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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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Relaxed cinema
(12A rating) The next showing of the Relaxed Cinema is on Tuesday 25th August, 2-4pm at Cineworld, Didsbury. The film is 'Spiderman: Brand New Day' which has a 12A rating. The cinema is free to families living in the Manchester City Council area, including siblings without SEND. Please book through the link when it goes live at 6pm today (Wednesday 19th) on Manchester Parent Carer Forum's website.
Cool to be you
(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 the Manchester City Council area. 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 10th September, 4.30-6.30pm at the North Star Centre, City View House, 5 Union Street, Ardwick, M12 4JD. Book here.
Bandaoke
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(16-25) There’s a fantastic new activity with the SEND Community Offer – Bandaoke. It’s like karaoke but with a live band. Offered by Billy and Andy’s Music School, it’s for young disabled and/or neurodivergent people aged 16-25 in the Manchester City Council area. The first get-together is on Sunday 30th August, 7-9.30 at 53two Theatre, Arch 19, Watson St, M3 4LP. It’s a chance for young people to build their confidence, express themselves and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. They can perform their favourite songs in front a friendly audience or just come along to listen to some awesome music. Families are welcome too. The venue is wheelchair accessible with an Accessible Toilet and Changing Places Toilet. Here is more information on the venue, including a video tour. To book a place, send an email to info@billyandandy.co.uk, saying which songs you/the young person would like to perform. Alternatively, call 07429 826053 to book over the phone or to talk through support needs.
SUMMER SEND Community Offer - Due to a site issue, The SPACE Group's tree top nets sessions have had to be cancelled. The group have contacted people to let them know, but just in case, we're sharing the news here.
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SEND activity day - TOMORROW!
(All ages) Manchester Active are hosting a free activity day for children and young people with SEND and their families. It’s on Thursday 20th August, 12–3pm, at the National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street, M11 4DQ. Activities on offer include cricket, wheelchair rugby, inclusive cycling, bouncy castle, soft play and arts and craft. No booking required, just turn up and join the fun! See what else is on offer.
Plant vibes - book before Friday!
(All ages) Join Bold Vibes for their next adventure exploring the beautiful gardens of RHS Bridgewater. This relaxed, welcoming meet up is designed especially for Greater Manchester children, young people and adults with profound and multiple learning disability (PMLD), alongside their families, carers, supporters and friends. Enjoy a gentle stroll through the stunning gardens, connecting with other families. Bring a packed lunch and Bold Vibes will provide the picnic blankets. Plus - a cream tea will be available from the café. Facilities include accessible gardens and a Changing Places toilet – read more. Plant Vibes is on Sunday 30th August, meeting at 12 noon at the main entrance to RHS Bridgewater, Worsley, Salford M28 2LJ. Booking essential. Email hello@boldvibes.co.uk before Friday 21st August, including your name, number of adults attending, number of children/young people and whether anyone in your group is a formal or informal carer.
Stay and play
(Younger children) Dare 2 b Different invites families to join their monthly Stay and Play session. It’s on Saturday 22nd August, 2-4pm at Longsight Library and Learning Centre, Stockport Road, M12 4NE. Limited places. Call 07960 110520 or email dare2bdifferent2023@gmail.com to book and find out about other Dare 2 b Different activities.
All ages event
Access All Ages invite you to a free community event celebrating connection, creativity and wellbeing. It’s on Saturday 29th August, 12-2pm, at The Dome, Platt Lane Sports Complex, Yew Tree Road, Fallowfield, M14 7UU. Free drop in, no booking required. There’ll be intergenerational music workshops, flag football combined with music and free community health checks.
In the autumn, Access All Ages is running their Creative Community Hub. Designed to bring communities together, it’s an opportunity to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling and conversations. Sessions are from 10-11.30am at Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS on Monday 7th September, Monday 5th October, Monday 9th November and Monday 14th December.
Any questions about the August event or to get involved in the autumn sessions, email abi@imm-music.com or call 07931 329694.
The Blossom Bird
(Young children) Join storytellers and puppeteers, The League of Curiosity, to hear the tale of The Blossom Bird at Central Library. Flower folklore and puppetry combine in this brand-new storytelling show. It’s on Friday 28th August, 11am and 1pm, and Saturday 29th August, 11am and 2pm in the Music Library on the 1st Floor. Book your free tickets.
Pride playtime
(4-7) Kick off your Manchester Pride weekend early with a special family story and craft session at Central Library. It’s on Thursday 27th August, 2-3pm in the Children’s Library, Lower Ground Floor. A range of LGBTQIA+ children's books will be out to have a look at. Suitable for children aged 4-7 and their families. Free - just drop in.
Junior activity programme
(5-17) MoreLife Junior Physical Activity Referral Service (PARS) connects young people to inclusive sports and activities in their local neighbourhood to support a more active lifestyle. They have a free 10-week programme for children and young people aged 5-17, including those with SEND, who are above a healthy weight. For referrals, speak to your GP practice, school nurse, or any other health professional, or self-refer via this link - You are also welcome to contact the practitioner in or near your area:
To find out more, contact juniorpars@more-life.co.uk, 0161 511 0300.
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After a break in August, we have a different venue for our next drop in. It’s on Wednesday 16th September, 10am-12pm at the Cornerstone United Reformed Church, Burnage, Manchester M20 6EE. More information to come!
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Future drop ins, 10am-12pm:
Wednesday 14th October, Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey
Wednesday 11th November, Wythenshaw Forum, Wythenshawe
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Exciting programme for 16-24s |
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Aged 16–24?
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Not in education, employment or training?
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Had SEN Support without an EHCP and/or have experienced social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) needs?
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Live in a Manchester City Council ward?
If YES, you can apply to Manchester City Council's exciting supported internship programme. It offers 6–8 months of support starting in August or later in this year. This includes hands-on work placements, employability and life skills sessions, careers advice, mentoring, and the opportunity to gain educational qualifications such as Functional Skills Maths and English. Work placements are available across a range of sectors, including Sports and Leisure, Social Housing, Care/Childcare and Construction and Technical.
Supported Internships are usually offered to young people with an EHCP, so this is a great opportunity for young people who don’t have one
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Back-to-school checklist
If your child is disabled or has additional support needs, taking a little time to prepare for school now can help make the transition from the holidays easier. The charity Contact has put together a checklist to help you get ready for the new term.
If your child doesn’t yet have a school place, find out what to do from Contact.
Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is now law. It introduces a wide variety of measures designed to help children and families. This government blog - The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act: what parents need to know – outlines the changes.
If you home educate your child or are thinking about it, the blog outlines some important changes in the Act.
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Free school meals
From the academic year 2026 to 2027, the government will extend Free School Meals to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit. This represents a significant expansion of food support to households, reaching over half a million children. Learn more from Manchester City Council.
Updated guidance
The Department for Education (DfE) has published updated guidance on suspension and permanent exclusion for local authority-maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units. The charity Contact outlines what the updated guidance means for families of children with SEND.
Back to college
Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES) have a new programme of free adult education courses starting in September. Whether you're looking to get a new or better job, improve your skills or take the next step in your learning journey, their large range of courses caters for all. Enrolment takes place from Wednesday 2nd to Friday 11th September at their eight adult learning centres across Manchester. Book your appointment. The service has a Learning Support team for people who need additional support.
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Parent/carer support
Manchester has a new Neurodevelopmental (ND) Needs Led service (previously called the Social Communication Pathway). As part of this, parent/carer workshops and drop ins are now open to all City of Manchester parents and carers. Your children don’t need to have a diagnosis or be on a waiting list. Scroll through MPCF’s listings to see what’s coming up in September and October.
There is also a drop in for parent/carers to meet with Manchester Parent Carer Forum and the neurodevelopmental navigator team. The Warm Welcome is Wednesday 9th September between 12-2pm at City View House, 5 Union Street, Ardwick, M12 4JD. Booking is recommended but you are free to drop in or leave any time.
ACCG open day
The African Caribbean Care Group invite you to their Annual Open Day, with the theme ‘New Beginnings’ as they celebrate a new chapter for ACCG. It’s on Tuesday 25th August, 10.30am-3.30pm at the Claremont Centre, 2 Jarvis Road, Hulme, M15 5FS.
Misinformation and myths
There are still many harmful misconceptions about autism. Autism Central want to change that and have made this video debunking myths.
There is also this blog from Autism Central by Ann Memmott - Blog: Scams, dangers and false claims? Avoiding the pitfalls of autism ‘cures and treatments’. It tells you what scams to watch out for, including special diets and stem cell treatment.
Help from Henshaw's
Digital support is just one part of what happens at Henshaw’s, but it makes a big difference. They help people with sight loss of all ages get more out of the technology they already have. For more information, please email info@henshaws.org.uk
BSL tour
This Saturday 22nd August, 2.15-3.15pm, there will be a free British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the Whitworth's Entangled and Woven exhibition which has toured from Korea and India to Manchester. Hope Lambert, a BSL tour guide, will give an overview and highlight of the works. Book your free tickets. Donations welcome.
Sunday opening
Eight libraries in Manchester, including Central Library, will soon offer Sunday opening, with extended hours at nine more. From September, four libraries will open on Sundays, with another four following in January 2027. It's the first time Sunday opening has returned since 2011. Get all the details in this library blog.
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Homelessness scheme
A new Centrepoint pilot scheme aims to support 18-25-year-olds in Manchester who haven’t approached services for homeless support but are insecurely housed and at risk of accommodation breakdown. It includes access to Centrepoint’s young-person specific Psychotherapy Service with pre-assessment for ADHD/autism. Young people can self-refer in various ways or a professional can do it for them. Find out more.
Young Company
HOME Young Company is a year-long theatre programme for young people aged 14-18 who are interested in co-creating youth-led theatre. With opportunities to see theatre, learn skills and work with industry professionals. Young Company meet at HOME, M15 4FN, on Tuesday 6pm to 8pm. The new season is September 2026 - August 2027. Applications close on 4th September. Learn more. You can share any access and support needs on the application form.
Speaking out
Manchester People First (MPF) and Speaking Out Forum are offering a free two-day course for learning-disabled adults in Manchester who would like to work on speaking up for themselves and being a self-advocate. It’s on Wednesday 16th and 23rd September, 10am-3pm, at MPF offices, 3 Broughton St, Cheetham Hill, M8 8RF, with free lunch. Participants need to attend both days. To book, call 0161 839 3700.
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