HY5!, a forum for young people aged 11 to 25 with additional needs and disabilities, has marked another year of success by launching its annual report and hosting a celebration event themed "Better Together".
The group, which meets regularly at the Cherry Street SEND & Sensory Hub, works alongside the SEND & Inclusion Partnership Board to ensure young people's experiences shape local decision-making in Wolverhampton.
Key Achievements This Year
Over the past year, HY5! has helped improve Wolverhampton's Local Offer, influenced developments to Early Help services and post-16 pathways, and created new resources for families. The group delivered Inspiring Change training to more than 60 professionals across education, health and social care.
HY5! has also contributed to regional and national youth voice initiatives, including government consultations and co-production of the national Youth Manifesto.
National Recognition
The group was shortlisted nationally in the Excellence in Co-Production category at the SEND Awards 2026. HY5! has previously received the NHS England Special Recognition Award for Children and Young Person Voice for Change.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "HY5! have an incredibly important role to play in helping the council and our partners ensure that SEND services are the best they possibly can be – and their passion, insight and determination is helping shape support that better meets the needs of children, young people and families across Wolverhampton."