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Welcome to the Families in Partnership Newsletter for June 2026 - supporting families with SEND
Published
Welcome to the Families in Partnership newsletter created for families with SEND across Gloucestershire. Here you'll find clear, up-to-date information on local support, news and developments, all shaped by what you tell us matters most. We'd love to hear from you, so please use the contact details below to let us know what you'd like to see in future editions.
This edition looks at:
The SEND Health Advisory Service (SHAS). Hear from Amy Jones, Team Leader of the SHAS team, about what the service does to help support children and young people across Gloucestershire who are being considered for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) as part of the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway. Read the full article hereHoliday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) for Summer 2026. The HAF returns this summer with lots of fun activities and great food available for children and families from 22 July to 1 September. In this article, the HAF team and Lucy from the SEND Community Connectors team detail what families with SEND can expect. Read the full article here
Gloucestershire's SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 - public consultation, plus an update on specialist SEND provision in Gloucestershire. There is still an opportunity to have your say on the Gloucestershire's draft SEND Sufficiency Strategy (a link to the consultation is in the article), which closes on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 5.00pm and there is also an update in this article on specialist SEND provision in the county. Read the full article here
Building Connections, a Gloucestershire-wide partnership supporting disabled young people aged 16–25. Sarah Smith of the Preparing for Adulthood team at Gloucestershire County Council explains that through the work of these organisations, young people are supported to build confidence, independence, and lasting relationships, especially during the transition from education into adult life. Read the full article here
Gloucestershire County Council’s Youth Hubs. The Youth Hubs are now offering more opportunities for young people across Gloucestershire to stay active all year round and to take part in sport and physical activity. Read the full article here
National recognition for Preparation for Adulthood work. Gloucestershire County Council's Post-16 and Preparation for Adulthood team have been named runners-up in the 2026 'What Works in SEND Awards'. Hear about the positive impact of their work supporting young people in Gloucestershire, helping them build confidence, independence and skills for their future. Read the full article here
Gloucestershire County Council's SEND Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) advisors. SENDIASS provides free, confidential and impartial advice and support on matters relating to children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. Young people 16+ can also access the service by themselves. We've been featuring articles in these newsletters over recent months introducing members of the SENDIASS team and, in this month's edition, we turn the spotlight on our newest member, Lara. Read the full article here
Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum (GPCF) events around the county. Learn about the events GPCF are holding around the county every month. Their 'Listen to Me' events are welcoming coffee mornings designed for Parent Carers across Gloucestershire. These informal gatherings, along with other groups and 'stay and plays' offer a chance for Parent Carers to connect with others, share experiences and access support in their local area. In this article you will find details of forthcoming events in June, July and August! Read the full article here.
Also in this edition:
We hear the latest news from the SEND and Inclusion Local Area Partnership (SILAP). In this article you will find links to bulletins from across the Partnership, covering some of the latest news from Education. Health, Social Care and our partners in the voluntary and community sector. Read the full article here
Information about forthcoming Awareness Events. Awareness events are organised activities or campaigns designed to increase public understanding and knowledge about a specific issue, cause, or community. They aim to inform, educate, and hopefully inspire action or support. In this article you will find information about awareness events taking place during this month and early next. Read the full article here
If you’re reading this newsletter for the first time, we hope you find it useful. If there is a change we should make; or if you would like something to be featured; or if you have any questions then please email us - familiesinpartnership@gloucestershire.gov.uk
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