Have your say in the big issues affecting people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families in Islington and North London.

At Centre 404 we offer many different ways for family carers to get involved:

  • Islington Parent Carer Forum

    The Islington Parent Carer Forum is a parent-led group for parents and family carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 0 to 25 years of age who live in Islington.  These meetings are a chance for parents to discuss matters that are important to them, participate in consultations and comment on developments in local and national disability services. It is an active group which has the specific aim to provide service providers with the views and concerns of their service user group.

    Whenever possible, the meetings will be attended by one speaker from the council and/or other organizations. Attendees are encouraged to suggest what they would like to receive information and / or give feedback on.

    To join the Forum, please contact IslingtonPCF@gmail.com.

    For more information please visit the IPCF’s website here. 

    Click here to see the Islington Parent Carer Forum data protection policy

  • ASC for Tea 

    This is an opportunity for you to meet other parents/carers of a child or young person with autism across North London. It is a place to support one another and to share information and advice.

    For more information please contact Jess on 020 7607 8762 / 07538 960034 or email family@centre404.org.uk

    Click here to see meeting dates for 2022.

    Click the image below to receive updates about the ASC for Tea group directly in your inbox:

                                                           

  • Family Carers Action Group (Islington)

    The Family Carers Action Group (formerly the Family Carers Reference Group) is a group of family carers of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who live in Islington. We meet every two months and welcome new members!

    • We support each other in facing the many stresses and strains that family carers encounter
    • We provide opportunities for senior managers, elected councillors and other professionals to meet family carers, to hear about our experiences and concerns and to answer our questions
    • We elect representatives on to key decision-making groups in Islington
    • We provide updates about developments in government policy and local initiatives (e.g. changes to welfare benefits or housing issues) that may affect you and your relative or friend.

    Come along and have your say on the big issues facing people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families in Islington (such as Housing, Health Care Services, Fulfilling Lives/Activities, Personal Budgets, Staff Training, Social Care Management, Education and Employment).

    For more information or to find out the dates of upcoming meetings download our poster here or please get in touch with us by calling Jess Lee on 020 7607 8762  / 07538 960034 or emailing family@centre404.org.uk. 

    If you would like to receive information about the FCAG meetings, campaigns and other work we do, please sign up to receive updates by clicking the image below:

                                                

  • Centre 404 have helped me understand my rights as a carer and as a woman

    Margarita did not speak English very well when she first came to Centre 404. She was in a foreign country, did not know anyone and felt isolated. She did not know her rights or those of her daughter. Margarita felt overwhelmed and developed insomnia. She also stopped eating and ultimately fell into depression.

    From coming to the groups and activities, Margarita has improved her English and communication skills. She has learned about her rights as a carer and the services she and her family can access for support. “Coming to the forums at Centre 404 has made me feel part of the community and British society. I feel involved and engaged within the big family of Centre 404”.

    “I feel better informed, confident and empowered. I know I have a choice – I know my rights”

    “Centre 404 have helped me understand my rights as a carer and as a woman”

    Margarita has also made friends with other family carers. “Before coming to Centre 404 I was alone and isolated. In Centre 404 I have found my place and my friends. I have found people with who I can share experiences and support”.

    Margarita now understands her daughter’s condition and how to develop strategies to meet her needs. “Caring for my daughter was a big problem for me before. I did not know what to do. Centre 404 has been the solutions to my problems”. As a result, Margarita feels that the relationships with her family have also improved. “We enjoy more time together and understand each other better”. “My family accepts my daughter’s condition. She has become the essential part of the family”