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Family Lives are delivering 4 parenting groups and 2 workshops, funded by Herts County Council, in the Autumn term for targeted parents/carers who live in Hertfordshire or who have a child attending a Hertfordshire school.
All our programmes provide support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members so they can help their child reach their full potential as well as access to the wraparound support provided by our helpline, live chat and website.
Bringing Up Confident ADHD/ASD Children (6 weeks) Online group
Tuesday 12 September to 17 October, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Via MS Teams
If your child has ADHD/ASD, or you think they might, join our online 6-week group where you will receive support from other parents and gain a comprehensive understanding of ADHD/ASD and learn strategies to improve life at home and at school.
Sessions will cover :
- ADHD/ ASD - a whole-family issue
- Understanding your child’s behaviour
- Helping your child manage their feelings and outbursts
- Balancing support of siblings
- Learning about structure and routines
- Supporting your child at school
Less Shouting, More Cooperation (6 weeks) Online group
Thursday 5 October to 16 November, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Via MS Teams
Do you feel you are constantly nagging or shouting at your child to get what you need? Are you tired of losing your cool and want a calmer house? Join our free online 6- week group to learn how you can change the way you communicate with your child, respond better and feel more in control
The sessions will cover:-
- Exploring what helpful discipline is
- Recognising the triggers and responding more effectively
- Learning new parenting tools to challenge children’s behaviour
- How to negotiate and implement effective boundaries and family agreements
- How to hold boundaries and gain co-operation
Sorting Out Family Arguments (6 weeks) Online group
Wednesday 8 November to 13 December, 9.30am – 11.30am Via MS Teams
Do you feel everything ends in an argument and you are constantly trying to keep the peace? Join our free online 6-week group to help improve family communication, reduce the reactions which lead to arguments and create a culture of teamwork in your family.
Sessions will cover :
- How parents and children can be affected by conflict
- Strategies in handling and resolving conflict and anger
- Parents’ role when there is sibling rivalry and jealousy, fostering cooperation rather than competition
- Effective communication, implementing boundaries and how to negotiate
Dads Together (6 weeks) Face to Face group
Tuesday 7 November to 12 December, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Canary Club, Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1NU
As a dad do you feel you are constantly nagging or shouting at your child to get what you need? Are you tired of losing your cool and want a calmer house? Join our free online 6- week group to learn how you can change the way you communicate with your child, respond better and feel more in control
The sessions will cover:-
- Exploring what helpful discipline is
- Recognising the triggers and responding more effectively
- Learning new parenting tools to challenge children’s behaviour
- How to negotiate and implement effective boundaries and family agreements
- How to hold boundaries and gain co-operation
Anxiety around ADHD Online Workshop
Tuesday 7 November, 9.30am – 11.30am
This 2- hour workshop is for parents and carers who suspect or have received a recent diagnosis that their child has ADHD. The workshop helps parents/carers understand what ADHD is, why it makes sense for a child to be anxious if they have ADHD, strategies to help support you and your child, plus signposting to other support that is available.
Reducing Conflict Online Workshop
Thursday 7 December, 9.30am – 11.30am
Conflicts are regular occurrence within families. It’s often a normal part of everyday life. However, conflict that is frequent, intense, and poorly resolved, has a significant negative impact on children’s mental health and long-term life chances. This 2-hour workshop explores different types of conflict between couples and families. Provides support in understanding the causes and impact of parental and family conflict on children and gives practical steps and strategies that parents can take to help improve their family relationships.
We accept referrals from professionals as well as self-referrals. Please click here referral form for our online referral form
You can also email or call us on 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8701 for more information.
Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes
Louise Voyce | Senior Services Administrator (Greater London & Home Counties) | Family Lives
Direct: 0204 522 8700
Office: 15-17 The Broadway, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5HZ
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.00 - 5.30 & Wednesday 9.00-11.30
Download information information on courses and discounts that are available this summer:
Monday sessions open to all year 6's to help get ready for year 7. Download the flyer below:
A creative space for young people's wellbeing. Download the flyer below to find out more about this informal drop in group:
Need help and not quite sure where to get it? Here is a list to help you find someone to talk to:
Our informal drop-in group is for anyone aged 12-17 who would like to explore using creativity to support their wellbeing.
When: Monday’s from 6pm-8pm
Where: LetchworthWellbeing Centre
W: www.withyouth.org T: 020 8189 8400
Imagine & Move (Age guidance 3+)
Sensory movement classes using props, music and dance-based activities to improve social interaction and expand a child's imagination. Suitable for children who need to improve their social skills and awareness of self.
Magic Movers (Age guidance 7+)
Creative dance classes using movement to explore dance styles and improve children's confidence in performing. Perfect for those who love to dance and express themselves!
Steyenage: Tuesdays, Hampson Park Community Centre
Imagine & Move: 4:30-5pm
Magic Movers: 5:15-6pm
Hitchin: Wednesdays, Westmill Community Centre
Imagine & Move: 4-4:30pm
Magic Movers: 4:45- 5:45pm
Hertford: Thursdays, Hertford Well-being Hub
Imagine & Move: 3:45-4:10pm
Magic Movers: 4:10-4:50pm
Biggleswade: Fridays, Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre
Imagine & Move: 4:30-5pm
Magic Movers: 5-5:30pm
Nessie is funded by Hertfordshire County Council to support parents/carers of children and young people with emotional and mental health issues. The aim of this work is to help parents/carers develop a positive and more confident approach to supporting their young person, whilst offering a chance to gain peer support; useful strategies and practical tools.
What we offer
Parent Support line Tel: 07932 651319 (open Wednesdays 9 am - 12 pm or by appointment)
Private moderated Facebook support group
NESSie Parent/Carer Support Group
1-1 support and advice sessions
Peer support groups: A confidential group, where parents will have an opportunity to share their experiences, support each other through challenges, and identify coping strategies.
For more information, please CLICK HERE
1 Day Champion Course for Parents and Carers of 8 to 18 Year-Olds
Free Training: 09:30 to 16:00
What you will learn
- an understanding of common mental health issues and how they can affect young people
- ability to spot signs of mental ill health in young people and guide them to a place of support
- knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness
- skills to support positive wellbeing
Course structure
Session 1 - what is mental health and mental ill health, stigma and discrimination, depression and suicide
Session 2 - mental health conditions: anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, psychosis, recovery, resiliance
Stand-by-me provides life changing support for bereaved children and young people in North Herts & Stevenage.
Volunteers Needed
• Do you have a background in Education, Health or Social Care?
• Are you interested in being trained to be a group programme volunteer?
• Do you want to gain new skills and help your community?
,+stand-by-me
bereavement support
Join Us on 1st April to find out more
IOAM -12NOON
HITCHIN YOUTH TRUST
111 WALSWORTH ROAD
HITCHIN, SG4 9SP
HOLIDAY AND TERM TIME ACTIVITIES |
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Provider |
Course/Booking |
Key Topics |
Mixed Ability Rugby – Hertford RFC |
8 March 20235:30pm FREE Hertford RFC – A team open to anyone who want to play regular full contact rugby for rugby’s sake. If you happen to have some form of disability or barrier but want to play regular rugby, then you are more than welcome. Same goes if you have no disability or barrier. |
For more information contact or call Matt Thompson 07974 785072 |
CRICKET |
FREE Super 1s Cricket Sessions – all disabilities welcome, between ages of 12 and 25 years. In conjunction with the Lord’s Taverners Hertfordshire Cricket Ltd have joined with Lonsdale School. More Info and booking: |
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IMAGINATION DANCE |
SEND Dance & Activity Workshops 07394 934 911 https://imaginationarts.co.uk/ |
Holiday – SEND Dance & Activity |
HERTFORDSHIRE FAMILY CENTRE SERVICE |
SEND DROP IN Chestnut Tree Family Centre, c/o Garden City Academy, Letchworth. 1st Thursday in every month 10am to 11:30am. Children welcome to attend with you or can attend on your own. No diagnosis needed. |
SEND Drop-In (Early Years) |
HERTS DISABILITY SPORT FOUNDATION |
Find an activity : Find an Activity - Herts Disability (hdsf.co.uk) |
Sport Activities |
360 Play STEVENAGE SEN SESSIONS |
SEN Evenings – a safe, inclusive and secure environment with friendly, experienced staff. Booking essential. 1st Friday of every month 6:30pm to 8:30pm Adult £0, Child – SEN £7.00 |
Play Sessions |
Gravity Trampoline SEN Sessions |
SEN Sessions – making the thrill of Gravity inclusive fun for everyone. Use code COMPCARER at checkout for 1 x Free Carer with SEN session. SEN Sessions | Stevenage | Gravity Trampoline Park (gravity-uk.com) |
Trampoline Sessions |
FLYERZ HOCKEY |
St Albans Flyerz is a disability hockey project which makes hockey available to ALL via inclusive sessions supported by St Albans Hockey Club. See website for further details. |
Hockey |
HOLIDAY AND TERM TIME ACTIVITIES |
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Provider |
Course/Booking NEW LISTING |
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LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY EAGES |
INCLUSIVE FOOTBALL Hertfordshire County Ground, Letchworth SG6 2EN Letchworth Garden City Eagles have teamed up with partners Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Football Association to deliver weekly sessions for players with any disabilities. The disability sessions will initially run for 12 weeks and are aimed at all differing impairments. The sessions will provide a safe fun learning environment for all players taking part. Run by a qualified coach, all sessions will take place on the Hertfordshire FA state of the art 3G pitch and offer the opportunity to participate in exciting and engaging practices. As well as developing skills within football, the program will also help improve social skills and confidence. The aim of the coaching program is to create an enjoyable and safe environment for everybody to enjoy sport. During the program, we will look to develop sporting skills, as well as social skills and confidence. |
Football |
NORTH HERTS FOOTBALL FACILITY |
JUNIOR ABILITY COUNTS – Open to any children 7-16 years old with a disability or special education need who is able to walk. Hitchin Town Community FC, The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock SG7 5AU. www.northhertsarena.co.uk 01462 720088 |
Football |
PHOENIX GROUP FOR DEAF |
PHOENIX GROUP Various activities for children, young people and adults through the year. 07748 690989 www.phoenixgroup.org.uk / @PheonixDeaf |
Activities for children who are deaf |
Hertfordshire Additional Needs HAND |
HAND ADDITIONAL NEEDS DATABASE Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database (HAND) You can choose to join the register. The database helps to: identify and plan for the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. Monitor services. HAND can offer you: A free digital HAND card can give you perks and discounts to lots of places for family days in in Herts. You can also subscribe to SEND News. |
HAND database |
Potential Kids |
Activities and online events and support |
Winter can be difficult for many of us, darker nights and a drop in temperature can be hard on our mental health and the rising costs of living are causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, their health, jobs and finances. It’s normal to feel anxious and if you’re worried about the effects on your mental health, you are not alone. The following organisations are delivering services to support you to look after your mental health and well-being through winter.
You can self-refer to most of these services without needing to see your GP or a mental health professional. Please visit the websites or give them a call to find out more.
Herts Mind Network deliver peer support, community support, domestic abuse services, complex needs services, dementia and carers support. Plus, a range of online services and Wellbeing Courses. More information can be found at www.hertsmindnetwork.org or call 0203 727 3600.
Mind in Mid-Herts In person and online mental health courses and workshops, social groups, exercise groups including football and walking, psychological therapies, 1-1 calls, LGBTQ+ and male/female groups as well as vocational support. Live daily mindfulness sessions. To access any of their services contact them on 03303 208100, email or visit the website: www.mindinmidherts.org.uk
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) Wellbeing Service support for adults experiencing common mental health problems i.e., depression and anxiety. The service offers free access to digital video and telephone based talking therapies. Info & self-referral wellbeingservice/hertfordshire
Rethink Mental Illness offers a befriending service to adults with a mental difficulty in East Herts and carers support across the whole of Hertfordshire. Contact , or call 07760615342
Guideposts Watford offers support with mental health problems, disability, or caring responsibilities. Group and social activities, physical activities, 1:1 support and crisis management, courses, outreach support, peer support, Carers support.info at www.guideposts.org.uk/hertfordshire-services/ or call 01923 223 554.
Support for autistic adults
Autism Hertfordshire provides support to autistic people, parents, carers and professionals. There is a helpline open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, you can reach us on 01727 743246 or email . Autism Hertfordshire is also able to provide support with: Pre and Post Diagnosis Support, Transitions support, adult skills development course and workshops, carers support, social activities.
If you live in Hertfordshire and you child has additional needs, visit SPACE for:
- Hertfordshire's only specialist equipment library: sensory, educational and practical resources FREE for families to borrow
- Friendly Advice: help and suggestions on equipment for your children’s specific needs
- A listening ear: emotional and practical support
- Signposting: knowledge and understanding of local community and statutory services and support
Stay for a drink and chat with the SPACE team and other parents/carers. Children are welcome.
Mon, Wed and Sat: 9.30am - 12.30pm.
For more information visit the SPACE website at: https://spaceherts.org.uk/lending-space/