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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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Do you live in Manchester City Council area or use SEND services here? We'd love to hear about your experience of the Manchester Local Offer!
This might be:
We invite parents/carers, young people aged 25 or under who are disabled and/or neurodivergent, and professionals to take our short survey. It's anonymous, so we won't know who you are unless you tell us.
We're especially interested in how Manchester Local Offer has helped you find the support you need. We'd also like to hear your suggestions to make it better. Closing date: Saturday 31st May 2025.
If you would rather give your answers over the phone or in another way, please call the Local Offer Team on 0161 219 2125.
THANK YOU!
Watch our one minute film about Manchester Local Offer
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Our next drop in is on Wednesday 30th April, 10am-12pm at Manchester Youth Zone, 931 Rochdale Road, Harpurhey M9 8AE. Our 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. Your children don’t need to have a diagnosis. All welcome – including professionals.
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FUTURE 2025 DROP INS, 10am-12pm
Wednesday 21st May, Crossacres Hub, Wythenshawe
Wednesday 18th June, Moss Side PowerHouse
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NAC campaign
Did you know it's World Autism Acceptance Month? National Autistic Society surveys show that many people don't understand autism or how to support autistic people and their families. To help, they’ve started a public awareness campaign. Using videos and real-life stories, it shares simple ways to support autistic people.
Call for views
On World Autism Acceptance Day (2nd April), the House of Lords launched a Call for Evidence. They’re reviewing the Autism Act 2009 to understand how well the Autism Act and the Government’s autism strategy are working – and how to improve them. They want to hear from:
- Autistic people (diagnosed or self-identified)
- Families and carers of autistic people
- People who work with autistic people
- Researchers in autism support
You can send evidence in a way that works for you – a voice recording, for example – and you don’t need to answer every question. Evidence needs to be in by Monday 2nd June 2025. For more information, visit the Committee’s website.
Autism Understood
Spectrum Gaming’s Autism Understood website is a fantastic resource aimed at young people but helpful for adults too, including parents and professionals. Co-produced with autistic young people, it includes autistic differences, health and wellbeing, and education. There’s another round of their online Autism Acceptance training coming up in September. It tackles some key areas that are often misunderstood, including what autism actually is, trauma, anxiety and meltdowns.
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Carers Week
It’s Carers Week from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June, the annual campaign to raise awareness of caring. There will be free activities all over Manchester. Keep an eye on Carers Manchester events for what’s coming up.
Free training
Access SEN Consultancy offer free monthly online sessions to parents and carers. The next one is about sensory issues at mealtimes and is on Wednesday 23rd April, 7pm. Get tickets on Eventbrite.
Join other carers for a free moving and handling training session on Tuesday 13th May, 9.30am to 1pm, at the Green Fish Resource Centre on Oldham Street, M4 1LE. Facilitated by Disabled Living, the session will cover a range of basic moving and handling techniques with the opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored advice. First come, first served. To sign up, please contact Yusuf at 07944 715530 or yusuf.lambat@gaddum.org.uk.
Autism Central have a free webinar series called ‘Finding the Balance’ with Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker. There are six episodes to help parents and carers of autistic people take care of their own wellbeing. Topics include ‘Am I doing this all wrong?’, ‘Why do I feel so drained?’, and ‘I can't relax’. Sign up to watch all the episodes.
Carers Allowance
The amount of earnings that a carer can have and still qualify for Carer’s Allowance is increasing from £151 to £196 per week. It will guarantee that anyone working 16 hours or less at National Living Wage is eligible for Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support payment. They must still meet the other caring rules to qualify. Learn more from Contact.
Take a break
Carefree offer low-cost short breaks in the UK for unpaid carers. After registering with them, you can browse the options and submit a request for a hotel on specific dates. Hotels donate 1-2 night breaks in a twin or double room, plus breakfast where possible, for you and a companion (adult or child, not the person being cared for). There’s no charge for accommodation, just a £33 admin fee to help with the cost of operating their charity. Carers need to be 18+ and full time (30 hours per week). Find out more on their website.
Young carers
The theme for Young Carers Action Day 2025 was ‘Give me a break’. Here are some young carers from Varna Street Primary School saying what they love to do outside of their caring role. If you know a young person that cares for someone, make sure they get the support they’re entitled to.
Badge competition
Young carers from Key Stage 3 and above are invited to take part in a badge design competition. An independent panel are looking for unique designs that young carers would be proud to wear. Freehand and digital designs are welcome but mustn’t use copyrighted or AI-generated work. Here’s the badge template for designs. All entries should be sent directly from the Young Carer Champion at your child’s school/setting to Kelly.hockaday@manchester.gov.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 30th April.
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Call for foster carers
There is a shortage of foster carers in Manchester, especially for short breaks and respite carers of young people. The Fostering Recruitment team at Manchester City Council are always on the lookout for people who have experience of children with additional needs. If you have the skills, experience and time to help looked after children, whether for one day, one weekend in four or more, please feel invited to reach out to the team - enquire@fosterforgm.com, 0300 303 0321. Find out more about fostering in Manchester.
Digital visas
Physical documents are being replaced an online record of immigration status, known as an eVisa. This government information tells you about eVisas and the processes around them. If you need help, see the links at the bottom of the webpage.
Healthy child event
There’s a Healthy Child drop in on 28th April, 9.30am-12pm at Woodville Family Hub, Shirley Road, Cheetham Hill M8 0NE. It includes lots of freebies and is a chance to talk to health visitors, family workers, and the immunisation and dental teams, plus find out what’s happening at the Hub.
Spirit of Manchester
Do you know someone or a group that should be acknowledged and thanked for their outstanding efforts over the last year? It can be anyone – friend, neighbour or local community group. They just need to live in the city of Manchester or have delivered their support here. See the categories in this year’s Spirit of Manchester Awards and find out how to nominate them. Closes 6th May.
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AutismWISE
AutismWISE is a service for autistic people in Manchester. WISE means Wellbeing, Information, Support and Empowerment. You can get help with finding a job, getting talking therapy, joining community activities and being referred to other support. You may be able to use the service if:
- You have or are waiting for a diagnosis of Autism
- You live in Manchester (have a Manchester City Council postcode)
- You are over 18 years old
The AutismWISE programme is run by Pure Innovations in partnership with Respect For All, I Am Autism, and Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy. See the website for more information and how to refer, including self-referral.
WorkWell
Do you have a physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to work? WorkWell might be able to help you. Work and Health coaches offer one-on-one support, including accessing local health services, guidance on workplace adjustments, and exploring employment and career options. WorkWell is available to anyone aged 16 or older who lives in Greater Manchester and is registered with a local GP surgery or Jobcentre Plus. You can self-refer or ask a trusted community group or service to refer you.
Manchester People First
Have you heard about Manchester People First? It’s a self-advocacy group run by and for learning disabled adults. It’s based at 3 Broughton Street, Cheetham Hill, M8 8RF, near the city centre. If you’re over 18, live in Manchester, and have a learning disability, you can join for free. Activities include:
- Supporting learning disabled people to have a say
- Drop-in sessions like exercise classes and a radio show
- Social events
Visit the Manchester People First website for information on how to join - or call 0161 839 3700.
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