North Somerset Parents’ Group Relaunches With New Name

An independent group that provides parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) a means to voice their concerns with local authorities and service providers, has changed its name.

Previously known as ‘Our Voice Counts’, the parent participation forum has relaunched as ‘North Somerset Parent Carers’, a name designed to better reflect the group’s core values.

“Working in isolation to get the service or help your child needs can be a lonely job,” said Guy Kingston who heads the group.  “As parents and carers of children with disabilities or additional needs, we know making your voice heard can sometimes feel like trying to achieve the impossible. But by coming together and acting as one we can make a huge difference.”

Guy says the first objective of the name change is to make sure all parents in North Somerset who have SEND children between the ages of 0-25 know that the group is there.

He added: “There are around 5,000 children with disabilities and additional needs currently living in the county. We want to grow our membership so parents feel they are not alone and have a channel to voice any questions or concerns they may have.

“For the first time, the new Ofsted/CQC inspection regime means service providers have to pay attention and show they have listened to what we say, so it’s vital parents don’t suffer in silence.”

North Somerset Parent Carers aims to provide a voice for parents of SEND children who have a wide range of special needs including autism, visual impairment, ADHD, Down’s syndrome and hearing problems to list just a few.

Guy says his own experience of the challenges faced has given him a real insight to the hurdles put in parents’ way.

Guy said: “The level of bureaucracy and hoop-jumping needed to get the required support is excruciating and I know from first-hand experience how frustrating it can be.”

One of the first events being organised by the group is a forum on November 30 where parents can meet North Somerset SEND decision makers, including heads of department from education, health and social care. Further details can be found on the groups’ Facebook page or website.

Guy added: “We plan to hold numerous forums and events where parents and carers can meet other families and find out about local services and have a say on how things are affecting them.

“Any concerns will be put directly to commissioners and those responsible for service provision in the North Somerset area and we will make a big difference to how these services are run.”

For further information please visit: www.nsparentcarers.org.uk, ‘like’ on Facebook @nsparentcarers or follow on Twitter @nsparentcarers.