Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live returns to support families with special educational needs

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Families who have children and young people up to the age of 25 years old with special educational needs and/or disabilities are invited to Local Offer Live on Tuesday 1 October from 2pm to 6:30 pm at the John Pounds Centre.

Organised by Portsmouth City Council, the Local Offer Live event brings together a variety of service providers and community groups dedicated to supporting families with special educational needs.

The event will feature up to 17 exhibitors offering advice and information. Among the exhibitors are Portsmouth Parent Voice, the Neurodiversity Team, Inclusion Outreach Service, Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), and many more.

Learn, connect, and get support

Attendees will have the chance to watch presentations delivered by local experts on trending topics, including practical tips for parents and details on available services.

For example, Portsmouth City Council’s neurodiversity team will provide insights into supporting neurodiverse children and young people in both educational and home settings.

The event presents an excellent opportunity for families to engage directly with professionals, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the support and services available to them.

Accessibility and travel Information

The John Pounds Centre, known for its modern and spacious facilities, will serve as the venue for the event.

It offers accessible access on all levels, making it convenient for all visitors. While there is no parking available at the venue, several options nearby, including the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard car park and Havant Street Car Park, are available.

Additionally, Portsmouth Park and Ride offers an economical option for those travelling from outside the city.

For those planning to travel by public transport, Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station is about a 10-minute walk from the venue. Buses to The Hard Interchange also stop near the John Pounds Centre, including routes 1, 2, 3, 21, and others.

Meet the exhibitors

  • Portsmouth Parent Voice: Advocates for young people aged 0-25 with additional needs and disabilities, providing support and advocacy.
  • Neurodiversity Team (0-19): Offers pathways for children struggling at home or in school due to neurodiversity.
  • Mental Health Support Teams (MHST): Provides early interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues among young people.
  • Enable Ability: Offers a range of services for children, young people, and adults with disabilities.
  • Home-Start Portsmouth: A voluntary organisation promoting family welfare in the community.

A full list of exhibitors and further details can be found on the Portsmouth Local Offer Live website.

Don’t miss out!

The event is free to attend, and no prior booking is required. Families and professionals are encouraged to come along, learn, and connect with valuable resources and support networks available in Portsmouth.

For more information on Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live and to plan your visit, check out the event page today!