Families across Calderdale came together at the Family Voice Conference, showing the real power of collective voices when parent carers share their lived experiences.
Cllrs Danielle Durrans and Kelly Thornham attended the conference as parent carers themselves, highlighting just how important it is for families to have spaces where their voices are heard directly by professionals shaping services.
Cllr Danielle Durrans, Labour Councillor for Ovenden Ward said: “Attending as a parent carer reminds you how powerful it is when families come together and share their experiences. You can feel the strength in those collective voices, and it’s so important that professionals are in the room to hear those lived experiences directly. That’s how we make sure services truly reflect what families need, it’s also great as a parent carer to hear your not navigating this alone.”
Cllr Kelly Thornham, Labour councillor for Town Ward added: “The message I found most powerful was that, as parent carers, we are experts too. We are experts in our own children. And that our voices and experiences are essential. We need to be heard when discussing our children’s care and support. And we need to be part of the conversation about services.”
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Labour councillor for Sowerby Bridge & Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Listening to families is essential if we are going to build services that truly meet the needs of children and young people with SEND. The Family Voice Conference gives parent carers the opportunity to share their experiences and helps ensure those voices shape how we continue to improve services across Calderdale.”
Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their experiences. Your voices help shape stronger support for children, young people and families across Calderdale, and a huge well done to the young people who shared their own voices of why inclusion in education really matters.