News from Services for Young People
New youth councils for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Services for Young People (SfYP) is setting up youth councils across Hertfordshire for young people with SEND as part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Voices of Hertfordshire programme.
SfYP already provides youth work projects exclusively for young people with SEND and inclusive youth councils and participation groups across the county. In addition to these, SfYP is now setting up youth councils specifically for young people with SEND aged 11-25.
Summer holiday activity programme has a positive impact on over 300 young people
Services for Young People (SfYP) ran an exciting three-week school holiday activity programme across Hertfordshire for young people aged 13 to 16 eligible for free school meals this summer. The programme provided a structured, supportive environment, aimed at promoting physical and mental health, with a focus on personal development and life skills.
SfYP Youth Workers played a key role in creating an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere during the programme, providing emotional support and helping young people overcome anxiety to join in and make new friends. They were sensitive to individual needs, helping young people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and providing tools to support their emotional wellbeing and build resilience.
Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions improve young people’s mental health
The SfYP Go Wild at Hudnall project delivered free nature connection sessions at Hudnall Park throughout the summer. The sessions were for young people living with, or at risk of, poor emotional wellbeing and provided opportunities for them to learn new ways to improve their mental health while spending time outdoors in nature. The Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions ran every week of the school holidays from 31 July to 30 August 2024. Young people could choose from three different types of session depending on their interests.
Access to All programme inspires Stevenage students to pursue STEM careers
The SfYP Access to All programme, part of the ‘Pioneering STEM Young Futures’ initiative, ran from September 2023 to July 2024. It made a significant impact on 50 Year 9 students from five Stevenage schools by preparing them for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The programme, which was funded and supported by Mission 44, involved a huge range of STEM careers activities, equipping the young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future careers.