The latest news
Update on Hertfordshire’s Families First Partnership Programme
Building on the back of numerous reviews and policy documents, outlining the need for change, central government issued the guidelines in March 2025 for reforms to children’s social care that it requires all local authorities to make.
Since these were issued, we have been working in partnership across Hertfordshire to co-design a system which incorporates the changes required of us - integrating family safeguarding and early help, enabling us to wrap our services and support around children and families sooner.
In Hertfordshire we have real strength in our partnership and multi-agency approaches in family safeguarding and early help, giving us firm foundations to build upon. Throughout the process of redesign, we have been working closely with partners and engaging with as many organisations and individuals as possible to reshape our services to meet the needs of families in Hertfordshire.
The journey so far
Across the partnership, lead organisations are facing significant challenges which have impacted on our ability to implement the requirements of the reform as holistically as first envisaged. However, we are committed to reforming our systems to better meet the needs of families in Hertfordshire and, ultimately, deliver better outcomes for Hertfordshire’s children.
To overcome some of these significant challenges, we are taking an incremental approach to implementation. We will be testing and refining the new system in one geographical area before rolling out the revised operational systems across Hertfordshire.
What this means for you
The strength in our partnerships will help ensure consistency throughout this period of change, both for our colleagues and the families we work with. As our teams change, we will share details where there is operational impact.
A key part of the reforms will be an increased focus on delivering services within local communities. It will also be a great opportunity for us all to work more closely together, providing the broad range of support available to families in Hertfordshire in family hubs, situated in the heart of local communities.
Support close to home
The process of identifying suitable properties to base our services within local communities is underway. We’re looking to have 24 Family Hubs spread across four regional areas in Hertfordshire; sometimes this will mean that all services (universal, targeted interventions, early help and child in need support) will take place in one location, whereas in some regions these services may operate across a number of sites.
Working together to keep children safe
Our revised model will see multi-agency child protection teams grouped together with family help, retaining and expanding key planks of the family safeguarding model across both teams. Where possible, we will be co-locating our teams and services with partner ones, to ensure families are better able to access the support they need to resolve difficulties early.
If you are interested in hearing more about the programme, and how we are implementing these national reforms in Hertfordshire, please email: FamiliesFirstPartnershipProgramme@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Family Help partnership day
On Wednesday (24 September) we held a collaborative workshop exploring good practice and sharing national and local updates in relation to providing help for families in Hertfordshire.
The Family Help partnership day brought together many of our commissioned services from the voluntary and community sector who work with children, young people, and families across Hertfordshire. More than 100 passionate individuals joined us on the day, representing organisations across Hertfordshire that are dedicated to supporting families.
Attendees heard from national and local speakers in relation to the national social care reforms, the Families First Partnership Programme, the explored the importance of data in understanding need and impact and the event also provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice, network and collaborate with HCC colleagues to develop a whole-system approach to early help.
The event also provided a platform to raise awareness around the launch of the Eastern Region Anti-Racist Practice Pledge; Nasay Franklin, from HCC’s D&I team in children’s services, provided a thought-provoking overview of the background to the pledge and its importance in avoiding bias and inequity.
Following a networking lunch, Narrative Alchemy ltd, led an experiential workshop exploring parental conflict and its impact on children and young people. The session gave professionals working with children and families an opportunity to work together to develop a greater understanding, explore approaches to help minimise the impact of parental conflict and discuss what works to support families around this issue.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Anthony Rowlands welcomed the collaborative approach in Hertfordshire:
“From early years support to mental health services, from housing and education to community outreach—your collective efforts form the backbone of Hertfordshire’s Family Help offer. The breadth of representation in this room is a testament to the strength of our local partnerships and the value we place on working together.
“We know that the challenges facing families are complex and evolving. That’s why days like today are so important. They give us space to reflect, to learn, and to strengthen the ties that help us deliver more joined-up, responsive, and inclusive support.”
Working Together in Early Help Events - book now!
Join us this Autumn for our Working Together in Early Help learning event, which will focus on children and young people’s health and wellbeing. We will have presentations from The Ollie Foundation, First Steps Ed, BeeZee Families and the HCC’s Emotional and Mental Wellbeing in Education (EMWIE) Team and is a great networking opportunity.
This event welcomes internal staff and professionals from partner agencies involved in supporting children, young people, parents, and families
Event locations, dates and times
- Monday 3rd November, 2pm-4:30pm, Three Rivers District Council, Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth WD3 1RL Book here
- Tuesday 18th November, 10am-12:30, VENUE: Broxbourne Borough Council, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt, EN8 9XQ Book here
- Tuesday 25th November, 10am-12:30, Bowes Lyons Young People's Centre, Stevenage, SG1 1XY Book here
- Thursday 27th November, 10am-12:30, The DSPL Hub, Fleetville School St Albans, AL1 4LW Book here
Hertfordshire’s Kinship Care Local Offer webpage now live
There are nearly 800 Hertfordshire children living in kinship families in Hertfordshire and around the country. Following national Kinship Care Week (6-12 October), we want to take a moment to recognise and thank the kinship carers who make a lasting difference in children’s lives. Kinship carers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and close family friends who step in with open hearts and open arms, often in challenging circumstances, to provide the stability, safety and nurturing that every child deserves.
As part of our commitment to supporting kinship families, we are pleased to share Hertfordshire’s Kinship Care Local Offer webpage. This new online resource provides clear, accessible information and support for kinship families. It brings together practical guidance, services, and advice in one place, shaped by feedback from carers and professionals across Hertfordshire. Please take a moment to explore the site and share it with families, colleagues, and partners who may benefit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/kinship
News from Services for Young People, October 2025
Free October half term activities at Hudnall Park for young people with SEND
During the October 2025 half term holidays Services for Young People (SfYP) is offering free adventurous outdoor activities for young people aged 13-19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with social, emotional and mental health needs. All the activities develop social, emotional and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Young people can learn archery, have fun tackling the challenge course, zip across the valley on the zip line, play board games, explore nature in the beautiful woodlands and create their own nature journal.
Putting young people at the heart of service design and delivery
As part of Hertfordshire County Council’s commitment to ensuring that we are listening to the voices of young people with SEND and that they are involved in shaping and improving services to meet their needs, in 2024 SfYP set up ten new youth councils exclusively for young people with SEND. During the 2025 summer term, the youth council members were involved in many consultations, working with senior leaders and professionals to review and give their feedback on a wide range of services across education and healthcare. With the support of SfYP Youth Workers, they also discussed issues important to them, learned new skills and developed their knowledge, confidence and self-esteem.
Raising awareness of SfYP’s support for young LGBT+ people at Herts Pride
Over 100 people visited the SfYP stand at this year’s Herts Pride event in Watford. They were keen to hear about the award-winning SfYP LGBT+ youth work projects that run across Hertfordshire every week, as well as the one-to-one support available at our 11-5 Hubs.
Sexual Health Week 2025: empowering young people with accurate information about sexual health and contraception
While many sexual health services are now available online, SfYP continues to provide face-to-face individualised support specifically for young people. Our trained Advisers and Youth Workers don’t just give young people access to free contraception and testing, they help increase their understanding of healthy relationships and give them the confidence to look after their sexual health and keep themselves safe.
The Bridge Support Group - NEW DATES
What is The Bridge?
The Bridge 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.
Purpose of the Bridge
The group aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where families can:
- Share experiences
- Receive emotional and practical support
- Build confidence and resilience
Topics Covered
- Anxiety and worries related to school
- Friendships and social dynamics
- Pressures
- Health and Wellbeing
- Neurodiversity
- The Future
Who is running the Group?
The sessions are facilitated by Ruth, Alison and Karina from the Intensive Family Support Team, working alongside a range of specialist professionals who offer tailored insights and support.
Session Details:-
The group will run for 12 weeks starting on:
Tuesday 4 November 2025 – 10 February 2026 TERM TIME ONLY12:30pm – 2:30PM
Venue: Breaks Manor, Link Drive, Hatfield, AL10 8TP
To book or for more information contact: Alison.Cowie@hertfordshire.gov.uk; Ruth.Coleman@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Karina.Saunders@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Download the leaflet
Suicide Prevention Pathway
The NHS Learning Hub are pleased to announce a brand-new evidence-based E-Learning module on the suicide prevention pathway. This training is a significant step forward in our collective mission to enhance our support for individuals presenting with suicidality.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. This training has been meticulously co-produced with experts by experience and system partners, ensuring it is grounded in real-world insights and best practices. It is built on the Connect, Prevent, Respond approach, which emphasises the necessity of a structured and evidence-based prevention strategy when connecting with, assessing, and responding to individuals at risk.
Through this training, we aim to establish a common approach to suicide prevention across Hertfordshire. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools provided in this module, we can ensure that we are all working cohesively and effectively towards the same goal: preventing suicide and saving lives.
This valuable resource is accessible to all staff and communities via the NHS Learning Hub or your ESR account.
Suicide Prevention pathway e-learning
Please use and share – this is open to everyone The learning Hub can be accessed by all staff/communities once they have registered and have an account it is free to access .
Join a Family Centre Service Partnership Mtg
Join the Family Centre Service at their forthcoming Partnership Meeting this Autumn – an excellent opportunity to:
- Meet the Family Centre team and learn more about their services
- Connect with other partner organisations across the locality
- Share information about your own service and any new projects or innovations
In addition, the Partnership Network Meetings bring together professionals and organisations to:
- Discuss shared priorities and challenges
- Explore local needs and opportunities
- Strengthen collaboration across services for the benefit of families in our community
Dacorum
Wednesday 5th November 2025, 13:30 - 15:00, Cedar Tree Family Centre c/o The Community Centre, Datchet Close, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7JX
East Herts
Thursday 30th October 2025, 10:00 - 12:00, Beane Valley Family Centre, Watton-at-Stone, WG14 3DA
Hertsmere
Monday 20th October 2025, 13:30 - 15:00, The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2FD
North Herts & Stevenage
Thursday 6th November 12:30 - 13:30 Bridge Road Family Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2NU
St Albans
Tuesday 4th November, 13:30 - 15:00, Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans, AL1 2LE
Watford & Three Rivers
Monday 29th September 2025, 12:30 - 13:30, South Oxhey Family Centre, Watford, WD19 6NL
Welwyn/Hatfield & Broxbourne
Thursday 20th November 2025, 10:00 - 12:00, Allsorts Family Centre, Waltham Cross, EN7 5FB
Book your free place here: - Family Centre Partnership Mtg
Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Annual Conference
We are delighted to invite you to the Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Annual Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield.
This year’s theme, “Crime Reduction Through Sport,” will explore how sport can be a powerful, evidence-based tool to prevent and deter criminal behaviour. The conference will bring together leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, strategies, and success stories.
We’re honoured to welcome keynote contributions from:
- Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire
- Nicholas Buxton, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire
...alongside a range of expert speakers and facilitators.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in two interactive workshops, selected during the booking process.
- Exploring how data can be turned into compelling stories to support positioning and sustainability
- Understanding ACEs, trauma, and adversity through the lens of Doorstep Sport
- Youth Justice in Hertfordshire - a look into joint working
- Place-Based Working - Community Sport & Educational Outcomes
Spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high, so we encourage early registration - and please feel free to share this invite with colleagues who may benefit from attending.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Click here to book
Don’t miss these webinars focused on Cost of Living support.
Giving you the tools to make confident, informed referrals when it matters most. Discover the latest services and resources available from Hertfordshire County Council and leading partners including HertsHelp, Age UK Hertfordshire, Citizens Advice, and Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
Whether you're on the front line or behind the scenes, this session will empower you to connect people with the right support at the right time.
This session will focus on:
- Where to go to find support
- Financial support
- Food support
- Energy support
For more details and to register for these webinars, please visit:
Families Webinar Thu, 06 Nov, 13:00 - 14:00 GMT
Older People Webinar Tue, 04 Nov, 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
Free School Meals - New System hosted by DFE
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC)will be introducing a new Free School Meal System (FSM) from December 2025 (planned go live is 09.12.25). The system has been trialled by 35 schools since April 2025 with a positive reaction from these schools. The system is hosted and operated by Dept of Education(DfE).
The attached is an introduction that was sent out to schools, via school bulletin 22.09.25. There will be various other communications sent to school over the coming weeks, informing how to sign up to the system, how to navigate and how to use the system, as well as drop-in sessions at time of go live for schools to ask questions.
All current eligible applications will be migrated over to new system before the December go live so no actions, other than sign up to the system, are required by school. New applicants will apply as at present via HCC FSM web page once the system has gone live.
Check out Hertfordshire's Autumn 25 Parenting and Relationship Courses
You can view the Autumn 2025 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
Are you a parent or carer with a child aged between 0-14 years old?
Hertfordshire County Council is required to produce an annual childcare sufficiency report that is made available to the public. The report enables the council to understand the current market position across Hertfordshire for childcare. The results of this survey will help us to plan for sufficient childcare places across Hertfordshire for working families.
You can complete the survey here.
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 13th November, 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 18 February 2026 via Teams
Please email: familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions on the above or would like an invite sent to you.
Families First quarterly district partnership meetings
In addition, many of you are regular attendees at our partnership meetings, which are a great way of keeping up to date with new services, updates and make connections. You can find out more about the groups here and email familiesfirst.support@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you would like to join.
Working Together in Early Help Events
Next round of events will take place in November 2025 - click here for more info
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:-
View Courses from Step2Skills
Step2Skills Autumn Courses now LIVE, Spring into a career in childcare with a Step2Skills Early Years Skills Bootcamp and Support into long-term, sustainable work with Step2Skills.
If you could please share details of what might be of interest to your networks, that would be much appreciated by the team at Step2Skills.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exciting News! Step2Skills’ Autumn Courses Are Now Live!
Step2Skills are thrilled to announce that their courses and workshops starting this September are now open for booking on their website!
Whether you prefer face-to-face learning across the county or the flexibility of online options, there’s something for everyone. Explore a wide range of topics and discover what you’d love to learn this Autumn.
Visit www.step2skills.org.uk/courses to see the range of tailored and accredited learning on offer, from ESOL courses for speakers of other languages, to digital skills, to a range of skills for work.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for support into long-term, sustainable work? Gain Employment Support from the Step2Skills team
Struggling to find work in Hertfordshire due to a challenge or barrier?
Step2Skills offers a range of employment support programmes and works with a supportive network of local employers across the county.
One such employer is Samsic UK, where people are at the heart of everything they do. As a Disability Confident Employer, the company is committed to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Through their partnership with Step2Skills, Samsic actively recruits within local communities to help remove barriers to employment.
John, who joined Samsic UK in February 2025 through this programme, is one such success story—now a valued member of the cleaning team at Berkhamsted Fire Station.
“John is an incredibly hardworking member of the team - nothing is ever too much for him.
Taking the time to support John through his early days has shown just how valuable it is to invest in people. By removing barriers, we’ve not only helped John rebuild his confidence, but also gained a loyal and dedicated team member who delivers service excellence.”
Katie, Samsic UK.
If you’d like to apply or refer someone to Step2Skills employment support services, please visit their website www.step2skills.org.uk/EmploymentSupport.
New Free Young Carers e-learning module
📢 Young Carers Are Everyone’s Business – New e-learning Module Now Live
To mark Carers Week (9–15th June), Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has launched a new free, accessible e-learning module to help professionals across Hertfordshire better understand and support young carers.
👧 Who Are Young Carers?
A young carer is someone under 18 who helps care for someone with a physical illness, mental health condition, disability, or substance misuse issue.
❗ Why This Matters
The Carers Trust estimates that 1 in 5 school-aged children could be young carers. Yet in Hertfordshire:
- The January 2025 School Census:
- Found that 60% of schools reported no known young carers
- Identified only 1,483 young carers out of approx. 200,000 pupils
- The 2021 Census recorded just 2,525 young carers aged 5–17
These figures show many young carers remain hidden and unsupported.
💡 About the Module
This 30-minute course helps staff:
- Recognise signs a child may be a young carer
- Understand the impact of caring on their wellbeing
- Know how to signpost to support in Hertfordshire
👥 Who Should Complete It?
This module is for anyone working with children, families, or vulnerable adults—whether in adult care, libraries, youth services, health or education. Young carers are everyone’s business.
🔗 How to Access
Let’s all play our part—complete the e-learning today and help ensure young carers get the support they need to thrive!
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 – training for practitioners
Strategic Partnerships Commissioning are pleased to announce the next My Teen Brain Online Training courses that are due to be delivered on Wednesday 15th October 2025 and Thursday 6th November 2025.
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 Programme from The Centre For Emotional Health.
Please find below the booking link for you to reserve your place on to 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.
15th October - My Teen Brain Online Training | Hertfordshire County Council
6th November - My Teen Brain Online Training | Hertfordshire County Council
If you would like further information about the course or alternative dates, please email CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk
My Baby’s Brain – training dates available from next week
Support babies’ brain development by understanding how early relationships and everyday interactions shape their future. The following free courses are available:
🧠 My Baby’s Brain Universal Training
For: Professionals delivering universal early years support.
You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to the Five to Thrive model
- How everyday interactions support trauma recovery
Dates:
- Wednesday 22nd October 2025 at 9:30am–3:00pm (**free places still available**)
Book Your Place:
🎯 My Baby’s Brain Targeted Training
For: Professionals supporting vulnerable families and children.
What You’ll Learn:
- The importance of attachment and how early adversity can lead to developmental trauma
- The impact of trauma and principles of trauma-informed practice
- Opportunities for reflection on practitioner vulnerability when working with traumatised individuals
Dates:
- Wednesday 12th November 2025 at 9:30am–3:00pm
Book Your Place:
Delivered via Zoom by KCA
- Interactive format – camera & mic encouraged
- Materials sent 48 hours before
- Certificate awarded on completion
Please share this free training opportunity with colleagues & partners. If you have any questions, please contact CSStrategic.Partnerships@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Money Advice Programme - Autum 2025
You can now download and view the Money Advice Unit Training Programme and booking form for AUTUMN 2025.
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.
Difference we're making
Families First - Performance Data Report
You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period July 2024 - June 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.
Lovely Feedback!
We always love hearing constructive feedback, this particular piece of feedback is worth sharing...
Hi Helen,
I wanted to take a moment to share my sincere appreciation for Jacky and the incredible support she has provided me since the summer. Jacky's proactive, thoughtful approach makes a significant difference to my work, particularly with the Early Help Module, which she always offers to assist with, It doesn't take much for me to be confused with the EHM database and I am often asking questions but It is never too much trouble for Jacky!
Her ability to link in seamlessly, her intuitive understanding of when support is needed, and her genuine kindness make her an invaluable asset. Even when simply passing in the area, Jacky will drop in to check if I need help, and her presence always brings clarity and reassurance.
I felt it was important to formally acknowledge the positive impact Jacky has, and I hope this will be helpful in recognising her contributions.
Best wishes
Debs