1. Islington Parents Forum
How to get involved and how parent’s views make the difference
Samantha Dunne,
Chair of the Islington Parents Forum

2. A bit about me My name is Sam
I have a 6 year-old-son with autism, Oliver.
I have lived in Islington for…..
I currently study …… in the…… University and volunteer at Centre 404

3. How I got involved I started coming to Centre 404 in 2014
I attended various family days, Workshops, Parents Forums…
I also got help with forms, information and advice

4. What I do now
I was part of the Peer to Peer project for a year, helping parents fill out forms, doing outreach and parental drop-ins
Currently, I am the Chair of the Islington Parent Forum and a parent representative in the Co-production board and Autism board
I am also a member of the Centre 404’s Board of Trustees

5. What I get out of it I have met lovely people and made new friends
I have learned about the difference services and procedures that will help my son and other children with SEN
I have the opportunity to input in decisions made by the council about policies and procedures
I attend meetings with professionals, where I represent the views of Islington parents of children with SEN, and have my say on the issues discussed
I have gained confidence and knowledge and can now speak out when I see things that aren't quite right
I am gaining work experience that will help me go back to employment

6. What The Parents Forum has done in 2017
Core group of around 15 parents, fully involved in the forum and the steering group, and who are clear examples of participation and coproduction.
Parents of this core group are also part of different subgroups and strategy boards in Islington.
Many of the parents attending the forum meetings are also representatives of other disability organisations - reaching out to a wider audience.
The meetings are attended by all or some of this core members and also parents in Islington borough who are interested in the meeting subjects and would like to learn more about the services and contribute to their development. The meetings are attended by 12 / 20 parents.
We have participated in the implementation of the Co-production board, Autism board and Health board.
We have helped the council update the Local Offer and the new Short Breaks offer
We have participated in the following consultations: Over 5s Childcare, Islington’s Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy , Future of SEND Provision in Islington (SEND Review), SEN Strategy
We have provided the following training opportunities for parents: Understanding Disability Discrimination, Parents / Carers First Aid training, Education Support, Mental Wellbeing, Planning Ahead, The Importance of Me

7. Parent Participation – How it works