9th April 2021

• We are committed to welcoming, listening to and representing ALL families with disabled children and young people in Sheffield – but we recognise that we have struggled to capture the voices, experiences and concerns of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic community within our city.

  We want to address this in an empathetic way.

  We acknowledge that not all spaces will feel safe enough to express your concerns. Therefore, our volunteers Melissa Simmonds and Thaeeba Azam will create a safe space for Black and Brown parents and carers. We want you to feel comfortable to talk about the issues you are facing in getting your disabled children’s needs met. By joining us, you will be able to help your own family and other families in a similar situation.

  Melissa has been a trustee of our organisation for many years. She is a disability activist and parent of disabled children, who gives talks on disability (especially autism) and race.

  Thaeeba is one of our longest-serving volunteers; you may have met her at our coffee mornings or outreach events.

  We will start off with Zoom meetings in the spring, but are hoping to move to face-to-face meetings later in the year. To attend these meetings or for more information, please contact Melissa by emailing melissa.simmonds@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk