Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland

Volunteer for the Parent Carer Forum

We are a voluntary group of Northumberland parents and carers of children and young people (0 – 25) who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. We work in partnership with service commissioners and providers, sharing knowledge and experience, with the aim of supporting and enabling families within our community to access the services and give them a voice in developing the quality, range, and accessibility of this provision.

We are looking to expand and engage new members to join the Parent Carer Forum as volunteers, either as steering group members or as parent representatives.

NPCF Wellbeing Offer for Northumberland Parent Carers

Are you a parent carer in Northumberland? You’re not alone — and you deserve support too. We know you put everything before your own needs we are creating some opportunities to have a break from your caring role.

The Northumberland Parent Carer Forum (NPCF) is here to help you reconnect with yourself and others through our new Wellbeing Offer. From peer support groups to creative workshops and restorative sessions, we’re creating safe, welcoming spaces where you can take a break, feel valued, and feel supported.

Peer Support Offer

Empathy. Experience. Empowerment.

Are you a parent carer navigating complex systems and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Our peer-led support programme is built by parent carers, for parent carers. Every member of our team has lived experience, offering not just guidance, but genuine understanding and emotional support.

What We Offer

We provide a tiered support model tailored to your needs:

Support in Meetings

Get help preparing for key meetings, moral support during them, and someone to take notes so you can focus on what matters.

Information & Signposting

Clear guidance on local services, resources, and how to navigate systems that can feel overwhelming.

Mentoring to Empowerment

A strengths-based approach to help you build confidence, resilience, and the tools to advocate for your child and yourself.

Why It Matters

Feel less isolated and more connected.

Gain clarity and access to the support you need.

Build confidence and emotional strength.

Join a community that understands and uplifts.

Built on Trust and Experience

Every peer supporter is a parent carer. We know the journey — and we’re here to walk it with you.

Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland
Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland
QR Code for Volunteer Interest Form, Northumberland Parent Carer Forum

What We Offer

We host wellbeing events across Northumberland from Berwick to Prudhoe to Blyth with activities like mindfulness, nature walks, and creative sessions. Connection

Run regular peer support groups led by trained parent carers who understand your journey and can share knowledge and experiences

Offer restorative supervision and emotional check-ins for our volunteers and supporters.

Co-create our sessions with you, your voice shapes what we do.

Stay connected with follow-up support, resources, and a growing community.

Volunteering With the Forum

Because your voice matters—and so does your time.

Are you a parent carer looking to make a difference in your community? At NPCF, we’re a team of parent carers ourselves, so we understand the daily juggle. That’s why our volunteer offer is flexible, supportive, and built around you. Whether you can give a little or a lot, your contribution helps shape better services for families across Northumberland.

We work in partnership with local authorities, education settings, health providers, and community groups to ensure that the voices of SEND families are heard and acted upon. Volunteering with us means joining a movement that’s changing lives—starting with your own.

Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland
Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland

What Do We Do?

Because your voice matters…and so does your time!

We are flexible, you choose what you can do and when.

There’s no minimum commitment.

We can offer support & supervision. Our volunteers have a named contact and regular check-ins to help you feel confident and supported.

We value your skills and experience, we know you are experts in multitasking, critical thinking and advocating for your child/young person. We can offer you training and opportunities for personal development.

We can reimburse reasonable of pocket costs like travel, childcare, and lunch so volunteering doesn’t cost you

We offer opportunities to be connected and involved with like-minded people.

SEND Network

Our SEND Network brings together organisations, charities, CICs, professionals and services who support children and young people with SEND along with their families, across Northumberland.

The network provides a space to connect, collaborate and share updates, information and best practice. By working together, we gather valuable insights, experiences and views that help shape and strengthen the support we offer to families in our community.

We also organise joint events, including marketplace and information, advice and guidance workshops. These opportunities enable members to showcase their services, learn from one another and better understand the wide range of support available across the region.

If you work with children and young people with SEND and their families in Northumberland and would like to be part of our network, we would love to hear from you. You can sign up here.

Holiday Activities & Food Fund (HAF)

This summer, with funding from Northumberland County Council’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Fund, we were delighted to deliver a range of SEND-friendly activities for children, young people, and their families.

Highlights included two fantastic trips:

  • A fun-filled visit to the Life Science Centre, where families explored, discovered, and learned together.
  • An exciting day at Broomley Grange Outdoor Activity Centre, packed with adventure and opportunities to try something new.

These activities gave families the chance to make memories, build connections, and enjoy experiences in fully inclusive, supportive environments.

We’re hopeful to deliver more HAF funded activities in the future, so be sure to keep an eye on our News & Events page for the latest updates.

Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, Support for SEND Families in Northumberland

Low Cost Holiday Referral

Our SEND network partner Watbus offers a Community Caravan for families a much needed break at the award winning Amble Links Holiday Park, providing the chance for a low-cost holiday.

As a network partner, we can make a referral on your behalf, just email enquiries@npcf.co.uk with the subject line “Watbreak”, and someone will be in touch.