As we start enjoying some sunnier days, we wanted to share an update on everything SOS! Special Educational Needs has been up to this year so far. CEO of the charity, Richard Orchard-Rowe shares this update.
As we move through another busy and impactful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together and thank everyone who has helped make this possible.
So far this year, we have supported more families than ever before. Our advice centres have welcomed 514 families, an increase of 192 compared with the same period last year. Our helpline team has also seen a significant rise in demand, answering 786 more calls than we did last year. Across all of our services, we have already interacted with 3,863 families, each one seeking support, guidance, and advocacy during what can often be challenging times.
These numbers tell an important story. Behind every call, appointment, and conversation is a child, young person, or family who needed help navigating the education system and accessing the support they deserve. We are proud to stand alongside them and remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a fair and equitable education.
This year has also seen us continue our campaigning work. We actively supported the Save Our Children's Rights campaign and joined fellow campaigners at the protest in Parliament Square to stand with the SEND community in response to the Government's proposed White Paper. We will continue to raise our voice, challenge inequality, and fight for the rights of children and young people whose needs must not be overlooked.
As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, we also want to recognise the incredible contribution made by our volunteers. Quite simply, we could not achieve what we do without them. Whether supporting families directly, answering calls, helping at events, contributing behind the scenes, or lending their expertise in countless other ways, our volunteers are at the heart of our charity.
To every volunteer who gives their time, energy, skills, and compassion to support our mission: thank you. Your dedication makes a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of families every year, and we are enormously grateful for everything you do.
Together, we will continue to champion the rights of children and young people, support families when they need us most, and work towards a future where every child has access to the education and opportunities they deserve.
