Author: Kelly Drew
Well, what a cold and frosty start to the year we’ve had but still a busy one for everyone.

We finished off 2024 with a few of the drop-ins but by also making an appearance at the South Norfolk Family Winter Event in Long Stratton hosted by South Norfolk Family Hub Team. We went along to meet families and talk to young people but they didn’t tell us our stand would be outside!!! Luckily, they kept supplying us with hot tea and seeing Santa helped!

Library Drop-in Sessions

We have been busy organising library drop-in sessions for the new year and already have lots in our diary planned.  Check out where we will be by scanning the QR code below. They are a good chance to chat with one of our Engagement and Advice workers in a friendly, relaxed and local place.  We can give parent carers and young people next step advice around all SEND processes including SEN Support, EHCP’s, Mediation, Tribunals, Disability Discrimination and much more.
The QR code also tells you when and where we will make appearances at community events too, as well as any outreach opportunities – we really are trying to get out and about.

If you know of any outreach events or if you know of a group of young people with SEND who want support with their education and rights then please get in touch with us on: nsendiassengagement@norfolk.gov.uk.

Schools and Communities Team - Have you heard of them?

We’re also working closely with these teams all over the county. They are working in all schools to support families of young people with emerging SEND needs.

We have joined them at school events, including SEND cafes, Parent surgeries and staff workshops. We can add an impartial view to the discussion as well as give next steps advice to individual situations. And it’s proving a hit!

One school said ‘I didn’t realise how helpful SENDIASS are. I learnt loads and will definitely be inviting them along to support our parents again’.

Hamlet Centre Youth Forum

We’ve been supporting the new youth forum group at Hamlet Centre to have their voices heard.

The young people decided they wanted to do something about a small play area close to their centre so they could use it more often. They said ‘it needs to be more inclusive’. We got thinking about who needs to hear what they’ve got to say and brought in the Norwich City Council Parks Development Officer, Richard Green, to listen to their thoughts and he really is listening! The group is keen to add signage, improve benches and add new, accessible equipment so conversations are well under way to make some of the changes the young people think are important and will make a difference to the community. They are also going to be involved in the Council’s Play Strategy and will be consulted on the developments of other nearby open spaces.
 
Have a look at the issue one youngster raised – He really does have a point!

It’s very exciting that changes may happen due to this group so we’ll keep you informed of how the group are impacting their community.