In this issue:
Free courses about relationship and parenting support for parents with a SEN child (all ages)
If you're worried that conflict between you and your partner is having a negative impact on your child/children, Family Lives are running courses for parents of children and young people with SEND.
Parenting SEN Children when Separated is a 6-week online course designed to help separated parents provide the best possible support for their child. It's an opportunity to enhance parenting skills, support your child's development and wellbeing and build strong foundations for the future.
This course runs at 3 different times:
- Mondays from 4 December 7pm - 9pm
- Thursdays from 11 January 7pm - 9pm
- Mondays from 29 January 7pm - 9pm
Within My Reach is an online course for parents of neuro-diverse children who are living together or apart, and who are facing conflicts and struggling to find common ground in raising their neuro-diverse child. An opportunity to enhance relationships, strengthen parenting skills and create a more harmonious home environment.
This course will be delivered online over 8 sessions. It is running at 2 different times:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 27 Feb to 21 March 7pm - 9pm
- Wednesdays and Saturdays from 28 Feb to 23 March (Weds 7pm - 9pm Sat 10am - 12pm)
You can apply for these courses using this form, or for more information email services@familylives.org.uk or call 0204 522 8700.
Neurodiversity hub advice line (all ages)
The neuro-diversity support hub is for parents, carers and professionals. They can offer support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of things including (but not limited to): 
- Understanding Autism and ADHD
- Distressed behaviours
- Anxiety
- School
The phones are answered by a team of parents and carers of neuro-divergent children and young people.
No diagnosis required.
Phone 01727 833963 or email: supporthub@add-vance.org.
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm.
Encouraging young people to take part in the Health and Wellbeing Survey (ages 11 - 19)
Make sure your young person has their say in the Young People's Health and Wellbeing survey!
This annual survey, run by Services for Young People and Public Health Hertfordshire, captures the health and wellbeing needs of all 11-19s in Hertfordshire.
In 2022 over 11,000 young people completed the survey, providing a large amount of detailed information on the issues that are affecting 11-19s in the county and what their priorities are. The information is shared widely and helps inform how support for young people is developed and tailored to their latest needs.
We want to hear from as many young people around the county as possible, so please encourage any young people you know or work with to complete the survey:
Young People's Health & Wellbeing Survey
Closing date: 20 December 2023.
Making SEND everyone's business and investing in our workforce (all ages)
Through a large and ongoing investment of £5million per year, we are on an improvement journey to grow and upskill our SEND workforce - recruiting and training up to 80 new frontline professionals who will be responsible for managing EHCPs.
This will take time to deliver, but once we have achieved it, families will feel and see a range of benefits - including improvements in the quality and timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
Read more about our plans to recruit more EHC Coordinators in our latest blog.
HAPpy Camps (ages 4 - 16)
Booking for Hertfordshire's Happy Camps is open.
Camps are free to school aged children (Reception to Year 11) in receipt of benefits related free school meals. If your child is eligible and you haven't had your code yet, please contact your school.
To search for SEND specific camps, click on 'show filters' then 'about the activity', tick the 'suitable for a disability' box, then 'apply filter':
Christmas events
View all Christmas events and activities
Jump City - Christmas trampolining
Saturday 9 December 9 - 11am
In conjunction with Jump City, a SPACE exclusive indoor trampolining session with a very special guest in attendance!
Inclusive Club Night - Popworld
Sunday 10 December 4pm - 6pm, Hertford
Inclusive and accessible club experience in safe and welcoming environment. For ages 18+
Parent/ carer Christmas social evening - Potential Kids
Friday 8 December 7.30 - 10pm
A social and crafting evening for parents and carers of neurodiverse children and young people.
Beauty and the Beast - BSL interpreted performance
13 December, 10am, Eric Morcambe Centre - Harpenden
This family pantomime features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, and plenty of audience participation.
View all SEND courses and activities