FAMILIES can discuss special educational needs and disability provision at a series of events in Dorset this month.

Professionals and other families will be at events being held as part of Let’s Talk Week, which gets underway on Monday, October 21.

Dorset Council, the Dorset Parent Carer Council and NHS Dorset are hosting in-person events for families with special educational needs and disabilities young people.

On October 21, the events will get underway with an in-person gathering at Kingston Maurward, running from 10am to 1.30pm.

It will include stallholders from CAHMs (child and adolescent mental health services), continence service, short breaks providers and more.

There will also a chance to meet senior members of the SEND team, including Amanda Davis, corporate director for education and learning.

There are also regional events happening across Dorset where families will have the opportunity to meet their local SEND teams and meet other local families.

Events are happening at:
Wimborne Family Hub: Noon to 2pm, Tuesday, October 22
Top Club Littlemoor: 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday, October 23
Dorchester Family Hub: 10am to 12pm, Thursday, October 24
Wareham Family Hub: 1pm to 3pm, Thursday, October 24
Shaftesbury Children’s Centre: 10am to 1pm, Thursday, October 24

The week concludes with an online Q&A session on Friday, October 25, from 10.15am, with registration required.

Amanda said: “I can’t wait to meet our Dorset families at Let’s Talk Week in October. It will be a chance for parents and carers to meet our team in an accessible and friendly way for all.

“The opportunity for us to answer your questions in Let’s Talk Week will be an essential part of the week for our families.

“We have already seen a great turn out and participation in our online Let’s Talk events we have been holding, so don’t expect anything less from our first in-person event.”

Whether families are looking for advice, information or simply a friendly chat, Let’s Talk Week has something for everyone, said Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills.

“Having children with special education needs and disabilities can be tricky to navigate, and Let’s Talk Week will be a great way for families to get answers to their questions and meet other who are going through similar situations to them,” she said.

“I would encourage families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities across Dorset to attend, if they are able to.”

As well as Let’s Talk SEND Week, Dorset Council regularly holds online Let’s Talk SEND events, where parents and carers can virtually join question and answer sessions with key SEND professionals.

Anyone interested in these sessions can sign up for the next event, learn more, or access questions and answers at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/lets-talk-send.