Parents and Carers Events
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| Tuesday 28th April 2026
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The Haven - Corsham
The Haven is a free parent support group for families with any neurodivergent children/ young people (ADHD, autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, dyspraxia and dyslexia). It’s a place where parent carers can share experiences and strategies together.
The group is led by Debbie Riall who previously worked as an autism specialist. She has also written a number of books relating to autism which offer practical strategies for both families and professionals.
The Haven runs one morning each month at Rudloe Community Centre, Corsham and there is also a monthly evening group at Corsham Baptist Church.
For session dates and more information, please see the poster below and contact Debbie at:- theautrm1@gmail.com
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| Other for ages
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| Tuesday 28th April 2026
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Help Shape the Future of SEND Support in Wiltshire – Parent Carer Co-Design Events
Following the recent publication of the government’s consultation on proposals to reform the SEND system, every local area has been asked to develop a first Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan is about laying the foundations for change; strengthening early support in schools and settings, increasing specialist provision, and designing a new Experts at Hand offer that brings specialist practitioners into early years, schools and post 16 settings more regularly.
Parent carers must be at the heart of shaping what happens next. That’s why the Local Authority is working in partnership with the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) to host a series of co-design events for parent carers. These sessions are a chance to share what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change, so future SEND support in Wiltshire works better for children, young people and their families. Parent carer views will directly influence Wiltshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan, including the Universal Offer, early years support, post 16 pathways and how services work together in the future.
Parent carer co-design sessions (co-hosted with WPCC):
• Friday 24th April, 10:00am to 12:30pm (face to face, Devizes): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985730387042
• Tuesday 28th April, 4:00pm to 6:00pm (online): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985731798263
• Friday 1st May, 10:00am to 12:00pm (online): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985732360946
To book your place for one of these sessions, please click the appropriate Eventbrite link above. If you need help to book your place, please phone the WPCC on: 01225 764647 (option 1). Anyone who books to join one of the online sessions will be sent a joining closer to the date of their session.
We strongly encourage parent carers to take part. It is really important that your insight, challenge and ideas help shape the future of SEND support in our area; the LA looks forward to working with you to build a stronger, more inclusive system together.
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| Consultations for ages
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| Wednesday 29th April 2026
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Have Your Say on Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) in Wiltshire Secondary Schools
Wiltshire Council is carrying out a review of Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) in mainstream secondary schools.
ELP is additional funding that is given to each secondary school to support children with a high level of special educational needs. These learners will most usually have Communication and Interaction needs (including autism) and/or Cognition and Learning needs, and will have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). ELP is different to the support provided by Secondary Resource Bases.
Colleagues from Wiltshire Council would like to have a conversation with parent carers of pupils with EHCPs who are being supported in their mainstream secondary school, receiving additional and tailored support due to their complex needs and inclusion support. If you are a parent carer of a primary pupil aged with an EHCP who is preparing to transfer to mainstream secondary and may require ELP, we would also be keen for you to be part of the conversation, as we are keen to hear your views and ideas also.
Examples of the types of ELP support by secondary schools might be:
- through support in a nurturing environment for part of the school day,
- being part of enhanced literacy and numeracy sessions,
- additional intervention in school such as specific therapies or one to one tuition
These are merely examples; individual secondary schools approach ELP support differently as there is no standardised model at the moment.
We are holding two online engagement sessions on Wednesday 29th April which will be jointly facilitated by the WPCC and a representative from Wiltshire Council:
- 10.30am to 12.00pm
- 4.30pm to 6.00pm
These conversations will be informal and friendly and are aimed at helping the Local Authority plan for future Enhanced Learning Provision in the secondary phase.
If you are interested in being part of this important review and to share your views and experiences, please click [HERE] to book your place on your preferred session. The WPCC will contact everyone who has booked to attend at least a day before their chosen session with the joining link.
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| Consultations for ages
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| Every week from Thursday 16th April until Thursday 21st May 2026
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Friendship Chat Café
open every Thursday morning 10:00-12:00 pm
Open Door Warminster run four chat cafés, these are friendly, welcoming groups where you can connect with other people who genuinely understand how you are feeling – whether that’s feeling lonely, dealing with cancer or struggling with grief.
Over a hot drink you can simply talk about whatever matters to you in that moment.
All groups are held at the fully accessible Athenaeum Centre, 18-20 High Street, Warminster, BA12 9AE. They are drop-in and completely free.
Have a look at their [website] for more information.
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| Other for ages
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| Friday 1st May 2026
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Help Shape the Future of SEND Support in Wiltshire – Parent Carer Co-Design Events
Following the recent publication of the government’s consultation on proposals to reform the SEND system, every local area has been asked to develop a first Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan is about laying the foundations for change; strengthening early support in schools and settings, increasing specialist provision, and designing a new Experts at Hand offer that brings specialist practitioners into early years, schools and post 16 settings more regularly.
Parent carers must be at the heart of shaping what happens next. That’s why the Local Authority is working in partnership with the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) to host a series of co-design events for parent carers. These sessions are a chance to share what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change, so future SEND support in Wiltshire works better for children, young people and their families. Parent carer views will directly influence Wiltshire’s Local SEND Reform Plan, including the Universal Offer, early years support, post 16 pathways and how services work together in the future.
Parent carer co-design sessions (co-hosted with WPCC):
• Friday 24th April, 10:00am to 12:30pm (face to face, Devizes): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985730387042
• Tuesday 28th April, 4:00pm to 6:00pm (online): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985731798263
• Friday 1st May, 10:00am to 12:00pm (online): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985732360946
To book your place for one of these sessions, please click the appropriate Eventbrite link above. If you need help to book your place, please phone the WPCC on: 01225 764647 (option 1). Anyone who books to join one of the online sessions will be sent a joining closer to the date of their session.
We strongly encourage parent carers to take part. It is really important that your insight, challenge and ideas help shape the future of SEND support in our area; the LA looks forward to working with you to build a stronger, more inclusive system together.
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| Consultations for ages
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| Friday 1st May 2026
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The Comfort Cafe, Trowbridge - A Space for Neurodivergent and Socially Anxious Women (aged 18+)
Feeling Anxious? Come along to the Comfort Cafe and have a chat with people who understand.
Emmanuel's Yard
Fortnightly (Fridays - next dates: 17th April, 1st May, 15th May)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Emmanuel's Yard is located at Church Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8RZ. It is a community building and church building.
The Old Town Hall
Monthly (Mondays - next dates: 13th April, 18th May, 22nd June, 27th July, 31st August).
6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Old Town Hall is located on Market Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EQ
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| Other for ages
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| Tuesday 5th May 2026
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Meet and Chat to other Carers in Salisbury
If you are an unpaid carer who finds it difficult to attend daytime groups, Carer Corner may be just what you are looking for.
Carer Corner is new initiative that is being offered in partnership between Carers Together Wiltshire and Alabaré Riverside Sanctuary.
Come along for a chat, relax and catch-up with other unpaid carers; it’s all about connecting, having fun and looking after your mental well-being!
No need to book – just turn up on the day.
Please Note:- New visitors to the Sanctuary will need to register on arrival.
Carer Corner takes place at:- Riverside Sanctuary, 2 Watt Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.
Next sessions:-
• Tuesday 5th May 2026
• Tuesday 2nd June 2026
• Tuesday 30th June 2026
• Tuesday 28th July 2026
For more details and to double-check dates, please visit their [website]
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| Other for ages
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| Wednesday 6th May 2026
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An online through Teams get together with other SEND parents, carers and professionals who understand.
These sessions are usually once a month, 7pm-9pm
Tickets are free but you do need to book. For more information, please click [HERE]
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| Other for ages
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| Wednesday 6th May 2026
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Social Prescriber Drop-in Trowbridge Library
First Wednesday of the month 9:30-12:30
Are you an adult who is struggling to manage your health and wellbeing? Your social prescriber from the local GP surgery may be able to help you.
Drop into Trowbridge library on the first Wednesday of the month to find out more. Social prescribers can put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better. This could be an introduction to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or support to find legal advice or debt counselling.
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| Other for ages
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| Wednesday 6th May 2026
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The Haven - Corsham
The Haven is a free parent support group for families with any neurodivergent children/ young people (ADHD, autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, dyspraxia and dyslexia). It’s a place where parent carers can share experiences and strategies together.
The group is led by Debbie Riall who previously worked as an autism specialist. She has also written a number of books relating to autism which offer practical strategies for both families and professionals.
The Haven runs one morning each month at Rudloe Community Centre, Corsham and there is also a monthly evening group at Corsham Baptist Church.
For session dates and more information, please see the poster below and contact Debbie at:- theautrm1@gmail.com
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| Other for ages
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| Wednesday 6th May 2026
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[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month. In addition to this, from April 2025 onwards Carers Together Wiltshire will be working in partnership with Carer Support Wiltshire to support them in running some of their carer cafes and support groups. This includes supporting them to run their monthly parent Carer group from the Bear Hotel in Devizes.
The date for the next Salisbury group is:
• Wednesday 6th May 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm, Cosy Club, 49 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH
No need to book.
For future dates and groups in other areas, please click [HERE]
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| Other for ages
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| Monday 11th May 2026
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South Wiltshire National Autistic Society Return to Face-to Face Support Meetings
South Wiltshire National Autistic Society have returned to face-to-face support meetings. The aim of the group is to provide individuals, friends and family help, support and information with all aspects of the spectrum and is open to all ages. The group meets on the 1st Monday of the month (expect bank holidays, then it will be the following Monday)
Where: Tesco community room, Southampton Road, Salisbury.
When: 1st Monday of the month, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
For more information, please call 07795368113, Email: southwiltshire.branch@nas.org.uk, visit the [NAS Website] or the South Wilts NAS Branch [Facebook page].
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| Other for ages
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| Monday 11th May 2026
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A new Social Prescribing drop-in session, headed up by the Social Prescribing Team across both Roundstone Surgery and Trowbridge Health Centre has been launched.
The team have just launched a second drop in held at the Civic Centre on the second Monday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
These drop-in sessions are in addition to the existing monthly drop in at Trowbridge Library, which is held on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:30am-12:30pm.
The sessions are designed to allow individuals to drop-in and learn more about Social Prescribing without receiving a formal referral. During the session the team are able to signpost individuals to local community groups and resources, assist with paperwork and form filling and also discuss if longer term, more formal support would be beneficial.
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| Other for ages
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| Friday 15th May 2026
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The Comfort Cafe, Trowbridge - A Space for Neurodivergent and Socially Anxious Women (aged 18+)
Feeling Anxious? Come along to the Comfort Cafe and have a chat with people who understand.
Emmanuel's Yard
Fortnightly (Fridays - next dates: 17th April, 1st May, 15th May)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Emmanuel's Yard is located at Church Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8RZ. It is a community building and church building.
The Old Town Hall
Monthly (Mondays - next dates: 13th April, 18th May, 22nd June, 27th July, 31st August).
6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Old Town Hall is located on Market Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EQ
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| Other for ages
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| Monday 18th May 2026
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The Comfort Cafe, Trowbridge - A Space for Neurodivergent and Socially Anxious Women (aged 18+)
Feeling Anxious? Come along to the Comfort Cafe and have a chat with people who understand.
Emmanuel's Yard
Fortnightly (Fridays - next dates: 17th April, 1st May, 15th May)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Emmanuel's Yard is located at Church Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8RZ. It is a community building and church building.
The Old Town Hall
Monthly (Mondays - next dates: 13th April, 18th May, 22nd June, 27th July, 31st August).
6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Old Town Hall is located on Market Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EQ
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| Other for ages
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| Tuesday 19th May 2026
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Self-Help Group for Unpaid Carers in Lyneham and Bradenstoke
The Toucan Café is a self-help group for unpaid carers that meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
Health professionals and members of support organisations visit the cafe on invitation, to help with advice and support.
You can be sure of a warm welcome, join for a coffee/tea, hosted by Sue, John and Stevie.
Meetings are held alternatively at The Cross Keys Inn, Bradenstoke and Cotswold House, Lyneham.
Upcoming dates
The Cross Keys Inn, Bradenstoke on:
- Tuesday 17th March 2026
- Tuesday 19th May 2026
- Tuesday 21st July 2026
- Tuesday 15th September 2026
- Tuesday 17th November 2026
Cotswold House, Lyneham on:
- Tuesday 20th January 2026
- Tuesday 17th February 2026
- Tuesday 21st April 2026
- Tuesday 16th June 2026
- Tuesday 19th August 2026
- Tuesday 20th October 2026
See the [Bradenstoke and Lyneham Toucan Café webpage] for more dates and information.
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| Other for ages
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| Tuesday 19th May 2026
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The Haven - Corsham
The Haven is a free parent support group for families with any neurodivergent children/ young people (ADHD, autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, dyspraxia and dyslexia). It’s a place where parent carers can share experiences and strategies together.
The group is led by Debbie Riall who previously worked as an autism specialist. She has also written a number of books relating to autism which offer practical strategies for both families and professionals.
The Haven runs one morning each month at Rudloe Community Centre, Corsham and there is also a monthly evening group at Corsham Baptist Church.
For session dates and more information, please see the poster below and contact Debbie at:- theautrm1@gmail.com
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| Other for ages
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| Wednesday 20th May 2026
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[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month. In addition to this, from April 2025 onwards Carers Together Wiltshire will be working in partnership with Carer Support Wiltshire to support them in running some of their carer cafes and support groups. This includes supporting them to run their monthly parent Carer group from the Bear Hotel in Devizes.
The date for the next Devizes group is:
• Wednesday 20th May 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm, The Bear Hotel, 2-3 The Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HS
No need to book.
For future dates and groups in other areas, please click [HERE]
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| Other for ages
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| Thursday 21st May 2026
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[Community First] is working in partnership with [Age UK Wiltshire], Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire Service Users Network, Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Wessex Community Action, under the umbrella, ‘Carers Together Wiltshire’.
Community First will be hosting parent carer support groups both face to face and online each month. In addition to this, from April 2025 onwards Carers Together Wiltshire will be working in partnership with Carer Support Wiltshire to support them in running some of their carer cafes and support groups. This includes supporting them to run their monthly parent Carer group from the Bear Hotel in Devizes.
The dates for the face-to-face groups can be found [HERE].
Parent Carer Virtual Groups in 2026
Informal and friendly online meeting. Chat and connect with other Parent Carers.
• Thursday 23rd April 2026 (7:00pm-8:00pm. Drop in)
• Thursday 21st May 2026 (7:00pm-8:00pm. Drop in)
• Thursday 25th June 2026 (7:00pm-8:00pm. Drop in)
For the virtual sessions, please email jo.hiller-culley@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk for the link.
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| Other for ages
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