In this issue:
Head Up! student mentoring for 14-18 year olds
Head Up! is accepting mentee signups for their 2025 mentoring programme!
Their free mentoring scheme is run by disabled students and graduates and supports 14-18 year-olds who self-identify as disabled (or anyone who has a physical /mental health condition, SpLD, or neurodivergence). Mentees are paired with a student or recent graduate according to subject or condition. They'll meet online for an hour per month for at least 1 year.
To find out more information, access articles
and resources, and sign up for our mentoring scheme,
visit the head-up website.
Safeguarding policies are available on the website. Mentors have DBS checks and safeguarding training.
Young Carers Survey (ages 10-18)
Calling all young carers!
Being a young carer is a unique role that brings strengths and opportunities as well as challenges and responsibilities. We want to work with young carers and their families to understand what young carers want from a service. Please encourage any young carers you know to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas by completing this survey:
Young Carers Service Survey aimed at young carers aged 10-18.
Young Carers Service Parent Feedback Survey aimed at parent and carers of young carers under the age of 10.
Making the transition to adulthood easier with 'My Health Information Document' (ages 11 -17)
The 'My Health Information document' contains important health information about young people aged 11 – 17 with health needs or special education needs, or both. It can be used by health professionals to make sure that the young person can access effective support and also help them prepare for the transition into adulthood.
Emily from Lonsdale School has used the document and in this short video shares how it can support young people in advocating for themselves at health appointments.
Find out more about the 'My Health Information' document
With thanks to Lonsdale School who supported in the making of this video.
New Duke of Edinburgh’s Award projects for young people with SEND (ages 14-24)
In January 2025, Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People (SfYP) will be launching 4 new Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) projects across Hertfordshire.
The projects will provide young people with enriching opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience and contribute positively to their communities through volunteering. The new projects are specifically for young people with SEND, young people missing from education, home educated young people, and young people being supported by a social worker. The SfYP DofE projects will offer a range of activities, from environmental conservation to community support opportunities, ensuring there is something to suit all participants.
Learn more about the SfYP Duke of Edinburgh opportunities
Have your say in shaping services to support your child/young person's mental health - survey
Hertfordshire’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) want to understand what parents and carers need when they are faced with supporting their child or young person’s poor emotional wellbeing.
In preparation for commissioning a new service, we want to make sure parents and carers feel supported and have professionals and peers to speak to and share experiences with.