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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 20th March, Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe. These monthly free events are for parents/carers and young people with SEND up to 25 in the Manchester City Council area. They offer a chance to talk to a range of services and get support. Look out for the drop in news bulletin nearer the time.
Future drop ins, 10am-12 noon:
Wednesday 17th April, Moss Side Power House
Wednesday 22nd May, Manchester Youth Zone
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Trip to Liverpool
The SPACE Group and 4CT are off to Liverpool Docks. There’s a trip on Thursday 22nd February, setting off at 10am from St Nicholas Church, Kingsway, M19 1PL. At Liverpool, you can explore the nearby museums, docks or the city centre. The trip includes travel by coach and a packed lunch for all participants. The coach will leave Liverpool at 3pm. Parents/carers are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times. This trip is for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Please book through Eventbrite - £5 (plus booking fee) for adults, children go free.
Half term with MPCF
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.
The next relaxed cinema screening at GRUB is on is on Saturday 25th February, 11am-1pm. Here’s the link to the event page to book free tickets when they go live.
Keep up to date with events on MPCF’s Facebook page.
February Forest School
There are still places on the SEND Forest School session on Wednesday 21st February session at Platt Fields Market Garden (off Mabfield Road, Fallowfield, M16 6LT). It’s an outdoor stay and play activity for families in the Manchester City Council area - drop in any time between 11am-3pm, vegetarian lunch around 12.30pm, snacks on the fire from 2.15pm. 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
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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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Free youth theatre
TripleC, a disabled-led creative arts organisation, has places on its free Youth Theatre designed for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 8 to 16 with a passion for the performing arts. It’s on Mondays at 53two in the city centre, Arch 19, Watson St M3 4LP. The sessions, led by professional actors and directors, are in two age groups: 8-11 years, 4.30-5.30pm and 12-16 years, 6-7.30pm. Although the current term started in January, they welcome new faces each week and always have something new and exciting to get involved with. If anyone is new or misses a couple of sessions, there won’t be any pressure to catch up. Please book through Eventbrite. The current term runs until 25th March. The Spring/Summer term 2024 will be from 22nd April until 8th July.
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.
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 include 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 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.
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.
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Have your say
- The Government has recognised there is a significant issue with the provision for children and young people transitioning from Children to Adult services. GMCA want to hear from parent/carers and young people about the issues they face, as well as suggestions how to improve things. Here’s the link to the anonymous survey.
- Greater Manchester is a place where everyone should feel safe to be themselves. No one should face violence, abuse or hatred just because of who they are, who they love, where they’re from, what they look like or what they believe. If you’ve been a victim or witness of hate, share your experiences for the Hate Crime Plan refresh. This will help Greater Manchester Combined Authority get a better understanding of what is working and what can be improved.
Universal Credit news
Though most young people in education are prevented from being able to get Universal Credit, some are able to qualify. The rules are complex though. See the top 5 questions in Contact’s recent Q&A with links to further information.
News from MPCF
Mental Health Act session
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.
Autism workshops
The Social Communication Pathway (SCP) workshops are offered to parents and carers of children or young people who have received a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The workshops rotate monthly between four topics: Autism and Well-being, Communication Workshop, Sensory Workshop, Understanding and Working with the Education System. Check out Manchester Parent Carer Forum’s website for sessions coming up in the next couple of months.
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!
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The Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards are back for a fifth year. The awards are for all individuals or teams, paid or unpaid, who work in the health or care sector in Greater Manchester or do broader work that helps improve the health and wellbeing of others. Members of the public or colleagues can nominate. It’s easy to do. There’s just one form to complete online or you can download it and send by email or post. There are 14 categories and it’s a fantastic opportunity to thank and recognise our health and care workforce. Closes 15th March 2024.
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