Supporting SEND Families to Explore Activities in Havant

Horizon Leisure has been introducing local SEND families to activity providers with a SEND health and wellbeing fayre. The event showcased the range of active opportunities for children and young people happening in Havant.

On Wednesday 8^th October, Horizon Havant, together with Havant Borough Council and supported by Energise Me and local activity providers, hosted the event to connect, support and inspire families and professionals with children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

When Juliet joined Horizon Leisure Centre as Community Inclusion Officer five months ago, one statistic stood out to her: around 67% of children in Leigh Park are identified as having SEND.

As a SEND parent herself, Juliet already knew the importance of inclusion. She understood the fears and barriers that can make walking into a new space feel daunting.

When asked about why this event was necessary, she said, “I wanted to get everybody under one roof to showcase and celebrate what we have, and instill confidence in our community that we are all here ready to support them.”

To help people feel safe and welcome to come along, Horizon shared virtual tours and videos so families could familiarise themselves with the venue and reduce anxiety they had about attending.

On the day, Horizon Havant was buzzing. 30 exhibitors took part from health and wellbeing providers to community organisations to local activity providers. Highlighting just how many inclusive activities exist across the borough.

Parents, carers and families spent time asking questions and finding out how to get their children involved. For many, it was the first they’d heard of these opportunities so left with new knowledge and contacts, as well as a better understanding of how SEND children could get active in their local community.

Juliet said, “for me, if someone, just one person, comes today who has never entered this building before, that’s a win.”

And that’s not all – providers connected and shared insights about making their sessions more inclusive. So, the event didn’t just connect families to services, but it also connected professionals to each other. Many also asked if the same event would be hosted next year, highlighting its value and success in bringing professionals together.

You can see Horizon Leisure Centre’s Inclusive Activities on their website.

Throughout the event, families and carers spoke openly about the importance of affordable and accessible opportunities. This insight will inform future conversations and decisions so that partners can deliver opportunities that are right for the local community.

Health Partnerships Officer at Havant Borough Council, Harry, said: “it’s been really great to hear from parents around the individual needs of their family and their children, helping us to understand what may need to change to help people access physical activity.”

One young boy who visited the event is on a reduced timetable, which can often mean missing out on PE lessons. Stories like his highlight why connecting families to inclusive, accessible activity opportunities is so important. Physical activity supports both mental and physical wellbeing, and every child deserves the chance to take part, grow, and thrive.

No matter where you are across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, join us in our mission to make physical activity a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

How can you do this?

If you host an inclusive session, upload it to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder so that your offer is easier to find.

Join the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group to meet local professionals, share insights and gain advice.