The latest news
Families First Dates for Your Diary!
There's lots of ways you can keep yourself up-to-date with Families First News:-
Working Together in Early Help Events
Our next Working Together in Early Help events are taking place across the county in February 2025. We have presentations from CGL drug and alcohol support, Beacon, Reducing Parental Conflicting and the Target Parenting Framework, plus more.
Please join and share with your teams. You can book your place here:
- BOOK: Thursday 6th February 2025 10am-1pm Broxbourne Borough Council Chambers, Bishops' College, Churchgate, Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9XQ.
- BOOK: Monday 10th February 2025 10am-1pm Christchurch Baptist, Peartrees, 20 Tewin Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1BW
- BOOK: Thursday 13th February 2025 10am-1pm Bowes Lyons, St George's Way, Stevenage SG1 1XY
- BOOK: Thursday 27th February 2025 10am-1pm Three Rivers Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth WD3 1RL
Monthly Families First Keeping in Touch Sessions
These sessions are an informal update on service news, training offers and parenting courses delivered by one of our service managers. Please email familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov..uk if you would like an invitation to join.
13 February 2025, 9-9:30am, via MS Teams
13 March 2025, 9-9:30am, via MS Teams
Join a Families First Induction day - ideal for new starters
We host Families First online Induction days 4 times per year, where various early help services give a 20 minute whistle-stop tour of their service and are attended by new internal CS staff and external partners. The next dates are:-
- 15 January 2025
- 2 April 2025
- 25 June 2025
Please email: familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions on the above or would like an invite sent to you.
Families First quarterly district partnership meetings
In addition, many of you are regular attendees at our partnership meetings, which are a great way of keeping up to date with new services, updates and make connections. You can find out more about the groups here and email familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like to join.
HAPpy camps are back this winter!
Hertfordshire County Council is once again launching its free winter activity camps for children and young people in Hertfordshire.
Fully funded holiday activity camps return for the festive break, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.
The HAPpy programme is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the Department of Education (DfE) via the government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme and coordinated by Herts Sport and Activity Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
Camps are running on selected dates from 23 December – 3 January and places can be booked via the Herts Sports Partnership’s website
Ask your school office, if your child is eligible and you have not received your code.
NEW The Male Role Model Programme
A new programme has been created by our Dacorum and St Albans Intensive Family Support Team in Children's Services. The Male Role Model Programme is male led and child focussed. It started due to a lack of male role models and grew from a drop-in group, developing into a programme promoting advice and guidance for male role models from all backgrounds.
Download the poster for course dates and times, both online and in person.
Relationships Matter : skills to support families
When working with families do you think about the quality of parental relationships?
Do you feel confident to ask questions about relationship quality?
Do you know where to go for relationship support?
We understand that healthy relationships support good outcomes for children, so it is essential that we support parents to have the skills to manage stress and communicate well.
Arguing is NORMAL it is our behaviours and how we resolve conflict that determine relationship quality and stability.
The Early Help Commissioning Team have developed an i-learn that we can share for free if you have a learning platform you can host the course on.
It covers:
- Understanding what parental conflict is and the impact this has on Children and Young People
- Understanding the difference between parental conflict and domestic and the appropriate support pathways
- Identifying signs that could indicate relationship distress and conflictual behaviours that lead to relationships breakdown
- Understanding a framework for working with parents in conflict
We offer free training in the use of the OnePlusOne Digital Interventions and are looking for relationship support champions across the VCFSE sector.
If you would like to know more about the training, resources and courses available to support parental relationships please contact EHCommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
We have developed a webpage full of resources to support parents in conflict and a range of digital and group based courses:
Parenting When Separated: A 6-week group-based course for separated parents that focuses on the emotional impact of separation and supporting communication between co-parents.
Upcoming course dates:
- Online course every Wednesday between 29 Jan - 12 Mar 2025 excluding half term, 10am - 12:30pm
- Face to Face course at The Otley Family Centre, Otley Way, WD19 7TB
Every Friday between 17 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 excluding half term, 10am – 1pm
Parenting When Separated Referral Form (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Parenting SEN Children Through Separation: A 6-week group-based online course for separated or separating parents and carers of neurodiverse children seeking guidance, support, and strategies for co-parenting more consistently.
Upcoming course dates:
- Monday between 24 Feb - 31 Mar 2025, 7pm - 9pm
- Every Tuesday between 25 Feb - 1 Apr 2025, 9.30am - 11.30am
Parenting SEN Children Through Separation Referral Form
OnePlusOne’s digital interventions: 3 online courses aimed at new parents, intact parents and parents that are separated.
Arguing Better
For all parenting journeys
Disagreements are a normal part of life. How you approach them can make all the difference to you, your partner, and your children.
Me, You and Baby Too
For new parenting journeys
Learn how to navigate the changes that happen in a relationship when a baby arrives.
Getting It Right For Children
For all co-parenting journeys
Learn how to develop positive communication skills that enable you to parent co-operatively and work out solutions together.
The course can be completed at your own pace independently or with support from staff at your local Family Centre or Local School Partnership.
You can get started with this digital course as soon as you register for a free OnePlusOne account.
All courses and further support can be found on the Relationship support for parents | Hertfordshire County Council
Support and services available to manage the cost of living
This winter, Hertfordshire County Council wants to make sure that advice and support is available to help every resident deal with the rising cost of living.
Practical help is available for those who need it most. To make sure everyone knows what financial and practical support is available, the council is highlighting advice and services Hertfordshire residents can access.
Welcome Space Network – Home Energy Support
‘Warm Space’ centres were the initial response in supporting individuals affected by ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Evolving from this initiative, a Welcome Hub is a safe community space that is accessible for everyone to attend on a regular basis. A variety of activities are delivered by staff and volunteers, with free or low-cost refreshments provided.
Communities 1st is delivering a two-year project across Hertfordshire (and Beds), funded by Cadent and focusing on income maximisation. Since January 2024, the network has grown and will deliver through 30 community hubs that originated as warm spaces. Beneficiaries can receive home energy advice that includes the priority services register, carbon monoxide safety (with monitors) and general information on keeping safe and warm. Slow cooker workshops are being delivered that include budgeting, numeracy, and nutrition awareness. Participants of these sessions are given a slow cooker after attending. Communities 1st Benefit Advisors visit the centres regularly to offer support. Candent offers various resources and information that is shared to the centres.
Participating centres to date:
Aberford Rd Community Centre, Borehamwood
Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood
Windsor Hall, Borehamwood
Organ Hall, Borehamwood
Bushey Library, Sparrows Herne
Wormley Community Centre, Broxbourne
Community Skills Hub, Waltham Cross
Rosedale Community Church, Cheshunt
St Albans Community Pantry, Fleetville and Cottonmill Community Centres
Sowing Seeds Family Hub, Cuffley
Dunstable Community Halls
Goffs Oak Methodist Church
(HILS) Friendship House, Hatfield
Potential Futures (Kids), Hatfield
St. Johns Community Café, Hatfield
Highfield Community Centre, Hemel Hempstead
Mill End Community Centre, Rickmansworth
KCM Church, Potters Bar
Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett
(HILS) Jubilee Centre, St Albans
Bedwell Community Centre, Stevenage
Stoneyhall Community Centre, Stevenage
Create-Community, Letchworth Garden City
St. Clements Church, Cheshunt Wash
Isabel Hospice Compassionate Café, St Joseph’s Church, Waltham Cross
Red Trust Café, Phoenix Community Centre, Bushey
Supporting a smokefree generation – A Hertfordshire perspective
Please find below an invitation to the next University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council Public Health master class Supporting a smokefree generation – A Hertfordshire perspective. This online event is being held on Wednesday, 15th January 2025 at 10am – 12noon; I would be grateful if you could circulate this invitation to associated colleagues / networks who may find this of interest.
Title: Supporting a smokefree generation – A Hertfordshire perspective
Date: Wednesday, 15th January 2025
Time: 10am – 12 noon
This is an online event via MS Teams. For further details and TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, please visit the Supporting a smokefree generation booking page
During this masterclass we will cover the following learning outcomes:
- Understand what we mean by “a smokefree generation.”
- Understand what action is being taken in Hertfordshire to tackle vaping in young people.
- Increase awareness of what Trading Standards are doing to reduce illegal vapes for sale in Hertfordshire.
- Understand what the evidence from research tells us about the best way to design services and interventions that will reach smokers and support them to quit successfully
Chair: Professor Alejandro Quiroz Flores, Director, Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), University of Hertfordshire
Programme:
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Welcome
Professor Alejandro Quiroz Flores, Director, Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), University of Hertfordshire
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Setting the scene – what we mean by ‘smokefree generation’
Rushma Patel, Health Improvement Lead – Tobacco Control, Hertfordshire County Council
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Vaping for adults for smoking cessation
Jo Meola, Senior Health Improvement Manager, Hertfordshire County Council
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Vaping in children and young people – research findings
Adele Glover, Research and Evaluation Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
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Enforcement – Trading Standards. – what’s happening to reduce illegal vapes for sale in Herts
Mike McGregor / Mark Kempster, Community Protection, Hertfordshire County Council
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What does the evidence tell us about optimising public health action to support smokers to quit?
Professor Katherine Brown, Public Health and Applied Behaviour Change (PHAB) Lab, University of Hertfordshire
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Panel Q&A (all speakers)
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If you have any queries regarding this masterclass, please contact PHL&D@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Are you are aware the new Childcare offer?
The government has recently introduced a new childcare offer for working parents who have children aged from 9 months to 3 years old. In September 2025 - 30 hours of free childcare support will be available to eligible working parents of children aged from 9 months. For more information, please visit Childcare Expansion
Every Local Authority has a duty to ensure there is enough childcare in their area to meet parental demand. Completing this survey will provide vital information to ensure that Hertfordshire has sufficient childcare options in place to be able to deliver the additional free childcare from September 2025. This survey is aimed at finding the views of expectant parents and parents with children aged under 3 of the availability of childcare in their local community.
Survey here
Coach Education Week
Coach Education Week (CEW) is running from Monday 17th February to Sunday 23rd February 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for coaches and physical activity deliverers to enhance their skills, knowledge, and qualifications.
This year’s programme is packed with over 40 opportunities, offering more than 1,000 places for both in-person and online events. It’s a mix of free and paid-for sessions, covering a wide range of topics to cater to different needs.
You can view the full CEW 2025 programme here.
Please feel free to share this with your networks and any staff who might be interested. Additionally, we’d love it if you could help spread the word on social media—there’s an attached image to help with this!
For ongoing updates about coaching, please encourage people to sign up for our Connecting Coaches Newsletter.
If anyone has any questions or queries, they can contact Charlie Mann at c.mann3@herts.ac.uk
News from Services for Young People, November 2024
Services for Young People celebrates the achievements of over 160 young people
The 2024 Young People’s Awards events were held during National Youth Work Week to recognise the achievements of some of the young people who have been supported by Services for Young People (SfYP) over the last year.
Four events were held across Hertfordshire to celebrate and recognise the resilience and determination of 163 Hertfordshire young people. The events highlighted the positive impact that SfYP Youth Workers and Advisers have in enabling young people to overcome challenges and make significant improvements in their personal and social development.
Young people in Broxbourne get hands-on construction work experience
In partnership with the construction company Mullaley, SfYP offered 25 young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and care leavers a unique opportunity to gain experience in the construction industry as part of the refurbishment of SfYP’s Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre. Five young people participated in a two-day work experience placement, and 20 others joined half-day taster sessions, helping them to develop new skills and build confidence. They worked alongside builders, exploring various trades, including bricklaying, tiling, painting and decorating.
Hertfordshire Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey 2024
SfYP is working in partnership with Public Health Hertfordshire to deliver this annual survey which captures the health and wellbeing needs of young people aged 11-19. Completing the survey gives young people the chance to share their views on important health and wellbeing topics that affect their lives. By taking part, young people can have their voices heard about what matters most to them. The survey is now live and will be open until 20 December 2024.
SfYP Employment Pathways programme gives a young person a fresh start
The SfYP Employment Pathways programme provides tailored support to young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in education, employment, or training. One young person’s journey on the programme shows the life-changing impact that individualised support can have on overcoming challenges. Her story highlights how the right guidance and opportunities can empower young people to regain control of their futures and set ambitious career goals.
Beezee January 2025 programmes
Looking for FREE healthy lifestyle support for families and young people in Hertfordshire?
Our Beezee Families, Beezee Youth and HENRY programmes are here to help!
Previously known as BeeZee Bodies, Beezee is now the name given to healthy lifestyle programmes delivered by Maximus, and we continue to partner with HENRY. All our programmes are funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health team. Download the poster.
SIGN UPS for our New Year 2025 programmes are now OPEN!
Support is available in-person and online. Professionals can refer families and young people to these programmes, or families and young people can sign up directly.
Please see below our Beezee Families Timetable for programmes starting the week commencing 20th January 2025 which offer FREE support for 12 weeks!
January Programme and January Family Programme
Parent/carer workshops, masterclasses and professionals training
In addition to our healthy lifestyle programmes, we run free workshops (face-to-face) and masterclasses (online) to help parents and carers tackle family lifestyle concerns. These include body image, healthy eating on a budget, emotional eating and fussy eating, plus how to encourage healthy eating habits. We also offer free professionals training. Our team can train professionals to talk about:
- Raising the issue of obesity
- Strategies to improve fussy eating
- Overview of our services
To find out more about free healthy lifestyle support, training or workshops available in Hertfordshire, you can:
Call: 01707 248648
Email: BZBinfo@maximusuk.co.uk
Visit our website: https://hrt.maximusuk.co.uk/
Introduction to the SEND Local Offer website’ – webinar
The Local Offer website lets parents, young people and professionals know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. There is so much more than that, too.
A friendly face from the Local Offer team will take you through what’s on the website and how you can use it to find the right services and support. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer
(For professionals) Tuesday 14 January 11am – 12pm Join the meeting
(For professionals) Thursday 16 January 2pm - 3pm Join the meeting
(for professionals AND parent carers) Tuesday 14 January 8pm - 9pm Register to join this webinar
A quick note: The Local Offer website is different to Short Breaks (SBLO). We won’t be going into detail about SBLO.
The OLLIE Foundation – One Life Lost Is Enough – Autumn Newsletter
Below is a few of the headlines from the Ollie Foundation Autumn newsletter.
Safer Prescribing Initiative
The OLLIE Foundation has developed a Safer Prescribing Initiative, useful for safeguarding teens and young adults if they are using or intending to use antidepressants, or any other drug that lists suicidal thoughts as a potential side-effect, ensuring their wellbeing throughout the medication journey. The Prescription Safe Plan is available in 16 different languages. Please see poster/newsletter attached.
Free events coming up
We have now added Pilates to our well-being offer as we know how important movement is and how many people struggle to leave the house or have funds to pay for such classes.
We also run Mindful Art Classes every fortnight.
Here is the link to our classes, please share them with anyone who may wish to attend!
On the 10th of December Join us online from 7pm for an Important Online Talk with Autistic Advocate, Lisa Morgan as we explore Autism and Suicide Risk and Intervention - Lisa Morgan brings extensive expertise in this area. Amongst crucial considerations, Lisa will share ideas around communication and its impact on assessment and how some language can cause unintentional harm. Her insights will be invaluable for understanding the unique factors impacting autistic teens. Lisa aims for delegates to leave the session better informed about how to provide truly, meaningful support for autistic teens using language that de-escalates rather than activates. Reserve your seat here: Calendar
Assist – March 2025
We are excited to be offering another ASIST training in 2025 which is open to the public and professionals. This 2-day training, featuring reflection and roleplay, empowers you to guide vulnerable individuals toward essential support. The course builds confidence and skills that can truly save lives and is available at a subsidised cost.
WHEN: 20th + 21st March 2025WHERE: Harpenden, Hertfordshire Spaces are limited so please do register in advance if interested.
Register now: ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Helping students transition with confidence: New sessions for schools
We’re pleased to announce funding for Hertfordshire Schools to access valuable student workshops:
Transition into University: This 90-minute workshop teachers stress-management and well-being skills for independent living. Covering stress biology, changes in duty of care, and medication risks, it helps students create wellness plans and identify supportive adults.
Transition into Secondary School: Transition to Secondary School: Aimed at Year 6, this session uses goal-setting to help students build resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Teachers also participate to ensure lasting impact. Transition to Secondary School: Aimed at Year 6, this session uses goal-setting to help students build resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Teachers also participate to ensure lasting impact.
If you are interested, please email contactus@theolliefoundation.org
Schools Bursary: Free Suicide Prevention Training for Schools Affected by Loss
At OLLIE, we understand how profoundly the loss of a student, parent, or colleague to suicide can affect an entire school community. In partnership with Tooled Up Education, we offer a free, downloadable Sudden Death Guidance resource, and we’re proud to now be able to extend our support to schools and universities impacted by suicide. Our sessions (valued at £950) equip educators and staff with practical tools and insights, fostering understanding around suicide, building supportive environments, and empowering communities to help prevent future tragedies. Through this initiative, we aim to give schools the resources they need to support one another in times of grief and beyond. Please get contact with us to find out more: contactus@theolliefoundation.org.
Difference we're making
Families First - Performance Data Report
You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period October 2023 - September 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.
International Men's Day
The St Albans & Dacorum IFST International Men's Day Networking Event, held from 1 to 3 PM, was a highly positive and impactful gathering. The event kicked off with an inspiring address from the IFST team, setting the stage for a series of insightful presentations from various esteemed organizations.
Speakers from Step2Skills, Mediation Herts, the Job Centre, and MIND followed, each contributing valuable perspectives and expertise. Step2Skills focused on opportunities for personal and professional growth, while Mediation Herts shared effective conflict resolution strategies. The Job Centre provided practical advice on employment and career progression, and MIND emphasized the critical importance of mental health and well-being.
The primary aim of the networking event was to highlight the positive impact of male carers and role models for children, aligning with the broader theme of Men's Mental Health Month. Attendees left feeling inspired and connected, having engaged in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities that underscored the importance of male role models and mental health awareness.
Supporting Home Start volunteers to reduce parental conflict
Family & Health Services Commissioning were proud to be invited to Home Start Watford & Three Rivers volunteer signposting event in October to present on Hertfordshire’s Relationship Support offer. In addition to raising awareness of the offer for parents and carers, resources were shared with volunteers to support dialogue around parental conflict and build confidence in identifying and supporting parents in conflict.
The relationship support offer aligned so well with the other presentations at the event including those on the Family Centre Service, Herts Mind Network, Citizens Advice Watford, Watford Women’s Centre and the SEND local offer. The networks across the Families First Partnership are integral for supporting this offer to reach those parents and carers in need. We want to ensure all partners feel confident to identify and support parents and carers in conflict and we can flex training and resources to meet the needs of all organisations.
We know that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development. Conflict within relationships is a result of how we manage stress and communicate with our support network. Often, we work with families to support the “stress” whether that be due to worklessness, housing or debt as examples but it is so important to ensure parents and carers have the skills and resilience to manage stress and communicate this effectively strengthening their support networks.
If you think you or someone you are working with would benefit from the Relationship Support offer take a look at the support available: Relationship support for parents | Hertfordshire County Council
If you would like to get in touch about how we can help your organisation to identify and support parents and carers in conflict contact Nicola Wilder at EHCommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Say NO to Domestic Abuse - Charity Walk
Watford and Three Rivers Intensive Family Support Team supported Three Rivers District Council’s walk to raise money for victims of domestic abuse which took place at Leavesden Country Park together with some of our parents on Wednesday 4 December to walk 409km to represent the 409 domestic abuse crimes reported to Police in Three Rivers during 2023.
Well done to all that took part!
Download the leaflet
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.
READ MORE
Case Study 2 - Families First Assessment
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.
READ MORE
Case Study 3 - Employment Adviser/IFST
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.
READ MORE
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.
Help us promote the Families First Website
Our Families First Website is a great central resource for early help support for families and young people, with links to many services such as mental health support, Services for Young People, SEND Local Offer, parenting courses etc along with a link to the Herts Directory and the Families First professionals area.
We would like to encourage all partner agencies to help us promote the Families First website to parents and carers in Hertfordshire.
Campaign Tools:
Please add the web address to your own website:- https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/families-first/families-first.aspx
Or use the QR Code for direct link to the Families First homepage:
Download a QR code
Download a Families First Logo
Social media
Please follow Families First on Facebook and X (Twitter)
Suggested post
Image to post on your own social media channels, with the suggested text:-
"All families need help and support at some point, please visit the Families First Website to find out about support available in your area". https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/.../families-first.aspx
Poster:-
Please download our poster and display in your public facing space.
Thank you in advance for your support with this campaign.