The latest news
Children, Young People & Families Crisis Support Fund
If you’re a professional supporting people in Hertfordshire, join our upcoming Crisis and Resilience Fund webinar to learn about the latest services, support and developments available to residents facing financial hardship or crisis.
The session will provide practical guidance to help you make confident referrals and ensure people can access the right support at the right time.
Book your place today and ensure you're up to date with the latest support available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
A BSL interpreter will be available at both sessions.
We will record the sessions to be made available afterwards and slides will be shared.
Online safety: sharing nude images
The Home Office has announced plans to block children in the UK from taking or sharing nude images on their devices to help protect them from exploitation and abuse. Technology companies will be required to activate built-in features or implement solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children. The government wants Apple and Google to block nudity across devices by default, so they can only be deactivated via age assurance.
Read the news story: New plans to stop children taking, sharing or viewing nude images
Parenting and Relationship Autumn Newsletter
Please find attached the Autumn 26 Parenting and Relationship Support newsletter. Please share with your teams.
Reducing Parental Conflict
OnePlusOne Getting on Better: e-learning
Getting on Better e-learning is a self-guided online course for practitioners working with parents and families. It is designed to help you feel more confident in supporting parents to improve their relationships, and to familiarise you with the Getting on Better resources.
There are 4 modules to complete each module will take approximately 45 minutes and can be completed at your own pace. You will have 3 months to complete the modules.
The modules will cover:
Module 1: The impact of parental conflict.
In this module you will learn about the evidence base behind the resources and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of parental conflict.
Module 2: Recognising domestic abuse.
The Getting on Better package is not suitable for families where domestic abuse is a factor. In this module you will learn to recognise the difference between domestic abuse and parental conflict, spot the signs and risks, and take appropriate steps.
Module 3: Introduction to the Getting on Better package.
Here you’ll learn about the resources in the Getting on Better package. You’ll also have a chance to explore the parent interventions for yourself.
Module 4: Building your confidence.
In this module you will learn how to discuss relationships with parents, as well as the best ways to apply the Getting on Better resources to real-life situations to create learning moments.
How to access: Please complete the OnePlusOne Getting on Better e-learning training request form
Relationship support courses for parents and carers
We offer a range of resources and interactive courses to help parents improve their relationships and manage disagreements constructively.
These courses aim to empower parents with practical advice and coping strategies:
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To navigate unique challenges of parenting a child with a SEND and creating a cohesive co-parenting relationship
How to register
Complete the Parenting When Separated for Parents of SEN Children referral form.
Email: services@familylives.org.uk
Phone: 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8699
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Online
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Parenting When Separated programme for parents with children with SEN
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13.10.2026– 24.11.2026
9:30am – 11:30am
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Online
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Parenting When Separated programme for parents with children with SEN
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14.10.2026 – 25.11.2026
7:00pm – 9:00pm
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A workshop designed to support separated/divorced parents and protect parent-child relationships.
How to register
Complete the Coram Family Lives - Parent Alienation Workshop Referral Form
Email: services@familylives.org.uk
Phone: 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8699
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Online
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Parental Alienation Workshop
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27.11.26 9:30 – 11:30am
3.12.26 – 7:00 – 9:00pm
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How to register
You can get started with this digital course by registering for a free OnePlusOne account at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/relationshipsupport
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Online
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Arguing Better
This course is for any parent ready to learn how to cope better with stress and deal with arguments in a healthy way
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Self-directed digital course
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Online
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Me, You and Baby Too
Learn how to navigate the changes that happen in a relationship when a baby arrives
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Self-directed digital course
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Online
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Getting It Right For Children
Learn how to develop positive communication skills that enable you to parent co-operatively and work out solutions together.
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Self-directed digital course
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Parenting When Separated
Discover practical steps to help your child cope during or after separation while reducing conflict, managing stress, and improving communication with your co-parent.
How to register
Complete the Parenting When Separated referral form
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Online
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Parenting When Separated
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30.9.26 – 18.11.26
10am-12:30pm
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For more information go to Relationship support for parents | Hertfordshire County Council.
Launch of Mimram Gender Based Abuse Advocacy Service
The Mimram Gender Based Support Service launched on the 1st of July. The Service specialises in providing practical and emotional support, as part of a co-ordinated multi-agency response to meeting the needs of survivors of all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls, including domestic, sexual, technology-facilitated, economic abuse and so-called ‘honour’ based violence, as well as coercive control, modern slavery and human trafficking, working in the sex industry, forced marriage, stalking and female genital mutilation. The service is available for women, children and men of all ages who are living in Hertfordshire and are experiencing a form of gender-based abuse.
This service replaces the previous IDVA and Community Outreach Services.
Download:-
Service Poster
Info Pack for Professionals
Poster for Professionals with Marac
DBS and Barred List Checks – Regulated Activity
From 1 September 2026, all volunteers/unpaid helpers who fit criteria will be considered in regulated activity with children and will require an enhanced DSB with barred list check. Currently those volunteers/unpaid helpers do not need those checks because they are considered supervised by someone else in regulated activity, which has been recognised as a weak safeguarding arrangement. They will now automatically be in regulated activity themselves and subject to a barred list check which can prevent them working from children (if relevant) even though they have a clear basic or enhanced DBS.
Criteria is a person undertaking activities such as teaching, training, instructing, caring for or supervising children, even if under supervision of another person
- on more than 3 days in a 30-day period (volunteering hours in different roles are considered to be one amount so 2 roles of 1.5 days each in a month is regulated activity)
- overnight (only needs to happen once)
All agencies will need to start reviewing their existing volunteers and ensure plans are put in place to trigger enhanced DBS and barred list checks from the 1 September 2026. They will need to ask volunteers if they have activities in other agencies which may be accumulative to 3 days + in a 30-day period. Any new onboarding of volunteers needs to include these new checks from this date.
Although the government guidance specifically mentions schools and colleges, this is because they are likely to have a large workforce impacted by this. However, the changes apply to all organisations providing services to children.
See: Regulated activity: removal of the supervision exemption (comes into force 1 September 2026) - GOV.UK
King's Trust Team Programme
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for the next King's Trust Team Programme in Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage/North Herts and Watford, starting 14 September and we're looking for your help to spread the word.
The programme supports 16-25 year olds who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who may lack confidence about their next steps. Participants develop new skills, gain qualifications, improve confidence, take part in community projects, and receive support into employment, education or volunteering.
If you know a young person, family member, neighbour, friend, or community contact who could benefit from this opportunity, please encourage them to get in touch.
✅ Build confidence
✅ Gain new skills and qualifications
✅ Meet new people
✅ Improve employability
✅ Take on exciting challenges and community projects
More info here: Children and young people | Hertfordshire County Council and email contacts below to apply or via Apply for the King's Trust Team Programme | Hertfordshire County Council
Please help us reach more young people by sharing this post within your networks. For further information or to refer someone, contact:
Hemel Team: Amber Molloy - amber.molloy@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Stevenage Team: Ben Parker-Bratt - ben.parker-bratt@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Watford Team: Pamela Gagliardi - pamela.gagliardi@hertfordshire.gov.u
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.
Participation Team YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ParticipationTeam
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/participationteam
News from the Family Centre Service
Family Support Service’s Annual Report 2026
We’re pleased to share the Family Support Service’s Annual Report, reflecting on another busy and successful year supporting children and families across Hertfordshire.
The report highlights the breadth of work delivered and the positive difference made to families through the commitment and dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners.
Alongside key achievements, impact and highlights from the past year, the report also looks ahead to our priorities and next steps as we continue to develop and strengthen the support available to families across Hertfordshire.
We hope you enjoy reading the report and learning more about the Hertfordshire Family Support Service.
Read the Family Support Service Annual Report (April 2025 – March 2026).
The Incredible Years® Preschool Parenting Programme
The Family Support Service, in collaboration with Best Start Family Hubs in Watford and Stevenage, are excited to be introducing The Incredible Years® Preschool Parenting Programme to families living in Hertfordshire.
The programme is designed for parents and carers of children aged 3–5 years, and aims to strengthen parent-child relationships, support positive behaviour at home and promote emotional regulation and problem-solving skills in young children. With support from trained practitioners, parents and carers will explore ways to encourage positive behaviour through play, praise, and positive attention. Sessions focus on building strong connections, supporting children’s language and social development, establishing effective routines, and managing challenging behaviours calmly and consistently.
The programme runs over 15 weekly sessions, either online or in person, giving parents and carers the time they need to learn, practise and build confidence in using new strategies at home. Each session follows on from the last, allowing families to make lasting changes that can make a real difference to their child’s development and behaviour.
Incredible Years courses will begin in the Autumn term. Please contact your local Family Centre on 0300 123 7572 and ask for Watford or Stevenage for more information.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service’s Partnership Network Meetings dates:
Dacorum
Wednesday 14th October 2026, 13:30 – 15:00
Cedar Tree Family Centre c/o Woodhall Farm Community Centre, Dachet Close, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7JX 13:30 - 15:00
Hertsmere District
Tuesday 17th November 2026, 13:30 – 15:00
The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2FD
Welwyn Hatfield & Broxbourne
Wednesday 18th November 2026, 09:30 - 11:30
De Havilland Family Centre, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8TQ
Welwyn Hatfield & Broxbourne
Wednesday 18th November 2026, 09:30 - 11:30
Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/351009741602945?p=G33WWkKaWtTHvahSOq
Meeting ID: 351 009 741 602 945
Passcode: 5887Vt36
St Albans District
Wednesday 25th November 2026, 13:30 – 15:00
Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans, AL1 2LE
Childminders Stay & Play information session
Welwyn Hatfield
Friday 9th October 2026, 09:30 - 11:00
De Havilland Family Centre, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 8TQ
North Herts/Stevenage
Tuesday 13th October 2026, 10:00 - 11:30
Broadwater Family Centre, c/o Longmeadow Primary School, Stevenage, SG2 8LT
Watford & Three Rivers
Thursday 15th October 2026, 10:00 - 11:30
Beechfield Family Centre, Watford, WD24 5TY
North Herts/Stevenage
Monday 19th October 2026,10:00 - 11:30
Chestnut Tree Family Centre, Letchworth, SG6 2JZ
St Albans
Monday 19th October 2026,10:00 - 11:30
Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans, AL1 2LE
Broxbourne
Thursday 22nd October 2026, 09;30 - 11:00
High Trees Family Centre, Broxbourne, EN10 6AE
Dacorum
Thursday 22nd October 2026, 09:30 - 11:00
Little Hands and Little Feet Family Centre, Douglas Gardens, HP4 3PE
Hertsmere
Thursday 22nd October 2026, 10:00 - 11:30
The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2FD
East Herts
Tuesday 10th November 2026, 13:15 - 14:45
Selections Family Centre, Hertford, SG14 2DG
News from Services for Young People
Young people say they feel more confident and clearer about their future goals
The Services for Young People (SfYP) annual user survey showed the positive impact their services have on young people in Hertfordshire. Every year young people who have received help from SfYP complete a survey about what they think about the services they’ve used, how they have benefited, and what improvements could be made. A record number of 1,288 young people aged 11-25 completed the 2026 survey and gave their feedback.
Providing young people with practical skills for work
This July, SfYP worked in partnership with Clarion Housing to provide a week-long work experience and employability programme at Allum Manor House and Hall for six students at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood. The students had requested practical or 'trade' work experience, so an SfYP Employment and Skills Coordinator met with staff at Allum Manor House and Hall and set up the project to decorate one of the function rooms. The project was a perfect way for the students to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in a real-world environment.
Improving community safety in Borehamwood
A Senior Youth Worker in the SfYP Hertsmere Team attended this summer’s ‘Safer Town Centres’ community event in Borehamwood, hosted by the Hertsmere Neighbourhood Policing Team. The event gave residents the opportunity to meet their local police officers and speak directly to other service providers in the area about issues affecting their neighbourhoods and learn about the support available.
SfYP supports transition event at West Herts College
The transition event at the West Herts College Watford Campus enabled students to explore their options and next steps after they complete their courses. Three members of the SfYP Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Team talked to the students and their parents/carers about how SfYP can support young people on their journeys as they move on from college.
Read the full story for more details and feedback from the college
Have you heard about the Hertfordshire Directory?
The Hertfordshire Directory is a free website used by professionals and the public to find services, groups and activities across the county.
It contains thousands of listings across a range of categories, from large organisations like OneYMCA and Citizens Advice to a wealth of small and mid-sized charity and voluntary groups, and individuals working in and supporting their local communities.
What can you find?
For older people…community transport, help at home, lunch clubs, digital inclusion and social groups to enhance quality of life and maintain good health for longer.
For unpaid carers…breaks from caring, advice services and support groups for young and older carers.
For adults…cost of living support, services for people with a learning disability, support for refugees, training, volunteering and employment courses, environmental groups and activities to fill your free time and keep active and happy.
For children and parents…our Childcare Finder, parenting courses, family support, pregnancy and infant feeding support, private tutors and a Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) directory which complements the Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer.
For people seeking health advice…support for long term health conditions including dementia, tackling smoking and other addictions and support and activities to look after your mental and physical wellbeing.
The Hertfordshire Directory is a self-service tool. For people who need a little more support, or can’t find what they’re looking for, then HertsHelp, an independent support service is there too via phone or email: www.hertshelp.net
Have you visited Herts Insight recently?
What is Herts Insight? Herts Insight is the home of easy to understand, self-serve data about our residents. It provides statistical data across all topics covered by Hertfordshire services, not just population or deprivation. Quoted by many people as their go-to site for statistics about Hertfordshire, Herts Insight provides an evidence base for users ranging from senior managers at HCC and Hertfordshire Districts, right the way down to people working in and for our smallest communities. It is used by decision makers for funding bids and strategic planning, as well as residents and people in the community who want to understand the statistical makeup of their neighbourhood.
Could it help you to better understand the community in which you live or serve? To view the range of topics available, go to the Herts Insight website. If you’re interested in data about your local neighbourhood, try pointing to your address on the Which geography am I in? map. You’ll see that the data isn’t just at the largest geographical levels, but right down to neighbourhood (LSOA) level.
For a quick overview of Hertfordshire or a Hertfordshire District, visit the About Hertfordshire profile.