The only way to make a difference is to get involved

Hi – I’m Becky. I am a mum of two boys (Zachary and Nathaniel). Zachary has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder and attend a special school. Nathaniel is neurotypical.

I joined the forum in October 2017 after coming out of work to support my child when his mainstream placement broke down. After a period of home-schooling Zachary I found myself having to research and work tirelessly to get him into a school setting that could meet his needs.

I believe that if you can find a role that helps your personal development, helps your family and helps the community then you’re really fortunate. This is what the forum does for me. The forum is a big part of my life as I became co-chair in March 2018.

I wanted to be able to give back to other parent carers to ensure that they have a voice and that services that are delivered are meeting the needs of children and young people within Stockton on Tees.

When I’m not volunteering at the forum or spending time with my children I love to photography, scrapbooking and walks by the coast.

Hello, I’m Emma. Many may know me through my involvement with the Voluntary sector over the last 5 years. I am also a Mum of a child with SEND.

SEND has been an incredible journey for our family. Right from the start Stockton Parent Carer Forum has been hugely influential and introduced us to some of the wonderful organisations in Stockton supporting parent carers of children with additional needs. Our SEND journey has always been my inspiration for change and empowerment.

Taking on the role of co-chair came as a huge surprise. I was honoured to be given the opportunity. I am looking forward to using my knowledge, experience and the voice of parent carers to influence and make changes for our children and families.

My name is Amanda, I have five children. It is my 11-year-old son who has multiple Special Educational Needs. We have had to move mainstream schools until we found one willing to listen to our concerns. We have since gone through the EHCP process and he now attends a specialist provision.

I understand how lonely this journey can be, if I hadn’t plucked up the courage to go along to a SPCF coffee morning or one of the other community activities with my children I wouldn’t be strong enough today to get the right provision to meet me children’s needs.

I joined the forum as I love to help people. I’d like to help other families in the Stockton area on their journey to getting everything their children and young people are entitled to. I also want to make sure that those services are good enough to ensure that our children and young people have the best starts in life to enable them to achieve their own goals and aspirations in the future and be all they can be.

Hi, my name is Sarah, I am mum to 2 boys. My eldest son is currently in his first year at sixth form college and my youngest son is in mainstream secondary. My Youngest son has hypermobility and has some sensory issues which can affect our day to day lives as a family.

 I joined the forum in May 2021 as a Parent Champion and was invited by the team to join as part of the Steering Group in July of the same year.

I currently am responsible for co-ordinating events/workshops/training courses. This involves liaising with Volunteers & Parents/Carers to make sure they receive all the relevant information.

As well as being part of SPCF, I also volunteer for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. I started volunteering in 2019 and have attended many of their planned events, running stalls, tombola’s etc as well as planning and hosting my own fundraising event, helping to raise vital funds.