Helping those helping children with extra needs
Published Wednesday 15th August 12 in Council - news and information releases news
A partnership event brought together many Southend organisations offering services for children with additional needs
This special gathering - called SPIN - Southend Providers Information Networking event - was the first of its kind in Southend.
It took the format of a forum for professionals involved in these services to begin with, but also welcomed parents of service users and other members of the public.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor James Courtenay said: "This was a vital opportunity for different organisations to meet and discuss ways to continue to working together more and more closely in future, to help Southend children and young people needing extra assistance.
"We were delighted with the response from providers - nearly 40 different groups and organisations attended.
"It was a terrific chance to explore and showcase the range of services that support children/young people with disabilities and their families.
"There were lively exchanges of information and many offers to help each other develop new resources providing opportunities for young people with disabilities.
"In this difficult economic climate it is increasingly important for organisations within the same field to work together in partnership.
"We also welcomed parents of disabled children who came to learn about what help was available and how to seek advice."
Organised by a partnership led by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, and including Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) and Carers /Parents organisations, the event at Christchurch Church, Colbert Avenue, Thorpe Bay, featured stalls, presentations and performances.
It concluded with drama activities with children led by the acclaimed Purple Goat Theatre Company.
Among those represented were the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Family Information Service, Children's Centres in Southend, the Disability Information and Advice Line, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Children with Disabilities Team, and the Council's Short Breaks Team for Disabled children.
For more information about the event or short breaks for disabled children, please contact Laura Clarke, Short Breaks Commissioning Officer for children with disabilities, on 01702 212310.