Colleagues from NELFT's Redbridge 0-19 and targeted children's services attended the Empowering Parents Together (EPT) Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information Event in Ilford on 17 June.   

The event brought together a wide range of organisations supporting children and young people with SEND and their families, with around   400 families   attending. It provided a valuable opportunity for NELFT colleagues to engage directly with parents, carers and members of the local community, helping raise awareness of the support available across Redbridge.   

Throughout the day, the team spoke with families about a range of topics, including transitioning into adult services. Resources from a number of services were shared, including continence services, ERIC resources, the 0-19 team and targeted services at The Grove.   

The event also provided an excellent opportunity to build relationships with local charities and service providers, helping strengthen partnership working and improve knowledge of the support available to children, young people and families across the borough.   

Saurabh Dhingra, Assistant Director, Redbridge Community Children's Services, said:   

"I recently attended the Redbridge SEND Information Event, which brought together a wide range of agencies and organisations showcasing the support and services available for children and young people with SEND and their families. The event provided an excellent opportunity to network with partners, learn more about local SEND provision, and strengthen collaborative relationships across the borough. A particular highlight was the inspiring musical performances by SEND children and young people, whose talent and enthusiasm were warmly appreciated by everyone attending."   

Stacey Lawson, Community Practice Development Facilitator (Redbridge), NELFT 0-19 Early Intervention and Universal Services, said:   

"We were pleased to be invited to present the 0–19 and targeted children’s services for Redbridge at the Empowering Parents Together Special Education Needs and Disability information event in Ilford on 17th June 2026. This provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with families and members of the local community, enabling meaningful, face-to-face conversations about the support available to children and young people. In-person engagement is particularly important in health promotion, as it allows us to build trust, provide tailored advice, and respond sensitively to individual needs, especially for families navigating or exploring support for children with SEND.   

"In addition, it was a valuable networking opportunity with a wide range of local charities and service providers. This enabled us not only to strengthen existing relationships but also to broaden our understanding of the services available across Redbridge to our children, young people and families. Developing these connections is essential for effective partnership working, allowing us to signpost appropriately and collaborate with other organisations to improve outcomes for children, young people, and their families across the borough."   

The team would like to thank Empowering Parents Together for the invitation and for hosting a successful event that brought together families, services and community organisations from across Redbridge.