Bury2gether- Bury Parent/Carer Forum

24/08/2026

Survey on autism and ADHD assessments over the past 14 years.

WE NEED YOU! Today, we are launching our most ambitious community survey yet, and we need to hear from as many of you as possible to have the biggest impact.

The Government has data about how many people ask for autism and ADHD assessments, but it doesn't have good evidence about why. This missing data means the Government doesn't understand the rise in demand for assessment.

Our survey will bring the reality of your lived experience directly to the Government.
If you, your child or someone you support has been on a ADHD or Autism waitlist at any point over the last 14 years, we want to hear from you.

You’ve waited long enough. Let’s make sure your experience is finally heard.

🔗 Take part here: https://autismaction.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02LZFaHojyfSxP8

Help us reach as many people as possible by sharing this post!

18/08/2026

Information on autistic burnout.

Autistic burnout is more than just feeling a little tired. It may also co-exist with depression or be mistaken for depression, which can make it harder to recognise and get the right support.

It often also shows the hidden cost of coping in environments that don’t meet autistic people’s needs.

If you're a parent, partner, carer or professional, it can be worrying and confusing when you can't understand what may be going on for an autistic person you support. It may look as though nothing has changed in their life. There may have been no major life event and no obvious reason why they are finding it harder to cope.

Autistic burnout may be one reason for persistent or increasing difficulties in everyday life. Burnout isn’t a behaviour problem to fix. It’s a sign that demands have exceeded capacity - and the most helpful response is more understanding, fewer demands, safer environments, and gentler support.

Read our autism advocate and consultant Helen Edgar’s blog to learn more about autistic burnout and why recovery starts with meeting autistic people’s needs. https://orlo.uk/ImmMy

NHS England Workforce, Training and Education

18/08/2026

Work, Housing and Independence - for parents/carers of autistic young people/adults. Join the coproduction session to help improve Bury services.

What could make life more independent for autistic people in Bury?

Our next Bury Autism Co-production Network session is for parents and carers.

We'll be exploring work, housing and independence, sharing experiences and discussing what support is needed to help autistic people live the lives they want.

Whether you're supporting a young person preparing for adulthood or an autistic adult, we'd really value your experience and ideas.

Wednesday 26th August
4:30pm – 6:00pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

If you'd like to join us, send us a message and we'll send you the link.

Alt text: Promotional graphic for the Bury Autism Co-production Network's online Work, Housing & Independence session for parents and carers on Wednesday 26th August from 4:30pm to 6pm. The graphic features illustrations representing housing, employment, support and an online meeting.

18/08/2026

A meet-up for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families/carers.

Come for the plants and cream tea, stay for the people and vibes 🌿🧡⚡️

Open to families in Greater Manchester and Beyond…!
Email to book before Friday ☺️

14/08/2026

Is your child getting the support they need at school?

Mainstream schools in England must do everything they can to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but it isn’t always easy to know what help your child should be receiving or what to ask for.

We’ve updated our advice on extra support in mainstream schools. It explains:

✅ What SEN support can look like
✅ How the assess, plan, do and review cycle should work
✅ What should be included in an SEN support plan
✅ The role of your child’s SENCO
✅ Questions to ask at a meeting with school
✅ What to do if your child needs more help

With children preparing to return to school, it’s a useful page to read now — or save for when you need it (link is in the comments)

What is one thing you wish you’d known about SEN support?

13/08/2026

Today at the Lowry

13/08/2026

GM Disability Justice Picnic
1-4pm, Saturday 22nd August
Alexandra Park Pavilion & Cafe M16 8PJ
Food, Drink, games, socialising, open mic.

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

The ‘SEND reform: putting children and young people first’ public consultation offered the opportunity for people to share their views on the government’s suggested changes to SEND support in early years, schools and colleges.

The Participation team at CDC worked throughout the consultation to support disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs (SEN), to share their experiences and ideas, and help shape the government’s plans.

423 children and young people aged 8-25 years olds spoke to them and their partners. Here are some key recommendations based on their feedback:

Centre young people’s voices – involve them from the very beginning
Be clear on, and communicate, the roles and responsibilities of services
Make support available without diagnosis
Ensure young people and families have access to clear information
Make the national curriculum more flexible and give young people the skills they need to thrive as adults
Ensure that schools and services are accountable to young people and families
Create cultural change in mainstream education to promote inclusion, accessibility and belonging
Provide consistent support throughout a young person’s education journey
Improve training for education staff to meet the needs of young people

"Just because we can articulate that something is wrong, it doesn’t mean we know the right solution. You need to work with us to help us work out what works for us." Young Person

“We want to learn, listen when we tell you about our additional needs.” Young Person

“We have a right to have a voice, and we have a right to not feel judged." Young Person

Thank you to all practitioners who supported their young people to take part in this work!

Read a full report, a summary of the report and easy read guide here.

We've published engagement plans and accessible resources on five areas from the SEND reform consultation to support those who wish to run their own sessions with disabled children and young people and children and young people with special educational needs.

12/08/2026

What does independence mean to you?

We're inviting autistic adults, parents and carers across Bury to join our next online co-production sessions focusing on Work, Housing & Independence.

This is your opportunity to share your experiences, discuss what's working well, identify what needs to improve, and help shape future autism support across Bury.

Parents & Carers
Wednesday 26th August
4:30pm – 6:00pm

Autistic Adults
Thursday 27th August
5:30pm – 7:00pm

The sessions are friendly, welcoming and held online via Microsoft Teams.
If you'd like to take part, send us a message and we'll send you the joining link.
Your lived experience matters because the people who use services are the experts.

Alt text: Cream promotional poster for the Bury Autism Co-production Network advertising online Work, Housing & Independence co-production sessions for parents and carers on 26th August and autistic adults on 27th August, featuring illustrations of a house, briefcase and online meeting.