Forums
Forums provide a great opportunity to influence how services for children and young people with special educational needs and disability are delivered. By sharing your experiences you can influence real change.
Forums also create the opportunity to meet new people, form connections with people in similar circumstances as you and share your individual stories.
Southwark Independent Voice (SIV) was created in 2019 by a group of Southwark parent volunteers of children/young people with SEND aged 0-25. Having previously struggled to access services and support we decided to come together to improve the pathway and outcomes for families of children/young people aged 0-25 with SEND in Southwark.
What we do
We actively participate in co-production with the Local Authority (Southwark Council), Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the NHS and other partners. Our aim is to ensure positive and productive outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and learning disabilities (SEND).
We aim to keep you up to date on events, news and consultations that are relevant to families of SEND (0-25) through our website, email, events, newsletters and social media.
SIV is free to join
As a SIV member you will receive regular emails and invitations to workshops and coffee mornings. You will also have the opportunity to to give your input, views and share your experiences as part of consultations and co-production with Education, Health and Social Care.
Download the SIV leaflet to find out more (pdf, 600kb).
Contact details:
Email: info@southwarkiv.co.uk
Telephone: 07543 395 687
Website: https://www.southwarkiv.co.uk/
What does the Family Council do?
The Family Council meets monthly to discuss how to improve children’s services in Southwark, including:
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How to help families and professionals work together
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Identifying support that families need and how it could be best provided
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How to make services easier to access
The Family Council creates ideas and suggestions for improving children’s services for families in Southwark, such as improving the information available to families and holding workshops for parents, carers and family members to discuss their views on different aspects of the way professionals work with families.
The Family Council is also asked to give their views on any proposed changes in the way children’s services work and how this is likely to affect families. These views can then be taken into consideration when putting new policies in place.
Who can join the Family Council?
Anyone who is a parent, carer or other family member with experience of involvement with children’s services in Southwark can join the Family Council.
You could have experience of any of the following:
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Youth Offending
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Family Early Help
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Child Protection
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Care
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Leaving Care
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Special Guardianship
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Foster Care
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All Age Disabilities
We are looking for members who are able to:
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Attend regular meetings
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Share their views and ideas
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Work together to help promote change
Contact
We are always looking for new members to join the Family Council or to help by giving their views on a range of children’s services.
If you are interested in joining the Family Council or would like any further information, please contact the Family Inclusion Coordinator on:
Telephone: 07714 073 719
Email southwark.familycouncil@southwark.gov.uk
Download our leaflet (pdf, 1.5mb) for further information or visit our web page.
SpeakerBox is Southwark’s Children in Care Council. This is a forum for Southwark care experienced young people, up to the age of 25. SpeakerBox represents the voices of care experienced young people; this includes young people in care, young people preparing to leave care, and children who are privately fostered. SpeakerBox creates opportunities for young people to hang out, get involved, have a say and be heard.
What SpeakerBox do?
SpeakerBox is a young people led forum where children and young people in care and care leavers can meet peers, talk about their experience of being in care and inform Council practice. The forum run a range of different activities, consultations and projects to get involved in. The forum is supported by a Children’s Rights Officer.
We meet monthly to discuss issues.
We offer advocacy support & help you make complaints.
We create films & performing arts performances.
We run a magazine for young people by young people.
We provide advice and information.
We offer paid work and opportunities.
We organise fun events, trips and activities.
We meet with councillors.
And lots more…
When do you meet?
SpeakerBox meet on a monthly basis, but the dates are set quarterly and can vary depending on school holidays. Please contact the team for updates.
Where do you meet?
Virtually and different locations in Southwark, please contact the team for updates.
How often do you meet?
Monthly, times vary.
How is this forum funded?
SpeakerBox is part of the Council.
Do you need to pay for this forum?
All events are free, and we often provide lunch or refreshments.
Is there any help when it comes to people travelling to the forum?
We can reimburse young people for their travel expenses.
Who to contact to join:
M: 07718 130 451 (call, text or WhatsApp)
Email: speakerbox@southwark.gov.uk
SBPF comprises a multi-disciplinary team of African and Caribbean Volunteer Staff with cultural competencies and skills to deliver a range of services and projects in the areas of:
• Education
• Health
• Communities
• Heritage
Our purpose is to provide information, support and guidance to African and Caribbean parents in Southwark, in order to highlight the important ways parents, guardians and carers can have active involvement in their children’s education and schooling.
Further information
Visit the SBPF website
Email: info@southwarkblackparentsforum.org
Telephone: 0773 199 6012