HPCI Parent network update – 13th August

Here is the latest HPCI parent network update. First of all however, I want to give a huge vote of thanks to Carol Kelsey who officially retires as Coordinator of HPCI at the end of August. As Carol said in her update of the 23^rd July, she has been involved with HPCI right from the start and has dedicated 10 years of her time and worked extremely hard to try and make changes for the good for parents and their children with SEND in Hertfordshire. I am sure that you all share this vote of thanks to Carol. There will be an official leaving do for her in early September and if you want more details, please contact kate@hertsparentcarers.org.uk

This week’s update is brought to you by me – Helen Errington Chair of HPCI. I, together with Kate Hudson will be holding the fort until the Autumn.  We will be welcoming a new member of staff in September; Katy Child will be taking on the Board and Admin work that up until now Kate has been doing and Kate will be carrying out Membership and Comms for HPCI and some of the Coordinator tasks until we work out how we want to fill the gap left by Carol.

This week’s update will cover:

• HCC is hosting a drawing competition, looking for budding artists to promote the new SEND Strategy
• Free Moving and Handling Workshops in Hemel Hempstead and Hertford
• Contact (the charity for families with disabled children) has announced some new workshops
• A round up of local and national newsletters – from Herts SEND e-news, CAMHS, IASSN (The Information, Advice and Support Services Network), and the Council for Disabled Children Newsletter.

Drawing Competition on the Local Offer

This is to promote the new SEND Strategy and raise awareness that ‘SEND is Everybody’s Business’. The Local offer team would like to invite you to join in their drawing competition.
Full details are available here www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDdrawingcomp

Free moving and handling workshops

These workshops are for parents and legal guardians who look after a child or young person with a physical disability.

The workshop will provide you with advice and support on how to move your child safely, whilst looking after yourself. It covers topics such as the importance of back care, moving and handling techniques, using equipment and relevant legislation.

Friday 17th September
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Marlowes Health & Wellbeing Centre, Hemel Hempstead
https://tinyurl.com/yrb9w4ej

Wednesday 13th October
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: The Pines, Hamels Drive, Hertford
https://tinyurl.com/2zzh46nw

Friday 26th November
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Marlowes Health & Wellbeing Centre, Hemel Hempstead
https://tinyurl.com/58k8ypn4

Contact workshops

Contact are running a series of free virtual workshops provide additional support for families.

UNDERSTANDING SLEEP
Wednesday 18 August 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

• The importance of sleep and why sleep problems may occur
• How to introduce a sleep routine
• Top tips to help

Register on eventbrite

ENCOURAGING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
Thursday 19 August 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

• Understand the reasons for behaviour
• Working with others to encourage positive behaviour
• Top tips to help

Register on eventbrite

MONEY MATTERS
Tuesday 24 August 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

• Know how to improve your finances
• Understand what you’re entitled to
• Know where to get support

Register on eventbrite

HANDLING MEETINGS
Wednesday 25 August 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

• Develop better communication skills and recognise your strengths
• Feel more confident to make decisions about your child
• Prepare for meetings with professionals

Register on eventbrite

Newsletters & other information

Send E news – keeping you to date with Hertfordshire’s SEND Information

Better information for families with children in the early years
Herts Charity SPACE nominated for national award
SEND Strategy Community events
New webpage – Transitions
New webpage – New to SEND
Events

From CAMHS

Please join a focus group to give your views on the Just Talk website, or complete this quick online questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WMDHPXG

• CHEXS Coffee, Cake and Make sessions for parents/carers living near Cheshunt on alternate Tuesdays from 7 September, at Cedars Park Community Room in Cheshunt. Email admin@chexs.co.uk for more information.
• OLLIE Foundation’s Facebook group – support for parents/carers of young people who are experiencing low mental health, emotional overwhelm or who are in crisis.
• Herts Mind Network’s FREE online and in-person training and workshops direct to children and young people, parents/carers and youth professionals.
• Thrive and Survive guide for young people going to university.
• Five Ways to Wellbeing tips across social media all summer – Facebook: JustTalkHerts Instagram: @JustTalkHerts Twitter: @JustTalkHerts.
• Advice for young people and workshops from 16-19 August for parent/carers following exam results.
• LGBT+ groups for young people from Hertfordshire County Council Service for Young People (HCC SfYP).

IASSN newsletter

Inside this edition you can find:

• A blog post from FLARE on staying productive during lockdown and isolation periods;
• Contact’s support for parent carers during the summer holiday;
• The DHSC and DfE’s National Strategy for autistic CYP and adults;
• Cerebra’s report on the institutionalisation of parent carer blame and much more.

Council for Disabled Children newsletter

Inside this edition, you can find:

• Information on our SEND Summer Support Hub;
• The latest Covid-19 updates in our Family Support Hub;
• An open letter from the Children & Families Minister, Vicky Ford;
• A transition to employment toolkit from Ambitious About Autism;
• News on the governments new autism strategy;
• Free inclusive virtual dance sessions.

Thanks for reading and do send through any feedback you have on what you like to see in these updates.  We hope you have a fantastic summer and keep your eyes peeled as the new term’s webinar programme will be launched soon!

Best wishes,
Helen Errington and Kate Hudson
HPCI