Derby SEND Voice

08/10/2026

🌸 Girls and Autism Information Session 🌸

Join Derby SEND Voice for a relaxed and informal in-person information session exploring the topic of Girls and Autism, led by Julie Fearn from Autism Derby.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about how autism can present differently in girls, ask questions, and connect with other parent carers in a supportive environment.

📅 Wednesday 21st October
🕙 10:00am - 12:00pm
📍 Friar Gate Studios, Derby SEND Voice Office

Whether you're seeking information, support, or simply want to hear from an experienced professional, we'd love to welcome you.

Due to limited space, booking is essential. Please scan the QR code below or leave a comment, DM, or email us and we will send you the link to secure your place.

Autism Derby by Julie Fearn

07/10/2026

Young people in Year 9 and above with an EHCP, together with their parents and carers, are invited to attend Beyond 16: What's Next?, a Derby City Council event designed to help families explore the wide range of post-16 education, training, employment and support options available across Derby.

This informative event brings together local colleges, training providers, the University of Derby and support services, including Derby SEND Voice, giving families the opportunity to speak directly with organisations, explore different pathways, and gain valuable advice and guidance to support informed decision-making about the future.

Throughout the evening, attendees can access information, hear short talks from a variety of providers, and enjoy complimentary drinks and cakes in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Tuesday 10 November
4.30pm – 7.30pm
Friar Gate Studios, Ford Street, Derby, DE1 1EE

Places are limited and booking is essential.

Please scan the QR code below to register your place, or DM us for the link to the booking form or the email address for more information. Facebook will not allow us to add either due to them doing a trial limiting us to only advertising 2 links per month.

07/10/2026

join us today at our drop in Cuppa & Chat! - no need to book, just come along.

Whether your child has a diagnosis, is awaiting assessment, or you're just beginning to seek support, you are very welcome.

Wednesday 7th October
Glow & Grow Café, Friar Gate Studios
10:00am - 12:00pm

There’s no agenda and no pressure, just a chance to meet other parent carers who understand the joys and challenges of raising a child or young person with SEND.

As well as friendly conversation, you'll have the opportunity to speak with SENDIASS Derby SEND Information Advice and Support Service and Derby SAL (Derby SEND Advice Line) for information, advice, and support.

We can offer a listening ear, signposting, peer support, and a free drink for our members.

Not a member? No problem! Membership is completely free. Simply join using the link below or sign up on the day.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl7uukigMjWJXSCf_ApkvD56sy0XtiCA5jvtmo7ULZbjkrQA/viewform?usp=header

06/10/2026

As a SEND parent or carer, we often spend our time making sure everyone else is okay, while our own wellbeing slips to the bottom of the list. The realities of caring for a child or young person with additional needs can be rewarding, but they can also be stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming at times.

That's why Derby SEND Voice is offering a free, short wellbeing session focused on finding mindfulness in everyday life.

Join us to explore what mindfulness really is, why it can be helpful for stressed and busy nervous systems, and how small mindful moments may already exist within your daily routine. This is not about adding another task to your to-do list. It's about taking a gentle pause and discovering simple ways to support your own wellbeing.

No experience needed. No expectations. No judgement.

Tuesday 13th October
🕡 6.30pm to 7.30pm
💻 Delivered via Zoom
🎟️ Free to attend

Please follow this link to secure your tickets
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002517203863?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/10/2026

Derby SEND Voice is the official independent Parent Carer Forum for Derby City. We bring together the experiences, views and voices of parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aged 0-25.

By listening to families and sharing their experiences with local services, education providers and decision-makers, we help influence positive change for children, young people and their families across Derby.

We don't just gather feedback, we also provide opportunities for parent carers to connect, learn and feel supported. Our regular drop-in sessions offer a welcoming space to meet other families who understand the SEND journey, as well as access information and support from services such as SENDIASS and Derby SAL.

We are proud to offer a FREE SEND Law Clinic in partnership with the University of Derby, giving parent carers access to guidance and information around SEND law and processes. We also deliver information workshops on a wide range of SEND-related topics, helping parents and carers build their knowledge, confidence and understanding.

Because we know that caring for a child or young person with SEND can be challenging, we also offer wellbeing activities and mindful sessions that support positive mental health and provide opportunities to take time for yourself.

We are pan disability and welcome all parent and carers, no diagnosis is needed.

As an independent parent carer forum, our strength comes from our members. The more parent carers who join us, the stronger our collective voice becomes. Every experience shared helps us better represent families and influence improvements to local services and support.

Together, we can create positive change, strengthen services, and ensure that the voices of Derby's SEND families are heard, valued and acted upon.

Membership is free, and offers perks such as free drinks and members only events - every voice matters. 💙

Please Scan the QR code below, or follow this link to our membership form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl7uukigMjWJXSCf_ApkvD56sy0XtiCA5jvtmo7ULZbjkrQA/viewform?usp=header

To join all we ask is that you are a Derby City resident

01/10/2026

Free SEND Law Support, Advice, and Empowerment

Derby SEND Voice is delighted to work in partnership with the University of Derby to provide access to a FREE SEND Law Clinic for parent carers across Derby City and Derbyshire.

We know that navigating the SEND system can sometimes feel overwhelming. This service is here to help parent carers understand their rights, explore their options, and feel empowered to advocate for their child or young person.

The clinic offers an opportunity to discuss SEND-related issues, receive initial advice with a follow up action plan, and signposting when neccessary.

✅ Free service for parent carers living in Derby City or Derbyshire
✅ Professional oversight from a solicitor and SEND specialist
✅ Appointments available every month during university term time
✅ Personalised follow-up action plan provided

Appointments are limited to 45-minute slots and booking is essential. Places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book an appointment, contact: [email protected]

Know your rights. Understand your options and feel empowered to advocate for your child.

University of Derby

01/10/2026

Derby city Parent and Carers of children and young people with SEND in Derby City are warmly invited to join us at our upcoming Cuppa & Chat Drop-In Session. - no need to book, just come along.

Whether your child has a diagnosis, is awaiting assessment, or you're just beginning to seek support, you are very welcome to join us.

Wednesday 7th October
Glow & Grow Café, Friar Gate Studios
10:00am - 12:00pm

There’s no agenda and no pressure, just a chance to meet other parent carers who understand the joys and challenges of raising a child or young person with SEND.

As well as friendly conversation, you'll have the opportunity to speak with SENDIASS Derby SEND Information Advice and Support Service and Derby SAL (Derby SEND Advice Line) for information, advice, and support.

We can offer a listening ear, signposting, peer support, and a free drink for our members.

Not a member? No problem! Membership is completely free. Simply join using the link below or sign up on the day.

Come as you are, grab a drink, and connect with people who understand.

01/10/2026

Everyone Deserves a Voice

Communication is about so much more than spoken words. Many children and young people communicate through gestures, facial expressions, body language, sign language, pictures, or communication devices.

By taking the time to listen, understand, and adapt, we can help ensure every child and young person feels valued, included, and heard.

Not speaking does not mean not communicating. Not speaking does not mean not understanding. Every voice matters.

Derbyshire Early Years Special Educational Needs Service

💙 NATIONAL NON-SPEAKING AWARENESS DAY 💙
30th September

Today we recognise National Non-Speaking Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of people who communicate without spoken words.

Communication can take many forms, including:
Makaton
Gestures and body language
Communication boards
Pictures and symbols
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

Being non-speaking does not mean a person has nothing to say. Everyone has thoughts, feelings, preferences and ideas, and everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate in a way that works for them.

At EYSEN, we celebrate all forms of communication and recognise the importance of creating environments where every child feels heard, understood and included.

29/09/2026

As a SEND parent or carer, we often spend our time making sure everyone else is okay, while our own wellbeing slips to the bottom of the list. The realities of caring for a child or young person with additional needs can be rewarding, but they can also be stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming at times.

That's why Derby SEND Voice is offering a free, short wellbeing session focused on finding mindfulness in everyday life.

Join us to explore what mindfulness really is, why it can be helpful for stressed and busy nervous systems, and how small mindful moments may already exist within your daily routine. This is not about adding another task to your to-do list. It's about taking a gentle pause and discovering simple ways to support your own wellbeing.

No experience needed. No expectations. No judgement.

Tuesday 13th October
🕡 6.30pm to 7.30pm
💻 Delivered via Zoom
🎟️ Free to attend

Due to a Meta trial currently limiting Pages to just two posts containing links per month, we're unable to share the Eventbrite booking link directly at the moment.

To secure your free place, please send us a DM or email us at [email protected], and we'll happily send you the booking link.

Alternatively, you can search for Derby SEND Voice on the Eventbrite website to find the event.

We hope this temporary issue will be resolved soon and that we'll be back to sharing links as normal. Thank you for your patience!