NeuroAware CIC

14/10/2026

Witherslack Group have a free app which allows you to track and monitor the progress of your Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment, right through to any potential appeal. It has deadline dates and FAQ relating to the process.
Really useful if you struggle to keep track of LA deadlines and need notification reminders!

13/10/2026

SEN Parent Support Group - Seaham (Tuesdays, 12-2pm)

This afternoon I visited The East Durham Hope Foundation at their weekly SEN Parent Support Group (CRT Hub, Seaham) and received a wonderful warm welcome. So much so, I will be returning each Tuesday, as much as I can, to offer free support and guidance relating to neurodiversity, EHCPs, SEND Tribunals and all things SEND related (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

They also offer support relating to financial hardship, advocacy and referrals in relation to homelessness, signposting to food and welfare support, as well as a friendly place to go in your community if you are experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The help is offered by people who understand first hand what you are going through and can empathise with your struggles.

These issues don't occur in a vacuum and if you are struggling in one area, it can have a dramatic negative impact in others. It is wonderful to have another resource hub like this in our community so please do call in and see how they can help.

12/10/2026

🧠 POTENTIAL KEY CHANGES FOR NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE AT WORK

The Government has responded to the DWP Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity. There are some potentially important changes for neurodivergent people in employment (but obviously subject to scrutiny and many phases/pilots).

♾️ Needs before diagnosis
Support should be based on the barriers someone experiences, not simply whether they have a formal diagnosis. This could be particularly important for people waiting years for assessment (although Access to Work support doesn't require a diagnosis)

🏢 Neuro-inclusive workplaces by design
The aim is to make workplaces, policies, communication and working practices more accessible from the outset rather than relying on individuals to continually ask for adjustments. (Gov chose not to include sensory friendly building designs as compulsory)

⚖️ Greater focus on reasonable adjustments
The Government is looking at how employers respond to adjustment requests, alongside strengthened flexible working rights and employment protections.

💼 More support to get into and stay in work
This includes specialist neurodiversity employment support and changes to Access to Work, with increased staffing intended to tackle delays.

📊 Finally, and linked to both home and work, NHS CBT Talking Changes therapies will be revised to ensure they are suitable for ND individuals and those providing the support are aware of ND presentations and profiles.

Not everything in the report is a new legal right or already in place and some measures are still being developed, piloted or considered. But the fact it is being discussed is a huge step forward.

💚 You shouldn’t need to prove a diagnosis before your needs are taken seriously.

10/10/2026

County Durham SEND Strategy

Would love to hear from those parent/carers, young people or organisations who have been directly consulted as part of this process. Hoping your feedback is reflected in the SEND Strategy?

As Local Authority access to national SEND reform funding was subject to successful approval and delivery of a SEND Local Area Reform Plan (LARP), it was unsurprising that Durham followed the Gov reform themes of earlier, timely support and mainstream inclusion within their LARP. Approval meant Durham will receive a £32.472 million grant to cover 90% of their High Needs Budget deficit for up to 25/26 year. You can see why LAs would steer towards accepting the Gov version of SEND reforms as opposed to their own.

Cabinet are expected to approve the SEND Strategy when they meet on 14 October. We will watch this space closely for how the SEND system will become more 'inclusive, fair and sustainable'.

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day & Neurodivergence - What About Your Mental Health?

National evidence shows that children with SEND are at greater risk of mental health difficulties; 56.7% of 6–16-year-olds with SEND had a probable mental disorder in 2021, compared with 12.5% of children without SEND. For neurodivergent adults, rates of anxiety or depression are twice as high and up to 80% of autistic adults report burnout during their lives. For parent/carers of SEND children and individuals? Ask us in a fortnight.

These figures show an association, not that neurodivergence causes mental health difficulties. They’re a reminder that timely, understanding support matters.

In the midst of this, it is important to remember to make time for you (I am extremely guilty of not doing this). Below are some suggested avenues of support you may be able to use.

07/10/2026

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP!

Today is the last day to sign up to the Confidence Building Adventure Weekend in Calvert Lakes. Unfortunately, at the moment, we do not have enough participants for the trip to go ahead.

I've sent another reminder email to interested parties so please do let me know if you are still interested or can no longer go. Thank you! 😊

07/10/2026

Today's musings from the child:

My actions: after watching a very simple make up tutorial on blending, I am applying the finishing touches. I do not know how to do this, but the world loves a trier.

Child after one glance: "Mother, your face looks like it was made on Windows XP"

😂

06/10/2026

Based in Hartlepool - great opportunity for adults! Please contact CLIP for further info.

Good morning everyone, we have something totally awesome to announce right now!!! :D

🌱 GROWING FORWARD – FREE 8-WEEK PROGRAMME 🌱

Would you like to build your confidence, wellbeing and self-awareness, meet new people and explore what you might like to do next?
Our relaxed and supportive Growing Forward programme includes nature-based activities, mindfulness, simple wellbeing techniques, group discussions and practical activities.

Starts Thursday 29 October and every Thursday for 8 weeks.
10am–12 noon
CLIP Community Allotment, Hartlepool
Adults aged 19+
FREE

Everyone completing the programme will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Please note: this is an 8-week programme and participants will need to commit to booking and attending the full 8 weeks.
Places are limited, so booking is essential via the link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/HBOO

Any questions, please email [email protected] or comment below :)

Team CLIP

04/10/2026

North Star EBSA Outreach – Bridging the Gap Between Home and School

Are you a school, SENDCO, inclusion team or education professional who may be interested in collaborating in relation to EBSA Outreach?

The wonderful is developing an outreach model to address this attendance gap through a consistent, trusted adult who works alongside the young person, family and school. The approach focuses on understanding and reducing barriers, strengthening protective factors, developing personalised strategies and supporting gradual re-engagement with education.

They are particularly interested in supporting primary-aged children and young people in Key Stage 2 & 3.

Please contact Lotti at for further information.

03/10/2026

Little SENDsations have opened nominations for their SENDsational Gala Awards. If you know of someone in your community or family who makes a difference to the SEND world - let them know by nominating them!

We nominated a school staff member last year, this year it is a service user 😊

Nominations for our SENDsational Gala 2027 Awards are officially OPEN! 🖤💛

This is your chance to recognise the amazing people, families, professionals and organisations making a difference across our SEND community.

🏆 SEND Professional Award — sponsored by Delves Lane Village Store
🏆 Inclusive Education Award — sponsored by Pippy’s Hair
🏆 Family Carer Award — sponsored by OHB Nails
🏆 Inclusive Organisation Award — sponsored by Barbering by Mel
🏆 Young Carer Award — sponsored by Kane’s World
🏆 Community Champion Award — sponsored by Healing Hands Massage
🏆 Heart of SEND Award — sponsored by Adam Ingram Windows & Gutters
🏆 Diane Moss Courage Award 💛

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised? Someone who goes above and beyond, makes a difference or has a story that deserves to be celebrated?

🌟 Get your nominations in now! 🌟

https://forms.gle/nG2xrZ88mFKwWqr56

And a HUGE thank you to all of our incredible sponsors for getting behind our awards and helping us celebrate our SEND community. 🥹🖤💛

Who will you be nominating? 👀