Today, West Yorkshire CANN (Children with Additional Needs Network) hosted a fruitful and engaging networking meeting. As a collective of charities and non-profits dedicated to supporting families with children under 25 who have additional needs, these gatherings are pivotal in fostering collaboration and sharing valuable resources and knowledge.
Engaging Presentations
The meeting kicked off with insightful presentations that set the tone for a productive session.
Forum Central
Dominique Burley from Forum Central shared invaluable information about their ongoing projects and initiatives. Dominique’s presentation underscored the power of community and collaboration, offering a plethora of resources and support systems available to our members. Her insights into the current landscape of support for children with additional needs in West Yorkshire were particularly enlightening.
The Centre for Social Justice
Ben Robinson from The Centre for Social Justice delivered a compelling presentation, highlighting the latest research and policy recommendations relevant to our cause. His talk emphasiaed the importance of addressing social inequalities and provided actionable insights on how we, as a network, can advocate for systemic changes that will benefit the families we support.
Round Table Discussion on Training Needs
The presentations were followed by a dynamic round table discussion focused on training needs. This session allowed attendees to voice their experiences and challenges, providing a platform for a rich exchange of ideas.
Key points discussed included:
- The necessity for specialised training for staff and volunteers to better understand and support children with various additional needs.
- The importance of mental health training for caregivers and support staff to ensure holistic support for both the children and their families.
- Identifying gaps in current training programs and brainstorming potential solutions and collaborations to address these needs.
The discussion was a testament to the collective expertise and dedication of our network, and it underscored the shared commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Networking Session
The meeting concluded with a networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect on a more personal level. This session was not only about exchanging business cards but also about building relationships and fostering a sense of community. Attendees shared success stories, offered support, and explored potential collaborations.
As we move forward, the themes and ideas discussed today will inform our strategies and initiatives. The commitment and passion of everyone involved are truly inspiring, and we are excited to see the positive impact of our continued collaboration.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Ben Robinson and Dominique Burley for their enlightening presentations. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will make a difference.
Stay tuned for updates on our next meeting and upcoming initiatives. Let’s continue to support each other and the families who rely on our services.
West Yorkshire CANN Team
