West Sussex Local Offer Newsletter

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Our Local Offer brings together services, events and information for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families 


Issue 3 - February


I would like to begin by saying a a big thank you to:

  • Parent Carers who have let me know of services and events that should be included on our Local Offer;
  • Services / Organisations and Charities who have added their service(s) and event(s);
  • and those who continue to to use our Local Offer in finding support or services.

Since the last Local Offer e-newsletter I have been to a number of events presenting the Local Offer to parent carers and those supporting children, young people and their families. 

These include the SEND Reforms: One Year On, Visualising better support for parent carers and visiting a parent support group.

If you would like me to come along to give a presentation about the Local Offer please do send me an email: localoffer@westsussex.gov.uk

In continuing to implement the SEND Reforms 2014 we all have a part to play in supporting children, young people and their families with SEND. I have and continue to enjoy working with you all.

 Charlotte Smith

(Your Local Offer Officer)


working together

SEND Reforms: One Year On

Working together in new ways to support children and young people 0-25 with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (and their carers) are the overarching principles to the SEND Reforms.

If you haven't yet been to the SEND Reforms: One Year On there are still 2 events coming up: 24th of February, Crawley  and 8th of March, Burgess Hill

Who are the events for?  

If you are involved in education, health, social care, training, employment, supported housing, community activities or any other service that supports children and young people (0-25) with SEND; this event is for you.

To book your free place email EPS.Admin@westsussex.gov.uk quoting “MA SEND Event” with your preferred attendance date and contact details.


Calendar of Events


Calendar
  • The Social Communication Team: Autism Advice Roadshow An opportunity for parents and professionals to develop their understanding of Autism and Social Communication Difficulties - 21st to the 23rd of March
  • Free Your Mind Convention The convention will cover the Information, Awareness and Support that is needed for young people who suffer from mental health issues - 18th of February
  • Coffee, Cake Info and Networking Find support, pick up information, and talk to the above organisations whilst enjoying coffee and cake and meeting other parents. This is an informal event in which includes updates from WSCC & West Sussex Parent Carer Forum with an opportunity for you to share news and raise concerns. -  20th of April
  • Autism Support Coffee Morning Autism Support Coffee Morning for any parents/carers who have a child/young adult who is on the autistic spectrum, either diagnosed or undiagnosed -  2nd March & 20th April
  • The Rock House 16th of February & Curing Perfect Lab Wonky nose? Bandy legs? We can help! Curing Perfect is an interactive online graphic novel which challenges users to think about the nature of perfection 19th of February with Carousel
  • Compass Card West Sussex Focus Groups Amaze is consulting with young people and their families in West Sussex about leisure and the discounts they’d like to see for Compass Card West Sussex when it launches in April 2016. 
  • Free fully accessible launch day for Compass Card West Sussex - 8th of April 

Regular Sessions


Services


Services

Above are the new services on our Local Offer.

If you didn't know about them - why not check them out?

If you provide services or run events for the SEND Community, please sign up to promote them here.


Information


YPposter

Did you know SEND IAS now give advice and support young people? 

I would also like to bring to your attention SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IAS and previously known as Parent Partnership) have updated their information:

"From January 2016, our remit has widened to young people who would also like support to express their views, wishes and aspirations. Either ring the helpline and ask to speak to a Young Person Adviser, or email us on cyp.sendias@westsussex.gov.uk" for more information click here.


Young people’s website gets a makeover - YourSpace

Your Space has a new look. Read about it in the news. 

Please do check it out and give us your feedback - email editor@yourspacewestsussex.co.uk. We are always looking for improvement so all feedback will be looked at www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk

YourSpace

CompassCard

Compass Card

A new initiative from Brighton-based charity, Amaze, and West Sussex County Council will help make leisure more welcoming and more affordable for 0-25s with significant additional needs find out more here.

They are wanting to hear from you! There is a survey for parent carers and young people.

If you are a provider and would like to be part of the scheme get in touch with Amaze. Once you have confirmed add the tag 'Compass Card' to your service card on our Local Offer.


Keep in touch!


keep in touch

It is always great hearing from you!

If you have used our Local Offer let me know how it has supported you as a professional, parent carer, child or young person?

 

  • LocalOffer@westsussex.gov.uk
  • SEND Information, Advice and Support Service 0330 222 8555 and ask to speak to Charlotte Smith, your Local Offer Officer
  • If you would prefer to leave it anonymously - please use the Feedback button on the Local Offer 
  • Find us on Facebook

Services

 If your service is on the Local Offer could the information could it be improved? If it could be improved and up-dated log into your account and make the changes. If you would like any support - get in touch.

 We are always looking to improve our Local Offer by the feedback you provide.