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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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Manchester SEND Inclusion Conference
Tuesday 23rd June, 10am-2pm
For the city's parent carers
An event just for parent carers in the Manchester City Council area. There's so much to update you on! Find out what's happening in Manchester around SEND education and health and social care. With talks and a fantastic line up of workshops, this is the place to be.
More to follow in a special news bulletin!
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Wednesday 17th June, 10am-12 noon
Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey
All welcome. Find out about support for SEND families in Manchester. Come along for a brew and a chat with the parent/carer groups. It's one of the best things about our drop ins. They've been there and know what it's like. There are lots of professionals to chat to as well.
Future drop in, 10am-12pm:
Wednesday 15th July, Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe
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This replaces the information shared in the last newsletter which applied to Right to Choose assessments only.
An NHS assessment of Autism or ADHD can be provided by Local Services (Manchester Foundation Trust) or Right to Choose providers. Learn about:
If you or your child are eligible for an NHS assessment you should only be one waiting list, either with your local provider or with your Right to Choose provider. A Frequently Asked Questions is being prepared. We’ll share it when it is available.
A new support service
Each of the 10 areas in Greater Manchester are setting up a new Neurodevelopmental (ND) Needs Led service. They will help children and young people and their families who are experiencing autism and ADHD related differences get the right support when they need it.
Parent carer workshops
The Manchester team are making changes to their ND needs-led offers, including opening all available workshops to City of Manchester parents and carers. Whether you have a neurodivergent child or are a neurocurious parent/carer, you can now access the workshops to learn more about neurodiversity and how you can support your child. They don't need to be on a waiting list.
See the Manchester (Mcr) ND needs-led offer (previously the Social Communication Pathway Padlet)
Learn more about the ND service changes across Greater Manchester
We’ll keep you updated as things develop
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SEND COMMUNITY OFFER
Cool to be You - NEW!
(All ages) Cool to be You Game Day is an inclusive get-together with parents/carers and children and young people with SEND who live in, go to school at, or access a GP in the city of Manchester. Enjoy games, books and snacks in the company of people of all neurotypes. Show the real you! This event with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is on Thursday 18th June, 4.30-6.30pm at the North Star Centre, City View House, 5 Union Street, Ardwick, M12 4JD). Book here. Now part of the SEND Community Offer.
SAVE THE DATE: The next showing of the Relaxed Cinema with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is on Sunday 21st June, 11am-1pm at Cultplex (part of GRUB) in Cheetham Hill.
OTHER STUFF TO DO
Youth Club - NEW!
(11-25) Newleaf Foundation is running an inclusive Youth Club for young people aged 11–25 with SEND, offering a supportive environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to thrive. Come along, have fun and be part of something supportive and empowering. It’s on Saturdays, 4-6pm at Clayton Family Hub, 101 North Rd, M11 4NE. Contact Newleaf Foundation to find out more and book places - 07577 979018, info@newleaf-foundation.org.uk.
Inclusive afternoon
(All ages) Enjoy a free afternoon of inclusive workshops with Z-access Day. In partnership with local organisations supporting children and families with additional needs, it’s a joyful experience for everyone. It’s on Saturday 6th June, 3-5pm, at Z-Arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA. Find out more and book.
We Invented the Weekend
(All ages) We Invented the Weekend returns, filling MediaCity and Salford Quays with two days of joyful, free experiences for everyone. This culture‑packed festival celebrates the thing we all treasure most – our free time.
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Wheelin' for Wellbeing
Wheelin’ for Wellbeing is a free, four-week cycling course for parent carers. It’s a safe space to build supportive connections and share experiences whilst trying bike riding and gaining confidence in basic bike maintenance. All bikes and helmets provided. It’s in Cringle Park, Levenshulme, M19 2QP on Thursdays 11th, 18th and 25th June and Sunday 28th June, from 10am to 11am each time. It would be great if parent carers could try and make all the sessions, but they'll be delivered in such a way that people can come to one or any number they can make. For more information and to book, contact Sumayra by text or WhatsApp on 07474 654100.
Carers Week
National Carers Week from Monday 8th to Sunday 14th June is fast approaching. Organisations within Carers Manchester are hosting a variety of events, from information sessions and walks to a comedy night and karaoke. Check out the Carers Manchester event calendar and e-newsletter for full details.
Celebratory gathering
Manchester Parent Carer Forum have partnered again with Ronaldo Thierry Johnson Foundation for a Well-being Day and celebration. Join them for a celebration and some pampering with fellow parents and carers of children with SEND. It’s on Tuesday 9th June, 11am-1pm at Firswood Community Centre, Stretford, M32 8QS. Book here.
Dare 2 b Different
Dare 2 b Different are back and invite everyone to their coffee mornings and Stay and Play sessions for the summer term, all being held at Longsight Library. See the dates and read a heartfelt message from Rehena, the founder.
Carefree breaks
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 £38 admin fee to help with the cost of operating their charity. Carers need to be 18+ and full time (30 hours per week). If you are a Manchester resident, a referral can be made through Carers Manchester Central Locality Lead - the African Caribbean Care Group. The £38 fee is covered, making the break completely free. Call 0161 226 6334 or email admin@accg.org.uk.
Plans for Young Carers
The Manchester Young Carers My Plan is being redesigned. If you are a young carer, a parent, a professional, or someone interested in supporting young carers in Manchester, help make sure it truly meets the needs of young carers. Take a look at My Plans (for age 5+ and for age 11+) and do the questionnaire.
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Young Carers activity sessions
Newleaf Foundation is running free activity sessions for young carers aged 5-16 at Clayton Family Hub, 101 North Rd, M11 4NE. These fun, social sessions on Thursdays 4-6pm give young carers the chance to build confidence, learn life skills, and make friends in a relaxed, supportive setting outside of school. Contact Newleaf Foundation to find out more and book places - 07577 979018, info@newleaf-foundation.org.uk.
Read the latest Manchester Young Carers newsletter
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Emotional Barriers workshop
Manchester Parent Carer Forum are hosting an ‘Emotional Barriers to School Attendance’ workshop on Tuesday 2nd June, 11am-1pm at Moss Side Powerhouse, M14 4SL. Delivered by educational psychologists from One Education, it aims to help parents/carers whose children struggle to attend school. Find out more and book.
Transition workshop
Join Manchester Parent Carer Forum for a Transition to Secondary School Workshop with One Education on Wednesday 3rd June from 11am to 1pm at Clayton Family Hub, The Wells Centre, 101 North Road M11 4NE. It’s designed for parents and carers of children with SEND in Years 4, 5, and 6 who live in Manchester or attend a Manchester-based school. Book your place.
Money Matters
Help with PIP form
As part of claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), there’s a questionnaire ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ (the PIP2 form). The charity Contact has new advice on their website, including 12 video explainers, to help you complete the form for your child.
Payments review
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is undertaking an exercise to identify families in England wrongly refused Child Benefit or Child Tax Credit payments for a 16-18 year old being educated outside school or college. Find out more and what to do it if affects your family.
Wills and trusts webinar
Supporting your child’s financial future can be daunting - even knowing where to start. The charity Contact partnered with Renaissance Legal on a webinar earlier this month. Register to access a recording.
Family finance webinar
There’s a short webinar on Monday 8th June, 6-6.30pm, about financial support for families. It will include information on benefit checker tools, Citizens Advice support, access to energy grants and Credit Union offers. Find out more and book your place.
Alternative Provision e-learning
An e-learning course has been created by the Council for Disabled Children. It provides an introduction to Alternative Provision (AP) and is aimed at anyone with an interest in AP including professionals as well as parent carers.
Manchester Baby Week
Manchester Baby Week is Monday 15th to Saturday 20th June. The six-day programme is filled with free, fun activities and events that are designed to support your child's development from conception to 2 years old. There's something for everyone in cultural venues, leisure centres, Sure Start Children’s Centres and Family Hubs. It finishes with a bang on the Saturday, with Family Fun Days from 10am-1pm for children of all ages in Alexandra Park, Broadhurst Park, Clayton Park, Crowcroft Park, Crumpsall Park and Wythenshawe Park. Manchester Parent Carer Forum and Manchester SEND, Early Development Inclusion Team (SEDIT) will be at Alexandra Park.
Disability Pride event
Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate disabled identity and shine a light on the barriers that still hold disabled people back. Join Scope for an uplifting celebration event on Wednesday 1st July, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, at The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, BL1 1LS. Come together to share stories, celebrate achievements and spark honest conversations about inclusion.
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Volunteer Fair 2026
Join Volunteer Centre Manchester for their annual Volunteer Fair on Saturday 6th June, 11am–4pm at St Ann’s Square in the city centre. Meet with local organisations and charities looking for volunteers just like you. It’s a great way to meet new people, build confidence and gain skills if you're looking for work. Get your free ticket on Eventbrite. If you have any questions or are an organisation interested in having a stall, email info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.
Here’s Volunteer Centre Manchester’s website – see what’s on offer!
If you need some extra support to volunteer, get in touch using the contact form
Scope's Guide to Volunteering
Volunteering opportunity
Disability football across Manchester is looking for volunteers aged 18–25 to help create inclusive, welcoming sessions for disabled players. You don’t need coaching badges or expert football knowledge - just enthusiasm, positivity and a willingness to help others enjoy the game. From supporting sessions to helping behind the scenes, there’s a role for everyone. Register your interest and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch.
Supported internships
Applications are open for Supported Internships at Choices College. It’s a specialist college providing tailored educational support for young adults aged 16-24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and/or autism and an EHCP. They partner with NHS healthcare settings, local organisations and private businesses to provide real work experience for their interns. Find out more. There is information on eligibility and the application process here, including a link to the online application form. Applications are being taken up until August.
Base 12 programme
Base 12 is a full-time programme designed for young people with an EHCP for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. It’s ideal for learners who are ready to work towards a Level 1 Certificate in Personal and Social Skills, but who may need extra time and support before moving into a vocational course or work-based training. Students who are interested need to apply on The Manchester College website, ideally before July 2026. Starts in September at Openshaw and Wythenshawe.
TfGM recruitment
Transport for Greater Manchester are recruiting for new paid members for their Disability Design Reference Group. You need to be a disabled person or living with a long term health condition, be aged 18 years and over, and live, work or volunteer in Greater Manchester. They particularly welcome applications from disabled people facing racial inequalities, young people and from people who have never done anything like this before. You can find the job advert here, including a BSL video and Easy Read version. Apply by 5th July.
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