Ta-dah SEN

Parent support opportunity:
🌿 Introducing Hazelwood Holding Space

Over the past seven months, I have been away from work caring full-time for my own daughter, who has been out of school due to her mental health and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). She is now preparing to begin Alternative Provision in September.

During this time, I’ve experienced first-hand just how lonely this journey can be.

Life seems to stop. Days become filled with appointments, referrals, waiting lists and advocating for your child, whilst the rest of the world carries on around you. You watch your child struggle, desperately wanting to help, yet often feeling powerless while waiting for support.

It has, without doubt, been the most isolating experience of my life.

Another member of the Hazelwood team is navigating a very similar journey with their own child, and together we’ve recognised just how many families are experiencing these challenges behind closed doors.

That is why we have created Hazelwood Holding Space.

Hazelwood Holding Space is a new initiative offering a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for parents and carers of children experiencing emotional wellbeing difficulties, neurodivergence, school attendance challenges, EBSA or mental health struggles.

Sometimes you don’t need someone to have all the answers.

Sometimes you just need someone who understands.

Whether you need a listening ear, someone to share your worries with, or simply reassurance that you’re not facing this alone, we’re here to listen and help where we can. We can also offer guidance and signposting to appropriate services where needed.

As this community grows, we hope to create a private Facebook support group, giving parents and carers the opportunity to connect, share experiences, support one another and remind each other that no one has to walk this journey alone.

If you need an ear and want to reach out please email me on:
📧 [email protected]

We know every family’s story is different, but we also know the power of feeling heard.

Whilst we are not a crisis service or counselling provision, we hope to offer something just as valuable, a community of parents who truly understand the journey.

This isn’t just for Hazelwood families, but for all experiencing similar.

Please share far and wide.

Welcome to Hazelwood Holding Space. 🌿

Our annual free family event is this Sunday!
Come along and join in the fun, with art, sensory and science activities as well as outdoor sports. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the stunning Woodford Valley.
Cakes, sweets, face painting and more will be available, with all proceeds being donated to charity. Students have worked incredibly hard to produce some amazing items for sale.
Cash or bank transfer available.

Our 3rd Free Family Fun Memorial event is coming soon! Sunday 26th July, 12 until 3pm at Woodford Village Hall, we will be celebrating the life of my grandfather by filling a hall with fantastic sensory fun, art workshops, science experiments and much, much more.
Our talented secondary students will be selling the creative, beautiful artwork and cuddly creatures the have been working on.
The field is a beautiful space for family picnics and outdoor games.
Come and join us for a relaxed day of celebration.

Open Evening at Hazelwood this coming Thursday!