BrightPaths

18/06/2026

Not sure when it’s the right time to request an assessment for your child’s SEND needs? You’re not alone.

Understanding the process, knowing what evidence may help, and feeling confident about next steps can feel overwhelming - especially when you’re already trying to support your child day to day.

Join BBPCF for our upcoming Bitesize Session: When to Request an Assessment.

📅 22nd June 2026
🕙 10:00am – 11:30am
📍 Child Development Centre, Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7EB

This session will help parent carers to:

✔ Understand when requesting an assessment may be appropriate
✔ Learn more about the process and what to expect
✔ Feel more informed and prepared for conversations with school and professionals
✔ Ask questions in a supportive environment

These sessions are designed to break information down into manageable, easy-to-understand guidance for families navigating the SEND journey.

📌 BBPCF events are for members.
Book via the Membership Portal: https://bbpcf.member365.org/

Not yet a member? Join free here: https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/membership

15/06/2026

Anna Freud are looking for mainstream secondary state schools in England to help by taking part in a national trial of the Learning Together for Mental Health Programme. Details below👇

We’re looking for mainstream secondary state schools in England to help us by taking part in a national trial of the Learning Together for Mental Health Programme 🧠

Our friends at Place2Be are trialling a whole-school intervention to help young people thrive. It looks at academic outcomes, mental health, feelings of belonging and engagement for students, reducing bullying, and fostering a positive school climate.

You’ll be randomly assigned to either:

📊 The trial group, where your school will receive the intervention and £500 as a thank you
📊 The control group, where your school continues as normal and you receive £1,000

What are the expected benefits?

An earlier version of this programme in 40 secondary schools showed:
✓ Improved academic achievement and attendance
✓ Significant reduction in bullying
✓ Improved student mental health and wellbeing
✓ Improved school climate and student-staff relationships
✓ Reduced substance use

The programme puts relationships at the heart of school improvement. Through training, your staff will gain practical skills to:
✓ Prevent and resolve conflicts without relying on sanctions alone
✓ Create calmer, more productive classrooms where positive behaviour flourishes
✓ Reduce teacher burnout by providing effective relationship-based tools

Find out more: https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/schools/learning-together-for-mental-health/?fbclid=IwVERDUAScogFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeFooOEKq4v8MxLF9SSdsQilmxXLntoEqxex8Qh41uvNKjshEZAk08GgawleI_aem_HE-L0Fo0wOcEMpUdzGJfjg

13/06/2026

Happy Global Wellness Day!

Wellness is not about being perfect- it is about taking small steps that help us feel happy, healthy and supported.

From eating nourishing foods and staying active to getting enough rest, enjoying nature and finding moments of calm, every little action can make a difference.

09/06/2026

This post follows on from last week’s reflection shared by one of the parents we work with. This time it’s a parent’s honest reflection about supporting a child in burnout .

This fits so seamlessly with a podcast we listened to recently from Tilt Parenting who spoke with
Clarke, Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner and Autism Specialist who talks about autistic burnout in children and teens and how it’s so often misunderstood, what to look for, and what actually helps.

🎧 Take a listen! Link in first comment…

08/06/2026

Friendship doesn’t have one shape or style, and neither does connection.

At BrightPaths, we believe every child deserves to feel understood, included and supported as they grow into who they are.

Today we’re celebrating all the different ways children form friendships, and the small moments that help them feel they belong. 💛

04/06/2026

This reflection was shared by one of the parents we work with, and we think it captures something many parents and carers experience.

When our children are struggling, our instinct is often to reassure, explain and try to make things better. But sometimes what they need most is for us to sit alongside them and acknowledge how they’re feeling.

If you’re supporting a child with anxiety, you’re not alone. If you’d like to talk through support for your child, we’re here to help.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01234 958493

03/06/2026

Behind every Bright Paths success story are volunteers who give their time, skills, and compassion to support children and young people.

From mentoring young people and creating content to supporting projects behind the scenes, our volunteers make a real difference every day. 💚

Thank you to all of our volunteers for the impact you make and the passion you bring to our mission.

Inspired by their stories? We'd love to hear from you.

Current volunteer opportunities:

🌱 Relational Mentor for Young People - Volunteer
📱 Social Media & Video Content Creator - Volunteer

Find out more and apply via the links below ⬇️

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4414341768/

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4417610253/

03/06/2026

The SEND Reform consultation has now closed.
This was a government consultation looking at how the SEND system could be improved for children and families.

We submitted a response based on what we see in our work with children and young people - especially those who are not currently getting the support they need.

Read more on our website, including our full response and reflection. Link in comments ⬇️

01/06/2026

Every statistic tells a story.

This year our volunteers have supported hundreds of children and young people to improve their emotional wellbeing, build resilience and feel more confident in themselves. Behind every percentage is a young person who felt heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you our wonderful volunteers who have made this possible. 💚

28/05/2026

Parents and carers — if you have a child with SEND, a new research project called ‘Scream and SEND’ wants to hear from you.

Led by parent campaigner Joeli Brearley, this research is looking at impacts of the current SEND system on families, education and employment.

It takes just seven minutes to complete their survey. Take part here: https://f.mtr.cool/amrvgghado