The SEND participation team are part of Devon County Council’s Children’s Services, and they work to create youth voice opportunities for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Depending on which of our SEND Network for Change groups you attend, you might see some of the team more often than others.
If you are interested in participation but are not sure which group to join, get in touch with a member of the team and they can guide you through what is available. You can also contact the team if you’d like to explore one-to-one support or if you have any questions and ideas that you would like to share with us. We can arrange to meet you in a place of your choice or we can communicate via phone, Teams, email or any other way that you feel comfortable with.
SEND participation workers
Amy Bickford – Senior participation officer
Hi, I’m Amy and I oversee the SEND participation team. Our aim is to make sure that what young people have to say gets to decision makers, so that they know what is important to protect and what they need to change. My work involves creating opportunities for young people to be involved in strategy and co-production across Devon County Council. I’ve been a youth worker for 25 years and love working with children and young people, especially when I can support them to make a difference because of something that they believe in. I feel that everyone has a right to be heard no matter their age.
Shirin Khastar – Participation worker
Hi, my name is Shirin and I am a participation worker. I facilitate the Champions for Change group who are an inspiring group of young people who work together to address issues that impact children and young people. I am passionate about ensuring we have a creative and flexible offer that enables more young people to share their views and influence services, this has led to our Seldom Heard Project. I enjoy listening to young people’s ideas and feel privileged to work alongside them. When I’m not at work I enjoy walking with my dog on the beach and eating home-made cakes!
David Ruiz – Participation worker
Hi, I’m David, and I’m a Participation Worker across Devon. My work with children and young people involves exploring their ideas and views about the things that affect them. Our team visits schools and community settings to raise the profile of participation. I think that everyone gets a better deal when local providers actively listen to what their service users say and use this to consider how things might and can change. I enjoy meeting new people and supporting them to pursue their projects towards positive change for all. Outside of work I enjoy playing music and coding with my son.
Our other participation workers
You might also meet some of our other participation workers. The rest of the team run other groups such as our children in care council and the Devon Youth Council, but everyone in the team will sometimes help out across all of our participation sessions and events.