Sendac - Cumbria Parent Carer Forum

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Sendac - Cumbria Parent Carer Forum

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SENDAC is for all parents/carers who have a child with an additional need/disability living in Cumberland!

(No diagnosis required!)
Benefits:

- Free SEND training
- Free max card
- updates on SEND services

08/10/2026

07/10/2026

❗️ IMPORTANT CONSULTATION – POST-16 SEND TRANSPORT ❗️

Under the proposal, rather than the Council arranging transport such as taxis or minibuses, young people would receive a financial contribution up to the cost of a bus pass to use towards arranging their own transport to their education/training.

SENDAC has arranged a meeting with senior leads this Thursday to discuss the proposals in more detail. We have already raised a number of questions including for young people who cannot travel independently, families living in rural areas, those requiring specialist transport/support and families where suitable alternative transport may cost considerably more than the proposed contribution.

We would really encourage parents and carers to read the proposed changes and complete the consultation survey to share your views.

We’re asking for views on possible changes to home-to-school transport for young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are in Year 12 or above. This is known as post-16 transport. It supports young people who continue in education or training, usually at a college or sixth form.

No decisions have been made, and your feedback will be considered before any final decision is taken. The consultation closes on 20 November 2026.

Learn more and have your say: https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/post-16-send-transport

30/09/2026

We only went and won! 🥹🤍🏆

Earlier this month, we were incredibly proud to find out that both Georgina and SENDAC had been named finalists at the Diverse Cumbria Awards 2026, from hundreds of nominations.

Georgina was a finalist individually in one category, while SENDAC was a finalist in another. Now that in itself is a HUGE achievement! ✨ Although neither took home the award in their original categories… there was a bit of a surprise waiting for us!

SENDAC was chosen by the judging panel to receive the special Community Impact Award! 🏆✨

The Community Impact Award is new to 2026 and recognises work that reaches beyond one person and has an impact across a whole community throughout Cumbria. Unlike the other categories, it isn’t an award you can apply or be nominated for directly - it is chosen by the judging panel from all of the organisations and individuals present.

To be recognised in this way, particularly alongside so many incredible organisations doing amazing things across Cumbria, means an enormous amount to us. 🤍

Unfortunately, Georgina wasn’t able to attend on the night for her individual nomination, but our lovely SENDAC Rep Paul was there representing SENDAC and was able to collect the award on our behalf. We couldn’t let the moment pass without getting a few photos the next day though! 🏆

A huge thank you to the Diverse Cumbria Awards, to those who nominated Georgina and SENDAC, and most importantly to all of the parent carers who share their experiences with us and trust us to represent their voices.

This one really is for our whole SEND community. 🤍✨

30/09/2026

❗RESEARCH PARCTIPANTS WANTED: parent carers of children with EBSA ❗️

Are you a parent or guardian supporting a child/YP age 5-16 who cannot attend school due to Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and is enrolled in a mainstream school in Cumbria? Please take part in this research study. Your insights will help contribute to research on this very under explored area, helping to improve understanding of what life is like and what might support families like yours.

Please read below for more information

24/09/2026

🤍 BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026 🤍

We are incredibly proud of our Chair, Georgina, who was shortlisted as one of just four finalists in the Volunteer Category at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards. 🥹✨

Georgina gives an enormous amount of her time to SENDAC and to representing the voices and experiences of parent carers. She advocates, challenges, listens and works tirelessly to make sure families are heard and that their experiences reach the people who can make a difference.

We had a brilliant day at The Halston in Carlisle celebrating Georgina alongside so many amazing individuals and organisations doing incredible things in their communities.

Although Georgina didn’t take home the award, being shortlisted to the final four is an incredible achievement and recognition that is thoroughly deserved. 🤍

As lovely as occasions like this are, they also remind us why SENDAC exists. Too many families are still struggling to access the support their children need and our work is about making sure parent carers have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them and their children.

We couldn’t be prouder of Georgina and everything she has given to SENDAC. We’re very lucky to have her. 🤍

Congratulations Georgina! 🥹✨

24/09/2026

Extremely important for families to know about Martha’s rule. This triggers an urgent review when a patient’s condition is deteriorating and family members feel unheard. It is now being extended to all hospital A&E departments and waiting rooms.

Martha's Rule, which triggers an urgent review when a patient’s condition is deteriorating and family members feel they are not being listened to, is being extended to all hospital A&E departments and waiting rooms.

24/06/2026

Join us for a FREE live webinar exploring how Makaton and Talking Mats can work together to support understanding, self-expression, participation, and meaningful conversations.

📅 Tuesday 30 June 2026
⏰ 6:00pm–7:00pm
💻 Online

This practical introduction will explore how Makaton signs and symbols can be used alongside Talking Mats as part of a Total Communication approach.

Through real-life examples and video excerpts, we’ll share how combining these approaches can help people feel heard, understood, and more confident in expressing themselves and making choices.

Suitable for Makaton users, practitioners, educators, therapists, families, and anyone interested in Total Communication approaches.

Click here for more information and to register: https://bit.ly/4dqeDHN

Talking Mats

Address

Mardale Road
Penrith
CA119EH

Website

http://sendac.org/

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