The latest news
Engaging Fathers: Are you including dads and male carers in all your work?
In Hertfordshire we recognise the importance of involving fathers in children's lives.
Research has shown that father’s and male carers play a crucial role in a child’s development and engaging fathers and male carers effectively requires a systematic approach that supports their close attachment and involvement in the child’s life.
By adopting male inclusive practices in all our work, we can create a more supportive environment for all families. To help us spread this message we have designed a poster that can be printed and displayed in staff areas to remind practitioners to “think fathers” in all their casework.
It also contains a QR code to an informative webpage specifically aimed at dads and male carers.
Let’s work together to ensure every child benefits from the involvement of both parents.
Introduction to the Local Offer webinars - new dates
The Local Offer website lets parents, young people and professionals know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. There is so much more than that, too.
A friendly face from the Local Offer team will take you through what’s on the website and how you can use it to find the right services and support.
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer
(For professionals) Tuesday 24 September at 10am - 11am Join the meeting
(For professionals) Wednesday 25 September 2pm - 3pm Join the meeting
(for professionals AND parent carers) Wednesday 25 September 8pm - 9pm Join the meeting
A quick note: The Local Offer website is different to Short Breaks (SBLO). We won’t be going into detail about SBLO.
CYP Mental Health Services - Addressing Health Inequalities
Dear all,
We are part of a team made up of Commissioners, and Service providers who are looking at the wellbeing and mental health support available for children and young people in Herts. As professionals working with Children and Young People in Hertfordshire, we need your help to work together to reduce health inequalities and improve access for all.
We are working with our system partners to gather on the ground experiences, to understand who is accessing and more importantly who is not accessing Hertfordshire Children and Young Peoples Mental Health services and what we can collectively do to improve this. We have complied a survey and would appreciate your valued input.
The survey can be found here: Link to Professionals Survey Deadline Date 30th September 2024
We understand that this is a quite detailed survey, but a thorough analysis is required to enable us to fully understand the barriers that certain groups face accessing emotional wellbeing and mental health support. And then put actions into place to reduce health inequalities and increase access.
Further to this we are looking for CYP to form a focus group to discuss issues around health inequalities and mental health services. If there are any CYP who are willing to be nominated, please can you send in their name and email contact details. We are looking to have representation from as many different demographics and they do not need to be current or previous service users. Please email Sarah.Chandler1@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more info.
BeeZee September 2024 programmes!
BeeZee Bodies are delighted to confirm that, following the success of previous rotations, they’ll be running the group Beezee Families programme in 8 locations across Hertfordshire after the summer holidays, starting week commencing 23rd September 2024, timetables below.
Our HENRY 0-5s parenting support , our Beezee Families LIVE online group programmes, and not forgetting our year-round Beezee Families 1:1 intervention continues.
Please refer into our service, and if you’re not sure which programme is the right option either reach out to us first or let our lovely referrals team triage the family or teen appropriately.
Professional Referrals to Beezee programmes can be made in 4 ways:-
- Call on 01707 248648
- Via this link Refer a Client to Beezee
- Email on beezee.bodies@nhs.net
- Use the form on DXS/Ardens (health professionals only)
Self-referrals to Beezee programmes can be made in 3 ways:-
- Call on 01707 248648
- Via this link where they can complete a very short form and we will contact them
- Email us at bzbinfo@maximusuk.co.uk
Conflict between parents - free training for professionals
Evidence shows that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development. Parents in poverty or under economic pressure are more likely to experience relationship conflict. According to the latest DWP estimates, 12% of all children and 21% of children in workless families have parents in a distressed relationship.
HCC are commissioning OnePlusOne who have over 50 years’ experience in creating evidence-based resources to support the development of healthy relationships.
OnePlusOne provide digital resources that raise awareness of the impact of stress and conflict on children, giving parents the skills to cope with stress together and manage their conflict more constructively. Allowing parents to develop positive communication skills, so that they can parent co-operatively and work out solutions together.
The resources are split in to 3 modules aimed at:
- New parents
- Parents that are together
- Parents that are separated
To date 168 practitioners across the Families First Partnership have been trained in OnePlusOne, if you would like to access this training please see the details below.
All training is delivered online and held from 9:30 to 12:30
Each training has a capacity of 15 delegates
Follow the link below for your preferred training date to register your place and a link will be sent to access the training.
17th September 2024 9:30 - 12:30 book here
16th October 2024 9:30 -12:30 book here
For further information please contact the project lead Nicola.Wilder1@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Diabetes Group for Young People
NHS Hertfordshire Talking Therapies have launched a new Living Well with Diabetes Group for young people (16 to 19 years old) living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to support them with managing their emotional wellbeing.
This period of time can hold a number of transitions, which can be difficult to navigate whilst also living with T1D. These transitions could include changing education settings, finding and starting employment and changes in health care providers, for example transitioning to adult services.
The 6-week Living Well with Diabetes Group aims to support young people to manage low mood and anxiety that can be a result of living with T1D. It gives attendees the opportunity to share their experiences with others in a similar situation and build a toolkit of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
To access this group, individuals need to complete self-referral online: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk or by phone: 0800 6444 101.
NHS Hertfordshire Talking Therapies provide free support for individuals aged 16+ with common mental health difficulties like stress, low mood, and worry. The services are part of the national NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression programme. For more information, click here to view their ‘Who are NHS Hertfordshire & Mid Essex Talking Therapies?’ animation video or visit: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk.
Skills Pay the Bills and much more from Step2Skills
Step2Skills have launched an autumn campaign, centred around ‘Skills Pay the Bills’.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the Multiply Government-funded scheme, designed to improve the numeracy skills of adults in the UK.
Included in the campaign is a leaflet drop to Hertfordshire households (copy attached), with the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a Tablet if the person signs up and attends a workshop between now and the end of October.
There are a range of workshops available to book onto, all designed with an underlying aim to improve understanding of key maths concepts.
More detail on the campaign, prize draw and the workshops can be found here: Skills Pay Bills (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
An option for work experience for those aged 16 to 25
A reminder of the FREE Team programme in Hertfordshire, designed for 16-25 year olds and delivered by the Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue's Youth Engagement team.
The 12-week personal development programme is recruiting now in Stevenage, North Herts, Hemel Hempstead and Watford with a start date of 16th September.
⭐️Gain new skills
⭐️Build Confidence
⭐️Meet new people
Step2Skills is proud to part-fund this programme, which has just celebrated ten years of helping young people across the county who have not been in education, training or work and have been supported on their journey to new skills and increased confidence.
Learn more about this and Step2Skills employment support options on their website: www.step2skills.org.uk/employmentsupport
Join a Step2Skills course this autumn
Schools are back this week!
The Step2Skills term kicks off soon so if there's a skill you're looking to gain or enhance, don't delay and book your place on a course or workshop today.
(The timetable for September is attached.)
www.step2skills.org.uk
News from Services for Young People
New youth councils for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Services for Young People (SfYP) is setting up youth councils across Hertfordshire for young people with SEND as part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Voices of Hertfordshire programme.
SfYP already provides youth work projects exclusively for young people with SEND and inclusive youth councils and participation groups across the county. In addition to these, SfYP is now setting up youth councils specifically for young people with SEND aged 11-25.
Summer holiday activity programme has a positive impact on over 300 young people
Services for Young People (SfYP) ran an exciting three-week school holiday activity programme across Hertfordshire for young people aged 13 to 16 eligible for free school meals this summer. The programme provided a structured, supportive environment, aimed at promoting physical and mental health, with a focus on personal development and life skills.
SfYP Youth Workers played a key role in creating an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere during the programme, providing emotional support and helping young people overcome anxiety to join in and make new friends. They were sensitive to individual needs, helping young people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and providing tools to support their emotional wellbeing and build resilience.
Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions improve young people’s mental health
The SfYP Go Wild at Hudnall project delivered free nature connection sessions at Hudnall Park throughout the summer. The sessions were for young people living with, or at risk of, poor emotional wellbeing and provided opportunities for them to learn new ways to improve their mental health while spending time outdoors in nature. The Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions ran every week of the school holidays from 31 July to 30 August 2024. Young people could choose from three different types of session depending on their interests.
Access to All programme inspires Stevenage students to pursue STEM careers
The SfYP Access to All programme, part of the ‘Pioneering STEM Young Futures’ initiative, ran from September 2023 to July 2024. It made a significant impact on 50 Year 9 students from five Stevenage schools by preparing them for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The programme, which was funded and supported by Mission 44, involved a huge range of STEM careers activities, equipping the young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future careers.
Nationwide call to surrender all zombie-style knives and machetes
You may be aware that from 24 September 2024, it will be illegal to own zombie-style knives and machetes as they will be added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.
Ahead of the new ban coming into force, please ensure any child you are working with, where you have concerns that they may be carrying or associating with others who are carrying one of these weapons, is informed of this change in law and advised that up until 23 September 2024, they can surrender such weapons, safely, legally and without repercussions at police stations across the county.
In Hertfordshire the police stations to which weapons can be surrendered are:
After 24 September 2024, anyone caught with a zombie-style knife, or a machete will have committed an illegal offence and will face prosecution.
Hertfordshire Intensive Fostering Scheme (IFS)
Hertfordshire County Council’s new initiative to support children into family homes, who would otherwise be cared for in a residential setting.
What is Intensive Fostering?
The intensive fostering scheme is being developed to provide safe and nurturing foster homes for children who would otherwise be cared for in residential children’s homes where it is felt that foster care can best meet their needs. Foster carers will receive ongoing support from a dedicated team, including a Fostering Senior Practitioner, Therapeutic Parenting Practitioner and two outreach workers.
The scheme has been developed with similar principles as the Mockingbird Family Model, whereby foster carers and the children in their care are linked together.
The scheme will consist of six fostering households, ideally experienced foster carers or new foster carers who can demonstrate that they have transferable experience and skills to care for children who meet the criteria for this scheme.
You can Download the leaflet to find out more information and please share with anyone you feel would be interested.
If you are interested in becoming an Intensive Foster Carer or want more general information about the scheme, please contact
Casey Bartlett
casey.bartlett@hertfordshire.gov.uk
07580 743 650 or
Kirsteen Wilshere
kirsteen.wilshere@hertfordshire.gov.uk 07580 711 048
Are you a ‘Breastfeeding Friendly’ business?
If you are a local business owner, or organisation, you can make a positive impact on breastfeeding mothers. Hertfordshire’s Breastfeeding Friendly scheme provides a simple yet effective way to show your support. By taking a few simple steps you can create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mums and contribute to a new but growing health initiative in Hertfordshire.
What does it mean to be Breastfeeding Friendly?
Joining the Breastfeeding Friendly scheme involves a few simple steps.
- Comfortable environment: Ensure that your venue is comfortable and accommodating for breastfeeding mothers. Simple adjustments like providing comfortable seating, maybe some privacy if you can, or just a quieter spot, can make a big difference to getting mums into your establishment.
- Training and commitment: Affirm your commitment by signing our Breastfeeding Friendly pledge/policy and sending us a copy. Use the training tips online at hertfordshire.gov.uk/breastfeedingfriendly, to make your staff aware.
- Display resources: Show your commitment by displaying our Breastfeeding Friendly resources, provided free of charge. Place a decal in your window, or sticker on your doorway, indicating that your establishment supports breastfeeding families. You will also receive posters and a certificate of participation to display.
Why is this important?
Breastfeeding has a wealth of health benefits for baby and mum, yet rates in England are among the lowest in Europe. By participating in the Breastfeeding Friendly scheme, you are contributing to a positive change and encouraging the best start in life for children.
If you’re ready to make a difference, and want to encourage more visitors to your venue, look at the Hertfordshire Breastfeeding Friendly website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/breastfeedingfriendly for more information and details on how to join.
Let’s create a more welcoming world for breastfeeding families –
one business at a time!
Help us share the Healthwatch Hertfordshire
Healthwatch Hertfordshire has been commissioned by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board to explore public views and experiences of using online GP services and bookings.
We want to speak to as many Hertfordshire residents as possible.
This will allow us to:
- understand how people use online services to book GP appointments
- explore what people tend to use online services for
- identify how online services could be improved
- and explore public experiences of using online services.
We would be very grateful if you could share our survey, which can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HwHOnlineGPServices
Any questions please contact:- research@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk
Supporting your Neurodivergent Child
Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS are delighted to share with you the exciting and new Supporting your Neurodiverse Child handbook that has been developed for Hertfordshire parent/carers and professionals. The Neurodiversity Handbook has useful resources, support and signposting on a whole range of things relating to Neurodiversity.
The resource is accessible to all regardless of whether a young person has a diagnosis, and can be used at any point during a young person’s journey.
We would be very grateful if you are able to share this valuable resource with the parent/carers and professionals that you support and work with and feel free to email EHCommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like any further information.
Learning & development
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:-
Reducing Parental Conflict : Lunch and learn
In Hertfordshire it is estimated that 1 in 6 children are impacted by parental conflict and evidence shows that conflict between parents can affect multiple outcomes for children, including emotional, behavioural, social and academic development.
Do you know what relationship support is available to parents and carers in Hertfordshire?
Early Help Commissioning are holding a lunch and learn session for all staff working with families on the relationship support offer.
The Lunch and Learn will be taking place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 24th October at 12 – 1pm.
Please share with your teams and book your place here: Reducing Parental Conflict – Lunch and Learn | Hertfordshire County Council
Families First Induction day for New Starters
We have been developing a Families First Induction Day to offer to external partners, based on a programme we have been running internally within Children’s Services over the past year. The induction day is ideal for new members of staff or those wishing to learn more about Families First. These training days give a whistle-stop tour of some of the services that offer support to children, young people and families and will also now be open for external partners to attend.
These sessions will be taking place quarterly via Microsoft Teams, at 9am-3pm on the following dates:-
2 October 2024
15 January 2025
2 April 2025
25 June 2025
If you have any team members that would like to join the next event, please email Familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk to request a place.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training
As part of the ongoing response to the cost-of-living crisis, Hertfordshire County Council are funding free Mental Health First Aid Training for volunteers and staff at foodbanks, community spaces, faith and community groups. We are working with Hertsmere Borough Council who are helping to co-ordinate this across Hertfordshire so please do promote to within your localities.
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses will be held across 4 days, with half a day on each of the allocated dates. The training will be on Zoom and you will need to attend all a full course to receive the MHFA accreditation.
COURSE 3: September 2024
Tuesday 17th September, 1300-1645
Friday 20th September, 1300-1645
COURSE 4: November 2024
Monday 4th November, 1300-1645
Thursday 7th November, 1300-1645
Monday 11th November, 1300-1645
Thursday 13th November, 1300-1645
To register for the course, please contact Viewpoint on info@hertsviewpoint.co.uk or 01707 386136.
Please note:
Places are limited, register as soon as possible!
Online course delivery across September and November
Course certificate sent via email once you complete the course and evaluation form.
Hertfordshire County Council know many people visiting community spaces and foodbanks require support and we will be offering a Resource Guide, marketing information, access to Togetherall and free Suicide Prevention Training as additional support to support those in need.
Download the leaflet here
My Teen Brain Training for Practitioners
Family & Health Commissioning Services are pleased to announce the upcoming My Teen Brain Online Training for Hertfordshire practitioners. This 1-day CPD course is for those working with parents of teenagers and/or working with teenagers 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 Programme from Family Links The Centre For Emotional Health.
Please find below the booking link for you to reserve your place on to one of our courses. This is a very popular course and is beneficial to all Hertfordshire practitioners who work with children, young people and families. If you are interested in booking on to this training , 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, which is from 10am – 3pm.
Wednesday 9th October 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934325491697?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 5th November 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934331981107?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 28th November 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934331981107?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 3rd December 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934338510637?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 14th January 2025 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/934339533697?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you would like further information about the course or alternative dates, please email EHcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk
My Baby's Brain training for practitioners
Do you work with young children or their families? Book your free ‘My Baby’s Brain’ (MBB) courses for September & October…
What? MBB courses introduce the key principals of neuroscience and how they can help parents, children and babies form strong attachments that will encourage healthy development.
Who? These courses are for practitioners who work with children aged 0-3 years old in Hertfordshire.
Where? The MBB courses are delivered on Zoom.
The following upcoming courses are available, book your place now:
- My Baby’s Brain Universal (strand A) – this course is for practitioners providing universal support to all families with young children:
- Tuesday the 24th of September 2024 at 9.30am-3pm
Book your place at: Strand A Registration Link
- My Baby’s Brain Targeted (strand B) – this course is for practitioners providing targeted support for those children and families identified as in need of additional support:
- Thursday the 3rd of October 2024 at 9.30am-3pm
Book your place at: Strand B Registration Link
Email us at ehcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Workforce Shadowing
The vision for Families First training and development is to create a skilled, confident and resilient multi-agency workforce that supports whole family working.
Workforce shadowing provides a great opportunity to find out more about other services, what they do and how they might be able to support you in your work. It also enhances communication across agencies and helps strengthen and develop professional relationships, building local networks.
If you would like to organise a workforce shadowing placement for either yourself or a team member please complete the form on this page stating the service you would like to shadow and the preferred district and we will match you to a shadowing opportunity.
The following services have offered to host shadowing opportunities in either in person or virtually:-
- Citizens Advice (Broxbourne/St Albans/North Herts)
- Childcare provision
- CGL
- Domestic Abuse Support
- Families First Panels Team
- Family Support Service, Family Centre
- Herts Mind Network
- Herts Sports Partnership
- MIND in Mid Herts
- ASB Team, District Council, Three Rivers
- Housing Support, District Council
- Intensive Family Support Team (IFST)
- Local School Partnerships
- Police
- Public Health Nursing
- Schools Early Years Provsion
- Specialist Adolescent Services Hertfordshire (SASH)
- Services for Young People
- Supporting Families Practice Team
Additionally, if you would like to add your service to the above list, again please email us with your contact details, service and district.
Familesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Please take a look at the page, bookmark and share with teams, where appropriate.
Workforce development (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Difference we're making
Families First - Performance Data Report
You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period June 2023 - July 2024.
The report looks at Families First Assessments that took place within the period and highlights the presenting needs and outcomes broken down by district along with information about other support for families.
Families First Case Studies
Following on from a programme of Celebrating Excellence in Early Help sessions run in Children’s Services, which aimed to highlight the Families First approach and also included contributions from some of our partners, we are sharing some of the recent case below:
Case Study 1 - Intensive Family Support / Local Borough Council
Scene Setting
The Intensive Family Support team (IFST) began supporting this family of nine in Spring 2021.
As support got underway the third youngest child Tia* was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the family are struggling coming to terms with Tia’s diagnosis and her life expectancy of one year. Tia is 11 years old.
On learning of Tia’s prognosis and following discussion with Keech Hospice an Occupational Therapist (OT) appointment was arranged for the family’s home. This assessment identified that the three-bedroom home was not suitable for end-of-life care and was not suitable for adaptation as the access was too narrow and steep for a ramp.
The Family Intervention Worker (FIW) made contact with the local Borough Council’s Aids and Adaptions Team for support.
READ MORE
Case Study 2 - Families First Assessment
Scene Setting
This case study provides some insight into the journey of Fran* and her family. Fran is an eight year old girl who worries about her mum, she knows mum is different when she is with her drinking friends. Fran’s Mum has a diagnosis of unstable personality disorder and has previously used drugs and alcohol as coping strategies, she has been in a cycle of poor mental health and whilst their wider family network have been supporting Fran and her mother they sought out some external support via a Families First Assessment.
READ MORE
Case Study 3 - Employment Adviser/IFST
Scene Setting:
This case study provides some insight into the support provided to Sanz* from one of our Employment Advisers. Our Intensive Family Support Teams include Employment Advisers who provide tailored support in areas such as employability; taking time to understand skills and experiences, any barriers or challenges preventing employment, identification of any training to support employability, preparation of supporting statements and CVs and job search support, including mock interviews.
Our Advisers can also provide guidance on how to navigate the benefits system, including benefit entitlements and claims, as well as how changes in circumstances impact benefits.
They work in parallel with Family Intervention Workers. This case study summarises support given to Sanz, the mother, to support with employability and benefits.
READ MORE
Case Study 4 - Local Schools Partnership
Case Study 5
This case study follows a mum who suffers from depression and anxiety. She was distrusting of professionals due to a negative experience with Children's Services in another local authority. Dad had recently moved out of the family home so she cares for her three children alone. Read more about the support the family received and the tools mum now takes forward in her parenting skills.
READ MORE
Please share anonymised case studies highlighting how early help and partnership working has provided support to local families with us at familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk. Please ensure you have consent from the family.
Intensive Family Support Team : Summer Fun Days
Lots of fun family days were organised by our Intensive Family Support Teams over the summer, here are some of the highlights:
East Herts and Broxbourne Intensive Family Support
During the summer, East Herts and Broxbourne IFST organised exciting water activity sessions at the Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre in Waltham Abbey, bringing together the children, young people, and families they support.
The sessions were spread over two days to ensure that all families had a chance to participate. On the first day, participants enjoyed canoeing, while the second day featured paddle boarding.
Parents, carers, and children suited up in wetsuits and engaged in team-building activities led by Lee Valley instructors, all while soaking up the sunshine.
Despite age restrictions on the activities, younger children still got to join in the fun by dipping their toes in the water and cheering on their loved ones.
As always, the team received generous support from local partners. Tesco Brookfield (Cheshunt) kindly donated an assortment of drinks and snacks for the families to enjoy after their sessions.
Lisa Lester – SFIW shared
"It was really nice to see the families come together and enjoy the sessions. Many of the families we support do not have opportunities like this, so it was great to see them getting stuck in and having fun."
Eve Righelato – FIW Shared
"The activity day at Lee Valley Water Park was truly fantastic. It brought families together for a day of fun, and quality time. It was heartwarming to see parents and children bonding, laughing, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It was especially great to see so many dads getting involved, making the day even more special. Their enthusiasm and engagement added to the vibrant atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories for everyone."
Feedback from families who attended included.
Parent - "Thank you to you and your team for another amazing day. You really change people lives"
Parent - "Thank you for fab day and love the photos x"
Child – "I had the best time; I have never done anything like this but I’m really good at it. I can’t wait to do it again."
Child - "Had the best time and made a friend, thank you."
St Albans & Dacorum Intensive Family Support Team
Hygiene Workshops
On the 23rd and 27th of August, the team ran two separate health and hygiene workshops aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16. The Girls Workshop, facilitated by Keely and Charlotte, looked at general health and hygiene practice. They also had discussions and answered questions around puberty and bodily development. A similar workshop was run for the Boys, facilitated by Henry and Kingsley, which looked at the same topics but relating to Boys. All the children got to take home a hygiene pack, donated by the Harpenden Hygiene Bank, which contained a range of useful hygiene products, from deodorant to body wash. The workshops allowed for an informational environment for the children to discuss any concerns and ask any questions relating to hygiene. The informal nature of the sessions allowed them to feel comfortable while doing so. Feedback was very positive and due to the success of both workshops; the St Albans & Dacorum IFST Team will look run future versions of the sessions.
Party in the Park
On the 21st of August, between 11am and 1pm, the St Albans & Dacorum IFST Team hosted a Party in the Park, where families were invited to Verulamium Park in St Albans to have some outdoors fun. IFST brought a multitude of activities and water for the children to enjoy, including football, frisbees, giant Jenga, swingball, cricket amongst others. Accompanied by stunning weather, families enjoyed themselves, giving a chance for the children to run free and enjoy themselves in a safe environment while also giving them a chance to meet each other and socialise. It also gave an opportunity for the parents to talk to the other parents and workers, as well as getting stuck into the activities with the children themselves. The turnout was fantastic, and due to how smooth the event ran, it led to a pleasant and enjoyable time for all involved.
Watford and Three Rivers Intensive Family Support Team
Summer Fete
Watford and Three Rivers IFST held their annual summer fete on Wednesday 21st August and as always, were raising funds to go towards the Peace Hospice in Watford. They were delighted to announce so far, they’ve raised £650 but this is likely to increase slightly with more contributions.
This year was particularly special as the one and only Mr Marvel came to Watford to entertain the crowds, along with his famous fluffy friend Roger rabbit. The kids made sure to get plenty of snuggles in with Roger before he went home with Mr Marvel. Many families and children attended and stayed for a fabulous raffle at the end. Prizes were donated from various places including, Willows Activity Farm, Cloud 9, Glow in one mini golf, and Asda.
There was also some great partnership working as various partnering agencies attended and participated with the fete. Their help was greatly appreciated as always. Many thanks to Lauren’s mum for her knitted toys stall. And also, to Three Rivers District Council, the Play Rangers, South West Herts Partnership, and Home-Start for their support on the day. The day would not have been a success without your presence and help.
Summer Holiday Activities:
Otleylympics
Our energetic Family Intervention worker Michelle Penny hosted her very own Otleylympics at Hayling Road Playing field in South Oxhey this summer. The event went down a storm with a good crowd of local children and parents attending and taking part.
They took part in some classic games such as the egg and spoon race, the sack race, the 3-legged race and balancing the bean bags. The kids had bundles of energy and had loads of fun taking part.
A well-deserved picnic followed with the children being awarded medals and goody bags at the end.
Help us promote the Families First Website
Our Families First Website is a great central resource for early help support for families and young people, with links to many services such as mental health support, Services for Young People, SEND Local Offer, parenting courses etc along with a link to the Herts Directory and the Families First professionals area.
We would like to encourage all partner agencies to help us promote the Families First website to parents and carers in Hertfordshire.
Campaign Tools:
Please add the web address to your own website:- https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/families-first/families-first.aspx
Or use the QR Code for direct link to the Families First homepage:
Download a QR code
Download a Families First Logo
Social media
Please follow Families First on Facebook and X (Twitter)
Suggested post
Image to post on your own social media channels, with the suggested text:-
"All families need help and support at some point, please visit the Families First Website to find out about support available in your area". https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/.../families-first.aspx
Poster:-
Please download our poster and display in your public facing space.
Thank you in advance for your support with this campaign.