West Sussex SEND Information, Advice and Support Service has a Volunteer Supporter Scheme which enables volunteers to help support parent carers who have children with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities.
Here is what one of our volunteers has to say about how she has found the experience: “I have found that supporting parents is both interesting and rewarding. It is a humbling experience to support people who have often struggled with many aspects of bringing up and educating a child with SEND – empowering them to have a voice and express themselves in a manner that enables them to be heard and the needs of their child to be understood!” – Helen, SENDIAS volunteer
Typical tasks include:
- assisting parents with letter writing and form filling
- helping parents express their views
- accompanying parents to meetings with regard to their child’s SEN, e.g. at school, or with other professionals
- checking documents e.g draft EHC Plan
If you are over 18 and you have experience of Special Educational Needs either personally or professionally, want to work with parents carers, and you have time you can spare (however minimal), we would love to hear from you. Full training is given and expenses can be claimed.
If you are interested in the role or would like to speak with someone about this opportunity, please contact the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service on 0330 222 8555 or email: send.ias@westsussex.gov.uk for more information.