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At Carers in Hertfordshire, we want to make sure you are supported because we understand how challenging it can be looking after someone under 25 with a disability, complex health needs, or severe learning disability.
Carers in Hertfordshire can help you to:
- Find out about local events and services for you and your family.
- Plan your caring role and make time for yourself.
- Improve your skills and confidence through free training courses and workshops.
- Meet other parent carers and share views and experiences.
- Raise the issues affecting you and your family through our Parent Carer Information Network.
Register for our support at this link and then ask us to add you to the Parent Carer network.
Consultations and Events
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is reviewing its SEND support within the Health Visiting Service and is asking parent carers of children in the county aged under six that have an additional or emerging need to complete a short survey about when and how it contacts you and your family. You can complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MZKZKQ8 by Thursday 28th March 2024.
Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) has organised a webinar for parent carers to find out about the Autism in Schools project. The webinar is on Wednesday 13th March 2024, 10am – 12pm noon, and we will give a presentation about the support we provide parent carers of young people with special educational needs or disabilities. To learn more about the event or enquire about booking to attend please contact HPCI – email contact@hertsparentcarers.org.uk or call 07840 360245.
Adults in Hertfordshire with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition and their relatives / family carers are to be invited to a Big Health Get Together organised by Hertfordshire County Council and the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board. The event will take place in Hatfield on Monday 18th March 2024, 10.15am – 3pm. There will be discussions about improving local services and staying well. Save the date – details about how to book will follow be shared soon.
Useful links
Hertfordshire’s SEND Local Offer –Hertfordshire’s SEND Local Offer is your one-stop-shop for information, support, services and activities available for children and young people with special educational needs, and their families. The Local Offer has been created by parents and professionals and is hosted by Hertfordshire County Council.
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer
Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND) –Hertfordshire County Council’s voluntary database for children and young people aged 0-25 who have additional needs or a disability which has a substantial impact on their everyday life. HAND offers a monthly newsletter, information, concessions at some leisure facilities, and opportunities to influence planning of services.
You can access HAND here and for the newsletter visit sendnews.hertfordshire.gov.uk/subscribe
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) –SENDIASS provides impartial and confidential information, advice, and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and young people and children with SEND. They can help with information and advice on a range of topics such as local services, Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessments, and personal budgets.
To contact the service call 01992 555847 (9.30am – 3pm Mon – Thurs and 9.30am – 2pm Fridays) or email
Or visit the SENDIASS website via this link.
Short Breaks Local Offer – Short breaks offer disabled children and young people the chance to spend time out with others doing fun activities and socialising whilst supported by a trained worker. This gives families a break from caring. Activities include holiday and Saturday clubs, computer skills, and canoeing.
The service provides up to 40 hours of activities per year to people aged five to 19 with SEND that live in Hertfordshire and meet other criteria. Families may be able to access more hours. You can learn more about the service via the website – www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/courses-and-activities-in-hertfordshire/short-breaks.aspx
What you tell us
Here is some feedback we have received from parent carers.
Lauren and Andy who have been carers for eight years as one of their children has autism and ADHD, said: “During lockdown we were not able to see family and friends who are our normal support network, so things were tough. We hadn’t heard of Carers in Hertfordshire until recently, and l can honestly say we wouldn’t have got through the coronavirus lockdown without them. The services we have been provided with have been unbelievable, such as the fortnightly calls with mentors which have been amazing. They helped me complete an application for an Education, Health, and Care Plan and put me in touch with the Kids Hub. My youngest son has had a Zoom call with the lovely Gemma from the Young Carers Service and has been awarded a Make a Difference grant to get a bike to help him get some exercise and time away with one of us.
Everyone we speak to is just so friendly and supportive, and it gives us peace of mind that we know now we are registered with them there will always be someone at the end of the phone. Thank you to everyone at Carers in Hertfordshire, you don’t realise what a difference you make!”
On our Information and Relaxation Event for Parent Carers: “Really enjoyable – all course content was good, lovely to have the opportunity to relax, great speaking to other parent carers”
These are some other comments from other relaxation events:
“It was great to socialise with other carers and get the chance to relax for a while.”
“Totally uplifting, really fun, totally made me forget about my stresses and struggles for a few hours – great information available too.”
“The event was really helpful, as a parent carer and sole parent, life can be isolating, so it was really nice to touch base with so many friendly faces. The relaxation event itself was wonderful.”
For more information on our services, please call 01992 58 69 69.
