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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 Local Offer drop in is on Wednesday 16th October September at Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse, 140 Raby Street, M40 4SL, 10am-12pm. Drop in newsletter coming out soon!
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Future Drop Ins, 10am-12 noon:
Wednesday 20th November – Ladybarn Community Hub
Wednesday 11th December – Manchester Youth Zone
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Free creative classes
The Edge Theatre in Chorlton has free creative classes for children and adults with learning disabilities:
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Aspire - Theatre project for young people, 8-12 years on Mondays 4-5pm and 13-19 years on Tuesdays 5-6.30pm. It uses games, drama, storytelling, music and movement, and is a chance to play, make friends, and build confidence through theatre.
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Expressive Edge Company – for adults
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Stepping Out dance class – for adults
All classes are held at The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre, Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9JG.
Manchester Deaf Centre activities
The Children and Young People’s Service at Manchester Deaf Centre offers a range of events and activities for d/Deaf children and their families, both at the centre and venues around Greater Manchester. Check out Eventbrite for what’s coming up. (Note: The process has changed. You just need to book under the main adult's name and they will contact you for more information about who else is coming.)
Fun Palaces day
Fun Palaces bring communities together through a celebration of culture, arts, science, and heritage. Join Manchester Libraries on Saturday 5th October, 2-4pm at Central Library, North City Library, Forum Library and Longsight Library for an afternoon of free fun and creativity. No need to book, just bob along. (Photo credit: Helen Murray)
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Free travel training for 14-25s
Manchester Local Offer’s free Travel Training Programme offers opportunities for young people to gain confidence and independence in travelling around Manchester and beyond. It’s for disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14-25 who live in the Manchester City Council area, offering one-to-one support in accessing leisure activities. That might be the cinema, going to the shops or meeting up with a friend. There are up to six sessions, each session lasting around three hours, depending on where the young person wants to go. They will also get useful information, like travel cards, CEA cards and Our Pass. Apply through the Short Breaks/Local Offer team. Please email shortbreaks@manchester.gov.uk, putting ‘Travel training’ in the subject line or phone 0161 219 2125. You can also text Olivia at Greater Manchester Youth Network on 07708 028312 if preferred. Part of the SEND Community Offer.
Concessionary passes update
Following a series of engagement sessions, the forms for concessionary passes for disabled people have been redesigned. These are now live on the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) website. Disabilities are split into different sections, each with their own eligibility criteria and application form. One of these is a section for learning disabilities and neurological development conditions which covers adults and children with ADHD and autism. Application forms can be completed in paper or digital format (via email). Paper copies are available at Information and Ticket stands (TravelShops) in interchanges. If you have difficulty completing the form or need any advice, please contact TfGM on 0161 244 1000 or email travel.pass@beenetwork.com. If you feel that you or your child meet the eligibility but don’t have the requested evidence, they may be able to offer support to complete the application form.
Manchester travel survey
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with Manchester City Council (MCC) to improve journeys for people around Manchester, including to and from the city centre, with a focus on catching the bus, walking, wheeling and cycling. What would make your journeys better, safer and more accessible? This could be any type of journey such as going to work, school, shopping or taking part in leisure activities. Here is a link to the online survey. If you would prefer to do it in an alternative format, contact TfGM on 0161 244 1000 or by email Hello@BeeNetwork.com. Closes 20th October.
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Manchester SEND survey
It’s the annual SEND survey! Do you have children aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities? Do they live or access education, health or social care services in Manchester? If it’s YES to both questions, this is your chance to share your views on how well Manchester City Council and health partners meet your children’s needs and improve life for the city’s families. The survey takes about 15 minutes and you can enter a Manchester Parent Carer Forum raffle to win one of five £30 shopping vouchers. If you find it difficult to do online, please let MPCF know.
Family Hub on Facebook
The Woodville Family Hub at Cheetham Hill is on Facebook. Give the centre a Like and a Follow to keep up to date with activities, events and services, including their SEND offer for children and young people aged 0-19. They do outreach, sensory rooms, School Readiness, Community Food Bank, Dads Matter, Homestart and much more.
Money news
Sometimes there can be a delay in the Universal Credit service finding out that families are eligible for a disabled child addition or carer element. This means there’ll be a period in which you get Universal Credit but your award is missing the additional elements. The law says that the extra payments can be backdated in most cases, but sometimes the Universal Credit service refuses to do this. Contact have developed a number of template letters to help. They also have this general information on Universal Credit.
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Support for siblings
Sibs have worked with the Witherslack Education Group to produce a new sibling pack. It includes a comic strip and activity pack for young siblings, and top tips for parents. Register to receive a free copy. There is also this Sibs information about supporting young siblings with their feelings.
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SEND schoolwear
ASDA now have an Easy on Easy Wear school uniform range designed to support independent dressing and sensory needs. It includes easy fastenings, pull-on styles and no labels.
Manchester College event
Manchester College has a 16 to 18 Open Event on Tuesday 8th October, 5pm to 7pm.
Explore their brand-new City Campus Manchester, along with Openshaw, Shena Simon, Harpurhey, and Wythenshawe campuses. It includes finding out how their Student Support Services can help young people thrive. Find out more and register. There is also an Open Event on Thursday 21st November.
Transitions survey
The NHS Youth Forum invite young people between 11 and 30 to fill out an anonymous survey around transitional care where young people leave the child hospital care system and move into adult services. Here is the survey for young people. There is also one for parent carers. Closes 17th October.
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More than 10,000 people took part in the first phase of the Our Manchester 2025-35 survey. It generated some clear ambitions to focus on over the next decade. But are they right? You’re invited to complete the final - and shorter - survey. Please encourage and support disabled and neurodivergent young people to do it too so that responses reflect the diversity in our city. Here's information on engagement events and places where you can get forms. Closes 13th October.
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Your family is invited to a free day out at the Kidz to Adultz exhibition in Manchester next week. It's on Friday 11th October at Manchester Central from 9.30am to 4pm. It will be a fun and informative day of interactive sessions and activities, including soft play, magic, storytelling, games and dancing! Plus, you can:
- Connect with helpful services and organisations that can support education, funding, transitions, legal matters and more.
- Explore the latest in adaptive gaming technology and assistive devices.
- Meet exhibitors showcasing specialised equipment, products and services.
- Network and make new friends in a welcoming environment.
There’s also a full CPD and educational seminar programme for professionals and parents on a range of hot topics delivered by renowned experts. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Don't miss out - register today!
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