Local News
Updates from the local districts
Please use this page to promote any local events or webinars. Please send an email with the subject: FF News - Local News page with a link to your event and short description to familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Broxbourne & East Herts
Hoddesdon Library: Face To Face Courses – Step2Skills Details of upcoming face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hoddesdon Library. Content writing for profit 21st May – 5 weeks – 9.30am 12pm. How to publish a book 21st May – 5 weeks 1.30pm-4pm. Digital photography 25th June – 1.30pm-4pm. Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte Adams, Step2Skills charlotte.adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership
We’re really excited to be preparing for a fantastic summer at Waltham Cross Playing Fields, with a range of vibrant, community-focused events for children and young people. We’d love for you to be part of it—whether that’s showcasing what you do, connecting with local families, or delivering fun taster sessions that inspire young people to get involved. These events attract hundreds of attendees and are a great opportunity to grow awareness of your groups, clubs, and activities while helping us create an active, inclusive community. Please find more details below:
Waltham Cross Cycle Hub Launch
Saturday 9 May, 10am – 12 noon
A free community launch event celebrating cycling and active travel. This is a great opportunity for residents to discover the new hub and upcoming opportunities, including led rides, learn-to-ride sessions, bike marking, maintenance workshops, volunteering, and training.
Herts Summer Parks
Tuesday 4, 11, 18 August, 3pm – 6pm
A free, festival-style programme for young people aged 12–16, featuring sports, arts and crafts, inflatables, adrenaline activities, music workshops, and much, much more. Each young person also receives a voucher for a nutritious meal from local food providers.
Waltham Cross Sports Festival
Saturday 15 August, 12pm – 4pm
A free annual community celebration for families, promoting physical activity and showcasing local opportunities. The day includes sessions, competitions, demonstrations, tournaments, and plenty of fun children’s activities such as bouncy castles and face painting.
If you’re interested in getting involved in any of these events, we’d love to hear from you. Your involvement will play a key role in helping more children and young people get active, try something new, and feel part of their local community. Please contact Matthew Ridley m.ridley2@herts.ac.uk at your earliest convenience.
Sporting Aid
View FREE projects happening across Broxbourne for young people here: Sporting Aid Projects
News from CHEXs
CHEXS Easter Trail Day - Thank you! We had an amazing time at Cedars Park last Saturday for our Easter event! The sun was shining, and so many families came to explore our new trail through the park. A huge thank you to all the stall holders who joined us, to LMA for their wonderful dance performance, and to Broxbourne Council for their support and assistance on the day. Your participation helped make the event truly special, and we loved seeing so many smiles enjoying the fun activities. We raised over £2072 for CHEXS
CHEXS Awards - CHEXS are incredibly proud to be the Winners of the Nurture by Nature Award at the High Sheriff Awards 2026. This recognition celebrates our work supporting children and young people facing disadvantage across Waltham Cross. Through hands-on activities in local green spaces, from planting and growing food to park clean-ups, we help build confidence, connection, and well-being. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work in the community.
Real Talk Sessions -Our Real Talk Sessions are a friendly, relaxed space for parents and carers to connect, share experiences and talk openly about parenting. Join us every other Wednesday in the community room at the back of Tesco Brookfield for advice, support, and a chance to chat, with a cuppa included ☕Sessions restart after the Easter half term on Wednesday 15th April, 1 pm to 2.15 pm. Come along, you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Free & Friendly Coffee & Chat Sessions - Our popular Time for You sessions will be continuing throughout the summer at The Beaumont Centre every Tuesday starting at 12.30pm. To read more about these sessions, see the link MORE INFO
Team All Stars & Team Gold - Thank You - A huge thank you to our incredible 12 for 12 Challenge teams! From walking, scootering, dancing, bike rides, and even a half-marathon, your dedication and energy were amazing. Together, you helped us raise £1,144, and with the support of Helping Herts doubling this, it’s a fantastic achievement for local young people and families. We’re so proud and grateful for all your support!
SPACE
Support Groups - Cheshunt, Welwyn and St Albans - After a short break over the Easter holidays, our in-person Support Groups are back - and we would love to welcome you. Our free monthly sessions are open to all parents, carers and families raising neurodivergent children and young people, including autism and ADHD. No diagnosis is needed.
Cheshunt Support Group - Tuesday 28 April, 10am
Hosted by Hayley and the Family Support team, this session includes a focus on Therapeutic Parenting with Chris, alongside insights from Adrienne from DSPL 4 on local support for families.
Book now
#BeWaterAware event
A free water safety event, #BeWaterAware, will be held at the Lee Valley White Water Centre on 1 May from 10.30am – 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity for local organisations, community groups, and residents to learn more about staying safe around water, while enjoying a fun and informative day.
If you think your organisation, or any groups within your network, would be interested in getting involved or attending, please do get in touch with Paskell Blackwell at pblackwell@leevalleypark.org.uk
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St Albans & Dacorum
SPACE
Support Groups - Cheshunt, Welwyn and St Albans - After a short break over the Easter holidays, our in-person Support Groups are back - and we would love to welcome you. Our free monthly sessions are open to all parents, carers and families raising neurodivergent children and young people, including autism and ADHD. No diagnosis is needed.
St Albans Support Group - Friday 1 May, 10am
Mel and Suzie are joined by guest speaker Liz to explore Social Communication and Interaction in Autism and ADHD, including practical strategies to support your child. Lending SPACE will also be available with resources to borrow.
Book now
Hemel Hempstead Library : Face To Face Courses – Step2Skills Upcoming face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hemel Hempstead Library, delivered by our experienced teacher Joy - Meet the Team. These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development: 🍎 Introduction to Working in Schools – Tues 2nd June 1pm for 5 wks (booking closes 29th May 12am). More information and how to book can be found here: Introduction to working in schools | Hertfordshire County Council
Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte Adams at Step2Skills charlotte.adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk
North Herts & Stevenage
Stevenage Inclusive Job Fair - Step2Skills
- Meet employers to find out about local opportunities and the skills they are looking for
- Chat with Step2Skills Supported Employment team
- BSL Interpreter available all day
- Quiet hour bookable (see QR code on poster attached)
Thursday 14 May, 10am-2pm, at Stevenage Football Club, Broadhall Way, Stevenage SG2 8RH
SPACE
Primary Steps coming soon to Royston - Primary Steps is coming to Royston and we don’t want you to miss out. This practical, supportive six-week course is designed for parents and carers of primary-aged neurodivergent children (Reception–Year 6), exploring strategies to better understand your child’s needs, including communication, sensory differences and behaviour, in a calm and friendly environment. Location: Outside of the Box CIC (SG8 7BX) - Dates and times: 10am–12pm on Friday mornings: April 17th, 24th and May 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your existing knowledge, Primary Steps can make a real difference - but places are limited, so book now. Primary Steps - 6 Week Course (Royston) Tickets, Friday 17 April-Friday 22 May • 10-12 | Eventbrite
Welwyn Hatfield
Domestic Abuse Conference
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council would like to invite you to the Domestic Abuse Conference for 2026, organised in partnership by Hertsmere Borough Council, St Albans District Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. This year’s theme is ‘Growing up with abuse by my side’. The conference will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2026 from 9am – 2:30pm at Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX. Attendees are able to arrive from 8:30am for a prompt 9am start. The day will include presentations from various speakers, including those with lived experience and local support services. Lunch and refreshments will be provided with networking opportunities and stalls, including an exhibition from Red Kite Rape and Sexual Assault Support Service. If your service would like to have a stall during lunch please email h.wilson1@welhat.gov.uk or loran.kingston@hertsmere.gov.uk. Parking is available at Campus West. Please note that charges apply. To book your place, visit the EventBrite site – DAConference2026.eventbrite.co.uk. Once you have booked your place, a diary invite will be sent to you within a few days. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email h.wilson1@welhat.gov.uk or loran.kingston@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Tee Talk - Men's Mental health Week
Tee Talk is an event which The Welwyn Hatfield Council will be delivering alongside Mill Green Golf Club on behalf of Men’s Mental Health Week, taking place on Wednesday 10th June, 5:15pm–8:30pm, at Mill Green Golf Club, Gypsy Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4TY. Tee Talk will provide a relaxed, supportive, and non-judgemental space for men to connect, open up and enjoy themselves. Activities include golf or footgolf, followed by refreshments, music, and a possible BBQ. We’re also set to have some local charities attend, particularly those which support men’s mental health so that they can engage with and support attendees and distribute resources. We’d really appreciate your support in sharing this with your networks to help us reach more charities which could be keen to attend and share to anyone who may benefit from this event. For any enquiries, please contact – j.snowdon@welhat.gov.uk
Hatfield Library: Face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hatfield Library, delivered by our experienced teachers - Meet the Team. These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development:
New learning opportunities with one of our short courses:
How to Publish a Book – Tue 19th May at 10.15am for 5 wks (booking closes Fri 15th May 12am) – with Lynne
Further details and to book your place here: How to Publish a Book | Hertfordshire County Council
Digital Photography – Tues 23rd June at 10.15am for 5 wks (booking closes Fri 19th June at 12am) – with Lynne
Further details and to book your place here Digital Photography | Hertfordshire County Council
Take your learning to the next step with one of our qualification courses:
Level 1 Award in Setting and Achieving Personal Goals – Weds 3rd June at 1pm for 5 wks (booking closes Mon 1st June at 12am) – with Michelle
Further details and to book your place here Level 1 Award in Setting and Achieving Personal Goals | Hertfordshire County Council
Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte.Adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk
SPACE
Support Groups - Cheshunt, Welwyn and St Albans - After a short break over the Easter holidays, our in-person Support Groups are back - and we would love to welcome you. Our free monthly sessions are open to all parents, carers and families raising neurodivergent children and young people, including autism and ADHD. No diagnosis is needed.
Welwyn Support Group - Thursday 30 April, 7pm
Join Tanya, Karen and Patty to learn more about Hertfordshire’s Short Break Local Offer (SBLO), including how to apply and access support. Our Lending SPACE team will also be there with equipment available to borrow.
Book now
Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere
Face‑to‑face courses taking place at South Oxhey Library, delivered by our experienced teachers - Meet the Team. These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development:
Up and coming tasters with Louisa:
Online Job Search & Applications Weds 29th April 9.30am (booking closes Mon 27th April): Online Job Search and Applications - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council
How to Write a Business Plan Weds 6th May 9.30am (booking closes Mon 4th May): How to write a Business Plan - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council
or Weds 20th May 9.30am (booking closes Mon 18th May): How to write a Business Plan - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council
Motivation & Time Management Weds 13th May 9.30am (booking closes Mon 11th May): Motivation and Time Management - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council
or Weds 8th July (booking closes Mon 6th July): Motivation and Time Management - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council
Up and coming courses with Joy or Louisa:
Introduction to Working in Schools with Joy Tues 2 June 9.15am (booking closes Tues 29th May): Introduction to working in schools | Hertfordshire County Council
Boost Your Confidence with Louisa Weds 3 June 9.30am (booking closes Mon 1st June): Boost Your Confidence | Hertfordshire County Council
Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact charlotte.adams@hertfprdshire.gov.uk