WELCOME TO BEDFORD BOROUGH PARENT CARER FORUM
#TEAM
#Together Everyone Achieves More
Please watch our video to find out more about us and what we do.
WHAT WE DO
Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF) works alongside Bedford Borough Council (BBC) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) as a strategic partner and critical friend.
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The Forum has built strong working relationships and have a trusted role as parent carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0-25 in Bedford Borough.
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We are experts by experience and as such, have a unique understanding of how challenging life can be raising a child or young person with SEND.
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We do this by giving parent carers the opportunity to participate in a number of ways such as coffee events, conferences, social media, surveys and focus groups. This feedback can then be used to co-produce and work at a strategic level with the Local Authorities and the ICB.
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We also offer training to empower our members.
WHAT IS A PARENT CARER FORUM?
A Parent Carer Forum is a group of parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). These forums collaborate with local authorities, education settings, health providers and other providers to ensure that the services they commission, plan and deliver effectively meet the needs of disabled children and their families.
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Parent Carer participation involves parent carers and professionals working together, recognising each others expert knowledge, to make informed decisions about children's services. This collaborative approach ensures that SEND resources are used effectively to benefit families and children.
Our forum, BBPCF (Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum) was established in October 2012, and we have had a Steering Committee since May 2013. Meet the members of our Steering Committee here.​
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to any family members or carers of any child or young adult with special educational needs or a disability, up to the age of 25 years and who live in or access services in Bedford Borough. You do not have to have a diagnosis to become a member, please complete our membership form here.
Practitioners from the voluntary and statutory sectors can become associate members. Associate members will be kept up to date with BBPCF’s latest events and will be able to attend some events, where it is appropriate. Become an Associate Member here.