Welcome

Dear Partners,

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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Register your interest: HSCP Race, Racism and Safeguarding Focus Groups

Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) has commissioned Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy to undertake an independent review focused on race, racism, equality, diversity and inclusion within safeguarding practice.

As part of this work, we are inviting practitioners working with children, young people and families to register their interest in participating in an online focus group.

Focus groups are one of several activities being undertaken to gain insight into current practice, partnership culture and opportunities for improvement across the safeguarding system. Sessions will provide a space for open discussion about professional experiences, barriers, strengths and opportunities for change.

The focus groups will:

• be held online via Microsoft Teams;
• last approximately 90 minutes
• include up to 12 participants per session; and
• follow a semi-structured discussion format facilitated independently.

We are keen to hear from practitioners across all agencies, including health, education, children’s social care, police, voluntary and community organisations, and faith organisations.

To register your interest and availability, please complete this form by 9am, Monday 8^th June: Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Racism Review - Focus Group Registration – Fill in form

Places will be allocated to support a broad and balanced range of perspectives across agencies, roles and backgrounds. You will receive confirmation of whether you have been allocated a place by Wednesday 10^th  June.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Introducing a New Young Carers Offer for Hertfordshire

Hosted during Carers Week- Introducing a New Young Carers Offer for Hertfordshire

Date-  Wednesday 10^th June, 1-2pm

Speakers – Sue Chapman, Service Manager and Gemma Roake, Young Carers Team Manager. 

This one-hour webinar will introduce you to the new Young Carers offer in Hertfordshire, help you identify young carers in your service and advise what you can do to support them using the following tools: 

• The day in the Life of… 

• Young Carers Levels of Need Guidance 

• HCC’s Young Carers webpage 

Who is this training for? 

Anyone who works with children and anyone who works with adults who have an illness, disability, a mental health problem or an alcohol or substance misuse problem, and have children, because the children may be young carers. 

Please visit our website and book here: - Event : Hosted-during-Carers-Week--Introducing-a-New-Young-Carers-Offer-for-Hertfordshire - 35753 

Hertfordshire's renewed focus on reducing missed CYPMHS appointments

As part of all the work happening at a national and regional level to increase productivity and reduce waiting lists, Herts CYPMHS are renewing their focus on ensuring there is more understanding about the impact of missed appointments on our productivity. We are also  making sure that our service providers, “Did not attend” (DNA) and “Was not brought” (WNB) policies and processes are consistent, robust and fully explained to young people, parents and carers at their initial assessment. They also need to be embedded into and discussed as part of the regular clinical supervision process.

Best practice examples for reducing DNA/WNBs

One Herts CYPMHS service provider reduced their waiting times and DNAs significantly by drilling down into their data and reviewing their policies and processes to create an improvement action plan which included:

• A phone call for each referral
• Refining their service criteria and working with other services as part of “waiting well"
• Help from volunteers and university students
• Using digitalised referral forms
• Explaining their DNA policy at the assessment
• Discussing and recording outcome measures on the client’s penultimate session, to allow their last session to focus on their next steps (leaving a service can feel scary).

Another Herts CYPMHS service provider has used parent/carer feedback to improve their feedback forms and letters which now include service information, numbers of sessions, what will happen next and when, what they can do in the meantime, as well as their missed appointments (DNA/WNB) policy. This has resulted in less queries and less DNAs/WNBs.

For more ideas, there is also national NHS guidance regarding DNAs/WNBs here.

In partnership with colleagues working in the Herts CYPMHS system, we have developed some messages for partners to share with colleagues, young people, parents and carers.

The DNA/WNB problem is particularly prevalent in the summer and in December, so we suggest that services share the messages with service users at these times of the year, as well as during their initial assessment. The messages can also be shared in other communications with service users, as well as via different organisation social media channels. The messages will form part of our monthly communications toolkits for communications colleagues in April - August and November - December. Please E: lisa.gazeley@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the distribution list. 

Support for young people during exam season

With the exam season now fully underway, this can at times feel overwhelming for some children and young people and those closest to them. There are practical things they can do before, during and after tests and exams to help them to prepare properly and manage their stress levels during the revision and exam season which is so important.

With Youth/Lumi Nova

Changes in routine alongside exam pressure can often lead to anxiety and worry.  Lumi Nova Tales of Courage, is a fun, safe, interactive mobile app with a range of missions to help children manage anxiety and build confidence and resilience. Designed for 7-12-year-olds, Lumi Nova is instantly accessible to children and young people in Hertfordshire through BFB Labs' partnership with Hertfordshire Mind Network’s With Youth Digital Wellbeing Service. 

The wider With Youth Digital Wellbeing Service has a team of trained mental health workers on hand every day except Bank Holidays to help young people via free emotional wellbeing resources, online live chats, one to one sessions and age-appropriate support in online groups. Online sessions can be used to support young people with a wide range of needs, including helping them with exam/revision stress:

• managing and balancing exam stress, revision, social life and self-care
• developing coping strategies for managing stress
• sharing resources and worksheets around wellbeing, revision timetables, exam stress
• goal setting and support in achieving goals (either exam related, or wellbeing related or next steps/transitions)
• flexible sessions to fit to the young person's schedule during the exam period
• further support through instant messaging so that the young person can access advice and help as and when needed
• a safe space to explore their feelings and goals.

Online emotional wellbeing groups

Alongside their age-appropriate online groups: Calm Minds; Creative Minds; Anger Avengers and more, With Youth also run Road to Transition online groups for Year Six children in the summer term. E: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org. to find out more and register an interest.

Please let Hertfordshire’s young people, parents and carers you are working with about this helpful free service and find out more about With Youth here.

Read the full story here…

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2031 explainer video

Following the recent launch of Your Care, Your Future: Hertfordshire’s Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2031, we’re pleased to share a short explainer video to help bring the strategy to life. The video features the voice of care‑experienced children and young people and explains the seven priorities that will guide our work to improve outcomes for children in care and care leavers for the next 5 years. Please take time to watch the video, read the strategy, and consider how the priorities link to your role. We’d also encourage you to share the video and strategy with your teams and professional networks.

Watch the video or visit Corporate Parenting Strategy | Hertfordshire County Council to read the full strategy.

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

Reducing Parental Conflict Training Opportunities for Professionals

eLearning Module:

• For HCC staff follow this link: Course: Recognising and Supporting Parents in Parental Conflict eLearning Module
• For all other partners you can access the training for FREE via HSCP e-learn training: HSAB and HSCP training and resources | Hertfordshire County Council

• Attend the Families First Induction Sessions for an overview presentation email Families First Support to be added to the next induction session FamiliesFirst.Support@hertfordshire.gov.uk
• Access OnePlusOne Getting on Better e-learning

Getting on Better e-learning is a self-guided online course for practitioners working with parents and families.  It is designed to help you feel more confident in supporting parents to improve their relationships, and to familiarise you with the Getting on Better resources.  

There are 4 modules to complete each module will take approximately 45 minutes and can be completed at your own pace. You will have 3 months to complete the modules.‍

The modules will cover:

Module 1: The impact of parental conflict.

In this module you will learn about the evidence base behind the resources and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of parental conflict.

Module 2: Recognising domestic abuse.

The Getting on Better package is not suitable for families where domestic abuse is a factor. In this module you will learn to recognise the difference between domestic abuse and parental conflict, spot the signs and risks, and take appropriate steps.

Module 3: Introduction to the Getting on Better package.

Here you’ll learn about the resources in the Getting on Better package. You’ll also have a chance to explore the parent interventions for yourself.

Module 4: Building your confidence.

In this module you will learn how to discuss relationships with parents, as well as the best ways to apply the Getting on Better resources to real-life situations to create learning moments.  

How to access: Please complete the OnePlusOne Getting on Better e-learning training request form

This training is FREE to organisations supporting families in Hertfordshire if you are unsure if your organisation qualifies for access please contact CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer website - raising awareness

The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer lets parents, young people and professionals know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.

Download the 5 ways the SEND Local Offer can help and share with your teams.

Hertfordshire SEND Community Activities Directory

Are you looking for local activities and SEND services for a child or young person with SEND?

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

Find fun, inclusive activities your child will love – all in one place!  Explore the SEND community directory

Broadening Opportunity Across Hertfordshire with Connect to Work

Step2Skills are proud to share that Hertfordshire’s Connect to Work programme is growing, with new specialist partners joining to strengthen support for residents facing barriers to employment.

Led locally by Step2Skills, Connect to Work offers personalised, place‑and‑train employment support for people with disabilities, health conditions, or other personal challenges—helping them not just find work, but stay and thrive in meaningful jobs.

From this month, Step2Skills are delighted to welcome three new delivery partners:

✅ Action Deafness, bringing Deaf‑led, accessible employment support for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people

✅ Get Set UK, offering tailored employability support focused on confidence, job‑readiness and in‑work success

✅ Watford Women's Centre, providing specialist wellbeing services, careers advice, ESOL, IT and employability support

They join existing partners Sunnyside Rural Trust, SPS Training Solutions and HACRO in Herts, with Hertfordshire Mind Network also joining shortly to provide specialist mental health employment support.

Together, these organisations bring deep expertise, lived experience and strong community links, ensuring Connect to Work can tackle a wider range of employment barriers across the county.

Hertfordshire is proud to be one of the first areas benefiting from the Government’s £100m Connect to Work investment, helping people and employers unlock the benefits of inclusive, sustainable employment.

👉 Employers: Step2Skills welcomes local, Hertfordshire employers to become part of their Inclusive Employer network. Step2Skills offers recruitment support and opportunities, job matching, guidance on reasonable adjustments and ongoing advice to help build inclusive workplaces. Email: Employers@hertfordshire.gov.uk to start the conversation.

👉 Residents (18+): if you’re unemployed or at risk of losing work due to health, disability or personal challenges, support is available.
Find out more via www.step2skills.org.uk/ConnectToWork, call 01992 556194 or email Step2Skills@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

News from Services for Young People

Services for Young People supports the UK Government’s Safer Streets initiative in Dacorum

Services for Young People (SfYP) led on establishing the Young Futures Dacorum Pathfinder Project in line with the UK Government’s Safer Streets initiative in Dacorum.

SfYP worked with the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner to bring together a multi-agency panel chaired by a local head teacher.

From November 2025 to March 2026 the panel identified and allocated support to 17 young people aged 10-16 who were known to local police. SfYP Youth Workers and Advisers provided intensive support to each young person and to date, 15 of the 17 young people have had no further dealings with the police.

Representatives from the Home Office visited the panel and agreed it was an example of good practice.

• Read the full story with details on how young people can get support to stay safe from exploitation, crime and antisocial behaviour

May half term activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND

During the May 2026 half term 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 inspire and empower young people while developing their social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can enjoy a range of activities including a thrilling zip line adventure, creative woodland arts & crafts, a fun physical challenge course, and a relaxing nature trail.

The activities are funded by HCC Short Breaks, so families only pay a small charge of £7 for each 2-hour activity or £17.50 if they stay for the full day.

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

635 young people with SEND complete survey about their health and wellbeing

The results of the SEND Young People’s Health & Wellbeing Survey have now been published. The survey was developed and delivered by Public Health Hertfordshire in partnership with SfYP to find out more about the experiences of young people with special educational needs and disabilities, what is important to them and the challenges they face. The survey findings provide valuable insights into how schools, commissioners, and a wide range of agencies and service providers can better support young people with SEND in all areas of Hertfordshire.

Read more about the survey and view the results

Health and development advice for families and those working with young children

Hertfordshire's Family Centre Service have very useful information and webinars for you to share with families on the topics of:-

• Oral Health: Oral Health Webinar
• Toilet Training: Toilet Training Webinar
• Sleep webinar: Sleep Webinar
• Boundaries & Behaviours webinar: Boundaries and Behaviours Webinar
• Transitions: Transitions webinar

Family Toolkit

The family Toolkit is running For families with children aged 2 to 5 years old in Borehamwood. A great course to learn some new ideas about how to manage children’s behaviour and get the best out of family life. Booking is required! MORE INFORMATION: hertsfamilycentres.org CALL US ON 0300 123 7572

New Nursing Contract Awarded to Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Public health nursing services will continue to be provided by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust following the award of a new contract from 1 April 2026. The service is delivered by health visitors and school nurses to children and families across Hertfordshire. It already operates as part of the wider Family Centre Service, delivered in partnership with One YMCA, to provide universal and targeted support for Hertfordshire’s families.

"Public Health has worked with a range of stakeholders over the last two years to transform the Public Health Nursing Service. I'm proud that as a result of that partnership working, the new service provides a more comprehensive and inclusive offer for families and children, and supports other parts of the health, care and education system in delivering shared priorities. This service, provided by a dedicated, highly skilled and passionate Public Health Nursing workforce will deliver good public health outcomes for Hertfordshire's families, infants, children and young people, so that they receive the best start in life, and continue to thrive as they grow. 

- Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire County Council

"We are delighted to be continuing to deliver the public health nursing services for Hertfordshire. We know that our staff, working with our partners, are best placed to anticipate, understand and respond to the health and wellbeing needs of local residents. Through the new contract, we will be delivering the same high-quality care and support to babies, children and families, with key changes which reflect the changing local and national priorities for health and care, including increased digitisation, enhanced integration and co-delivery and streamlined admin processes. 

- Elliot Howard-Jones, CEO of HCT

Health & Wellbeing Strategy Survey – your input needed (closes 19 June)

The Hertfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board is inviting partners supporting children and young people to complete a short survey to review progress on the Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022–2026, now extended to March 2028.

Your feedback is essential in helping the Board understand the difference your work is making in communities, where challenges remain, and where collective effort should be focused over the next 12 – 24 months.  We’re keen to hear about:

• The impact of your work for children and young people
• What is working well in delivering the Strategy
• Barriers to progress and what would help address them
• Evidence of impact (including stories, feedback and lived experience, not just KPIs)

Survey Link: Health and Wellbeing Strategy Stakeholder Survey 2026

Case studies welcome: Short case studies are strongly encouraged to showcase good practice and learning (see template). These can be completed alongside your survey response or emailed to HWB.partners@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

The survey takes 10–15 minutes to complete and closes on 19 June 2026

Asbestos in sand – new GOV.UK landing page for GB only

OPSS has worked across government to launch a new GOV.UK landing page ‘Asbestos in consumer products - GOV.UK’ to support local authorities, schools, businesses and consumers and other stakeholders.

The page brings together consumer advice, business guidance and information for workplaces and schools, including practical steps on what to do and how to dispose of affected products safely. (This guidance applies to England, Scotland and Wales.)

Please share the landing page widely within your authority and with relevant partners. We would also welcome feedback on the clarity and ease of use of the page: Asbestos in consumer products - GOV.UK

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 date is: Thursday 11 June 2026, 9am-9.30am

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 8 July 2026 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

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5b_cl0GwaY

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:

• Thursday 7th May 2026
• Thursday 4th June 2026

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.

Thursday 7th May - My Teen Brain Online Training - 7 May | Hertfordshire County Council

Thursday 4th June - My Teen Brain Online Training - 4 June | 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.

Exciting News – Our New Public Health Hertfordshire Training website is Live!

Our Public Health training website, designed to provide the workforce, carers and volunteers a place to view and book onto Public Health Hertfordshire courses in one place is now live. Whether you prefer in-person training, live online learning, or flexible e-learning, you can now browse and book onto these via the one site.

The site also includes information about some partner-led courses, such as suicide prevention and how to access these.

When you access the site, you will be able to see a wide range of valuable learning opportunities and course dates.

Right now, you can explore and book onto courses for: -

• Gambling-related harm awareness
• Healthy Homes for Healthier Lives
• Making Every Contact Count
• Health Checks
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
• Dementia awareness
• Drugs & Alcohol
• Stop Smoking

This is just the beginning! The website is new, whilst there are plenty of courses to book onto already, new courses are being added regularly.

What can learners do? ✔ Filter courses by category ✔ Discover learning objectives and who each course is designed for ✔ Book individually or for a group of trainees ✔ Receive email booking confirmations, updates and follow-ups after your course ✔ Receive suggestions for what to learn next

Ready to upskill and make a difference? Visit the new site today and start exploring the courses that matter most to you and your team!

Public Health Training | Hertfordshire County Council

**If you are using a mobile device to view the website, click on “open filters” at the top of the page to see the different categories. **

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period January 2025 - December 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.

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

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

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

Broxbourne & East Herts

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

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:

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

 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.

Sporting Aid

View FREE projects happening across Broxbourne for young people here: Sporting Aid Projects

Sofa to Saddle in Waltham Cross

Weekly free Saturday sessions 23 May-20th June - find out more here 

Communities First - Learning events

Please find attached 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

News from CHEXs

CHEXS Easter Trail Day - Thank you!  We had an amazing time at Cedars Park last Saturday for our Easter event! The sun was shining, and so many families came to explore our new trail through the park. A huge thank you to all the stall holders who joined us, to LMA for their wonderful dance performance, and to Broxbourne Council for their support and assistance on the day. Your participation helped make the event truly special, and we loved seeing so many smiles enjoying the fun activities. We raised over £2072 for CHEXS

CHEXS Awards - CHEXS are incredibly proud to be the Winners of the Nurture by Nature Award at the High Sheriff Awards 2026. This recognition celebrates our work supporting children and young people facing disadvantage across Waltham Cross. Through hands-on activities in local green spaces, from planting and growing food to park clean-ups, we help build confidence, connection, and well-being.  Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work in the community. 

Free & Friendly Coffee & Chat Sessions - Our popular Time for You sessions will be continuing throughout the summer at The Beaumont Centre every Tuesday starting at 12.30pm.  To read more about these sessions, see the link MORE INFO

Team All Stars & Team Gold - Thank You - A huge thank you to our incredible 12 for 12 Challenge teams! From walking, scootering, dancing, bike rides, and even a half-marathon, your dedication and energy were amazing.  Together, you helped us raise £1,144, and with the support of Helping Herts doubling this, it’s a fantastic achievement for local young people and families. We’re so proud and grateful for all your support!

St Albans & Dacorum

Who's In Charge?

Our Intensive Family Support Team for St Albans and Dacorum and running a Who's In Charge course starting 2nd June, 10:30-12:30 at Tenzing Road. Read more here and email Amy.Butler@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more information.

SPACE

Support Groups -  Cheshunt, Welwyn and St Albans - After a short break over the Easter holidays, our in-person Support Groups are back - and we would love to welcome you. Our free monthly sessions are open to all parents, carers and families raising neurodivergent children and young people, including autism and ADHD. No diagnosis is needed.   

Hemel Hempstead Library : Face To Face Courses – Step2Skills Upcoming face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hemel Hempstead Library, delivered by our experienced teacher Joy - Meet the Team.  These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development:  🍎 Introduction to Working in Schools – Tues 2^nd June 1pm for 5 wks (booking closes 29^th May 12am).  More information and how to book can be found here: Introduction to working in schools | Hertfordshire County Council

Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte Adams at Step2Skills charlotte.adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk

North Herts & Stevenage

Welwyn Hatfield

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.

Domestic Abuse Conference

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council would like to invite you to the Domestic Abuse Conference for 2026, organised in partnership by Hertsmere Borough Council, St Albans District Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. This year’s theme is ‘Growing up with abuse by my side’.  The conference will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2026 from 9am – 2:30pm at Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX. Attendees are able to arrive from 8:30am for a prompt 9am start.   The day will include presentations from various speakers, including those with lived experience and local support services.   Lunch and refreshments will be provided with networking opportunities and stalls, including an exhibition from Red Kite Rape and Sexual Assault Support Service. If your service would like to have a stall during lunch please email h.wilson1@welhat.gov.uk or loran.kingston@hertsmere.gov.uk.   Parking is available at Campus West. Please note that charges apply.   To book your place, visit the EventBrite site – DAConference2026.eventbrite.co.uk. Once you have booked your place, a diary invite will be sent to you within a few days.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email h.wilson1@welhat.gov.uk or loran.kingston@hertsmere.gov.uk.

Tee Talk - Men's Mental health Week

Tee Talk is an event which The Welwyn Hatfield Council will be delivering alongside Mill Green Golf Club on behalf of Men’s Mental Health Week, taking place on Wednesday 10th June, 5:15pm–8:30pm, at Mill Green Golf Club, Gypsy Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4TY.  Tee Talk will provide a relaxed, supportive, and non-judgemental space for men to connect, open up and enjoy themselves. Activities include golf or footgolf, followed by refreshments, music, and a possible BBQ.  We’re also set to have some local charities attend, particularly those which support men’s mental health so that they can engage with and support attendees and distribute resources.  We’d really appreciate your support in sharing this with your networks to help us reach more charities which could be keen to attend and share to anyone who may benefit from this event.  For any enquiries, please contact – j.snowdon@welhat.gov.uk

Opening Opportunities – Job Fair & Career Support Event

Join "Mental Health Matters" for Opening Opportunities, a dynamic job fair designed to connect individuals with employers, training providers, and career support services across Hertfordshire.

Whether you are actively seeking work, considering a career change, or simply exploring your options, this event offers a welcoming space to discover new pathways and take positive steps forward. Event Details:-

• • Date: Thursday 25th June 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (early attendance encouraged)
  • Location: Welwyn Garden City
  • Venue: The Howard Centre (Central Atrium Retail Unit)
  • More info: Download the leaflet

Hatfield Library: Face‑to‑face courses taking place at Hatfield Library, delivered by our experienced teachers - Meet the Team. These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development:

New learning opportunities with one of our short courses:

 How to Publish a Book – Tue 19^th May at 10.15am for 5 wks (booking closes Fri 15^th May 12am) – with Lynne

Further details and to book your place here: How to Publish a Book | Hertfordshire County Council

Digital Photography – Tues 23^rd June at 10.15am for 5 wks (booking closes Fri 19^th June at 12am) – with Lynne

Further details and to book your place here Digital Photography | Hertfordshire County Council

Take your learning to the next step with one of our qualification courses:

Level 1 Award in Setting and Achieving Personal Goals – Weds 3^rd June at 1pm for 5 wks (booking closes Mon 1^st June at 12am) – with Michelle

Further details and to book your place here Level 1 Award in Setting and Achieving Personal Goals | Hertfordshire County Council

 Should you need any additional details, please feel free to contact Charlotte.Adams@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

SPACE

Support Groups -  Cheshunt, Welwyn and St Albans - After a short break over the Easter holidays, our in-person Support Groups are back - and we would love to welcome you. Our free monthly sessions are open to all parents, carers and families raising neurodivergent children and young people, including autism and ADHD. No diagnosis is needed.   

Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council

🚨 Want to make a difference in your community? Join Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council! 🚨

Have your say on the issues that matter to young people across Welwyn Hatfield 💬

From mental health and the environment to youth services and community safety, Youth Council gives young people the chance to speak up, share ideas, and create real change.

Whether you're interested in:

🎤 Speaking up for young people

🤝 Meeting new people

📱 Creating social media content

🧠 Discussing important issues

🌍 Making a positive impact in your community

— there’s a place for you on Youth Council.

If you are aged 11-19 and live, work or study in Welwyn Hatfield and want your voice heard, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Get involved today - youthcouncil@welhat.gov.uk

🌐 Visit: Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council

Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere

Family Toolkit

The family Toolkit is running For families with children aged 2 to 5 years old in Borehamwood. A great course to learn some new ideas about how to manage children’s behaviour and get the best out of family life. Booking is required! MORE INFORMATION: hertsfamilycentres.org CALL US ON 0300 123 7572 Download the leaflet here

Face‑to‑face courses taking place at South Oxhey Library, delivered by our experienced teachers - Meet the Team. These are ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking employment and/or confidence, to build skills for personal or professional development:

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

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 

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