This year marks a decade since the Children’s Additional Needs Network (CANN) began its journey. Originally founded in 2016 as Leeds CANN, we have evolved from a local grassroots collective into a powerhouse national collaborative of over 100 member organisations.
To celebrate this 10-year milestone, we are hosting a national webinar to unite our networks across West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the North East, and the South West. This event is a dedicated forum for non-profit leaders and statutory service providers—including the NHS and local authorities—to bridge regional gaps, align strategies, and share high-level national knowledge.
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Strengthening the Pathway: A Collaborative Approach to SEND
In the complex landscape of additional needs, effective communication between the third sector and statutory services is vital. This webinar offers a unique opportunity for professionals to explore how the CANN Network’s collaborative model can streamline best practices and enhance support frameworks nationwide. By bringing together over 100 charities and public health partners, we aim to move beyond regional silos to create a more integrated, informed, and accessible environment for the families we all serve. Join us as we reflect on ten years of growth and work together to shape the future of SEND provision across the UK.
This event is free to attend.
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Lucy is the Chief Executive of Leeds-based charity SNAPS and serves as Chair of WYCANN. SNAPS supports children with additional needs and their families, while WYCANN brings together more than 100 member organisations to share information, resources and peer support across the region.
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With more than 20 years’ experience in leadership, management and fundraising across the non-profit sector, Lucy has worked with major national charities such as NSPCC and Childline, as well as respected local organisations including Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Mencap. She is passionate about delivering high-quality support for children with additional needs and their families and is committed to championing their voices at the highest strategic levels locally and nationally.
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Lucy is a strong advocate for the vital role and expertise of the third sector. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration across organisations so they can thrive and deliver even greater impact for the children and families who rely on their support.
Mike is the founder of Kingsbury Consulting, launched to give charities and small organisations access to the kind of strategic support usually reserved for those with bigger budgets. With over a decade leading client strategy at digital agencies with experience in the not-for-profit sector. As an independent consultancity he now helps small teams turn big ambitions into practical, prioritised plans. When he's not untangling someone's roadmap, you'll find him bouldering or watching Bradford City.
With a focus on the Microsoft product suite, I specialize in guiding companies through the digital transformation journey, embracing AI and automation to redefine the way we work.
My expertise lies in crafting tailored strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth and competitive advantage. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, I help teams unlock their full potential and navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape with confidence.
Vic is a charity sector specialist with nearly 20 years' experience working exclusively with smaller organisations as a leader, consultant, trustee and trainer.
She is the Founder of Fair Collective, a social enterprise delivering affordable consultancy to socially purposed organisations, donating 50% of profits through pro bono support to those who need it most.