Meet the Team
Steering Committee Members
The Steering Committee (SC) is composed of a small group of parents within the forum.
The role of the SC is:
To craft the forum strategic objectives, priority actions and an annual calendar of activities in consultation with the forum members
To manage and monitor the funds (currently a Government Grant of £17,500)
To work in partnership with the Local Authority (LA), NHS, other local voluntary groups to ensure that the voice of City parents is heard and influences service design and delivery through consultation.
To attend SEND forums, conferences, workshops where possible.
To signpost and share information with CPCF members about relevant SEND issues and events.
Most importantly, to support one another and share experiences
Grazia Piras
Former Chair
I have a 10 year old son with autism, who attends Prior Weston School in Islington. He’s very creative and affectionate, he loves animals, dinosaurs, swimming and drawing/painting.
I strongly believe that diversity is essential for our societies and communities to thrive. I have dedicated the past 20 years to deliver policies and projects towards the protection of cultural and natural diversity. Now I am equally determined to champion neurodiversity and contribute to its celebration, looking at it as an opportunity to improve the life experience of all.
Harshita Patel
Former Treasurer and Lead
My teenage son has Autism and Complex Needs. He loves swimming, yoga, listening to music and being outdoors.
I am ambitious about creating opportunities for our children to join in and be a part of existing communities within the Square Mile and beyond. My passion drives me to make connections in the community. My lived-in experience allows communities and businesses to inform them on how to be more inclusive and accessible. I am SEND Consultant www.harshitapatel.com
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.
I’ve been working with City parents and carers for a couple of years now and all through the pandemic. All SEND families have been through some extremely difficult times, nevertheless, City Parent/Carer Forum (CPCF) have made great progress with new parents/carers joining the group all the time. We have a good combination of Social and Topic events, the group is knowledgeable and supportive. City are a lovely mixed group of parents trying to get the very best opportunities for City SEND children, young people and their families and we would love it if you joined us.
Martha Cossey
Steering Committee Memeber
I 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.