The latest news
Families First Awards - Nominations Open!!!
We are delighted to announce that the nominations for our Families First Awards 2025 are now open!!!!!
These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase team and individual successes in Early Help that have made a significant impact to the lives of children, young people and families in Hertfordshire through their outstanding work and achievement of positive outcomes.
This year’s Awards will be held at the South Hill Centre in Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday 12 November at 2pm and all shortlisted candidates will be invited along for an afternoon of celebration and cake!
There are 6 individual and 5 team categories (view list here) and we will be looking for teams and individuals that have excelled and gone above and beyond their job role. We will be looking for statement of no more than 500 words and you may want to consider the following:
- Personal qualities displayed
- A passion for outcome focused solutions for children, young people and families
- An enthusiasm for finding new ways to listen, capture and respond to the wishes and feelings of children and young people
- This year the judges will also be looking at how our Families First Pledges have been shown in the nominations.
There is also an optional button to add one piece of supporting evidence (e.g. quote, testimonial etc).
Closing date for nominations is Wednesday 15th October 2025, 5pm
Or by scanning the QR code below:
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
Launch of Herts Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Survey
Hertfordshire County Council and Police are undertaking a survey to understand people's views and experiences of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Hertfordshire. The results from this survey will be used to inform and shape Hertfordshire's new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and help us understand what more can be done to prevent these forms of abuse by listening to lived experiences.
Everyone that lives in, works in or visits Hertfordshire are invited to take part in this survey. Although the survey uses the term ‘Violence Against Women and Girls’ throughout, responses are welcome from everyone regardless of their gender identity, age, sexuality, ethnicity or background.
The survey can be accessed here, or by scanning the QR code below.
The survey is now open and will close on Friday 19th September. Please note that translation options will be available starting next week for the following languages: Gujarati, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
If you have any questions about the survey or would like to request a print version of the survey, please email CCSU@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Hertfordshire’s Turnaround Programme - Extension
Turnaround is an early intervention programme led by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The programme works with children aged 10-17 years old on the cusp of entering the youth justice system to address areas of need and ultimately reduce the likelihood of further offending.
The programme had been due to end 31 March 2025 as an extension of MoJ funding was unconfirmed however, we are pleased to be able to share that we have been allocated some ongoing, albeit reduced, funding to deliver Turnaround until 31 March 2026.
We have two Turnaround Intervention Workers (TIW) in place covering the county along with an operational manager.
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Robert Samuel (Youth Justice)
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YJ Service Manager with operational oversight of Turnaround
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Angela Collins (North)
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North Herts, Stevenage, Welwyn & Hatfield, East Herts and Broxbourne
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Juliet Martin (West)
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St Albans, Dacorum, Three Rivers, Watford and Hertsmere
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The programme has been developed with the Supporting Families model of early intervention in mind and therefore takes a whole family approach with the following principles:
Eligibility
The programme has a specific eligibility criterion which can be found in Appendix A, below.
Referrals should only be made using the Turnaround Referral Web Form and will not be accepted if received via direct email.
Turnaround is a voluntary programme and will require consent. This will be sought by the Turnaround Intervention Worker at point of initial contact however referrers should make referrals with the knowledge of the child and their parent/carer.
If you have any queries, aren’t sure if a child is eligible or would like to arrange for one of our TIWs to have an informal chat with a child and their family, please contact a member of the team via Turnaround@hertfordshire.gov.uk
How does it work?
TIWs undertake a needs assessment (Prevention and Diversion Assessment) to holistically assess the needs and environment of the child and their wider family, from which a plan is co-produced, with the focus on preventing future contact with the youth justice system by meeting unmet needs.
Interventions will:
- promote children’s individual strengths and capacities to develop their pro-social identity for positive outcomes and change.
- encourage children’s active participation and engagement through meaningful collaboration with children and families.
- minimise criminogenic stigma from contact with the criminal justice system or underlining any pro-offending identity.
- add value to what is already being delivered locally; and
- ensure resources, including suitable trained practitioners, are available
The TIW leads and coordinates delivery of support and interventions with other agencies, ensuring the family plan is met. Support includes Team Around the Family (TAF) type meetings which are meetings between a child, their family and professionals who are also supporting them. The purpose is to share information and to create a solution focussed plan that supports the needs of the child and their family.
It is expected that the average length of support will be around 3 months although this will be managed on an individual basis depending on the needs.
Due to limited staffing resource, we may have to operate a waiting list but wherever possible we will seek to support as many children as we can over the next financial year.
Resources
Visit our dedicated webpage Turnaround Programme | Hertfordshire County Council.
We have prepared some Turnaround resources which are available in digital formats:
- Turnaround Poster for Professionals – this is an internal facing poster which briefly outlines the eligibility criteria and contains a QR code which links directly to the referral form.
- Turnaround Information Leaflet – this is designed to be shared with children and their families at the point of referral. It contains an overview of the programme including the sort of support they may receive. The digital nature means it can be sent via email, text, WhatsApp etc.
Appendix A – Turnaround Eligibility Criteria
Turnaround is open to young people aged 10 – 17 years old.
One of the following must have been met for a child or young person, in the last three months, for them to meet eligibility for Turnaround.
- Subject to No Further Action (NFA) decision
- Interviewed under caution following arrest or subject to a criminal investigation attending a voluntary interview
- Subject to a Community Resolution
- Received a first-time youth caution (not a conditional caution)
- Released Under Investigation (RUI) or subject to Pre-Charge Bail (PCB)
- Discharged by a court
- Acquitted at court
- Fined by court
- Those who have come to notice of agencies with enforcement powers for repeated involvement in anti-social behaviour
- Those involved in anti-social behaviour who have received:
- Community Protection Warning/Notice (CPW/N)
- Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
- Civil Order for ASB
Who is not eligible for Turnaround?
The following children are not eligible for Turnaround:
- Care Leavers
- Those who have a current or have had a previous Youth Justice or Turnaround intervention (regardless of the length of time since the child was open)
We are listening - SEND Summit
The SEND Summit livestream will be taking place on Monday 15 September. The event will be attended by councillors, representatives from health education and social care, and parent carer representatives. Parent carers will make up about one third of the attendees, and our Experts by Experience (young people with SEND) will represent children and young people.
The Summit will use all of the listening, and improvement work that has come before, to decide on the key areas and approach to SEND, which will be laid out in the new SEND Strategy 2026 - 31.
Can I attend the Summit?
The SEND Summit will be live streamed from 10am - 12.15pm with a BSL interpreter. You are able to join this livestream through MS Teams. This will allow you to hear from:
- Hero Slinn, Director of Inclusion and Skills
- Executive Member for Education Councillor Mark Watkin
- Angie Ridgwell, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council
- Dame Christine Lenehan, independent Chair and Department for Education
Joining details
The livestream will take place from 10am - 12.15pm and you can join at any time.
To access: save this link: Join the meeting now
Or dial in to MS Teams using these details:
Meeting ID: 367 431 247 851 8
Passcode: jX3Zv9dk
We are listening - SEND Summit
Dads, Let’s Talk – Join the Working Dad’s Summit
Parenting Out Loud are hosting a webinar for working dads - please share the below details with dads - open to all!
Whether you are juggling nappies and meetings or simply want to be more present at home, the Working Dad’s Summit is for you.
📅 Tuesday 23rd September | 1pm to 5pm
💻Free Online Event
Hosted by Parenting Out Loud and backed by Universal Music Group UK, this event explores what it really means to be a working dad today. Expect powerful stories, practical advice, and a keynote from a leading MP. There will also be a live recording of the To Be A Boy podcast.
Let’s break the silence around fatherhood and workplace culture. It is time to show up, speak out, and support each other.
👉 Register here
This event is proudly supported by the Together4Men network, which encourages open conversations and connection among colleagues on topics that matter, including fatherhood, wellbeing and identity.
The Hertfordshire Directory - consultation with people with a learning disability
Are you aware of the Hertfordshire Directory, Hertfordshire County Council's Directory of Services, which promotes all sorts of groups and services across the county, including many for people with a learning disability.
We're trying to improve the Directory and make it more useful for people with a learning disability and their family and carers. If we can make the Directory better for them, it will be better for everyone else too!
We also know people with a learning disability can experience isolation and we'd like to help them find safe and supported activities and groups near where they live.
We've created a short survey (see below) and we would really appreciate your views. It can be completed by someone with a learning disability or a family member or support worker.
Hertfordshire Directory consultation for people with a learning disability | Hertfordshire County Council
Thanks very much for your help.
Hertfordshire Community Sport Audit 2025
Hertfordshire Sports Partnership (HSP) and Hertfordshire Police Community Sport want to hear from organisations / clubs working in any sector across the Hertfordshire Policing area, which regularly deliver sport and/or physical activity for children and young people aged 10-25 years old. They’re looking for responses from all providers across the three tiers of delivery – primary, secondary and tertiary – who are delivering regular weekly provision that will be delivered to Children and Young People (CYP) from 1st September 2025 onwards.
*** The survey is now live - Hertfordshire Community Sport Audit 2025 ***
Who should take part in this survey?
Organisations working in any sector across Hertfordshire, regularly delivering sport and/or physical activity in a community setting, on behalf of, or for the benefit of children and young people aged 10-25 years old, who are more likely to be deemed vulnerable to exploitation and at an increased risk of becoming involved in crime. This is often a result of a wide range of individual, relationship, community, or society level factors. These risk factors are varied in nature and can affect children and young people at primary (universal, open access), secondary (early intervention, targeted work for those at risk), and tertiary (CYP currently offending or at risk of reoffending) levels of practice. NOTE: Please do not include any Department of Education funded programmes i.e. HAF provision.
Why is this needed?
Every response to the survey will help map current provision for young people across Hertfordshire. This intelligence will then be used to look at how more community-led sport initiatives can be used to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
More details can be found on the survey link.
Thanks in advance for your ongoing support with the Hertfordshire Crime Reduction through Sport work area, it is much appreciated.
News from Services for Young People, September 2025
Celebrating the transformation of the Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre
Thanks to a grant from the DCMS Youth Investment Fund, the Services for Young People (SfYP) Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre has now been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space for young people in the community. To celebrate the completion of the refurbishment, an event was held for partner agencies to come together and view the completed centre. Some of the young people who played a crucial role in the transformation also attended, and talked about their involvement and the difference the improvements and new facilities has made to them and other young people in the area.
Supportive employer “truly made a difference” to care leaver achieving his qualification
SfYP provides a range of support for care leavers and separated migrant young people up to the age of 25, helping them make a successful transition into adulthood. Alamin, who is 21 and studying for his Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plumbing, was recently referred to SfYP by the HCC Care Leaver Service. He was allocated a dedicated SfYP Employment and Training Adviser who helped him secure an extended work experience placement which was a requirement of his qualification. Alamin made a great success of his work experience opportunity and got some fantastic feedback.
An inspirational day learning about exciting careers in television and film production gets young people thinking about their future
As part of the SfYP Dacorum and St Albans Team 2025 summer Holiday Activity Programme, young people had the opportunity to visit Sky Up Academy Studios in Elstree. They got to take part in an inspiring, hands-on experience that immersed them in the exciting world of film and television. Working with a team of experts, they took on real media roles and created their own short film using the latest digital technology. They learnt about a wide range of careers in the industry and developed many new skills.
SfYP forms new partnership with training provider First Rung
The provision of accessible, local training by an experienced training provider working in collaboration with supportive and professionally qualified SfYP practitioners will maximise young people’s chances of making a successful transition into further education or employment. The training programme will be tailored to the young people’s individual learning needs and progression goals, and will help them overcome any barriers to success.
ICON Week 2025
ICON is a powerful, evidence-based programme supporting anyone who cares for babies to cope with crying and prevent abusive head trauma.
ICON Week runs 22–26 September, and in our third year since rollout began in Hertfordshire, we’re spotlighting emotional regulation: recognising overwhelm and calming yourself before responding to a crying baby.
🧠 Join one of four expert-led sessions throughout the week each hosted by our brilliant system partners.
📅 Full details can be found on this flyer and sign-up is done via this link: https://hscb.event-booking.org.uk
📧 Booking questions? Email: HSCPcourses@hertfordshire.gov.uk
New Resource to support Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing - Cultural Card
The HCC Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing team are delighted to share the updated ‘Understanding Religion and Belief in Hertfordshire’ Cultural Card, which is now ready for wider circulation. We have attached it to this email.
This resource has been developed with input from our Faith and Interfaith community contacts, staff network groups and the Diversity and Inclusion Managers, and shaped by feedback from across the organisation. It now includes 11 religious and belief systems, offering a concise and accessible overview to support inclusive practice, particularly for front-line colleagues.
The card is a useful reminder about the need to apply Social Graces in our work, with families and with partners who are supporting families: When working with the family around their identity and family culture ask “what about “Social GRACES?” An idea developed by John Burnham and Alison Roper- a reminder of the areas to explore:
G- Gender, Geography
R- Race, religion
A- Age, Appearance, Accent, Ability
C- Class, Culture
E- Ethnicity, Education, Employment
S- Sexuality, Spirituality, Sexual orientation
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.
WithYOUth Wellbeing Groups - Spaces Available Now!
We’re excited to share that our wellbeing groups are now open for referrals again!
These groups are designed to support young people in building resilience, managing emotions, and finding positive ways to express themselves.
Through fun activities and guided discussions, young people will connect with others in a safe, supportive space.
Our current groups:
🦸 Anger Avengers (ages 7–12)
A group designed to help children understand and manage big feelings like anger in creative and positive ways.
🌿 The Calm Club (ages 15+)
A supportive space for young people to explore strategies for reducing stress, managing emotions, and finding calm.
🎨 Creative Minds (ages 11–16)
A group using art, creativity, and self-expression to explore emotions and boost wellbeing.
These groups are free to access and run by our experienced wellbeing team.
👉 To find out more or to make a referral, please visit: www.withyouth.org
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 4th September, 9am-9.30
- Thursday 2nd October, 9am-9.30
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 15 October 2025 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:-
Youth Mental Health First Aid Awareness Course
Herts Sports & Physical Activity Partnership are running a FREE online Youth Mental Health First Aid Awareness as part of the Active Local Workforce Programme on Tuesday 23rd September.
Please see visit this link which takes you to the course information on their website:
Course Details:
- Date: Tuesday 23rd September
- Time: 6pm – 9pm
- Location: Online
- Price: Free
- The minimum age to participate is 16 years old
Leaflet attached and for further information, please contact Claire Stratford – c.stratford@herts.ac.uk
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.
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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.
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Spring into a career in Early Years & Education with a Step2Skills Skills Bootcamp
Did you know, if you complete an Early Years & Education Skills Bootcamp with Step2Skills, they'll support you to apply for jobs and prepare for an interview in the Early Years sector?
Their next accredited Level 2 Skills Bootcamp will begin on Monday 1st September, with one class weekly from 9am to 2.30pm. In October, another cohort will begin.
Gain a Level 2 Certificate AND a Paediatric Emergency First Aid Certificate, alongside one-to-one careers advice on the FREE Skills Bootcamp, for Hertfordshire residents.
In just 16 weeks, you'll have the stepping stones to launch into your new career in childcare, whether that's at a nursery, or working as a childminder. Once working, you could choose to develop your training and complete a full diploma.
Skills Bootcamps are FREE to the learners and are a great way for employers to grow their own workforce. Skills Bootcamps require commitment and dedication, but they are a fast and efficient way to kickstart your career in a sector that needs YOU!
Visit www.step2skills.org.uk/SkillsBootcamps to register your interest today.
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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 Online Training - 16th September
Strategic Partnerships Commissioning are pleased to announce that there are still spaces available on the My Teen Brain Online Training course on Tuesday 16th September 2025. Please can I ask that you share the below information in your newsletters, training bulletins and with your colleagues and partners.
My Teen brain is a FREE 1-day CPD course, from 10am – 3pm 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 the first Autumn term course. 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.
Tuesday 16th September - 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
For: Professionals offering universal early years support (e.g. Health Visitors, Midwives, Family Centre staff & library staff)
You’ll learn:
- Introduction to the Five to Thrive model
- Understanding trauma and how everyday interactions support recovery
Date:
🎯 Targeted My Baby's Brain Training
For: Professionals supporting vulnerable families (e.g. Family Safeguarding, Specialist Services, specialist midwifery)
You’ll learn:
- The importance of attachment and how early adversity can lead to developmental trauma
- Introduction to the Five to Thrive model for promoting secure relationships
- The impact of trauma and principles of trauma-informed practice
- Opportunities for reflection on practitioner vulnerability when working with traumatised individuals
Date:
- 📅 Thursday 2 October 2025, 9:30am–3:00pm
💻 Delivered via Zoom
🎥 Interactive format – camera & mic encouraged
📄 Materials sent 48 hours before the session
📜 Certificate on completion
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
Community Fun Day Brings Brook Meadow Park to Life
On 7th August, Clarion Futures’ JobsPlus programme proudly sponsored a vibrant Community Fun Day at Brook Meadow Park. The event was organised by our dedicated team of Community Champions; local residents committed to making a difference.
The afternoon saw over 300 residents come together, joined by community organisations and local businesses, for a day filled with activities, connection and fun in the sun.
One parent shared:
"Attending the Family Fun Day was great for the family! The kids had a good time with all the activities, and it was nice to see the community come together. We can't wait for the next one!"
About JobsPlus
JobsPlus is a community-led pilot programme delivered by Clarion Futures, currently operating from Windsor Hall in Borehamwood every Wednesday and Thursday. The initiative supports residents living in WD6 through a wide range of services, including:
- One to one Employment Support
- Training Opportunities
- Tailored Advice and Guidance
- Digital Inclusion, Money Guidance & Financial Assistance
- Health & Wellbeing Support
- Community Engagement Activities
We’re passionate about working with local partners, businesses, and residents to deliver a range of services that truly benefit the community. Our programme is strengthened by collaboration with Clarion’s wider network—including Digital Champions, Money Advisors, Neighbourhood Officers, Caretakers, Resident Involvement, and Communities staff.
Download the leaflet here
For more information, contact us at jobsplus@clarionhg.com.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.