Communication & Empowerment Workshop for Parents and Carers

We held our Communication and Empowerment Workshop, designed to help parents and carers feel more confident, when advocating for their child in meetings with schools, health services, or the local authority.

The session was beautifully led by Gillian Driscoll, a lived-experience parent carer who brought empathy, humour and practical insight to every part of the discussion.

Together, we explored why effective communication matters, the challenges that can get in the way, and the practical steps that help us reclaim our voice and stay focused on what really matters for our children’s needs and outcomes. Participants enjoyed the relaxed and informative environment and all of them would recommend the session to others.

Parents and carers shared their experiences openly, offering ideas, strategies and mutual support. It was a warm, reflective space where everyone could recognise their own strengths and learn new techniques to:

• Plan and prepare for meetings with confidence

• Balance emotion with evidence

• Communicate assertively and respectfully

• End meetings clearly, knowing next steps

Gillian’s session also highlighted helpful resources including SENDIASS, Parent Carer Forum, Together Trust, IPSEA and Contact, ensuring families know where to turn for advice and advocacy support. Participants found two areas particularly helpful - how to prepare for meetings and how to speak up confidently using some prep-prepared phrases.

We’re so grateful to everyone who came along, contributed, and helped make the morning so positive. Thank you, Gillian, for facilitating such an empowering and encouraging session and thank you to all the parents and carers for showing up and sharing your voice. 

More details are in the workbook below.

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