Family Help partnership day
On Wednesday (24 September) we held a collaborative workshop exploring good practice and sharing national and local updates in relation to providing help for families in Hertfordshire.
The Family Help partnership day brought together many of our commissioned services from the voluntary and community sector who work with children, young people, and families across Hertfordshire. More than 100 passionate individuals joined us on the day, representing organisations across Hertfordshire that are dedicated to supporting families.
Attendees heard from national and local speakers in relation to the national social care reforms, the Families First Partnership Programme, the explored the importance of data in understanding need and impact and the event also provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice, network and collaborate with HCC colleagues to develop a whole-system approach to early help.
The event also provided a platform to raise awareness around the launch of the Eastern Region Anti-Racist Practice Pledge; Nasay Franklin, from HCC’s D&I team in children’s services, provided a thought-provoking overview of the background to the pledge and its importance in avoiding bias and inequity.
Following a networking lunch, Narrative Alchemy ltd, led an experiential workshop exploring parental conflict and its impact on children and young people. The session gave professionals working with children and families an opportunity to work together to develop a greater understanding, explore approaches to help minimise the impact of parental conflict and discuss what works to support families around this issue.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Anthony Rowlands welcomed the collaborative approach in Hertfordshire:
“From early years support to mental health services, from housing and education to community outreach—your collective efforts form the backbone of Hertfordshire’s Family Help offer. The breadth of representation in this room is a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and the value we place on working together.
“We know that the challenges facing families are complex and evolving. That’s why days like today are so important. They give us space to reflect, to learn, and to strengthen the ties that help us deliver more joined-up, responsive, and inclusive support.”