In this issue:
New social media channels for young people to get involved in shaping SEND services (ages 13+)
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new 'Voices of Hertfordshire' YouTube and Instagram accounts. This is a chance for young people to share their opinions and ideas on SEND services in Hertfordshire and directly influence improvement work. Give us a follow, and if you'd like to know more or
know any young people who'd like to get involved, please contact our participation lead: sarah.stevens2@hertfordshire.gov.uk
(Please note: You Tube - children aged 13-17 require adult consent. Instagram - for ages 13+).
How children and young people across Hertfordshire can shape services (school-aged children)
Voices of Hertfordshire is our collective name for children and young people in Hertfordshire who are involved in shaping services for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The groups include:
- 4 Experts by Experience who feed back children and young people's opinions to the highest level of service leaders.
- HCC Services for Young People - 1 youth councils for those with SEND and Youth Projects (1 of each per district)
- HCC Multi-Schools partnership in specialist Primary and all-through schools
- Any young person with SEND involved in the Voices of the East
- Any young person with SEND accessing services
Learn more in our latest news blog: Placing the power to change in children and young people’s hands
SEND community activities directory (all ages)
The SEND Commissioning team are excited to announce the launch of our SEND community activities directory. This directory promotes a wide range of community activities for families and young people with SEND.
This is a valuable tool for finding local activities and support groups in the community. Some activities will also include discounts for families registered on our Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND).
Take a look at the SEND community activities directory
Healthy Start - money towards healthy food for your family (ages 0-4)
If you're struggling to make ends meet and are on certain benefits – you might qualify for the NHS Healthy Start Scheme.
The Healthy Start Scheme offers a cash card for low- income families who meet the criteria, such as being on Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit and you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old. Find out more about the Healthy Start scheme.
How it works:
Money is added onto the Healthy Start card every 4 weeks and the recipient receives:
- £4.25 each week of pregnancy from the 10th week
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
Find out more about how families can also obtain free vitamins from their local Family Centre.
Making sure disabled adults have a chance to vote (ages 18+)
Did you know that people with a disability are less likely to vote than other adults? With the General Election on 4 July approaching, we want to make sure every adult in Hertfordshire knows how to make their vote.
Find out more about encouraging young adults with a learning disability to vote
There are lots of helpful resources available online.
To help residents who support people with a learning disability, we have also produced an Easy Read video presentation about the right to vote.
Update on the Independent Review into the EHCP needs assessment process
As part of our commitment to improving the services we provide to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Hertfordshire, an Independent Review into our Education and Health Care Needs Assessment process was commissioned earlier this year.
This week, we received the draft report for the review. We will now look at the report and feed back any comments we have. We expect the final report to be published by Tuesday 2 July and we will share it on the Local Offer as soon as possible.
Read more about the Independent Review
Events
View all SEND activities and courses
Care for Carers: Managing difficult emotions and building resilience
Wednesday 3 July, 7pm - 8pm, online
This webinar looks at the complex and sometimes painful emotions which can accompany the caring role. The webinar provides several tools for building emotional resilience and includes a relaxing experiential exercise.
SEND yoga for kids - SEND Yogis
Sunday 16 June, 10am Stevenage
If you are looking for a supportive and inclusive space, SEND Yogis Community would love to welcome you. Free session for those new to the class.
ADD-vance - Online support group for parents of young people aged 16 - 24
Tuesday 18 June 1.30 - 2.30pm, online
An online support group for parents/carers of 16 - 24 year olds with a diagnosis (or suspected diagnosis) of ADHD and/or Autism.
SPACE - No two brains are the same - what is neurodiversity?
Friday 28 June, 10am - 12pm, online
During this workshop, SPACE will explore the various aspects of neurodiversity, including strengths and challenges, and how society can create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.