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In this issue:
Hoping 2025 has started on a positive note for you all? I find avoiding the daily news bulletins is a particularly good way of trying to remain on a calm and even footing these days!
It can often feel like we have very little influence over some of the biggest questions facing the world in the modern day - unless you have a lot of followers on the various social media sites - but starting small is always a good option.
When it comes to local SEND issues, we often hear similar stories about areas which would benefit from input from people who access them; waiting lists, activities in the community, home to school transport, to name a few.
So, if you're looking to change even just a little part of the world, why not get in contact with Coventry's Parent Carer Forum? They can help to champion the views of parents/carers to policymakers in the city, which can help to influence positive change. I don't often quote from my GCSE English texts but to paraphrase Henry V:
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start.
The game's afoot...
Chris Firth, SENDIASS Manager
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Have you visited the Coventry Families online portal yet? It brings together a range of information and support for families in Coventry, including information around the SEND Local Offer.
You can create your own profile, which allows you to receive notifications about your areas of interest (SEND Local Offer being one!) and can also give you regular updates around specific processes or milestones in a child's life (pregnancy, starting school, EHC plans) through the "Automated Care pathways".
If you have a question about any aspect of supporting a child in Coventry, either as a parent/carer, wider family member or as a professional, it's a great place to start.
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The Children’s Society have set up an emotional wellbeing and mental health drop-in for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire called ‘Time for Young People’.
‘Time for young people’ provides support to young people aged up to 25. It is a no referral, no wait service. Young people can drop in to one of the venues in Coventry or Warwickshire, and an experienced team of wellbeing practitioners will provide support to help young people immediately with their emotional wellbeing.
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Would you like to meet other parents/carers of autistic children, and the Community Autism Support Service team?
Coventry Autism Support Service (CASS) are holding monthly 'chat and cuppa' sessions for parents/carers of children with Autism.
Booking is essential. For more information, phone Tricia on 07970 407649 or email tricia.elliott@cwmind.org.uk
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'Kidz To Adultz' exhibition is coming to Coventry on Thursday 13 March from 9.30am-4pm
Kidz to Adultz events are dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their parents, carers and the professionals who support them. This exhibition will include a range of exhibitors, sharing up to date information and advice on equipment, products and services for children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs.
Find out more and register your free place via their webpage.
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Venue: Tiverton School, Ashington Grove, Coventry, CV3 4DE
Find out more via the ladybug lodge webpage.
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Did you know 'Contact' run their own podcast covering everything from disability benefits, special education, health & diagnosis, and accessing social care.
You can find out more and see 'what's on' on their website.
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Contact have developed an information page on their website in partnership with PDA Society around Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Individuals who present with this particular diagnostic profile are driven to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent. This is rooted in an anxiety-based need to be in control.
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Dingley's Promise provide education to children under 5 with SEND and support to their families. They work to ensure the voices of children and families are heard and to push for policy change which improves lives.
Dingley’s Promise are asking parents/carers with a child/children aged 0-5 with SEND to complete a short research survey.
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We have a range of sessions coming up over the next couple of months!
- SENDIASS Coffee Morning 11/02/25
- Dyslexia Information and Discussion Session 26/02/25
- Emotion Coaching 05/03/25
Visit our Events page for more information and details of how to book.
Events, groups and activities for children and young people with SEND
We also have a range of information on our website regarding events, groups and activities for children and young people 0-25 with SEND. Visit the events page for more information.
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CASS Minecraft server for autistic teenagers living in Coventry and Warwickshire.
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This February half term, play with tactile tentacles and soft spikes in Do Touch’s sculptural world of squishy monster-like characters. Accompanied by roaring and rumbling sounds, the audience are invited to immerse themselves in this installation, exploring art through touch.
This free playful and interactive installation is suitable for all ages and abilities.
If you have any questions regarding this session, please email events@coventrycathedral.org.uk
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Are you a professional working with autistic children?
CASS are running a one day Connections workshop for professionals working with young children, including teachers, SENCos, TAs, social workers, family support workers, nurses, doctors, HCPs, etc.
This session is ideal for anyone wanting to better understand and support an autistic child in their school, care or service and will focus on support strategies, signposting and the 3 C Pathway.
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PARA Football are offering talent hubs in Coventry throughout February, March and April 2025 for players (aged 7-16 years old) with cerebral palsy, hearing impairments or visual impairments
For more information contact Balvinder on 07951 254167 or email: balvinder.shekhon@leamingtonFC.co.uk
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A booklet providing useful information about services and support available for those who are diagnosed or who self-identify as neurodivergent, and those who care for and support them.
Access the booklet via the Dimensions webpage.
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Rise is a family of NHS-led services providing emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.
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The Family Hubs can help you find and get help from different services in the area and will be able to give you information, advice and support.
If you need additional support please contact your nearest Hub directly to find out if there is anything they can do to help.
You can also find a range of information and advice via the ‘Coventry Virtual Hub’.
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Kooth is an anonymous digital counselling and support service for children and young people aged 11-25 years providing access to emotional wellbeing and early intervention mental health support. For more information visit the Kooth webpage.
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Coventry City Council have developed a 'Cost of living and wellbeing support' webpage. This page has a broad range of links to information and advice you may find useful if you’re struggling financially and require support with helping you manage the cost of living pressures.
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'Act on Energy' provides free impartial advice on energy efficiency and grants and projects available in your area to help keep you warm this winter.
To find out more visit the Act on Energy Website
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P3 can provide help with: Housing/tenancy issues, independent living skills, money management/benefit advice, health and well-being or general advice and support.
Contact P3 on 08081 962660 or visit your local family hub to find out more.
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Coventry Citizens Advice provide a range of free, confidential advice, including housing, benefits and debt.
You can contact them via their Advice Line: 0800 144 88 48
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The Coventry Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
The SEND Local Offer will cover services available to the public across education, health and social care:
Education: such as nurseries, playgroups, schools and colleges as well as support services like Educational Psychology and SEN services
Health: children's and adult services including GPs, therapists and hospital services
Social care: such as short break services and children's and adult disability services.
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If you have any comments or wish to contribute something to the next bulletin, please let us know by contacting us sendnews@coventry.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can keep up to date through SEND IASS's;
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