Families in Portsmouth are invited to a special event at Cosham Community Centre on Wednesday 30 April from 10:30am to 2:30pm for Local Offer Live.

Organised by Portsmouth City Council, the event brings together services and groups who support families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Parents/carers can also take part in free dance and performance workshops with their children at the event.

Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said: This event provides families with the information they need to live happy and healthy lives in the city. Community groups and services come together to offer advice and signpost individuals.

The introduction of Boogie Mites and Identical Dance helps families to have fun and be active together. These sessions are free and a great way to meet other parents/carers.

Identical Dance is a unique performance group where children are encouraged to be themselves and make new friends. Their session will take place at 11:15am with families invited to learn simple techniques to dance at home.

Boogie Mites is an interactive music and dance group exclusively for families of children and young people with additional needs. This workshop will take place at 12:30pm. The session gives children the creative flair to dance to music through easy-to-follow routines.

Families will need to arrive before the workshop begins as sessions will start promptly. Trained facilitators will be available during each session to support everyone.

Local Offer Live is one-way parents/carers and professionals can learn more about services in the city with 20 exhibitors in attendance on the day.

For those who are unable to make the event, the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website is a comprehensive resource designed to support families 24/7. The website provides detailed information about the services and support available in the PO1 – PO6 area.

For more information on Local Offer Live and to register for a ticket, please visit portsmouthlocaloffer.org.uk/live.