Sutton Parent Carers Forum support for families in 2021  

Sutton Parents Carer Forum (SPCF) today released a statement outlining the support they offer to local families and sharing upcoming events. 

SPCF has been running for almost 20 years and are passionate and committed to improving services including health, leisure, social care and education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Forum is recognised by the Department for Education, Ofsted and Care Quality Commission as the “go to” local source of independent information on the parent carer experience. 

The parent carers who make up the Steering Group who run SPCF said; “Covid-19 has been particularly challenging for parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Sutton. Previous lockdowns have had a serious impact on our families with the result that many are already “on their knees”. As everyone knows, we have gone into another lockdown, and we want to make sure that the voices of all parents carers in Sutton are heard and that they know how to get in contact with us. Call or text SPCF on 07557 760328 or email us at suttonparentsforum@outlook.com.

“Our support, including events and workshops, has been much needed and really well received. We are keen to build on plans with partners to provide even more support, events and workshops in 2021.”

Key events planned for the Spring Term of 2021 include:

• A virtual session with the NHS on 22 January including an update on the COVID-19 vaccination and a Q&A session on Health
• Information, support and guidance on Universal Credit for families with children and young people with SEND delivered virtually with Citizens Advice Sutton
• Workshop on applying for a Blue Badge and disabled parking in Sutton
• Update with Social Services on short breaks and respite care 
• Interactive online session on coping with Violent Challenging Behaviour with Yvonne Newbold
• Workshop on ‘How to support children and young people with SEND through the anxiety caused by Covid-19 and lockdown’
• A Q&A session on the High Needs Block Review with the Local Authority and school representatives; the High Needs Block funds all of the provision in the local area for pupils with special education needs and disabilities. 

Responding to the SPCF statement about the support on offer, Councillor Marian James and Councillor Jenny Batt, Chair and Vice Chair of the People Committee said;

“It is excellent to see the support provided by Sutton Parent Carers Forum. As a Council we support their work in the community and value their role as the voice of parents and carers in the Borough. Over almost two decades they have been crucial at helping to address concerns of services provided to some of Sutton’s most in need children and young people. They deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their commitment and dedication. Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19 it is great to see that a wealth of support, workshops and events will continue to be available to all in 2021.

"Over the past year in particular we are aware of the work of the Forum going above and beyond to prioritise feeding back to Councillors and Officers via boards, committees and other communication channels. Their recent recognition as nominees for Sutton’s Community Awards highlights their commitment. As both Chair and Vice Chair of the People Committee our priority is to ensure continued engagement with SPCF and to support their work so that all children and young people are able to live fulfilled lives.”