Families First News

Front page - Welcome

Welcome

Dear Partners,

Welcome to the March edition of Families First News for Hertfordshire's early help professionals! Spring is finally here and we hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather and longer days.

As always, we have plenty of partnership news to share with you. Firstly, bookings are now open for our Spring Working Together in Early Help events taking place across the county, find out more and book your place. The HAPpy activity camps are returning this Easter, you can find out more about dates, criteria and locations. You can also read our new Plan for Children & Young People and much more.

Would you like to learn more about Families First or do you have any new team members? 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.  Don't forget to check the local news pages and vacancies page, and feel free to forward any information on to colleagues.

As always, please do let us have your comments and suggestions for what you would like included in future editions by emailing familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Kind regards

The Development Team

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The latest news

Book your place: Working Together in Early Help events

Join us this Spring at our popular Families First: Working Together in Early Help learning events taking place around the county.

It is always a good partner networking opportunity and there will be presentations on the following:-

  • Prevent (A UK government initiative that helps to protect people from radicalisation)
  • Hertfordshire’s Carers Strategy and new Young Carers offer
  • An update on how the national Families First Partnership Programme is being implemented in Hertfordshire
  • Other services including: Community Alliances (CVS), MIND and Herts Young Homeless

 DATES & VENUES:-

Thursday 30 April, 9.30am-12.00pm, Broxbourne Borough Council, Cheshunt
Thursday 14 May, 9.30am – 12.00pm, Three Rivers District Council, Rickmansworth
Monday 18 May, 9.30am - 12.00pm, Sadie Centre, Letchworth
Thursday 21 May, 9.30am – 12.00pm, South Hill Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Book your place here

HAPpy camps are back this Easter!

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

Fully funded holiday activity camps return for the Easter break, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food.

The HAPpy programme is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the Department for Education (DfE) via the government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme and coordinated by Herts Sport and Activity Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Camps are running from 30 March and 10 April and places can be booked via the Herts Sports Partnership’s website: https://bit.ly/BookHAPpy26IC

 

Ask your school office, if your child is eligible and you have not received your code.

Beezee at Maximus Upcoming programmes and Masterclasses

Ahead of the Easter holidays, we have pulled together some simple yet powerful tips to support healthier living for the whole family and this is just a glimpse of the support we can offer! 

Here is a FREE resource and we would love it if you could please share with parents/carers via email / regular newsletters and on social media. We've got some copy below you can use to make life easier.

We run Beezee Families, a FREE heathy lifestyle programme that our nutritionists deliver across Hertfordshire. The 12-week programme supports families to build healthy habits around food, physical activity, and how to have fun while doing so!

Our current programmes are now finished and families are celebrating graduation! You can secure your FREE spot now for our next rotation starting at the end of April. Places fill up fast so make to book soon! If you can’t wait to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey, you can learn at your own pace over on our Academy. Visit our website for more details

 We are also pleased to offer ALL parents/carers our FREE Masterclasses during April

  1. Supporting Children with a Limited Diet Masterclass on Wednesday 8th April 6pm – 7pm
  2. Healthy Eating on a Budget Masterclass on Wednesday 15th April 6pm – 7pm

Sign up to a Masterclass here


Plan for Children & Young People

The Plan for Children & Young People 2026-31 was launched in November supported by a Plan on a Page and an animation which share key information about the four ambitions and what these mean to young people. These are hosted, along with full Plan, at Hertfordshire's plan for children and young people 2026-31 | Hertfordshire County Council. You are welcome to share these with the families, young people and children who you work with.

The ambitions outline what services will do to support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes:

  • Ambition 1: Deliver the education and early help children, young people and families need to thrive together.
  • Ambition 2: Help keep children and young people safe from harm, at home, where they live, and outside in their wider neighbourhood, community and online.
  • Ambition 3: Provide help to children and young people within their family networks and local communities.
  • Ambition 4: Support children and young people to live in stable homes and build relationships which equip them for the future.

The Plan officially begins from 1 April and sets out Hertfordshire County Council's ambitions for improving outcomes for children and young people and how those ambitions will be enabled. The vision is to support all children and young people to feel they belong and are happy, healthy, and safe so they can thrive with their families and community.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2031

Hertfordshire County Council has launched Your Care, Your Future: Our Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out our vision, values, and priorities for supporting care‑experienced children and young people. The five‑year timeframe reflects our commitment to providing stability and continuity during local government reorganisation.

When a child or young person comes into our care, Hertfordshire County Council becomes their corporate parent. However, corporate parenting is a shared duty across all partners, services, and professionals who play a role in a child’s life. By working together, we aim to create an environment where young people feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive as they grow into adulthood.

The strategy is shaped by what young people told us matters most to them. Their insights have formed seven key priorities that will guide our work over the next five years: belonging, aspiration, confidence, wellbeing, stability, participation, and feeling protected.

Find out more and listen to care-experience young people’s message to us as corporate parents: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/corporateparentingstrategy

Supporting Boys & Men : Professionals Networking event - this week!

Our St Albans and Dacorum Intensive Family Support Team are hosting an event which is designed to help professionals assist young boys & men with building healthy relationships, discussing domestic abuse, masculinity and much more. All professionals are welcome to come along, please register your place here:- Men's Networking Event | Hertfordshire County Council. The event will look at services that support boys and men in Hertfordshire (focusing on St Albans and Dacorum) but not limited to this space. This is the first of hopefully many in the future the team will be organising.

DATE: Thursday, 26 March, 10:00am

VENUE: Grovehill Adventure Playground, Hemel Hempstead

Redbourn Road

Hemel Hempstead

HP2 7BA

Men’s Mental Health Community Evening

We are really pleased to share details of a powerful community evening event happening on Tuesday 14 April 2026 from 6.00pm at Hertfordshire Studios, Live space, Studio one, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF, designed to create a safe, welcoming and stigma‑free space for men to talk openly, connect with each other and feel genuinely supported.

This is not a lecture, not a clinical appointment and not a one‑off session.
It is the beginning of a movement — one that encourages men to speak honestly, listen without judgement and understand that they are not alone.

There is no need to book onto the session, please just turn up.

🌟 A movement for men’s mental health

Men’s Mental Health Day has a clear purpose: to build connection, visibility, and support for men of all ages and backgrounds.
The evening aims to:

  • Create an accessible support system for men
  • Encourage open conversation in a relaxed environment
  • Challenge stigma around speaking about mental health
  • Provide professional guidance without clinical jargon
  • Strengthen community, understanding and connection

This event is designed to change lives through conversation.

👥 Who this evening is for

This event welcomes men from every walk of life, including:

  • Fathers and single dads
  • Husbands and partners
  • Sons and brothers
  • Work colleagues, business owners, and employees
  • Young men finding their way
  • Older men navigating major life changes

Many men experience pressure, anxiety, burnout, grief, and isolation — often silently.
This evening recognises that strength does not mean suffering alone.

Women are also warmly welcomed as allies.
Supportive partners, family members, friends, and colleagues play a vital role in helping men feel understood, connected and less alone — and their presence can make a meaningful difference.

🤝 Partners and supporters

The event is delivered with support from trusted organisations, including:

  • NHS representatives
  • Men’s Sheds
  • Broxbourne Council
  • Psychologists, doctors, and mental health professionals
  • Carers and frontline mental health workers
  • Community groups and charities

Together, they help ensure every attendee is listened to, guided, and supported.

🕕 What to expect on the night (6pm – 9pm)

6:00pm – Arrival & Welcome

A relaxed, friendly start with background music, bar service 🍺, cakes, tea, and coffee ☕🍰 and the opportunity for informal conversations with professionals and volunteers.

6:30pm – Opening Address

A warm welcome, an overview of the evening and a reminder that this is a safe, respectful, and confidential space.

6:45pm – Guest Speaker Sessions

Engaging talks on:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Positive mindset and affirmations
  • Bullying (workplace, social and personal)
  • Pressure, identity and expectations
  • Emotional resilience and coping strategies

Speakers focus on lived experience, real‑world advice, and honest conversation — not clinical terminology.

8:00pm – Open Discussion & Connection

A chance to talk, reflect, listen or simply be present.
Private conversations will be available with psychologists, doctors, and carers.

8:45pm – Closing Message

A reminder that support continues beyond this event, with signposting to community groups and ongoing services.
Message of the night: this does not end here.

🛋️ The venue: Hertfordshire Studios, Live Space

A modern, comfortable environment with:

  • Professional sound and lighting
  • Relaxed seating
  • Bar service
  • Tea, coffee, and cakes

This space has been chosen to avoid the formality often associated with mental health discussions, creating warmth, comfort and ease.

📫 Address:

Hertfordshire Studios, Live space, Studio one, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF

🎤 Meet the speakers

Kev Orkian talking about positive mind affirmations

Joe Rowntree talking about anxiety

Matt Stirling talking about depression and his career in Hollywood stunts

Steve Wortley talking about personal experiences

Claire Mitchell talking about Support through the NHS

🌱 Creating long‑term change

This evening marks the beginning of:

  • Ongoing support events
  • Community groups and regular meet‑ups
  • Stronger partnerships with health organisations
  • A long‑term commitment to improving men’s mental health locally

This is more than an event — it is a movement designed to strengthen men, support wellbeing, and create lasting change.

Equal Parenting Week – List of Resources and Support available

HCC are recognising Equal Parenting Week this April, a national campaign celebrating modern parenting for the first time and the important role all parents and carers play in family life.

Equal parenting is about recognising that all parents deserve equal opportunity, equal support, and equal consideration at work — whether they are mums, dads, same-sex parents, step-parents, adoptive parents or carers balancing work and family life.

We thought we'd share some of the webinars that are been hosted during the week, which you may be interested in joining:-


Monday 27 April from 11:00 to 15:00 | Online

Equal Parenting Week Launch Event Tickets, Monday, Apr 27 from 11 am to 3 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Tuesday 28 April from 12:00 to 13:00 | Webinar

Why do dads need 6 months paternity leave? How time to care changes families, work and equality

Why do dads need 6 months paternity leave? Tickets, Tuesday, Apr 28 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Wednesday 29 April from 12:00 to 13:00  | Webinar

What happens when flexible working is denied? Parents’ rights, return-to-office mandates and what’s changing

What happens when flexible working is denied? Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 29 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Thursday 30 April from 13:30 to 14:30 | Webinar

Is equal parenting even possible? The invisible mental load and why fairness in care matters 

Is equal parenting even possible? Tickets, Thursday, Apr 30 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Friday 1 May from 12:00 to 13:00 | Webinar

Are your parents sneaking out at 3pm? How to build a Parenting Out Loud workplace culture 

Are your parents sneaking out at 3pm? Tickets, Friday, May 1 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

 

Hertfordshire's Carers Strategy / Young Carers Offer

From 1 April 2026, Hertfordshire County Council will be bringing support for young carers in-house, when the young carer contract with Carers in Hertfordshire comes to an end, integrating it fully within the council’s services. 

The existing Carers in Hertfordshire contract for adult carers will remain in place. 

Work has been ongoing with young carers, families and professionals to make sure the change is smooth, and the support will continue and stay very similar. This includes assessments, help with managing caring responsibilities, regular reviews, ensuring the voices of young carers inform the support they receive, and support in preparing for adulthood.  

A new Young Carers webpage has been developed in collaboration with young carers and their families and includes information about the support available, team contact details, and ‘a Day in the Life of’ form to register a young carer online so that we can ensure they can get the support they need. 

A Young Carers webinar is scheduled for Thursday 23rd April, 11:30am-12:30pm, offering partner professionals a briefing on the new model, the tools available, and the steps involved in the registration process. Event : Introducing-a-New-Young-Carers-Offer-for-Hertfordshire---Lite-Bite - 35577 

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Community Activities Directory.

As we approach the Easter holidays we would be grateful if you would be able to share the following information with the families you work with. The directory promotes a wide range of community activities for families and young people with SEND, a comprehensive resource for families and professionals.

Are you a family with young people ages 0-25 with Special Educational needs and/or Disabilities looking for local activities?

The SEND community activities directory promotes a wide range of local activities and support groups, some activities will also include discounts for families registered with a Herts Card (SEND).

We will be adding additional activities on a regular basis. If there are any activities, you know of or wish to see promoted through this directory please email us on: SENDcommissioning@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

Visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDdirectory

 

SEND Provision Plan Consultation

Now live 23 March to 15 June 2026

The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a SEND Provision Plan 2026-29 which supports the delivery of the new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029.  The strategy sets out our shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

More children and young people in Hertfordshire are requiring additional support at school, many presenting with increasingly more complex needs than in the past. Families have consistently told us they want clearer pathways and better local options. In response, this Special Education, Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision Plan outlines how we will strengthen support in local schools, increase specialist provision where it is needed, and ensure every child receives the right help, in the right place, at the right time.

Feedback gathered so far has helped identify key priorities and has informed the five core elements of the draft SEND Provision Plan:

  • Strengthen capacity in mainstream schools
  • Expand specialist capacity in mainstream schools
  • Create more special school places
  • Update special school designations
  • Child centred placements

As part of the SEND Provision Consultation running from 23 March to 15 June 2026, we are seeking your views on whether the plan reflects your priorities, and how it can be further strengthened before it is finalised.

You can share your feedback by completing a short survey or by attending one of our consultation events. All details on how to get involved are available on the Local Offer: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDProvisionPlan

Thank you for your time, your views are important to us. All responses will be carefully considered and will directly influence the final SEND Provision Plan for 2026–2029.

News from Services for Young People, March 2026

Easter holiday outdoor activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND

During the Easter 2026 holidays (31 March – 9 April) Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering exciting outdoor activities to young people aged 13-19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The activities are designed to inspire and empower young people while developing their social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can:

  • Build and ride a kit go-kart
  • Learn archery and compete in fun games
  • Zip across the valley on the high-level zip line
  • Learn woodland survival skills and firelighting
  • Tackle the challenge course as part of a team
  • Discover and explore nature in the beautiful woodlands
  • Enjoy balancing and climbing on the low ropes course
  • Take part in fun woodland games
  • Learn orienteering and navigation skills on our Easter themed scavenger hunt

The activities are funded by HCC Short Breaks, so families only pay a small charge of £7 for each activity.

New YouthZone Saturday Projects

 Funding from the Million Hours Fund has helped SfYP to launch 10 new weekly youth work projects that are now taking place every Saturday during term time across Hertfordshire. The new YouthZone Saturday Projects are safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for young people to develop new interests and life skills, and access opportunities to improve their life chances.

The projects are ‘open access’ meaning that all young people from the area around each venue aged 11-17 are welcome to attend – no booking or referral is necessary. Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and care leavers can attend up to the age of 25.

Through interactive workshops and fun activities, including music, dance, sports and creative arts, our qualified Youth Workers support young people with issues such as personal safety, emotional wellbeing, relationships, exploitation awareness and substance misuse.

The Bridge is back!

Our Intensive Family Support Team in Welwyn Hatfield will be restarting The Bridge, which is a support group designed for parents, carers and young people in school years 6,7 and 8 who are struggling with school attendance. This includes those who are not attending school at all or on a significantly reduced timetable. Some of the topics covered are:-

  • Anxiety and worries related to school
  • Friendships and social dynamics
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Neurodiversity
  • The Future

You can find out more on the attached leaflet and sessions will run for 12 weeks starting on Thursday 16th April 2026—9th July 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm at Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club, 288 Knightsfield, WGC, AL8 7NQ

Please contact Alison.cowie@hertfordshire.gov.uk or karina.saunders@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions.

Download the poster here 

Invitation to feedback on CYP MH Training Programmes

We are writing to invite you to complete a new survey for employers and service providers on Children and Young People’s Mental Health (CYP MH) training programmes. NHS England is planning to reprocure all CYP MH training programmes, and we are seeking your insight to help shape this work.

This survey aims to gather practical feedback from services currently accessing these programmes and/or supporting trainees. Your responses will directly inform the design of future specifications and delivery models, ensuring they meet service needs and support the workforce effectively.

👉 You can access the survey on the find a tender service portal here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024208-2026 

👉Or access use the Microsoft form directly here: CYPMH Training Programmes Request for Information - Employers and Services – Fill in form

The reprocurement covers the following CYP MH training programmes: 

  • Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP) + Supervision 
  • Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) + Supervision 
  • Senior Wellbeing Practitioner (SWP) 
  • All Children and Young People’s Psychological Training Programmes (previously CYP IAPT) + Supervision 
  • Mental Health Leadership Training

We have also recently launched a separate Request for Information (RFI) for training providers. You can find more information about that here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019208-2026

How you can help

We would be grateful if you could share the survey link widely across your networks, forums and platforms where it may reach colleagues with relevant experience and insight. In particular, we welcome responses from current employers, CYPMH service providers, MHST leads, and learning and development leads.

Deadline

Please submit your response by 6pm on Friday 10th April.

Thank you in advance for your time and contributions. Your engagement is vital in helping us design future training provision that strengthens the CYP MH workforce and supports the delivery of high‑quality care for children, young people, and families.

 

Library opening hours consultation

Proposed changes to Hertfordshire Libraries: Sunday opening at 6 libraries and evening opening hours at Welwyn Garden City Library.

Hertfordshire County Council is asking residents and stakeholders to share their views on proposals which would see six libraries cease opening on Sundays. The consultation runs from Friday 6 March to Tuesday 5 May.

The six libraries which currently open on a Sunday and would no longer do so under the proposals are:

  • Bishop’s Stortford
  • Hemel Hempstead
  • St Albans
  • Stevenage Central
  • Watford Central
  • Welwyn Garden City Central

The council is also proposing to reduce the number of evenings that Welwyn Garden City Library opens beyond 6pm to one evening a week. The library is currently open until 7pm five days a week, but reducing this to one day a week will bring it in line with other similar sized libraries across the county.

We will retain all 46 public libraries as part of the Hertfordshire Network and their existing weekday and Saturday opening hours.  

No decisions have been made; we are seeking your feedback.

To take part in the consultation and find out more about why this proposal is being made, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/sundayandeveninghours

 

Check out Hertfordshire's Spring 26 Parenting and Relationship Courses

You can view the Spring 2026 Parenting and Relationship Support Offer Newsletter which will provide you with information and details on Parenting Courses and Relationship Support offer. Please can you ensure you cascade to your teams. If you have any questions please email CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk .

We have listed a few of the current courses below, but please visit the Hertfordshire Directory for the full listing.

Is your Service listed on the Hertfordshire Directory? 

Providers, services, groups and individuals can request a login and once approved, they can create a comprehensive listing and receive direct referrals if they wish. This can include key information such as what they do, who they support, when and where they work and their website for more information.

There are some short YouTube videos to help people get started:

There’s also a How to step-by-step guide online

If you have any questions, queries or feedback about the Directory, or need support accessing it, please email:

anne.ardley@hertfordshire.gov.uk or web.team@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

Learning & development

Families First Dates for Your Diary!

There are many ways to stay updated with Families First News, including events, webinars, induction days, and partnership meetings. Discover what’s coming up here

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.

  • Thursday 12 March 2026, 9am-9.30am
  • Thursday 9 April 2026, 9am-9.30am

  • Thursday 7 May, 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 emailfamiliesfirst.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

    Next round of events will take place in late Spring 2026 - Book your place

    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 (drug & alcohol support)
    • District Council, ASB Team, Three Rivers
    • District Council, Housing Support, Broxbourne
    • Domestic Abuse Support
    • DSPL (Delivering Special Provision Locally) - All areas
    • Families First Panels Team
    • Family Support Service, Family Centre
    • Herts Mind Network
    • Herts Sports Partnership 
    • Home-Start (Watford & Three Rivers)
    • 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
    • Re-Intergration, Virtual School
    • Schools Early Years Provision 
    • 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)

    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

     

    HSCP Learning & Development Programme

    1

    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:-

    Money Advice Programme - Spring 2026

    You can now download and view the Money Advice Unit Training Programme and booking form for WINTER 2025/6.

    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. **

    Difference we're making

    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.

     

    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.

    Who's who

    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, Families First Panels, Practice Team, Father Inclusive Practice, Young Carers & Safe Space

    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 area news

    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


    Broxbourne & East Herts

    • Healthy Hub East Herts are running two 'Stay Safe and Secure Online' events being held in Ware and Bishop's Stortford.
      Find out more here:- Ware Library & Bishops Stortford Library

    • Broxbourne Council has produced a simple Cost of Living guide for residents - Download the latest Cost of Living Directory

    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    SfYP East Herts Team projects
    SfYP Broxbourne Team projects

    • The ParkPlay in Cedars Park, Cheshunt on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community. 

    • Sporting Aid are currently running four local programmes designed by local young people, all focused on providing free activities across the borough. We would really appreciate it if you could share these opportunities with your networks and with any young people who may benefit to help us reach as many as possible. All sessions are completely free to attend.

      We are currently delivering:

      • Basketball sessions (Saturdays)
      • Female football sessions (Saturdays)
      • Moonlight football (Thursdays)
      • Calisthenics (starting Wednesday this month)

      Please download the posters for full details including times and locations.


    St Albans & Dacorum

    • Mens Group Drop - In Person:

    We are pleased to confirm the Men’s drop in’ monthly sessions (St Albans & Dacorum) have returned at our Intensive Family Support Team office – address below and leaflet attached.

      • The men’s group is a space for men who are male role models in children’s lives to come together and have a positive outlet for concerns and to share their thoughts with other men. There will be a topic to discuss every month including support with challenging behaviour, Internet safety, parenting challenges and mental health.

      • It will run on the first Monday of each month from 6.00 – 7.00pm at the IFST office (address below)
        Starting:            Next date March 2 2026, 6 to 7pm
        Venue:               Intensive Family Support Team (IFST) – Dacorum and St. Albans, Greenhill Site Tenzing Road
        Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4HS

        For further info contact: kingsley.davis@hertfordshire.gov.uk

    • In addition, the The Mr Programme is starting again !! The programme explores what a positive male role model looks like for children in today’s modern world. 

      The sessions are Face to Face (from 6:00pm – 8:00pm): starting

      Venue: Greenhills Site (IFST), Tenzing Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4HS

      Dates: Tuesday 10TH March 2026 until Tuesday 28th April

    • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

    SfYP St Albans Team projects

    SfYP Dacorum Team projects


      North Herts & Stevenage

      • NHDC Community Wellbeing team have a whole series of events available for families in North Herts. They currently have “Fun Food for families” sessions available in Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth, Royston & Knebworth running up until March. Events | Health Hub North Herts

      • Our Intensive Family Support Team for Stevenage and North Herts, along with DSPL2 have organised some SEND coffee mornings which are a great family networking opportunity.

        Please share with your SEND families and more information can be found on by downloading this leaflet. Contact dspl2@peartreesspring.herts.sch.uk should you require any further information.

      • The ParkPlay in Jackmans Park, Letchworth on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community 

      • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

      Welwyn Hatfield

      • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here:

      • LITTLE CITY UK SPRING-THEMED EVENT COMING TO THE GALLERIA THIS EASTER!

        The Galleria, Hatfield, is delighted to invite families to the centre this Easter holiday, as they welcome back Little City UK.

        From Monday 30th March to Friday 3rd April, Little City UK is once again bringing their pretend-play city to the scheme. Plus, this Easter event will be ‘Spring’-themed, and all children who visit will receive a sticker and gift to take away.

        There will be 5 sessions each day between 10am and 3:15pm, as follows:

        10am-10:45am
        11am-11:45am
        12:30pm-1:15pm
        1:30pm-2:15pm
        2:30pm-3:15pm

        Each session will be £5.50 per child (1 adult free with every booking). Plus, on Friday 3rd April there will also be a SEND exclusive session during the 12:30pm slot.

        Booking is recommended due to popularity. Walk-ups on the day will be subject to availability. People should follow The Galleria socials or can book directly via the link here - https://activities.bookpebble.co.uk/activity/little-city-east-herts-little-city-galleria-hatfield-hatfield-d16b2bed-fa85-4cd8-9ead-b11c80f405f6.

        The Spring-themed city will include a supermarket, post office, hairdressers, as well as ride on toys and much more, providing little ones with the chance to immerse themselves in a whole host of environments where they can learn and play.

        The event will be located downstairs adjacent to Get Wild.

        Whilst visiting the centre, families can also enjoy the wonderfully fun jungle-themed soft play area, Get Wild. Sessions can be prebooked via The Galleria website. For more information about this event and what’s on at The Galleria, visit https://thegalleria.co.uk/


      Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere

      • Services for Young People (SfYP) youth work projects enable young people to develop their personal and social skills and increase their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Get details of SfYP projects and information, advice and support services in your area here: 

      • The ParkPlay in Aycliffe Park, Borehamwood on Saturday morning offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in two hours of free community play, while remaining active and spending quality time with their loved ones. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the local community

      Hertfordshire Libraries are hosting 6 performances of 'A Noise Annoys' a new family show by Jude Simpson. These shows will be during the Easter holidays on 8, 9, and 10 April. I've included some copy about the event below and attached a graphic, should you be able to share it. If you are sharing on social media, could I ask that you tag us (@hertfordshirelibraries) and Jude (@judesimpsonwords). 

      "Hertfordshire Libraries are excited to welcome poet, entertainer and three-time national slam champion, Jude Simpson for six exciting performances of 'A Noise Annoys'. Jude Simpson writes and performs joyful comedy, combining quirky observational humour with poetry, wordplay and song.  “A Noise Annoys” is her first family show - a warm, witty and uplifting act, with wide appeal and a strong feel-good factor. 

      Tickets are £7 per person and can be purchased in the library or online here - https://bit.ly/4lISQ1B

      Ware Library - Wednesday 8 April, 10.30-11.30am

      Hitchin Library - Wednesday 8 April, 3.00-4.00pm

      North Watford Library - Thursday 9 April, 10.30-11.30am

      St Albans Library - Thursday 9 April, 3.00-4.00pm

      Hoddesdon Library - Friday 10 April, 10.30-11.30am

      Bishop's Stortford Library - Friday 10 April, 3.00-4.00pm

       

      “Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer” – Michael Rosen 

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