Author: Kelly Drew

Family Voice Conference

We were proud to be part of the Family Voice Norfolk Annual Conference, a free event for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. Held each year in Norwich, John Innes Centre, the conference brings together workshops, information stands and opportunities to talk directly with professionals.
Throughout the day, we met lots of wonderful families from across the county, listened to lived experiences, and shared information to help make navigating SEND a little easier.

Visible Festival

Another highlight of the month was hosting a stand at the Visible Festival in the Forum. The Visible Festival is a 2-day, vibrant, joyful celebration of neurodiversity led by NANSA. The event was full of creativity, inclusivity and connection, and we loved being part of such a buzzing, positive atmosphere. It was a great opportunity to meet young people, families and professionals, all passionate about shaping a more inclusive Norfolk.

Schools and Education Engagement


We were especially proud to help organise the SEND Marketplace event at Eaton Primary School this month, which brought together services including SENDIASS, Family Hubs, Family Action and the School and Community Team. The event was well attended and created a welcoming space for families to connect with professionals, ask questions, and gain helpful information and support.
 
This month also included Parents’ Evenings at Open Academy for Year 9, Mile Cross Primary and Ormiston Herman Academy. We really enjoyed supporting families with advice about SEND processes, school support and next steps.
 
At East Harling Primary School, we took part in a small but brilliant SEND marketplace event. The event was well attended, and families could explore a range of services and speak with us directly.
 
It was also wonderful to be part of the parent surgeries at Great Hockham Primary School, offering calm, one‑to‑one conversations around SEND, tailored to each family’s needs.
 

Community Groups and Charities 

Our community work continued to grow this month. In collaboration with Family Hubs, we spent a lovely morning at Stalham Baptist Church for a Family Drop‑In. It was a welcoming and friendly session, giving us the chance to chat with families about SEND support, answer questions and offer helpful local signposting.
 
It was great to return to the Nansa Parent Support Group in Norwich, where families shared experiences, asked thoughtful questions and created a really supportive atmosphere.
 
We also enjoyed delivering a short presentation about SENDIASS at the friendly and welcoming Able2Be Coffee Morning, held monthly- good coffee, great conversations and lots of SEND advice shared throughout the session.
 
If you’d like the SENDIASS Engagement and Advice Team to come along to one of your groups, events or meetings, we’d be delighted to hear from you at:
nsendiassengagement@norfolk.gov.uk.
 

Looking ahead to April....

We’ve got some exciting things lined up for next month!
🏡 Thetford Family Hub Drop‑In
Join us on 8th April from 13:30–15:00 for a relaxed drop‑in session, perfect for parents and carers who want to ask questions and gather SEND information.
🛡️ KIDS – Viking Centre
On 15th April from 10:30–12:30, we’ll be delivering a short presentation about SENDIASS followed by supportive conversations with families.
🌟 Now That’s What I Call Autism Festival – The Forum
We’re thrilled to be part of this uplifting, inclusive festival on 23rd April, where we’ll be offering information, support and plenty of friendly conversation.

Find out more about us !
Sally, Engagement and Advice Worker