Together achieving better decisions and brighter futures for Manchester families of children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

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In March 2026, we ran our very first Game Day to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day, which was such a success that it inspired us to try and do it regularly!

At “Cool to be You”, we celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether your child is autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, we welcome families to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go to school at, or access a GP in the city of Manchester.

During these sessions, we take out some Lego, arts and crafts, board and card games, complemented by a spread of snacks and refreshments for everyone to share. When requested, we can also take out some items from our Book Library so for those who want to explore some fantastic books about autism, neurodiversity, the SEND system, and more!

These sessions are held in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), who host us at North Star Centre and whose Neurodiversity Navigators assist help run the game days as part of the Needs-Led Model of Support, as well as with Manchester City Council’s SEND Local Offer, which funds it as part of the SEND Community Offer.

Below are some articles and events on our website that relate to the “Cool to be You” Game Days:

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in,

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in,

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in,

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go

Reflections on Co-production + My Report to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

I recently went to Manchester Town Hall, together with Tanya from the Parent Champions and a few service leads in Education and Social Care, to present the SEND Annual Report to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee. I was given an opportunity to

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in, go

“Cool to be You” Game Day

Let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) who live in,