Fifty Thrifty Summer 2025

Our central Communications Team have put together another list of fifty cost-effective activities for families this summer for you to share with families you support

Summer Fun with the Family Centre Service

The Family Centre Service summer What's On page is now live! Please help raise awareness of our summer programme through sharing this information with the families you support:-

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This summer, the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service have a fantastic mix of activities designed for children aged 0–5, with plenty to keep older siblings (up to 8 years old) engaged too. Whether you’re looking to explore, get messy, or try something new, there’s lots to enjoy across Hertfordshire.

Family Fun sessions are back, with new weekly themes to spark children’s imaginations. From storytelling and seaside-inspired crafts to active games and messy play, each session offers a chance for little ones to learn through play. With lots of opportunities for families to have fun, explore, and connect with others. Sessions are just £2.50 per family and are suitable for 0 - 5s, with older siblings up to age 8 welcome to join in.

One of our summer specials is Fun on the Farm, where Ark Farm Mobile Farm will be visiting selected centres to give families a hands-on experience with friendly animals like sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and ducks. A brilliant opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy some outdoor fun. Tickets are £3.50 per child and booking is essential via our district Eventbrite accounts.

If your child is ready to start riding a bike, our Learn to Cycle sessions offer a great introduction in a safe and supportive setting. Designed for children aged 3–5, these free sessions build confidence and teach key skills. Bikes and helmets are available if needed, and parents are encouraged to join in and learn how to support cycling at home. Booking via Eventbrite is essential.

We’re also running SEND Cycling sessions for children aged 4–8 with special educational needs and disabilities. These bookable free sessions provide a calm, inclusive environment where children can develop their cycling skills at their own pace.

So whether you're looking for something active, creative, or just a little bit different, we’ve got plenty to keep your family entertained this summer. Find out What’s On in your local area here www.hertsfamilycentres.org

Summer Activities - keep children moving with Beezee

Do you know parents/carers who are starting to think of ways to keep children entertained over the summer holidays? We know it can be difficult to think of ways to get the kids moving, especially on rainy days! Our expert team are here to help.

We run Beezee Families, a FREE healthy lifestyle programme that our family nutritionists deliver across Hertfordshire during term time. However, families can access our Beezee Academy online all year round, whatever the weather!

Our programmes are available in-person and online to support families to build healthy habits around food and physical activity. Visit our website for more details. Also, we are running a FREE online Masterclass on 30th July 6pm – 7pm FREE Feeding the family on a budget masterclass - Free Healthy Lifestyle Services | Hertfordshire.

FREE festival-style park events for teenagers across Hertfordshire during the summer

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council, is excited to bring back Herts Summer Parks 2025 – a dynamic, festival style programme of FREE park activities for young people aged 12–16 across Hertfordshire this August.

When & Where:

The programme will run from 4^th to 22^nd August across five local parks:

Welwyn Garden City: 1808-Welwyn-1.pdf

• Mondays (4th, 11th, 18th)
  King George V Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, AL7 4BP

Watford: 1805-Watford.pdf

• Tuesdays (5th, 12th, 19th)
  King George V Playing Fields, Tolpits Lane, WD18 9QD

Borehamwood: 1796-Borehamwood.pdf

• Wednesdays (6th, 13th, 20th)
  Meadow Park, Broughinge Road, WD6 5AL

Broxbourne: 1884-Broxbourne-FINAL.pdf

• Thursdays (7th, 14th, 21st)
  Waltham Cross Playing Fields, Station Approach, EN8 7LU

Stevenage: 1802-Stevenage.pdf

• Fridays (8th, 15th, 22nd)
  King George V Playing Fields, Sish Lane, SG1 3L

How to Join:

Spaces are free, but registration is required. Complete the form using the link below for fast-track entry on the day:

Herts Summer Parks 2025 - Registration form

Free Food Included:

Anyone who attends will receive a free takeaway voucher to enjoy a hot meal from a local food vendor.

With Youth online wellbeing summer groups

Hertfordshire's With Youth Digital Wellbeing Service for 5-18-year-olds have some upcoming online wellbeing groups for children and young people this summer, designed to support emotional development, resilience, and mental wellbeing through engaging and age-appropriate groups:

💥 Anger Avengers (Ages 7–12) 

Anger Avengers - WithYouth

Tuesdays, 5pm | 24 June – 15 July 2025 (four weeks)
Helping kids turn big feelings into super strengths.
This empowering group helps children understand and manage anger in healthy ways. Through interactive activities, we explore emotional triggers, conflict resolution, empathy, and practical coping tools – all with a fun and supportive approach.

  🌿 The Calm Club (Ages 15+) 

The Calm Club - WithYouth

Mondays, 7pm | 7 July – 25 August 2025 (seven weeks)
Find your calm. Build your confidence.
A supportive space for teens to understand and manage anxiety, build self-awareness, and learn practical strategies for coping with school pressure, exam stress, and social anxiety. Activities include mindfulness, goal setting, and positive thinking exercises.

  🎒 Road to Year 7 (For Year 6 students) 

Road to Year 7 - WithYouth

Thursdays, 5pm PM | 17 July – 18 September 2025 (10 weeks)
Starting secondary school can feel overwhelming – but they don’t have to face it alone.
This group provides a friendly and fun space to prepare for Year 7, meet others going through the same transition, and build confidence through games, helpful discussions, and practical tips on friendships, routines, and organisation.

 🌈 Creative Minds

Creative Minds - WithYouth

Wednesdays, 5pm | 11 June – 13 August 2025 (10 weeks)
A welcoming group for young people to explore their feelings through art, games, and writing.
No experience needed – just bring creativity and curiosity! A great way to build confidence, connect with peers, and express emotions in fun, supportive ways

If you support young people or know families with children and young people who may benefit from these groups, With Youth would love your help spreading the word.  For more information or to refer a child or young person please use the links above 😊 Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at www.withyouth.org or give them a call on 0208 189 8400.

 Let’s help young people build the emotional tools they need to thrive

HAPpy camps are back this summer!

BOOKINGS OPENED 12:00 THURSDAY 26 JUNE

Hertfordshire County Council is once again launching its free summer activity camps for children and young people in Hertfordshire.

Fully funded holiday activity camps return for the summer 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 of 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 28 July – 29 August and places can be booked via the Herts Sports Partnership’s website: https://bit.ly/BookHAPpyIC

Codes are provided to eligible children via their school office.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory

As we approach the summer 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

Neurodiversity Support Hub for parents, Carers and professionals

If someone has questions about neurodiversity, they can contact the Neurodiversity Support Hub for parents, Carers and professionals in Hertfordshire. The hub is staffed by experts by experience and does not require a diagnosis to access the support.

The Neurodiversity Support Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm, and the team can be contacted by phone at 01727 833963 or through email at supporthub@add-vance.org.

News from Services for Young People, July 2025

Exam results support from Services for Young People

Young people who are getting their A-level, T-level or GCSE results this August can get support from Services for Young People (SfYP) as they decide on their next steps.

Whether the results are better or worse than expected, SfYP offers the latest information and impartial advice to help young people with their important choices. They can help young people rethink their plans or explore new options if needed.

One-to-one personalised advice is available from SfYP Advisers in schools and at SfYP 11-5 Hubs at young people’s centres across Hertfordshire. Young people can contact their local team to make an appointment or just drop in during the opening hours. Phone or video-call appointments are also available.

• Read the full story with opening times and SfYP local team contact details

More activity sessions now available at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND this summer

SfYP is offering a second series of free outdoor activities to young people aged 13-19 with SEND at Hudnall Park this summer. All activities develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can learn archery, have fun improving their teamwork skills and coordination on the low ropes, zip across the valley on the zip line, and explore nature in the beautiful woodlands.

• Read more about the free summer activities for young people with SEND

 

SfYP wins Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner Award

The SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team attended the 2025 Oaklands Training & Development Employer and Apprenticeships Celebration Event and was delighted to win the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner Award. This prestigious award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to champion fairness, opportunity and inclusion for all. It recognises SfYP’s unwavering commitment to promoting an equitable future where young people from all backgrounds can thrive.

Read the full story for more on how SfYP supports employers and young people

Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner Workshops

Workshops are open to all young people & parents/carers of children and young people who attend a school or are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire. A referral is not needed to access a workshop.
All workshops are currently being delivered online via Microsoft Teams. For more information about what each workshop covers and to book a place onto a workshop, visit HCT Children's Wellbeing Practitioners Events - 10 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

To access the recorded Emotionally Based School Avoidance Webinar please visit:Service details | Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

Free Relationship Support Courses for Hertfordshire Parents and Carers

Digital Intervention Training to Reduce Parental Conflict

Sign up for FREE training in the use of three digital resources designed to reduce parental conflict with three different audiences: 

• Me, You and Baby Too - for new parents
• Arguing better - for parents experiencing stress and conflict
• Getting it Right for Children - for separating or separated parents

Having constructive, supportive relationships has never been more important. These evidence-based resources have been built to help couples strengthen their relationship and manage their conflict better, and to help separated parents understand how conflict can affect their children.

Who is the training for?

This training is for anyone who works with parents or families in Hertfordshire.

What can I expect to learn?

The session aims to enhance your knowledge, understanding, skills, and confidence to work with parents. By the end of the training you will be able to:

• Raise parents’ awareness of the issue of parental conflict.
• Use digital resources to help parents recognise conflict.
• Enable parents to develop positive communication skills and helpful conflict behaviours.

How is the training delivered?

This is a 3 hour digital training, which takes place on Microsoft Teams.

What does session cover? 

• The impact of parental conflict on children’s outcomes.
• Background to the design of the digital resources.
• Introduction to OPO digital resources.
• Overview of the wider Relationship Support offer in Hertfordshire.

How can I book onto the training?

Select your preferred date and follow the registration link to book your place.

Wednesday 17^th September 2025 9:30am – 12:30pm registration link

Tuesday 14^th October 2025 9:30am – 12:30pm registration link

Monday 24^th November 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm registration link

We hope you are looking forward to the training, and to adding these three resources to your toolbox.

Check out Hertfordshire's Summer 25 Parenting and Relationship Courses

Please download the latest 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.

In addition, you can find out further information below:-

Family Lives offer a variety of on-line workshops, courses and advice articles such as Understanding Children's Behaviour (online workshop), Understanding the importance of communicating with teens (article), parenting courses (online), Bullying on social media (article), and online forums for parents and carers to connect and share experiences. Download the Summer programme here.

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Parenting Support from Supporting Links

Supporting Links currently have places on the following courses beginning in September. Download the brochure here and referral form.

Talking Anxiety in Teens - online: 

   Tuesday evenings 16th September to 21 October 

Talking Teens - online:

   Tuesday evenings 16th September to 21 October

Talking Additional Needs - Online:

   Wednesday mornings 17th September to 22nd October

Talking Dads & Talking Families - both online:

   Wednesday evenings 17th September to 22nd October

Talking Families - online:

   Thursday mornings 18th September to 23rd October

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Families In Focus

Families in Focus offer fully funded Targeted Parenting evidence-based courses starting in September (all June courses are now fully booked).

All courses are interactive and online via Zoom.

Families in Focus e have over 30 years of experience of working alongside parents and families and are happy to answer questions or discuss course content, simply email us at bookings@familiesinfocus.co.uk

• A complete guide to parenting children with Autism and/or ADHD – inclusive of parents whose children are on assessment pathways. Fully funded and free for parents of children 2 to 11 years and living in Hertfordshire.
  
  
• Tuesday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am September 7^th, 14^th & October 7^th, 14^th & November 4^th, 11^th, 18^th
  
  
• Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm September 7^th, 14^th & October 7^th, 14^th & November 4^th, 11^th, 18^th 
  
  
• Handling anger of children with Autism and/or ADHD - inclusive of parents whose children are on assessment pathways. Fully funded and free for parents of children 4 to 11 years and living in Hertfordshire.
  
  
• Wednesday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th
  
  
• Wednesday afternoons from 12.30pm to 2pm September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th
  
  
• Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm September 10^th, 17^th, 24^th & October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th

 

Help Shape the Future of Children’s Social Care in Hertfordshire!

We would like to ask for your help in encouraging the families you are supporting to complete this important questionnaire, please share the text below in your newsletters and communications with families:-

We're inviting families across Hertfordshire to help shape the future of children's social care by completing a short questionnaire, you can share your experiences ideas and hopes for a system that truly supports every child and family.

This is your chance to co-design services that reflect your community's needs, because no one understands what works better than you. Whether you're a parent, carer or young person your insights are invaluable. Let's build a brighter, more supportive future together. 🏠💖

Please use the link or QR code below to complete a short questionnaire

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/wvHbv3t7qt