CAN Network - April Update 2026
Welcome to an extra April CAN Network Update, a shorter newsletter sharing some upcoming dates for your diary over the next few weeks.
This issue includes:
- An update on using your local offer to find accessible activities and clubs
- Preparing for adulthood SEND market stall event
- Our House - ask the experts coffee and chat session
- Autistic Thriving at School and Beyond event
 Local Offer - now even easier to search
The Local Offer homepage now includes an improved search bar.
This new tool makes it simpler to find accessible clubs, groups and activities for children and young people with additional needs.
The search function covers both the local offer webpages and the directory, helping you locate the information and opportunities you need.
 Preparing for adulthood event
Come along to a free, market stall event run by Wokingham Borough Council’s SEND service.
You and your family can explore post‑16 options and learn about local support and services. This in‑person event is for young people aged 12 and over with SEND and their families.
It starts on from 3.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 14 May at The Crescent Resource Centre in Earley (RG6 4HB). You can drop in at any time.
Please book a ticket for everyone in your family attending, including children and young people.
The local offer preparing for adulthood page also has information to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities to plan for the future including:
- Education options
- Housing
- Health
- Work, training and volunteering
- Moving across to adult services
 Our House 'Ask the Experts' coffee and chat
'Ask the Experts' is back at Our House.
This parents' coffee and chat session has therapists on hand to give advice to help your family.
Come along to chat to our team of friendly volunteers, connect with other parents and let your children play, in Our House's safe and inclusive environment.
Nicola, the CAN Network Co-ordinator will also be there, to offer information and support with finding accessible activities and opportunities for your family.
It's on from 9.30am to 11.30am on Friday 8 May at Our House, Toutley Road, Wokingham.
Parents can book a free 15-minute chat with an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist and a paediatric physiotherapist.
Due to the popularity of the last session, appointments must be booked in advance. Contact nicki@bftf.org.uk to book your time slot.
Please include in your email which therapist you would like to talk to - you can book slots to see one, two or all of the therapists.
Our House Saturday Club
Our House also run fortnightly drop-in play sessions for disabled children and families at their Saturday Club.
No need to book, just come and join in the fun!
Upcoming dates:
18 April, 9 and 23 May
- 11am to 1pm: Children with physical disabilities/down syndrome
- 3pm to 5pm: Children with ASD and associated conditions
 Autistic Thriving at School and Beyond event
Reading University are hosting a free public event bringing together autistic children and young people, their families, students, professionals and researchers to explore what supports autistic children to flourish in education and everyday life.
You can attend online or in person on Wednesday 6 May.
In person: 6.45pm to 9pm
Online (via Microsoft Teams): 7pm to 8.30pm
Refreshments will be provided.
Find more details and how to book your place here.
Get in touch
We would love to hear your feedback on our service and our newsletters, including what you would like to see in future editions. To get in touch please email.
Disclaimer
By sharing information with you the CAN information network is not providing a recommendation or endorsement of a service/organisation.
|
