Published on
28 July 2025
Relaunch of the children with additional needs network
The network supports children and young people up to age 25 with additional needs, and their families, provides information and advice on local activities and events
Wokingham Borough Council is relaunching its Children with Additional Needs (CAN) Network.
The network, which supports children and young people up to age 25 with additional needs, and their families, provides information and advice on local activities and events via its regular newsletter.
The network is also responsible for hosting the children’s disability register.
The register helps the council understand how many children and young people with disabilities live in the Wokingham Borough and the type of needs they have.
This helps to effectively plan and deliver services that meet those needs.
For those who are eligible to join the register, the service is also relaunching its CAN card, with a fresh look and improved accessibility.
The card serves as a photo ID and proof of disability, widely accepted by local attractions for concessions and free carer tickets.
Existing cards will remain valid until their expiry date.
How to sign up
For the first time, families can now apply to join the register entirely online. The new digital process simplifies access.
Applicants will need to register for an account, upload a recent photo of the child or young person and provide evidence of a diagnosed disability.
The requirements are that the child or young person:
-
lives in the Wokingham Borough
-
is aged 0 to 25 years
-
has a diagnosed disability and documentary evidence of this
Once accepted onto the register, a CAN Card will be sent by post.
CAN Network newsletter
Alongside the disability register, the CAN Network also produces regular newsletters and updates about local events and activities that may be of interest to children, young people, their families and carers.
Anyone can sign up to receive this information. Sign up for CAN Newsletter Updates on the council website.
How local businesses can support the CAN card
The CAN card is already accepted by many local attractions as proof of disability for concessions or free carer tickets.
Any local business which feels they could offer discounts, special offers or concessions, or is well placed to meet the needs of CAN card holders, can get in touch.
In return, these businesses will be promoted to the CAN Network community.
Contact Nicola Sangster at can.network@wokingham.gov.uk to find out more.
