Newsletter May 2025

Joanne Southall • June 1, 2025

PCF NEWS

In order to keep you up to date on all of the works we are involved in to ensure that your experiences are heard, we have created a new BLOG area on our website

PCF Blogs...

Here are some of the latest updates…..

It’s been a year since we published our May 2024 survey, and we’ve taken some time to reflect on everything that’s happened over the past 12 months.

The Parent Carer Forum has been involved in a wide range of work to help shape and influence local services. From sharing lived experiences to co-producing solutions with professionals, it’s been a year of challenge, progress, and learning.

As we look back, I want to take a moment to acknowledge every volunteer who has been part of this journey. Whether you’ve shared your story, attended a meeting, helped with an event, or just offered words of encouragement—thank you!

Read Our Blog:12 Months On From PCF Survey 2024

Culture Change In Action -Your Invited!

Culture Change in Action – Help Shape the Co-Production Charter”

Your feedback to date and results from the 2024 PCF Survey make it clear that professionals from all sectors sometimes miss the mark in terms of coproduction, culture and communication across our SEND community. The Council knows you want meaningful change, and are committed to developing a ‘Coproduction Charter’, detailing a series of ‘Pledges’ (in your own words), which are a shared commitment to values like trust, empathy, accessible language, and genuine partnership.

We would love for you to be part of developing this important set of ground rules on how parents/carers, children and young people, and wider families can expect to be treated. Meetings will be held online and face-to-face in communities across the borough so please register your interest here if you would like to be part of it.

In you cannot make any of the sessions you can still contribute by contacting us at info@pcfcheshirewest.org and/or katy.ellison@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Tap here to register your interest!

✨You said… We did! ✨

This time last year, we gathered your feedback through our Parent Carer Survey and a Facebook Poll to help shape our PCF Annual Planning!

A huge shout out to all our parent carers volunteers that has made this happen!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended Preparing for Adulthood event!

We’re so grateful to all the incredible speakers who shared their time, expertise, and experiences — but most importantly, to our young people, who were the true highlight of the day!

There powerful speeches moved us, inspired us, and reminded everyone why this work matters so deeply

Please visit the blog and find out more and to view all the presentations from the day.

Preparation for Adulthood Highlights

Explore the New Preparation for Adulthood Padlet in Progress!

Preparation for Adulthood – Start Your Journey Today!

A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who continue to be involved in developing the Padlets on the Local Offer. Your feedback is helping us shape easier access to support and information!

Got questions or feedback? Anything that should be added?

✉️ Contact the Livewell Co-Ordinator - emma.walker@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Preparation for Adulthood Padlet

We recently hosted a powerful webinar led by Rhiannon Gogh—carer, Chartered Financial Adviser, and founder of the Carers Academy. Rhiannon shared invaluable insights on financial planning for parent carers,

Explore the webinar highlights here!

More information on what’s on offer here!

Book your Place Here!

Community Updates

Read the CWAC SEND Newsletter Here!

SEND SUMMIT-SAVE THE DATE!

Building in last year’s Summit, the Council will hold a second SEND Summit on 30^th June, 9:30am -1pm at Northwich Memorial Hall!

Limited Spaces!

Book your place here!

SEND Mediation & Disputes Resolution- Engagement

Cheshire West and Chester Council is gathering feedback and thoughts from people with lived experience regarding the commissioned service for the SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution commission. Please share yours view by booking onto one of the Engagement meetings. If you cannot make the meetings please share your views by contacting Wendy Johnstone, Commissioning Lead - Children and Families

Strategic Commissioning People Cheshire West and Chester Council

Email: wendy.johnstone@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Telephone: 0151 356 6558

Book your place here!

“There is still time to fill out my survey which looks into child and adolescent mental health services.

I am keen to hear directly from people who have accessed, or tried to access, these services to understand more about your experiences.

I often hear from families who have struggled to gain access to vital care for their children. I know how difficult and exhausting this can be for young people struggling with their mental health and for parents trying to get help for their child.

I am determined to see improvements to this system.

Your feedback from this survey will help me with my campaign to fix child and adolescent mental health services to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.” Andrew Cooper, MP

The survey can be found here!

Koala North West’s Thriving Families programme offers one-to-one, tailored support for parents, carers, and children aged 0–19 (or up to 25 with SEND). Whether it's parenting guidance, mental well-being, or strengthening family relationships, we're here to assist you in a way that works best for you.

Find Out More Here!

Finding the right social opportunities and support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be a challenge. That’s why the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service provides free, inclusive, and engaging youth provisions across the borough.

Find out More Here!

Need a Break? Carefree Can Help!

Through Carefree, hundreds of hotels across the country donate short stays to unpaid carers — giving you the chance to rest and recharge. You can book a 1–2 night hotel stay with a companion, at a time and place that suits you.

Find out more and book your break here!

May Half Term Activities

FREE Half-Term Fun & Games!

Come join us for a relaxed and friendly Games & Connection Session — specially designed for neurodivergent children aged 4–13

Monday 26th May | 3:00–4:00pm

Soul Space, Chester

Just turn up, no booking needed.

Playful activities and group games to:

• Boost attention and focus

• Build confidence and social skills

• Encourage turn-taking & teamwork

• Help children feel safe, included & free to be themselves

Followed by our Glow and Grow yoga session at 4:15pm!

You're welcome to book both and make a whole afternoon of fun, connection and calm!

Book Here! 👇

https://goteamup.com/p/9618149-soul-space-chester/e/86409472-glow-and-grow/

Book a session at Endorphins here!

Join Our Growing Team at the Parent Carer Forum – Vacancies Available
Are you a parent or carer of a child with additional needs or a disability in Cheshire West and Chester?

The Parent Carer Forum is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team!

Why Join Us?
Amplify Your Voice: Represent the perspectives of parents and carers in your school community. Your feedback will directly influence local services and SEND policies.

Make a Difference: Be part of a team that shapes positive changes for children and young people with SEND.

Flexibility: You can get involved at a pace that works for you—whether attending meetings, gathering parent feedback, or simply being a point of contact.