Please join us for the virtual launch of Dudley's new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategy as part of its SEND improvement programme, alongside the launch of our Inclusion Charter.

The event is being filmed live at Himley Hall.

Attendees will get to hear about how the strategy has been developed working with young people, parents/carers and stakeholders as well as the detail of the strategy itself.

They will also hear stories from young people on their experiences and achievements.

Hosted by young people Samantha Reeves and Mohammed Lukeman, the event will also see Cabinet Members for Children, Cllr Ruth Buttery and Adult Social Care Cllr Nicolas Barlow will open and close the event .

In addition we are delighted to announce that local sporting celebrity, 'Blind Dave Heeley,' will be our keynote speaker who will share inspirational stories of his life and will also promote the message that everything is possible.

Dave is the first and only blind person in the world to have completed the ultimate endurance challenge: 7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 continents. As if this wasn't enough, in 2011 he became the first and only person to have completed John O'Groats to Lands End with a difference: 10 marathons in 10 days and 100's of miles of cycling!

Finally we can also announce that a video recorded for Dudley by Dr Carrie Grant MBE, BAFTA Award winning broadcaster and parent and champion of children with additional needs will be played at the event.

This event is hosted in partnership with:

• Dudley Council
• Dudley Parent Carer Forum
• Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Groups
• Dudley Voices for Choice

There will be a virtual marketplace after the main event for attendees to explore local resources related to SEND, children and young people.