Merton Mencap

Providing support and services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and their family carers in the London Borough of Merton

Events

Friday 20th November 2026, 10am to 12pm (Online Session)

Led by Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Director of Education and Early Help for Merton

Hear the latest updates on SEND services and strategic developments, with an opportunity for parent carers to ask questions and discuss the issues that matter most to Merton families.

Thursday 10th September 2026

Led by Jenny Faulkner-Hooper, SEND Transformation Lead for Merton, joined by Fran Turko from MIASS.

Two Online Sessions to choose from:

  • 10:00am–12:00pm
  • 4:30pm–6:30pm

You must book to join: 

Morning Session: https://bit.ly/4woszcB
Afternoon Session: https://bit.ly/4cDQJbW

Join us for an accessible, Parent-Carer focused update on the developing SEND Reforms and what they could mean for children, young people and families in Merton. 

We’ll look at:

  • What is happening with SEND reform nationally and locally?
  • What could this mean for my child in a Merton school or education setting?
  • What is changing – and what remains the same for now?
  • When, how and why might changes happen?
  • What does inclusion mean, and what could it look like in practice?
  • What can families expect over the coming months?
  • What questions should parent carers be asking?
  • What is Experts at Hand, and how could it support children, young people and families?

There’ll be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and help shape what happens next. When booking, you’ll have the opportunity to submit a question in advance about SEND reform or any of the topics covered. 

We’ll also share the Merton parent carers told us through the MPCF survey and how this feedback is helping to inform local planning, priorities and co-production.

Tuesday 14 July 2026, 10am to 12pm (In-Person Meeting)

With Jodie Clemente, a Wellbeing Practitioner from Merton Uplift,  NHS Merton Talking Therapies.

Jodie will be taking us on a scenic route in Morden Hall Park and guiding us through mindfulness exercises along the way.

After our morning walk, we will break in the Stable Yard to enjoy some drinks and refreshments (on us!), chat & meet with other parent carers, plus the Merton Parent Carer Forum will talk about the work we have been doing. 

All parent carers of children and young people with special needs and SEND, aged 0-25, who live or go to school/college in Merton are welcome to join us. This event is for parent carers only. 

For catering reasons, please book your spot ahead of the event date. More information will be sent upon registration. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

Book here: https://bit.ly/4eB2G2f

Wednesday 1 July 2026, 10am to 12pm (online meeting)

With Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Director of Education and Early Help, and other senior officers in Merton. 

A great opportunity to hear the latest information from senior officers in Merton and ask your questions! The changes happening around Merton may affect you as a parent carer of a child or young person with a disability or special needs.

Register your place now! Online joining links will be sent after registration.

For more information, contact the forum admin by email, text, WhatsApp, or phone call:

Message
07929 670645

Monday 14 October 2026, 10am – 12pm, Church Road Children Centre, 243 Church Road, Mitcham, CR4 3BH

With Kelly Walker, Head of Social Prescribing for Merton

A social prescriber is a professional who connects individuals to community activities, groups, and services that enhance their health and welfare.

We will be joined by Kelly Walker, Head of Social Prescribing for Merton, who will tell us about their service. This session is appropriate for parents of a child & young person with autism.

The session will include details about:

  • Their Team: 12 Social Prescribers across all 21 GP practices in Merton
  • How they help patients: Explore social factors affecting their health and wellbeing, connect families with local services and community support
  • How to access their service: Through your GP practice
  • The sessions the provide: Up to 6 sessions, around 1 hour each
  • Time and space to be listened to and find the right support

Kelly will also explain in more detail what social prescribers can support with, she will also provide more details on their services and talk through their leaflets.

Book your place NOW!

Book you place at this free session by phoning or emailing Maria Solari, Talk Autism Manager, or by booking online at Eventbrite.

Message
07709 715 206

Monday 14 September 2026, 10am – 12pm, Church Road Children Centre, 243 Church Road, Mitcham, CR4 3BH

With Claire Metcalf, Family Wellbeing Parenting Practitioner

This session will cover the Triple P parenting programmes for families in Merton, called Stepping Stones.  Stepping Stones is a 9 week programme with some sessions being face to face sessions. The programme looks at positive parenting approaches and managing high risk situations.

The event will include:

  • Introductions by Claire Metcalf Family Wellbeing Parenting Practitioner talking about their services and how they can help/support parents.
  • Strategies to help in different situations.
  • The reviews with families to discuss what is working well, and what could be done differently. 
  • Questions and answer session

The session is appropriate to parents and carers of a family member with autism.

Book your place NOW!

Book you place at this free session by phoning or emailing Maria Solari, Talk Autism Manager, or by booking online at Eventbrite.

Message
07709 715 206

Read our latest newsletter