Dads Leading the Way: Boosting Vaccine Confidence in Harlesden’s Somali Community September 4, 2026 Editor 10:19 am When it comes to protecting children’s health, trust makes all the difference — and trust is built by people the community already knows.   On 2 September 2026, Voices for SEND Support Network, in partnership with Brent Health […]

Boosting Vaccine Uptake: Bringing Dads Into the Conversation on Immunisation August 27, 2026 Editor 10:20 am THE VOICES FOR SEND SUPPORT NETWORK News & Project Update Part of the project: Engaging Somali Fathers & Carers of SEND Children in Brent – A Community-Led Child Health, Well-being & Education Initiative Lead Organisation: Voices for SEND Support

You don’t need to be an expert to support SEND families. You can: Change starts with small acts of compassion and curiosity. We all have a role to play in building a more inclusive, informed, and supportive community—for all children.

Some families turn to Islamic healing when a child is diagnosed with autism—and that’s okay. Faith plays an important role in how we cope and seek understanding. But it shouldn’t replace medical or educational support. Faith and science can work together. Prayer can provide comfort. So can speech therapy. You don’t have to choose one

People sometimes ask: Why did we start with the Somali community? Because our people are often the most excluded when it comes to SEND services. Language barriers, cultural stigma, and lack of trust in the system mean many Somali families are left behind. By starting here, we can build a model of support that works—and

Too often in our communities, autism is misunderstood. Some think it’s a punishment or a spiritual curse. But autism is a neurological difference, not a moral failure. Believing in myths hurts families. It causes shame, secrecy, and missed opportunities for children to grow. At VSN, we work hard to challenge these misconceptions with education and

Our Somali children with autism are bright, talented, and full of potential—but only if we support them early and consistently. Let’s stop letting shame decide their future. Let’s fight for inclusive schools, early diagnosis, community-based therapies, and parent education. We don’t need to wait for someone else to fix things—we can do it together. Speak