SEND Preparation for Adulthood Festival lit up the Floral Pavillion

The first festival to help prepare young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) for adulthood saw more than 500 local people turn out to find out about the support available.

Moving into adulthood can be a difficult time for any young person but for those with SEND there are often additional obstacles to overcome. The SEND Preparation for Adulthood Festival on 8th October brought together a huge range of professional services in one place, with more than 50 stalls in the marketplace.

A young person and an adult talking to a stallholder.

There was a buzz of activity as young people, parents and carers networked, finding the right tools and advice that will help enable and empower our young SEND people as they start to make decisions about what their future will look like and ensure it is bright! The event was also an opportunity for professionals to link up, to see how working together we can have a positive impact on the people they support.

Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said: “Accessing the right support at the right time is vital in helping young people feel confident about their future – especially in the case of our young people with SEND. Whether it’s entering the world of work, education opportunities, living independently or more, young people with SEND can conquer any challenge they may face, with the right preparation making things a whole lot easier.”

A woman and a young person standing next to a banner

The festival, which was held at the Floral Pavilion, offered a lineup of presentations that took place on the stage. The talks were also livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. The topics were varied, including an Introduction to Supported Internships from Wirral Metropolitan College, an overview of the role of Wirral Council and the NHS in the journey towards adulthood of SEND young people, and a talk from Master Key on how young adults can make sure that their voice is heard and nurtured. The links to the talks are available below for anyone who missed the action.

Sophie Rose Weaver, from SEND Youth Voice group said: ‘I think that there should be more communication between services, and more events like this as I got a lot out of the day.”

The Mayor of Wirral standing at a podium in the theatre — The Mayor of Wirral opening the programme of talks

Showcasing what can be achieved from services and providers working in partnership, the event was co-produced by Parent Carer Participation Wirral (PCPW), Wirral SENDIASS and partners at Wirral Council and the NHS.

PCPW Chair, Cath Griffiths, said: “The Preparation for Adulthood event has been a pleasure to co-produce with all our partners over these past months. We look forward to growing the event further in the future.”

Simon Banks, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Place Director for Wirral, said: “We were delighted to be part of this event. We want to take the energy and enthusiasm from this day and put it into practical action, to improve the experience of health and care services of young people as they become adults.”

The festival was topped off with the SEND Youth Voice Group taking to the stage to give a moving dance performance choreographed by one of the group based on their own experiences.

Cllr Stuart said: “We had so much positive feedback from our young people and families about how valuable it was to be able to talk to services face to face, with so many different teams under one roof. Thanks to everyone that made the day possible.”