Somerset Parent Carer Forum is an independent not for profit Community Interest Company formed by parent carers in 2016. The forum feels passionately about ensuring all our children have the best chance in life and receive the correct support and services in order to achieve their full potential.

Our steering group meets once each half term and consists of parent carers, so together we have a stronger voice that can work towards improving the lives of families, children and young people with disabilities. We can achieve this by putting forward your concerns and issues to relevant key policy makers and service providers. To make this happen, we work alongside Somerset Council and NHS Somerset to have a better understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Somerset. We attend meetings, forums and workshops to make sure parent carers‚ voices and children‚ needs are being heard at all levels within health, education and social care services.

The forum runs regular coffee mornings (Chill and Chat) to provide opportunities for families to meet up and share time in a non-judgemental atmosphere with people who get. In addition, throughout the year we run information events, training sessions and produce newsletters. Check the events page on the local offer or our website which contains details about the work we do, useful resources and information for parent carers and local service providers.  Find out more about specific projects such as the resource library and Ollie the Flamingo and WISE Up Workshops.

The forum is open to any parent, grandparent or foster parent of a child or young person (aged 0 to 25 years) with additional needs, these may range from complex medical needs to challenging behaviour, learning or physical difficulties. The forum does not require a diagnosis as we believe help and support should be available at all stages of your journey. We want make information and ways to have your voice heard open to everyone so if you have specific needs then please contact us and we will work with you to help you have your say on local and national things that affect your child.

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities