide support, information, and a collective voice for these parents. Here’s a more detailed explanation of what a parent carer forum is and what it does:
- Support Network: Parent carer forums serve as a support network for parents who are raising children with disabilities or special needs. These parents often face unique challenges and can feel isolated. The forum provides a platform for them to connect with others who understand their experiences.
- Information Hub: These forums gather and share valuable information about services, resources, and educational opportunities available to children with special needs. Parents can exchange knowledge and learn about the latest developments in healthcare, education, and disability-related policies.
- Advocacy and Representation: Parent carer forums advocate on behalf of parents and children with special needs at local, regional, and national levels. They work to ensure that the voices and concerns of these families are heard by policymakers, service providers, and organizations involved in disability support.
- Education and Training: Many forums offer training sessions, workshops, and seminars to help parents become better advocates for their children. They provide information on topics such as understanding disabilities, accessing services, and navigating the education system.
- Collaboration with Local Authorities: Parent carer forums often collaborate with local authorities, government agencies, and service providers to improve the quality and availability of services for children with special needs. They participate in discussions and decision-making processes to shape policies and services that directly affect their children.
- Peer Support: Parents in these forums can share their personal experiences and strategies for coping with the challenges of raising children with disabilities. This peer support can be invaluable in reducing stress and providing emotional encouragement.
- Awareness and Community Building: Parent carer forums work to raise awareness about the needs and rights of children with disabilities. They also aim to build a sense of community among parents, creating a network of individuals who can offer guidance and empathy.
In essence, a parent carer forum is a vital resource for parents of children with special needs or disabilities. It functions as a support system, an information hub, an advocacy group, and a platform for collaboration, all aimed at improving the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Our Team
Meet our Team
All of our chairs and steering group have a wealth of experience both personally and professionally and so understand the challenges that families face on a daily basis.
Please take this opportunity to meet some of our amazing team.
