Time to Talk

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused anxiety and uncertainty for many young people
across England. For young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
(SEND) and their families it has been particullarly challenging. Funded by the National
Lottery Community Fund, Time to Talk is a new project offering young people free,
strength-based support at home to provide motivation to make plans for the future.

Project aims

Time to Talk aims to help young people with SEND to build confidence and develop plans for their future.

About the project

Trained staff will deliver person centred planing sessions online to:

• enable young people to

1) develop their aspirations, motivation, and plans for the future;

2) feel heard and valued; 3) strengthen their emotional wellbeing and resilience; a

4) be better equipped to manage transitions

• Provide parents and families with relevant information and links to local networks
• support education providers with useful resources and support for students who are anxious or uncertain about their future plans.

Owing to the COVID-19 restrictions, we anticipate all support being delivered online.

Who is the project for?

The project will support up to 50 young people in England who:

• are aged 16-25 years with SEND

• have had their confidence significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

• are expected to return to education or training in September 2020 OR may not have placements and need additional support.

Next steps

We will be accepting requests for support (via an online form) from young people themselves, carers, social workers, SEND practitioners, education and training providers, advocates, and parents.