Supporting parent carers in Gateshead

Gateshead Parent Carer Forum is an organised volunteer group of parents and carers of disabled children and young people who have a variety of special educational needs and disabilities living across the Gateshead borough.

Our aim is to support parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in our community, we do that by coming together in a relaxed atmosphere, having a drop in coffee morning, information sessions with invited speakers and training events.

Meet the Forum!

Bev

Hi, I’m Bev and I’m the chair of the Gateshead PCF.

Amanda

Hi. I'm Amanda and I'm the Co-vice Chair of Gateshead PCF.

I'm from Gateshead and have 3 gorgeous boys, 2 of which have autism and attend Gibside School.

Boe

Hai! I’m Boe I’m a mom to an ASD and epileptic warrior who kicks butt. I have a cat that thinks she’s a dog and love vegan snacks!

Rachel

Hi, I’m a steering group member at Gateshead PCF.

Amanda

Hi, I’m a steering group member at Gateshead PCF.

Emily

I am married with two young children and work in IT supporting the NHS. My son is disabled and attends a SEN school in Gateshead. When my son was born, I received amazing support and advice from other parents and carers. I am passionate about sharing information and for services to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Michelle

Hi, I’m a steering group member at Gateshead PCF.

Jess

Hi, my name’s Jess and I’m the admin for the forum, I also work for Barnardo’s. I love being a part of the forum, knowing how much dedication goes into working with the Local Authority and other agencies to make changes for the better is inspiring. I couldn’t wish to be part of a better team of people!

Who are we?

We are a group of parents, carers and grandparents of children with Special Education Needs and/or disabilities.

Who do we work for?

No-one! We represent parent/carers, but are entirely independent of any statutory organisation and we are all volunteers.

Are we paid by the local council?

No, we are funded by the Department for Education.

Are we just another support group?

No, we are a participation group, but we will try and signpost you to a support group.

Are we a campaign group?

No, but we acknowledge the important role that campaign groups have in helping to get parent voice heard. At the forum we are happy to work with campaign groups by providing them information and feeding back the issues they raise.

So, what do we do then?

We promote parent voice through participation and co-production. Co-production is parents and professionals working jointly together to develop, decide, design and do equal partners. Participation is Parents and Professionals working in groups to decided what should happen and to shape services. We sit on working groups with statutory organisations. We also run coffee mornings and events to allow opportunities for families to get together, see what help and support is out there, and feedback their experiences. The forum also provides information and training for families.

What can I do, I'm 'just' a mam/dad/grandparent!

You are an expert in your child and know what they need. Join us at our events and coffee mornings to add your voice and experiences. There may also be further chance to be more involved, contact us to find out more.