Swindon SEND Families Voice

06/01/2026

The Government has launched the Milburn Review into why so many 16–24‑year‑olds are not in education, employment or training. Disabled young people must be part of this conversation.

We’re still waiting for the Government’s decision on whether the Universal Credit health element for severely disabled young people under 22 will be scrapped. Decision expected in New Year

Removing this support risks pushing disabled young people further from employment, education and training.

This means the Milburn Review must consider the impact of potential benefit changes when examining the root causes of youth inactivity.

The Milburn Review is calling for evidence until 30 January 2026.

Share your views: 📩 youngpeopleandwork.report@dwp.gov.uk

06/01/2026

We are delighted to invite you to an online event with Kirk Anderson, who will be leading a session on Mental Health in Neurodivergent Children, as part of our PINS project.
📅 Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026
🕡 Time: 6:30pm
📍 Location: Online

To join online please use the link below;
https://teams.live.com/meet/9349160702423?p=V3NFkTMPNTpT1P2AUz

Kirk Anderson is a highly experienced Learning Disability Nurse, with over 30 years of dedicated work alongside autistic young people and those with learning disabilities. He currently serves as a Specialist Keyworker within the ICB’s Keyworker service, supporting autistic young people and those with learning disabilities (up to age 25) who are at risk of mental health admission.
Who is this session for?
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and carers of children with diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions, seeking practical strategies to support their neurodivergent children at home.
• 👩‍🏫 Professionals and volunteers working with children and young people with SEND.
This online event is open to all and offers valuable insights into supporting the mental health and wellbeing of neurodivergent children.

06/01/2026

Swindon SIAS- from 15th January 2026, will be holding there drop-in sessions ok Thursday afternoons going forward.

PLEASE NOTE that from 15th January 2026, our drop-in sessions will change to Thursday afternoons going forward.

We will still be in the library on Wednesday 17th December 2025 for our last drop-in session this term.

19/12/2025

We are now on our Christmas break and will return on Monday 5th January.

The Swindon SEND Families Voice team would like to wish all our followers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We would also like to thank everyone who has participated in sharing their experience, feedback, comments and attended any of our events. We are always grateful for your input.

For support and information over the next couple of weeks, please join our peer support group The SEND Room:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSENDRoom/

or take a look on the Swindon Local Offer website:

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

17/12/2025

When we return after the Christmas Break, we will be visiting Lainesmead Primary with Becky Richens as part of the PINS Project.

We will also be running our SEND Stay and Play on Thursday 8th January at the Meadow. And in the evening, we will be running our SEND Social Club. All details are on the poster below. Please email to book your place.

17/12/2025

Swindon SEND Families Voice are holding their next SEND Social Club on the 8th January.

Booking is essential - all details are on the poster. Please confirm how many parents/carers will be attending and how many young people and their ages.

16/12/2025

Swindon Send Families Voice have been asked to share the following comms for Social Care,

Please see letter attached;

13/12/2025

Swindon SEND Families Voice held our Christmas Dinner, a wonderful chance to relax, share laughter, and enjoy time together.

We work tirelessly in everything we do, alongside our strategic partners, always ensuring that the voices of parents and carers remain at the heart of every meeting. As parents and carers of children and young people with SEND ourselves, we truly understand the challenges and the importance of being heard.

We are very excited for January 2026, with a whole calendar of events ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Most importantly, we want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us on this journey. Without your encouragement and involvement, none of this would be possible.

From all of us at SSFV, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year! 🎄✨

12/12/2025

Next week, we have our SEND Stay and Play on Thursday as usual, only with a bit of Christmas magic added this time.
We hope to see you there.

11/12/2025

🎄✨ What a night at our SEND Christmas Party! ✨🎄

Tonight we welcomed children and young people aged 10–25 for an evening of music, laughter, and festive cheer at our SEND Christmas party.

With a DJ, a surprise visit from Santa and his Elf delivering gifts. There was plenty of delicious food and it was a celebration evening to remember.

A heartfelt thank you to our SSFV reps and the incredible volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up and tidy away, you made the magic happen. 💜

A big thank you to Hibba Dunelm Swindon for supporting SSFV for the Christmas gifts.

11/12/2025

Children and Families, Contact Swindon is the ‘front door’ to access the council’s children’s social care services and is available for families, residents and professionals across the borough.

For information to access Children's Social Care Services please use their new email address:
E-mail: contactchildrenandfamilies@swindon.gov.uk

Call: 01793 464 646

Visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxec2n2 for more information.

For further information please use the link below;
https://tinyurl.com/f4xmryyb