The Brent Parent Carer Forum helps give parents and carers a voice in how services for children and young people with SEND are shaped and delivered in the borough.
It also offers an opportunity to come together and talk in a relaxed atmosphere.
Independent from the council, and parent-led, the group supports local families by providing information, advice and a listening ear. It also organises coffee mornings, events and training opportunities. You will get a free wellbeing pack when you join.
By gathering ideas and feedback from its members, the forum works closely with local organisations to help improve the planning and delivery of services for SEND in Brent.
More information, and details of how to join, can be found on the Brent Parent Carer Forum website.
Become a BPCF Parent Champion
We are looking for enthusiastic parents and carers to join our BPCF SEND Parent Champions Scheme. This initiative is designed by parents for parents who have children or young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) aged 0-25 living in Brent. Our aim is to have 2-3 champions in every school.
As a Parent Champion, you will:
- guide parents to useful services
- support them in navigating their journey
- connect them to wider networks and the Brent Parent Carer Forum
We want you to be our voice in your local community. We are looking for parents and carers willing to volunteer 2-5 hours a week to meet with other parents and inform them about services for children and young people with SEND through various avenues. There are many ways you can get involved, including:
- informing parents about Brent Parent Carer Forum (BPCF CIC)
- navigating Brent's Local Offer
- supporting working parents and carers
- understanding access to SEND services
- providing childcare and parenting support
- training as a peer supporter
- acting as a Parent Representative in one of our mainstream and special schools
What are the benefits for you?
- Training to help you develop your confidence and skills
- Experience that will support you in achieving new goals and employment
- Becoming better informed and equipped in your own role as a parent
- Receiving a small remuneration, regular support, and supervision
Training
To become a Parent Champion, you will need to attend a briefing session, followed by two days of in-person training and three online briefing sessions as outlined below:
Intro briefing session (online): Thursday 5th June, 7-8pm
Parent champion training sessions (in-person): Wednesday 18th June, 10am-2pm and Thursday 19th June, 10am-2pm
Location: The training will be held at the Community Room in Barnham Park. Refreshments will be provided for all sessions, and travel expenses will be reimbursed (please bring receipts for Uber, bus, or train fares).
To register for the above intro session and the in-person training sessions, please email admin@brentpcf.org or call Carol (Parent Participation & Champion Lead) on 07852101492.
Parent champion training sessions (online): Sessions will be held in July
Visit Eventbrite for dates and to reserve your spot.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us:
Carol Foyle – admin@brentpcf.org, Parent Participation & Champion Lead, 07852101492
Mirela Costea – mirela.costea@brentpcf.org, Director, Administrator Neurodiversity Lead for BPCF