PACC Conference Jan 2025 - Planning For the Future
29/01/2025
Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) is a key work area for PACC and while the focus on this increases from the age of 14 it is something that should be considered from the earliest point in a young person’s life, especially if they are identified as having a special educational need or disability. The PACC ‘Planning For the Future’ conference was well attended reflecting the priority placed on this subject by parent carers. It was particularly positive that many of the parent carers who joined us were attending a PACC conference for the first time.
“When we talk about achieving a good life for somebody with a disability the things we need to think about are exactly the same things we need to think about for somebody without a disability.”
The conference was opened by Sarah Thomas, PACC’s Influence and Change Strategic Lead, highlighting that planning a good life for a young person with SEND requires us to consider and think about the same things we would think about for any other young person. Everyone needs to have the opportunity to be healthy, active, valued and connected. In doing that somethings may work better than others but its important to try things and find out what works for you.
Jo Gibbs from the National Development Team for Inclusion, who have led on the development of PFA support and resources since 2014 and the implementation of the Children & Families Act gave the keynote presentation. Jo shared a summary of NDTi’s current learning about what works in PFA, focusing on the four PFA categories of:
• Health
• Independent Living
• Employment
• Community Inclusion
“When you get to 18 and you have SEND everyone says you are an adult, but I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t feel like an adult. This change should happen slowly”.
Importantly the event gave those who attended the opportunity to hear about local experiences of PFA from parent carers and young people. Jess Young, Toby Springle, Eliot and Sarah Thomas and Angelina and Ellie Burgess shared their stories.
“There are also many seemingly small moments that had large contributions to my idea of the future.”
The morning session finished with a presentation from David Cockcroft, Regional Managing Director (West) for Dimensions, a national care provider. David spoke about Dimensions experience of providing care within Supported Living arrangements – ‘the basics and banana skins’. His presentation gave some good advice on what families should consider and think about when exploring Supported Living as an option.
After lunch we focused on gathering feedback on the PACC draft Shropshire PFA guide. The drafting of the guide has been informed by the PACC PFA Navigator project led by PACC’s Community Support Strategic Lead, Abi Taylor. Abi shared the key learning from the first two years of the PACC Navigator project, highlighting key themes in her discussions with over 1000 parent carers.
The feedback collected on the draft PFA guide was really helpful and will contribute to the creation of the final much needed guide.
Below is some of the comments made about the day by the parent carers who attended.
“Excellent conference, with relevant content, useful info, opportunity to ask questions and lovely venue”
“Thank you so much, very informative and good to meet other parents too.”
“Another fabulous conference, thank you. Great to have a full room - PACC is clearly managing to extend its reach to a wider audience, albeit some only just heard about PACC. Can’t we insist on a flyer being attached to every EHCP in Shropshire??!!”
“Jo was very knowledgeable and kind, but it was quite triggering as she named what we would like to receive but don’t. David’s information was useful. It would be helpful to hear how both talks apply both talks to local services.”
PACC would like to thank all the speakers for their time and input.
