Somerset Parent Carer Forum

Somerset Parent Carer Forum We work to make parent carer participation an integral part of services in Somerset. We are your voice to shape the services that your family use.

Somerset Parent Carer Forum, is for parent's and carer's of 0-25 years old with an additional need or disability. We shape the services locally and nationally with parent carers, by giving you the opportunity to have your say. We have a 'finding your way' online guide and opportunities to meet like minded parents and carers, to feel less isolated, share strategies, sharing information and to feel empowered. We have a page and group, Twitter. For more information contact us.

📢Short breaks survey updateThank you to everyone who shared their experiences of accessing short breaks, respite support...
02/08/2026

📢Short breaks survey update

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences of accessing short breaks, respite support and community activities.

Your feedback is helping us ensure Somerset families' voices are heard by local and national decision-makers. This week, we raised concerns about the challenges families face, including limited availability, lack of choice, and accessing the right support for children and young people with more complex needs.

We also discussed changes to holiday provision at Brookside Academy. Somerset Council has confirmed it is exploring alternative options, and affected families have been contacted directly.

We're also pleased to see these important issues being recognised in the media. You can read our recent contribution to the BBC News article at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vg3gnzn6mo

JUST ACT NATURAL: DAY VISITMagdalen Farm is delighted to welcome families to a special day visit on 14th August, designe...
01/08/2026

JUST ACT NATURAL: DAY VISIT

Magdalen Farm is delighted to welcome families to a special day visit on 14th August, designed exclusively for families with children and young people (up to age 25) who have SEND.

Families will have the opportunity to:

🌿 Explore the farm
🎯 Enjoy outdoor activities
🤝 Connect with other families with shared experiences
🍽️ Enjoy delicious meals, with dietary requirements catered for

Magdalen Farm's experienced team will ensure that everyone feels welcome, supported and included throughout the day.

📍 Magdalen Farm, TA20 4PA (between Chard & Crewkerne)

Financial support is available to help ensure everyone can take part, regardless of budget. For more information, please call 01460 30144.

📅 Booking is essential

This event is open exclusively to families who have a child or young person aged up to 25 with a SEND need.

This project is funded in part by the National Lottery Community Fund.

To book, visit: https://www.magdalen.farm/family-activities/

👶Sponsor a Baby Welcome Pack 👶Every new baby deserves a warm welcome, and every family deserves support.When a baby is ...
31/07/2026

👶Sponsor a Baby Welcome Pack 👶

Every new baby deserves a warm welcome, and every family deserves support.

When a baby is born with Down syndrome, families can experience a mix of emotions. Alongside the joy of welcoming their child, there may be questions, uncertainty, and a need for reassurance and connection.

Ups and Downs Southwest is committed to ensuring that no family faces those early days alone. Through their Sponsor a Baby Welcome Pack initiative, they visit every family in the region with a new baby diagnosed with Down syndrome, offering a specially prepared Welcome Pack and introducing them to a caring and supportive community.

These packs provide valuable information, encouragement, and a reminder that there is a network of people ready to support families on their journey.

If you would like to learn more about the Sponsor a Baby Welcome Pack scheme and how you can support this wonderful initiative, please take a look at the link below. 👇

🔗 https://upsanddowns.net/sponsor-a-baby-welcome-pack/?mc_cid=f104326b6b&mc_eid=0d24218358

🎉 Exciting News from Somerset Parent Carer Forum! We are delighted to share that Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC has jo...
30/07/2026

🎉 Exciting News from Somerset Parent Carer Forum!

We are delighted to share that Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC has joined easyfundraising!

As an independent Community Interest Company (CIC), every penny raised helps us continue supporting Somerset families. Funds raised through easyfundraising will go directly towards:

📚 Books for our Lending Library
🎉 Family events and activities
❤️ Projects and resources that directly support parent carers and their families across Somerset

The best part? It won't cost you anything extra!

When you shop online through easyfundraising, participating retailers will make a donation to Somerset Parent Carer Forum at no extra cost to you.

How to support us:

✅ Join for free using our link:

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/somersetpcforum

✅ Install the easyfundraising app and Donation Reminder

✅ Shop online as normal and activate your donation when prompted

✅ The retailer donates to us for free!

Every donation, no matter how small, helps us continue to provide valuable support, information, and opportunities for Somerset families of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities.

Thank you for supporting Somerset Parent Carer Forum. Together, we can make a real difference for local families.

📢 Have Your Say: Wells Cathedral Community ConsultationWells Cathedral is seeking feedback from local families of childr...
30/07/2026

📢 Have Your Say: Wells Cathedral Community Consultation

Wells Cathedral is seeking feedback from local families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and/or physical disabilities.

As part of an exciting project to transform several spaces within Vicars’ Close into a new visitor attraction, the Cathedral team is committed to ensuring that both the new attraction and Wells Cathedral are welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete, and your experiences and suggestions could help shape future improvements for many families.

Every voice matters, and this is a wonderful opportunity to influence how one of Somerset's most iconic landmarks can become more accessible for all.

🔗 Complete the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev1k_hc3eYlgbB5hVC2AtfGjncfKmpPsj8aGPh9fVrw-pk6g/viewform

📢 Have Your Say – Complete Our SEND Survey 📢If you are a parent, carer, young person, or professional involved with SEND...
29/07/2026

📢 Have Your Say – Complete Our SEND Survey 📢

If you are a parent, carer, young person, or professional involved with SEND services, we'd really value your feedback.

Your responses will help us monitor the progress of the SEND Improvement and Reform Plan, ensuring we understand what's working well and where improvements are still needed. The findings will be shared with the Department for Education (DfE) and NHS England (NHSE) as part of our ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Your feedback is also especially important as the Somerset Area Partnership is expected to have its OFSTED SEND inspection within the next 6–9 months. Survey responses will help demonstrate the experiences of families and professionals, providing valuable evidence to support the inspection process.

🎁 As a thank you for taking part, everyone who completes the survey will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win an Amazon voucher!

Every response counts and helps shape better services and outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

📝 Please complete the survey today and make your voice heard. Together, we can help improve SEND services across Somerset.

Please check the survey for prize draw terms and conditions, including eligibility and entry details.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026SENDsurvey

🎲🧩 Tabletop Games Night for SEND Young People – First Time Free! 🧩🎲Looking for a fun and inclusive evening activity? Gre...
29/07/2026

🎲🧩 Tabletop Games Night for SEND Young People – First Time Free! 🧩🎲

Looking for a fun and inclusive evening activity? Green Goblins Games Club is running a fantastic Tabletop Games Night for children and young people in Somerset with a disability or additional needs.

🗓️ Next session: Friday, 31st July 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Ages: 10+ (under 10s welcome with a parent or carer)
💷 Cost: £4 entry | First time free | Parent carers go free

Activities include:
🎲 Pokémon Trading Card Game
🎲 Board Games
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons role-play - And more

This event is grant funded by Somerset Council as part of the Community Inclusion and Activity Team. No referral is needed, just come along and join the fun!

📞 To book or find out more, contact Michael Ford on 07733 066157
📧 Or email: [email protected]

SASP Inclusive Sport still have spaces available on their summer activities 👇
28/07/2026

SASP Inclusive Sport still have spaces available on their summer activities 👇

📢 SEND Reform: Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Consultation – Your Voice Matters!The Government has launched a co...
28/07/2026

📢 SEND Reform: Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Consultation – Your Voice Matters!

The Government has launched a consultation on Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) as part of the wider SEND Reforms, and we want to make sure the voices of Somerset parent carers are heard.The consultation is open until 18 September 2026.

🗓 Join our Online Information & Engagement Session
Monday 14 September
🕖 7:00pm
🎟️ Book your space : https://tinyurl.com/yc2pbwde

Whether your child has experience of EOTAS or not, your perspective is important and will help shape our response and influence future policy.

The Government is seeking views on:
✅ Earlier support to prevent placement breakdowns and long periods out of education
✅ Improving the quality, safety and oversight of EOTAS provision
✅ Clearer accountability for local authorities and other professionals
✅ National quality standards for EOTAS providers
✅ Better support for children and young people with health needs
✅ Safer use of online education and accredited providers

As we did during the wider SEND Reform consultation, we've chosen not to complete the consultation form directly. Instead, we'll submit a detailed response by email, allowing us to provide richer feedback and better represent the collective views and experiences of Somerset families.

📖 Read more about the consultation:
https://tinyurl.com/36vz59t5

📝 Complete the Government consultation directly:
https://tinyurl.com/E0TAS-Consultation

Every parent carer voice matters. Please join the conversation, share your experiences, and help ensure future EOTAS arrangements truly meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

🎪 Devito's Circus CIC is Coming to Yeovil! 🎪Have you missed booking a space at our exclusive street show, or are you sim...
27/07/2026

🎪 Devito's Circus CIC is Coming to Yeovil! 🎪

Have you missed booking a space at our exclusive street show, or are you simply looking for another fantastic family activity in Yeovil?

Devito’s Circus will be holding a Special SEN Relaxed Circus Performance

📅 Sunday 23rd August

This specially adapted performance is designed for children, young people, and adults who prefer a calmer and more relaxed environment, featuring:

✨ Lower sound levels
✨ Softer lighting
✨ A gentler pace
✨ A welcoming, understanding atmosphere

Families can enjoy all the excitement, laughter, and magic of the circus while feeling comfortable, supported, and included.

Whether someone has sensory sensitivities, additional needs, or simply finds traditional performances overwhelming, this relaxed show offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of the circus in a way that works for them.

🎟️ Please book with Divots directly:

https://www.devitoscircus.com/get-tickets

Address

Unit 2 32 Goldcroft
Yeovil
BA214DH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

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