Families and carers, and professionals who work with children with SEND are invited to St George’s Hall on Wednesday 17 June to learn about all the support available to them.
A SEND Local Offer is a centralised directory that outlines all the education, health, social care, and support services available in a specific local area for children and young people (aged 0–25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – but this is usually all found on a website.
SEND Local Offer LIVE brings these services to children and families so they can speak directly to services more easily.
89 services from health, local authorities, support groups, activity groups and third sector organisations will be at the dynamic marketplace event, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, SENDIASS/Young Carers, Preparing for Adulthood Team, EHCP Assessment Team, The Brain Charity, and many more.
Doors will open from 12-6pm and entrance is free.
This year will mark SEND Local Offer LIVE’s sixth event, and it has been organised by Liverpool Parent Carer Forum (LivPaC), which supports families and children who have disabilities and additional needs, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the NHS and third-sector organisations.
All local authorities are required to have a Local Offer for children and young people, aged up to 25, with SEND.
Liverpool’s SEND Local Offer can also be accessed online through the Liverpool Family Information and SEND Directory
For more information, visit fisd.liverpool.gov.uk.
Cllr Joanne Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said: “We are really looking forward to our sixth SEND Local Offer LIVE event at St George’s Hall.
“For so many families and carers, navigating advice around SEND can be confusing – this event is a brilliant opportunity to chat with amazing providers and services in Liverpool who can offer clear support and guidance.
“Many parents and professionals will know about the Local Offer website, but this event will allow them to meet the lovely teams face-to-face.
“I would encourage any families, carers or professionals who support youngsters with SEND to come along.”
Donna Phipps, of LivPaC, said: “SEND Local Offer LIVE is now in its sixth year, and we’re proud to be returning to the iconic St George’s Hall for the fourth time. As in previous years, the event is centred on Preparing for Adulthood, which is Priority 3 of the Local Area’s SEND Strategy and a key focus for families across Liverpool.
“This year we’re bringing together 89 services from right across the sector, from Alder Hey, Local Authority teams, colleges, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), support groups and community organisations.
“The event is built around the four Preparing for Adulthood areas that matter most to our young people: Education and Employment, Independent Living, Health, and Community Inclusion.
“The aim is: to give families, carers and professionals direct access to the people, services and information that help young people with SEND move confidently towards adulthood.
“Local Offer LIVE brings the Local Offer off the webpage and into a space where real conversations, real connections and real support can happen.”
