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The Summer of SEND, Bedford Borough’s programme of exciting events and activities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is back and this year, it’s better than ever!

With over 330 events already lined up, and more on the way, the Summer of SEND is not to be missed. This year’s theme is “Be Active” and Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum and BLMK ICB have launched the programme with a brand new video [https://youtu.be/--R7sW7iPFY] where you can find out more.

Building on the success of 2021 and 2022, this year brings a whole host of new opportunities for children, young people and families to enjoy across June, July and August 2023.

If you want to see what’s on offer, you can head over to localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/summerofsend.

New this year is a Chill Out Zone at the Kite and Motoring Festival that will feature a bouncy castle specifically for children and young people with SEND, a Changing Places toilet and an information table to get support and information around SEND.

Launching this Friday (9 June), is SEND Health Focus Week, which is an opportunity to access a range of engaging workshops and webinars aimed at parents/carers and professionals who work with children and young people with SEND.      

Over the summer, there will be plenty of other interactive activities on offer, from horse riding and swimming, to sporting activities and discos. The Summer of SEND 2023 will also include webinars, family activities, training opportunities and much, much more.

Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Families, Education and Children’s Services, said, “The Summer of SEND is back for 2023 and we can’t wait to share the exciting opportunities that we’re bringing to children, young people and their parents and carers. Now in our third year of bringing you the Summer of SEND, we’ve built on the activities we know local people enjoy to make this the best one yet!

“Make sure that you visit the Local Offer website to find out how you embrace the theme this year and ‘Be Active’.”  

Kerri Rennie, Chair of Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, said, “Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum have represented our memberships feedback and we are pleased to see so many inclusive activities available. We hope the SEND community of Bedford engage and enjoy all of what's on offer.”

For updates on events and to get involved, visit the Bedford Borough Local Offer website at localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/summerofsend and follow the Local Offer on social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/BBLocalOffer/

• https://twitter.com/Bedfordlocalof1

• https://www.instagram.com/bedfordlocalof1/

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