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The latest news and updates for parents/carers
and children and young people 0-25 years with special educational needs
and disabilities (SEND) in the Manchester City Council area
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Our next drop in is on Wednesday 7th February, 10am-12.00pm, at the HideOut in Gorton (1 Queens Avenue, Manchester, M12 5PX). Find out more in our drop in bulletin.
Future drop ins, 10am-12 noon:
Wednesday 20th March, Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe
Wednesday 17th April, Moss Side Power House
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Stuff To Do with SPACE
‘Wish it was summer’ party
The SPACE team are longing for summer. If you are too, join them at their free ‘Wish it was summer’ parties for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. It’s just one party per family with the choice of two dates:
- Monday 19th February, Withington Scout Hut, 31 Heaton Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4PE, Relaxed party 12-2pm, Busier party 2-4pm.
- Wednesday 21st February, The Grange Community Resource Centre, Pilgrim Drive M11 3TQ, Relaxed party 12-2pm, Busier party 2-4pm.
Face to face bookings go live at the Local Offer Drop In tomorrow (Wednesday 7th February) at Gorton Hideout, 1 Queens Ave, Manchester M12 5PX, 10am-12pm.
The second round of face to face bookings will be on Friday 9th February at St George’s Community Centre, Bothwell Rd, M40 7NY, 11am-1pm.
The final round will be on Wednesday 14th February at St Margaret’s Church, Burnage Lane M19 1FL, 10am-12pm.
Any places left will be put on The SPACE Group’s Facebook page.
Roller skating
The SPACE Group has exclusive hire of Ardwick Sports Hall for free roller skating on Saturday 24th February, 12-2pm, at 225 Stockport Rd, Ardwick, Manchester M12 4DY. Bookings are face to face and follow the same pattern as the parties. This activity is for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area
Trip to Liverpool
The SPACE Group are off to Liverpool Docks! Explore the maritime museum, go on the ferry across the River Mersey or take a look around the newly opened Liverpool One shopping centre. There are two trips, one per family, (living in the Manchester City Council area):
- Tuesday 20th February, setting off at 10am from The Grange Community Resource Centre, Pilgrim Drive M11 3TQ.
- Thursday 22nd February, setting off at 10am from St Nicholas Church, Kingsway, M19 1PL.
Bookings will be on Eventbrite ONLY. The links will be shared on The SPACE Group's Facebook page when they go live.
Half term with MPCF
Manchester Parent Carer Forum have some free events coming up over the half term for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area:
- There’s a Relaxed Cinema Session on Saturday 17th February at Cineworld Didsbury, 11am-1pm to See Trolls Band Together. Find out more and book.
- Join MPCF and Martenscroft Children’s Centre for a morning of free fun for families of children with SEND aged 0-5 years. The Early Years Stay and Play session is on Monday 19th February 10.15-11.45am at the children’s centre on 33 Epping St, Manchester, M15 6PA. There will be loads to do, including outdoor play, bubbles, tactile and messy play, music and art, plus a pop-up sensory room for children who want a chill-out space. Book through the MPCF website.
Keep up to date with events on MPCF’s Facebook page.
February Forest School
The SEND Forest School is back for the half term, offering an inclusive and urban forest school experience for families living in the Manchester City Council area. It’s on Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st February at
Platt Fields Market Garden (off Mabfield Road, Fallowfield, M16 6LT). It’s an outdoor stay and play activity - drop in any time between 11am-3pm, vegetarian lunch around 12.30pm, snacks on the fire from 2.15pm. There’s a warm welcome for all ages, including sensory play in the mud kitchen, sand pit, and water areas, fire lighting and tool use, den building, nature crafts and giant bubbles – as well as a chance to meet the bees. Suitable for all ages and developmental stages. Booking is essential through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/february-2024-manchester-send-family-forest-school-stay-and-play-drop-in-tickets-824539338357. Let Sian know of any access needs when you book. If you are no longer able to attend, please select 'refund tickets’ so your places can go to families on the reserve list. Any extra enquiries to: Sian Millward, hello@manchesterbeesforestschool.co.uk, 07506 342945.
Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen will be returning for half term. The two sessions are Monday 19th and Friday 23rd February, 2.30-5.30pm. They’re for young people with SEND and/or social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) to come with their families and cook (and eat!) together, learning about healthy food and cooking skills and BBQ techniques. All food and tuition provided. The sessions are for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area and are at Procter Learning Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Please arrive on time, parking available. Booking essential - call Roger on 07970 922132. There’s also the chance to try cycling. One of Manccycles ride leaders teaches sessions before and during the cookery breaks. If interested, book a slot when booking the cookery.
Sensory rooms
We have sensory rooms in two locations for families living in the Manchester City Council area.
Spend time in the Sensory Rooms at Redbank House in Cheetham Hill over the half term. There are slots available at various times between 9am-4pm (on the hour for 50 minutes) during weekdays from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd February. Book directly with Redbank House on 0161 214 5959.
Families also have free use of the Sensory Room at Benchill Community Centre in Wythenshawe over half term. Each slot is for 45 minutes and on the hour. It's Monday 19th to Friday 23rd February. Drop in to the community centre or call 0161 946 9520 to book.
MCR Social - NEW
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MCR Social is a fantastic new programme supporting disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14-18 to access all that Manchester has to offer. Whether it’s live music, cinema, bowling or shopping, MCR Social arranges free entry with a volunteer to support the activity every step of the way. After an initial online meeting to plan some activities together, the young person gets up to six sessions, lasting up to six hours each. The young person needs to live in the Manchester City Council area and is asked to apply with the support of an adult – use this application form. If you have any questions, including accessibility around applying and taking part, get in touch with Trystan - trystan.kent@gmyn.co.uk, 07708 022320. Part of the SEND Community Offer in collaboration with Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN).
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Last call for candidates
There is still time for young people aged 11-16 who live, study or work in Manchester, to apply for the Manchester Youth Parliament Elections. Manchester is recruiting three new Members of Youth Parliament to represent the city at local and national level from 2024-2026. To apply, get in touch with youthengagment@manchester.gov.uk or Aaron Holleran on 07946 191272 by end of day on 8th February. You will be informed on 12th February if you are on the shortlist. Voting takes place over a month, from 14th February to 14th March, with results announced on 18th March. Find out more about Manchester Youth Council – Manchester City Council website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Spectrum Gaming report
Spectrum Gaming spoke with 31 autistic young people about CAMHS/Emotional Wellbeing Support. They believe the insight was so important, they have removed localised information and shared this public version of the report.
Accessible rave
There's an all inclusive rave with Manchester People First for 18+ only on Thursday 29th February, 6-9pm at YES Nightclub, 38 Charles Street, M1 7DB in Manchester City Centre. Get your tickets - £5 plus £1 booking fee. Free for carers.
Engagement Worker wanted
Manchester People First are looking to employ a learning disabled adult as an Engagement Worker. Get an application form from Mcrpeoplefirst@googlemail.com, 0161 839 3700 or download an application pack from the MPF website. Closing date: 8th March 2024.
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Hulme youth club
Community Kitchen chef Roger is running a new free youth club in Hulme for young people aged 11+ with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It involves cooking and eating at each session, as well as arts and crafts, and sports. The club is every Wednesday from 4.30-7.30pm at Procter Learning Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Booking essential - call Roger on 07970 922132.
Delivered by the Targeted Intervention Group CIC (TIG) and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Free relaxed concerts
Chetham’s School of Music offer relaxed performances for a range of audiences, including families, autistic and learning disabled people, and those new to concerts and performances. They are on the first Wednesday of each month in term time, starting at 1.30pm for about an hour. Performances in the first half of the year are 7th February, 6th March, 1st May and 12th June 2024. They’re held in Stoller Hall, in the centre of Manchester, featuring performances by some of the UK’s most exciting young musicians. The environment is set up so people feel welcomed. There’s no dress code, you don’t need to know Beethoven from Bach, you won’t be shushed by an usher, and you can eat and drink. Find out more and book. Here is information on accessibility to support your visit. If you have any further questions about access or the programme, please get in touch with annacarley@chethams.com.
Museum relaxed opening
Imperial War Museum (IWM) North are holding a free Relaxed Early Opening event for families and individuals who need a quieter and calmer environment to enjoy the museum. It’s on Saturday 17th February, 8am-10am and is a chance to explore the site before general opening hours and take part in some family friendly activities. For more information and to book tickets, please visit the event page in the IWM website.
Football taster day
The Deaf Youth Club at Manchester Deaf Centre are having a free Football Taster Day for 12-16 year olds on Wednesday 21st February from 1pm until 3.30pm, Denmark Road Sport Centre, Manchester, M15 6FG. A person from the Manchester Football Association will be coming along with their coach to offer some training, tips and more on the day. Young people need to bring their own kit, water bottle and whatever they need for the day. Parents are welcome to be spectators. Get in touch with Kate to book and for a consent form - katetinston@manchesterdeafcentre.com. Also let her know if you need help with travel or travel cost.
Rugby star* scheme
The rugby star* scheme transforms the lives of children and young people aged 4-18 years experiencing adversity in childhood. It can support you and your family to enjoy the benefits of being part of the local rugby community, including help with the costs of playing. The scheme is especially keen to work with young people experiencing SEMH (social emotional and mental health) difficulties. Contact Tom Kenny, tom@starscheme.co.uk, 07528 483800, www.starscheme.co.uk.
Chinese New Year
Experience the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year in the heart of Manchester's Chinatown on the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February 2024. As the dark streets light up, welcome in the Year of the Dragon! Festivities feature Manchester’s famous red lanterns, live performances, stalls and funfair, plus the return of the city’s legendary Dragon Parade.
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Young carers animation
Young carers in Manchester are working on a very exciting project to produce a short animation highlighting what life is like as a young carer and what support is available. Featuring cartoon avatars and real-life footage, the organisers would love to showcase some of the fabulous activities that have taken place through Local Offer. If you have any photographs you would like us to include, please contact the Young Carers Coordinator Kelly.hockaday@manchester.gov.uk by Monday 26th February. Thank you!
News from MPCF
Mental Health Act session - NEW
MPCF is offering a free session with students from The University of Law. 'The Mental Health Act – Your Rights as a Parent or a Child' is on Tuesday 27th February, 12-2pm, at the Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Book places through the MPCF website.
'Good Week' offer
Manchester City Council is keen to meet with parents and carers to co-produce a new pilot around improving preparation for adulthood outcomes for young people aged 19+ with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). A ‘Good Week’ offer considers all aspects of a young person’s life – what activities they enjoy, who they like to spend time with, and what they will do each week to help them to thrive as an adult. There's a session on Monday 12th February, 10am-12 noon, with lunch, at St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North Manchester, M12 6FZ. Find out more and how to book.
Coffee morning
Join Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) on Friday 16th February, 10am-12 noon for a coffee morning at Martenscroft Nursery and Sure Start Centre in Hulme, 33 Epping Street, M15 6PA. It’s an opportunity to meet and chat to fellow parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in a relaxed and friendly setting. You will also learn about the work of Manchester Parent Carer Forum and find out how to get involved. Please book through MPCF.
School travel study
Parents/carers are needed for University of Manchester research on school travel for students with SEND. Find out more from MPCF.
There are also the usual autism post-diagnosis workshops on various dates - find out more.
There will be a Self-Care Valentine’s Date on Friday 16th February, 12-2pm at Moss Side Powerhouse for parents/carers. Booking required. Follow on Facebook for when it goes live.
Cost of living updates
Don’t forget, Manchester City Council has a free telephone line offering support and advice around benefits and rent, debt and paying bills, food support and staying warm. Call 0800 023 2692 or text 07860 022876, Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm. There is also the Council's Help with the cost of living crisis information hub. Carers Manchester has a Cost of Living Blog which is regularly updated with the latest news.
Here are two easy read resources for Manchester residents:
Manchester has warm welcoming spaces for everyone to go for a brew, a chat and a warm through. Find yours: warmwelcome.uk manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands.
Energy help
Citizens Advice have partnered with Cadent Gas to provide vital energy support to people living across the North West. Speak to one of their specialist advisers free on 0808 164 4406 (available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or send a message on Whatsapp 0736 054 6111.
Debt support
Citizens Advice offer debt support through a Chat facility on their website. You can talk with a trained adviser who’ll try to help you solve your problem or make good progress towards it. Chat is usually available 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 1pm Saturday. If you'd rather talk on the phone, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 0800 808 4000.
Help shape debt service
Manchester City Council commissions an Advice Service that helps residents with welfare benefit advice, housing advice, and managing debt. The contract is coming to an end and the Council would like to get your views on what the future service should look like. There are two surveys, one for residents and one for organisations. There's also an invitation to attend a group or meeting to provide further feedback – please email commissioning.consultation@manchester.gov.uk. Open until 15th February.
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