Boggart Hole Clough, Thursday 24th February, 11am-1pm - with a light lunch at the Lakeside Cafe. 40 places available.

Alexandra Park, Friday 25th February, 11am-1pm - with hot drinks and cake from the café. 25 places available.

Make sure to wear your waterproofs and wrap up if it’s cold! Manchester SEND families only - booking essential using the texting service number 07423 264 769.

SEND families have free use of the Sensory Room at Benchill Community Centre in Wythenshawe this half term. It has various sensory stimulation, including a waterbed, interactive sound wall, infinity tunnel, bubble tubes and animated projections. Each slot is for 45 minutes and on the hour, Monday 21st to Friday 25th February 10am–7pm. Up to five family/group members per session. Call 0161 946 9520 to book, using the code ‘SEND Community Offer’ – Manchester families only. There’s free parking at the venue and the 103 bus stops just outside. The Sensory Room is upstairs but there's a lift.

The Sensory Rooms at Redbank House in Cheetham Hill are back for February half term. Free slots are available at various times during the week from Monday 21st to Friday 25th February. Manchester families only and booking essential – call 0161 214 5959 or email info@redbankhouse.com.

Platt Fields Market Garden are hosting free outdoor workshops on Saturday mornings in February for kids of all ages. Let’s Get Muddy is relaxed games and crafts with an opportunity to roam the garden. It’s from 10am-12pm but you can come and go as you like. Parent/carers are asked to stay with their children but it’s a chance to explore nature together in the oasis of the Market Garden that many of you have enjoyed through our SEND Community Offer. You’re welcome to get in touch with Annie about any access needs, annie@wearemud.org – otherwise, just turn up! Next one on Saturday 12th February.

Check out Loads to Do for free things to do in Manchester this half term, including museum visits and Nature Quest trail in city parks.

One of the areas highlighted in the inspection was the Home to School Service. In response, Manchester City Council has commissioned an external review of the service. As part of this, there is an online survey for parent carers. If you have a couple of minutes, we would really appreciate you sharing your experience. There is also an online group consultation on Wednesday 16th February 6-7pm. See the MPCF website for how to take part. Telling us what works well and about the challenges and barriers you face, will help us improve this vital service. 

Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) do a yearly survey. The 2021 SEND survey is now open and they would love to hear from you. They’re looking for parent and carer views on how Manchester City Council, Education, Health, and Social Care settings/services have met the needs of children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities in the last year. Find out more on the MPCF website or go straight to the survey.

An online dad’s drop in session is coming up on Monday 21st February, 7-8.30pm with GMAC, book before 16th February. This regular space is for fathers to share their experiences of raising autistic children. Even if you are still waiting for a diagnosis, feel free to book on and meet a supportive community of fellow parent carers and family members.Next one on Monday 28th March, see GMAC events. 

Carers Manchester South are offering carers the chance to take part in a free Drumming Circle. It’s on Tuesday 22nd February, 12-2pm at the Amani Centre, Moss Lane East, Manchester M16 7DG (fully accessible and parking available). Drumming helps with emotional wellbeing, reduces stress and anxiety, and creates a sense of community. Plus it’s great fun! Please contact cmsouth@manchestercarersforum.org.uk or call Suzi on 07421 312 597.

It's strongly recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect them and their baby. Here is some information for pregnant women on the NHS website. 

Here is a video from Dr Ahmed, GP at Cheetham and Queen’s Medical Centre, about vaccinations for 12-15 year olds.

You may have understandable concerns at the moment about energy bills. See the Household section in our SEND Information Hub for where to get advice and information, including help with fuel and what to do if your supplier goes bust.

Chester Zoo are giving away free tickets again for school children to get up close with conservation. Visits are available on weekdays between 1st November 2022 and 28th February 2023, during term time. Open to home educators. Find out more on the Chester Zoo website. Apply by 28th February.

City Careers is a free 8-week programme to help young people aged 16-25 from Manchester into employment, education or training. It’s a way of gaining digital skills qualifications whilst improving employability and interpersonal skills. Courses run between January-August 2022; online and at the Etihad Campus. It’s two days a week with lunch provided and travel reimbursed. Each young person has a personal tutor, meeting weekly throughout the course and for three months after. This helps to support any additional needs a young person might have. See the flyer and use this online form to register. For more information please contact Chris Johnston on 07753467200 or chris.johnston@cityfootball.com.