September marks an exciting time for London’s SEND community, with councils across Hackney, Islington, Hammersmith & Fulham, Waltham Forest, Camden, and Haringey hosting various activities, workshops, and community events.

From the major Mayor’s Community Weekend to local family support sessions, there’s something for every family looking to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

MAYOR’S COMMUNITY WEEKEND: SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2025

The highlight of September’s community calendar is the Mayor’s Community Weekend, taking place across London from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2025. This partnership between the Mayor of London and the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded almost £400,000 to over 200 charities and grassroots organisations across all London boroughs.

Several SEND-focused organisations have received funding to deliver inclusive celebration events.

HACKNEY’S SEND COMMUNITY OFFERINGS

Hackney continues to lead in community engagement through its comprehensive Local Offer activities. The borough’s SEND newsletter, distributed every half-term, provides families with curated information about activities and opportunities specifically designed for children and young people with additional needs.

  • School Play Streets Initiative: Hackney’s innovative school play streets programme continues throughout September, with sessions typically taking place on Friday afternoons. These events close streets to traffic, creating safe spaces for children to play while building community connections. Eight schools and children’s centres across Hackney participate, with the model now expanding to Islington and Camden.
  • Cycle Training Opportunities: September represents an ideal time for families to access Hackney’s free cycle training programmes. The borough offers specialised sessions for people with SEND, delivered by fully qualified instructors who can adapt training to individual needs. Sessions range from basic balance skills through to advanced road cycling techniques.
  • Community Consultation Events: Hackney regularly hosts consultation sessions where families can influence SEND service development. These events provide platforms for parents and young people to share experiences and contribute to policy improvements.

CAMDEN’S FAMILY HUB NETWORK

Camden’s extensive Family Hub network provides numerous September opportunities for SEND families to access support, activities, and peer connections.

  • Sports and Leisure Integration: Camden Council prioritises ensuring young people with SEND can access mainstream sports and leisure activities. September sees the launch of new inclusive programmes across the borough’s leisure facilities, with adapted sessions and specialist support available.
  • Independent Travel Training Workshops: As the new academic year begins, Camden offers family information sessions about independent travel training opportunities. These workshops help parents understand how travel training can benefit their young people while addressing common concerns about safety and readiness.
  • SEND Family Events: Throughout September, Camden hosts various family-focused events through its Local Offer programme, including sensory-friendly activities, information fairs, and peer support sessions.

ISLINGTON’S COMMUNITY SUPPORT FRAMEWORK

Islington’s approach to community events emphasises peer support and family empowerment. The borough’s voluntary and community sector partnerships create diverse opportunities for SEND families to engage with their local community.

  • Funding Support Workshops: September includes sessions helping SEND community groups access local funding streams. Islington’s Community Chest, managed by Cripplegate Foundation, provides grants up to £5,000 for community organisations working with local families.
  • LIFT Programme Activities: As part of the Leading Inclusive Futures Through Technology programme (delivered in partnership with Camden, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets), Islington offers September workshops focusing on digital inclusion and technology skills for young people with SEND.
  • Community Festivals Preparation: Islington’s Community Festivals Fund supports borough-wide celebrations, and September often features planning sessions for autumn community events designed to be fully inclusive.

WALTHAM FOREST’S EARLY YEARS FOCUS

Waltham Forest places particular emphasis on supporting families with young children, making September an important month for early years SEND activities.

  • Lloyd Park Children’s Charity Events: This organisation runs extensive inclusive and SEND-specific play and learning activities throughout September, offering families opportunities to connect while their children engage in structured play.
  • Walthamstow Toy Library Sessions: With sites in both Walthamstow and Leytonstone, the Toy Library hosts inclusive play sessions led by experienced play workers. September sessions often focus on transition activities, helping children prepare for new school terms or settings.
  • Parent Forum Activities: Waltham Forest Parent’s Forum, a voluntary group supporting parents of children with SEND aged 0-25, hosts regular September support meetings. These provide opportunities for peer support, information sharing, and friendship building.
  • The Together Space: This inclusive venue offers September activities where children and families with and without learning disabilities can socialise, learn, and play together in comfortable, understanding environments.

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM’S ACTIVITY PROGRAMME

H&F Council’s approach to community activities emphasises accessibility and family involvement across all their offerings.

  • Family Hub Programming: The borough’s Family Hubs host various September activities specifically designed for SEND families, including sensory play sessions, parent support groups, and information workshops.
  • Library Events and Activities: H&F libraries run inclusive September programmes including storytelling sessions adapted for children with additional needs, sensory-friendly activities, and technology workshops.
  • Youth Activities Integration: The borough ensures young people with SEND can access mainstream youth activities, with September marking the start of new term programmes across youth centres and community venues.

PRACTICAL PARTICIPATION TIPS

To make the most of September’s community offerings:

  • Contact Local Offer Teams: Each borough’s SEND Local Offer website provides current information about upcoming events and activities. These are updated regularly with new opportunities.
  • Join Newsletter Lists: Sign up for borough SEND newsletters to receive regular updates about activities, events, and support opportunities directly to your inbox.
  • Connect with Parent Networks: Local parent forums and support groups often know about informal activities and can provide peer support for attending events.
  • Consider Volunteer Opportunities: Many community events welcome family volunteers, providing additional ways to engage with local SEND communities.
  • Plan for Accessibility: Contact event organisers in advance to discuss any specific accessibility needs or support requirements your family might have.

TRANSPORT AND ACCESS SUPPORT

Remember that many boroughs provide transport support for accessing community activities:

  • Contact your local SEND transport team about accessing community events
  • Explore whether independent travel training might help your young person attend activities independently
  • Ask about companion or carer support for community events
  • Cheque whether venues offer parking or public transport accessibility information

LOOKING AHEAD

September’s activities often serve as stepping stones to longer-term community engagement. Use these opportunities to:

  • Identify ongoing activities and support groups your family might enjoy
  • Connect with services that could provide ongoing support
  • Discover volunteer opportunities where your family’s experiences could help others
  • Learn about forthcoming events and activities planned for the autumn term

The key to successful participation lies in early planning, clear communication about needs, and openness to new experiences. September’s community calendar provides excellent opportunities to strengthen family connections with local SEND communities while accessing practical support and information in welcoming, inclusive environments.

Jimac Cars proudly manages SEND transport across all these boroughs, ensuring children receive safe, reliable, and compassionate service in Hackney, Islington, H&F, Waltham Forest, Camden, and Haringey.