SOUTHAMPTON PARENT CARER FORUM

WHAT IS A PARENT CARER FORUM?

A parent carer forum is a group of parents and carers of children with a special educational need and/or disability (diagnosed or not) who work with local authorities, education settings, health providers and other providers to make sure the services they commission, plan and deliver meet the needs of SEND children and families in the local area. The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) is made up of all of the parent carer forums from across England. The NNPCF ensures that local parent carer forums are aware of national developments. It promotes opportunities for the voice of parent carers to influence at a national level inlcuding to the goverment ministers. The NNPCF works closely with the Department for Education, the Department of Health, and other partner organisations to improve outcomes for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs and their families.

PURPOSE, VISION AND VALUES

Purpose: Southampton Parent Carer Forum exists as a force for positive change. At its core, our purpose is to make life better for parents of children and young people with additional needs in Southampton by creating a loving and supportive community in which we all belong, where our challenges are truly acknowledged, our voices are heard and respected, and together, we can shape the services that our children deserve.

Vision: Our Vision is for an accepting and empathetic wider community where the daily challenges faced by Parent Carers are recognised and understood, and there is a shared commitment to overcome them.

Values: Making life better for people and speaking up to fix a broken system isn’t always straightforward or easy so we lean on each other and all of our amazing employees, volunteers, stakeholders, partner organisations and family members to keep us going

CAN YOU HELP?

Southampton Parent Carer Forum is a thriving and active organisation driven by the desire to improve and shape services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We do this by influencing the design of policy and provision in the city of Southampton at the highest levels. The more we grow and develop our presence, the more we need to add to our dynamic team of change makers.

Sign up here to receive regular newsletters: https://sotonpcf.org.uk/join-us/ 

Would you be interested in: representing the voice of Southampton parents and carers at meetings and partnerships? being involved in surveys and consultations about aspects of provision in the city? supporting with events and promotional activity having access to training and activities that develop your skills and aspirations If so then we need to hear from you.

Contact details can be found on the attached information posters and on our website: https://sotonpcf.org.uk/