Difference we're making

Children's Services Awards 2025

CS awards 2025

At the end of March, the HCC Children's Services Award 2025 were held. Well done to all those nominated and congratulations to all the winners.

The recent CS Awards was a night to remember for Supporting Families, with our members being shortlisted in an impressive six categories. The event was a testament to the dedication and excellence of our teams, and we couldn't be prouder of everyone's achievements.

Steve Whitlam, Community Development Manager at Broxbourne Borough Council and chair of our Broxbourne Families First Partnership Group was shortlisted for Partner of the Year and our Intensive Family Support Team member, Collette Garland was celebrated for securing the Collaborative Worker of the Year Award, a testament to her exceptional teamwork and dedication.

Our other shortlisted nominees included:

Michelle James for Unsung Hero
Fiona Convey for Most Creative Colleague
Lauren Samson for Inclusion Champion
Denise Masawi for Inclusion Champion
The Action for Inclusion Project (Collette and Rebecca) for Team Action and Impact Award
Ruth Coleman and Alison Cowie with The Bridge for Innovation of the Year Award

We were incredibly proud of everyone who was nominated, shortlisted, and won. The reactions in the room and the recognition of their hard work and the impact of our services were truly heartwarming.

The evening also marked a significant milestone for Serena Yearwood and Henry Lee-Brenchley, who were celebrated for their fantastic achievement of 20 years of service. Their dedication and commitment have been invaluable to our organisation.

This was a proud night for Supporting Families, and it was just a small spotlight on all the amazing work you do. Thank you to everyone for your continued dedication and excellence. Let's Continue to Make a Difference!

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period January 2024 - December 2024.

The report looks at Families First Assessments that took place within the period and highlights the presenting needs and outcomes broken down by district along with information about other support for families.

Families First Case Studies

Following on from a programme of Celebrating Excellence in Early Help sessions run in Children’s Services, which aimed to highlight the Families First approach and also included contributions from some of our partners, we are sharing some of the recent case below:

Case Study 1 - Intensive Family Support / Local Borough Council

Scene Setting

The Intensive Family Support team (IFST) began supporting this family of nine in Spring 2021.

As support got underway the third youngest child Tia* was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the family are struggling coming to terms with Tia’s diagnosis and her life expectancy of one year. Tia is 11 years old.

On learning of Tia’s prognosis and following discussion with Keech Hospice an Occupational Therapist (OT) appointment was arranged for the family’s home. This assessment identified that the three-bedroom home was not suitable for end-of-life care and was not suitable for adaptation as the access was too narrow and steep for a ramp.

The Family Intervention Worker (FIW) made contact with the local Borough Council’s Aids and Adaptions Team for support.

Scene Setting

This case study provides some insight into the journey of Fran* and her family. Fran is an eight year old girl who worries about her mum, she knows mum is different when she is with her drinking friends. Fran’s Mum has a diagnosis of unstable personality disorder and has previously used drugs and alcohol as coping strategies, she has been in a cycle of poor mental health and whilst their wider family network have been supporting Fran and her mother they sought out some external support via a Families First Assessment.

Scene Setting:

This case study provides some insight into the support provided to Sanz* from one of our Employment Advisers. Our Intensive Family Support Teams include Employment Advisers who provide tailored support in areas such as employability; taking time to understand skills and experiences, any barriers or challenges preventing employment, identification of any training to support employability, preparation of supporting statements and CVs and job search support, including mock interviews.

Our Advisers can also provide guidance on how to navigate the benefits system, including benefit entitlements and claims, as well as how changes in circumstances impact benefits.

They work in parallel with Family Intervention Workers. This case study summarises support given to Sanz, the mother, to support with employability and benefits.

READ MORE

Case Study 4 - Local Schools Partnership

Case Study 5

This case study follows a mum who suffers from depression and anxiety. She was distrusting of professionals due to a negative experience with Children's Services in another local authority. Dad had recently moved out of the family home so she cares for her three children alone. Read more about the support the family received and the tools mum now takes forward in her parenting skills.

Please share anonymised case studies highlighting how early help and partnership working has provided support to local families with us at familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk. Please ensure you have consent from the family.

April 2025