Families First News

Front page - Welcome

Welcome

Dear Partners,

Welcome to our latest bumper edition of Families First News! 

We certainly have a packed full edition for you this month, with lots of information and links to summer activities and support for families. Firstly, we were delighted with the response to our Working Together in Early Help summer events. Each session focused on the critical issue of SEND, updating on the action plan and making it everyone’s business. Five presentations were delivered from individual organisations including ADD-vance, Space, Herts Sports Partnership, SEND Local Offer and DSPL with over 85 partners attending from across the county.

Swimming for the British Heart Foundation

On Saturday 29th June, a group of Children's Services staff along with 1200 swimmers swam 1.4 miles from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier. The HCC Swimming for Sue team have so far raised over £2,700 for charity.

Despite choppy conditions, a last-minute route change, shark sightings and one swimmer even forgetting their swimsuit Donna Gilfillan, Katie Thornton and Lauren Penrose made it over the finish line spurred on by the support and donations as well as a number of colleagues, friends and family who made the trip down to Bournemouth to cheer them on.

The team signed up to the swim after an incident where a colleague was suddenly taken ill and went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to a real-hero Bonnie Barber and other amazing HCC staff, the CPR training and medical equipment provided by BHF they were taken to hospital and are recovering well.

The team would like to thank everyone for their donations so far. You can make still make a donation via the Just Giving page.

Finally, don't forget to take a look through our Learning and Development articles to see what is available for you and your teams. Along with our local news pages.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Families First News and please encourage your teams to sign up to receive their own copy!

As always, please do let us have your comments and suggestions for what you would like included in future editions by emailing familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Kind regards 

The Development Team

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The latest news

Who could you signpost to free HAPpy Camps this Summer?


HAPpy Camps are back once again for the school summer holiday. Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this fully funded holiday activity provision for FREE.  Key dates for the diary regarding the programme:

  • From Thursday 27 June - Bookings are live from midday and families can book on the website
  • The HAPpy Camps Summer programme runs between Monday 29 July - Friday 30 August

Please signpost as many eligible families to the programme as possible between now and the summer holiday. Act fast and find out more here:  Who could you signpost to free HAPpy Camps this Summer? - Herts CC (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

Download the Signposting Sheet here

Holiday Activity Programme for 13-16 year olds

The activities are for young people aged 13-16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The programme will take place Monday to Thursday during the first 3 weeks of the Summer holidays. Monday 29th July to Thursday 15th August 2024,  with each session lasting four hours a day.

There are 20 spaces available in each district, and the allocation of places is on a first come, first served basis.

It would be great if our link Holiday Activity Programme summer 2024 (servicesforyoungpeople.org) which allows parents/ carers to book their child places could be shared with any parent /carers you work with who are eligible. Parents/ carers of young people who are eligible should have been sent / can request a unique HAPpy booking code from their child’s educational setting.   

Supporting young people's physical and mental health

The activities focus on healthy lifestyles. Young people will have the opportunity to:

  • Take part in fun physical activities such as sports, dance and team games.
  • Get creative with arts and crafts and cooking
  • Meet and socialise with other young people
  • Get free healthy hot food every day

Young people will also find out about other services available to them in their area, including SfYP's term-time projects for young people.

 

Summer Reading Challenge has begun

Get ready for a summer of imagination and creativity at your local Hertfordshire Library! 

The Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge is here to spark the joy of reading and creative arts, while addressing the dip in reading levels that can often occur during the summer holidays.

In collaboration with The Reading Agency and Create, a leading arts charity, we’re celebrating creativity and storytelling for our young readers. This year’s Challenge is an open invitation for children to explore books and stories, while taking part in free activities. From poetry and music to arts and crafts, there’s something for every young creator.

The Challenge begins at all Hertfordshire Libraries from Saturday 6 July, and continues until Saturday 7 September. Children are encouraged to read six library books and collect exclusive stickers along the way. And that’s not all—finishers of the Challenge will receive a medal and certificate, and a chance to win tickets to an interactive poetry workshop with the celebrated poet, Joshua Seigal.

Keep an eye out for pop-up Maker Stations at select libraries during the summer holidays, offering simple, engaging, and free activities designed to unleash the creative spirit in every child.

Curious to learn more? Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SummerReadingChallenge for all the details on the Challenge and discover some marvellous makes to create at home.


Hertfordshire Bookstart Annual Report, April 2023- March 2024

The Hertfordshire Bookstart Annual Report is both a celebration of what has been achieved over the last year and a thank you to all our partners across Hertfordshire who encourage families with babies and young children to share books and enjoy libraries.

The Early Years Librarians work in close partnership with health visitors, family centres, nursery settings and library colleagues to ensure thousands of free BookTrust resources reach families along with key messages around the positive impact of book-sharing and library membership for young children.

This year’s highlights include:

  1. The ‘My First’ promotion winning both an ‘Inspiring Libraries’ award and Resources award for Most Innovative Project – encouraging families with young children to engage with Hertfordshire Libraries
  1. Hearing from a new Mum how coming to Baby Rhyme Time, collecting the My First certificates and chatting to library staff has been a positive experience which has encouraged her to come to the sessions regularly and borrow books to share with her daughter
  1. Our engagement with the Ohana group of care experienced parents to gift the Bookstart resources
  1. Welcoming 120 Reception children to Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City Libraries to enjoy an inspiring visit from author/illustrator Alex Willmore as part of the My Fist Library Adventure promotion

We hope you enjoy reading the full report showcasing the valuable partnership working that has taken place to create lasting positive impacts for Hertfordshire’s babies and young children

Worried about a child or young persons behaviour around fire?

Fire Safety Intervention

Children and young people who have displayed fire setting behaviour or a fire fascination can receive free intervention from Herts Fire & Rescue.

If you are concerned about a child or young person that has a fascination with fire, you can refer to the scheme. We will accept referrals from parents / guardians or any concerned agency, however intervention can only take place with parental consent.

Signs of regular fire-setting:

  • Small burn holes in carpets and / or furniture
  • Charred paper in sinks or bins
  • Matches or lighters hidden in bedrooms, school bag or coat
  • An unusual fascination with fire
  • Unexplained fires in the home

Early intervention is key.

Visit our website and complete the online form:

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fire

Worried about a child or young person's behaviour around fire? | Hertfordshire County Council

 

 

 

 

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory


SEND Commissioning within Hertfordshire County Council  are excited to announce the launch of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory. This directory promotes a wide range of community activities for families and young people with SEND,  a comprehensive resource for families and professionals.

Tailored for children and young people aged 0-25, and their families, this is a valuable tool for finding local activities and support groups in the community. The directory will create opportunities for families to discover, engage, and participate in a wide range of activities, some activities will also include discounts for families registered on our Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND).

We have included a postcard below which we’d love for you to share with the families you work with. If you have any questions or suggestions, as this area continues to grow in the coming months please do get in touch via email: SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

Extended hours for the Neurodiversity Hub phoneline

The Neurodiversity Support Hub now has extended open hours on a Tuesday and Thursday, plus bookable 1-2-1 appointments on Wednesday evenings.  The Neurodiversity Support Hub is an advice service offering support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of things relating to ADHD and Autism. The phones are answered by a team of parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people and your child doesn't need a diagnosis for you to use the service. 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 1pm

Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 3pm

Wednesday Evening (by appointment only) 7pm - 9pm

In school holidays the hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm. Closed on Bank Holidays.

New initiatives for Neurodivergent CYPs

The Toolbox from Mindler is a dedicated webpage specifically focussing on ADHD and Autism support for children and young people.  The Toolbox offers inspirational content, self-help tools, interactive livestreams, anonymous text chat service (to ask any questions they may have about Neurodiversity) and lots of other resources and information.  It also serves as a guide, signposting users to alternative services and accessible interventions within Hertfordshire.  The toolbox will be hosting a Livestream on 29th May where the team play popular video games and answer all questions related to Neurodiversity.  You can share thetoolbox.mindler.co.uk with patients, parents, carers, and other professionals.

Understanding my Autism/ADHD offers a range of workshops aimed at children and young people in Hertfordshire aged 7-16 years with a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or both.   These workshops, delivered by five specialist charities in a group setting, will provide children and young people with resources and strategies to enhance their understanding of Autism and/or ADHD. For individuals aged 14 and above, diagnosed or not, there's the opportunity to access Cog's, a mental wellbeing app developed for and by the Neurodivergent community. This app aids users in navigating daily life, understanding neurodiversity, and building positive habits.

For more information on the Understanding my Autism/ADHD intervention you can visit thetoolbox.mindler.co.uk . Referrals are accepted from parent’s, carers, or professionals.  Courses run for between 6-12 weeks, with both online and face-to-face options available.

If you have any queries or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact the project team on hct.hertsneurodiversitytransformation@nhs.net

HFL Education Summer Term Online Safety Newsletters

HFL Education are pleased to release two new summer term 2024 Online Safety Newsletters. Both newsletters feature a range of guidance, news, links and updates about online safety for all phases, with particular reference to the current situation, recent developments and concerns.

For Staff

The newsletter for staff includes reviews and details about:

  • Sextortion – national crime agency alert
  • Senso monitoring – now free for HFL supported primary schools
  • Artificial intelligence in education

Please download your copy here.

For Parents & Carers

Our newsletter for parents and carers includes reviews and details about:

  • Change in minimum age for WhatsApp
  • SnapChat MyAI – a guide for parents
  • Sextortion – what parents/carers need to know

Please download your copy here.

Both editions can also be downloaded from the HFL website and the Grid.

 

    If you’d like any more information, please let contact the Wellbeing team at wellbeing@hfleducation.org or visit Online safety in schools | HFL Education.

     

    One Plus One Resources to Support Healthy Relationships

    Evidence shows that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development. Parents in poverty or under economic pressure are more likely to experience relationship conflict. According to the latest DWP estimates, 12% of all children and 21% of children in workless families have parents in a distressed relationship.

    HCC are commissioning OnePlusOne who have over 50 years’ experience in creating evidence-based resources to support the development of healthy relationships.

    OnePlusOne provide digital resources that raise awareness of the impact of stress and conflict on children, giving parents the skills to cope with stress together and manage their conflict more constructively. Allowing parents to develop positive communication skills, so that they can parent co-operatively and work out solutions together.

    The resources are split in to 3 modules aimed at:

    • New parents
    • Parents that are together
    • Parents that are separated

    To date 168 practitioners across the Families First Partnership have been trained in OnePlusOne, if you would like to access this training please see the details below.

    All training is delivered online and held from 9:30 to 12:30

    Each training has a capacity of 15 delegates

     Follow the link below for your preferred training date to register your place and a link will be sent to access the training.

    17th September 2024 9:30 - 12:30 book here  

    16th October 2024 9:30 -12:30 book here

    For further information please contact the project lead Nicola.Wilder1@hertfordshire.gov.uk

    Find out more about FREE Relationship Support For All Hertfordshire Residents here

    Become a Safe Space volunteer mentor

    Would you like to become a Safe Space volunteer mentor for young people in Hertfordshire and support them to overcome challenges, achieve their goals and reach their potential?

    ABOUT SAFE SPACE

    Safe Space provides mentoring for young people aged 11-19 (25 if they are care leavers or have a learning disability) who live or go to school/college in Hertfordshire. Mentors are given training before being matched with a young person who would benefit from 1:1 mentoring support to help them reach their potential.

    See more opportunities by Safe Space

    Role of the mentor

    As a volunteer mentor you would meet with your young person once a week for up to an hour, at a time and place in the community convenient to you both. Usually, the mentoring relationship is for 6 months but can be longer or shorter depending on the need.

    Following an initial 2 day training programme and required checks, volunteer mentors are matched with young people based on personality and interests but also by location.

    As a volunteer mentor you would gain trust from the young person you are working with and provide valuable support in being able to help them work towards goals, overcome challenges, give advice or just provide a listening ear. (Minimum age 21)

    You will be supported by a Mentoring Co-ordinator and ongoing training and support groups are provided.

    Are you interested? Express your interest now, please email mentoringmailbox@hertfordshire.gov.uk and we will be in touch when we start the recruitment process (which will be in September / October 2024).

     

    Family Centre Service - Family Support Annual Report

    The Family Centre Service are pleased to present this year's Annual Report.

    Hertfordshire’s Family Support Service is part of the Family Centre Service. We help families from pregnancy through to when a child reaches the end of Primary School (aged 11 years). Our purpose is to support children to have the best start in life, develop well and thrive.

    This report highlights who we are, our areas of focus, and our service priorities:

    Priority 1: Healthy Lives, Healthy Relationships
    Priority 2: Raising Aspirations and Volunteering
    Priority 3: Narrowing the Gap
    Priority 4: Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
    Priority 5: Public Health

    Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, an increasing number of families across Hertfordshire have engaged with our services, resulting in a positive impact on their lives. Here's what one parent said:

    "The support I have received with my new baby has been invaluable, the team are so friendly and helpful and create an inclusive and comfortable environment for new mums to share their experiences. I have never felt judged and feel so very grateful to have this support during a time which could have been very difficult without it"

    We hope you find this interesting, please get in touch if you have any comments or questions.

    Read Annual Report


    This summer Hertfordshire Family Centre Service are offering are offering a range of drop in events and activities focused on creating a supportive network that empowers families and children to navigate school transitions with confidence and ease.

    What is on offer for families:

    1. Five-Week Series on Facebook: They will be sharing a series of informative posts on Facebook. These sessions will cover various aspects of transitions and offer practical tips and strategies for parents

      WEEK 1 – PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
      WEEK 2 - TOILET TRAINING AND HAND WASHING READY FOR SCHOOL
      WEEK 3 – LOVING LEARNING
      WEEK 4 – TURN TAKING AND ASKING FOR HELP
      WEEK 5 - TALKING ABOUT SCHOOL

    2. Transition Drop-Ins: They will be running ‘Ready for School’ drop-in sessions during the weeks starting July 8th and July 15th. These drop-ins will provide an opportunity for families to connect with the team and discuss any concerns or questions they may have about transitions to school or nursery settings.

    3. Family Fun Events: Throughout the summer, they will be hosting family fun events which will have a specific focus area on supporting transitions. Alongside this they will also have SEND Chat and Play sessions running as usual over the summer period for those families with a child with SEND transitioning to a school or setting.

      Why not check out the series of webinars on Hertfordshire Family Centre Service website where families can find further advice on Transitions:


     

    Get expert advice this summer with the Healthier Together website

    While the arrival of warm temperatures and sunny skies in summer is usually welcome, it’s good to know what health challenges children and families may face this season to help them stay safe when out and about or at home enjoying the sunshine.

    With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families may be traveling abroad. Therefore, it’s important families ensure everyone is vaccinated to protect from serious diseases found overseas.

    For those families staying closer to home, holidaying in the UK or just heading to the beach or elsewhere for a day out, knowing how to stay safe in the sun and around water will help to reduce stress and worry so they can focus on having fun.

    There is a bespoke website, created by clinical leaders of local health and care services that can help with useful information and trusted advice, all in one place and directly from health professionals.

    The Hertfordshire and west Essex Healthier Together website advises on the common symptoms of a number of childhood conditions, what steps you should take to treat them at home and when to think about getting further help.

    This includes advice on:

    • travel vaccinations
    • managing allergies, stings and bites
    • summer safety including top tips on sun, water and road safety
    • helping young people make healthy behaviour choices in relation to alcohol, smoking and drugs.

    Professionals also use this website for information to share during appointments.
    Dr Rachel Joyce, Medical director for Herts and West Essex ICB, said: “It is sometimes hard to know what your next steps are when your children are unwell and what to look out for in those symptoms if they are normal or you should get extra medical help.

    “This website gives parents that information about a range of common childhood illnesses, all in one place and supplied by trusted health experts, to make that decision. It also has a range of information on important topics and places you can get extra support.”

    Please share this website with your own friends and family this summer and help them get much needed support and advice for their own loved ones when they need it.

    News from Services for Young People

    Young people say they feel safer, more confident, and ready for the future

    Services for Young People’s annual user survey has once again shown the positive impact our services have on young people in Hertfordshire.

    The survey ran from January to March 2024 and gathered feedback from 662 young people aged 11-25 who used our services in the previous 12 months. 92% rated our services 7 out of 10 or higher (up from 78% in 2023) and 48% gave a score of 10 out of 10 (up from 39% in 2023). The satisfaction ratings for every aspect of Services for Young People (SfYP) services have increased compared with those given by young people completing the survey in 2023.

    The results and feedback show that the support provided by SfYP is of increasing benefit and makes a real difference to young people’s lives.

    Celebrating Pride Month with Services for Young People

    Throughout June, young people attending SfYP LGBT+ youth work projects across Hertfordshire gained confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

    Youth Workers at our LGBT+ youth work projects worked with young people last month to help them understand the significance of Pride Month and to support them in celebrating equality, contributions of LGBT+ people and raising awareness of issues affecting the community.

    Get September Ready with Services for Young People

    As the new academic year approaches, SfYP is offering ‘Get September Ready’ sessions to help students feel more confident and prepared about going to college or sixth form. The informal sessions will be particularly beneficial for those who have been out of education or are feeling anxious about the transition.

    • Read full story with dates and locations of sessions across Hertfordshire

    Conference updates and inspires careers guidance professionals

    Over 130 professionals who work with secondary and college-aged students, attended the Teacher and Adviser Conference at the University of Hertfordshire on Friday 21 June 2024.

    The Teacher and Adviser Conference was jointly hosted this year by SfYP and the University of Hertfordshire. It offered an engaging and diverse programme and the opportunity for careers professionals and advisers to come together, share ideas and talk about how to support and prepare students for their future learning and employment.

     

    Learning & development

    HSCP Learning & Development Programme

    1

    HSCP provide a wide variety of learning programmes and workshops across Hertfordshire to develop skills for safeguarding children, young people and adults. We use this page to give you some quick links through to the HSCP learning programmes:-

    Free Mental Health First Aid Training


    As part of the ongoing response to the cost-of-living crisis,  Hertfordshire County Council are funding free Mental Health First Aid Training for volunteers and staff at foodbanks, community spaces, faith and community groups. We are working with Hertsmere Borough Council who are helping to co-ordinate this across Hertfordshire so please do promote to within your localities.    

    The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses will be held across 4 days, with half a day on each of the allocated dates. The training will be on Zoom and you will need to attend all a full course to receive the MHFA accreditation. 

    COURSE 3: September 2024

    Tuesday 10th September, 1300-1645
    Friday 13th September, 1300-1645
    Tuesday 17th September, 1300-1645
    Friday 20th September, 1300-1645 

    COURSE 4: November 2024

    Monday 4th November, 1300-1645
    Thursday 7th November, 1300-1645
    Monday 11th November, 1300-1645
    Thursday 13th November, 1300-1645 

    To register for the course, please contact Viewpoint on info@hertsviewpoint.co.uk   or 01707 386136.

    Please note:

    Places are limited, register as soon as possible!

    Online course delivery across September and November

    Course certificate sent via email once you complete the course and evaluation form.

    Hertfordshire County Council know many people visiting community spaces and foodbanks require support and we will be offering a Resource Guide, marketing information, access to Togetherall and free Suicide Prevention Training as additional support to support those in need. 

    Download the leaflet here

     

    Money Advice Unit Training Programme, Summer 2024

    The Money Advice Unit Training Programme and booking form for SUMMER 2024 is now available. 

    All the courses are free of charge but please note we will only accept bookings from organisations in Hertfordshire. Due to demand, we only allow a maximum of two participants from each organisation per course

    If you want to book for more than one person, please complete a separate booking form for each person. 

    Once you return the completed booking form(s) to us, the attendees will receive a booking confirmation email within 5 working days. Please check your junk folder as sometimes our emails go to the junk folder straight away.

    View the latest Herts Adviser here.

    Workforce Shadowing

    The vision for Families First training and development is to create a skilled, confident and resilient multi-agency workforce that supports whole family working.

    Workforce shadowing provides a great opportunity to find out more about other services, what they do and how they might be able to support you in your work. It also enhances communication across agencies and helps strengthen and develop professional relationships, building local networks.

    If you would like to organise a workforce shadowing placement for either yourself or a team member please complete the form on this page stating the service you would like to shadow and the preferred district and we will match you to a shadowing opportunity. 

    The following services have offered to host shadowing opportunities in either in person or virtually:-

    • Citizens Advice (Broxbourne/St Albans/North Herts)
    • Childcare provision
    • CGL
    • Domestic Abuse Support
    • Families First Panels Team
    • Family Support Service, Family Centre
    • Herts Mind Network
    • Herts Sports Partnership 
    • MIND in Mid Herts
    • ASB Team, District Council, Three Rivers
    • Housing Support, District Council
    • Intensive Family Support Team (IFST)
    • Local School Partnerships
    • Police
    • Public Health Nursing
    • Schools Early Years Provsion 
    • Specialist Adolescent Services Hertfordshire (SASH)
    • Services for Young People
    • Supporting Families Practice Team

    Additionally, if you would like to add your service to the above list, again please email us with your contact details, service and district.

    Familesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

    Please take a look at the page, bookmark and share with teams, where appropriate.

    Workforce development (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

    My Teen Brain Training for Practitioners

    Family & Health Commissioning Services are pleased to announce the upcoming My Teen Brain Online Training for Hertfordshire practitioners.  This 1-day CPD course is for those working with parents of teenagers and/or working with teenagers in Hertfordshire. It provides an opportunity to understand teenage brain development and the adolescent developmental process and consider both risk and resilience. It includes ideas and strategies for professionals working with teenagers and their parents to help them cope with challenging feelings and behaviour and to support young people in an emotionally healthy context. The day brings together the latest understanding from neuroscience and developmental psychology and the principles of The Nurturing Programme from Family Links The Centre For Emotional Health.

    Please find below the booking link for you to reserve your place on to one of our courses.  This is a very popular course and is beneficial to all Hertfordshire practitioners who work with children, young people and families.  If you are interested in booking on to this training , please ensure that you ONLY reserve your place if you have the capacity to attend the training on your preferred day and for the entire duration of the session, which is from 10am – 3pm.

    Wednesday 9th October 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934325491697?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934331981107?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Tuesday 28th November 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934331981107?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Tuesday 3rd December 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934338510637?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Tuesday 14th January 2025 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934339533697?aff=oddtdtcreator

    If you would like further information about the course or alternative dates, please email EHcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk

    Difference we're making

    Families First - Performance Data Report

    You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period July 2023 - June 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.

    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


    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.

    Who's who

    Who's Who in Supporting Families

    Supporting Families Team

    Head of Family Support : Karen Dorney

    Service Managers:

    Lauren Penrose - Service Manager, IFST and Safe Space

    Simon Gentry – Business Manager

    Sue Chapman - Service Manager, Families First Panels and Practice Team

    Chris OConnor - Service Manager, Development Team

    Intensive Family Support Teams

    The Intensive Family Support teams (IFST) work with families with multiple and complex needs who would benefit from intensive support.

    Find Contacts here:- Intensive Family Support Teams (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

    Families First Coordinators - How can they support you locally?

    As your local Senior and Families First Coordinators, we can offer support in all areas of the Families First Assessment. Please contact us if you are experiencing any difficulties or require further advice and guidance.  We can support you with challenges including:

    Speak to someone (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

    Development Team

    To contact the Supporting Families Development team email familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk

    Local area news

    East Herts & Broxbourne 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


    • Communities First have collated a directory of low-cost activities and community meals available families during the school holidays running from the week beginning Saturday 20 July - Monday 2 September. Help for School Holidays.
    • The ParkPlay in Cedars Park, Cheshunt on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community

    • CHEXs Family Support team are running craft sessions this August at the Cheshunt library for a fun-filled session with crafts and lego. Sessions are 1.30-3.30pm 6th, 13th and 20th August.  Spaces are limited, why not join us, please book through Eventbrite.
    • Herts Mind Network are running a CYP Art Exhibition Project around the theme of “Healing Nature”. Further information on the details of the submission process and exhibition can be found here: Submissions Open for our Art Exhibition! - WithYouth

    • Let's Walk and Talk: This is an opportunity for families to come and take part in a walk and talk with the Family Centre Service team. Great for accessing information, discovering the environment and chatting to other local families. Please help the Family Centre by displaying this poster in public areas

    • Healthy Hub East Herts are running drop-in sessions for residents to pop in for FREE help and advice about anything they would like support with. You can visit in person in Hertford every Tuesday and Friday between 9am and 4pm.  We'll be at the Skills & Learning Centre, 67 Fore street, Hertford SG14 1AL.#

    • Lots of really useful links for information on support for the cost of living is available on the Citizens  Advice East Herts website https://citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk/ from Energy saving tips, Cost of Living payments, and Fuel bills. Also download the Citizens Advice leaflet which gives times/dates of their drop-in 

    • Make Peace with Money free online event on Friday 12 July 10am-1pm. Exclusive for Broxbourne residents and businesses, learn how to move from being a money worrier to a Money Warrior
      https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-peace-with-money-tickets-904585277917?aff=oddtdtcreator
    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    SfYP East Herts Team projects
    SfYP Broxbourne Team projects

    • Broxbourne Council has produced a simple Cost of Living guide for residents - Download the June 24 Cost of Living Directory

    • Active East Herts: The Sele Youth Project is running on Monday's 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the Hertford Wellbeing Hub (HWH) and the MUGA near the Sele Community Centre. For more info visit http://whatson.activeeastherts.org.uk/hertford-wellbeing-hub/

    • Healthy Hub East Herts are running drop-in sessions across the district for residents to pop in for FREE help and advice about anything they would like support with. A full list of dates and venues is on our website.
    • Boxercise Classes with Herts Disability Foundation
      Herts Sports Disability Foundation are pleased to be running Boxercise classes. Boxercise are boxing exercise classes for home-educated children with additional needs from ages 8 to 18, and adults with disabilities from ages 18 plus who would like some fun with others, whilst improving coordination and fitness. Sessions are adapted to the needs of the individuals in the session. To find out more information and to book a space, click here.

    Stevenage & North Herts 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


    • Communities First have collated a directory of low-cost activities and community meals available families during the school holidays running from the week beginning Saturday 20 July - Monday 2 September. Help for School Holidays.
    • The ParkPlay in Jackmans Park, Letchworth on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community
    • Breakaway Playschemes still have spaces available at our lovely Complex Needs Summer Playscheme at Greenside School in Stevenage. Contact our team to find out more about eligibility and registering your places over the school Summer Holidays! https://www.breakawayplayschemes.org.uk/

      E-mail: breakawayadmin@nhcvs.org.uk
      Telephone: 01462 689406
      https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wwbbDFhe4CQwjemZ/

       

    • No More Service is a youth service in Stevenage and North Herts, which offers support to young people aged 11-21 across Hertfordshire to address the impact alcohol, substance misuse and/or offending have on all areas of a client’s life and help them develop practical solutions to address these. Clients have to fulfil at least three of the relevant criteria to be accepted onto the Service, find out more here and download the referral form here.

    • Find out more about IMPAKT – Domestic Abuse Support Team – which covers North Herts and Stevenage.

    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:
    •  LGBTQ plus group (View poster) – If you are part of the LGBTQ plus community in Hertfordshire and would like support with your #Wellbeing or are looking to connect with others, you can join our LGBTQ plus peer support group last Tuesday of every month 4-6pm in Stevenage.  Email admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk for more information.

    • A new Community Hub in Stevenage Old Town is now open every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm. The aim of the hub is to support anyone who is approaching the end of their life (within 12 months) and those caring for them – the time before someone dies is a difficult one – many people don’t want to acknowledge what’s happening and that can be so hard for those around them. Find our more here www.annerobsontrust.org.uk

    • Employability Project Information in Stevenage: Gifted.org.uk are offering a 6-week course where you will be taken through the different aspects of youth work: Download the e-leaflet for more information: Black & White Version / Colour Version. held at the Hampson Park Community Centre Hall Hire Stevenage (hampsonparkcc.co.uk)

    St Albans & Dacorum 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

    • Communities First have collated a directory of low-cost activities and community meals available families during the school holidays running from the week beginning Saturday 20 July - Monday 2 September. Help for School Holiday
    • The Summer 2024 Parenting Courses and Support Brochure for Dacorum is now available to be viewed or download from our website, via: https://dacorumdspl.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dacorum-Parenting-Course-Brochure-Summer-2024.pdf 

    • Weekly coffee mornings being run throughout the summer 24 holidays by St Albans’ Mental Health Support Team
      Meet us every Thursday in August 10am – 12pm at the main school reception of Marlborough Science Academy, AL1 2QA, we will collect you from there *. Find out more here

    • Summer Emotional Literacy Sessions Hosted by St Albans Library - every session will run 10am - 11am @ St Albans Library, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans. Find out more here
    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    SfYP St Albans Summer 24 Team projects

    SfYP Dacorum  Summer 24 Team projects

    Services for Young People : Young People’s Hub - view the drop-in sessions here

    Watford & Three Rivers

    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

    • Communities First have collated a directory of low-cost activities and community meals available families during the school holidays running from the week beginning Saturday 20 July - Monday 2 September. Help for School Holiday
    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    • Sensory Tennis - free sensory tennis sessions with Get Set 4 Tennis. Suitable for adults with complex disabilities and sensory impairments Sensory Tennis

    • Family Centre Service: The Family Support Service have translated their support leaflet into to the following languages (click to download):-

    Bulgarian
    Polish
    Portuguese
    Romanian
    Tamil
    Twi
    Urdu


    Welwyn Hatfield & Hertsmere

    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


    • Communities First have collated a directory of low-cost activities and community meals available families during the school holidays running from the week beginning Saturday 20 July - Monday 2 September. Help for School Holiday
    • The ParkPlay in Aycliffe Park, Borehamwood on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community
    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    • Welwyn Hatfiled Intensive Family Support Team are holding a family day on Wednesday 7th August - please email erin.archer@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have families that would like to attend this day.
    • Family Charity Day for The Oli Mills Foundation (Teenage Cancer Trust) and Papyrus a teenage mental health charity

    Hosted by: Paul Carter CSC and Hatfield Hyde Cricket Club
    Date: Sunday 25th August 2024
    Hatfield Hyde Cricket Club, Beehive Lane 

    Please contact erin.archer@hertfordshire.gov.uk  if you would like more information about this fantastic day and all families are welcome to attend.

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