Welcome

Dear Partners,

It's a Summer Holiday Special 😎

Welcome to the bumper July edition of Families First News for Hertfordshire's early help professionals with lots of activities to share with families along with support available.

As always, we have plenty of partnership news to share with you and this edition we'd like to draw your attention to our local page where you can find out what's happening for families near you. Please also use this page to promote your own news - as always, email your copy to familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk

If you or a team member would like to learn more about Families First, you may want to attend one of our Families First online Induction days which are held quarterly across the county and are open to all professionals. Find out more here.

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.  

The Development Team

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Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund

Key Information for Practitioners

The Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund is open for applications from 29 June. It forms part of Hertfordshire’s wider Crisis Resilience Fund and provides short‑term emergency support to help stabilise families at a point of crisis and prevent escalation.

This fund should be used alongside longer‑term support options available via Cost of Living Support, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/col

The fund can provide essential items, food vouchers, and support with essential travel where there is an immediate need.

For full eligibility, guidance, and application processes, refer to the Children, Young People and Families Crisis Support Fund Criteria | Hertfordshire County Council

Who the fund is for

The fund is available to families who:

• Live in Hertfordshire
• Have an open Children’s Services assessment (e.g. Child & Family Assessment, Families First Assessment, Short Term Work, or Young Carers Assessment)
• Are experiencing immediate crisis and deep material poverty
• Have no alternative funding available at the time of application

Applications must be submitted by a practitioner actively working with the family (e.g. Lead Practitioner or within a Team Around the Family).

What the fund can be used for

The fund may be used to provide:

• Immediate support for families facing a crisis (e.g. disaster, health emergency, relationship breakdown, loss of income, or essential item failure)
• Essential needs including food, clothing, hygiene items, and basic household goods
• Support with essential living costs (e.g. utilities) or travel
• Essential furniture or household items required to maintain a safe, minimum standard of living

Making an application

To apply, complete the Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund Application

• Applications must be completed online by the supporting practitioner
• Decisions are made at weekly panels held each Wednesday, with outcomes shared within 24 hours
• To be considered at that week’s panel, applications must be submitted by Tuesday at 4pm
• Approved funds are issued to the practitioner to support the family directly

Webinar: Understanding the Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund – Application Process

A series of webinars will be delivered for professionals supporting children, young people, and families across Hertfordshire.

The sessions will:

• Explain the eligibility criteria
• Clarify what the fund can be used for
• Provide a step-by-step guide to the application process
• Share practical tips to support effective referrals and timely support

Webinar dates still available and registration links:

• 14^th July 9:30 – 10:15 register here
• 16^th July 15:45 – 16:30 register here

Please select one session only, as content will be the same across all dates. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be made available.

Contact:

For enquiries email: childrenandfamiliessupportfund@hertfordshire.gov.uk

(Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)

 

News from Services for Young People

Positive Pathways summer holiday activity programmes

This summer, Services for Young People (SfYP) is running free Positive Pathways activity programmes delivered by their qualified Youth Workers across the whole county. The programmes involve fun activities and interactive workshops that will help young people to make new friends, build confidence and social skills, stay safe online and in their community, learn about healthy relationships, and identify and achieve their goals in life.

• Find full details of the Positive Pathways activity programmes and how to book

Summer holiday activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND

During the summer holidays, SfYP is offering adventurous outdoor activities for young people aged 13-19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The activities are designed to develop young people’s social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment and include a thrilling zip line adventure, archery, creative woodland arts & crafts, outdoor adventure games and a fun physical challenge course.

• Find full details of what’s on offer and how families can book

Family Adventure Sessions at Hudnall Park

SfYP’s summer 2026 Family Adventure Sessions are a fantastic opportunity for families to get involved in a range of fun and adventurous outdoor activities and spend time in the beautiful environment of Hudnall Park. The instructor-led activity sessions are ideal for children and young people aged 9-14 and include archery, orienteering and zip lining.

• Find full details of the Family Adventure Sessions and how to book

Exam results support

Young people getting their A-level, T-level or GCSE results this August can get support from SfYP as they decide on their next steps. Whether the results are better or worse than expected, SfYP Advisers offer the latest information and impartial, personalised advice to help young people with their important choices.

• Find out how to access SfYP’s exam results support

Get September Ready with SfYP

SfYP is offering free ‘Get September Ready’ sessions throughout the summer to help all Year 11 students feel more confident and prepared for their next steps after school. They can get individualised support from qualified SfYP Advisers to make a successful transition.

Find full details, venues and dates of the Get September Ready sessions

HAPpy Camps are back for Summer (ages 4-16)

HAPpy camps are back once again for the summer holiday.  Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this FREE holiday activity provision.  As ever, HAPpy camps will offer a wide variety of activities with a nutritious meal included too!

 

Every camp is inclusive and able to meet the needs of most children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), provided the right information is supplied with their booking. There are also a limited number of SEND-specific camps which may be better for children with higher support needs.

The HAPpy camps programme runs from Monday 27 July, to Friday 28 August. You must pre-register your children on the new HAPpy booking system before you search for and book activities 

Bookings opened on Monday 6 July.

Check out Hertfordshire's Summer 26 Parenting and Relationship Courses

You can view the Summer 2026 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 .

Please also visit the Hertfordshire Directory for more parenting courses.

Is your Service listed on the Hertfordshire Directory? 

Providers, services, groups and individuals can request a login and once approved, they can create a comprehensive listing and receive direct referrals if they wish. This can include key information such as what they do, who they support, when and where they work and their website for more information.

There are some short YouTube videos to help people get started:

• Getting started with Hertfordshire Directory
• Adding a new listing to Hertfordshire Directory – part 1
• Adding a new listing to Hertfordshire Directory – part 2

There’s also a How to step-by-step guide online

If you have any questions, queries or feedback about the Directory, or need support accessing it, please email:

anne.ardley@hertfordshire.gov.uk or web.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

SPACE Events and Activities for Neurodivergent Children and Young People

Booking now open for our August 2026 events and activities

School’s almost out – but don’t panic! SPACE has your summer sorted with a sizzling line-up of activities to keep children and young people busy, active, and smiling all month long.

From getting hands-on at our summer allotment sessions and the adrenaline rush of Doughnutting, to exploring Rye-Assic Adventure Park, pottery painting and much more, August is bursting with opportunities to have fun, build confidence and make new friends in a supportive environment.

Take me straight to booking

Help to keep children safe online

The Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology recently published new resources on the ‘Kids online safety’ website to help parents and carers understand and get support dealing with online misogyny. The new section is designed to help families and give them more confidence in talking to their children about what they’re doing and experiencing online. DfE continues to link to trusted charities and expert organisations where families can find specialist support, including helplines and further advice.

Diversity & Inclusion Group for young people 16-25

Our Participation Team are looking to expand our Diversity and Inclusion Young People’s Group and are seeking individuals aged 16-25 to get involved. The group currently meet once a month on the first Tuesday of every month at Farnham House in Stevenage from 6-8pm to explore topics around identity and diversity. Please see leaflet attached for more information and help us to promote to young people.

Download the leaflet

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) - Be Water Aware

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) - Be Water Aware

Activities in or around water can be a fun pastime, especially during warmer months, but around half of accidental drownings happen to people who didn’t intend to go into the water. Between 2000 and 2025 HFRS attended 120 water related incidents and twenty-one lives were tragically claimed during this period.

It's important to know how to stay safe, and how to help if you come across someone in trouble in the water:

1. Phone 999 straight away to get help.  Ask for the fire service – never enter the water to attempt a rescue.

1. Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back.

1. Throw something that floats if it is safe to do so.

For more information on how to stay safe, visit our dedicated webpage: hertfordshire.gov.uk/watersafe

Young carers wellbeing event

I just wanted to share a young carers event we have coming up on 31^st July. It is open to all young carers (not just those involved in our new participation group – though I am still keen to promote these too!) age 8+. It is a wellbeing activity day, similar to the IFST one over Easter. There will be a range of wellbeing sessions, as well as some fun activities and the opportunity for young carers to meet others with a shared experience.

Details (and flyer attached):

When: Friday 31^st July

Time:  10 am – 3pm

Where: Shephall Centre, Stevenage

 Please share where you can.

Hertfordshire SEND Community Activities Directory

 

• 🌟 Discover inclusive activities and clubs tailored to different interests and needs
• 🎭 Explore performing arts opportunities, including dance, drama and music.
• ⚽ Find inclusive sports and leisure activities to support health, wellbeing and fun
• 🎢 Access information on accessible days out, museums, parks and play facilities across Hertfordshire
• ☀️ Learn about holiday clubs, short breaks and community-supported activities available to families
• 🔗 Visit the Hertfordshire SEND Directory for even more information and resources: Activities and leisure | Hertfordshire Directory

 

Support available for emotionally based school non-attendance

Emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) can affect children and young people of any school age. It can happen as a result of a wide range of different factors – home, wider family, community, school, friendships – often a combination of some or all of these.

This leaflet gives some great information and advice for those families affected by EBSNA along with strategies to try at home.

Hertfordshire’s first Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Partnership Strategy.

This month saw the launch of Hertfordshire’s first Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Partnership Strategy.

Violence against women and girls has no place in our communities. Our strategy is an important step forward, but it will take all of us to support and deliver it. It relies on strong partnership working with the police, health, experts by experience, voluntary groups and other partners. Together we have set out our shared commitment to preventing abuse, supporting victims and survivors, and holding perpetrators to account.

Alongside the strategy, a new Communications Charter has also been introduced to support responsible and sensitive reporting.

What stood out most at the strategy launch was hearing directly from people with lived experience. Their courage in sharing their stories was both moving and humbling, and it reinforced why this work is so important.

Please watch this podcast, the first in a series about Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.

 

Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Partnership Day

We are pleased to invite you to the Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) Partnership Day, taking place on Tuesday 29th September 2026, 9.00am – 3.30pm at The Fielder Centre, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9TP.  Please find details attached.

Building on the success of last year’s partnership day, the event will offer an opportunity to:

• Hear about the latest developments in supporting children, young people and families
• Network with partners from across the system, including a market stall area
• Engage with key updates and shared learning, including table discussions and activities.

Agenda highlights include:

• Keynote speakers on children’s social care reforms and the new Best Start family hubs
• Local updates on young carers and Hertfordshire’s new Crisis Resilience Fund
• A VCFE-led ‘Prevention in Practice: Same Families Different Doors’ session

We are also delighted to welcome Mark O’Sullivan, award-winning writer, director and actor, as our special guest speaker. Mark will share insights from his work and experiences, including his documentary “My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom” and the Making Lemonade platform, focusing on how creativity can transform challenging experiences.

Booking details:

• Attendance is free, and refreshments and lunch will be provided
• To secure your place, please register via the link: CYPF Partnership Day or scan the QR code on the attached poster.

Places are limited, so we encourage early booking.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be an enjoyable and informative day.

Supporting families during World Breastfeeding Week

To mark World Breastfeeding Week, we are delighted to be partnering with the Better Health Bus to deliver a series of community events across Hertfordshire, promoting breastfeeding awareness and providing support for expectant and new parents.

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions for improving infant health and wellbeing. However, globally, fewer than half of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Through these events, we aim to raise
awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and ensure that families have access to the support, information and professional guidance they need throughout their feeding journey.

Event schedule:

Breastfeeding Family Fun celebration events!

Join us for a FREE Fun event to celebrate breastfeeding week, featuring the Better Health Bus and activities for little ones

Drop-in, no need to book

* For ALL families with children aged 0-5 (older siblings up to age 8 are
welcome)

• Monday 3rd August, 10:30 - 13:00
  Windmill Family Centre, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4DW

A family-friendly breastfeeding celebration incorporating National Play Day (aimed at children aged 0 – 5 years, there will also be activities for siblings up to the age of 8).

• Tuesday 4th August, 10:30 - 13:00
  The BECC Family Centre, off Shakespeare Dr, Furzehill Rd,
  Borehamwood, WD6 2FD

A breastfeeding and perinatal wellbeing event.

• Thursday 6th August, 13:00 - 15:00
  Selections Family Centre, Welwyn Road, Hertford, SG14 2DG

A breastfeeding and perinatal support event.

These events will provide an opportunity for breastfeeding mothers, expectant
parents and families (with children aged 0 – 5 years) to access
support, information and resources, while connecting with professionals and
community organisations.

We look forward to welcoming families and celebrating World Breastfeeding Week together.

FIND OUT MORE

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.

Next dates:-

• Thursday 13 August 2026, 9am-9.30am

Join a Families First Induction day - ideal for new starters

We host Families First online Induction days 3 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 8 July 26 am & Thursday 16 July 26 pm
• Wednesday 14 Oct 26 am & Thursday 22 Oct 26 pm

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

We recently held a round of Spring 2026 Working Together in Early Help events which are always a great workforce development and networking opportunity. All events were well attended across the county. Please watch this space for our Autumn dates.

Gambling-Related Harm: Training Opportunities

Gambling-related harm is increasingly recognised as a significant public health issue, with strong links to financial distress, relationship breakdown and deteriorating mental health.

Hertfordshire Public Health, in partnership with Breakeven, is offering free Gambling Awareness Training for anyone working with vulnerable groups. This includes staff across health, social care, housing, VCSE organisations, community roles and anyone who may encounter gambling-related harm in their work.

A few risk factors for gambling related harm:

• Heavy drinkers are over 7 times more likely to engage in harmful gambling than non-drinkers: Alcohol consumption is a key risk behaviour that increases the likelihood of problem gambling.
• People experiencing homelessness are over 10 times more likely to problem gamble
• Men are 4 times more likely to be harmful gamblers than women
• Low life satisfaction and poor mental health are correlated with problem gambling
• Military veterans are 8 times more likely to be problem gamblers
• People with ADHD and autistic people were twice as likely to experience gambling-related harm as their peers without these neurodivergent characteristics
• Believing gambling will improve finances: 42% of people gambling at harmful levels believed that gambling would help improve their financial situation in the next 12 months compared to 7% of adults in the UK

In Hertfordshire, it is estimated that 38,000 people experience problem gambling, and 78,000 people are affected by someone else’s gambling. Supporting early identification plays a vital role in reducing harm and helping people access support before crisis point.

We recommend watching this short 5-minute video to hear the experiences of people affected by gambling.

We would like to invite you to attend this Gambling Awareness training. There are two options of training:

1.5 hour Bet You Can Help Now! (MS Teams)

• 2nd July 2026, 1 – 2.30pm
• 16th September – 10 -11:30am

Full day accredited Level 2 training, Bet You Can Help (in person)

• 14th July, 10am – 4pm

For further information and to book, please click this link: Public Health Training | Hertfordshire County Council

The training will give you an insight into the harm caused by gambling, how to recognise risks early and confidently offer support. Feedback received from people who have attended the training has been very positive. They said It gave them an understanding of the many different types of gambling, how it can easily become an addiction, and how important it is to routinely ask if people are affected by gambling (either their own or someone else’s).

The training is also suitable for managers and people in strategic roles and also those that have frontline roles. Please share this with colleagues and other organisations you work with too.

For more information on support services visit: Gambling | Hertfordshire County Council

My Teen Brain Online Training

Strategic Partnerships Commissioning are pleased to announce the next My Teen Brain Online Training courses that are due to be delivered on:

• Wednesday 16^th September

This FREE 1-day CPD course, from 10am – 3pm is for Hertfordshire practitioners working with parents of teenagers and/or working with teenagers or young people 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 Program from The Centre For Emotional Health.

Please find the booking link below for you to reserve your place on one of our Autumn term courses.  This training is a very popular and is beneficial to all practitioners who work with Hertfordshire children and families. 

If you are interested in booking on to the course, 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, from 10am – 3pm.

Wednesday 16^th September - My Teen Brain Online Training 16 September | Hertfordshire County Council

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

Challenging Behaviour in Teens online course

Workforce Shadowing

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:-

• 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

• Hertfordshire’s Continuum of Need:

  The Continuum of Need is a threshold document that supports everyone working with Hertfordshire’s children, young people and families, to identify the “Level of Need” and the service responses that can be expected. It sets out how we can work together, by placing the child, young person and family at the centre, sharing information, and working with families to help them to find solutions early to prevent their difficulties escalating.

  Children's Services Continuum of Need 2025-26

  
  

  • 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.

Money Advice Programme - Spring 2026

You can now download and view the Money Advice Unit Training Programme and booking form for SPRING 2026.

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.

 

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period April 2025 - March 2026.

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.

 

Who's Who in Supporting Families

Supporting Families Team

Head of Supporting Families: Karen Dorney

Service Managers:

Lauren Penrose - Service Manager, IFST and Participation Team

Sue Chapman - Service Manager, Supporting Families Partnership Team, Young Carers Team, Safe Space and      Father Inclusive Practice

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

Other Teams

Safe Space: Sally Gubb 

Young Carers: Gemma Roake

Participation Team: Brooke Donovan

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

Quick link to:-
Broxbourne & East Herts
St Albans & Dacorum
North Herts & Stevenage
Welwyn Hatfield
Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere

Broxbourne & East Herts

Girl Corner is a free girls-only programme for young people aged 14–17 providing a safe, supportive and engaging space where participants can shape the activities and sessions based on their interests.

Every Wednesday 6-8pm, Active Local Hub in Waltham Cross.

Please also find the referral/sign-up link below: Your Voice, Your Choice – Girls Corner Sign up Form

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New Learn to Ride courses are coming to three Hertfordshire locations this summer to help children learn to cycle safely and confidently on two wheels. Find out more on Hertford Cycle Hub's Eventbrite - July/Aug https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hertford-cycle-hub-30802887362

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Hoddesdon Library: Face To Face Courses – Step2Skills  Details of upcoming face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hoddesdon Library.  Content writing for profit 21^st May – 5 weeks – 9.30am 12pm.  How to publish a book 21^st May – 5 weeks 1.30pm-4pm.  Digital photography 25^th June – 1.30pm-4pm.  Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte Adams, Step2Skills charlotte.adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership

We’re really excited to be preparing for a fantastic summer at Waltham Cross Playing Fields, with a range of vibrant, community-focused events for children and young people. We’d love for you to be part of it—whether that’s showcasing what you do, connecting with local families, or delivering fun taster sessions that inspire young people to get involved.  These events attract hundreds of attendees and are a great opportunity to grow awareness of your groups, clubs, and activities while helping us create an active, inclusive community. Please find more details below:

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Herts Summer Parks
Tuesday 4, 11, 18 August, 3pm – 6pm
A free, festival-style programme for young people aged 12–16, featuring sports, arts and crafts, inflatables, adrenaline activities, music workshops, and much, much more. Each young person also receives a voucher for a nutritious meal from local food providers.

Junior Park Run - download the leaflet

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Waltham Cross Sports Festival
Saturday 15 August, 12pm – 4pm
A free annual community celebration for families, promoting physical activity and showcasing local opportunities. The day includes sessions, competitions, demonstrations, tournaments, and plenty of fun children’s activities such as bouncy castles and face painting.

 If you’re interested in getting involved in any of these events, we’d love to hear from you. Your involvement will play a key role in helping more children and young people get active, try something new, and feel part of their local community.  Please contact Matthew Ridley m.ridley2@herts.ac.uk at your earliest convenience.

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Communities First - Learning events

Please see below details of our upcoming courses in Hoddesdon and Hertford, Please note our courses are open to all aged 19+ and resident of Hertfordshire. 

Further information and other courses can be found on our website, https://www.communities1st.org.uk/communitylearning

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You can download the poster for the opening time of the Wasimi breakfast club in Waltham Cross during the summer holidays (attached)

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The Windrush Legacies CIC have Multi-Sports Activity sessions taking place during the summer for children and young people with SEND. Download the leaflet here.

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St Albans & Dacorum

The Mr Programme has once again started for dads and male carers! It started on 1st July 2026 at 7pm till 9pm at Greenhills site, Tenzing Road, Hemel Hempstead. HP2 4HS and will run weekly for 8 weeks.

This programme is for males aged 18 or over who are role models to children so dad’s, uncles, brothers, neighbours and friends.

We will be covering a range of topics such as:

• Men’s mental health
• SEND in children
• Children’s mental health
• Separation and conflict
• Women’s hygiene and support males can offer
• Supporting babies and newborns – shaken baby syndrome , tools to cope and manage with challenges
• Signposting to external services for support

You can download the leaflet here and you can register here:- MRProgramme Referral

If you have any questions regards this programme please contact:- henry.lee-brenchley@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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North Herts & Stevenage

Support for Male Survivors of Domestic Abuse:

Future Living Hertford has a dedicated programme of support for male survivors of Domestic Abuse. Attached is the flyer for Wise Guys, which will be delivered at the Sadie Centre in Letchworth on Mondays at 1pm, starting from 7th September. Contact info@futurelivinghertford.co.uk or call 01992 537344 for more information.

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Welwyn Hatfield

Big Summer is back! ☀️

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Big Summer campaign returns this summer with three weeks of free and low-cost activities for children, young people and families across the borough.

We’d really appreciate your support in helping us spread the word — please start sharing the campaign across your networks, members, service users and social channels.

We are also still welcoming activity submissions from partners who would like to be included in the programme. If your organisation is delivering activities, sessions or events for children and young people over the summer holidays, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more and submit activities here: ☀️ Big Summer 2026

Don't miss our three flagship Activity Days, packed with sports, crafts, entertainment, games and much more!

📍 Wednesday 29 July
Stonehills, Welwyn Garden City
🕚 11:00am – 3:00pm

📍 Wednesday 5 August
King George V Playing Fields, Welwyn Garden City
🕚 11:00am – 3:00pm

📍 Wednesday 12 August
White Lion Square, Hatfield
🕚 11:00am – 3:00pm

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Upcoming Summer Children's Reading Group- Hatfield Library

Please see details of our next upcoming session for our children’s reading group, before the summer properly begins and school finishes in July-  and we then head into the annual big Summer Reading Challenge (details to follow later). 

Places are limited for these very popular, and enjoyable sessions. Please enquire in the library.

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Build a Butterfly House- Hatfield Library: Please find a link to poster for a lovely free upcoming children’s family event to help kick off the summer holidays with our partners at WHBC. 🦋

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Hatfield Community Fair 2026! This community event is a great opportunity to meet and connect with a wide range of local organisations, charities, and community groups offering support services. Plus, there will be lots of free activities for children to enjoy!

Taking place on Tuesday 28th July 2026, 11-3 at White Lion Square, Hatfield

To sign up your organisation please follow the link below:

Register an activity | Activity registration – Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

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Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere

Herts Summer Parks

A free, festival-style programme for young people aged 12–16, featuring sports, arts and crafts, inflatables, adrenaline activities, music workshops, and much, much more. Each young person also receives a voucher for a nutritious meal from local food providers. Download the leaflet.

When: Thursday 6th August, 13th August, 20th August, 3-6pm
Where: King George V Playing Fields, Sish Lane, SG1 3LS

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Up and coming tasters with Louisa: 

Weds 8^th July (booking closes Mon 6^th July): Motivation and Time Management - Taster | Hertfordshire County Council

Up and coming courses with Joy or Louisa:

 Introduction to Working in Schools with Joy Tues 2 June 9.15am (booking closes Tues 29^th May): Introduction to working in schools | Hertfordshire County Council

Boost Your Confidence with Louisa Weds 3 June 9.30am (booking closes Mon 1^st June): Boost Your Confidence | Hertfordshire County Council

 Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact charlotte.adams@hertfprdshire.gov.uk

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Free personalised meal plans for Hertfordshire families – usually £86per year – now FREE (until April 2027)! 

Fed up of deciding what to eat every night?  

Want to save money on food shopping and eat better? 

Hertfordshire County Council and the local district and borough councils are working with TV chef Theo Michaels, to help local families eat healthier, reduce food costs and make life around dinnertimes a lot easier! This is exclusively for families living, being educated or working in Hertfordshire 

Join the FiveDinners website and every week you’ll get a fully personalised meal plan with a complete shopping list so you know exactly what you’ve got for dinner without having to think about it!  

To claim your free membership today simply visit your exclusive link: https://FiveDinners.com/MyCommunity and scroll down to Hertfordshire. Either enter your postcode or schools.  

This is 100% free, no payment details are taken– join over 37,000 other families enjoying FiveDinners. 

Visit: FiveDinners.com/MyCommunity 

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Find out more about Step2Skills courses taking place at Hertfordshire libraries across the county.