Dear parents and carers,
As we reach the end of another academic year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the parents, carers, young people and professionals who have engaged with us over the past year, and particularly those who gave up their time to attend and contribute to our Experts at Hand events. It was a pleasure to meet you, hear about your experiences, and listen to your ideas and suggestions.
The feedback we received was really positive, and we were especially encouraged by the number of people who came ready to share practical solutions and constructive ideas. Alongside the positive feedback, we also heard some helpful suggestions about how the plans could be improved, as well as concerns that will need to be addressed as we move forward. These conversations are invaluable in helping us to shape our plans and make improvements where they are needed.
We are committed to continuing this dialogue and will be holding further engagement events during the autumn term. These will give us the opportunity to gather more feedback, test our developing ideas and share the progress we are making together.
As the summer holidays begin, I hope that whatever you and your family have planned, you have the opportunity to enjoy some time together. There are a couple of ideas for activities and events included later in this newsletter which may be of interest.
Finally, this newsletter is for you, and we are always keen to hear what information you would find helpful. If you are reading this and thinking, "I'd really like to hear about...", please let us know. We will do our best to include topics, services and information that matter most to children, young people and families in future editions.
I wish you all a happy and restful summer.
Hilary Jones
Head of Additional Needs
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As part of Coproduction Week 2026, colleagues from across Herefordshire Council came together to build a shared Lego castle, creating a simple but powerful demonstration of coproduction in action. The activity was based on the idea that when people work together, bringing different ideas, experiences and skills, the end result is stronger and more creative than anything one person could build alone. |
The castle was started by a group of young people from Pathways Schools who were visiting the council offices to help coproduce new webpages. Over the course of the week, staff added their own contributions to the castle, watching it grow brick by brick. The finished model became a visual reminder that the best services are shaped in the same way – by working with people, not for them.
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The activity sparked conversations about how we can involve children, young people, families and communities in decisions that affect them, while helping to raise the profile of coproduction across the local authority. It was a fun and practical example of our ongoing commitment to embedding coproduction in everything we do and ensuring that every voice helps shape better outcomes for the people we serve. |
Visit our coproduction webpage to find out more about SEND coproduction, including how you can get involved. If your child or young person would like to participate in coproduction opportunities, visit the Herefordshire Helpers page on our website.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB is delighted to announce that ONSIDE has been awarded the contract to provide a neurodivergent support service to children and young people and their families across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The service will include:
- advice and guidance;
- individual support to children and young people up to the age of 25, and their families;
- training for health and care services across all sectors in how to meet neurodivergence needs.
ONSIDE are thrilled to be in a position to deliver this new support service across our communities, with local partners. The new service presents an exciting opportunity to create a truly neuro-affirming, needs-led offer for children, young people, families and professionals. We know that achieving this ambition will require strong partnership working, shared learning and a commitment to delivering support that is accessible, inclusive and responsive to local need.
The service will be open for referrals from Monday 3 August 2026 and further details will be available over the coming weeks.
We understand that the length of time waiting for services can be worrying and frustrating. As a system we are working to improve waiting times for children, young people and their families.
Support is available to children and young people, as well as their families, who find themselves experiencing long waits for appointments with Health services in Herefordshire.
To access information and find out more about the support available, please visit the dedicated 'Support While You Wait' section of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB website.
If you have used the Support While You Wait resources, please share your feedback by clicking 'complete the survey' below.
The Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Passport has been developed locally with partners, for use across Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
The passport aims to provide healthcare staff with important information while working in partnership with parent carers to meet a child or young person’s needs. It can be taken to hospital and health appointments - use of the passport is optional.
Following consultation with children and young people, we have developed two versions of the passport – the first version includes widgit images, and the second version does not have any widgit images included. The passport document can be saved to a local device, emailed to a relative or carer, or printed off by the patient for safekeeping.
Visit Herefordshire & Worcestershire ICB's SEND area of their website and access the passport in the green drop down menus further down the page.
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PCVH a parent-led group supporting families of children and young people with SEND here in Herefordshire. Their aim is to share helpful information, bring parents together, and make sure real experiences are heard when services are being developed.
They know every family’s journey is different, and parents’ voices really matter. When parents share what life is like, it helps shape things for everyone - not just their own child.
They’ve recently updated their website with lots of useful information, tips and links to local support.
Parents can also join PCVH for free to stay up to date, hear about opportunities, and have their say.
One of the things they hear time and time again is how much it helps to feel understood:
“Having someone who really listens and understands makes such a difference — we don’t feel so alone.”
At PCVH, that’s what they aim to do - share clear information, create opportunities to connect, and work alongside services to help improve support for families.
If people would like to get involved, they can do as much or as little as feels right for them — whether that’s coming along to something, sharing their experiences, or just staying in the loop.
🌐 Visit their website
📧 admin@pcvherefordshire.com
📱 Facebook
Join for free and be part of shaping SEND services in Herefordshire.
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New Office Space for Herefordshire SENDIASS Team
The Herefordshire SENDIASS team have recently moved into a new dedicated office space at 8 St Owen Street, Hereford, giving the service a permanent base and access to meeting rooms.
This new location will enable the team to offer regular face-to-face SEND advice appointments for families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
To celebrate the move, SENDIASS is planning an office opening event and is inviting local families and SEND professionals to come along and see the new space. The Mayor of Hereford will officially open the office on Wednesday 16 September at 11.30am, followed by tea and cake for all attendees.
Families are encouraged to save the date and join the SENDIASS team in marking this exciting milestone.
SENDIASS Support for Young People This Summer
Did you know that Herefordshire SENDIASS offers dedicated support for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
This summer, Sammy, Herefordshire SENDIASS Young Person Advisor, will be at the Youth Employment Hub in Hereford, providing free careers advice and impartial information, advice and support on all matters relating to SEND.
Young people can book an appointment with Sammy on the following dates:
- Tuesday 21 July
- Tuesday 28 July
Appointments can be booked by completing the Youth Employment Hub referral form on their webpage or by contacting SENDIASS directly at sendiass@herefordshire.gov.uk.
This is a great opportunity for young people to discuss their next steps, explore education, training and employment options, and access independent SEND support in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Contact SENDIASS
SENDIASS have a dedicated team of trained advisors offering legally based information, advice and support on all matters relating to children and young people (0-25) who have or may have SEND. The service is FREE, impartial, and confidential.
Call: 01432 260955 Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm (24hr answerphone service)
Email sendiass@herefordshire.gov.uk
For regular Special Educational Needs/Disabilities (SEND) updates, sign up to the SENDIASS mailing list by clicking the sign-up link on their SENDIASS Contact page or follow them on social media: Facebook-HWSENDIASS
SENDIASS also have lots of useful information on their website www.hwsendiass.co.uk
 Herefordshire Council's local offer is a place for families to find out about the support, services and information available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The local offer includes information about:
Herefordshire's local offer is continuously being developed in consultation with young people and their families, with workshops and consultation events to ensure the right information is available, in the right format, at the right time.
Our Herefordshire SEND Local Offer Facebook page is the place to be if you want to know about SEND-friendly events and groups in Herefordshire.
As well as letting you know about fun activities for children and young people with SEND, we also signpost to parent carer workshops, useful information and advice and services that are there to help you and your family.
Follow us to keep up to date with everything SEND in Herefordshire.
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The 'Tree of Hope' project at Biblins Youth Campsite in the Wye Valley is providing a wide range of outdoor activities for SEND children and young people aged 10-15 years.
The group's programme of activities is decided by the young people who attend, activities so far have included archery, campfire making, toasting marshmallows, making elder bracelets and much more. For more information contact Alex Norman by email: alex.norman@woodcraft.org.uk
Find out more on the Woodcraft Folk website.
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Looking for a friendly, inclusive activity for your child or young person?
The 5 & 10 Cycle Club welcomes everyone to enjoy walking, cycling and socialising in a supportive, judgement-free environment at Hereford Cycle Track, a safe, traffic-free 1km cycle circuit for all ages and abilities.
When?
- Mondays from 6.30pm – Walk, cycle and chat
- Sundays from 2pm–4pm – Relaxed cycling session
Families can do as much or as little as they like. Walk one lap or more, cycle a few laps or ten – it's entirely up to you.
A friendly team of volunteers is on hand to help, and everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace. You can bring your own bike or borrow one, including adapted bikes, free of charge.
Afterwards, everyone is invited to stay for a chat and refreshments, which are also free.
There are no expectations, no pressure and no cost – just a warm welcome, fresh air, exercise and the chance to meet new people.
If you’d like to talk to someone before you pop down, get in touch through the 5 and 10 Club Facebook page. For more information about the track itself, including some great aerial footage, visit the Halo Leisure Hereford Cycle Track page.
Be a Star!
Monday 10 - Friday 14 August - 10.30am - 3pm
Come along to The Courtyard and enjoy a week filled with exciting arts activities for young people of all abilities. Our experienced practitioners and staff specialise in working with young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. Aimed at 8-15 year olds.
£150 for the week, bursaries available.
To book, please e-mail rebecca.cook@courtyard.org.uk
Find out more on the website.
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Join us for our inclusive swimming sessions designed for Special educational needs and disabilities, both adults and children. Throughout the summer holidays, SEND sessions are at 9am every Wednesday.
We make subtle adjustments to ensure a gentle and relaxed experience. We warmly welcome individuals with disabilities and their families/caregivers to enjoy a fun swimming experience with us.
Pre-booking is recommended. Book through the Halo app, the website, in person, or over the phone (01432) 272512.
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Inspire Growth is running summer holiday art workshops which offer a great opportunity for children to enjoy creative activities in a safe and welcoming space in Hereford. Sessions take place in small, calm groups, helping to reduce overwhelm, particularly for children and young people with SEND. Children can join in at their own pace in a relaxed and supportive environment, led by an experienced practitioner.
Find out more and book on Inspire Growth’s website or take a look at their Facebook page.
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Larruperz Community Centre in Ross-on-Wye has launched a new Wednesday Social for young people aged 16 - 21 with SEND. Running every Wednesday from 4pm, the group offers a safe, welcoming space to make friends, build confidence and enjoy a range of activities, including table tennis, skittles, board games, Nintendo Wii gaming and refreshments in a café-style setting.
The group runs all year round, including during school holidays, providing regular opportunities for young people to socialise and develop independence outside of school.
Parents and carers who would like to find out more or discuss whether the group is right for their young person are warmly encouraged to get in touch.
For more information, email info@larruperzcentre.org
The summer holidays are nearly here!
Summer is a great time to recharge, but the break from routine can sometimes bring about fears and worries for some children and young people. The feeling of change, going back to school or being away from friends and missing out, can bring a wave of different worries and difficulties.
Use Lumi Nova to help your child boost their confidence this summer with a fun mobile game. Designed for children aged 7-12 years, Lumi Nova helps children reflect on their feelings, build resilience, and learn lifelong skills to self-manage their worries in a fun intergalactic adventure.
For instant, FREE access sign up here: www.luminova.app/handw
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If you would like to contribute to the next edition of the SEND Newsletter, please get in touch by Tuesday 13 October 2026.
We value your feedback and would love to hear what you think of the newsletter. To submit future content or share your views, please email: localoffer@herefordshire.gov.uk
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