The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) biennial conference will be held on Tuesday 5 October 2021 at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) (Covid-19 restrictions permitting).
FANDF is a tri-service group for families who have a child or adult dependent with an additional need and/or disability, providing a network for Service families. The conference is an opportunity for families to meet and gather useful information from relevant organisations. The conference is also an opportunity for Forces families to directly raise the issues and concerns they have to policy makers and professionals relating to disability and additional needs.
The conference will include an update on the recommendations within the FANDF ‘Families Fighting On’ report, as well as updates and briefings from the MOD, NHS England & NHS Improvement and Education.
A variety of stallholders and professionals will be present at the lunch and networking session, allowing families the opportunity to gather useful information from relevant organisations and to speak with key stakeholders. During the day, there will also be an opportunity for families to ask questions at the Q&A sessions.
The FANDF is run by a committee of elected members whose vision is to ensure that all ‘Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need.’
One of their most notable pieces of work to date is the publication of the ‘Families Fighting On’ report. This is the largest known survey on Forces families with additional needs and/or disabilities in the UK and provided a platform for families to give examples of their own lived experiences and the issues they face on a daily basis.
FANDF’s mission is:
- To give a voice to Forces families with additional needs and disabilities.
- To change attitudes towards families with additional needs and disabilities within the Armed Forces.
- To ensure policy and decision makers understand the needs of Forces families, who have additional needs and disabilities.
Fran Robinson, Additional Needs, Disability and Support Group Services Manager said:
“The conference is a really important event for Forces families with additional needs and disabilities. It gives them the time to connect with other families in a similar position to them and ask any questions they have.
“FANDF, through the recommendations in their Families Fighting On report, continues to lead the way on the additional needs and disability related issues Forces families have raised. We will continue this work and endeavour to collect more current evidence on the issues and concerns families continue to have.
“If you are considered signing up to come along, please do and share the message to anyone you feel may benefit from this conference.”
Find out further information about FANDF and how to attend the conference here by contacting: anda@ssafa.org.uk
