Welcome

Dear Partners,

Welcome to the October edition of Families First News for Hertfordshire's early help professionals.

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.  

If you or a team member would like to learn more about Families First, 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.

The Development Team

Follow us on X and Facebook! and please keeping liking, sharing and tagging @FamiliesFirstHerts

Book Now: Working Together in Early Help Events

Join us this Autumn at our Working Together in Early Help learning events. These events are a great workforce development opportunity as well as a chance to network with other Families First partners.

The events are in person across the county and will be focused on school attendance and how the national social care reforms (also known as the Families First Partnership Programme) are being implemented in Hertfordshire with presentations from:-

• Statutory Attendance Support Team within Children’s services
• Services and programmes that support Emotional Based School Non-attendance (EBSNA) such as Local Schools Partnerships, DSPLs and The Bridge
• Operational updates on the implementation of the national Families First Partnership Programme in Hertfordshire

Events are taking place across the county on the following dates:-

Wednesday 4 November 26, 9:30-12:30, South Hill Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Friday 20 November, 26, 9:30-12:30. Icknield Centre, Letchworth

Wednesday 25 November 26, 9:30-12:30, Three Rivers District Council, Rickmansworth

Book your place here: Families First - Working together in Early Help - Autumn 2026

Professionals network to improve outcomes for children, young people and families

• The importance of prevention and early intervention
• Listening to the voices and experiences of children, young people and families
• Building resilience within our communities
• The value of strong, effective partnerships

Would you like to make a difference in a young parent’s life?

Ohana offers young parents who are care experienced the opportunity to build new, positive relationships. We are recruiting volunteers who are caring, flexible, positive, and friendly. Could you provide real support that makes a difference to a young parent’s life? Do you have time to share and can make a commitment?

If you are interested in being an Ohana Champion, please see the advertisement below and complete an Expression of Interest 😊

The deadline for applications is the 1st of November.

The Children and Young people's Podcast has arrived!

Participation Team - Children and Young people Podcast

A brand-new podcast from the Participation Team is now live and features young people sharing their lived experiences and perspectives on labelling, stigma, and stereotypes. The podcast offers valuable insights from young people, encouraging reflection and greater understanding of the impact of labels and assumptions. Listen and share with colleagues and networks now.

View and share the first podcast hosted by Young Carers (ClubYC) below:- 

Participation Team YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParticipationTeam

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/participationteam

Fifty Thrifty Half Term activities

HCC have put together another list of fifty cost-effective activities for families this October half-term

We’ve updated our list of fifty ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ activities to do in Hertfordshire for autumn, providing a whole world of wonder for you and your family. We understand that we all need to make the most of every penny at the moment and, if you’re finding times particularly tough financially, there is support on hand on our Help to manage the cost of living webpage.

Find out more here:- Fifty Thrifty October Halfterm 2026

Hertfordshire Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey 2026

The Hertfordshire Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey 2026 will be open from Monday 9 November to Friday 18 December 2026. The survey gives young people the opportunity to share their views on a range of health and wellbeing topics, helping schools, services and commissioners better understand and respond to their needs.

In 2024, more than 14,500 Hertfordshire young people took part. Schools reported that the findings were valuable for demonstrating impact to Ofsted, monitoring pupil wellbeing and informing support for young people.

The survey covers a range of topics, including:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Drugs and alcohol
• Healthy eating and physical activity
• Relationships
• Safety and bullying

The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Young people attending school can select their school from a dropdown list, and those not currently in education can also participate.

Once the survey closes, the Health Intelligence team will analyse the results to help inform future services and support for young people across Hertfordshire.

🔗 Access the survey from 9 November 2026 at 9am: www.hertshealthevidence.org/yphws

The Mainstream Young People's Health and Wellbeing Survey will both be open from 9 November 2026 and close on Friday 18 December at midnight. For any queries about either survey, please contact yphws@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Become a Hertfordshire Contraception Champion!

• Help start conversations about contraception and sexual health.
• Signpost residents and service users to local services.
• Promote key prevention messages around STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
• Access ongoing learning and development opportunities to build your confidence and knowledge. 

Home-Start Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere Remains Strong, Stable and Fully Operational

News from the Family Centre Service

We are pleased to share the news that One YMCA has changed its name to 'YMCA Chiltern Group'. ✨

💜 Why is One YMCA getting a new name?

Over the past 140 years, the charity has grown from the first YMCA meeting in Watford to becoming one of the largest YMCA groups in England and Wales, serving communities across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. As One YMCA celebrates this important anniversary and reflects on the positive impact it has made, they also wanted to look ahead to the future. So, the new name ‘YMCA Chiltern Group’ aims to unite all services under a new collective name and reflects ambitions going forward.

💜 Why did they choose 'YMCA Chiltern Group'?

This new name helps connect the group to the regions it serves, be more recognisable to local communities and is meaningful to the vision and purpose. The name is inspired by the Chiltern Hills, which many of you will know is the beautiful range of hills that stretches across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Just like the counties connected by the Chilterns, YMCA Chiltern Group is a mix of regional services connected by a common thread: supporting local young people and families to belong, contribute and thrive. 👏

To read more about One YMCA's name change, please visit: https://oneymca.org/one-ymca-becomes-ymca-chiltern-group/

Hertfordshire SEND Directory

View the Autumn Programme of Parenting Groups

Information Sharing Duty new statutory guidance

Information Sharing Duty Information Sharing Duty Sept 2026: The government has published new statutory guidance on sharing information to safeguard children and young people.

The guidance, published on 10 September 2026, explains the new information sharing duty introduced through section 16LA of the Children Act 2004. The duty comes into force on 30 September 2026 and applies to a range of safeguarding organisations, including education and early years agencies, local authorities, health services, the police and other specified organisations.

It replaces the previous non-statutory Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services.

What is changing?

The new duty is intended to remove uncertainty about whether information can be shared, particularly where concerns relate to emerging needs, early help or a child’s wider welfare rather than an immediate risk of significant harm.

There is no requirement for a child to have reached a particular statutory threshold before relevant information can be shared.

From 30 September 2026, an organisation covered by the duty must share information with another organisation covered by the duty where:

• it holds information about a child, or another person connected to that child;
• it considers the information relevant to safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare; and
• it considers that sharing the information may help the recipient assess need or risk, make a decision, provide support or take safeguarding action.

The duty applies both when an organisation identifies relevant information itself and when it receives a request for relevant information from another organisation covered by the legislation.

Families First Dates for Your Diary!

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 or to send an item for inclusion.

Next dates:-

• Thursday 5 November 2026, 9am-9.30am
• Thursday 10 Decembr 2026, 9am-9.30am

Join a Families First Induction day - ideal for new starters

We host Families First online Induction days 3 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 14 Oct 26 am & Thursday 22 Oct 26 pm

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

Our Working Together in Early Help events are held twice a year and are always a great workforce development and networking opportunity. All events were well attended across the county. Visit Families First News - Book Now: Working Together in Early Help Events for the latest dates and booking link.

Workforce Shadowing

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:

• Wednesday 4th November 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.

• Wednesday 4^th November - My Teen Brain Online Training - 4 Nov 2026 | 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

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:-

• Take a look at the HSCP Learning Hubs.  You can sign up for sessions via the website. You can also view useful resources and 7 minute briefings on this link.
• View the HSCP Neglect Hub here:- Neglect Hub | Hertfordshire County Council

• Hertfordshire’s Continuum of Need:

  The Continuum of Need is a threshold document that supports everyone working with Hertfordshire’s children, young people and families, to identify the “Level of Need” and the service responses that can be expected. It sets out how we can work together, by placing the child, young person and family at the centre, sharing information, and working with families to help them to find solutions early to prevent their difficulties escalating.

  Children's Services Continuum of Need 2025-26

  
  

  • An information leaflet for families.

  • A one-page briefing to explain the process in Children's Services front door.

  • A flowchart about what happens to your referral.

Gambling-Related Harm: Training Opportunities

Hertfordshire Public Health is working in partnership with Breakeven to offer free gambling awareness training for professionals who support children, young people, adults, and families across Hertfordshire.

Recent NICE guidance (NG248) recommends that professionals routinely ask about gambling, even when there are no obvious signs of gambling-related harm. Gambling should be considered alongside other health and wellbeing topics, such as smoking, alcohol use, and substance misuse, as part of holistic conversations about risk, wellbeing, and support needs.

For Families First practitioners, this training is particularly relevant as gambling-related harm can have a significant impact on family life. Gambling issues may contribute to financial difficulties, relationship breakdown, stress, poor mental health, and challenges for children and young people. Often these harms remain hidden, meaning families may not access support unless practitioners feel confident raising the subject.

Using national prevalence estimates, it is suggested that:

• Around 38,000 people in Hertfordshire experience harms from their own gambling.
• Approximately 78,000 people in Hertfordshire are negatively affected by someone else's gambling.

This means many of the children, young people, parents, and carers accessing support services may be affected by gambling-related harm, either directly or indirectly, without it ever being identified or disclosed.

The training will help staff to:

• Understand different forms of gambling and how gambling-related harm develops.
• Recognise risk factors and early warning signs.
• Confidently and sensitively start conversations about gambling.
• Understand the impact gambling can have on individuals, families, relationships, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Know where and how to signpost people for appropriate support.
• Meet best practice recommendations from NICE.

We also recommend watching this short five-minute video to hear the experiences of people affected by gambling-related harm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5b_cl0GwaY

Training Options

1.5-hour "Bet You Can Help Now!" (MS Teams)

• 24 November 2026, 10:00am–11:30am
• 3 February 2027, 10:00am–11:30am

For further information and to book, please visit: Public Health Training | Hertfordshire County Council

Feedback from previous attendees has been extremely positive, highlighting how the training improved their understanding of the wide range of gambling activities, how gambling-related harm can develop, and the importance of routinely asking people whether they or someone close to them may be affected.

The training is suitable for frontline practitioners, managers, and strategic leads.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch: Lucy Fish – lucy.fish@hertfordshire.gov.uk

For more information about local support services, visit: Gambling | Hertfordshire County Council

CYP Mental Health eLearning

Please complete Intro to CYP Mental Health eLearning and other free training for professionals

Hertfordshire’s Introduction to Children and Young People’s Mental Health eLearning completed by 2000+ professionals!

Several years ago, as part of Hertfordshire’s CYPMHS system transformation programme, colleagues from health, Public Health, social care and voluntary services worked in partnership to create the content for an introductory eLearning module about children and young people’s mental health.

Since launching three years ago, it has been completed by around 2000 colleagues, and it is mandatory for all staff in Hertfordshire County Council’s Children’s Services.

Updated version available (updated May 2026)

Having recently been reviewed. an updated version is now available for ALL professionals working with Hertfordshire's children and young people: 

• Hertfordshire County Council staff
• Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust staff
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust staff (via NHS Learning Hub)
• NHS Primary Care staff, Education staff and staff working at Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

The module takes about an hour to complete and aims to help colleagues working with Hertfordshire’s children and young people with understanding.

Links to the free eLearning modules

To complete the modules, please follow the appropriate links in the training section at the Herts Hub here.

Read the full information here

Money Advice Programme - Autumn 2026

You can now download and view the Money Advice Unit Training Programme and booking form for AUTUMN 2026.

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.

Healthy Homes for Healthier Lives Training

The Public Health team at Hertfordshire County Council, in partnership with district and borough council Environmental Health and Housing departments, have developed a free training session to support professionals working with individuals whose health may be affected by poor-quality housing.

This session aims to increase participants’ knowledge, understanding, and awareness of what makes a home healthy and why this is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

There are currently four sessions available to book:

• Wednesday 4thNovember, 10.00am to 11.30am
• Tuesday 8thDecember, 3.00pm to 4.30pm

Please share this opportunity with your colleagues and networks. Anyone interested can book a place via the Public Health Training webpage

Supporting people with insecure immigration status or no recourse to public funds

What services in Hertfordshire need to know

We are organising a series of webinars for mainstream services who are supporting asylum seekers, refugees, people with insecure immigration status or who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

What do services need to consider when working with someone who arrived as a refugee or asylum seeker, through a visa scheme, or who currently has insecure immigration or No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) status?

This webinar will run through what all Hertfordshire based services need to know. It will cover:

• Why status matters and what you need to check to ensure people get the right support
• What people may or may not be entitled to receive and where to find out more
• What specific issues certain people may present with
• What cultural considerations should be considered
• Tips for your service that might help
• What additional support is available for these groups, regardless of status

To ensure that this is accessible to as many people as possible, 2 more dates are available.  To secure your place, please book using the following links

12.30pm – 1.30pm, Wednesday 21st Oct: Webinar - Supporting people with insecure immigration status or no recourse to public funds – what services in Hertfordshire need to know

12.30pm – 1.30pm, Wednesday 16th Dec: Webinar - Supporting people with insecure immigration status or no recourse to public funds – what services in Hertfordshire need to know

The Difference Between Domestic Abuse and Parental Conflict

Hertfordshire County Council has joined colleagues from across the East Midlands and East of England to provide a shared learning opportunity for professionals working with children and families.

Identifying the difference between parental conflict and domestic abuse can be complex, but getting it right is essential to ensuring families receive the most appropriate support. These free virtual sessions will help build your confidence in recognising the signs, understanding coercive control, and responding appropriately in practice.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn alongside professionals from across the region, share experiences and hear about approaches being used in different local authorities and services.

To find out more and book your free place, please see the attached flyer.

Families First - Performance Data Report

You may be interested to view our Families First Performance Data report for the period April 2025 - March 2026.

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.

Good News Stories

Children & Young People's Podcast

Have you watched the first podcast hosted by our Participation Team and Young Carers (ClubYC) below:- 

Participation Team YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParticipationTeam

Other recent Feedback

Feedback on a member of our Intensive Family Support Team in Watford & Three Rivers

We would like to share this wonderful feedback received from a dad that Dion Lewis in our Watford & Three Rivers Team recently supported, which is a evidence of the importance of Father Inclusive Practice:-

“..... a young woman by the name of Dion Lewis arrived to meet my family of varying ages. She quickly laid my fears to rest with her understanding and eager ear. She always had a calmness throughout and a preparedness which quite frankly I was unprepared for.

The situation she had to manoeuvre around was challenging but she had her focus on all areas simultaneously and with all her effort. Always responding to me with information needed, additional support. She had her finger on the pulse of my family and not once did she let it slip. She worked closely with my 12 year old son who did need focus. Dion didn’t disappoint. He’s grown so much in that time and I think he probably left a lasting impression on them too.

I’ve found support I’ve not experienced previously and I will forever appreciate what she did during these months. I know she’s there with Family Services if I ever need anything in the future. Be it information or somewhere to talk.

Thank you Dion. You’re a credit and a blessing.”

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, Supporting Families Partnership Team, Young Carers Team, Safe Space and      Father Inclusive Practice

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

Other Teams

Safe Space: Sally Gubb 

Young Carers: Gemma Roake

Participation Team: Brooke Donovan

Local News

Updates from the local districts

Please use this page to promote any local events, activities 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

Quick link to:-
Broxbourne & East Herts
St Albans & Dacorum
North Herts & Stevenage
Welwyn Hatfield
Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere

Broxbourne & East Herts

East Herts Mental Health Support Team are holding new workshops and groups for parents/carers, young people and education staff. Find out more here

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View the latest CHEX newsletter here: ❤️ CHEXS Family Update | October 2026 for activities, support sessions and community events for children, young people, parents, carers and families.

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Girl Corner is a free girls-only programme for young people aged 14–17 providing a safe, supportive and engaging space where participants can shape the activities and sessions based on their interests.

Every Wednesday 6-8pm, Active Local Hub in Waltham Cross. Please also find the referral/sign-up link below: Your Voice, Your Choice – Girls Corner Sign up Form

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The Butterfly Arts Project, a 12-week after-school programme for girls aged 5–11 at Wormley Community Centre, EN10 6DX. Families can join the programme at any point during the 12 weeks, subject to spaces being available. Sessions take place on Mondays from 3.30pm–5.00pm at Wormley Community Centre.

We use arts and crafts to help girls build confidence, develop new skills, make friends and enjoy a positive space in which to express themselves. Across the 12-week programme, activities include painting, T-shirt upcycling, jewellery making, keyrings, mosaics, embroidery, sewing and yarn crafts.

We are particularly keen to reach young carers, their siblings and other girls who may benefit from additional confidence-building and social support.

Families can register directly using the QR code on the flyer. Professionals can also make a referral on behalf of a child using this link. Download the leaflet.

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Health Walks Autumn Timetables now online

The Health Walks team is delighted to announce that their new Health Walk Timetable in East Herts (Sep to Dec) 2026 is now available online. 

Thanks to the commitment of fantastic volunteers, there are 15 walking opportunities listed—ranging from a gentle walk in Sele Farm, near the Hertford Selections Family Centre (Thursdays at 10am) to a brisk 60-minute walk from the Church of St. James the Great in Thorley near Bishop’s Stortford for (Mondays 10am) for those looking for more of a challenge. Children and families are always welcome.

If you are enthusiastic about walking and would like to Volunteer to support walks, they’d love to hear from you. They are actively recruiting new volunteers to sustain and expand the FREE walks programme in East Herts and offer new walks in Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford and Sawbridgeworth.

For regular updates, subscribe to Walking in Hertfordshire, follow them on Facebook or visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

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Could You Give One Hour a Week?

MCR Pathways is looking for volunteer mentors to support young people across Hertfordshire, with a particular need in Stevenage and Cheshunt. Mentoring requires just one hour a week during school term time. Mentors meet consistently with a young person in school, offering a listening ear, encouragement and someone who believes in their potential.

No previous mentoring experience is required. MCR Pathways provides full training and ongoing support. All you need is the willingness to listen, build a trusted relationship and help a young person recognise their strengths and ambitions.

If you live or work in Hertfordshire, you could make a lasting difference to a young person. Find out more or register here: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor

Or contact t ernest.moses@mcrpathways.org / 07743 513152.

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You can download the poster for the opening time of the Wasimi breakfast club in Waltham Cross during the summer holidays (attached)

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The Windrush Legacies CIC have Multi-Sports Activity sessions taking place during the summer for children and young people with SEND. Download the leaflet here.

Beezees: Download the Autumn Cheshunt BZ Families sessions and the two Masterclasses along with BeeZee Youth which starts on 30th September 26. 

St Albans & Dacorum

• 24 November Lodge Farm School, th Stevenage, SG2 0HR
• 23rd March Mossbury School, Stevenage, SG1 5PA
• 15th June The Leys School, Stevenage, SG1 4QZ

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Family Threads Parenting Programme

North Herts & Stevenage

Support for Male Survivors of Domestic Abuse:

Future Living Hertford has a dedicated programme of support for male survivors of Domestic Abuse. Attached is the flyer for Wise Guys, which will be delivered at the Sadie Centre in Letchworth on Mondays at 1pm, starting from 7th September. Contact info@futurelivinghertford.co.uk or call 01992 537344 for more information and to check dates.

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Could You Give One Hour a Week?

MCR Pathways is looking for volunteer mentors to support young people across Hertfordshire, with a particular need in Stevenage and Cheshunt. Mentoring requires just one hour a week during school term time. Mentors meet consistently with a young person in school, offering a listening ear, encouragement and someone who believes in their potential.

No previous mentoring experience is required. MCR Pathways provides full training and ongoing support. All you need is the willingness to listen, build a trusted relationship and help a young person recognise their strengths and ambitions.

If you live or work in Hertfordshire, you could make a lasting difference to a young person. Find out more or register here: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor

Or contact t ernest.moses@mcrpathways.org / 07743 513152.

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Welwyn Hatfield

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the One Welwyn Hatfield Community Awards 2027! 🎉 👉 You can find the full award categories, criteria and nomination form on our website here: One Welwyn Hatfield Community Awards – One Welwyn Hatfield

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Build a Butterfly House- Hatfield Library: Please find a link to poster for a lovely free upcoming children’s family event to help kick off the summer holidays with our partners at WHBC. 🦋

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The Bridge is back

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.

Sessions will run for 12 weeks starting on Wednesday 4th November 2026- 10th February 2027 (Not including School Holidays), Time: 12:30pm – 2:30 pm

Where: Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club, 288 Knightsfield, WGC, AL8 7NQ

You can make a referral here or please contact Alison or Karina with any questions: Alison.cowie@hertfordshire.gov.uk or karina.saunders@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Watford, Three Rivers Hertsmere

Who's in Charge every Tuesday starting 29th September, 10-12pm South Oxhey. More details here and contact lauren.samson@hertfordshire.gov.uk or fiona.girvin@hertfordshire.gov.uk to make a referral.

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Find out more about Step2Skills courses taking place at Hertfordshire libraries across the county.

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SWHP Christmas Appeal - Christmas Wellbeing Bags - Partner with us this festive season

As the festive season will fast approach us, all of us at South West Herts Partnership are preparing for our annual Christmas Appeal. Through our work with local families, we know that whilst Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can also bring overwhelming pressure and stress for those facing financial hardship.

This year, we are doing things a little differently! We will be putting together Christmas Wellbeing Bags. These special bags are designed not just as gifts, but as a toolkit of comfort, warmth, and care. We want to ensure that every adult and child we support receives a touch of festive cheer and items that promote relaxation and comfort during a hectic time of year. However, we cannot do it without you!

We invite our partner schools and local companies to team up with us by hosting a donation collection point this autumn. Gathering items within your community, your staff and parents will allow our team to deliver these tailored wellbeing bags directly to the families that need them the most.

What to donate - We are looking strictly for brand new items only.

For Children (Primary & Secondary):

• • Selection Packs/Festive Sweets
  • Books
  • Stationery packs
  • Bath Bombs
  • Winter hats/socks

 For Adults:

• • Hand Cream
  • Lip Balm
  • Bubble Bath
  • Hot Chocolate sachets/sets
  • Cosy Blankets
  • Warm Socks (including slipper socks)

What SWHP will add to each bag

Alongside the generous donations you help us to collect, our family support team will be adding our own resources into every bag to provide extra care over the holidays:

•                     For the Children: fun, festive activity sheets to keep them entertained and engaged over the school holidays.

•                     For the Adults: Practical ‘Tips & Advice’ sheets packed with cost-saving ideas, energy-saving hints, and details on local support services available during the winter months.

•                     Our bags will also feature our QR codes to our website and social media platforms so that families can access additional support.

•                     We will be placing a Christmas Card featuring all the donators and a QR code for families to leave their thanks and thoughts. We look forward to sharing these with you after Christmas.

If you would like to take part, we ask that you commit to the following:

•                     Host a Box – if you can set up a donation box in your reception or staff room (you can use the promotional material provided with this email).

•                     Cut-Off Date – the absolute deadline for collection is Friday, 27th November.

•                     Collection – once your collection is complete, our team will come directly to your school/company and pick up all the donated items.

Our collection date is slightly earlier this year to ensure that our office team has the time to carefully sort and assemble bags before being distributed to families by the whole team well ahead of the school holidays.

Please get in touch if you would like to take part this year at admin@swhp.org.uk.