Family advice articles | Hampshire CTSH

The 2026–2027 Engagement Calendar has been created to help schools share relevant information with families at key points throughout the academic year. We understand that schools receive many requests to promote information and campaigns, so we have brought together a series of timely, ready-made articles linked to important themes, awareness dates, transitions and family support needs.

The calendar is designed to make communications easier by providing suggested content that can be incorporated into existing school newsletters, websites, parent communications and social media channels. Rather than creating new content from scratch, schools can simply select the articles that are most relevant to their pupils and families and share them at the appropriate time of year.

Download the Engagement Calendar

The 2026–2027 Engagement Calendar has been created to help schools share relevant information with families at key points throughout the academic year. We understand that schools receive many requests to promote information and campaigns, so we have brought together a series of timely, ready-made articles linked to important themes, awareness dates, transitions and family support needs.

The calendar is designed to make communications easier by providing suggested content that can be incorporated into existing school newsletters, websites, parent communications and social media channels. Rather than creating new content from scratch, schools can simply select the articles that are most relevant to their pupils and families and share them at the appropriate time of year.

Download the Engagement Calendar

What is this resource?

This article is a general introduction to the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It encourages families to explore the websites and highlights the wide range of information, services and support available for children and young people aged 0–25. It covers topics including SEND support, education and EHCP information, mental health and wellbeing, neurodiversity, preparing for adulthood, financial help, short breaks, childcare, activities and holiday schemes.

The article also explains the benefits of using the Local Offer and FISH, including being able to access trusted information in one place, understand available options, and find local support more easily.

When should schools use it?

This is an ideal "starter" article and works best when introducing families to the Local Offer and FISH for the first time. It can be used:

At the start of the academic year as part of welcome communications.
In induction packs for new families.
On school websites and SEND information pages.
During transition periods when families may be looking for additional support.
At parent evenings, open events and SEND information sessions.
Whenever schools want to raise awareness of the support available beyond the school setting.

Download Discover Support for Your Child and Family

What is this resource?

This article is a general introduction to the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It encourages families to explore the websites and highlights the wide range of information, services and support available for children and young people aged 0–25. It covers topics including SEND support, education and EHCP information, mental health and wellbeing, neurodiversity, preparing for adulthood, financial help, short breaks, childcare, activities and holiday schemes.

The article also explains the benefits of using the Local Offer and FISH, including being able to access trusted information in one place, understand available options, and find local support more easily.

When should schools use it?

This is an ideal "starter" article and works best when introducing families to the Local Offer and FISH for the first time. It can be used:

At the start of the academic year as part of welcome communications.
In induction packs for new families.
On school websites and SEND information pages.
During transition periods when families may be looking for additional support.
At parent evenings, open events and SEND information sessions.
Whenever schools want to raise awareness of the support available beyond the school setting.

Download Discover Support for Your Child and Family

What is this resource?

This article helps families understand where they can access information, advice and support for their child's emotional wellbeing and mental health through Hampshire's SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It recognises that children and young people can experience pressures related to school, friendships and life changes, and signposts families to trusted sources of support. The article highlights mental health support services, advice on anxiety and low mood, support for neurodiverse children, and activities that help build confidence and wellbeing.

The key message is that families do not have to manage these challenges alone and that support is available when it is needed.

When should schools use it?

This article works particularly well when schools are focusing on emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental health. It can be shared:

Around World Mental Health Day and other wellbeing awareness campaigns.
During the autumn term when pupils may be adjusting to a new class, year group or school.
Ahead of exam periods and assessment seasons.
Following school holidays when some children may need additional support with transitions.
In response to common parental questions about emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Whenever schools want to remind families where to find help and support.

Download Mental Health Support

What is this resource?

This article helps families understand where they can access information, advice and support for their child's emotional wellbeing and mental health through Hampshire's SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It recognises that children and young people can experience pressures related to school, friendships and life changes, and signposts families to trusted sources of support. The article highlights mental health support services, advice on anxiety and low mood, support for neurodiverse children, and activities that help build confidence and wellbeing.

The key message is that families do not have to manage these challenges alone and that support is available when it is needed.

When should schools use it?

This article works particularly well when schools are focusing on emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental health. It can be shared:

Around World Mental Health Day and other wellbeing awareness campaigns.
During the autumn term when pupils may be adjusting to a new class, year group or school.
Ahead of exam periods and assessment seasons.
Following school holidays when some children may need additional support with transitions.
In response to common parental questions about emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Whenever schools want to remind families where to find help and support.

Download Mental Health Support

What is this resource?

This article is designed to help families understand and prepare for their child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Annual Review. It explains what an Annual Review is, who will be involved, what families can expect before and during the meeting, and what happens afterwards. It also encourages parents to think about their views, identify any concerns, and consider what they would like to happen next for their child. The article emphasises the importance of both the parent's and the child's voice in the review process.

The resource provides a straightforward overview of the Annual Review process, helping families feel more informed and confident ahead of what can sometimes feel like a daunting meeting.

When should schools use it?

This article is most useful when schools are arranging or preparing for EHCP Annual Reviews. It can be shared:

When inviting families to an Annual Review meeting.
As part of the pre-review paperwork sent to parents.
Through SEND newsletters and school SEND webpages.
During periods when many Annual Reviews are taking place.
When parents ask questions about the Annual Review process.
As part of wider communications about EHCPs and SEND support.

Download Preparing for an Annual Review

What is this resource?

This article is designed to help families understand and prepare for their child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Annual Review. It explains what an Annual Review is, who will be involved, what families can expect before and during the meeting, and what happens afterwards. It also encourages parents to think about their views, identify any concerns, and consider what they would like to happen next for their child. The article emphasises the importance of both the parent's and the child's voice in the review process.

The resource provides a straightforward overview of the Annual Review process, helping families feel more informed and confident ahead of what can sometimes feel like a daunting meeting.

When should schools use it?

This article is most useful when schools are arranging or preparing for EHCP Annual Reviews. It can be shared:

When inviting families to an Annual Review meeting.
As part of the pre-review paperwork sent to parents.
Through SEND newsletters and school SEND webpages.
During periods when many Annual Reviews are taking place.
When parents ask questions about the Annual Review process.
As part of wider communications about EHCPs and SEND support.

Download Preparing for an Annual Review

What is this resource?

This article helps schools promote awareness, understanding and celebration of neurodiversity, disability and individual differences. It signposts families to trusted information, services and support available through the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH), including information about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, local support groups and organisations, and strategies to help families support their children.

When should schools use it?

This article is designed to support schools during national awareness and celebration campaigns, including:

Neurodiversity Pride Week (typically 11–17 June)
Neurodiversity Pride Day (16 June)
Autistic Pride Day (18 June)
Disability Pride Month (July)
ADHD Awareness Month (October)

It can also be used during autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, SEND and inclusion-themed activities throughout the year, or whenever schools wish to promote understanding, acceptance and celebration of difference. The resource is intentionally flexible and can be adapted to support a range of awareness campaigns and events.

Download Celebrating Difference

What is this resource?

This article helps schools promote awareness, understanding and celebration of neurodiversity, disability and individual differences. It signposts families to trusted information, services and support available through the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH), including information about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, local support groups and organisations, and strategies to help families support their children.

When should schools use it?

This article is designed to support schools during national awareness and celebration campaigns, including:

Neurodiversity Pride Week (typically 11–17 June)
Neurodiversity Pride Day (16 June)
Autistic Pride Day (18 June)
Disability Pride Month (July)
ADHD Awareness Month (October)

It can also be used during autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, SEND and inclusion-themed activities throughout the year, or whenever schools wish to promote understanding, acceptance and celebration of difference. The resource is intentionally flexible and can be adapted to support a range of awareness campaigns and events.

Download Celebrating Difference

What is this resource?

This article is aimed directly at young people and encourages them to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing. It explains that feeling worried, stressed, low or overwhelmed is something many young people experience and signposts them to trusted information and support available through the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). The article includes information about mental wellbeing, support services, helplines, safe places to talk and organisations that can help. It also reinforces the important message that young people do not have to cope on their own.

Unlike some of the other articles in the pack, this resource speaks directly to young people rather than parents and carers, helping them understand where they can find support for themselves.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful when schools are promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental health support for young people. It can be shared:

During Mental Health Awareness campaigns and wellbeing initiatives.
Around exam and assessment periods when stress and anxiety may increase.
During tutor time, assemblies or PSHE lessons focusing on mental health and wellbeing.
Through student newsletters, student portals or wellbeing pages.
As part of transition support for pupils moving between year groups or phases of education.
Whenever schools want to remind young people where they can access help and support.

Why should schools share it?

Young people are often more likely to seek help when they know what support is available and where to find it. This article provides a simple, reassuring introduction to mental health support and encourages young people to reach out if they are struggling. It also promotes self-help strategies, trusted sources of information and support services that can be accessed both locally and nationally.

By sharing this resource, schools can help normalise conversations about mental health, encourage help-seeking behaviour and support young people to take positive steps to look after their wellbeing.

Download Supporting Young People's Mental Health

What is this resource?

This article is aimed directly at young people and encourages them to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing. It explains that feeling worried, stressed, low or overwhelmed is something many young people experience and signposts them to trusted information and support available through the Hampshire SEND Local Offer and Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). The article includes information about mental wellbeing, support services, helplines, safe places to talk and organisations that can help. It also reinforces the important message that young people do not have to cope on their own.

Unlike some of the other articles in the pack, this resource speaks directly to young people rather than parents and carers, helping them understand where they can find support for themselves.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful when schools are promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental health support for young people. It can be shared:

During Mental Health Awareness campaigns and wellbeing initiatives.
Around exam and assessment periods when stress and anxiety may increase.
During tutor time, assemblies or PSHE lessons focusing on mental health and wellbeing.
Through student newsletters, student portals or wellbeing pages.
As part of transition support for pupils moving between year groups or phases of education.
Whenever schools want to remind young people where they can access help and support.

Why should schools share it?

Young people are often more likely to seek help when they know what support is available and where to find it. This article provides a simple, reassuring introduction to mental health support and encourages young people to reach out if they are struggling. It also promotes self-help strategies, trusted sources of information and support services that can be accessed both locally and nationally.

By sharing this resource, schools can help normalise conversations about mental health, encourage help-seeking behaviour and support young people to take positive steps to look after their wellbeing.

Download Supporting Young People's Mental Health

What is this resource?

This article helps families find childcare, activities and holiday provision during school holidays through the Hampshire Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It explains what holiday playschemes are, highlights the benefits they offer children, and signposts families to local schemes across Hampshire. The article explains that holiday playschemes provide safe, fun and stimulating activities during school holidays and may include healthy meals, enriching activities and funded places for eligible families. It also reminds families that places can fill quickly and encourages early booking.

The resource provides a simple route for parents to find holiday childcare and activities without needing to search multiple websites and providers.

When should schools use it?

This article is most effective in the lead-up to school holidays, particularly:

Before the summer holidays.
Before Easter, Christmas and half-term breaks.
In end-of-term newsletters.
When families are asking about holiday childcare or activities.
As part of holiday support communications.
Alongside information about local activities and family support services.

Top tip: This article sits particularly well alongside resources about free and low-cost activities, holiday wellbeing, and short breaks, creating a useful holiday support package for families.

Download Finding Holiday Playschemes

What is this resource?

This article helps families find childcare, activities and holiday provision during school holidays through the Hampshire Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It explains what holiday playschemes are, highlights the benefits they offer children, and signposts families to local schemes across Hampshire. The article explains that holiday playschemes provide safe, fun and stimulating activities during school holidays and may include healthy meals, enriching activities and funded places for eligible families. It also reminds families that places can fill quickly and encourages early booking.

The resource provides a simple route for parents to find holiday childcare and activities without needing to search multiple websites and providers.

When should schools use it?

This article is most effective in the lead-up to school holidays, particularly:

Before the summer holidays.
Before Easter, Christmas and half-term breaks.
In end-of-term newsletters.
When families are asking about holiday childcare or activities.
As part of holiday support communications.
Alongside information about local activities and family support services.

Top tip: This article sits particularly well alongside resources about free and low-cost activities, holiday wellbeing, and short breaks, creating a useful holiday support package for families.

Download Finding Holiday Playschemes

What is this resource?

This article explains what Short Breaks are and how they can support children and young people with SEND, as well as their families. It highlights that Short Breaks provide planned activities and support opportunities that help children and young people with a Gateway + Card have fun, develop confidence, build independence and social skills, while giving families a break from caring responsibilities.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful when:

Supporting families of children and young people with SEND.
Promoting holiday activities and support opportunities.
Signposting parents who may benefit from respite or additional support.
Discussing community-based opportunities that help develop independence and social skills.
Sharing information ahead of school holidays, when families may be looking for activities and support.
Providing information during SEND reviews, parent meetings or family support conversations.

Top tip: This article works well alongside the Holiday Playschemes article. Sharing both resources helps families understand the difference between universal holiday activities and the specialist Short Breaks offer available to eligible children and young people with SEND.

Download Short Breaks

What is this resource?

This article explains what Short Breaks are and how they can support children and young people with SEND, as well as their families. It highlights that Short Breaks provide planned activities and support opportunities that help children and young people with a Gateway + Card have fun, develop confidence, build independence and social skills, while giving families a break from caring responsibilities.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful when:

Supporting families of children and young people with SEND.
Promoting holiday activities and support opportunities.
Signposting parents who may benefit from respite or additional support.
Discussing community-based opportunities that help develop independence and social skills.
Sharing information ahead of school holidays, when families may be looking for activities and support.
Providing information during SEND reviews, parent meetings or family support conversations.

Top tip: This article works well alongside the Holiday Playschemes article. Sharing both resources helps families understand the difference between universal holiday activities and the specialist Short Breaks offer available to eligible children and young people with SEND.

Download Short Breaks

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Hampshire

What is this resource?

This article helps families discover affordable activities, attractions and places to visit across Hampshire through the Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It highlights a range of opportunities, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor spaces, country parks, nature reserves, walks, museums, family-friendly attractions and local events. The article encourages families to get out and about, stay active and enjoy time together without spending large amounts of money.

The resource also reinforces the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors, including supporting children's physical health, boosting mood, reducing stress, and helping to build confidence and social skills.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful:

Before school holidays, including Easter, summer, Christmas and half-term breaks.
During periods when families may be looking for affordable ways to keep children occupied.
As part of cost-of-living support information.
In family wellbeing and community engagement communications.
Alongside holiday activity and childcare information.
Whenever schools want to promote opportunities for children and families to spend time together and stay active.

Why should schools share it?

Many families are looking for enjoyable activities that are accessible and affordable, particularly during school holidays and periods of financial pressure. This article helps families discover local opportunities that support wellbeing, encourage physical activity and promote quality family time without significant cost.

By sharing this resource, schools can help families connect with their local community, make the most of the facilities and attractions available across Hampshire, and access ideas that support children's development, wellbeing and social connections.

Suggested guidance for schools

Recommended use: Share this article before school holidays or as part of family wellbeing and cost-of-living communications. It helps families find free and low-cost activities across Hampshire, including outdoor spaces, local attractions and community events. Schools may wish to include it in newsletters, holiday information packs, family support pages and community newsletters.

Top Tip

This article works particularly well alongside:

Holiday Playschemes.pdf for families seeking holiday childcare and organised activities.
Short Breaks.pdf for eligible children and young people with SEND.
School Holiday Activities.pdf for a broader overview of holiday opportunities and support.

Free-and-Low-cost-activities.pdf

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Hampshire

What is this resource?

This article helps families discover affordable activities, attractions and places to visit across Hampshire through the Family Information and Services Hub (FISH). It highlights a range of opportunities, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor spaces, country parks, nature reserves, walks, museums, family-friendly attractions and local events. The article encourages families to get out and about, stay active and enjoy time together without spending large amounts of money.

The resource also reinforces the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors, including supporting children's physical health, boosting mood, reducing stress, and helping to build confidence and social skills.

When should schools use it?

This article is particularly useful:

Before school holidays, including Easter, summer, Christmas and half-term breaks.
During periods when families may be looking for affordable ways to keep children occupied.
As part of cost-of-living support information.
In family wellbeing and community engagement communications.
Alongside holiday activity and childcare information.
Whenever schools want to promote opportunities for children and families to spend time together and stay active.

Why should schools share it?

Many families are looking for enjoyable activities that are accessible and affordable, particularly during school holidays and periods of financial pressure. This article helps families discover local opportunities that support wellbeing, encourage physical activity and promote quality family time without significant cost.

By sharing this resource, schools can help families connect with their local community, make the most of the facilities and attractions available across Hampshire, and access ideas that support children's development, wellbeing and social connections.

Suggested guidance for schools

Recommended use: Share this article before school holidays or as part of family wellbeing and cost-of-living communications. It helps families find free and low-cost activities across Hampshire, including outdoor spaces, local attractions and community events. Schools may wish to include it in newsletters, holiday information packs, family support pages and community newsletters.

Top Tip

This article works particularly well alongside:

Holiday Playschemes.pdf for families seeking holiday childcare and organised activities.
Short Breaks.pdf for eligible children and young people with SEND.
School Holiday Activities.pdf for a broader overview of holiday opportunities and support.

Free-and-Low-cost-activities.pdf