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Our support is open to all

 

We are open to all, we are here as a parent or carer when you need us. We ask for donations for the support we give but we do not charge and all donations are optional. We will still support you if you are working or not working. All donations help toward keeping us open including printer ink and note books. 

OUR VISION

The Local Carers Network is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do as a charity is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities. Our families are what drive us to succeed. We have teams across the charity helping in many ways, from our SEND team who help with all educational needs to our Mental health team who are always looking for new ways to achieve the best outcome. If you think we could do more we would love to hear your ideas. If you would like to get involved theirs a place for everyone so please get in touch. Full training will be given which always includes safeguarding training as standard.

​SERVICES

Everything we do within our charity is led by members, the headings below are just headings and we deliver these services in many different ways to suit each family and individual's circumstances.​

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  • SEND support in education

  • Independent advocates 

  • Crisis support for families 

  • 1:1 consultations 

  • School exclusion support and appeals​

  • Volunteer opportunities​

  • Courses delivered regularly​

  • Support Planning Help​

  • British Sign Language independent advocacy support

  • ADHD / Autism consultants and users

  • Members voice regular sessions

  • Private consultancy for schools

  • School support with paperwork for annual review, EHCP application, Support plans, etc. (A small fee may apply)

  • Support for social workers and support workers who are working with vulnerable families.

  • Support for families experiencing difficulties and requiring social care support or your child/ren has been taken into foster care

ABOUT US

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Who We Are

 

We offer information, advice, and support to children, young people, and parents/carers about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes health and social care where it is linked to education.

We are a free, dedicated, confidential, and impartial service based in Wirral. Volunteers are independently trained in SEND.

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Information on:

• The law on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability, Health, and Social Care where they link to education

  • Local policy and practice

  • Personal budgets and working together

  • The Local Offer

  • Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

  • Transition arrangements

  • Mediation and dispute resolution

  • Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Tribunal Service

  • Complaints procedures

Advice on:

  • Gathering, understanding, and interpreting information

  • Signposting to other services for information, advice and support

  • What to do when things go wrong

  • How to get the best from a meeting

Support with:

  • Preparing for and attending meetings

  • Writing letters

  • Understanding reports

  • The EHCP process and reviews

  • Admissions and Exclusions

  • POST 16 provision

  • Working in partnership with schools and the Local Authority to develop positive relationships

  • Attending tribunals including full representation

An advocate can:

  • listen to your views and concerns

  • help you explore your options and rights (without pressuring you)

  • provide information to help you make informed decisions

  • help you contact relevant people, or contact them on your behalf

  • accompany you and support you in meetings or appointments.

An advocate will not:

  • give you their personal opinion

  • solve problems and make decisions for you

  • make judgments about you.

The support of an advocate is often particularly useful in meetings when you might not feel confident in expressing yourself. They can:

  • support you to ask all the questions you want to ask

  • make sure all the points you want to be covered are included in the

  • meeting

  • explain your options to you without giving their opinion

  • help keep you safe during the meeting – for example, if you find the meeting upsetting, your advocate can ask for a break until you feel able to continue.

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