The CANN network meeting at Grace House brought together professionals supporting children, young people, and families with additional needs. The session included service updates, introductions to new programmes, and opportunities for collaboration.
Key Highlights of presentations
- Grace House Overview: Harry, Emma and Wendy kindly outlined a wide range of support services including counselling, youth groups, holistic therapies, parent support, and community engagement.
- Pathways Programme (Years 4–6): A new 15‑week early-intervention programme supporting emotional regulation, communication, school transition, and early identification of needs, alongside a pilot for ages 0–4.
- Parent & Carer Wellbeing: Expanded wellbeing activities such as yoga, tai chi, crafting, book clubs, couch‑to‑5K, singing, walking groups, and social drop‑ins.
- Family Activities: Planned accessible events including alpaca walks, boat trips, forest school sessions, and summer outings.
- Tour of Grace house.
Contact details:
Emma Carter – Child and Youth Co-ordinator- EC@gracehouse.co.uk
Wendy Haddington – Parent/Carer Co-ordinator – WH@gracehouse.co.uk
Worley’s World CIC
Jodi Heyes introduced us to Worley’s World and Emotional Regulation Framework: A storytelling and sensory‑based model to support children’s emotional regulation with training options for professionals.
Contact details:
Jodi Heyes: www.worleysworld.co.uk , www.rainbowrebelspublishing.co.uk , admin@worleysworld.co.uk
Good News to share
Julie Stephens and Becky Hendry from Healthworks Shared programmes including visual impairment activities, community cancer‑awareness training, and inclusive community events.
Contact details- Julie.Stephens@hwn.org.uk
David Jones from Life science centre shared some great news for the Centre being awarded an accessibility award. David stressed that they are continuing to improve accessibility further and encourage NECANN members to share with other charities/ organisations and families they are open to welcoming everyone.
Contact details – David.Jones@life.org.uk
Overall a brilliant first meeting of 2026 we plan to meet in members venues across the northeast this year. The meeting highlighted strong partnership working and a shared commitment to inclusive practice, early intervention, and improved wellbeing for families with SEND children.
Thanks everyone for coming along today. Date for the next meeting will be circulated soon.
