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Highlights from the 2026 Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum SEND Information Fair
Published
The Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum’s SEND Information Fair 2026 was full of energy, with more than 300 Parent Carers visiting. Sarah Stripe, Operations Manager at Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum, shares the highlights from this annual event, which included 46 services showcased in the marketplace and inspiring keynote speeches, along with busy drop-in clinics offering tailored support and guidance. It was a brilliant day of connection, support and shared learning.
The Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum’s SEND Information Fair 2026 was our biggest and most successful event to date, bringing together more than 300 Parent Carers from across the county for a day of connection, information and support.
The atmosphere throughout the day was vibrant and welcoming, with 46 service providers filling the marketplace. Families were able to explore a wide range of free support and signposting across education, health, social care, activity providers, post-16 pathways and mental health services. The diversity of organisations present meant that Parent Carers could have meaningful conversations, gather practical advice and leave feeling better informed about the services available to them and their children and young people.
A particular highlight of the day was our keynote session, attended by 70 Parent Carers. We were delighted to be joined by senior leaders from Gloucestershire County Council, including Ann James (Director of Children’s Services) and Kirsten Harrison (Director of Education), who spoke openly about the current SEND landscape in Gloucestershire and the priorities shaping future developments. Their presentations offered valuable insight, reassurance and a shared commitment to continued improvement, and were well received by those in attendance. Please see the video.
Our popular help clinics saw record levels of engagement this year, reflecting the growing trust Parent Carers place in the event. Families were able to access dedicated time with professionals from EHCP Casework, Social Care, Early Help and the SENDIASS team, enabling them to ask questions, seek clarity and gain tailored guidance in a supportive environment.
Above all, the event demonstrated the strength of partnership working across Gloucestershire and the power of bringing Parent Carers and professionals together in one space.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone who attended, exhibited and contributed to making the Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum’s SEND Information Fair 2026 such an outstanding success!
Click here to find out more about Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and their forthcoming Listen to Me peer support coffee mornings held across the county.