Parent carer engagement opportunities
Stoke Parent Carers Champions for Change
Stoke Parent Carers Champions for Change is the Parent Carer Forum (PCF) for Stoke-on-Trent.
VAST supports the forum. It brings local organisations together. These organisations represent parent carers and work to improve services.
What the PCF does
The PCF:
- Shares parent carer views locally and nationally
- Works with services to improve support
- Helps design services with families in mind
It is part of a national network. These forums work with councils, health and education services.
Who can get involved?
The forum is open to all parent carers.
This includes:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Foster carers
- Adoptive parents
It supports families of children and young people with SEND, disabilities or long-term health needs.
How the PCF works
The PCF is independent.
It shares parent carer views but does not replace them.
It works in partnership with services.
This helps make sure support is right for families.
Contact PCF
You can find out more here: Home Page - Stoke on Trent Parent Carer Forum
Get in touch: 01782 683030 / stokepcf@vast.org.uk
PEGiS (Parent Engagement Group in Stoke)
PEGiS is a friendly and informal group.
It is for:
- Parents and carers of children and young people with SEND
- Young people (up to age 25) with SEND
PEGiS runs meetings throughout the month.
Most meetings take place at: Hazel Trees, Duke Street, Fenton, ST4 3NR.
Some meetings are held online using Zoom.
Regular events
PEGiS runs regular sessions, including:
- Coffee morning – first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm
- SEND Community Lounge – third Thursday of each month, 10am to 12pm
You can find dates and details in the monthly calendar: Things to do – Local Offer
What happens at meetings?
You can:
- Get updates on SEND issues
- Share your experiences
- Talk about concerns
- Meet other families
- Hear from guest speakers
How PEGiS can help
PEGiS helps you to:
- Understand SEND processes
- Feel more confident and supported
- Share feedback to improve services
Contact PEGiS
Telephone: 07935 557380 / pegis.stoke@hotmail.com
PEGiS also shares updates on their Facebook page - PEGiS Facebook page
You can request to join their private Facebook group.
Local Offer Team Engagement
The Local Offer team wants to hear from you.
They work with parents and carers to understand what is working well and what needs to improve.
How to share your views
You can speak to the Local Offer team in different ways.
They:
- Visit parent carer groups, including schools
- Attend events across the city
- Are available at the SEND Community Lounge
- Ask for feedback to improve services
You can speak to the team at events or through Local Offer channels. Please get in touch if you would like the team to visit your group or event.
Email: localoffer@stoke.gov.uk
Click here to take part in our survey.
Why your feedback matters
Your feedback helps to:
- Improve local SEND services
- Identify what works well
- Highlight what needs to change
Why get involved?
Getting involved can help you:
- Meet other families
- Feel less alone
- Stay informed
- Share your views
- Help improve local services
Your views matter.