Parents have a very important role in raising their children to be valued members of their community, and naturally has a caring element to the role to ensure their child is emotionally and physically safe and secure.
A parent of a child with additional needs is also recognised as a carer due to the extra level of care required to ensure their child's wellbeing and safety, as a result of their additional needs and/or disability.
These parents are sometimes referred to as parent carers.
Information for Parent Carers
As a parent carer you will find a variety of information on our Local Offer to assist you in understanding and supporting your child through their SEND journey.
The SEND Local Offer provides information on a range of topics. These include:
- information to support your child's education including the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, introductions to teams you may be involved with and how to reach out to them;
- health Services;
- information and advice services;
- details of potential benefits and funding available;
- Alternative Learning Provisions;
- Holiday Playschemes and Short Breaks;
- SEND Services, groups and organisations for your young person;
- Mental Health support;
- How to access mediation and follow a complaints process.
Advice and Guidance
The SEND information, advice and support pages will provide information about key processes and subject areas, and signpost you to services you can speak to if you need additional support.
These services will offer independent, impartial advice based on your individual needs and will be able to support you by utilising their experience and knowledge in this area.
Support for Parent Carers
We understand it can feel overwhelming for parent carers at any point during their child's SEND journey.
B&NES Parent Carer Forum run regular coffee mornings throughout the year at various locations across Bath and North East Somerset. They offer an impartial listening ear and can offer informal advice and signposting. They have lived experience supporting their own families through their own SEND journeys and have a wealth of insightful knowledge they can offer. Many parent carers find these drop in, relaxed coffee mornings supportive and are comforted to know they do not need to work through this journey alone.
You can find out more about their sessions by exploring the B&NES Parent Carer Forum website or by following their social media pages.
You can find more parent support groups and groups for your child to get involved with by exploring the Social, Leisure and Community section.
As a parent carer we also understand it can sometimes feel overwhelming and impact your own mental health and wellbeing, and it is essential you take time to consider your own needs. If you feel you would benefit from talking to someone, you can find details of a variety of groups and organisations offering therapeutic support by exploring the mental health section for Adults.
B&NES Carers Centre
As a recognised carer, you are entitled to access the support and wellbeing services B&NES Carers Centre offers. You can register for a free Carers Card, access their free support line and participate in any of their wellbeing activities.
Find out more about the support B&NES Carers Centre can offer you by visiting their website.