30 November 2022

Welcome

In this issue: 

Safe Space mentoring (ages 11 - 19, or up to 25 with LDD)

Safe Space offers a mentoring programme which matches suitable young people aged 11 – 19 (up to 25 years with a LDD) in years 7 and up, with a mentor. The young person and the mentor meet on a regular basis (generally once per week) in a public place such as a cafe or library, to talk about the issues or problems which may be holding them back from achieving their full potential. All mentors are volunteers and are supported by a full-time member of staff. 

The aim of the mentoring programme is to equip young people with the necessary skills to make informed and positive choices in their lives, and give them a 'safe space' to talk.

 Find out more about Safe Space mentoring

Herts Inclusive Theatre - a stage for everyone

Herts Inclusive Theatre run theatre groups for children, young people, and adults of all abilities. They are a great place for building confidence, improving well-being and making new friends. Led by experienced practitioners, their workshops are open to all and are especially welcoming to those with special needs.Boy dressed as Santa with drama teacher

They do not audition and welcome anyone who wishes to join in. They strongly believe that theatre should be accessible to everyone and as such are extremely proud to welcome those who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities.

A new term of classes will be starting in January so it's a great time to sign up!  (Classes start from £57 a term)

Childrens Theatre Workshops (for ages 5 - 12) in Watford, Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead

Youth Theatre Workshops (ages 12 upwards) in Watford, Borehamwood, Stevenage, and Hemel Hempstead

Adult Theatre Workshops (ages 18 +) in Harrow, and online

Find out more about the Herts Inclusive Theatre workshops

HAPpy Camps booking open (ages 4 - 16)

Booking is open for HAPpy camps! These Christmas holiday camps are for children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. Contact your school office for your unique HAPpy booking code to secure your free place.HAPPY Camps booking open

Take a look at what's on near you, including activities for children with SEND (to find SEND specific activities, click on 'show filters' then 'about the activity', click on 'suitable for a disability' and then 'apply filters') 

Read more about HAPpy Camps and find activities near you

Hertfordshire's Warm Spaces (all ages)

As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more people are finding it hard to heat their homes. Partners across the county have developed a network of Warm Spaces in Hertfordshire, which residents can use to stay safe and warm this winter.

Many of these locations will also be running activities, where you can meet others and take part in events.

Find your nearest Warm Space

 

A Carers Strategy for Hertfordshire 2022-25 

Last week, on the 24 November, we celebrated Carers Rights Day, which aims to raise awareness of the 'costs of caring' and the impact caring can have on your life - whether on your finances, your social life, or your health.

A new Carers Strategy for Hertfordshire has been published. This aims to support carers’ wellbeing to help them to balance caring with their own needs. For the first time a single Strategy for Adult Carers and Young Carers has been developed to ensure support continues smoothly as young carers reach adulthood. 

Carers Strategy 2022 - 2025

The 4 objectives, based on carers’ own priorities, embedded in this Strategy are:

  • be informed
  • life beyond caring
  • maintaining health and wellbeing
  • and receiving consistent, joined up services

Different caring experiences have been considered when developing this Strategy to ensure that it is inclusive of the evolving needs of all carers who live in or provide care in Hertfordshire. 

View the new Carers' Strategy for Hertfordshire (PDF 522kb)

Events

View all courses and events

Nessie and Angels - Emotionally Based School Avoidance - Online workshop

Tuesday 6 December at 1pm

Develop an understanding of the factors that may contribute to their children’s difficulties attending school and explore strategies to support their children through Emotionally Based School Avoidance

NHS HCT - Supporting your child with sleep difficulties - Online workshop

Thursday 8 December at 6pm

A workshop focusing on supporting your child with sleep difficulties for parents/carers of children and young people struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep

Cinderella - relaxed performance, Broadway Theatre Letchworth Garden CityCinderella relaxed performance flyer

Saturday 10 December at 10.30am

Cinderella dreams of dancing with Prince Charming at the royal ball, but her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters stand in her way. A Relaxed Performance of the Cinderella Pantomime for those in the community who may require a calmer environment when attending the production.

View other relaxed performances of Christmas shows in Hertfordshire, as well as signed and captioned performances

Hertfordshire Families Panel - Hilltop Community Centre, Hatfield

Thursday 15 December 12.30pm - 2pm

Help shape the future of children, young people and families in Hertfordshire at the Independent Hertfordshire Families Panel. Meet other families over lunch, in a relaxed and informal forum. Have your say and your views heard.