Families invited to help shape the future of family support in Derbyshire

Parents and carers across Erewash are being invited to take part in an engagement session to help shape the future of support for children, young people and families, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The session forms part of the Derbyshire Families First Partnership (FFP), a programme bringing together local services to provide earlier, more joined-up support for families and make it easier to access the right help at the right time.

The programme is now moving from planning into delivery, with test and learn activity underway across several parts of the county.

Alongside this work, the partnership is committed to ensuring families help shape the future of services. Two engagement sessions held so far have welcomed more than 20 parents and carers, who have shared their experiences, ideas and perspectives on family support.

Further sessions are taking place throughout July in locations across Derbyshire, giving more parents and carers the opportunity to have their say.

Locally, Erewash Voluntary Action will play host to a session on Wednesday 22nd July from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

The session will offer a relaxed and welcoming environment where families can discuss topics such as support in the early years, experiences of working with professionals, where families go for advice and help, and what good support looks like from a family’s perspective.

The partnership is keen to hear from families with a wide range of experiences, including those who have accessed support related to SEND.

Feedback gathered will help influence how services are designed and delivered in the future, ensuring they better meet the needs of local families.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families Councillor Paul Maginnis said: “Families know better than anyone what it’s like to seek support when they need it, and their experiences are invaluable in helping us improve support for children, young people and families across Derbyshire.

“We want to make sure the support available to children, young people and families, including those with SEND, reflects what people really need and works well in practice.

“I would encourage anyone with experience of family support services to get involved. Every conversation helps us build better services and ensure families are at the heart of how support is developed across Derbyshire.”

The session is are open to parents and carers of children and young people of all ages, as well as anyone with lived experience of family support services, including support from Family Hubs, health visitors, Family Help and children’s social care.

To view the upcoming session date and register, visit this link