We work with the statutory and voluntary sectors – as well as with parents, children and young people – to promote what works well for our families and to highlight what could be done better. I hope you find our newsletters, meetings and workshops helpful. Do contact us if you would like to come along to occasional meetings and/or receive our mailings.

Niki Michael; Chair — Our Voice

Events & Workshops

Our Voice Workshops for parents

This programme of 6 workshops is specially designed for families with a child with additional needs. It will help you to:

• Understand national and local services for children and families
• Understand how to access information and what is available
• Feel confident about working with practitioners and making decisions about your child

The programme will be led by Fazilla Amide, an Enfield parent of a child with special needs and will be conducted on behalf of Our Voice.

The 6 workshops will be held at Cheviots from 12.15 - 2.30pm, every Friday afternoon from 6th May to the 17th June (excluding half term):

• Friday 6th May - Workshop 1 - Understanding this new world - explores how to obtain information, how to access support and to learn more about national and local services.
• Friday 13th and 20th May - Workshops 2 & 3 - Changing relationships - explores how to work in partnership with service providers to help build your confidence
• Friday 27th May & 10th June - Workshops 4 & 5 – Acknowledging your emotions - explores the issues around dealing with feelings and emotions, and looking after yourself.
• Friday 17th June - Workshop 6 - Understanding family relationships - considers the wider family and how to have quality time.

Note: A crèche place can be provided if necessary. Places are limited so book now! If you wish to confirm your attendance, book a creche place or have any queries, please telephone Carol Mustafa on 07503 161248 or email carol@ourvoiceenfield.org.uk

Past events

Workshop for parents: Who decides?

Understanding local and national decision making

Monday 11 October 2010 from 10.30 - 1.30

This 3 hour workshop is designed to help parents to understand how decisions are made so that they can influence decisions effectively and navigate through processes that can appear baffling. We uncover who is responsible for what both locally and nationally. We decode some of the language used in local and national government and give parents a chance to unravel structures that can seem inaccessible. The course includes entertaining activities and a 'who decides' exercise.

At the end of this fun and informative half day parents will:

• Have a clearer understanding of decision making processes
• Understand the range of issues impacting on decision making including funding and national v local strategy
• Understand who is responsible for what
• Have the knowledge they need to get involved
• Feel empowered to make a difference.

Lunch will be provided. Please contact Carol Mustafa on 07503 161248 or email carol@ourvoiceenfield.org.uk to book. Limited places available. Crèche places can be provided for your child but we need at least two week's notice please. Contact Megan Steven on 0208 363 4047 or at megan.steven@enfield.gov.uk

Information Day

17 March 2010

What services are there in Enfield for my disabled child?

Our Voice supported by the Joint Service for Disabled Children is holding an Information Day on 17 March 2010 from 10am - 2pm at Forty Hall, Enfield. Come and find out more about services and activities offered locally for disabled children and their families. This is also a great opportunity for you to help improve services in the future by getting involved and giving us your views and feedback. Speakers from a range of relevant services will speak on the day. Joint Service staff will be there to support parents/carers with children to enable you to view the information stalls. free refreshments will be provided, throughout the day and a buffet lunch in the afternoon.

Learn to speak up! — Free training workshops for parents

3rd March 2010 & 10th March 2010

Would you like to sit on discussion-making panels in the Enfield community and have valuable input into how services are developed for disabled children?

Perhaps you lack the confidence to become more involved? Our Voice, supported by the Joint Service, is running two free half-day training sessions for parents on assertiveness training and developing confidence at public speaking. The skills you gain will equip you to sit on disability panels as well as benefiting you and your children in your everyday lives.

Being part of a panel is your chance to get involved and really make a difference. There are some exciting opportunities currently available to parents, including places on:

• the SEN steering group
• the multi-agency parent support steering group
• the Aiming High steering group.

Book now to take advantage of the free training. The two sessions will be held on: 3rd March 2010 from 10am -1pm 10th March 2010 from 10am-1pm

Places are limited. A booking form must be completed in advance. To book your place please contact: Carol Mustafa, Development Coordinator, Our Voice Parent Forum, Enfield Email: carol@ourvoiceenfield.org.uk or tel: 07503 161248.

Lunch will be provided. Travel costs will be reimbursed (eg petrol or public transport costs or taxis if you have no other means of getting to Cheviots). Please note: Training sessions will be held at Cheviots Children's Centre, 1 Cheviot Close, Enfield EN1 3UZ. Crèche places can be provided for your child but we need at least one week's notice please. Contact Megan Steven on 0208 363 4047 or at megan.steven@enfield.gov.uk