The consultation is open until 3 November 2024, and has been launched to coincide with this year's National Inclusion Week (23-29 September).
Councillor Steve Forster, Executive Member for Education, said: "We are committed to achieving the best outcomes for all young people in Hampshire. By inviting those with additional needs to share their insights, we ensure our conversations are inclusive and valuable.
“This consultation is part of our ongoing commitment to engaging young people with additional needs which lies at the heart of our work with the SEND Youth Forum. Established earlier this year, the forum empowers young people aged 14 to 25 to voice their opinions and drive positive change.
“By participating, young people can shape their own futures. Insights from the forum will support educational practices, curriculum development, and support services, giving them a sense of ownership in decision-making.”
The youth forum has already addressed barriers to clear communication and shared their tips with County Council staff – particularly pointing out that while they may need extra time to mentally process questions, they should never be ‘talked down’ to.
The consultation is available online in an easy-to-read format, and is fully anonymised. For queries or to request the consultation in another language or format, please call 01962 846193 or email [email protected].
As well as launching the consultation, the County Council is also using the opportunity of National Inclusion Week to call on local businesses to provide more employment opportunities for young people with SEND through its Supported Internship Programme.
This is a comprehensive programme of study and unpaid on-the-job training, funded by Government, which builds a range of essential skills to help SEND young people enter the workforce.
To encourage more employers to participate, the County Council is planning a ‘reverse jobs fair’ at its Winchester headquarters on 14 November, where potential interns will be matched with organisations. If you are a Hampshire business who wants to explore how you can help young people with additional needs, contact [email protected].