Newsletter May 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
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!
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
✨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.
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
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,
Community Updates
SEND SUMMIT-SAVE THE DATE!
Building in last year’s Summit, the Council will hold a second SEND Summit on 30th June, 9:30am -1pm at Northwich Memorial Hall!
Limited Spaces!
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
“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
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
USEFUL CONTACTS....
Live Well Cheshire West - www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Information Advice and Support Service (IASS) - Tel 0300 123 7001
www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/Services/1279
SEN Team - Tel 0151 337 6505
senteam@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Starting Well - www.startingwell.org.uk/
West Cheshire 0-16 CAMHS Tel - 01244 393200
www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/west-cheshire-0-16-camhs/
IPSEA- Call-in Helpline Tel- 0300 22 5899
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/Pages/Category/service-overview
CONTACT Advice Line -Tel-0808 808 3555
https://contact.org.uk/
Copyright © 2025 CWAC PCF, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
contact.pcfcwac@gmail.com
SEND Area Inspection – What’s Been Happening and How the Parent Carer Forum Has Represented Families
