SOUTHAMPTON residents had the chance to voice their opinions about the services available in the city for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities.

More than 60 people flocked to the Oasis Academy to take part in the free information day for parents and carers of children with disabilities.

The event was organised by the Southampton Parent and Carer Forum and aimed to give residents the chance to meet service providers and give their feedback about current provisions.

Youngsters also had the chance to get involved in activities such as face painting and games.

Claire Pritchard, forum co-ordinator at Southampton Parent and Carer Forum, said: “It’s important to run these events to make sure that parents know what services are available. We want their voices to be heard.” It’s all about them expressing what their needs are.”

Claire said that they will now consider the feedback received during the day and work with the authority to meet parents and carers’s needs.

Tammy Marks, SEND service manager at Southampton City Council, said: “It’s essential we work together. Parents are the experts and they have to lead the way in terms of how we produce services.We are now going to work on the feedback we received.We’ll set the priorities for the year based on what services the parents want.”

Among the organisations that took part to the event there were Hampshire Autism, Epilepsy Action and Carers in Southampton.