Shaping services together for families of 0-25 year olds with additional needs or disabilities
Somerset Parent Carer Forum is an independent not for profit Community Interest Company formed by parent carers in 2016. The forum feels passionately about ensuring all our children have the best chance in life and receive the correct support and services in order to achieve their full potential. We provide a voice for parents of children and young people with additional needs, opportunities for families to get together and build new friendships in an understanding and supportive environment
Why the community needs usAs members of the National Network of Parent Carer Forum's we support the development of parent carer participation, a process in which parents work together with professionals to make improvements to local services. We act as a conduit for a wide variety of local professionals in their work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.We hold consultations and information fairs where all parties can get together, get to know each other and get the help needed
Our impact on the communityBy bring services and those that use them together we have influenced changes to the way services are delivered. We have enabled families to have their views heard. We provide support to local families by providing a listening ear and signposting to help and resources. "This group has helped me loads as a parent they have made me see there is a light at the end of the tunnel for my son, they always give me advice when I am feeling down and makes me feel on top again with there support".
