What do we do?
Being a parent or carer of a child with special needs can often feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Newham Parent Carer Forum, we are here to support one another and ensure your voice is heard.
Supporting Each Other
We create a safe space where parents and carers can:
- Listen and share experiences.
- Offer understanding and practical advice.
- Build connections with others who truly understand.
Making Your Voice Count
We gather the views, experiences, and concerns of parents and carers to ensure they’re included in local decision-making. This includes:
- Meeting regularly with Newham’s Director of Children’s Services and SEND staff to raise parent issues.
- Attending network meetings with other local voluntary groups and parent forums to share ideas and strengthen our voice.
- Joining regional cluster meetings to exchange best practices and stay updated on national developments in SEND.
Shaping Change Locally and Nationally
We work with organisations like the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), Contact, and the Council for Disabled Children to represent SEND families at a national level.
This includes:
- Attending national conferences and Department for Education meetings to share feedback.
- Contributing to national surveys to highlight the challenges families in Newham face and ensure they’re part of the bigger picture.