We’re thrilled to share news about the opening of our brand-new Lending SPACE, offering even more support to families in our community – plus, we’ll take you on an exclusive sneak peek inside! And that’s not all – we had the privilege of attending the Neurodiversity Lunch and Learn panel, hosted by the St Albans Chamber of Commerce, where key conversations took place about inclusion, support and opportunity.
Read on for all this and more in this month’s ‘January at SPACE’.
Lending SPACE: come and explore
We’re back – bigger, better and ready to welcome you! Lending SPACE officially reopened on Monday, 27th January at 9:30am, and we’ve already had the joy of seeing familiar faces and new visitors loving our brand-new premises.
We’ve created a vibrant, interactive space designed to spark imagination, support sensory needs and provide a welcoming hub for families. Here’s just a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:
- Interactive Projection System – Step into space adventures, prehistoric jungles and more with dynamic floor and wall projections that create immersive sensory experiences.
- Infinity Tunnel – A mesmerising illusion of light and depth, perfect for calming and focus.
- Bubble Tube with Fibre Optics – A soothing centrepiece with glowing colours and tactile strands, designed to stimulate and relax.
- Wall-Mounted Sensory Panels – Hands-on touch and feel activities to engage little explorers in sensory play.
Lending SPACE, our equipment library for families with children and young people with SEN, continues to offer a range of items from trikes to weighted blankets, all available to borrow for free. It’s an affordable way to try out equipment before committing.
While you’re here, the Lending SPACE team offers:
- Friendly Advice: Equipment suggestions tailored to your child’s needs.
- A Listening Ear: Practical and emotional support.
- Signposting: Guidance on local services and support.
We can’t wait to welcome even more of you through our doors – come and explore your new Lending SPACE! New address: B1, The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8HG (Don’t worry—we’re still at The Maltings, just in a shiny new unit!)
One Million steps for 10,000 families
If you decided at the start of 2025 to fire up your workout schedule or you’re still just talking about it, why not get moving with SPACE. As we step into February, we’ve got an exciting new challenge to help support families of neurodivergent children and young people facing challenging times.
Here’s how it works:
- Walk 12 miles (equivalent to 25,000 steps) throughout February – break it into daily strolls, weekend adventures, or however suits your schedule.
- There is no minimum fundraising target although we would love it if you could aim to raise £50 to support SPACE’s vital work empowering and supporting families raising neurodivergent children and young people.
- Know that every step you take contributes to a combined total of one million steps – a community-wide effort to support local families who need us.
What’s even better? Every pound you raise will be doubled by our incredible charity partner, Helping Herts – doubling your impact and allowing us to do even more for local families.
To find out more or sign up today by emailing the SPACE Fundraising team: fundraising@space.herts.org.uk.
A wonderland of laughter
If you were anywhere near Stevenage recently and heard an explosion of laughter, we may have been responsible! Our children and young people were treated to a brilliantly bonkers performance of Alan in Wonderland and the 3 Goats, courtesy of Booster Cushion Theatre in partnership with Hertfordshire Libraries – and what a show it was!
From the moment Alan stepped out, the energy in the room was electric. Children eagerly gathered at the front, drawn in by his incredible props. The star of the show? A transforming big book that magically became a tea party, a bridge, and more – bringing to life a mash-up of Alice in Wonderland and The Three Billy Goats Gruff like never before.
This relaxed performance was all about inclusive, interactive fun and ensuring that everyone felt welcome, engaged and part of the adventure.
Kicking off 2025 with Helping Herts
Earlier this month, Layla and Suzie from our Fundraising team attended the Helping Herts Partners 2025 morning – a fantastic session celebrating 2024’s achievements and looking ahead to an exciting year of fundraising.
The event was a great opportunity to reflect on what worked well, share ideas, meet the other 11 charities who make up the partnership of 12 and plan for even bigger and better initiatives.
“Helping Herts has been incredible and made such a huge difference to SPACE and the families we support! We are raring to go for 2025!” – Suzie Daniels, SPACE Communications and Fundraising Manager
Neurodiversity Lunch and Learn Panel
Earlier this week, SPACE staff attended a St Albans District Chamber of Commerce event on Neurodiversity in the Workplace, where facilitator Charlotte Southworth shared an analogy from Daniel Aherne that resonated with us:
Neurodivergent individuals are like cacti. A cactus thrives in the desert – its natural environment. But if you uproot it and plant it somewhere like St Albans, it won’t flourish unless you make the right adjustments. It might need specific soil, careful watering, or a greenhouse. With the right conditions, it can still thrive.
At SPACE, we don’t just advocate for inclusive workplaces – we build them. Many of our own team are neurodivergent, so we prioritise flexible schedules, clear communication, and personalised workspaces to help them thrive.
With the right tools and knowledge, businesses can make reasonable adjustments – and they want to. That’s why we offer workplace training on neurodiversity, helping employers create environments where everyone can succeed.
Want to learn more? Email training@spaceherts.org.uk.
Smiley faces
This month – like every month – we’re wrapping up with the beaming smiles of our children and young people enjoying everything from Gymnastics and Girls Group to LEGO club and Therapeutic Farming (and more!). There’s always something for everyone.
And the fun doesn’t stop here – our March events are now live! Take a look and book your next adventure: SPACE Hertfordshire Events. We hope to see you there!
