Here is a bit about us, so that you can see a little of what we do and how you can help us to help you. We are a family friendly independent forum made up of parents who have a broad spectrum of SEND children with a range of needs. Our own experiences make us passionate and committed to ensuring parents or carers of SEND children and young adults 0-25, have an opportunity to be heard. What does it mean to be Independent? It means that we have no bias to any service or department, We can speak freely about what is working and what is failing in our SEND community. We can act as a critical friend without prejudice to the local authority and various boards, as and when they make decisions. We can raise concerns and divert attention to how these decisions will directly impact our families, we can steer change realistically with high expectations and equality for all. We are included in the vote to agree or disagree with how services are to be created and amended. Our job is to be specific and realistic with the various departments we encounter. Our independence means that we can explain to our community what decisions have been made and why. What are our aims? We want greater transparency so that all parents and carers understand what services are available to them and how they can gain access. We want to significantly improve services for all SEND children and young adults no matter what the disability or additional need. We want to build strong connections with already well established family groups and networks so we can work together. We know how important your views are and we will always treat them with respect and integrity. We will endeavour at all times to bring to the attention of the relevant service’s your views. We will continually strive to support our community of parents and carers to achieve the best outcome possible. We will always work in an open, honest way, with a balanced view of what we can achieve and what local service providers can commit to. What do we do? We meet with the Local authority at a strategic level and work in partnership with the NHS trust, Clinical Commissioning Group, Medical professional’s and charities. We speak on behalf of parents and carers across Southend and we hope to instigate discussions, shape agendas, influence important decisions and bring about as much change as is possible. How can you get involved? Become a member through our Facebook group or our website and in the coming weeks you can take part in surveys to help us to understand the things that matter to you most. Be part of constructive conversations, exchange ideas and share experiences so that we can represent your needs in the best way possible. Share our vision with others so that we can continue to grow our community and make some positive change’s in the future! Visit us at www.southendsendindependentforum.co.uk
We look forward to working with you all in the future and bringing about the change that all our children and young people deserve! The team
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