Southend SEND Youth Voice - have your say and make a difference!
Your voice matters. We want children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities to help shape the services, activities and support available in Southend. That's why the Southend SEND Youth Forum was created in 2021, followed by the Multi-Schools Council (MSC) in 2024 through funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Together, these groups give you the chance to:
- share your ideas
- tell us what matters to you
- help make Southend a better place to live, learn and grow
From September 2026, Southend-on-Sea City Council is funding and supporting the MSC, so that more children and young people can get involved, be heard and create positive change.
What is the Multi Schools Council?
The Multi-Schools Council (MSC) brings children and young people together to talk about the things that matter most to them.
By sharing your ideas, experiences and opinions, you can help improve services, influence decisions and create positive change in your community.
The MSC works with schools, councils and other organisations across the East of England to make sure young people's voices are heard.
How children and young people can get involved in Southend
- Share Zones - open meetings where you can share your views
- MSC Ambassadors - a group of young people who help lead discussions and influence change
These are open to children and young people aged 8 to 19.
What are Share Zones?
Share Zones are fun, friendly sessions supported by education settings, such as schools. Meetings are held once a term where you can:
- talk about things that are important to you
- share your experiences
- suggest ideas for change
- meet other young people
- help improve services in Southend
We particularly welcome children and young people who are home educated, attend specialist or alternative provision or do not usually take part in school councils.
What are MSC Ambassadors?
MSC Ambassadors are young people who want to make a difference. They:
- speak up about issues that matter to young people
- share ideas for improving services
- work with local leaders
- help shape future plans and priorities
- make sure young people's voices are heard
How can I get involved?
There are lots of ways to have your voice heard. You can:
- attend a Share Zone meeting: Schools and education settings in Southend have been invited to bring groups of children and young people to take part. Speak to your school, college or educational setting about attending a future Share Zone meeting.
- become an Ambassador: you can register your interest in becoming an ambassador by completing a short form (link to follow soon) or by emailing MSC@southend.gov.uk
- take part in surveys and polls: throughout the year we ask children and young people what is working well and what needs to improve in Southend. Your feedback helps shape future plans and priorities
How you can share your views
You don't need to come to every Share Zone meeting to get involved. We welcome feedback from all children and young people.
You can share your views any way you prefer, whether that's speaking, writing, drawing, using symbols or assistive technology, or another way!
What happens after I share my views?
We will:
- listen to what you tell us
- share your ideas with decision-makers
- use your feedback to improve services
- let you know what changes have happened because of what you and other children and young people said
We want you to know that your ideas can make a real difference.
Ready to get involved?
We're currently refreshing the Southend SEND and Alternative Provision strategy for 2027 to 2029 and would love to hear from you! Read about the strategy and why we're developing it.
Complete our survey and have your say up until 30 November 2026.
Tell us:
- what's working well
- what could be better
- what matters most to you
- what would make Southend an even better place for children and young people with SEND?