Now in its fifth year, SEND Local Offer LIVE is back at St George’s Hall on Wednesday 18 June and will bring together providers, organisations and professionals as well as families at a dynamic marketplace event.

This year, a record 85 providers, organisations and teams will be coming to the event including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, SENDIASS/Young Carers, Preparing for Adulthood Team, EHCP Assessment Team, The Brain Charity and many, many more.

Doors will be open from noon-6pm and entrance is free.

The event has been organised by Liverpool Parent Carer Forum (LivPaC), which supports families and children who have disabilities and additional needs, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the NHS and third-sector organisations.

All local authorities are required to have a Local Offer for children and young people, aged up to 25, with SEND. Liverpool’s SEND Local Offer can be accessed through the Liverpool Family Information and SEND Directory.

This week, Liverpool City Council has also launched its SEND Graduated Approach Toolkit, which is set to transform how professionals work with children and young people with SEND.

Cllr Joanne Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said: “SEND Local Offer LIVE is back at St George’s Hall this month and it’s set to be better than ever.

“Now in its fifth year, the event really is a great opportunity for professionals who work with children and young people with SEND as well as their family and carers to meet all the amazing providers and services who offer advice and support in Liverpool.

“Many parents and professionals will already be aware of the Local Offer website which is brilliant resource but Local Offer LIVE is a special opportunity to bring hundreds of people together.

“I would urge everyone supporting or caring for youngsters with SEND to come along – and we’re open until 6pm so pop in after work!”

Donna Phipps, of LivPaC, said: “We’re really excited that SEND Local Offer LIVE is back at St George’s Hall. It’s an opportunity for families and professionals to meet services and to really bring the Local Offer website to life.

“The event has gone from strength to strength since it started, and this year we’re thrilled to welcome 85 providers and organisations who will be able to help improve families’ and carers’ knowledge of how to support young people with SEND.”