LOCAL SERVICES

MANCHESTER PARENT CHAMPIONS

Manchester Parent Champions are dedicated volunteers based in Manchester who have lived experience of supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They offer peer support, share helpful information, and help families navigate local services. With empathy and understanding, they empower parents and carers to feel more confident, informed, and connected within their community.

FAMILY HUB

The Woodville Family Hub (Crumpsall & Cheetham Hill) are welcoming community spaces where families can access a wide range of support services in one place. Based in Manchester, these hubs offer help with parenting, early years development, health, education, and SEND support. They bring together professionals and local organisations to provide friendly, practical advice and guidance to children, young people, and their families—ensuring the right help is available at the right time.

MANCHESTER CARER FORUM

The Manchester Carers Forum is a supportive organisation dedicated to empowering unpaid carers across Manchester. It offers advice, peer support, information, and training to help carers feel recognised, valued, and connected. Through events, advocacy, and collaboration with local services, the forum ensures carers have a voice and access to the support they need in their vital role.

REGEN.ME.UK

Regen.me.uk is a community-focused organisation committed to empowering individuals and families through inclusive support, education, and wellbeing services. Based in Greater Manchester, Regen.me.uk works closely with local communities to tackle social inequalities and promote personal growth, resilience, and lifelong learning.

THE SPACE GROUP

The Space Group is a supportive community organisation dedicated to helping families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Based in Manchester, The Space Group provides a safe, welcoming environment where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access valuable information, support, and resources.

EARLY HELP

Early Help is a service that offers support to children, young people, and their families as soon as challenges begin to emerge—before they escalate into more serious problems. Based across Manchester, Early Help works in partnership with families to identify their needs and provide tailored support, whether related to education, health, behaviour, parenting, or emotional wellbeing. The aim is to strengthen family life and help children thrive.

OFSTED

SEND Ofsted refers to the inspections carried out by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to evaluate how effectively local areas identify, assess, and meet the needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These inspections look at how education, health, and social care services work together to support families, improve outcomes, and ensure children with SEND receive the help they need. Findings from SEND Ofsted inspections help inform families and drive improvements across local services.

MASH

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a team of professionals from different organisations—such as children’s social care, education, health, and the police—working together to safeguard children and young people. Based in Manchester, MASH assesses safeguarding concerns quickly and shares information to ensure children and families get the right help at the right time. Their collaborative approach improves decision-making and helps keep children safe.

LADO

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) is an organization that supports safeguarding children in Manchester by overseeing investigations into allegations of abuse or misconduct involving people working with children, such as teachers, care workers, and other professionals. The LADO works closely with local authorities, employers, and agencies to ensure that any concerns are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken to protect children and ensure their safety in educational and care settings.