The frost is sparkling across SPACE and we are gliding into the final part of the year. Despite the chill in the air, the warmth of support shines through – especially from one incredible teacher who ran 5K every day for 31 days! She deserves all our cheers for raising vital funds for us during this crucial time of year. Before we dive in – wrap yourself up in a your favourite blanket and grab a warm drink as we look back on what we’ve been up to in November.
Run 5k a day? Completed it!
Rachel wanted to run to raise money for SPACE Hertfordshire due to her own personal experiences of working in Education. She took on the epic challenge of running 5k every day, clocking up an impressive total of 155km!
“As a teacher in a specialist school I see first hand every day how amazing these young people are, and how important charities like SPACE are in helping them reach their full potential and support their families too”.
People like Rachel are extraordinary, and we are super lucky to have so many of you supporting us.
Bright Beginnings
This term we launched our first Bright Beginnings course – our new early years play-based group where parent carers and their children come together to play, meet new families, learn strategies and get support. Some of our highlights from the last six weeks include supporting the families with finding out how each of their children prefer to communicate through song, through objects of reference and visual support. We have enjoyed promoting shared attention as well as turn taking playing with bubble and foam. We have shared so much fun and lots of laughter and are really looking forward to the next Bright Beginnings course in the new year!
You were all amazing and we all really enjoyed coming. My son always thrives on routine so the picture cards were really helpful. I also talk a lot to him so I realised I need to use less words to prevent him from becoming overwhelmed.
We learned quite a few things in the 6 weeks, particularly about waiting for my son to finish his sequence before stopping an activity and the choices during snack time with objects for reference … He also made progress in such a short space of time by attempting to communicate bubbles on the last week. It was helpful to experience a course like environment with the child being there to learn on the go.
SPACE goes purple
#PurpleTuesday is an annual event dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy equal access to goods, services, and opportunities.
It is a celebration and a call to action, encouraging local businesses and organisations to make accessibility improvements, benefitting both individuals and the broader community. Our enthusiastic Community and Engagement Team joined the event, adding their energy and passion to the day. This is the second event Welwyn Hatfield Council have held in the Howard Centre, which has been made possible by the Howard Centre who have provided the venue for free.
The event brought together a vibrant mix of exhibitors showcasing invaluable services and resources for our local community.
A big #ThanksToYou
The National Lottery turned 30! Thanks to the National Lottery Funding, we’ve been able to empower and support families of neurodivergent children in Hertfordshire.
Last month, SPACE Hertfordshire said a big #ThanksToYou to National Lottery players, for 30 years of funding amazing projects across the UK. National Lottery players raise £30m every week for several great causes – we’re so thankful to be apart of that! It’s #ThanksToYou that so many of our families feel included, supported and living their best lives
Parent/Carers: Stocking up on cheer
Parent/Carer crafts with a Christmas twist! November’s group had a tree-mendous time personalising their own festive candle holders.
While soaking up some well-deserved ‘me’ time and chatting to one another, the group made some seriously impressive Christmas creations – from snowmen to Santa suits and stunning festive patterns, their work is so impressive that we want to add them to our own holiday decorations!
Join us on Monday, 9th December for Festive Parent/Carer Pottery Painting, book here.
SPACE for Girls: Incredi-bauble time
Christmas arrived at Girls Group! The crafty group made cheerful cone snowmen complete with pom-pom hats, sparkling fairy light bottles tied with a festive bow, and the cutest reindeer friends with googly eyes, red pom-pom noses, and pipe cleaner antlers.
We’re not certain the cakes and biscuits made it home as they were being nibbled at before they left the door!
The fun didn’t stop there – in November, our children and young people enjoyed a number of activities, including online cooking, therapeutic farming, graffiti, lego club, roller skating, outdoor play at The Patch, indoor climbing, gymnastics, aerial gymnastics, and even driving sessions. Looking to pack out your schedule with festive fun – check out our December schedule here.
