The new Essex parent/carer forum Essex Family Forum officially launched last week (Wednesday, 7 February). The event was well attended and a great success. It was lovely to see all of you who were able to attend on the day, meeting some new families and seeing you sign up to become members of the new forum.
For those of you who were unable to attend and would like to have your voice heard, the Essex Family Forum want to make sure they connect with as many families as possible to ensure their lived experience informs services and opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities in Essex.
There are many well-established family groups, networks and support systems in Essex that work well. The forum doesn't in any way want to replace or replicate any of these groups, they'd like to connect and work with all these groups to act as a conduit to bring together a loud and clear voice of families and see the family champion role as an efficient way to do this.
If anyone is interested in becoming a family champion training would be given to help support you in this role, attached is some more detailed information for you to read through.
If you don't think you can commit enough time to become a family champion you can still become a member, - Joining is FREE and you can participate as much or little as you like.
The Essex Family Forum website and Facebook page are now live so please feel free to have a look round or sign up online so you don’t miss out on getting your voice heard.
If you have any questions please feel free to email hello@essexfamilyforum.org.