Blackburn with Darwen Parent Carer Forum

02/07/2026

After meeting with the local authority and Andrew from YPS today we can now clarify a few things around the HAF sessions :-

Has the criteria changed?
No, the criteria has not changed 85% of the funding is directly aimed at those recieving benefit related free school meals.
15% of the funding is then directed at children with vulnerabilities- this includes SEND and looked after children.

How do I get a voucher if I’m not automatically entitled via free school meals ?
These are distributed through YPS please contact [email protected] or 01254 298622.

Not sure if you are entitled to benefits related free school meals ?
Please visit : https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-and-pupil-support/free-school-meals or pop into a local children’s centre or family hub for support.

If you have any comments, concerns or queries about HAF please do contact us and we will endeavour to have your voice heard.

Many thanks
Blackburn with Darwen Parent Carer Forum

30/06/2026

Hi all,

We just wanted to share information about the service for parents / carers of neurodivergent children, 'Neu Way Support'. It will replace the Family Autism Service.
Here is the link to further information on Spring North's website:

As a parent or carer, you know your child better than anyone. If you’ve noticed changes in how they communicate, learn, interact or experience the world, it’s natural to have questions. You may be wondering what those differences mean, where to seek advice or how to find the right support.

19/06/2026

Calling parent carers who have been accessing support from the Family Autism Service:

We have been made aware that the Family Autism Service is closing at the end of the month, with a new service taking over from the 1st July. Families registered with the FAS should have received an initial email from Spring North.
If you have any comments, questions or concerns about the closure of the Family Autism Service or the change to autism support services in Blackburn with Darwen that you would like us to raise with the ICB on your behalf, please share them with us. You can comment on this post, send us a message, or email us to let us know your thoughts. Any information you share with us will be anonymised.
Our email address is: [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you :)

26/05/2026

Up coming event :)

SEND Family Quiz Night 🌟

Join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and family-friendly quiz games! 🧠✨

Bring the whole family along to enjoy:
🎉 Fun quiz rounds for all ages
🥧Pie and Pea super
🏆 Prizes to be won
💙 A relaxed and welcoming environment for SEND families

📅 Date: 24th June
⏰ Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
📍 Location: Darwen Youth Zone Darwen BB3 2RD

Come together, make new friends, and enjoy a brilliant night out with our SEND community.

Spaces may be limited, so please book early!

To Book please use the QR Code on poster or click on the link ...

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/U8rFmrbs9j

19/05/2026

Are you aware of this for your nursery aged child 👀

14/05/2026

Blackburn with Darwen early years send support service are putting on a song and sign course for parents of children 0-5 why not email them to find out more :)

Next course starts soon 🎵😁

13/05/2026

Hi all, we've received the following update from the ICB regarding the referral / assessment pathways for ADHD/ Autism.
This only affects ADHD assessments for children and young people over 11 years in our area. If you have any questions or queries about what is happening with these assessments, please feel free to comment or email us at: [email protected] as we're continuing to raise questions with the ICB and to stress the importance of resolving this for young people and their families.

UPDATE:
Update on service plans for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with no additional mental health diagnoses

Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) continue to work together to identify new arrangements for the un-commissioned children and young people's ADHD and ASD service for those with no additional mental health diagnosis. We remain committed to providing the most suitable future sustainable model for our children and young people and their families. During this time, the current referral arrangements will remain in place. Given the complexity of the work required, it will take some time to work through the model of care and the development of the commissioned pathway. We anticipate that we will be in a position to provide an update within the next few weeks.


We recognise the long waits that young people are currently experiencing. Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB are commissioning additional capacity to increase appointments for assessments, and we are working to safely manage the transfer of the waiting lists. All those affected will be notified in due course. Where urgent or deteriorating needs have been identified, professionals who are active within the child or young person’s care, will escalate these through standard urgent response care pathways.