Monthly coffee mornings for parent carers of children and young people with SEND
About SSIF
Southend SEND Independent Forum (SSIF) is the Parent Carer Forum (PCF) for Southend-on-Sea. Funded by the Department of Education, we work in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council, health services and education settings, with an aim to shape and influence services, to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet the needs of children and young people (0 to 25 years) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and their families living in Southend.
We understand the day-to-day challenges faced by parent-carers as we are parent-carers too. SSIF aims to give parent-carers a voice and make our collective views heard to improve services for our children.
About our coffee mornings
Our monthly coffee mornings are a chance to meet other parent carers, share experiences, ask questions and enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
There's no set agenda and no pressure – just a relaxed, friendly space where you can chat as much or as little as you like. We know that everyone is on their own journey, and sometimes it helps just knowing you're in a room with people who 'get it'.
Each month, professionals from education, health and social care to join us, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and access information in an informal setting. Our Local Offer team is always there too, helping families find the right support, services and advice.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to offer the Chaos & Calm crèche.
Dates, time and venue
Coffee mornings run monthly on a Tuesday morning, from 10am to 11.30am. They are held at SAVS, 29 -31 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BW. There is no need to book, just drop-in.
2026 dates:
- 8 September
- 13 October
- 10 November
- 8 December
2027 dates:
- 12 January
- 9 February
- 9 March
- 13 April
- 11 May
- 8 June
- 6 July
For further information email southendsendindependentforum@gmail.com