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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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Has Manchester Local Offer helped you find the information you need?
Are there things we could do to make it better?
- Have you been to a SEND drop in?
- Do you use our online information?
- Do you read our newsletter regularly?
- Have you accessed the SEND Community Offer?
- Have we helped you have a say?
If YES, we'd love to hear about your experience. Please take a couple of minutes to do our short survey. Closes end of May.
If you'd rather give your answers over the phone, call the Local Offer Team on 0161 219 2125.
THANK YOU!
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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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Relaxed cinema
The next relaxed cinema showing with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is Sunday 18th May, 11am to 1pm at GRUB, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF. The film will be Mufasa: The Lion King (PG). Siblings without SEND are welcome to join this SEND-friendly screening where guests can get free popcorn. This activity is for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Book through Eventbrite.
SEND-friendly swims
Central
There are free inclusive swims at Moss Side Leisure Centre as part of the SEND Community Offer. Sessions are every Sunday 9-11.30am and are for families living in the Manchester City Council area. The swim provides a calm environment and a clear process from entry to the pool for children and young people with special needs and disabilities. Families can access the small pool and floats for family fun or use the main pool for lane swimming when available. There’s no need to book – just turn up at the leisure centre. Free to all the family.
North
There is a free weekly inclusive swim at the Abraham Moss Leisure Centre, Crescent Road, Crumpsall, M8 5UF, for families living in the Manchester City Council area. There are two sessions every Saturday between 12-2pm. Booking is arranged through The SPACE Group. It opens every Monday at 9am and closes on Wednesday at 6pm for the swimming session on the Saturday that week. (For example, 9am Monday 5th May to 6pm Wednesday 7th May for the swimming session on Saturday 10th May.) Text the word SWIMMING to 07749 116211 with the full names of anyone going in the pool, the children’s date of birth, postcode and preferred time 12-1pm or 1-2pm. Swimming is popular, so if you turn up without a confirmed booking you may not get in the pool.
Free cycling (11-16s)
Until mid-June, there are extra cycling and bike maintenance sessions for Manchester young people aged 11-16 with SEND and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. They are every Wednesday after school from 4.30-7.30pm, meeting at the Procter Learning Centre, Hulme Street, off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Bikes, helmets and other safety equipment are provided for cycle routes across Greater Manchester, along with regular bike maintenance sessions. All young people take part in a pre-ride induction before attending but need to be competent riders. Funded by the Targeted Intervention Group.
These are in addition to the regular riding sessions as part of the SEND Community Offer, every Saturday 11am-3pm. Contact Roger Newell at MANCCYCLES for more information and to book a pre-ride induction – info@manccycles.co.uk, 07970 922132.
What people say
‘I can't recommend Roger highly enough. He is an incredibly patient, positive teacher whose passion for helping small people experience the joys of bike riding shines through.’
‘I didn’t imagine my daughter would be able cycle on roads due to nerves, but I’m pleased to say she managed to cycle miles in the city only after few sessions.’
‘When my son started cycling with you, he was shy, uncomfortable being around others and struggling with mental health issues. He is so much more confident and happier in himself.’
Mcr Social (14-17s)
MCR Social is a fantastic programme supporting disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14-17 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 using this online form. If you have any questions, including accessibility around applying and taking part, get in touch with Trystan at Greater Manchester Youth Network - trystan.kent@gmyn.co.uk, 07708 022320.
Travel training (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. You can also phone 0161 219 2125 or text Olivia at Greater Manchester Youth Network on 07708 028312.
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Young'un sessions (5-10s)
There are Multisport Sessions for 5-10 year olds with SEND on Sunday mornings 9am-10.30am at Denmark Road Sports Centre, Ardwick, M15 6FG, £2. It’s an opportunity to explore a range of sports and games in a fun way, including basketball and cricket. Siblings welcome. There is some flexibility with the top age limit, but the general idea is that when children hit 10, they start transitioning into other sessions. This includes the Champions Sports Club on Friday evenings, 6-8pm, also at Denmark Road Sports Centre, aimed at 11 plus and including adults, £2. The first hour is a 'do what you choose' style session where people play a range of sports amongst themselves with support from the volunteer team; the second, a cricket session. No need to book for the sessions, but it’s helpful to let Jacob or Amlyn know you are coming for the first time – contact jacob@dosportuk.co.uk or alayton@lancashirecricket.co.uk, 07799 639838.
Disability cricket (12-25s)
Super 1s is a Lord’s Taverners programme designed to give cricketing opportunities to young disabled people aged 12-25. There is a free session on Friday evenings, 7-8pm, at Denmark Road Sports Centre in Moss Side, M15 6FG (free or £2 if young people join the multi-sports with Champion’s Sports Club from 6-7pm). Not too far away in Swinton at Moorside High School, M27 0AP, there’s Disability Cricket on Thursday evenings, 6-7pm, a free session with opportunities to take part in competitions, festivals and workshops. Find out more on the Lancashire Cricket website. The contact is Amlyn Layton, 07799 639838, alayton@lancashirecricket.co.uk.
ParaNetball (11-25s)
There’s a free ParaNetball offer for young people (11-25yrs) who are deaf or disabled. It’s for both boys and girls, with qualified coaches, as part of a partnership between Manchester Thunder and the famous Manchester drinks brand Vimto. Siblings can join in too. There are two sessions:
- 1st Saturday of the Month: 10-11am, Wright Robinson College, Off Falmer Road, Abbey Hey Lane, M18 8RL
- 3rd Saturday of the Month: 10-11am, alternative locations at present (usually Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe)
For more information and to book on sessions, please contact Katie@manchesterthunder.co.uk.
Tag rugby (10+)
There are free SEND Tag Rugby sessions designed for young people from any area aged 10 and upwards. They take place every Saturday, 10-11am, with refreshments afterwards, at Bowdon Rugby Club, Clay Lane, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7AF (plenty of parking). Tag Rugby is a non-contact team game in which each player wears shorts with Velcro patches and two tags attached to them. Defenders attempt to prevent others from scoring by ‘tagging’ - pulling one of their tags off. These fun, inclusive sessions are a fantastic way to improve fitness, build confidence, and make new friends. Bowdon Bears welcomes all children and young adults above 10, whatever their ability, as well as siblings. Email Mike Carr at mixedabilityrugby@bowdonrufc.com or call 07872 412787.
Frame running (5+)
Frame running is an adapted sport aimed at children, young people and adults with cerebral palsy who need a sports aid to help with running and their mobility and balance. They run using a three-wheeled frame, supported by a saddle and body plate. Frame running sessions for age 5 upwards are held on Wednesday evening 5–6.30pm in the indoor athletics hall at the Manchester Regional Arena (Etihad stadium), Gate 13 Etihad Campus, M11 3FF, £1.60 per session. There’s a selection of frames which are fitted to the person based on weight and height. Some regular frame runners buy their own equipment, but it isn’t necessary. Book a taster session by contacting Manchester Frame Running Hub at framerunningnw@gmail.com.
Cerebral palsy football (3+)
Cerebral Palsy United Football Club provide football opportunities for children (age 3 upwards) and adults who have Cerebral Palsy or/and Acquired brain injury. There are sessions most Saturdays at Partington sports village, Chapel Lane, Partington, M31 4ES. The club provides a safe and inclusive learning environment with FA and UEFA qualified coaches and play facilitators. There are sessions for all age groups running throughout the day, so email info@cpunited.co.uk to find out more. There are a number of training centres in the North West – see the website for locations.
This is just a selection of sports activities for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. See our Stuff to do highlights for more!
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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. Check out Eventbrite for what’s coming up in May. Here’s a BSL version on You Tube.
SEND stay and play (0-5s)
Butterflies SEND Stay and Play is a group for children aged 0-5 every Monday at Crossacres Family Hub, 13.30-14.30pm. The group offers plenty of space for fun and exploration and provides a safe space for parents/carers in the M22/M23 areas to connect with others facing similar challenges. For more information, please contact 0161 529 0080.
Free summer camps (12-16s)
Applications are still open for Action for Conservation's free summer camps. Open to all 12-16 year olds living in England and Wales, they are a chance to learn about nature, environmental justice and how to take action. When young people with additional needs or disabilities apply to camp, the team speak with them and parents/carers to ensure they can fully support them and have a full understanding of their needs. They may also ask to speak teachers or support workers. The deadline to apply is Monday 5th May. Find out how to apply.
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Carers coffee morning
The next Coffee Morning with Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) is on Friday 9th May, 10am-12pm 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. Two project workers from Carers Manchester will join the morning to discuss male carers' experiences with taking short breaks, contributing towards a city-wide Carers Breaks Strategy. Please book through MPCF.
Neurodiversity training
The Neurodiversity in Education (NiE) project is offering training modules for parents and carers, starting with ‘Exploring Neurodiversity’. The workshop will cover neurodiversity awareness, inclusivity in schools, myths and misconceptions, empowering parent carers and legal frameworks. There are three sessions from 10am-12pm each time:
Tickets are offered in the first place to parents and carers whose children attend NiE project schools.
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Online safety
Children's wellbeing is greatly affected by their online experiences. What they see, who they talk to, and what they share online can be very positive or very harmful. The Online Safety Hub, part of Manchester Safeguarding Partnership, provides up-to-date information on online safety and wellness for everyone involved in a child's life. Parents can find helpful resources like app reviews, how-to guides, and advice on online safety. School staff and leaders have access to practical guides and information for use in the classroom or school governance.
Manchester Schools are hosting free workshops to help parents understand online risks and how to protect their children. Katherine Howard from Smoothwall will share useful tips and tools:
Neonatal leave and pay
Working parents of babies born on or after 6th April 2025 and admitted to neonatal care are entitled to up to 12 weeks’ leave in addition to their maternity and paternity leave. Some working parents are also entitled to neonatal pay. Depending on length of service and earnings, some employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks’ neonatal pay of £125 a week. Learn more.
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 calendar for what’s coming up.
If you are a carer, get information and support from Carers Manchester, including a helpline, events and newsletter.
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Youth event - this week!
Deliver You - Manchester Hack, Thursday 1st May, 5.30-8pm
Are you you aged 15-25 and live in Greater Manchester? Do you have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Join this event to help co-design the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport’s new national youth strategy. Organised by Youth Manchester, it’s at the People's History Museum, Leftbank Manchester M3 3ER. During the two hours, you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts on problems, solutions and creative new ideas. It promises to be fun and interactive, with food provided! Book through Eventbrite.
Youth Voice Census
Aged 11- 30? The Youth Voice Census is your chance to share how you feel about school, work and life. By taking part, you're making sure your voice is heard by those who can make a difference. Your answers will help Youth Employment UK understand what you and other young people need right now - whether that is better opportunities, more training courses or improved mental health support.
It’s completely anonymous, so you will stay private. It will take between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on your answers. You can start and stop as many times as you like, saving your progress as you go. Closes 6th June 2025.
Youth Employment UK
Youth Employment UK - the organisation running the Youth Voice Census - has lots of career advice for young people. This includes job hunting, further education, managing money, and volunteering. They also offer free online courses to help build skills and careers confidence, with a course for young people in Home Education.
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Welfare changes
Accessible versions now available!
In a recent newsletter, we shared that the Government have proposed sweeping changes to financial support for people of working age who have limiting health conditions. The decision to restrict PIP payments may cause carers to lose a range of financial support.
The consultation on the Green Paper - Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working - runs until 30th June 2025. Accessible versions are now available:
You can respond by online form, emailing or sending a letter. See the end of the consultation webpage for details. (Please note, the Government in-person and online consultation sessions are full.)
Contact, the charity for families with disabled children, have information about the proposals, as well as a FAQ to answer some of the most pressing questions from worried parents. There is also this information from Scope. The proposals are not yet set in stone. None of the changes would come into effect until April 2026. This Carers Manchester blog has suggestions for further action you can take.
If you would like to get our newsletters, find out how to sign up
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