City Parent Carer Forum
Working Towards a Brighter Future for SEND Families in the City of London
Team
The Steering Committee (SC) comprises Parent Carers within the forum.
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To craft the forum's strategic objectives, priority actions and an annual calendar of activities in consultation with the forum members
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To manage and monitor the funds (currently a Government Grant of £17,500)
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To work in partnership with the Local Authority (LA), NHS, and other local voluntary groups to ensure that the voice of City parents is heard and influences service design and delivery through consultation.
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To attend SEND forums, conferences, and workshops where possible.
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To signpost and share information with CPCF members about relevant SEND issues and events.
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Most importantly, to support one another and share experiences.
If you are interested in joining CPCF as a volunteer, please get in touch with jacqueline.wye@hotmail.com
Grazia Piras
Steering Group Memeber
My son has autism and attends Prior Weston School in Islington. He’s very creative and affectionate. He loves animals, dinosaurs, swimming, and drawing/painting.
I co-founded the forum and was the former chair.
I believe diversity is essential for our societies and communities to thrive. I have dedicated the past 20 years to delivering policies and projects to protect cultural and natural diversity. Now, I am equally determined to champion neurodiversity and contribute to its celebration, seeing it as an opportunity to improve the life experience of all.
Harshita Patel
Steering Group Member
My teenage son is Autistic and has Complex Needs.
As the co-founder and former lead of a dedicated forum and co-chair of the SEND board at Guildhall. I am passionately committed to advocating for joint inclusive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) communities and services. My focus is on shaping and reforming accessible services, with a keen dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities and complex. needs.
I proudly contributed as a member of the Carers Strategy, which was successfully passed by common councillors in 2023.
Martha Cossey
Steering Group Member
I am a mum to a son with an EHCP for severe dyslexia. I’ve lived in the city for 20 years and within the wider Islington/ Hackney area my whole life. I also advocate for a relative with autism.
Jacqueline Wye
Associate with Contact
My name is Jacqueline Wye and I am an associate with Contact (the voluntary organisation responsible for working with All 151 Parent Carer Forums Nationally). Mum of two, I’ve been working with SEND families all my working life (and believe me, that is quite a long time).
SEND parent forums are there to ensure that parents have a real say in the design and delivery of the services in their area and that your family needs. Using parent/carer experiences and views, we work with the Local Authority and NHS to make sure they hear your voice.
Tim Godsmark
Steering Group Member and Treasurer
My name is Tim Godsmark and I live with my family on the Golden Lane Estate.
I got involved in the City Parent Carers Forum because my youngest son was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in October 2019 and after an operation to remove it, radiotherapy and chemotherapy he has lasting effects that means he needs an EHPC. I first came to a CPCF meeting to see what support it could offer and felt that it would be good to get more involved to help Frank and offer help with my experiences.
David Rose
Steering Group Member
I am a Portsoken resident on the eastern edge of the City. I am a journalist and father of two children, including one with SEND. In my spare time, I lobby for more recognition of communities who live in the City of London, including parent carers and their children.