Sefton Council is excited to launch a brand-new redesign of an area of its website which informs parents, carers and children who have special education needs and/or disability (SEND), about local services available to them.

The Local Offer gives clear and accessible information about support services for local children and young people aged 25 and under and includes information about activities, projects, education, health, social care and much more.

The redesign of the Local Offer means it now has a fresh new look, making it fun to use with brighter colours, picture and logos. A new layout with eye catching icons also means that navigation is easier and clearer.

The project was coproduced by parents, carers and children whose opinions and experiences helped shape the new look and feel. Young people from Sefton’s Buddy Up, a mentoring and befriending service for young people with additional needs, formed a focus group so members could share their ideas.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle M.B.E, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for children’s social care, said: "We really want to make sure that the Local Offer Website is an invaluable tool for parents, carers and children living in Sefton.

"This redesign means that not only is it exciting and pleasing to the eye, but it is also easier to use and even more accessible.

"We value the opinions of our young people and their families and I am delighted that they have had the opportunity to give ideas and advice to improve a service which will benefit residents across the borough."

Andrew Jennings, SEN and inclusion policy development officer at Sefton Council, said: "It’s been great working with Joe, Lewis, Joshua and Debra, who are our young people from Buddy Up. They’ve been able to tell us what they think of the Local Offer and how they wanted to see it improved.

"There is lots of really useful information on it, but they wanted to make it more colourful and eye catching so it’s more appealing for children and young people.

"They worked great as a team, researching, sharing their ideas with us, and giving feedback about the changes we had made.

"I’d also like to thank all of the parents and carers who worked with us, their input has been invaluable to this project. A special thanks must also go to Sefton Parent Carers Forum for their ideas and feedback."

Please click here to give feedback about the new Local Offer.