The latest news and updates for parents/carers 

and children and young people 0-25 years with special educational needs 

and disabilities (SEND) in the Manchester City Council area

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SEND Community Offer

Summer with SPACE, 4CT and MPCF

Two newsletters have gone out with the first and second round of bookings with the six-week programme offered by The SPACE Group, 4CT and Manchester Parent Carer Forum. Round three is due out next week. 

Here is the information for all six weeks: 

• Full programme
• Additional information
• Booking dates
• Booking information, including terms and conditions

(Please note: The correct postcode for the Play Day on 7th August at Sporting Edge is M11 1GN. Also, all Rock Over Climbing sessions are at the Wythenshawe site.)

If the activities provided are not accessible to you because of cost, physical access or any other reason, please don't hesitate to speak to 4CT on 0161 230 1420 or email [email protected]. The aim is to provide something for everyone.

Cinema with MPCF - Places left!

Other stuff to do

SEND Sports Taster

There’s a free Sports Taster Day on Saturday 27th July 2024, Manchester Regional Arena, M11 3FF, 10am–1pm, as part of Manchester Day Celebrations, for SEND families living in Manchester. Offered by Manchester Active in partnership with Better UK, there’ll be rugby, cycling, cricket, tennis, athletics, netball and much more. Activities are suitable for all abilities, including wheelchair users. It’s a great opportunity to try out a variety of sports in a safe and inclusive environment and learn more about regular SEND sporting activities offered in Manchester. No booking required, just turn up! Find out more, including travel information. Please feel welcome to contact Rebecca with your questions: [email protected], 07736 918 676.

Watch this video for a taste of what to expect! 

Free songwriting sessions

Billy and Andy's free songwriting workshops continue on Fridays up until 30th August (except 2nd August), 10am-12pm, at The Boiler House, Hulme, M16 7DA. These are for young people aged 14-25 with additional needs and are free to attend as one-offs or multiple sessions. There are also free songwriting sessions as part of their summer Holiday Club. This at Birch Community Centre, Brighton Grove, Birch-In-Rusholme, M14 5JT from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August. Morning sessions are £20 and from 10am-1pm (except Wednesday, 12.30pm start), with the free songwriting from 1.30-3.30pm. Secure spots by emailing [email protected] or calling 07429 826 053 (Andy), 07540 699 212 (Billy).

Summer with the Deaf Centre

Over the summer holidays, Manchester Deaf Centre’s Children and Young People’s Service are running some free day trips for their Kids' Club and Youth Club. These are for deaf 6-16 year olds, HoH, CODAs and siblings, with all communication methods welcome. Places are limited and need booking in advance through the Eventbrite page.

Free activities for eligible children

There are thousands of free places available for school holiday activities in Manchester. In addition to the activities, each booked place will include a free meal during the day. See this information to find out whether your child is eligible and how to take part.

Free swimming

Manchester residents aged 16 and under can swim for free during any ‘Swim for All’ session during school holidays and at selected times at the weekends during term time. Find out more.

Wythenshawe Games

The 2024 Wythenshawe Games takes place over two long weekends - 26th-28th July at Wythenshawe Park and 9th-11th August at Hollyhedge Park. Booking isn’t required for any activities this year, except the 10K run. Find out more.

Manchester Day is back

Saturday 27th July sees the city centre turn into Manchester’s biggest-ever playground. It's Manchester Day from 12-6pm. Kick-off the school holidays with pop-up performances, astounding acrobatics, and have-a-go activities from cricket to cycling and hook-a-duck to arcade games – plus more! Let the games begin! 

Loads to do

Check out Loads To Do for what's going on in your local area and across the city during the summer holidays. There's plenty on offer across parks, sports, libraries, galleries and more to keep you and your family entertained without breaking the bank.

Over the summer holidays, there are lots of places where kids can eat for free or for a £1. Check out Money Saving Central.

Check out our Stuff To Do - Highlights for things to do over the summer holidays!

Change Programme 

Have a say on EHCPs

Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) are hosting three focus groups to discuss a proposed new national template for Education, Health and Care Plans (ECHPs). It’s a chance for parents and carers to give their feedback to the Department of Education to help shape the template in the future. The sessions are:

• Thursday 11th July, 1-3pm, Irish World Heritage Centre, M8 0AE
• Friday 19th July, 12-2pm, Moss Side Millenium Powerhouse, M14 4SL
• Wednesday 24th July, 12-2pm, Crossacres Family Hub, M22 9TA

Book your place through the MPCF website. This activity is part of the SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme Partnership.

News round up

SPACE Picnic

The SPACE Group invite you to a free (weather dependent) picnic for parents/carers on Thursday 18th July, 11am-1pm, at Philips Park, Stuart Street, M11 4DQ. Food and blankets included. To book places, text PICNIC with your name, dietary requirements, postcode and additional adults to 07749 116211. Booking open now; closes Friday 12th July at 6pm. Please only text once, thanks.

State of Caring survey

The State of Caring survey, run by Carers UK, is now live. This is the most detailed survey into unpaid carers’ experiences in the UK. They want to hear from all unpaid carers, including those who are also working. Take part in the survey - open until 11th August.

In brief

Researchers at York St John University, Dr Lorna Hamilton and Kathryn Lewis, and Dr Jonathan Vincent at Lancaster University have shared their free primary-secondary transition toolkit for children with SEND.

PIP is a benefit for people who are under State Pension age and need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability. Citizens Advice Manchester have shared their advice - Everything you need to know about PIP.

On Friday 12th July, 10.30-11.30am, Kelly O'Brien, a drug and alcohol specialist from Manchester Healthy Schools programme, is offering a free parents and carers webinar - Talking to children and young people about vaping. 

NHS Manchester Talking Therapies is free for anyone with common mental health problems like anxiety or depression and has a GP in Manchester. Call 0161 226 3871 or self-refer online.

Just in case you missed it, here's our Co-production Special 2024.