What we do
Need some contact or time with other parents who truly get it? We run regular meet-ups, workshops, and events (all free to members). There is also our Support Line if you have questions, need some information or just a chat with someone who gets it.
We also work behind the scenes to share families’ voices with the people who plan and run our services in BANES. This helps make sure your experiences, ideas and feelings are heard by those who make the decisions, so that together we can try to make things better for our children, young people, and families.
Remember your child does not need a diagnosis. You might be just starting to notice that your child has their own way of learning or doing things. You may have questions, or just want to understand them a bit more. We are here for you.
In more depth
The BANES Parent Carer Forum exists to support and empower parent carers across Bath and North East Somerset. The main focus is families of children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Support is also available beyond this age where needed, recognising that parent carer needs often continue into adulthood.
The Forum works to make sure families, children, and young people are able to take part in their communities and are included in decisions that affect their lives. The aim is to promote true belonging, where people are valued for their strengths and individuality.
There are 2 main workstreams:
1. Peer support for families
Support is offered in different ways, including:
- outreach such as cafés and drop-in sessions
- workshops and training for parent carers
- small group and one-to-one support
- information sheets and practical templates
2. Working with services and decision makers
The Forum also represents families at a strategic level to help shape local services. This includes:
- contributing to local strategic meetings and work programmes
- attending local and regional conferences
- working across education, health, and social care
- working with regional and national Parent Carer Forum networks to share the voices of local families
Why this work matters
Parent carers of children and young people with SEND are often under significant pressure and many describe feeling exhausted, unheard, or overwhelmed. At the same time, more responsibility is being placed on families as services face increasing challenges.
Parent Carer Forums play an important role in ensuring that services for children and young people with SEND reflect the real experiences and needs of families. They provide a collective voice, gathering feedback from parent carers and working in partnership with local authorities, health services, and other organisations to improve support and outcomes.