Have you ever felt lost in a sea of information? That’s how many parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) feel when navigating the complexities of getting the right support. They know their child needs help, but where to start?
SENDiass is a lifeline for these families, offering vital information and support through a team of trained staff and amazing volunteers like Emma Mohangee. SENDiass is an independent organisation that provides information, advice, and support to families around SEND needs.
Parent Champions are volunteers with their own experiences of accessing services. They act as a confidential listening and signposting service for families who have children and young people with additional needs in BCP. These volunteers provide much-needed initial information, advice, and support regarding the local offer and universal services.
Emma, a mum of a young child with autism, understands the challenges firsthand. “As a parent, you just don’t know where to look for help,” she says. “There’s so much information, it can be overwhelming.” But then she discovered SENDiass Parent Champions.
Empowering families through shared experiences
Parent Champions are volunteers with their own experiences of accessing services, offering a unique perspective for families in need. Emma explains, “Having someone who can listen and understand what you’re going through can be such a relief.”
Volunteering has been rewarding for Emma in unexpected ways too. “I’ve always struggled with social anxiety,” she admits, “but this role has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way.”
Rewarding for everyone
2024’s Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to consider making a difference. CAN support BCPs Early Help Transformation project by connecting them with organisations like SENDiass to empower families with children with SEND.
By becoming a Parent Champion Volunteer, you can share your experiences and be a guiding light for other families on their SEND journey. It’s a chance to give back, develop new skills, and gain confidence – just like Emma.
Ready to get involved?
To learn more about becoming a Parent Champion Volunteer, contact Parent Champion Coordinator Alexia Tough at alexia.tough@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or 01202 128 181.
For information on other volunteering opportunities in BCP, contact liz.soffe@can100.org or visit www.can100.org/volunteer.
This Volunteers’ Week, make a difference in the life of a child with SEND. Share your story, lend a listening ear, and be the support someone else needs.
