Support for parents and carers, free membership
Kids First organises a variety of different events which include workshops and meetings with local service providers.
Find out about our forthcoming events and see resources from previous events.
Please contact the forum administrator to find out more and book a place:
Message
020 3963 0597
- For parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with a special need or disability, living or educated in Merton
- run by a steering group of parents and carers
- regular free workshops, events and training for parents and carers
- influencing improvement of local services
We support parents and carers of children and young people with a special need or disability, including mild to severe learning disabilities, complex medical needs, physical or sensory impairments, autistic spectrum disorders and others.
The aims of the forum are:
- to work in Partnership and Co-Production with the local authority and our local health providers, with respect and as equal partners, in order to improve local services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
- to make sure the voice of parent carers is heard in the design and delivery of services in Merton which affect children and young people with SEND
- to empower parent carers with information and knowledge
- to provide opportunities for parent carers to meet, share experiences and reduce isolation
The forum does this by:
- supporting parent carers to be representatives at all the important local forums, committees and Boards in Merton
- providing regular educational workshops and events with experts, local service providers and key decision makers in the borough to give parent carers a voice and influence on local issues
- providing the opportunity for parent carers to meet the people who could work with their children at our events, to find out more about their services, to raise any concerns or queries, and to meet other Kids First parents.
- providing the opportunity for parent carers to hear expert advice on managing challenging behaviours, coping with stress, EHCP’s, welfare benefits, Wills and Trusts and more
- publishing a twice-yearly newsletter full of essential information and useful tips, and keeping our members up to date with regular emails about what is going on, including forthcoming events and new local services.
Kids First is run by a steering group of parent carers who decide on the business of the forum. The project is facilitated by paid workers at Merton Mencap who support the work of the forum.
Kids First receives funding from the Department for Education and the London Borough of Merton.
Join now by downloading our registration form and emailing or posting it back to us.
Please check out Merton Mencap’s YouTube channel, Merton Mencap TV, which brings a range of online learning and activities people can access from home.
For any enquiry, contact Tuhina Shaikh
Message
07929 670645
