In this issue:
Mental health support for young people from the Sandbox (ages 10-25)
Do you know a young person who is struggling with their mental health this summer? They’re not alone.
The Sandbox is here to support young people aged 10–25 with free, digital mental health resources—no referral needed. Whether they're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, The Sandbox offers:
🧠 free downloadable resources on a variety of topics, including relationships, anger, ADHD, anxiety, sleep
🎮 a livestream zone where you can watch the team play favourite video games whilst
answering mental health questions
📚 The Sandbox Academy a digital interactive course where players work their way through modules on topics such as stress, anxiety and relationships
💬 1 to 1 online video therapy with qualified therapists for those who need additional support
Young people can choose to make a self-referral (by answering a few short questions). Completing a self- referral allows young people to gain access to The Sandbox Academy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) learning, or to see an online therapist following an assessment.
Information on financial support available to families of children with SEND (all ages)
Balancing work and caring commitments can sometimes lead to financial pressure and add to your stress.
The money section of the Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer website provides essential information and guidance to help you navigate the financial aspects of caring for a child with SEND.
It’s split out into 3 sections:
1. Funding you can apply for: Discover various funding options including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Carer's Allowance, personal budgets plus more.
2. Advice and help with knowing what you’re eligible for: Find services who can help to complete application forms, understand your eligibility for certain grants and funds and navigate difficult financial situations.
3. Funding available to education providers: Learn about the funding that schools and early years settings can apply for.
Update on Plan for Children & Young People 2026-31
Our work on the new Plan for Children and Young People 2026-31 has continued into the summer. The Plan has been through the political process and achieved final sign-off at Full Council on 22 July. It reflects the Council’s priorities. The Vision has been updated; and Ambitions included to describe what services will do to support children and young people achieve positive outcomes. The launch will be in November 2025 and the Plan will go live from April 2026. The Ambitions in the Plan include making sure all young people, including those with SEND, can get a good education; listening to children and young people's views; and keeping them safe where they live, in their communities and online.
Miller's Kitchen now open for the summer youth takeover
The Miller’s Kitchen in Hatfield is a holiday training project for young people to support them in preparing for the world of work and independence through experience of working in catering and hospitality.
Their summer tea room is a lovely place to visit during these warm months. You can enjoy a variety of teas, coffees, scones, and other baked goods while sitting in our beautiful garden or patio. The atmosphere is relaxed and charming, the young and eager staff will be happy to help you with anything you may need, making it a perfect spot for a casual get-together with friends or family.
The project is run in partnership between Hertfordshire County Council and the Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service.
The takeover runs weekly on Mondays and Thursdays until 29 August, excluding bank holiday.
The Miller’s Kitchen is a not-for-profit venture. Surpluses after costs are donated to the museum.
Events
View all courses and activities
Mixed ability rugby (ages 16+)
Every Wednesday, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Hertford RFC
Fun, non-contact tag rugby for ages 16+. All abilities welcome.
Space to grow - family nature connection for neurodiverse teens (aged 12-16)
Friday afternoons 1.30 - 3.30pm through August and September, Hitchin
Nature connection and food growing for families with neurodiverse teenagers aged 12-16 at our therapeutic allotments.
Family Centre - SEND family fun session
Tuesday 26 August, 1pm, Oak Tree Family Centre, Welwyn Garden City
A free summer holiday fun day for SEND children. Older siblings are very welcome to this session so the whole family can enjoy. Lots of fun activities to explore.