Welcome

Dear Partners,

Welcome to the July edition of Families First News for Hertfordshire's early help professionals.  Schools are breaking up for the summer, suncream is out and paddling pools are inflated.  We hope you find the information for the free activities useful to pass on to your families.  

Summer Holiday Special

We are pleased to promote some FREE summer activities for children and young people during the school holidays. From activities for 0-5 at the Family Centres, to the Herts Summer Parks for 12-16 year olds and webinars from With Youth Digital Wellbeing Service for 5-18-year-olds and much more! Please share these opportunities with the families you support.

Hold the Date: It's Time to Celebrate! 

It feels like time has flown by, but we're excited to announce that this year we will be hosting the next Families First Awards. Held every two years, these awards celebrate the outstanding work across Hertfordshire's early help services. This year's ceremony will take place at the South Hill Centre in Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday, 12th November. Nominations will open at the end of August, so please start thinking about the individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond in supporting Hertfordshire families. There are 11 categories (5 team and 6 individual) - WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FURTHER INFO.

HOLD THE DATE:-

We hope you enjoy this edition of Families First News and please encourage your teams to sign up to receive their own copy!  Also, don't forget to take a look through our Learning and Development articles to see what is available for you and your teams.  If you haven't already completed the iLearn module for identifying Young Carers, please do so, as the summer months can be especially hard for children with caring responsibilities, and it is important that we identify them so they can be supported appropriately.  Don't forget to check the local news pages and vacancies page, and feel free to forward any information on to colleagues.

The Development Team

Follow us on X and Facebook!

 

Summer Fun with the Family Centre Service

The Family Centre Service summer What's On page is now live! Please help raise awareness of our summer programme through sharing this information with the families you support:-

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This summer, the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service have a fantastic mix of activities designed for children aged 0–5, with plenty to keep older siblings (up to 8 years old) engaged too. Whether you’re looking to explore, get messy, or try something new, there’s lots to enjoy across Hertfordshire.

Family Fun sessions are back, with new weekly themes to spark children’s imaginations. From storytelling and seaside-inspired crafts to active games and messy play, each session offers a chance for little ones to learn through play. With lots of opportunities for families to have fun, explore, and connect with others. Sessions are just £2.50 per family and are suitable for 0 - 5s, with older siblings up to age 8 welcome to join in.

One of our summer specials is Fun on the Farm, where Ark Farm Mobile Farm will be visiting selected centres to give families a hands-on experience with friendly animals like sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and ducks. A brilliant opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy some outdoor fun. Tickets are £3.50 per child and booking is essential via our district Eventbrite accounts.

If your child is ready to start riding a bike, our Learn to Cycle sessions offer a great introduction in a safe and supportive setting. Designed for children aged 3–5, these free sessions build confidence and teach key skills. Bikes and helmets are available if needed, and parents are encouraged to join in and learn how to support cycling at home. Booking via Eventbrite is essential.

We’re also running SEND Cycling sessions for children aged 4–8 with special educational needs and disabilities. These bookable free sessions provide a calm, inclusive environment where children can develop their cycling skills at their own pace.

So whether you're looking for something active, creative, or just a little bit different, we’ve got plenty to keep your family entertained this summer. Find out What’s On in your local area here www.hertsfamilycentres.org

Summer Activities - keep children moving with Beezee

Do you know parents/carers who are starting to think of ways to keep children entertained over the summer holidays? We know it can be difficult to think of ways to get the kids moving, especially on rainy days! Our expert team are here to help.

We run Beezee Families, a FREE healthy lifestyle programme that our family nutritionists deliver across Hertfordshire during term time. However, families can access our Beezee Academy online all year round, whatever the weather!

Our programmes are available in-person and online to support families to build healthy habits around food and physical activity. Visit our website for more details. Also, we are running a FREE online Masterclass on 30th July 6pm – 7pm FREE Feeding the family on a budget masterclass - Free Healthy Lifestyle Services | Hertfordshire.

FREE festival-style park events for teenagers across Hertfordshire during the summer

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council, is excited to bring back Herts Summer Parks 2025 – a dynamic, festival style programme of FREE park activities for young people aged 12–16 across Hertfordshire this August.

When & Where:

The programme will run from 4^th to 22^nd August across five local parks:

Welwyn Garden City: 1808-Welwyn-1.pdf

• Mondays (4th, 11th, 18th)
  King George V Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, AL7 4BP

Watford: 1805-Watford.pdf

• Tuesdays (5th, 12th, 19th)
  King George V Playing Fields, Tolpits Lane, WD18 9QD

Borehamwood: 1796-Borehamwood.pdf

• Wednesdays (6th, 13th, 20th)
  Meadow Park, Broughinge Road, WD6 5AL

Broxbourne: 1884-Broxbourne-FINAL.pdf

• Thursdays (7th, 14th, 21st)
  Waltham Cross Playing Fields, Station Approach, EN8 7LU

Stevenage: 1802-Stevenage.pdf

• Fridays (8th, 15th, 22nd)
  King George V Playing Fields, Sish Lane, SG1 3L

How to Join:

Spaces are free, but registration is required. Complete the form using the link below for fast-track entry on the day:

Free Food Included:

Anyone who attends will receive a free takeaway voucher to enjoy a hot meal from a local food vendor.

With Youth online wellbeing summer groups

Hertfordshire's With Youth Digital Wellbeing Service for 5-18-year-olds have some upcoming online wellbeing groups for children and young people this summer, designed to support emotional development, resilience, and mental wellbeing through engaging and age-appropriate groups:

💥 Anger Avengers (Ages 7–12) 

Anger Avengers - WithYouth

Tuesdays, 5pm | 24 June – 15 July 2025 (four weeks)
Helping kids turn big feelings into super strengths.
This empowering group helps children understand and manage anger in healthy ways. Through interactive activities, we explore emotional triggers, conflict resolution, empathy, and practical coping tools – all with a fun and supportive approach.

  🌿 The Calm Club (Ages 15+) 

The Calm Club - WithYouth

Mondays, 7pm | 7 July – 25 August 2025 (seven weeks)
Find your calm. Build your confidence.
A supportive space for teens to understand and manage anxiety, build self-awareness, and learn practical strategies for coping with school pressure, exam stress, and social anxiety. Activities include mindfulness, goal setting, and positive thinking exercises.

  🎒 Road to Year 7 (For Year 6 students) 

Road to Year 7 - WithYouth

Thursdays, 5pm PM | 17 July – 18 September 2025 (10 weeks)
Starting secondary school can feel overwhelming – but they don’t have to face it alone.
This group provides a friendly and fun space to prepare for Year 7, meet others going through the same transition, and build confidence through games, helpful discussions, and practical tips on friendships, routines, and organisation.

 🌈 Creative Minds

Creative Minds - WithYouth

Wednesdays, 5pm | 11 June – 13 August 2025 (10 weeks)
A welcoming group for young people to explore their feelings through art, games, and writing.
No experience needed – just bring creativity and curiosity! A great way to build confidence, connect with peers, and express emotions in fun, supportive ways

If you support young people or know families with children and young people who may benefit from these groups, With Youth would love your help spreading the word.  For more information or to refer a child or young person please use the links above 😊 Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at www.withyouth.org or give them a call on 0208 189 8400.

 Let’s help young people build the emotional tools they need to thrive

HAPpy camps are back this summer!

BOOKINGS OPENED 12:00 THURSDAY 26 JUNE

Hertfordshire County Council is once again launching its free summer activity camps for children and young people in Hertfordshire.

Fully funded holiday activity camps return for the summer 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 from 28 July – 29 August and places can be booked via the Herts Sports Partnership’s website: https://bit.ly/BookHAPpyIC

Codes are provided to eligible children via their school office.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory

As we approach the summer holidays we would be grateful if you would be able to share the following information with the families you work with. The directory promotes a wide range of community activities for families and young people with SEND, a comprehensive resource for families and professionals.

Are you a family with young people ages 0-25 with Special Educational needs and/or Disabilities looking for local activities?

The SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local activities and support groups, some activities will also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).

We will be adding additional activities on a regular basis. If there are any activities, you know of or wish to see promoted through this directory please email us on: SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

Visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDdirectory

Neurodiversity Support Hub for parents, Carers and professionals

If someone has questions about neurodiversity, they can contact the Neurodiversity Support Hub for parents, Carers and professionals in Hertfordshire. The hub is staffed by experts by experience and does not require a diagnosis to access the support.

The Neurodiversity Support Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm, and the team can be contacted by phone at 01727 833963 or through email at supporthub@add-vance.org.

News from Services for Young People, July 2025

Exam results support from Services for Young People

Young people who are getting their A-level, T-level or GCSE results this August can get support from Services for Young People (SfYP) as they decide on their next steps.

Whether the results are better or worse than expected, SfYP offers the latest information and impartial advice to help young people with their important choices. They can help young people rethink their plans or explore new options if needed.

One-to-one personalised advice is available from SfYP Advisers in schools and at SfYP 11-5 Hubs at young people’s centres across Hertfordshire. Young people can contact their local team to make an appointment or just drop in during the opening hours. Phone or video-call appointments are also available.

• Read the full story with opening times and SfYP local team contact details

More activity sessions now available at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND this summer

SfYP is offering a second series of free outdoor activities to young people aged 13-19 with SEND at Hudnall Park this summer. All activities develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can learn archery, have fun improving their teamwork skills and coordination on the low ropes, zip across the valley on the zip line, and explore nature in the beautiful woodlands.

• Read more about the free summer activities for young people with SEND

 

SfYP wins Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner Award

The SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team attended the 2025 Oaklands Training & Development Employer and Apprenticeships Celebration Event and was delighted to win the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner Award. This prestigious award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to champion fairness, opportunity and inclusion for all. It recognises SfYP’s unwavering commitment to promoting an equitable future where young people from all backgrounds can thrive.

Read the full story for more on how SfYP supports employers and young people

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshops

Workshops are open to all young people & parents/carers of children and young people who attend a school or are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire. A referral is not needed to access a workshop.
All workshops are currently being delivered online via Microsoft Teams. For more information about what each workshop covers and to book a place onto a workshop, visit HCT Children's Wellbeing Practitioners Events - 10 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

To access the recorded Emotionally Based School Avoidance Webinar please visit:Service details | Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Free Relationship Support Courses for Hertfordshire Parents and Carers

Disagreements are a normal part of life. How you approach them can make all the difference to you, your co-parent, and your children. 

Learn skills to navigate changes in your relationships, develop positive communication skills and learn practical steps that you can bring into your child's life to help them cope during and/or after a separation or divorce. 

Stronger Relationships: A 6-week group based course for co-parents living together or apart that focuses on managing stress and enhancing communication.

Multiple group sessions are available to select one that suits you Register for a free account

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:

• Face to Face course at The Otley Family Centre, Otley Way, WD19 7TB

Every Friday between 6 Jun - 11 Jul 2025, 10am – 1pm

Parenting When Separated Referral Form (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

Co-Parenting with Care: A 6-week group-based online course for parents and carers of neurodiverse children seeking guidance, support, and strategies for co-parenting more consistently.

Upcoming course dates:

• Every Wednesday between 4 Jun - 9 Jul 2025, 9:30-11:30am
• Every Thursday between 10 Jun - 10 Jul 2025, 7-9pm

Co-Parenting with Care 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

Check out Hertfordshire's Summer 25 Parenting and Relationship Courses

Please download the latest Parenting and Relationship Support Offer Newsletter which will provide you with information and details on Parenting Courses and Relationship Support offer. Please can you ensure you cascade to your teams. If you have any questions please email CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk .

We have listed a few of the current courses below, but please visit the Hertfordshire Directory for the full listing.

In addition, you can find out further information below:-

Family Lives offer a variety of on-line workshops, courses and advice articles such as Understanding Children's Behaviour (online workshop), Understanding the importance of communicating with teens (article), parenting courses (online), Bullying on social media (article), and online forums for parents and carers to connect and share experiences. Download the Summer programme here.

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Parenting Support from Supporting Links

Supporting Links currently have places on the following courses beginning in September. Download the brochure here and referral form.

Talking Anxiety in Teens - online: 

   Tuesday evenings 16th September to 21 October 

Talking Teens - online:

   Tuesday evenings 16th September to 21 October

Talking Additional Needs - Online:

   Wednesday mornings 17th September to 22nd October

Talking Dads & Talking Families - both online:

   Wednesday evenings 17th September to 22nd October

Talking Families - online:

   Thursday mornings 18th September to 23rd October

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Families In Focus

Families in Focus offer fully funded Targeted Parenting evidence-based courses starting in September (all June courses are now fully booked).

All courses are interactive and online via Zoom.

Families in Focus e have over 30 years of experience of working alongside parents and families and are happy to answer questions or discuss course content, simply email us at bookings@familiesinfocus.co.uk

• A complete guide to parenting children with Autism and/or ADHD – inclusive of parents whose children are on assessment pathways. Fully funded and free for parents of children 2 to 11 years and living in Hertfordshire.
  
  
• Tuesday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am September 7^th, 14^th & October 7^th, 14^th & November 4^th, 11^th, 18^th
  
  
• Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm September 7^th, 14^th & October 7^th, 14^th & November 4^th, 11^th, 18^th 
  
  
• Handling anger of children with Autism and/or ADHD - inclusive of parents whose children are on assessment pathways. Fully funded and free for parents of children 4 to 11 years and living in Hertfordshire.
  
  
• Wednesday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th
  
  
• Wednesday afternoons from 12.30pm to 2pm September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th
  
  
• Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th

 

Help Shape the Future of Children’s Social Care in Hertfordshire!

We would like to ask for your help in encouraging the families you are supporting to complete this important questionnaire, please share the text below in your newsletters and communications with families:-

We're inviting families across Hertfordshire to help shape the future of children's social care by completing a short questionnaire, you can share your experiences ideas and hopes for a system that truly supports every child and family.

This is your chance to co-design services that reflect your community's needs, because no one understands what works better than you. Whether you're a parent, carer or young person your insights are invaluable. Let's build a brighter, more supportive future together. 🏠💖

Please use the link or QR code below to complete a short questionnaire

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/wvHbv3t7qt

Families First Dates for Your Diary!

Monthly Families First Keeping in Touch Sessions

These sessions are a short 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.

• Thursday 4th September, 9am-9.30
• Thursday 2nd October, 9am-9.30

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:-

• Wednesday 15 October 2025 via Teams

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.

Working Together in Early Help Events

Next round of events will take place in October 2025 - Dates announced soon! 

HSCP Learning & Development Programme

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:-

• View the latest training programme here (August 25)
  
  
• Take a look at the HSCP Learning Hubs.  You can sign up for sessions via the website.  HSAB and HSCP training and resources | Hertfordshire County Council. You can also view useful resources and 7 minute briefings on this link.
  View the HSCP Neglect Hub here:- Neglect Hub | Hertfordshire County Council
• View here the HSCP/HSAB Summer 2025 Newsletter

• To understand our thresholds a bit more, view the Continuum of needs (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

  • An information leaflet for families.

  • A one-page briefing to explain the process in Children's Services front door.

  • A flowchart about what happens to your referral.

• These compliment the new Children's Services online referral portal.

• The HSCP, Hertfordshire Community Trust and East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust have developed a guidance document for patients and carers relating to Child Protection Medicals. This can be found on our website, so you can signpost to patients/carers to explain the Child Protection Medical process if required.
  
  
• HSCP Practice Guidance Safeguarding Supervision Standards

View Courses from Step2Skills

Step2Skills Autumn Courses now LIVE, Spring into a career in childcare with a Step2Skills Early Years Skills Bootcamp and Support into long-term, sustainable work with Step2Skills.

If you could please share details of what might be of interest to your networks, that would be much appreciated by the team at Step2Skills.

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 Exciting News! Step2Skills’ Autumn Courses Are Now Live!

Step2Skills are thrilled to announce that their courses and workshops starting this September are now open for booking on their website!

 

Whether you prefer face-to-face learning across the county or the flexibility of online options, there’s something for everyone. Explore a wide range of topics and discover what you’d love to learn this Autumn.

Visit www.step2skills.org.uk/courses to see the range of tailored and accredited learning on offer, from ESOL courses for speakers of other languages, to digital skills, to a range of skills for work. 

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Spring into a career in Early Years & Education with a Step2Skills Skills Bootcamp

Did you know, if you complete an Early Years & Education Skills Bootcamp with Step2Skills, they'll support you to apply for jobs and prepare for an interview in the Early Years sector?

Their next accredited Level 2 Skills Bootcamp will begin on Monday 1st September, with one class weekly from 9am to 2.30pm. In October, another cohort will begin.

Gain a Level 2 Certificate AND a Paediatric Emergency First Aid Certificate, alongside one-to-one careers advice on the FREE Skills Bootcamp, for Hertfordshire residents.

In just 16 weeks, you'll have the stepping stones to launch into your new career in childcare, whether that's at a nursery, or working as a childminder. Once working, you could choose to develop your training and complete a full diploma.

Skills Bootcamps are FREE to the learners and are a great way for employers to grow their own workforce. Skills Bootcamps require commitment and dedication, but they are a fast and efficient way to kickstart your career in a sector that needs YOU!  

Visit www.step2skills.org.uk/SkillsBootcamps to register your interest today.

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Looking for support into long-term, sustainable work? Gain Employment Support from the Step2Skills team

Struggling to find work in Hertfordshire due to a challenge or barrier?

Step2Skills offers a range of employment support programmes and works with a supportive network of local employers across the county.

One such employer is Samsic UK, where people are at the heart of everything they do. As a Disability Confident Employer, the company is committed to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Through their partnership with Step2Skills, Samsic actively recruits within local communities to help remove barriers to employment.

John, who joined Samsic UK in February 2025 through this programme, is one such success story—now a valued member of the cleaning team at Berkhamsted Fire Station.

“John is an incredibly hardworking member of the team - nothing is ever too much for him.

Taking the time to support John through his early days has shown just how valuable it is to invest in people. By removing barriers, we’ve not only helped John rebuild his confidence, but also gained a loyal and dedicated team member who delivers service excellence.”

Katie, Samsic UK.

 

If you’d like to apply or refer someone to Step2Skills employment support services, please visit their website www.step2skills.org.uk/EmploymentSupport.

 

New Free Young Carers e-learning module

📢 Young Carers Are Everyone’s Business – New e-learning Module Now Live 

To mark Carers Week (9–15th June), Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has launched a new free, accessible e-learning module to help professionals across Hertfordshire better understand and support young carers. 

👧 Who Are Young Carers? 

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps care for someone with a physical illness, mental health condition, disability, or substance misuse issue. 

❗ Why This Matters 

The Carers Trust estimates that 1 in 5 school-aged children could be young carers. Yet in Hertfordshire: 

• The January 2025 School Census: 
  • Found that 60% of schools reported no known young carers 
  • Identified only 1,483 young carers out of approx. 200,000 pupils 
• The 2021 Census recorded just 2,525 young carers aged 5–17 

These figures show many young carers remain hidden and unsupported. 

💡 About the Module 

This 30-minute course helps staff: 

• Recognise signs a child may be a young carer 
• Understand the impact of caring on their wellbeing 
• Know how to signpost to support in Hertfordshire 

👥 Who Should Complete It? 

This module is for anyone working with children, families, or vulnerable adults—whether in adult care, libraries, youth services, health or education. Young carers are everyone’s business. 

🔗 How to Access 

• HCC colleagues: Complete iLearn module at Course: Young Carers - Everyone's Business! eLearning Module
• External partners: Can access this via the Hertfordshire Children’s Safeguarding Partnership website, free of charge, by registering at eLearning : Young-Carers-e-Learning-Module

Let’s all play our part—complete the e-learning today and help ensure young carers get the support they need to thrive! 

Herts Mind Network

Herts Mind Network are excited to share our upcoming Online wellbeing groups for children and young people, designed to support emotional development, resilience, and mental wellbeing through engaging and age-appropriate groups. 

Please see flyers attached. WithTOUth Online Group Support, Future YOUth Mentoring Service, CYP Workshops (costed training guide), CYP workshops (free training guide), Spot the Signs Suicide Prevention 

💥 Anger Avengers (Ages 7–12) - Anger Avengers - WithYouth

Tuesdays, 5:00 PM | 24 June – 15 July 2025 (4 weeks)
Helping kids turn big feelings into super strengths.
This empowering group helps children understand and manage anger in healthy ways. Through interactive activities, we explore emotional triggers, conflict resolution, empathy, and practical coping tools – all with a fun and supportive approach.

 🌿 The Calm Club (Ages 15+) - The Calm Club - WithYouth

Mondays, 7:00 PM | 7 July – 25 August 2025 (7 weeks)
Find your calm. Build your confidence.
A supportive space for teens to understand and manage anxiety, build self-awareness, and learn practical strategies for coping with school pressure, exam stress, and social anxiety. Activities include mindfulness, goal setting, and positive thinking exercises.

 🎒 Road to Year 7 (For Year 6 students) - Road to Year 7 - WithYouth

Thursdays, 5:00 PM | 17 July – 18 September 2025 (10 weeks)
Starting secondary school can feel overwhelming – but they don’t have to face it alone.
This group provides a friendly and fun space to prepare for Year 7, meet others going through the same transition, and build confidence through games, helpful discussions, and practical tips on friendships, routines, and organisation.

 🌈 Creative Minds - Creative Minds - WithYouth

Wednesdays, 5:00 PM | 11 June – 13 August 2025 (10 weeks)
A welcoming group for young people to explore their feelings through art, games, and writing.
No experience needed – just bring creativity and curiosity! A great way to build confidence, connect with peers, and express emotions in fun, supportive ways.

Workforce Shadowing

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period April 2024 - March 2025.

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

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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

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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 

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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.

Who's Who in Supporting Families

Supporting Families Team

Head of Supporting Families: Karen Dorney

Service Managers:

Lauren Penrose - Service Manager, IFST, Participation Team and Safe Space

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

Chris OConnor - Service Manager, Development Team

Simon Gentry – Services Manager, Performance & Improvement (Early Help data)

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 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

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Broxbourne & East Herts

• National Playday, Cheshunt Park, Cheshunt – Wednesday 6 August 2025
  Broxbourne Council is organising the annual National Playday Event to be held at Cheshunt Park, Cheshunt on Wednesday 6 August 2025 between 12pm and 4pm.
  Proposed activities for the day include FREE children’s inflatables, games and sports clubs have a go sessions.
  The families attending over the years have increased significantly up to 3000 people, everything on the day is FREE, we would really like to support local Charities in connecting with the families that attend. Find out more: National Playday Invite  and download the booking form here

• Sporting Aid are running two amazing programmes we are running every Saturday, free boxing and basketball sessions for young people aged 10–25. (Waltham cross playing fields)

• Come along to the B3Living Community Day at Pound Close, Hoddesdon on Thursday 14 August, 11:30am-2:30pm
  
  
• Mens group: "Mens Collective" A talking group for men focusing on communication with families and at work but also a safe space for men to talk freely and be heard. 6.30-8pm 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Community Alliance Building, Fore Street, Hertford. Download the poster
  
  Broxbourne Council has produced a simple Cost of Living guide for residents - Download the latest Cost of Living Directory

• 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 
  
  
• 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

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• A Healthy Eating on a Budget masterclass on Wednesday 30 July , 6pm-7pm online by Beezee. This is free to join - Sign up now for free if you’re a parent or carer of any age child in Hertfordshire!  FREE Feeding the family on a budget masterclass - Free Healthy Lifestyle Services | Hertfordshire 
  
  

• Hertfordshire MIND Network: See below information on MIND’S Summer Holiday Wellbeing initiatives for children and young people. Our Transition Y6-Y7 workshop at the Herts Haven Cafe (in person) and our Road to Year 7 group (online) provide some very useful support, advice and strategies for our Year 6 students about to embark on their journey into secondary school - please do share this information with those you feel could benefit.  Any questions please contact: Ceri.Roderick-Roast@hertsmindnetwork.org

 

Both visuals contain information explaining how to register interest or book onto the offers: 

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• You're Invited! Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre – Open Afternoon

We are delighted to invite you to an Open Afternoon at the newly refurbished Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre.

Thanks to the support of the DCMS Youth Investment Fund we have refurbished our centre into a vibrant, welcoming space for young people in our community. The refurbishment, completed in December 2024, has been coproduced with young people and their energy and enthusiasm has been invaluable throughout the project.  Young people not only helped design and oversee the refurbishment but also got hands-on experience in bricklaying, painting, and tiling working alongside our main contractors, Mulalley.

Join us to Celebrate the Completion of the Refurbishment:

• Welcome refreshments and viewing of presentations/displays
• Opening presentations from:
  • County Cllr Mark Watkins, Executive member for Education, SEND and Inclusion
  • Havanna Marshall Chair Broxbourne Youth Council and Broxbourne Youth Mayor
  • Nathan Gould Broxbourne SEND Youth Council  

• Tour the refurbished centre
• Meet the young people and Services for Young People staff
• Hear about the exciting projects and opportunities now available

Date: Friday 18^th July
Time: 15:30
Location: Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre, Stanhope Road, EN8 7DJ

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the incredible journey and achievements of the young people within our community.

RSVP to Paul.Ross@hertfordshire.gov.uk by Friday 11^th July 2025

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St Albans & Dacorum

• Mens Group Drop In - In Person:

• Our Intensive Family Support Team (IFST) for Dacorum and St. Albans are facilitating a group for dads and male carers. This men’s group is a space for male role models in children’s lives to come together and have a positive outlet for concerns and to share their thoughts with other men.

  It will run on the first Monday of each month from 6.00 – 7.30pm at the IFST office, Dacorum & St. Albans, Greenhill Site, Tenzing Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4HS (email: Kingsley.Davis@hertfordshire.gov.uk)

  • This group is a drop in and is not a course that way anyone can pop in on a monthly basis
  • We are tapping into staff resources and will have a topic to discuss every month including support with challenging behaviour, Internet safety, parenting challenges and the Parenting when Separated Programme, domestic abuse from a male perspective including male and female perpetrators and understanding the LGBTQ+ community
  • This is a safe space for men to come together in a positive and supportive way

  Dates for 2025

   July 7, September 1, October  6, November 3, December 1

• Mens group: "The Mr Programme" starts 4 June 2025, 6.30pm-8pm, (every Wednesday until 16 July). An online group exploring what a positive male role model looks like for children in today’s modern. Open to all dads/male carers. Book your place here:- MRProgramme Referral
  
  
• You can read the latest DSPL8 newsletter 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 Team projects

SfYP Dacorum Team projects

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North Herts & Stevenage

• Family Centre Service are running Parent Cafes, where local families can meet the team and other local families and find out about workshops, play activities and get information, advice and guidance.  Sessions for North Herts are at Woolmer Green Village Hall 10:00 - 11:30 on 23/9/2025.
• 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 

• 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.

• 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 North Herts Team projects
  • SfYP Stevenage Team projects 

• One of Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue's many community and youth engagement activities is their established Fire Cadet Programme aimed at young people aged 14-17 years and is free of charge to join.

  Fire Cadets participate in practical and theoretical fire and rescue service activities, including hose drills, breathing apparatus procedures and fire safety awareness sessions. The scheme teaches young people essential life skills such as self-discipline, confidence and leadership.

  We are currently recruiting for the new academic year (September 2025 intake) at our Royston Cadet unit based at the Royston Fire Station, Baldock Streeton, Royston, SG8 5BD, Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

  I have attached an information leaflet for any of your students who maybe interested in joining. There is an online application form on our service webpage which interested parents or children can complete Children and young people | Hertfordshire County Council

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Welwyn Hatfield

• Big Summer 2025

  Big Summer is 3 weeks of free/low cost activites taking place on 28 July- 17 August in Welwyn Hatfield

  We are encouraging all partners to submit their activities and offerings for the events calendar. To register your activities, please visit BIG Summer – One Welwyn Hatfield 

• Hatfield Community Fair 2025

  As part of Big Summer campaign, a community outreach event to connect with the local community. The event will include local charities/organisation stalls and lots of free activities for children including a climbing wall, pop up BMX track, facepainting and much more.

  Tuesday 12^th August, 11-3 at White Lion Square, Hatfield.

  To sign up to have a stall: Register an activity or community space | Activity registration – Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council 

• Herts Summer Parks

  Herts Summer Parks 2025 – a dynamic, festival style programme of FREE park activities for young people aged 12–16 across Hertfordshire this August.

  Mondays (4th, 11th, 18^th August)
  King George Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, AL7 4BP

• GALLERIA PROUD TO SUPPORT DRIVING AID TO UKRAINE

  The Galleria, Hatfield is honoured to be partnering with Driving Aid to Ukraine, a not-for-profit organisation that helps deliver UK aid directly to Ukraine's borders.

   Established charities often find it challenging to deliver and operate within conflict zones, so the organisation helps fill that gap, and The Galleria is proudly supplying storage for the donations they have received.

   44 pallets are currently being stored at The Galleria. These predominantly contain children's clothing which will be distributed to orphanages, IDP individual families, children's hospitals, and care centres.

  There is also 5 tons of disinfectant which will be distributed to hospitals, rehab units and IDP centres, with further medical equipment on its way.

  13 million Ukrainians (30% of the population) are displaced; many have lost everything, including loved ones. There is an increase in single-parent families and orphans, so raising funds to pay for fuel to transport aid is a priority.

  There are number of ways that support can be provided to Driving Aid to Ukraine. To donate to directly cover transport costs please visit https://drivingaidtoukraine.org/donate-now.

  The organisation is also currently requiring volunteers with experience in gaining corporate donations, grant writing and general fundraising. If interested, please contact Michael at m.p.byrne1@icloud.com.

   Anthony Greener, Retail Manager at The Galleria said “We are delighted that we are able to support Driving Aid to Ukraine by providing them with the storage they require. The work they are doing to coordinate donations being delivered to Ukraine is invaluable.”

   For more information about the organisation and how you can help, please visit https://drivingaidtoukraine.org/ 

• ‘HERTS LOVES’ PRELOVED POP-UP SUMMER DATES AT THE GALLERIA                                                                The Galleria, Hatfield, is excited to announce the Summer opening dates for children’s preloved clothing pop-up Herts loves.

   Herts loves will be trading at the scheme every Tuesday and Thursday 10am-2pm, throughout June until the end of August. To view the full list of dates visit https://thegalleria.co.uk/herts-loves-pre-loved-clothing-pop-up/

   Herts loves offer invaluable support to families. They sell preloved items to support families as they navigate the journey of parenthood. Products include ‘starter’ kits for new parents, giving them all the items they need as they welcome their little bundle into the World, plus clothes, bedding and toys that have been donated and are looking for a new home in which they can be loved once again.

   Herts loves is well-established within the local community, having run similar pop-ups locally in the past year alone. The partnership with The Galleria further supports the local community and giving back to families that may still be feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, as well as those who want to support such a fantastic initiative and give a new lease of life to preloved items once again, with all funds raised going back into the organisation to be used towards their future endeavours.  

   For more information about the pop-up visit https://thegalleria.co.uk/

• 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 Welwyn Hatfield Team projects

• Caudwell Youth Referrals : Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into new futures.  They have openings for referrals in Welwyn/Hatfield areas.  Parents and young people, as well as professionals can refer/self-refer if required.

  Caudwell Youth -  Please complete the online form. Application Form - Caudwell Youth 

  • Please remember to create a unique username for each young person you refer
  • Add the young person's details not your own (it will feel like it’s asking for yours)
  • Add as much risk information as possible 
  • Please complete all relevant questions

   Each new referral will be triaged and placed on a short waiting list, before being assigned to a member of the team, if we require more information, the Area manager will contact you before we accept the referral. 

  If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

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Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere

• The Intensive Family Support Team in Watford and Three Rivers Team are having a Community Summer Fun Day alongside local services in the South Oxhey playing fields. This will be held on Wednesday 6^th of August at 12pm to 3pm. We are asking parents/carers to bring a picnic.  Play ranges will be putting on some activities and we have invited SFYP, Library, Family Centre, some local charities and SEND services. Download the Poster here

• Mission Impossible : Our employability training programme is for young people age 18-25 with learning disabilities. We run a Supported Internship programme in Chorleywood and are currently recruiting for September 2025.

  Our mission is to provide the training and support that young, learning disabled people need, to gain paid employment and work with employers to help them create an inclusive workplace in which our graduates can thrive.   Together with our employment partners & local community, we are changing the lives of those with learning disabilities, one person at a time, creating a more inclusive workforce for all.  To date over 90% of our graduates have secured paid employment after completing their years employability training course at Mission EmployAble’s training centre at Cafe on The Common.  

• Find out more about Home-Start in Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere -

• 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 Watford Team projects

  • SfYP Three Rivers Team projects

  • SfYP Hertsmere Team projects
• 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

• The Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service runs many community and youth engagement activities, one of which is an established Fire Cadet Programme, aimed at young people aged 14-17 years, and is free of charge to join.

  Fire Cadets participate in practical and theoretical fire and rescue service activities, including hose drills, breathing apparatus procedures and fire safety awareness sessions. The scheme teaches young people essential life skills such as self-discipline, confidence and leadership.

  We are currently recruiting for the new academic year (September 2025 intake) at our Watford Cadet Unit, which is based at our Watford Fire Station, WD17 2AG and at our Royston Cadet unit based at Royston Fire Station, SG8 5BD. Both units run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, term time only.

  There is an online application form on our service webpage which interested parents or children can complete Children and young people | Hertfordshire County Council

  If you have any enquiries about the Cadet Programme or any of the youth engagement activities, please do not hesitate to contact HFRS.youth@hertfordshire.gov.uk