During their visit to the satellite building of Breakspeare school, based at Holywell school in west Watford, Caroline and Hero met the Headteacher, Merja Paakkonen who gave them a tour of the newly refurbished special provision for 48 pupils with complex needs / severe learning difficulties. Merja explained the inclusive opportunities that the satellite provided. By being co-located on a mainstream school site, Breakspeare pupils will have an opportunity to interact with peers within the mainstream setting whilst still having the support they need to access education. Cllr Clapper and Hero had the opportunity to meet some of the school’s new pupils, along with a parent who explained how much her children enjoyed their new school.

The satellite expansion at Breakspeare is an example of how the Council is working together with special schools to increase provision. 

'Cogs' wellbeing app for neurodiverse young people (ages 14+)

'Cogs' is a wellbeing app created by and for the neurodivergent community. For ages 14+, it can help young people navigate their day, understand more about autism and ADHD and build positive habits.

 Register for free access on the Toolbox website

Free online wellbeing groups for neurodivergent and/ or disabled young people (ages 13 - 25)

Young neurodivergent and/or disabled people aged 13-25 (plus those awaiting diagnosis or young people with suspected diagnosis) can join KIDS for free self-care groups, every Thursday 3pm - 4pm throughout summer. Every week will be different. This is a space for you to recharge and reset. Every session you will be able to talk and get to know other young people. These will be safe spaces for peer support and connection so this is the place to share experiences and ask for advice. There will be an opportunity to try different types of movement such as dance, yoga and stretches. We’ll end each session with some mindfulness that might include music and sounds.

All activities are optional and you can join to talk and/or listen only. You will be able to take breaks when you need. All the movements can be adapted to be done from a chair. 

In the past, we have run peer support groups on:

• Social anxiety
• Protecting our mental health online
• Boundaries
• Autistic burnout 
• Making a self care plan

Young people suggested all the topics above themselves for groups and we are always open to what young people would like to talk to about. The young people have also suggested film and book discussion groups and a group to talk about their special interests, there is no shortage of ideas on what to do moving forward. All of the groups have time for the young people to input on what they want to do next. 

The groups can be a really good place to learn about neurodivergence in general and managing your mental health with respect to this and to ask any questions when you are at the start of the diagnostic process. 

If you have any questions or want to have a chat about this group, please email Orla at orla.price@kids.org.uk. Orla can also set up meetings with young people 1:1 to provide any support or answer any questions to do with accessing the groups.

View all of the wellbeing groups - Young People's Hub from KIDS

Have your say on a strategy for people with physical disabilities

We are developing a strategy to help people with physical disabilities live connected, active and happy lives and we’d like your help. If you're a Hertfordshire resident, we want to hear from you if:

• you have a physical disability or long-term illness or condition that affects your day-to-day life
• you are a family member, friend or unpaid carer of someone who is physically disabled
• you work with or run community groups for physically disabled people

Have your say by completing the Physical Disability Strategy survey

Get expert health advice this summer with the Healthier Together website