Relevant to people in Surrey, this consultation is focused on a draft ‘Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnership Short Breaks Policy’ for adults with eligible care and support needs, their carers and families. The draft policy outlines how short breaks will be offered, the eligibility criteria and types of support available. The consultation closes Sunday 8 March 2026, further details including accessible information in this link Surrey County Council, UK: Adults Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Short Breaks Policy Consultation
Forward Together – Kent and Medway Community of Practice Events
Are you a family carer of an individual with severe or profound learning disabilities, and live in Kent or Medway?
If so, please join the Forward Together community of practice events, organised by the Challenging Behaviour Foundation.
Professionals – please share with family carers you have contact with, and come along also.
Contact forwardtogether@thecbf.org.uk or 01634838739 to find out more or confirm attendance
Further details within posters below.
Driving Innovation & Collaboration: Kent and Medway Learning Disability Nursing CPD Event
This event, on 17th February 2026 (9.30am – 1.30pm), brings together learning disability nurses across Kent and Medway to engage in professional development, share best practices, and collaboratively develop strategies to maintain and enhance skills and competencies within our workforce. Save the Date, complete the attached – Venue is Canterbury Christ Church University, Augustine House Register Here
Urgent: Oliver McGowan Trainer Opportunity in Kent and Medway
Bemix, Aucademy and Kent Autistic Trust are seeking trainers with lived experience of learning disabilities to deliver Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training. This part-time role (5.5-16.5 hours weekly, £15.88/hour) starts 16th December 2025, ending March 2026. Please see the job pack below.
Essential: You must have a learning disability and experience using health/social care services.
Critical deadlines:
- Applications close: Sunday 7th December (midnight)
- Interviews: Friday 12th December in Canterbury
- References must be arranged before 16th December
Apply here or email recruitment@bemix.org
Please share widely within your networks. Contact Isabelle or bemix office with questions.
Job Pack – Trainers – OMMT December 25Forward Together Project in Kent and Medway
Yesterday, we hosted Taylor Anderson and Polly Somervell from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation’s Forward Together project. Their presentation to our Kent, Surrey, Sussex LD Community of Practice demonstrated how regional networks can drive real change for people with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge.
Watch the YouTube film and view the slides to see how they’re bringing family carers and professionals together, with 115 members already in Kent and Medway tackling transition, early years, older carers, and crisis support.
Forward together & Menti responses
Their “End the Cliff Edge” campaign for named transition coordinators deserves your attention.
Get involved: forwardtogether@thecbf.org.uk
