The latest news
Book your place: Working Together in Early Help events
Join us this Spring at our popular Families First: Working Together in Early Help learning events taking place around the county.
It is always a good partner networking opportunity and there will be presentations on the following:-
- Prevent (A UK government initiative that helps to protect people from radicalisation)
- Hertfordshire’s Carers Strategy and new Young Carers offer
- An update on how the national Families First Partnership Programme is being implemented in Hertfordshire
- Other services including: Community Alliances (CVS), MIND and Herts Young Homeless
DATES & VENUES:-
Thursday 30 April, 9.30am-12.00pm, Broxbourne Borough Council, Cheshunt
Thursday 14 May, 9.30am – 12.00pm, Three Rivers District Council, Rickmansworth
Monday 18 May, 9.30am - 12.00pm, Sadie Centre, Letchworth
Thursday 21 May, 9.30am – 12.00pm, South Hill Centre, Hemel Hempstead
Book your place here
HAPpy camps are back this Easter!
Hertfordshire County Council is once again launching its free Easter activity camps for children and young people in Hertfordshire.
Fully funded holiday activity camps return for the Easter 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 for 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 30 March and 10 April and places can be booked via the Herts Sports Partnership’s website: https://bit.ly/BookHAPpy26IC
Ask your school office, if your child is eligible and you have not received your code.
Beezee at Maximus Upcoming programmes and Masterclasses
Ahead of the Easter holidays, we have pulled together some simple yet powerful tips to support healthier living for the whole family and this is just a glimpse of the support we can offer!
Here is a FREE resource and we would love it if you could please share with parents/carers via email / regular newsletters and on social media. We've got some copy below you can use to make life easier.
We run Beezee Families, a FREE heathy lifestyle programme that our nutritionists deliver across Hertfordshire. The 12-week programme supports families to build healthy habits around food, physical activity, and how to have fun while doing so!
Our current programmes are now finished and families are celebrating graduation! You can secure your FREE spot now for our next rotation starting at the end of April. Places fill up fast so make to book soon! If you can’t wait to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey, you can learn at your own pace over on our Academy. Visit our website for more details
We are also pleased to offer ALL parents/carers our FREE Masterclasses during April
- Supporting Children with a Limited Diet Masterclass on Wednesday 8th April 6pm – 7pm
- Healthy Eating on a Budget Masterclass on Wednesday 15th April 6pm – 7pm
Sign up to a Masterclass here
Plan for Children & Young People
The Plan for Children & Young People 2026-31 was launched in November supported by a Plan on a Page and an animation which share key information about the four ambitions and what these mean to young people. These are hosted, along with full Plan, at Hertfordshire's plan for children and young people 2026-31 | Hertfordshire County Council. You are welcome to share these with the families, young people and children who you work with.
The ambitions outline what services will do to support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes:
- Ambition 1: Deliver the education and early help children, young people and families need to thrive together.
- Ambition 2: Help keep children and young people safe from harm, at home, where they live, and outside in their wider neighbourhood, community and online.
- Ambition 3: Provide help to children and young people within their family networks and local communities.
- Ambition 4: Support children and young people to live in stable homes and build relationships which equip them for the future.
The Plan officially begins from 1 April and sets out Hertfordshire County Council's ambitions for improving outcomes for children and young people and how those ambitions will be enabled. The vision is to support all children and young people to feel they belong and are happy, healthy, and safe so they can thrive with their families and community.
Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2031
Hertfordshire County Council has launched Your Care, Your Future: Our Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out our vision, values, and priorities for supporting care‑experienced children and young people. The five‑year timeframe reflects our commitment to providing stability and continuity during local government reorganisation.
When a child or young person comes into our care, Hertfordshire County Council becomes their corporate parent. However, corporate parenting is a shared duty across all partners, services, and professionals who play a role in a child’s life. By working together, we aim to create an environment where young people feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive as they grow into adulthood.
The strategy is shaped by what young people told us matters most to them. Their insights have formed seven key priorities that will guide our work over the next five years: belonging, aspiration, confidence, wellbeing, stability, participation, and feeling protected.
Find out more and listen to care-experience young people’s message to us as corporate parents: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/corporateparentingstrategy
Supporting Boys & Men : Professionals Networking event - this week!
Our St Albans and Dacorum Intensive Family Support Team are hosting an event which is designed to help professionals assist young boys & men with building healthy relationships, discussing domestic abuse, masculinity and much more. All professionals are welcome to come along, please register your place here:- Men's Networking Event | Hertfordshire County Council. The event will look at services that support boys and men in Hertfordshire (focusing on St Albans and Dacorum) but not limited to this space. This is the first of hopefully many in the future the team will be organising.
DATE: Thursday, 26 March, 10:00am
VENUE: Grovehill Adventure Playground, Hemel Hempstead
Redbourn Road
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7BA
Men’s Mental Health Community Evening
We are really pleased to share details of a powerful community evening event happening on Tuesday 14 April 2026 from 6.00pm at Hertfordshire Studios, Live space, Studio one, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF, designed to create a safe, welcoming and stigma‑free space for men to talk openly, connect with each other and feel genuinely supported.
This is not a lecture, not a clinical appointment and not a one‑off session.
It is the beginning of a movement — one that encourages men to speak honestly, listen without judgement and understand that they are not alone.
There is no need to book onto the session, please just turn up.
🌟 A movement for men’s mental health
Men’s Mental Health Day has a clear purpose: to build connection, visibility, and support for men of all ages and backgrounds.
The evening aims to:
- Create an accessible support system for men
- Encourage open conversation in a relaxed environment
- Challenge stigma around speaking about mental health
- Provide professional guidance without clinical jargon
- Strengthen community, understanding and connection
This event is designed to change lives through conversation.
👥 Who this evening is for
This event welcomes men from every walk of life, including:
- Fathers and single dads
- Husbands and partners
- Sons and brothers
- Work colleagues, business owners, and employees
- Young men finding their way
- Older men navigating major life changes
Many men experience pressure, anxiety, burnout, grief, and isolation — often silently.
This evening recognises that strength does not mean suffering alone.
Women are also warmly welcomed as allies.
Supportive partners, family members, friends, and colleagues play a vital role in helping men feel understood, connected and less alone — and their presence can make a meaningful difference.
🤝 Partners and supporters
The event is delivered with support from trusted organisations, including:
- NHS representatives
- Men’s Sheds
- Broxbourne Council
- Psychologists, doctors, and mental health professionals
- Carers and frontline mental health workers
- Community groups and charities
Together, they help ensure every attendee is listened to, guided, and supported.
🕕 What to expect on the night (6pm – 9pm)
6:00pm – Arrival & Welcome
A relaxed, friendly start with background music, bar service 🍺, cakes, tea, and coffee ☕🍰 and the opportunity for informal conversations with professionals and volunteers.
6:30pm – Opening Address
A warm welcome, an overview of the evening and a reminder that this is a safe, respectful, and confidential space.
6:45pm – Guest Speaker Sessions
Engaging talks on:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Positive mindset and affirmations
- Bullying (workplace, social and personal)
- Pressure, identity and expectations
- Emotional resilience and coping strategies
Speakers focus on lived experience, real‑world advice, and honest conversation — not clinical terminology.
8:00pm – Open Discussion & Connection
A chance to talk, reflect, listen or simply be present.
Private conversations will be available with psychologists, doctors, and carers.
8:45pm – Closing Message
A reminder that support continues beyond this event, with signposting to community groups and ongoing services.
Message of the night: this does not end here.
🛋️ The venue: Hertfordshire Studios, Live Space
A modern, comfortable environment with:
- Professional sound and lighting
- Relaxed seating
- Bar service
- Tea, coffee, and cakes
This space has been chosen to avoid the formality often associated with mental health discussions, creating warmth, comfort and ease.
📫 Address:
Hertfordshire Studios, Live space, Studio one, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF
🎤 Meet the speakers
Kev Orkian talking about positive mind affirmations
Joe Rowntree talking about anxiety
Matt Stirling talking about depression and his career in Hollywood stunts
Steve Wortley talking about personal experiences
Claire Mitchell talking about Support through the NHS
🌱 Creating long‑term change
This evening marks the beginning of:
- Ongoing support events
- Community groups and regular meet‑ups
- Stronger partnerships with health organisations
- A long‑term commitment to improving men’s mental health locally
This is more than an event — it is a movement designed to strengthen men, support wellbeing, and create lasting change.
Equal Parenting Week – List of Resources and Support available
HCC are recognising Equal Parenting Week this April, a national campaign celebrating modern parenting for the first time and the important role all parents and carers play in family life.
Equal parenting is about recognising that all parents deserve equal opportunity, equal support, and equal consideration at work — whether they are mums, dads, same-sex parents, step-parents, adoptive parents or carers balancing work and family life.
We thought we'd share some of the webinars that are been hosted during the week, which you may be interested in joining:-
Monday 27 April from 11:00 to 15:00 | Online
Equal Parenting Week Launch Event Tickets, Monday, Apr 27 from 11 am to 3 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite
Tuesday 28 April from 12:00 to 13:00 | Webinar
Why do dads need 6 months paternity leave? How time to care changes families, work and equality
Why do dads need 6 months paternity leave? Tickets, Tuesday, Apr 28 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite
Wednesday 29 April from 12:00 to 13:00 | Webinar
What happens when flexible working is denied? Parents’ rights, return-to-office mandates and what’s changing
What happens when flexible working is denied? Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 29 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite
Thursday 30 April from 13:30 to 14:30 | Webinar
Is equal parenting even possible? The invisible mental load and why fairness in care matters
Is equal parenting even possible? Tickets, Thursday, Apr 30 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite
Friday 1 May from 12:00 to 13:00 | Webinar
Are your parents sneaking out at 3pm? How to build a Parenting Out Loud workplace culture
Are your parents sneaking out at 3pm? Tickets, Friday, May 1 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite
Hertfordshire's Carers Strategy / Young Carers Offer
From 1 April 2026, Hertfordshire County Council will be bringing support for young carers in-house, when the young carer contract with Carers in Hertfordshire comes to an end, integrating it fully within the council’s services.
The existing Carers in Hertfordshire contract for adult carers will remain in place.
Work has been ongoing with young carers, families and professionals to make sure the change is smooth, and the support will continue and stay very similar. This includes assessments, help with managing caring responsibilities, regular reviews, ensuring the voices of young carers inform the support they receive, and support in preparing for adulthood.
A new Young Carers webpage has been developed in collaboration with young carers and their families and includes information about the support available, team contact details, and ‘a Day in the Life of’ form to register a young carer online so that we can ensure they can get the support they need.
A Young Carers webinar is scheduled for Thursday 23rd April, 11:30am-12:30pm, offering partner professionals a briefing on the new model, the tools available, and the steps involved in the registration process. Event : Introducing-a-New-Young-Carers-Offer-for-Hertfordshire---Lite-Bite - 35577
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory.
As we approach the Easter 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
SEND Provision Plan Consultation
Now live 23 March to 15 June 2026
The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a SEND Provision Plan 2026-29 which supports the delivery of the new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029. The strategy sets out our shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
More children and young people in Hertfordshire are requiring additional support at school, many presenting with increasingly more complex needs than in the past. Families have consistently told us they want clearer pathways and better local options. In response, this Special Education, Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision Plan outlines how we will strengthen support in local schools, increase specialist provision where it is needed, and ensure every child receives the right help, in the right place, at the right time.
Feedback gathered so far has helped identify key priorities and has informed the five core elements of the draft SEND Provision Plan:
- Strengthen capacity in mainstream schools
- Expand specialist capacity in mainstream schools
- Create more special school places
- Update special school designations
- Child centred placements
As part of the SEND Provision Consultation running from 23 March to 15 June 2026, we are seeking your views on whether the plan reflects your priorities, and how it can be further strengthened before it is finalised.
You can share your feedback by completing a short survey or by attending one of our consultation events. All details on how to get involved are available on the Local Offer: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDProvisionPlan
Thank you for your time, your views are important to us. All responses will be carefully considered and will directly influence the final SEND Provision Plan for 2026–2029.
News from Services for Young People, March 2026
Easter holiday outdoor activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND
During the Easter 2026 holidays (31 March – 9 April) Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering exciting outdoor activities to 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 inspire and empower young people while developing their social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can:
- Build and ride a kit go-kart
- Learn archery and compete in fun games
- Zip across the valley on the high-level zip line
- Learn woodland survival skills and firelighting
- Tackle the challenge course as part of a team
- Discover and explore nature in the beautiful woodlands
- Enjoy balancing and climbing on the low ropes course
- Take part in fun woodland games
- Learn orienteering and navigation skills on our Easter themed scavenger hunt
The activities are funded by HCC Short Breaks, so families only pay a small charge of £7 for each activity.
New YouthZone Saturday Projects
Funding from the Million Hours Fund has helped SfYP to launch 10 new weekly youth work projects that are now taking place every Saturday during term time across Hertfordshire. The new YouthZone Saturday Projects are safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for young people to develop new interests and life skills, and access opportunities to improve their life chances.
The projects are ‘open access’ meaning that all young people from the area around each venue aged 11-17 are welcome to attend – no booking or referral is necessary. Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and care leavers can attend up to the age of 25.
Through interactive workshops and fun activities, including music, dance, sports and creative arts, our qualified Youth Workers support young people with issues such as personal safety, emotional wellbeing, relationships, exploitation awareness and substance misuse.
The Bridge is back!
Our Intensive Family Support Team in Welwyn Hatfield will be restarting The Bridge, which is a support group designed for parents, carers and young people in school years 6,7 and 8 who are struggling with school attendance. This includes those who are not attending school at all or on a significantly reduced timetable. Some of the topics covered are:-
- Anxiety and worries related to school
- Friendships and social dynamics
- Health and wellbeing
- Neurodiversity
- The Future
You can find out more on the attached leaflet and sessions will run for 12 weeks starting on Thursday 16th April 2026—9th July 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm at Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club, 288 Knightsfield, WGC, AL8 7NQ
Please contact Alison.cowie@hertfordshire.gov.uk or karina.saunders@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Download the poster here
Invitation to feedback on CYP MH Training Programmes
We are writing to invite you to complete a new survey for employers and service providers on Children and Young People’s Mental Health (CYP MH) training programmes. NHS England is planning to reprocure all CYP MH training programmes, and we are seeking your insight to help shape this work.
This survey aims to gather practical feedback from services currently accessing these programmes and/or supporting trainees. Your responses will directly inform the design of future specifications and delivery models, ensuring they meet service needs and support the workforce effectively.
👉 You can access the survey on the find a tender service portal here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024208-2026
👉Or access use the Microsoft form directly here: CYPMH Training Programmes Request for Information - Employers and Services – Fill in form
The reprocurement covers the following CYP MH training programmes:
- Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) + Supervision
- Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) + Supervision
- Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP)
- All Children and Young People’s Psychological Training Programmes (previously CYP IAPT) + Supervision
- Mental Health Leadership Training
We have also recently launched a separate Request for Information (RFI) for training providers. You can find more information about that here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019208-2026
How you can help
We would be grateful if you could share the survey link widely across your networks, forums and platforms where it may reach colleagues with relevant experience and insight. In particular, we welcome responses from current employers, CYPMH service providers, MHST leads, and learning and development leads.
Deadline
Please submit your response by 6pm on Friday 10th April.
Thank you in advance for your time and contributions. Your engagement is vital in helping us design future training provision that strengthens the CYP MH workforce and supports the delivery of high‑quality care for children, young people, and families.
Library opening hours consultation
Proposed changes to Hertfordshire Libraries: Sunday opening at 6 libraries and evening opening hours at Welwyn Garden City Library.
Hertfordshire County Council is asking residents and stakeholders to share their views on proposals which would see six libraries cease opening on Sundays. The consultation runs from Friday 6 March to Tuesday 5 May.
The six libraries which currently open on a Sunday and would no longer do so under the proposals are:
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Hemel Hempstead
- St Albans
- Stevenage Central
- Watford Central
- Welwyn Garden City Central
The council is also proposing to reduce the number of evenings that Welwyn Garden City Library opens beyond 6pm to one evening a week. The library is currently open until 7pm five days a week, but reducing this to one day a week will bring it in line with other similar sized libraries across the county.
We will retain all 46 public libraries as part of the Hertfordshire Network and their existing weekday and Saturday opening hours.
No decisions have been made; we are seeking your feedback.
To take part in the consultation and find out more about why this proposal is being made, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/sundayandeveninghours
Check out Hertfordshire's Spring 26 Parenting and Relationship Courses
You can view the Spring 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 .
We have listed a few of the current courses below, but please visit the Hertfordshire Directory for the full listing.
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:
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