In this issue:
Westminster Hall debate on SEND Provision in Hertfordshire
As you may have seen, newly elected Hertfordshire MP, Alistair Strathern, tabled a Westminster Hall debate on Local SEND Provision in Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire on Wednesday 4 September. This was part of a broader series of Westminster Hall debates on SEND across the UK. If you missed it, you can .
The debate recognised some of the challenges in Hertfordshire, and MPs in the room shared stories from Hertfordshire families that are living those challenges. They highlighted the need for continued improvements to SEND provision in Hertfordshire, and for reform of the wider SEND system. Alistair Strathern made reference to the 'welcome steps forward' we have made so far on our . We will continue to meet with MPs and talk about what is needed to make things better in Hertfordshire for children and families with SEND.
'My Voice in Art' competition (all ages)
We are proud to announce the “My Voice In Art” art contest! We're encouraging children and young people with SEND across Hertfordshire to submit their artwork for display at the SEND Festival of Practice Launch Event. Show us your preferred communication style through your own unique and creative lens for the chance of winning a prize!
Get your entries in by 27 September!
Meet Dom Harvey, our Expert by Experience
Dom Harvey is another of our Experts by Experience, who has joined to help shape decision-making at the council and make the voices of young people with SEND heard. Dom is 23 years old and was diagnosed with Autism when he was 17.
Read more about Dom and why it's important to him to be representing young people with SEND
Introduction to the Local Offer webinar (all ages)
Want to know more about the Local Offer website and how it can help you find support for your family?
Sometimes, it's just hard to know what support is out there, and where to begin. In this webinar, a friendly face from the Local Offer team will give you a brief tour of the support and services outlined on the website, so you get an idea of what exists and how to access it.
Wednesday 25 September at 8pm - 8.45pm - online via Teams
You can use this link to join the Introduction to the Local Offer webinar online via Teams
Culture, entertainment and health awareness this Black History Month at Stanborough Park (all ages)
Come along to a vibrant and inclusive festival with a day of culture, entertainment, and health awareness with Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT)’s community event to celebrate Black History Month.
Sunday 29 September at Stanborough Park in Watford from 12 - 4pm.
The family friendly festival will see Stanborough Park transformed into a vibrant hub of African and Caribbean heritage with:
- Pulsating rhythms and electrifying dance performances
- Inspiring keynote speakers sharing powerful stories
- Mouthwatering African, Caribbean and international cuisine
- Unique craft displays showcasing rich cultural traditions
Kids will be entertained with an array of exciting activities including a bouncy castle, face-painting and ice-creams!
HCT’s community festival is more than a celebration, it's also about building a healthier, more connected community by:
- Meeting local NHS healthcare providers offering free health checks
- Engaging with community organisations dedicated to your wellbeing
- Discovering a wealth of healthcare services available through HCT, the wider NHS and other health and care support services.
People are invited to attend to connect, learn, and take charge of their health in a fun, inclusive environment.
Positive coparenting of neurodiverse children 8 week course (ages 5-16)
Family Lives are running 8-week online courses designed specifically for parents living together or apart, who are facing conflicts and struggling to find common ground in raising their neurodiverse child. This is a valuable opportunity to enhance relationships, strengthen parenting skills and create a more harmonious home environment.
Who should attend?
- Parents who are experiencing conflicts and challenges due to the neurodiversity of their child
- Parents who want to improve communication and build stronger partnership in parenting and co-parenting their neurodiverse child
- Parents seeking guidance, support, and practical strategies to navigate the unique challenges of raising a neurodiverse child
More info about the course running on: Tuesday 1, 8, 15, 22 October and 5, 12,19, 26 November
More info about the course running on: Thursday 3, 10, 17, 24 October and 7,14, 21, 28 November
Events
View all activities and courses.
ADD-vance - Thinking about university? webinar
Monday 23 September, 7pm - 8.30pm, online
An online session to help parents understand why the transition to university may be more challenging for neurodiverse young people and to explore ways to prepare for a successful university experience.
Angels - Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations webinar
Tuesday 1 October, 10am, online
Join this workshop to find out more about the benefits of using social stories and comic strip conversations to help autistic children make sense of the world and of the people around them.
Triangle Community Garden - Bushcraft for wellbeing (ages 12-16)
Friday 20 September, 6.30pm, Hitchin
Triangle Tribe is a monthly evening of Bushcraft for Wellbeing, outdoors at the community garden, for families with teens aged 12 to 16. Neurodiversity welcome.
Autism Hertfordshire - Walking Groups, (ages 18+)
Friday 20 September, 11am - 1pm (Stevenage) or Friday 27 September, 11am - 1pm (St Albans)
These community-based sessions are supported by 2 members of staff and give attendees a chance to socialise with their peer group and get outside in the fresh air.