Families of children with special education needs and disabilities invited to a week of support and information 

Families will have the opportunity to speak to professionals and meet other families thanks to Let’s Talk Week which begins on Monday 21 October.  

Dorset Council, Dorset Parent Carer Council and NHS Dorset are holding a range of in-person events for families with special educational needs and disabilities young people. 

Let’s Talk Week begins on 21 October, there will be an in-person event at Kingston Maurward on Monday 21 October, from 10am to 1:30pm. 

There are also regional events happening across Dorset where families will have the opportunity to meet their local SEND teams and meet other local families.  

These more local events are happening at: 

• Wimborne Family Hub: 12-2pm Tuesday 22 October  

• Top Club Littlemoor: 4-6pm Wednesday 23 October  

• Dorchester Family Hub: 10am-12pm Thursday 24 October  

• Wareham Family Hub: 10am-12pm Tuesday 22 October  

• Shaftesbury Children’s Centre:10am-1pm Thursday 24 October 

The week concludes with an online Q&A session on Friday, 25 October, at 10.15 am (registration required). 

The Kingston Maurward event will include a stallholder event including from people from CAHMs (child and adolescent mental health services), continence service, short breaks providers and more.  

There will also a chance to meet senior members of the SEND team, including Amanda Davis, Corporate Director for Education and Learning.  Amanda said: 

“I can’t wait to meet our Dorset families at Let’s Talk Week in October. It will be a chance for parents and carers to meet our team in an accessible and friendly way for all.  

“The opportunity for us to answer your questions in Let’s Talk Week will be an essential part of the week for our families. We have already seen a great turn out and participation in our online Let’s Talk events we have been holding, so don’t expect anything less from our first in-person event!”  

Whether families are looking for advice, information or simply a friendly chat, Let’s Talk Week has something for everyone.  

Cllr. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education and Skills said: “Having children with special education needs and disabilities can be tricky to navigate, and Let’s Talk Week will be a great way for families to get answers to their questions and meet other who are going through similar situations to them.  

“I would encourage families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities across Dorset to attend, if they are able to.”  

As well as Let’s Talk SEND Week, Dorset Council frequently hold online Let’s Talk SEND events where parents and carers can virtually join question and answer sessions with key SEND professionals.  

Anyone interested in these sessions can visit this webpage to sign up for the next session, learn more or access questions and answers from previous Let’s Talk sessions: Let's Talk SEND - Dorset Council.