What we do - Have your say! - Other local and national surveys and consultations

See below for other local and national surveys, consultations, petitions, etc. you might like to take part in.

Help Shape a New Children’s Health Services Referral Portal

HCRG Care Group is developing a new Children’s Services Digital Referral Portal for families and professionals across Wiltshire and Bath & North East Somerset.

The portal is designed to make it quicker and easier for parents, carers, young people, and professionals to access the right support at the right time. It aims to reduce delays, improve communication, and ensure referrals are routed effectively to the services that can help.

As part of this development, HCRG Care Group is inviting young people, parents and carers to take part in user testing sessions, to help shape the design, language, and overall experience of the new portal. Dates and times of the sessions will be online and take place on the following dates and times…

Wednesday 13th August 2025 Online (MS Teams) [Link to the Session] 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Thursday 14th August 2025 Online (MS Teams) [Link to the Session] 1:00pm –2:00pm

These focused virtual sessions will explore and test how easy the portal is to navigate, how clearly it explains services, and whether it meets families’ real-life needs.

Why Your Voice Matters
Your lived experience will help shape a portal that works for real people, not just in theory. What you tell HCRG Care Group through these sessions will directly influence how accessible, understandable, and effective the referral process is for families across the region.

Thank you in advance for being part of this important work. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please get in touch in advance of the session.

If you have any questions, please contact: Charlotte Gallagher, Digital Front Door Project Manager, charlotte.gallagher@hcrgcaregroup.com or Carolyn Alvis, Head of Specialist Services, carolyn.alvis@hcrgcaregroup.com

Department for Education Survey - Parent Carer Views on SEND Bases within Mainstream Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) is inviting parent carers to take part in a survey intended to gather views from those who have a child who currently, or has previously, attended a SEN unit or Resource Base provision, or a school’s own unit for SEND provision.

The information collected will help the DfE make decisions about future SEND provision in mainstream schools. The DfE will not be able to tell who has responded.

This survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Please click [SURVEY] to take part.

How do You Think Transitions Between Children and Adult Services in Wiltshire Could be Improved?

A partnership with Wiltshire Council and local NHS Partners are looking at how they can work to improve transitions between children and adult’s services.

They would hugely value your thoughts and opinions to help to shape pilot projects in this area.

Please click on the link below to complete a short survey. If you have any further thoughts or information you would like to share please contact:- lucy.moses@wiltshire.gov.uk.

[SURVEY]

Don't Let the Wiltshire Short Breaks Scheme Change Without You

Wiltshire Council is currently looking at recommissioning the Wiltshire Short Breaks Scheme from 2026. Financial pressures and increasing demand for this scheme could mean that the offer for children and young people with SEND could look very different in the future. This could bring opportunities for some children and young people who are not currently eligible for the scheme, but it could also mean significant changes for many who have been used to the scheme in its current format for many years.

The WPCC arranged a series of face-to-face sessions around the county in June to give parent carers an opportunity to engage in the conversation and help shape the future of this highly valued scheme.

When we promoted these sessions, we also committed to follow these up by offering a recorded online session to enable those who couldn’t make it in person. In partnership with Wiltshire Council commissioning colleagues, we have now recorded this session, which is available to watch [HERE].

The recorded session, which runs for about 18 minutes, gives some information and context, informed by conversations from the face-to-face sessions. Through an interactive tool called Mentimeter, you will be able to contribute comments and suggestions.

PLEASE NOTE: It has been brought to our attention that the Menti code, embedded in the recorded webinar about changes to the Short Breaks Scheme is not working due to the code in the recording having expired. When you have watched the session and you are ready to contribute your thoughts and suggestions, please use the code: 8146 0150, instead of the code shown in the slides. To join Menti, still enter menti.com in your address bar.

The recorded session will enable you to participate at a time and pace that suits you, meaning that you can pause and come back to it as and when you choose.

Responses via this [recorded session] need to be submitted by Wednesday 16th July 2025.

What are Your Experiences of the Wiltshire SENDIASS Service?

Wiltshire Council is inviting anyone who has had direct experience of the Wiltshire SENDIASS service (delivered by Family Action). Feedback submitted to Wiltshire Council through this survey will help to inform future intentions for the delivery of an information advice and support service in Wiltshire.

There are two services in Wiltshire with similar names, but with different responsibilities. Please carefully read the descriptions below, to ensure you feedback about intended service.

SENDIASS provides free, impartial information, advice, and support concerning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SENDIS:- This service, operated by the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC), is not the focus of this survey. WPCC’s SENDIS offers a signposting service to training and support available for parents of children with SEND needs.

Wiltshire Council’s survey is specifically requesting feedback on the SENDIASS service operated by Family Action.

Please only complete this survey if you have had a direct experience with the SENDIASS service (Family Action).

Click [HERE] to complete the survey.

Have Your Say on the Future of Pharmacy Services in Wiltshire

Key stakeholders, including parent carers are being invited to share their views on a document which will help identify the current and future need for local pharmaceutical services across Wiltshire.

The draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a statutory document produced by the Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board. It assesses pharmacy provision in the area and whether the right services are being provided for local people both now and in the future. The latest draft covers from 2025 - 2028. Although technical in nature, the document has been put together, drawing on the results of a survey undertaken earlier this year that attracted nearly 1,500 responses from members of the public, as well as engagement with pharmacy providers already operating in the county.

The statutory consultation on the draft PNA is open until Friday 15th August 2025.

The consultation can be found at:- [Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for Wiltshire] with background reading at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health/pharmaceutical-needs-assessment. The draft PNA and consultation is being shared with pharmacies, dispensing GPs and other NHS organisations in the area and is also open to other interested parties to respond on the accuracy of the findings and whether there are other aspects that need to be considered.

Every Health and Wellbeing Board in England is legally required to publish and hold an updated statement of the needs for pharmaceutical services for its population. The PNA plays a vital role in shaping decisions on the commissioning of pharmaceutical services and identifying opportunities for community pharmacies, and other providers, to support local health and wellbeing.

Once the consultation period ends, the responses will be analysed, and any changes required to the PNA will be considered. The final PNA is expected to be considered at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday 25th September 2025.

Would Some Support from a Volunteer be Helpful to you as a Parent Carer?

Wiltshire Council is inviting all parent carers of primary aged children (with or without SEND) to complete a short survey. The survey has been set up to gather information about how parents would feel about the possibility of accessing volunteer support for families with primary aged children, if it were available.

The survey has just three tick questions plus one question giving the opportunity to suggest other means of support not listed in the survey. To complete the survey, click [HERE].

National Care Responders’ Study to Improve Mental Health Crisis Responses for Children and Young people (CYP) Aged 5 to 18

CAMHS Research Centre within Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has shared details about their [Care Responders] study.

About the Care Responders Study
The study aims to improve mental health crisis responses for children and young people (CYP) aged 5 to 18 by understanding their experiences and using these insights to strengthen crisis support, minimise unnecessary A&E visits, and inform future mental health policies.

They are looking to engage:-
• Young people (aged 5-18) who have experienced a mental health crisis in the past two years and received support from services such as police, paramedics, A&E, hospital admissions, crisis cafés, or CYP crisis teams.
• Parents and carers who can share their perspective on supporting a young person through a crisis response.

Participation & Compensation
The study involves a one-off interview, which can be conducted online or (in person for Manchester-based participants). As a thank you, both the young person and their parent/carer will receive a £10.00 voucher each for their time and contribution.

For further information or to get involved please email: pcn-tr.care-responders@nhs.net or call: 07521 000486

Are You Interested in Becoming a Health Research Champion?

What is a Health Research Champion?
Research Champions are patients, carers, and members of the public who are passionate about improving health and care. They help raise awareness of research, share opportunities, and support conversations in their own communities.

They also play an important role in helping health and care staff understand the patient experience of research - so research becomes more relevant, human, and inclusive.

What can Research Champions do?
The role is flexible and shaped by what each person is comfortable with. Champions might:
• Talk to friends, family, or community groups about health and care research
• Share resources like [Be Part of Research] or Join Dementia Research
• Help people learn how to get involved in research studies
• Take part in local events or community conversations
• Support training for researchers, or get involved in outreach (e.g. schools, newsletters, or interviews)

There’s no fixed commitment; people can do as much or as little as they like, depending on their time, energy, and interests.

Why does this matter?
Health and care research helps develop new diagnoses, treatments, and ways of working. The more people who are aware and involved, the more inclusive and impactful research becomes. When research reflects the real experiences and needs of communities, it leads to better health outcomes for everyone.

To express your interest in becoming a Health Research Champion, please click [HERE].

Help to Shape the New Integrated Care Centre in Trowbridge

The Community Engagement team at the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) collaborates with councils, local authorities, and other health and care organisations to enhance health services in our local areas.

The BSW ICB Community Engagement team is thrilled to announce an exciting project this year: the construction of the new Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre at Hammersmith Fields in Trowbridge, which will replace the current Trowbridge Community Hospital on Adcroft Street. This state-of-the-art £16 million facility will rejuvenate health services in the town and benefit Trowbridge residents for years to come.

The new facility is expected to open in the first half of 2026 and as construction gets underway, members of the community are being asked for their input into some important aspects of the new building; this includes input on signage, colour palettes and design details in public areas.

To achieve this, there is a proposal to create a public engagement focus group to gather insights from different groups as the construction of the build progresses.

The BSW ICB Community Engagement team is looking for a small, focused group of individuals to meet on a few occasions over a six week period over the coming weeks, in order to progress decisions on a number of design choices and ensure the views of different patient groups are taken into account in these key areas. Your input will be invaluable in making design decisions that reflect the needs of diverse patient groups.

If this is of interest, please email:- bswicb.engagement@nhs.net and someone will be in touch over the coming weeks.

There is more information on the new Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre on the ICB website here:-
• [Health leaders break ground at site of new £16 million integrated care centre]
• [Green light given for multimillion-pound health and care facility in Trowbridge]

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a project that will significantly impact the Trowbridge community.

Family Experiences Research - Dingley's Promise

Dingley’s Promise provide education to children under 5 with SEND and support to their families. They work to ensure the voices of children and families are heard and to push for policy change which improves lives. If you have a child aged 0-5 with SEND please complete the short research survey below and Dingley’s Promise will ensure that your voice is heard.
[Family Experiences Research - Dingley's Promise].

Wiltshire CIL - Young Pioneeer Update December 2024

Calling all young people with SEND living in Wiltshire, the latest Young Pioneer Update is out now! Please see the attachment:- December Newsletter full.

Be a part of the change happening in Wiltshire!

Meet new people and find out all the exciting things They’ve done, and how you can get involved after Christmas.

Their Coproduction Team work alongside children and young people with SEND aged 5 to 25 years, enabling them to share their views and work towards future goals. You, (or your Young Person), do NOT need to have a ‘formal ‘diagnosis, and they do NOT need to have an EHCP.

This can be done during Young Pioneer sessions, online/over the phone, meeting in person or with a visit to your school/educational setting, so please contact the team to find out more.

Email: getinvolved@wiltshirecil.org.uk
Call: 0300 1233 442

1. getinvolved #wiltspioneers #innovators
   
2. SEND #disability #disabilityrights #disabilityawareness #disabilitycampaign
   
3. independence #wiltshire
   

Wiltshire Council SEND Youth Forum

Wiltshire Council is looking for young people aged 11 to 24 with SEND to be part of a new Wiltshire SEND Youth Forum.

What is it?
• A space to be heard on the things that are important to you
• A chance to be part of positive change and influence decision about services within Wiltshire Council

Sessions could take place at weekends or evenings with food, activities. Discussions will take place in an informal way through discussions, drawing, writing. Everyone will have a chance to share their thoughts in a way that is accessible and comfortable to them.

If you are interested in being part of the Youth Forum, click [HERE]; this will take you to a short survey where if you wish to join, you can put your details in and you will be contacted with further information.

Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living Pioneers – helping young people with SEND have their voice

The Wilts CIL Coproduction Team works alongside children and young people with SEND aged 5 to 25 years, enabling them to share their views and work towards future goals as Wiltshire’s Young Pioneers. Young people joining the Pioneers do not need to have a formal diagnosis or an EHCP.

Young Pioneers come together for sessions, and there are opportunities to engage with the WILTS CIL Coproduction Team online, over the phone, in person or with a visit to your school/educational setting; please contact them to find out more.

Email: getinvolved@wiltshirecil.org.uk

Call: 0300 1233442

Share Your thoughts on Childhood Vaccinations and the Vaccination Service in Wiltshire

Healthwatch Wiltshire has been asked by Wiltshire Council to gather views about childhood vaccinations and the vaccination service in Wiltshire. Their [survey] takes approximately 7 minutes to complete and your responses will kept anonymous.

Have Your Say on How to Fix the NHS to Make it Work Better for Disabled Children

The government has launched a major consultation on the future of the NHS, inviting everyone to suggest ways to improve our health services.

This is a great opportunity to set out what needs to change to make the NHS work better for our children, including investment in community health services and access to therapies.

The consultation runs until the end of the year and will inform the next NHS 10 year plan to be published in the spring setting out NHS priorities for the next decade. [Find our more including how to respond to the NHS National Conversation consultation].

BANES, Swindon & Wiltshire (BSW) Experiences of Young People’s Transition from CAMHS at 18 years Old – Parent Carer and Young People’s Surveys

Oxford Health Foundation Trust Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Avon and Wiltshire Partnership Trust Mental Health Service (AMHS) are keen to better understand the experience of young people and their parents/carers as they transition at 18 years of age from CAMHS to AMHS in Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset and Swindon.

The surveys below are for parent carers and young people who have had experience of transitioning from CAMHS at 18 in the last 2 years.

This survey will take 5 minutes to answer. Your input will help shape the future of this important process.

The focus on learning from these surveys will happen in one area at a time starting with Wiltshire and in time moving on to Bath and North East Somerset and Swindon as a fuller picture of need is developed.

The aspiration is that every young person under CAMHS will receive information about a range of options in adult mental health services, be asked their views to add to any adult mental health service referral and receive information on support available for parents/carers.

Responses will be stored and analysed in a group with other responses by a joint CAMHS and AMHS service development team, in order to improve services for young people in the future. It will not be linked to your young person’s clinical records or used to inform their individual care. If you would like to discuss your young person’s individual care please contact their clinician(s).

The surveys will be anonymous unless you choose to provide your details to be contacted to join a focus group or take part in a semi-structured interview.

Please click on the links below or scan the QR code to take part in the surveys:

[Parent carer survey]





[Young people's survey]