Birmingham Parent Carer Forum is not a support group and we are unable to deal with individual cases however we will always do our best to signpost families to get the support they need.

Below is a list of organisations and support groups in Birmingham.

Organisations

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Parent Link

The service is run by a team of Parent Link Officers who can help you by listening, discussing any concerns with you and putting you in touch with the right person or team that can help.  The team is made up of officers with experience of working with children and young people from birth to 25 years.  They will listen and then find the best person to support you further. 
How we can help
The Parent Link Service can help in lots of ways: 

• help and advice over the phone through the Parent Link Contact Line, 
• drop-ins and family forums where you can meet Parent Link Officers and discuss issues,
• support for families and schools in school meetings,
• informal advocacy to parents and families,
• offer a listening ear for families to talk things through, especially during difficult times,
• help to understand the different local services that offer support,  
• provide practical help for families, for example, responding to letters, understanding reports from professionals or filling in forms,
• support to make informed decisions about educational placements, such as choosing the right school for your child, 
• provide a link to the relevant professionals and help to maintain good relationships,
• help for families to play an active and valued role in their child’s education and development,
• help to make sure that families have a voice.

Forms of contact

• Telephone
• Email
• Letter or written information
• Home visit
• Support at meetings
• Family forums and drop-ins

How to access the service

Call the Parent Link Contact Telephone Line on 0121 303 8461 
Opening times:
Monday:                  9.00am – 5.00pm
Tuesday:                  9.00am – 5.00pm
Wednesday:           9.00am – 4.00pm
Thursday:                9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday:                      9.00am – 5.00pm
Email: ParentLinkService@birmingham.gov.uk
Alternatively, talk to your local early years setting, school or college.

 Birmingham’s SEND Local Offer Website

On the Local Offer Website you will find help, advice and information about the services available for your child or young person from birth to 25 years with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). ​

SendIASS

SENDIASS is a free, confidential service that offers impartial information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, and young people themselves (aged 16+).
The service can help you to make informed choices and be actively involved in decisions about your child’s education.
How we can help
The services offered by SENDIASS include:

• help to understand and exercise your rights around exclusions, complaints, SEND processes and SEND appeals,
• information, advice and support before, during and following a SEND Tribunal appeal. This support can be provided in a range of different ways, dependent on the needs of the parent or young person. It can also include representation during a hearing if a parent or young person is unable to do so,
• training for education, health and social care professionals, children, young people and parents to increase their knowledge of SEND law, guidance, local policy, issues and participation,

If you’re a parent or young person being assessed, the service can:

• help you to understand the referral process,
• act as a named contact throughout the process,
• help you to communicate with everyone involved in the assessment process,
• provide information about personal budgets,
• put you in touch with other people who can help, if necessary.

Forms of contact

• Telephone
• Email
• Letter or written information
• Home visit
• Support at meetings

How to access the service
Call 0121 303 5004 (8:45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), email sendiass@birmingham.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can write to:
SENDIASS
The POD
28 Oliver St.
Nechells
Birmingham
B7 4NX

​Support Groups

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Other

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