Home / HPCI Member update 21 October 2026
Starting this update with a quick reminder that our annual HPCI survey is open until 1 November 2026. Your child does not need a diagnosis or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for you to take part.
Please complete either the full HPCI survey or the short HPCI survey. We have had a strong response so far. The more families who take part, the stronger our evidence will be when we speak to the local authority, health services and Ofsted inspectors.
This update also covers:
Newlife Charity can deliver a Play Pod to your home. Each pod contains specialist sensory toys to support meaningful play for families with disabled children. The equipment may include tactile toys, light-up items and sound-based resources.
You can borrow a Play Pod for up to eight weeks. Find out more on the Newlife Charity Play Pod page.
You can also borrow SEND equipment locally from Lending SPACE, which runs pop-up sessions across Hertfordshire. Visit the Lending SPACE page for details.
The free Inclusive Job Fair will take place at Watford Colosseum. It is for adults who face barriers to work, including people with learning or physical disabilities, sensory needs, neurodivergence, mental health conditions or other complex needs.
You can meet supportive employers, explore local opportunities and speak to the Step2Skills Employment Support team.
A low-sensory quiet hour will run from 12 noon to 1.00pm for visitors who prefer a calmer environment.
Book a free ticket for the Watford Inclusive Job Fair.
A quick reminder that Hertfordshire County Council is proposing a new approach to Short Breaks. The proposals include changes to eligibility, costs and how families access support.
Read the proposals and complete the short consultation questions on the Short Breaks consultation page on the Local Offer.
Families often tell us about problems with the current Short Break Local Offer (SBLO). The current system does not work for many families, and there is not enough funding to expand it to meet demand. We have shared concerns with the council about the activities available, where they are located, waiting times and accessibility.
The council wants to hear from families before it makes a decision, so please share your views about the future of this important service.
Improvement East is offering free online workshops on keeping young people safe as they move into adulthood, the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and deprivation of liberty. These topics can help families understand their young person’s rights, how decisions should be made if their young person cannot make a particular decision for themselves, and what safeguards should be in place.
Places are limited, so book as soon as possible. For questions, email easternregioncib@norfolk.gov.uk.
| Workshop | Date | Time | Booking |
| The Mental Capacity Act: deprivation of liberty, rights and professional responsibilities This workshop will help parent carers to:
| 21 October 2026 | 10.00am to 11.30am | Book the 21 October session |
| 3 February 2027 | 10.00am to 11.30am | Book the 3 February session | |
| 12 May 2027 | 10.00am to 11.30am | Book the 12 May session | |
| 6 July 2027 | 10.00am to 11.30am | Book the 6 July session |
Finally, HPCI is looking for a new Finance Director!
HPCI is looking for a Finance Director who will:
If this interests you and you would like to find out more then please contact call 07840 360245 or email contact@hertsparentcarers.org.uk by 8 November 2026.