I CAN
Key Facts
Location
Project Criteria
Project funding
£265,794
Funding round
Established in 1888, I CAN is a charity that helps children with speech and language difficulties across the UK. We deliver a programme of high quality integrated therapy and education for children with severe and complex needs. Also, we aim to reach more children with speech and language difficulties by working in partnership with parents, professionals and other relevant organisations.
We are using the Parenting Fund to set up partnerships with key organisations for expanding the Talking Point website (www.talkingpoint.org.uk) into a cohesive information service. It will give any parent with an interest in, or concern about, their child's communication development or difficulty, access to accurate and comprehensive information on the subject.
The project will enable I CAN to build, extend and improve on the solid foundations laid by the development of the Talking Point website. Currently it gives parents (and professionals working in this area), free access to a single source of clear, comprehensive online and up to date information about specific speech and language difficulties in children and how and where to access help.
Following developments, and the forging of partnerships with key organisations, Talking Point will provide accurate and comprehensive information on all aspects of children's communication development and difficulties. This includes providing information for parents with children who have communication difficulties as part of other disabilities.
Parents who register on the site will receive regular updates, news, communications and invitations to participate in online activities. They will have regular opportunities to share concerns, experiences and practical advice with other parents and professionals via discussion groups and 'Ask the Expert' panels.
By working in partnership, Talking Point will give smaller organisations a greater voice and reach for their specialist knowledge and information. It will improve collaborative working between organisations working with parents of children with these difficulties.
Funding from the Parenting Fund will also enable I CAN to identify the specific training needs of parents and to develop and pilot a new training programme for meeting them. The programme will provide parents, with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to support their children's communication, social development and inclusion, at home, in the community and at school.