In this issue:
Urban Arts Festival - an inclusive and vibrant event for the whole community (all ages)
This year, our Supported Intern, Marcus, has been helping to co-ordinate a community-run event in Stevenage called the Urban Arts Festival - an inclusive, visual and vibrant environment, which gives businesses, artists and singers a chance to be seen, heard and valued.
The Urban Arts Festival is an annual celebration, located at the heart of Stevenage every first Saturday of May each year. It brings together artists, performers, and innovators from across Hertfordshire and beyond. Set in the heart of Stevenage, the festival transforms everyday urban spaces into vibrant stages, galleries, and creative playgrounds—showcasing the power of art to inspire, challenge, and unite.
SEND Provision Plan - make sure you have your say (all ages)
📣 Have your say on our proposed SEND Provision Plan 📣
Developed with families, schools, health partners and over 400 children and young people, our SEND Provision Plan includes a stronger focus on early help, inclusion and ensuring every child gets the right support, in the right place.
You can view the full plan and find more information on the Local Offer
Now we want to hear from you so we can refine and improve the final plan.
Consultation events
Consultation closes 15 June.
Latest update from Services for Young People Youth Councils
Services for Young People (SfYP) youth councils for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are enabling young people to have their voices heard.
Supported by professionally qualified Youth Workers, the youth council members have been engaging in many consultations and co-productions. They have worked with commissioners, councillors, senior leaders and other professionals and organisations to give their feedback on a wide range of services and campaigns across education and healthcare.
Read the latest update for full details of all 10 youth council's activities
NHS Healthy Start payments have increased from 6 April 2026 (ages 0-4)
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. The amount of money you receive for Healthy Start payments has increased.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. The benefit will be added onto this card every 4 weeks.
You can use your card to buy plain cow's milk, fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables, pulses and infant formula milk.
You can also use your card to collect:
- Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old
Find out if you qualify and register online.
May half term activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND aged 13-19
During the May 2026 half term holidays (26 - 28 May), HCC Services for Young People is offering adventurous outdoor activities for young people aged 13-19 with SEND, including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
The activities are designed to inspire and empower young people while developing their social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Young people can enjoy the thrill of high-level zip lines, get creative with woodland arts and crafts, discover and explore nature, and learn orienteering and navigation skills - and more!
Hudnall Park is an outdoor education and activity centre set in 85 acres of beautiful parkland, private woodland and meadows, five miles from Hemel Hempstead in the west of Hertfordshire.
The activities are funded by Hertfordshire County Council Short Breaks but there is a fee of £7 for each 2-hour activity session.
Find out more and book your place for the May half term activities
Events
View all activities and courses
Inclusive Job Fair - Stevenage
Thursday 14 May 10am - 2pm (quiet hour 12pm - 1pm), Stevenage Football Club
Find out about local opportunities and chat to the Supported Employment Team.
HPCI - Discussion group on SEND Reforms
Wednesday 6 May - 10am - 11.30am, Cottonmill Community Centre, St Albans
Join Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) for an in‑person discussion group to share your views on the Government’s SEND Reform Consultation.
The Bridge Support Group
Thursdays, 12.30pm - 2.30pm, Welwyn Cricket Club
A support group designed for parents, carers and young people in school years 6,7 and 8 who are struggling with school attendance.
SEN and Pan-disability holiday camp - Watford Football Club (ages 7-14)
Tuesday 26 May 9.30am - 1.30pm, Meriden Community Centre
For young people aged 7-14 with any form of physical and/or learning disability or special educational need. £25