working across Sussex
The Sussex Parent Carer Forum Collaborative (SPCFC) is a newly formed partnership between the three parent carer forums in Sussex: Brighton & Hove’s Parent Carers’ Council (PaCC), West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF), and East Sussex Parent Carer Forum (ESPCF).
together, we will amplify the voices of parent carers across Sussex
We decided to do this so we can work more closely together, especially on health-related issues, which are increasingly now being organised in a pan-Sussex way by NHS Sussex. We believe this will strengthen our voices ensuring that families are heard in Sussex-wide SEND developments.
Place matters – and this doesn’t change. The three individual forums will also continue to work independently as normal; PaCC remains rooted in Brighton and Hove. What’s new is our ability to work together for greater impact.
In practice, on a day-to-day basis, this means we can strengthen the voices of families across Sussex by increasing our capacity to be in the right places to represent you. By sharing out who attends meetings, we avoid each of the three forums needing to be everywhere at once – which just isn’t possible! We’ll be working closely together to make sure that experiences, feedback, and ideas from families in all areas are shared and reflected in meetings and projects. It’s a more efficient and joined-up way to make sure your voices are heard where it matters most.
There are many shared challenges and experiences for families across all areas, and we believe our voices are stronger together.
why the Sussex PCF Collaborative matters
A unified approach to tackling shared challenges across Sussex, we work for equity, resilience, and change.
- Families face similar issues across Sussex – SPCFC helps us tackle them together.
- It helps build resilience in a changing local government landscape.
- It ensures equity of service delivery and stronger representation in reforms.
in summary
What is SPCFC?
SPCFC stands for Sussex Parent Carer Forum Collaborative. It’s a partnership between PaCC, WSPCF, and ESPCF (the 3 parent carer forums in Sussex).Does SPCFC replace PaCC?
No. PaCC remains independent and continues to serve Brighton and Hove families. SPCFC strengthens our collective voice without diluting local identity.Why was SPCFC formed?
To respond to shared challenges across Sussex, influence regional SEND developments, and ensure families are represented in strategic decisions.What does SPCFC do?
We work together on pan-Sussex issues, share learning, and advocate for improvements in SEND services that affect families across the region.How does this benefit parent carers?
It means stronger representation, more joined-up thinking, and better outcomes for families, while keeping local support and engagement at the heart.Who can I contact about SPCFC?
PaCC is your first point of contact. We can share more about SPCFC and how it supports our work.
news
July 2026
The Sussex Parent Carer Forum Collaborative (SPCFC), which PaCC is part of, today publishes the results of our survey asking parent carers across Sussex about some of the big changes happening in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at the moment. Our report includes the key messages you told us and our recommendations for policymakers. Your views also directly informed our responses to the government’s SEND reforms consultation.
We asked you about: the Schools White Paper & SEND reforms consultation; the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act; proposed changes to NHS integrated care boards (ICBs); and devolution and proposed changes to local government. We also asked how you feel about the formation of the SPCFC, which is the recently-formed partnership between the three parent carer forums in Sussex.
The overwhelming message from the survey responses is that parent carers are anxious and unsure about what the changes will mean for their families. SEND families regularly report feeling overwhelmed with the stress and struggle of securing appropriate services and support. Now, proposed changes to the provision of health and education, and the organisation of local government, are causing uncertainty and worry that already stretched services will be even further reduced.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. The survey report will be shared directly with the three local authorities and with NHS Sussex. Your voice matters and we want to make sure it’s heard.
