Read this month’s SEND newsletter

The latest newsletter includes:

• IMPACT film showcases ‘One size does not fit all’ message
• Warwickshire’s Supported Internships Fair – 14 March 2024
• Easter HAF programme for SEND families
• Warwickshire Libraries social stories and sensory offer
• Professionals collaborate for children and young people’s mental health support
• Kidz to Adultz event for parents, carers and professionals.

A powerful new film highlighting the school experiences of young people with SEND launches with a special premiere.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been showcasing their talents this week at an exclusive film premiere, which took place on Tuesday 5 March at Coventry University.

Titled ‘Wrong Size Fits All,’ the short film production chronicles personal journeys, based on the experiences shared by members of IMPACT, Warwickshire’s youth forum for individuals with SEND. It sheds light on the diverse experiences children and young people face within educational settings and aims to foster an understanding of their needs.

Go along to gain fresh produce, recipe cards, signposting, and information from Mancetter Memorial Hall on Thursday 14 March, 11:00 – 12:00, and Hurley Village Hall on Tuesday 19 March, 12:00 – 13:00. The suggested donation is £2.
For more information, please call 07428 730950.

If you’re worried about paying your energy bills, want to know how to make your home warmer, or need advice on accessing financial support, Better Housing Better Health is here to help. Better Housing Better Health is a charity working locally to improve residents’ domestic warmth, wellbeing and improve the energy efficiency of their property.

Call the free phone line on 0800 107 0044 to get support or visit www.bhbh.org.uk for more information.

Keeping children safe at home

There are lots of small things people can do to help children avoid accidents at home.

Children need to experiment, play and take risks. As children develop, they will become more adventurous and want to explore the world around them. To do this safely, they need a safe environment. By getting down to their level and seeing the world through their eyes, it’s easier to spot dangers, and help them avoid danger.

Warwickshire County Council has shared some tips to help prevent accidents.

Child Exploitation Awareness Day 2024 in Warwickshire: Could you spot the signs?

Warwickshire agencies are joining the national fight against child exploitation by raising awareness – could you spot the signs?

Warwickshire agencies including Warwickshire Police, Barnardo’s, Warwickshire County Council and the Warwickshire Safeguarding Partnership Board are joining the national fight against child exploitation by raising awareness throughout the week that follows Child Exploitation Awareness Day on Monday 18 March.

Hanging out with older people, skipping school, and being secretive are just some of the signs of child exploitation – and we all have a responsibility to spot them as hundreds of children and young people are exploited every year.

Do you receive a Direct Payment to help meet your Social Care needs?

If so, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) want to hear from you! WCC would be grateful if you could take a moment to tell them about what it’s like receiving a Direct Payment in Warwickshire, things that are working well and the things that you’d like to see changed.

This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, responses are anonymous and you can only be identified by a reference number.

Your views will help Social Care and Support continue to improve the way they work.

Following the success of the inaugural fair at Compton Verney in November, Warwickshire County Council will be holding its second Supported Internships Fair next month.

Taking place on Thursday 14 March 2024, 3pm to 7pm at Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire County Council’s Supported Internships Fair will give young people and their families and carers, along with local businesses and education providers, a first look at new guidance developed to provide improved information on supported internships.

Help build a smoke free generation and quit for No Smoking Day

Take the steps to quit smoking for good and mark the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March.

Whilst smoking rates have reduced considerably compared to 40 years ago, there is still a long way to go to become a smoke free generation. There are over 66,000 people in Warwickshire who smoke, which is 13.9% of adults aged 18+ in the county (Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics, 2022).

This No Smoking Day, Warwickshire County Council is promoting the well-known awareness day to encourage residents not to give up on quitting and make use of the variety of free stop smoking support available to across the county.

Easter magic at Warwickshire’s country parks

This Easter, enjoy all the magic of spring at Warwickshire’s many stunning country parks and greenways.

Why not try out the newly refurbished Pirate Trail at Ryton Pools Country Park, or spot birds and other wildlife on the fifteen lakes at Kingsbury Water Park? There are also a huge range of family events on over the holidays.

Warwickshire County Council welcomed Hong Kong communities at the Lunar New Year Festival

On Saturday 24 February 2024 Hongkongers from across Warwickshire came together at Old Shire Hall, Warwick to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The event, organised by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), in collaboration with partners including the Positive Youth Foundation, Coventry City Council, West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, and Groundwork UK, was an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures of Warwickshire and welcome the newly arrived community members from Hong Kong.

More than 400 Hongkongers and local people attended and enjoyed the entertainment that WCC’s Migration Team and partners had organised. All the participants had the opportunity to celebrate and discover more about Chinese traditions.