SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION
The details contained in this document have been collated from websites, leaflets and via the phone
FOLLOW HYPERLINKS TO THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS
Support Information
Activity Information
From September 2011 Letchworth Consortium of Extended Schools became
LETCHWORTH PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS
We support families, teachers and other professionals in the 15 local schools in areas outside of the usual curriculum:
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We signpost families, parents and young people to support for parenting, special needs, counselling, single
parents, adult learning, specialist mental health support, substance misuse, bereavement and much more
We also signpost to local youth clubs and activities, sports clubs, art and drama groups and holiday activities
We create holiday leaflets for each school holiday period, containing lots of local activities for young people
We signpost to and occasionally organise FREE parent courses such as Living with Teenagers, Understanding
Behaviour, Managing Anger, Protective Behaviours / Feeling Safe Standing Strong and Practical Parent Helpers
We support schools with the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), which is a method to support young people,
where they may need a bit of extra support for whatever personal, educational, emotional or other reason.
Please contact me if you have any queries or would like to know more about local support 01462 707210
holly.turl10@fearnhill.herts.sch.uk / Find Extended Schools on: www.fearnhill.herts.sch.uk
 WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK 
The information provided is this document is for general guidance only. The Letchworth Partnership of Schools aims to
provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot guarantee at any time that all the information or services listed
are up to date, accurate or of good quality. Please feed back on the quality of this information and the listed services as well
as any changes that you are aware of to Holly Turl, Letchworth Family Support Worker, 01462 707210
Support Directory Contents
1
Page
Contents
Hyperlink
3
4–6
6
6-7
7-8
District Contacts and Parenting Support
Council, Housing, Police, Local Doctors and Health Advice
Parent Support, Challenging Behaviour, Parent Courses and Coaching
Support with Education, Admissions and Home Education
Finances, Housing and Advocacy such as CAB and PoWher
Grants for families
County Support and Police
Parent Support Advice
Admissions Education
Finances and Housing
8-9
10
10-12
12-14
Counselling, Mediation and Bereavement
Counselling, Mediation, Anger Management and other Support
Bereavement Support for Adults and Young People
Mental Health including Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Eating Disorders
Substance Misuse, Addiction and Stop Smoking Support
Counselling
Bereavement Parent
Mental Health
Substance Misuse
14-15
15-16
16
16
16-17
17
17-18
Targeted Support including Young Carers, BME and Special Needs
Multiple Births, Single Parents, Contact Centres and Pregnancy
Minority Groups, BME, Translation Services and Gender Identity
Grandparent Support
Carers and Young Carers
Care, Care Leavers, Adoption and Fostering
Mentoring, Educational Mentoring and Extra Tuition
Volunteering, Leaving School, Careers Advice and ADULTS
Multiple Births
Minority Groups
Grandparent Support
Caring for Carers
In Care Adoption
Mentoring and Extra Tuition
Volunteering
23
Special Needs
Support for Young People and Parents with Special Educational Needs
Special Needs Support for Parents
ADHD, ADD, Autism and Tourette’s
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Communication, Speech, Hearing, Deafness and Visual Problems
Fragile X Syndrome and Downs Syndrome
Epilepsy
Special Needs
Special Needs Support
ADHD and Autism
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Communication Hearing
Fragile X & Downs Syn
Epilepsy
23-25
25
Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Bullying
Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Bullying
Support for Families Affected by Imprisonment
18
20
21-22
All
Activities
26-34
Activity Information
Befriending Opportunities
Special Needs / SEN Clubs and Activities
Breakfast, After School and Holiday Activities
Art, Sports, Drama and Much More!
Child Protection
Activity Information
The date at the end of each box throughout the document specifies when the information was updated
Support Information for Families in Letchworth
2
Children’s Services, North Hertfordshire County Council, Housing Associations and Police
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Children’s Services (CS) previously Children Schools and Families - 0300 123 4043 www.hertsdirect.org/contact
Health and Community Services (including Adult Care) - 0300 123 4042 www.hertsdirect.org/contact
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North Hertfordshire District Council 01462 474000 www.north-herts.gov.uk / Email service@north-herts.gov.uk
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North Herts Homes Housing Association – 01462 704100 www.nhh.org.uk
Howard Cottage – 01462 683307 www.howard-cottage.co.uk
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Non-Emergency Police 101 www.herts.police.uk
Crime Stoppers Anonymous 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Letchworth Information
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Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation 01462 476007 www.letchworth.com/heritage-foundation
Letchworth GC Tourist Information 01462 487868 www.letchworthgc.com
Letchworth Museum and Art Gallery 01462 685647
http://www.north-herts.gov.uk/letchworth_museum_and_art_gallery.htm
Letchworth Library 0300 123 4049 http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/libraries/findlib/libs/let
Letchworth Doctors Surgeries and Health Advice
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Birchwood Surgery 01462 705040 www.birchwoodsurgery.co.uk
Sollershott Surgery 01462 683637 www.thesollershottsurgery.nhs.uk
Letchworth Garden City Surgery 01462 624000 www.gardencitysurgery.co.uk
Nevells Road Surgery 0844 477 1796 www.surgerynevellsroad.co.uk
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NHS Direct 0845 4647 changing to 111 24hour advice www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk / www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
The Health Centre in Letchworth 01462 684731 School Nurses, Health Visitors
Mental Health Single Point of Contact 0300 777 0707 Advice www.hpft.nhs.uk/i-need-help-now/
BBC online information www.bbc.co.uk/health
Parenting Support and Advice
Parenting, Family Support, Advice and Challenging Behaviour
3
Most Letchworth Schools have their own Parent/Family Support Worker who is able to support families as well as
signpost them to local support, activities and parent courses. Please contact your school/us for details. July2013
Letchworth
Letchworth Partnership of Schools LPOS offers signposting and support to Letchworth families
Partnership of Schools with a school age child, often liaising closely with local children centres who support families with
LPOS 01462 707210
under 5s. LPOS can signpost to all the agencies and activities outlined in this booklet as well as
local parent courses and holiday activities. LPOS works closely with the schools in Letchworth as
(LPOS produced this
well as agencies such as school health, police and various other services to support local families.
information database)
LPOS has a face book page where the Family Support Worker shares local information. Follow
the ‘Extended Schools’ link on www.fearnhill.herts.sch.uk for more information. July2013
Hertfordshire’s Family
The Family Services Directory FSD offers online information to Hertfordshire families regarding
Service Directory and
activities and leisure, childcare, early education, additional needs, advice and benefits, children
Information Service
centres, health, schools and parent/family support. If you need to talk further you can also contact
the Family Information Service via their online form or by phone. The Family Information Service
provides FREE friendly impartial information and guidance on a full range of childcare, children's
0300 123 4052
services and resources across Hertfordshire young people aged 0-19 years (0-25 with a special
need or disability) www.hertsdirect.org/fsd / www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/fis/ July2013
Letchworth
Advice, information and drop in services for families with a child under 5 including art and crafts,
Children Centres CC
toddlers groups, breastfeeding, toy library, holiday programmes, parent courses, music sessions,
Icknield 01462 663100
access to the health visitor and job centre support, teenage parent groups and much more. Each
Limetree 01462 663120 centre has outreach workers that can visit families in their home to offer support and advice. Most
Chestnut 01462 681334
services are either FREE or low cost. Icknield CC is based next to Icknield School, Lime Tree is
based on Westbury Estate and Chestnut Tree is based next to Garden City Academy. You can find
(Families with under 5s)
your local children centre using a postcode checker on www.hertsdirect.org/childrencentres July2013
HomeStart
HomeStart helps families with under5s deal with whatever life throws at them. HomeStart supports
North Hertfordshire
parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children. We
provide 1:1 support for parents, volunteers can visit the family’s home for a couple of hours every
01462 678861
week, they tailor-make support to the needs of the family, volunteers are committed and will keep
visiting until the youngest child turns five or starts school, or until the parents feel they can stand
(Families with under 5s)
on their own two feet. Parents and volunteers often develop a deeply trusting relationship which
can lead to powerful change within the family. HomeStart also run family groups and social events
for families. HomeStart is FREE, confidential and non-judgemental www.home-start.org.uk July2013
ERIC
Bedwetting is common in childhood but dealing with bedwetting every day can have a big effect
on children, young people and their families. Bedwetting happens when a child involuntarily wets
0845 370 8008
whilst sleeping and because they are asleep, they don’t have the awareness they have whilst awake.
It is not a child's fault they wet at night, nor are they being lazy. ERIC - Education and Resources
for Improving Childhood Incontinence can help children and their families understand, manage or
resolve childhood bedwetting problems. ERIC offers information for parents, professionals and
children about bed and day wetting, soiling, constipation, potty training, a message board, phone
line, online advice, information for parents and children and training www.eric.org.uk July2013
Family Lives
Family Lives is a charity that has over three decades of experience in helping parents deal with the
changes that are a part of family life, including supporting Dad’s, Grandparents, Stepparents and
0808 800 2222
Non-resident parents. Our role is to support all of you to achieve the best relationship possible with
the children that you care about. Family Lives provides FREE professional, non-judgmental support
and advice through a 24 hour helpline, website, message boards, email, live chat and parenting /
relationship support groups. You can contact use about all aspects of family life including all stages
of a child’s development, issues with schools and parenting/relationship support. We also respond
when life becomes complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the
home, bullying at school, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns. See the website
for more detailed information as well as information about courses www.familylives.org.uk July2013
Young Minds
Young Minds is committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and
young people, providing expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through
0808 802 5544
our parents' helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.
Parents can ring Young Minds for advice and both parents and young people can view the webpage
for information on anger, bullying, depression, anxieties and more www.youngminds.org.uk July2013
One Herts One Family One Herts One Family 1H1F offers FREE support to children, parents and families where a variety
01462 442442
of issues are causing problems for the children including parental drugs/alcohol misuse or domestic
abuse. 1H1F are family-focused offering emotional and practical support to build on existing
(Eldest child between
parenting skills and relationships. To access 1H1F the eldest child in the family must be between
5-10 years old)
5-10 years old and there must be no children’s services involvement. 1H1F, which is based in
Hitchin, offers family therapy, 1:1 therapy, couples counselling, 1:1 therapy, practical support,
parenting support, therapeutic play and parenting groups www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
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HertSpeak
01462 442442
Katie Noorian
Thriving Families TF
0300 123 4043
Customer Services
Number for Families
Working Families
0300 012 0312
NHS Advice Online
NSPCC
0808 800 5000
Parent Channel
Online Videos
Super Nanny Website
Net Mums Website
HertSpeak offers a FREE therapeutic service for children, parents and families affected by parental
alcohol/substance misuse in Hertfordshire. The service aims to help children be safe and healthy,
adults to be effective parents and families to communicate. The service offers practical parenting
support, individual therapy, therapeutic play, family therapy and couples counselling (between any
members of a family). Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted. Criteria to access
support include one/more parents having a current or past alcohol/substance problem. HertSpeak
can attend TAF meetings to support a family needing their support www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
Thriving Families works within a partnership structure across Hertfordshire supporting families with
multiple & complex needs to help them turn their lives around and achieve sustainable improvements.
To be eligible for support families must meet three of the core criteria set out in the Government's
Troubled Families agenda (worklessness, poor school attendance and anti-social behaviour) or meet
at least two of them and be identified by local intelligence as a family at risk of not thriving because
of the presence of additional priority needs. Most families that meet criteria will already have their
needs met effectively through CAF or other interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to sign such
families up to the TF Programme by completing a Thriving Families consent form. This will enable
them and the practitioners working with them to access additional specialist resources that are not
otherwise available. For families that require frequent and intensive support, referrals to TF can be
made through the usual referral route to Children's Services. Should practitioners wish to discuss
a potential referral or seek access to additional resources for families that have already completed a
Thriving Families consent form, please call the area team. Self-referrals and practitioner referrals
for families requiring intensive support can be made via the usual Children’s Services referral route.
Practitioners are encouraged to obtain Thriving Families consent forms from families who meet
criteria even if a referral to the team is not required www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Working Families is the UK’s leading work-life balance organisation/charity, helping working parents
and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work.
Our FREE legal helpline gives parents/carers advice on employment rights such as maternity and
paternity leave, rights to time off in an emergency, parental leave, basic advice on benefits and
tax credits that working parents can claim and advice on maternity/pregnancy discrimination as
well as helping them to negotiate the flexible hours they want www.workingfamilies.org.uk July2013
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol,
fitness, healthy eating, sexual health, stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness and fatigue, autism,
babies, allergies, eating disorders, disability, asthma, bereavement, children’s sleep, incontinence,
hearing problems, the menopause, family health, teenagers and more www.nhs.uk July2013
As well as a phone line offering advice and support for anyone concerned about the safety and
welfare of a young person, the NSPCC offer online advice and information for parents about keeping
your child safe, the underwear rule, being home alone, using the internet, talking about sex, sexual
behaviour of children, positive parenting tips and MUCH MORE www.nspcc.org.uk Aug2013
Online videos and advice for parents of 5-19 year olds on difficulties such as learning, behaviour,
bedwetting, sulking, resolving disagreements, bullying, aggression, peer pressure, angry teenagers
and teen violence, positive discipline, raising confidence, young carers, bedtime and sleep issues,
bereavement, stress, depression, healthy eating, my child is smoking, alcohol, home alone, smelly
bedrooms, addictions, anxiety, sex, abusive relationships and MORE www.parentchannel.tv July2013
Online advice on topics such as sleep, tantrums, house rules, FREE reward charts, potty training,
food and nutrition, parenting skills, pregnancy and learning www.supernanny.co.uk July2013
Online network and signposting to toddler groups and local activities and summer fun as well as
advice on toddlers, children, teenagers, recipes, childcare, money and debt, special needs, anxiety
and depression, holidays, early learning and more www.netmums.com July2013
Parent Courses, Workshops and Other Support
To find parent courses across Hertfordshire you can search ‘Parenting Courses’ on hertsdirect (and pick third link).
The direct hertsdirect link is www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/css/17856920/17856926/
Course providers and details are outlined on www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/css/17856920/parentingprov/
Children Centre’s run year round FREE workshops and courses for parents with children under 5 such
Children Centres as Managing Challenging Behaviour, Parenting Puzzle and Families Feeling Safe (Protective Behaviours).
Parent courses
Letchworth has three children centres - Icknield 01462 663100, Chestnut Tree 01462 681334 and Lime
and workshops
Tree 01462 663120. You can find your local centre on www.hertsdirect.org/childrencentres July2013
LPOS
Letchworth Partnership of Schools LPOS often funds or arranges parent courses depending on local
01462 707210
demand. Courses vary from Understanding Challenging Behaviour, Sibling Rivalry, Managing Anger,
Protective Behaviours, Understanding Teens and more. Contact us for up to date details. July2013.
Herts Strengthening Families Project offers a FREE 13 week programme to parents of 8-16 year olds.
Herts
Strengthening
Courses are delivered in local community venues across Hertfordshire every term covering a range
Families
of topics including child development and the causes of behaviour, role modeling, building positive
01992 555246
relationships, setting boundaries, consequences, using positive discipline strategies, building selfesteem and self-discipline, conflict and anger management, solution-building, developing support
networks and getting to know your local resources. Parents can contact us directly or be referred by
a local agency. Email SFSC.Referrals@hertscc.gov.uk / www.hertsdirect.org.uk July2013
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The Herts
Women Centre
01438 742742
Family Links
Woolgrove School
01462 622422
ADD-vance ASD /
ADHD Coaching
01727 833963
Hertfordshire
Protective Behaviours
Programme
01438 728653
Parent
Effectiveness
Training PET
01992 582451
Parent Centred
Support PCS
077941 28717
Anita Taylor
The Herts Women’s Centre based in Stevenage works to support women by offering coffee mornings,1:1
support sessions, domestic abuse support, information and a support group, weight matters drop ins,
counselling and psychotherapy, job club drop in, family law and money advice sessions, courses incl
assertiveness, coping with anger and protective behaviours, social groups, life coaching, holistic
therapies (£2), FREE pregnancy testing and FREE internet www.hertswomenscentre.org.uk July2013
FREE 10 week parent nurture based programme targeting families with 2-15 year olds (typically infants).
Woolgrove plans to run these courses yearly for local parents. Please contact Woolgrove for details
and discuss with children centres who may also be running this course www.familylinks.org.uk Sep2013
Confidential, supportive and non judgemental coaching which is tailored to your needs by specialist
ASD/ADHD coaches who work with you towards successful outcomes and lasting changing, offering
strategies to manage challenging behaviour, anger management, emotional and social difficulties,
low self esteem, motivation and relationships. A diagnosis and GP referral is not necessary and with
written permission we can contact the school can work with teachers to help resolve issues. One of
the team can work with you for an hour weekly for 6-8 sessions (at a cost) www.add-vance.org Aug2013
Services include training courses for professionals, group work with children and parents and carers,
families feeling safe 10 week protective behaviour programmes for parents and carers, individual work
with children and parent / carers through referrals, network meetings for trained professionals and
workshops. Some services are FREE while other services are traded. Please contact Fiona Benjamin
at Action for Children for more information and follow the webpage link to find the up to date programme
www.actionforchildren.org.uk/our-services/hertfordshire-protective-behaviours-project July2013
PET was devised by psychologist Tom Gordon in the 60's with an aim to give parents of children of
all ages a clear framework to understand parenting problems and teach effective skills to deal with
them. The course is 24hours, consisting of presentations, workbook examples, practice conversation,
DVD demos and reading, is usually delivered in 8weekly sessions of 3hours in a group, although
some instructors are happy to take on individual or couple coaching. Costs approx £200 per person.
For info contact your local trainer valwinfield@ntlworld.com / www.gordontraining.co.uk July2013
PCS offers various courses, workshops and 1:1 support at a cost. Courses include 1,2,3 Magic,
Parenting Teenagers, Pre Teen Courses, Protective Behaviours, Self Esteem / Confidence Courses,
Anger Management, Parenting Puzzle, My Mum and Dad Argue a lot and more. Please contact Anita
for more information and for costs parentinfo01@yahoo.co.uk Website under construction. July2013
Support with Education, Admissions and Home Education
Advisory Centre
The Advisory Centre for Education ACE has formally closed but ex staff continue to offer information
for Education ACE
and advice through their advice line term time only and through online booklets about applying for a
0300 0115 142
school, appealing for a school, asking for a statutory assessment, early years, exclusions, making a
complaint, school attendance, school transport, bullying and more www.ace-ed.org.uk July2013
Independent
IPSEA is a national charity offering FREE legally based advice to families who have children with special
Parental Special
educational needs. All advice is given by trained volunteers. IPSEA offer advice and tribunal helplines,
Education Advice
an email information service, training and online advice and information. IPSEA can offer advice on
IPSEA
myths about SEN provision, how to take action, home/school transport, exclusions, going to a SEND
0800 018 4016
tribunal, the law, school governors, understanding jargon and MORE www.ipsea.org.uk July2013
Home Education
Home Education Advisory Service is a national charity offering advice and practical support to families
Advisory Service
who wish to home educate their child in preference to sending them to school www.heas.org.uk July2013
01707 371854
Admissions Advice Information and advice for Hertfordshire school in year admissions, starting infant, junior, primary and
and Information
secondary schools, home-school transport, finding your nearest school and nursery, online admission
0300 123 4043
forms and MORE www.hertsdirect.org/admissions July2013
Finances, Housing, Grants and Practical Support
Money Saving Expert - www.moneysavingexpert.com
HM revenues and customs information on child benefit - www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit
Hertsdirect ‘Extra Money for Families’ www.hertsdirect.org/services/advben/bnftsadvc/benguide/families/
Hertsdirect ‘Extra Money for Housing Costs’ www.hertsdirect.org/services/advben/bnftsadvc/benguide/housing/
Hertsdirect ‘Legal and Money Advice’ www.hertsdirect.org/services/youngpeople/numbersuneed/nunsppt/legal/
National Debt Line FREE confidential independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. We offer debt advice for people
living in different parts of the country and the advice will be tailored for you. Online support available
0808 808 4000
including a personalised action plan to help you deal with debts www.nationaldebtline.co.uk July2013
Citizens Advice
The Citizens Advice Bureau CAB aims to provide the advice people need by offering FREE confidential,
Bureau CAB
08444 111 444
Child Maintenance
0800 988 0988
independent and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. The online website
www.adviceguide.org.uk offers practical information and those under 25 years old can access the site
www.advice4me.org.uk. The North Herts CAB provides services throughout Letchworth, Hitchin and
Royston. Letchworth drop ins available every morning Monday-Friday with information services most
afternoons. Check websites for details www.citizensadvice.org.uk / www.northhertscab.org.uk July2013
Impartial confidential and FREE information to support separated parents to make informed choices
about child maintenance arrangements www.cmoptions.org July2013
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Gov.UK website
Christians Against
Poverty (CAP)
0800 328 0006
Community Money
Advice 01438 354148
CCCS
0800 138 1111
Credit Action
Money Saving
Expert – Mental
Health Guide
POhWER
Advocacy Service
0300 456 2370
Home Heat Advice
0800 33 66 99
NHCVS Furniture
Link Showrooms
01462 683800
Shelter
Hertfordshire
0808 800 4444
Herts Young
Homeless hyh
0844 833 0933
North Herts
Sanctuary (Hostel)
01462 435835
Information on benefits entitlement, child benefit, job seekers allowance and low income benefits, tax
credits, family benefits, heating and housing benefits and disability and carers benefits. Webpage
also links to details about housing information www.gov.uk/browse/benefits July2013
National charity working across the UK to lift people out of debt and poverty by offering FREE debt
counselling through a network of 233 centres based in local churches; with the nearest in Stevenage.
CAP also offer a money management course that teaches people budget skills and a simple cash
based system that really works so that you can budget, save and prevent debt. The next course based
in Stevenage is running Sept2013 and Luton Oct2013 www.capuk.org / https://capmoney.org July2013
FREE confidential face to face money advice, online self-help guide and online money planner. The
nearest centre is based at Grace Community Church Stevenage www.communitymoneyadvice.com July2013
Consumer Credit Counselling Service offers FREE problem debt advice through online information,
budgeting and housing, as well as their helpline and online debt remedy www.cccs.co.uk July2013
Credit Action believes anyone can learn to be on top of their money and they are doing their utmost to
make it happen by teaching people across the UK the skills and attitudes they need to make the most
of their money throughout their lives. See website for online advice www.creditaction.org.uk July2013
FREE 44-page PDF booklet supported by Mind, Rethink, CAPUK and others, for people with mental
health problems and those caring for them. It covers how to handle debts when unwell, work with
banks, FREE debt counselling, specific tips for bipolar disorder or depression sufferers, whether to
declare a condition and more www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/mental-health-guide July2013
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout Hertfordshire. We
aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. We regularly work
with people who feel they have been let down by the NHS and want to make a complaint, older people,
people with mental health issues, sensory impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities,
children and young people, people with autism and people who have experienced discrimination or
exclusion. All services are FREE independent and confidential. Hertfordshire POhWER provide NHS
complaints advocacy, Independent mental capacity advocacy (IMCA), including deprivation of liberty
safeguards DoLS and paid relevant persons representative services, Community advocacy, Independent
mental health advocacy IMHA, Child and adolescent mental health service, Secure services advocacy
and Herts Help Brokerage support service. Find out more by visiting www.pohwer.net July2013
FREE helpline to advise people worried about paying their energy bills and keeping warm during the
winter. It can also give advice to low-income households in urgent need of heating help and advice
as well as information on the grants, benefits and payments schemes that you may be entitled to and
basic steps to make your home more heat efficient www.homeheathelpline.org.uk July2013
Furniture Link is a non-profit project of the registered charity, North Herts Centre for Voluntary
Service NHCVS based in Letchworth, which aims to provides good quality low cost furniture to local
residents while reducing land fill by the re-use of furniture www.nhcvsfurniturelink.org.uk July2013
Shelter provides FREE, confidential, impartial advice relating to homelessness and housing including
paying for your home, eviction, repossession, renting and leasehold, problems in the neighbourhood,
repairs and bad conditions, private rent, council tenants, people with children or disabilities, armed
forces, prisoners, first time buyers, rent arrears and much more www.shelter.org.uk July2013
FREE information and support for 16-24 year olds who are homeless or threatened with homelessness
across Herts, offering FREE mediation for 10-15/16-24 year olds and their families, floating support and
Crashpad emergency accommodation for 16/17 yr olds (up to 21yrs if care leaver) www.hyh.org.uk July2013
Hitchin based hostel for the single homeless 7 nights a week providing shelter and support to people
in need to help them gain the skills and resources to achieve independent living. £2/night which includes
meals and hostel amenities. Day services also include help to address social and health needs such
as drug dependence, mental health and relationships problems www.northhertssanctuary.org.uk July2013
Grants, Holidays and Practical Support for Families and Young People
[ www.turn2us.org.uk GRANT SEARCH ]
Hertfordshire ‘Grant Making Organisations’ can be found www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/comvol/comorg2y/cogrant3y/
Letchworth Civic
Grants are available for students who have lived in Letchworth for at least 2 years and have gained a
Trust
place at University (grants available for books and learning materials), school pupils in a family that is
07785 104 357
finding great difficulty in supporting school activities particularly residential field visits or camps and
which the head teacher believes would benefit the child, support can be given to community groups
needing to improve their premises or support for an event and the trust may also support disabled
individuals with mobility problems letchworthct@gmail.com / www.letchworthct.org.uk July2013
Heritage
From Oct2013 the Heritage Foundation is introducing three new grant programmes which are available
Foundation Grants for those who are from, or are providing a community benefit to Letchworth Garden City. Large / small
grants available as well as grants for the home www.letchworth.com/heritage-foundation/grants July2013
Family Fund
Grants for low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children/young people 17 years and
under. We help ease the additional pressures that families face and can help with essential items such as
washing machines, fridges and clothing but we can also consider grants for sensory toys, computers
and family breaks together. Parents and carers can apply themselves www.familyfund.org.uk July2013
Free school meals, If you are in receipt of some of the benefits listed on this website you may be entitled to FREE school
and remission of
meals as well as help with travel costs, music fees (remission of fees) and help with cycle training
music fees
www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals / www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/canhelp/ July2013
7
Happy Days
Charity
01582 755999
National children's charity dedicated to providing holidays, residential trips, days out and theatre trips
for disadvantaged 3-17 year olds with special needs. We also help young people who have been abused
or neglected, witnessed domestic violence, been bereaved or act as carers for a parent or a sibling.
View the charity webpage for details about applying for funding www.happydayscharity.org Aug2013
Counselling, Mentoring and Mediation
** You can speak to your GP about any concerns and counselling services **
** And you can find further ‘Letchworth Counselling’ and therapists on www.hertsdirect.org **
Child Line Helpline FREE confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can talk to a
0800 1111
child line counsellor about anything including bullying, self-harm, sexual abuse, puberty, relationships,
alcohol and exam results. No issue is too big or small and you can talk to us via phone, online or by
email. The website also has a lot of this information and games www.childline.org.uk July2013
NHS Advice
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol,
Online
fitness, healthy eating, sexual health, stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness and fatigue, autism,
babies, allergies, eating disorders, disability, asthma, bereavement, children’s sleep, incontinence,
hearing problems, the menopause, family health, teenagers and more www.nhs.uk July2013
The Site Website
The Site Website offers advice and information to 16-25 year olds on sex and relationships, health,
wellbeing, drink, drugs, home, law and money, work and study and more www.thesite.org July2013
FREE mediation service for 10-24 year olds and their families across Hertfordshire working with people
Herts Young
Homeless hyh
who are having arguments whether they are living together or apart. Mediation is confidential and offers
01707 272769
all parties the chance to look at how they can sort out their difference of opinion. It also offers a chance
to work towards possible ways of overcoming problems in the future. For more details please contact
(10-24YEARS)
10-15yr olds u16mediation@hyh.org.uk / 16-24 yr olds mediation@hyh.org.uk / www.hyh.org.uk July2013
Tile house
Professional counselling for women and 13-19 year olds across North Hertfordshire who are unable to
pay private fees. We can offer daytime and evening appointments and counselling is FREE for the
Counselling
01462 440674
unwaged. Counselling can be useful when you are having difficulties with relationships, you feel sad,
depressed or stressed, you feel lacking in confidence, you have problems at home, school or work,
you feel bullied or abused, you are going through major changes or a bereavement or you may be
having difficulty coping with life. All counselling work is 1:1. www.tilehouse.org July2013
Relate North Herts Relate offers relationship counselling and sex therapy for adults as well as family counselling (all at a
cost) and FREE counselling for 13-19 year olds who may be feeling depressed, having issues with
0300 100 1234
01727 858126
parents or school or peer problems. Phone and email counselling is also available and centres can
be found across North Herts and Stevenage www.relate.org.uk / www.relatecnh.org.uk July2013
Youth Connexions Youth Connexions Hertfordshire forms part of the County Council’s Services for Young People and it
0800 389 3258
aims to provide information, advice, guidance and support, and personal development opportunities
to 13-19 year olds (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities). Connexions
offer FREE confidential advice on topics such as growing up, education, work, health, training, drugs,
One Stop Shop Bowes Lyon Centre
relationships, bullying, depression, alcohol, crime, eating disorders and housing, and offers mentoring
Stevenage
in secondary schools and through its One Stop Shops in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire. Youth
01438 749147
Connexions also offer activities through the summer holidays, support to find youth work and access
to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Stevenage One Stop Shop based at Bowes Lyon also offers a
(13-19YEARS)
condom scheme, pregnancy and Chlamydia testing, counselling and computers to research, develop
CVs and search for jobs www.youthconnexions-hertfordshire.org / www.channelmogo.org July2013
Herts County Council HCC Services for Young People offer FREE brief therapy for 13-19 year olds to
Brief Therapy
01992 588796
support them find solutions to their problems such as anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol problems
and relationship difficulties. One-to-one sessions are mainly offered in schools, colleges and in Youth
(13-19YEARS)
Connexions One Stop Shops and the group work covering anger management and coping with exams
also take place in schools and community www.thegrid.org.uk/info/welfare/counselling July2013
Letchworth Centre
The Letchworth Centre of Healthy Living offers a variety of treatments including children and young
for Healthy Living
person’s counselling, bereavement counselling, clinical psychology, cognitive analytical therapy, life
01462 678804
coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy, couples, relationship and sex therapy, hypnotherapy, family
therapy and low-cost counselling as well as acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, osteopathy, reiki,
(all ages)
remedial and sports massage, mediation, baby massage, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, zumba, ballet,
pilates, post natal yoga, salsa and much more www.letchworthcentre.com July2013
One Herts One Family 1H1F offers FREE support to children, parents and families where a variety of
One Herts One
Family
issues are causing difficulties for the children including parental drugs/alcohol misuse or domestic
01462 442442
abuse. One Herts One Family are family-focused offering emotional and practical support to build on
existing parenting skills and relationships. To access 1H1F the eldest child in the family must be
(Eldest child
between
5-10 years old and there must be no children’s services involvement. 1H1F, which is based
between 5-10 years)
in Hitchin, offers family therapy, 1:1 therapy, couples counselling, 1:1 therapy, practical support,
parenting support, therapeutic play and parenting groups www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
Links 14-18 year olds in Hertfordshire with moderate learning difficulties and special needs with volunteers
The Circles of
Support Project
16+ years old. Over the course of a year each young person can receive up to 250 hours of support
0845 216 0084
to access activities and opportunities that others may take for granted www.reachoutplus.org July2013
8
The Herts
Women Centre
01438 742742
HertSpeak
01462 442442
Katie Noorian
Music Therapy
01438 844848
To start sessions
0777 606 8361
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90 /
01462 455333
The Letchworth
Counselling
Centre
01462 674671
City Care
Counselling Centre
01462 480126
Headway Family
Mediation
01707 790017
National Family
Mediation Services
01223 576308
Hitchin Counselling
Service
01462 790806
The Stevenage
Well Being Centre
01438 369216
Hertfordshire
Action on Disability
HAD
01707 324581
Hertfordshire Anger
Management
Association HAMA
01707 251020
The Counselling
Foundation
01438 357775
Mediation
Hertfordshire
01442 268044
The Herts Women’s Centre based in Stevenage works to support women by offering coffee mornings,1:1
support sessions, domestic abuse support, information and a support group, weight matters drop ins,
counselling and psychotherapy, job club drop in, family law and money advice sessions, courses incl
assertiveness, coping with anger and protective behaviours, social groups, life coaching, holistic
therapies (£2), FREE pregnancy testing and FREE internet www.hertswomenscentre.org.uk July2013
HertSpeak offers a FREE therapeutic service for children, parents and families affected by parental
alcohol or substance misuse in Hertfordshire. The service aims to help children be safe and healthy,
adults to be effective parents and families to communicate. The service offers practical parenting
support, individual therapy, therapeutic play, family therapy and couples counselling (between any
members of a family). Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted. Criteria to access
support include one/more parents having a current or past alcohol/substance problem. HertSpeak can
attend TAF meeting to support a family needing their support www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
Music therapy can be an effective intervention for children with a wide range of needs including autistic
spectrum difficulties, developmental delay, physical/sensory disability, emotional or behavioural difficulties
or a lack of self-confidence or poor self-esteem. The Hertfordshire Music Service offers music therapy
sessions in music centres across Hertfordshire (nearest Hitchin) and it may sometimes be possible to
offer sessions at the child’s school if a room is regularly available. Support is predominantly offered
on a 1:1 basis, costing £31 per session of around 30-40 minutes. Sessions for a pair of children cost
£15 per child per session and group sessions of 3 children or more cost £12 per child per session. You
will be asked to commit to sessions for a term at a time. In some circumstances, t here is remission of
fees. See the website for more details www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/parents-music-therapy/ July2013
FREE 24 hour confidential support by phone, email, letter, text or face to face to anyone in distress or
despair, including those with thoughts of suicide and those who just want someone to talk with. The
nearest Samaritans branch is based in Hitchin www.samaritans.org/hitchin July2013
The Letchworth Counselling Centre provides therapeutic support in the treatment of all psychological
challenges in a warm and friendly environment. As well as working with general emotional problems
such as anxiety and depression, we have a specialised sex and relationship service. Costs can vary
from £15-£50 for 1:1 support and £30-£60 for couples www.letchworthcounsellingcentre.co.uk July2013
Letchworth Garden City Church LGCC runs a professional counselling service (heavily subsidised for
LGCC members) led by qualified counsellors under professional supervision. Search the main church
website for more information about their counselling service www.mylgcc.com July2013
Headway offers support for separating and separated families and couples to work out arrangements
for their future, including arrangements that may affect children, property and/or finances. Headway
also offers direct consultations with young people, child counselling for 5-15 year olds, child advocacy
and ‘Living Solo’ and ‘Parenting Apart’ parent courses. Mediation is FREE to those eligible to legal aid
otherwise fees are on a sliding scale. Nearest office Stevenage www.headwayfamilymediation.co.uk July2013
National Family Mediation offer family mediation services across the UK with the nearest in Cambridge.
Cambridge offers family mediation for married, unmarried, same sex couples, extended family and
children, as well as FREE young person’s counselling for 4-19 year olds who are affected by family
breakdown (young person’s counselling being reformed Sept2013) www.cambridgefms.co.uk July2013
The Hitchin Counselling Service offers FREE and confidential counselling for 18+ year olds residing
in Hitchin and nearby villages based at Bedford Road Health Clinic offering evening appointments.
You may attend as you feel anxious, depressed, confused, because of a relationship of difficult issue
in your life or because of what’s happened in the past www.hitchincounsellingservice.org.uk July2013
The Stevenage Wellbeing Centre is a one stop shop to improve emotional and physical wellbeing by
offering a range of services including self-help groups, training courses and exercise programmes. The
centre brings together various mental health organisations such as Mind in Mid Herts and Stevenage
Community Mental Health Team. Services offered by Mind in Mid Herts include an art club, drop-in
club, training courses and FREE counselling. Moodmaster courses are FREE and are all about mastering
your moods such as anxiety, depression, irritability and anger www.mindinmidherts.org.uk July2013
HAD delivers innovative, affordable and practical services to older and disabled people from equipment,
counselling and therapies to information and advice. Counselling is available in the Woodside Centre
in Welwyn and is available FREE (affordable contribution welcome) to those with disabilities and their
family members/carers. HAD also offer family, relationship and couples counselling to their clients.
Therapies such as foot care and nutritional therapy are also available as well as an equipment centre
and 24 hour accessible transport which are adapted wheelchair friendly www.hadnet.org.uk July2013
Hertfordshire Anger Management Association HAMA works with adults, young people, families and
children to support anger management, stress management and conflict resolution. HAMA offers anger
management programmes to suit everyone both in groups and in a 1:1 setting and HAMA offers an 8
week course or intensive weekend called ‘Beating Anger’. Cost applies www.hama-anger.co.uk July2013
The Stevenage Centre specialises in open ended psychodynamic counselling, also offering short
term focussed therapy which may incorporate cognitive behaviour therapy at a fixed fee as well as
group therapy sessions according to demand www.counsellingfoundation.org July2013
Mediation Hertfordshire offers workplace, school and community (neighbour) mediation. Services are
free for some areas of Hertfordshire but services are at a cost for North Hertfordshire and Stevenage
residents. The cost breakdown is explained on the website www.mediationherts.org.uk July2013
9
Bereavement
Bereavement Support
PLEASE ALSO VIEW THE GREEN COUNSELLING SECTION ABOVE AS I HAVE NOT REPEATED SERVICES HERE
Hertfordshire ‘bereavement support’ can be located on www.hertsdirect.org
Sands
Sands is a still birth and neonatal death charity supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby as
020 7436 5881
well as offering information to the professionals working with the bereaved www.uk-sands.org July2013
Compassionate
The Compassionate Friends supports bereaved parents and their families after a child dies. The helpline
Friends TCF
is always answered by a bereaved parent who is there to listen when you need someone to talk to, the
0845 123 2304
forum allows you to talk online with other parents, and there is a siblings website, legal helpline, postal
library and leaflets as well as residential and national gathering for bereaved families www.tcf.org.uk July2013
Child
Child Bereavement UK support for families and educates professionals when a baby of child dies or is
Bereavement UK
dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Child Bereavement UK offers a support and information
01494 568900
line, email support and information, support groups and sessions, training for professionals and schools
and publications and resources www.childbereavement.org.uk / www.elephantsteaparty.co.uk July2013
CRUSE offers FREE and confidential support for bereaved 5-18 year olds and adults across the UK
CRUSE Herts
01707 278389
through their phone lines and home visits. All volunteers are trained in working with children and young
National Helpline
people and can see the young person in their own home or at school. Please leave a message on the
0844 477 9400
answer phone and CRUSE will get back to you. The rd4U website and phone line 01707 264293 have been
purposely created to support young people www.cruse-hertfordshire.org.uk / www.rd4u.org.uk July2013
Winston Wish
Winston’s Wish offers practical support and guidance to families, professionals and anyone concerned
08452 030405
about a grieving child or young person through their helpline, website and downloads. The website offers
online information about how to talk to a child about death or someone having a serious illness, attending
the funeral, dealing with death related to suicide, murder or manslaughter and much more. Winston’s
Wish also has a webpage dedicated to supporting young people www.winstonswish.org.uk July2013
Child Death
Helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age from birth to adult under any circumstance.
Calls are answered by a bereaved parent, interpreting service available www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk July2013
0800 282 986
Brake
The Brake helpline is for anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a crash, or their carers,
0845 603 8570
whether the crash happened recently or a long time ago. The helpline is typically open Monday-Friday
10am-4pm offering emotional support, information and advocacy, access to lawyers to talk about making
And the Amy
a claim for compensation and information about local counselling and support groups. Brake also offers
guides, a FREE book for children bereaved from a road crash and advice for carers of children bereaved
and Tom Project
of any sudden cause through the www.amyandtom.org website. www.brake.org.uk July2013
A Child of Mine
A Child of Mine offers help and support to those affected by the death of a child with the website being
their most ‘valuable’ resource for information. A Child of Mine has information about the practicalities of
a child’s death, the funeral, help for siblings and grandparents, stages of grief, memorial projects for
siblings, ideas for birthdays and anniversaries and more www.achildofmine.co.uk July2013
Bereavement
The Bereavement Advice Centre offers practical information on the many issues and procedures that
Advice Centre
face us after someone’s death such as what to do first, medical certificates, registering a death, the
0800 634 9494
funeral, probate, money and tax, coping afterwards and more www.bereavementadvice.org July2013
The WAY
WAY has a growing network of local groups across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that
foundation
run regular social events and offer practical and emotional support, helping young bereaved people to
0300 012 4929
rebuild lives that have been shattered by the death of a partner. £20 initial years membership offers access
to social activities for adults, children and families, weekend trips and holidays across the UK and abroad,
a secure members only chat room and facebook group, a quarterly newsletter and monthly enewsletter
and information about other organisations and counselling groups www.wayfoundation.org.uk July2013
Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support
www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk
* Families and Young People can speak to their GP and School Nurse with concerns about mental and emotional health *
Hertsdirect can also offer signposting for ‘Mental Health’ www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/comvol/heal2y/hltmind3y/
PLEASE ALSO VIEW THE GREEN COUNSELLING SECTION ABOVE AS I HAVE NOT REPEATED SERVICES HERE
NHS Advice
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol, fitness,
Online
healthy eating, sexual health, stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness and fatigue, autism, babies,
allergies, eating disorders, disability, asthma, bereavement, children’s sleep, incontinence, hearing
problems, the menopause, family health, teenagers and more www.nhs.uk July2013
Mental Health
If you are already in contact with a mental health service and need support during working hours please
Single Point of
contact your care coordinator. Out of hours there is an out of hour’s helpline. If you are not already in
Access
contact with a service and you, a friend or relative are experiencing mental health problems for the first
0300 777 0707
time and need emergency treatment, you can contact the Single Point of Access between 8pm-7pm or
the Out of Hours line 5pm-8am. Alternatively you can contact your GP, go to your nearest accident and
Out of Hours
emergency department, contact Samaritans 08457 909090 or for advice on mental health issues contact
01438 843322
Sane line 0845 767 8000 between 6-11pm (all year). If you have a mild-moderate mental health problem
you can self-refer or ask your GP to refer to the Enhanced Primary Mental Health Service / Improved
Access to Psychological Services (details below) www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk/i-need-help-now July2013
10
Enhanced
Primary Mental
Health Services
01438 792035
Community
Mental Health
Team CMHT
(Hitchin)
01462 438139
MIND
Information Line
0300 123 3393
Legal Helpline
0300 466 6463
Mental Health
Foundation
SANE
0845 767 8000
Rethink
0300 5000 927
Turning Point
Hertfordshire
Complex Needs
Service
01438 724995
EIP - Early
Intervention in
Psychosis Team
01438 792100
Money Saving
Expert – Mental
Health Guide
POhWER
Advocacy Service
0300 456 2370
Work Solutions
01438 844911
The Enhanced Primary Mental Health Service is for adults experiencing a mild to moderate mental health
problem and it is available to all Hertfordshire GP practices. We offer rapid access via self-referral
(single point of access number above) or through your GP. The types of help we offer are 1:1 sessions
(approximately 12 sessions), psycho-educational group sessions, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT),
computerised cognitive behaviour therapy, signposting to community resources and guided self-help
books and information. EMPHS/ teams are located across Herts www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk Aug2013
The Community Mental Health Team CMHT is a community based assessment and treatment service for
18-65 year olds suffering with mental health problems. Support can include access to art therapy, the
community support team, day services, home support team, residential services, hospital admission,
carers assessments and support for carers, family therapy, individual work, advocacy, nursing services,
occupational therapy, practical help, psychotherapy, social worker and treatment from home. Access
is through your GP and some self-referrals through the single point of access contact number (above).
Self-referrals will be assessed but contact may be made with your GP www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk July2013
MIND offers information and advice through its website, information and legal advice helplines and
through support in your area. MIND offers information and advice on various mental health issues such
as living with a mental health problem, abuse support, anger, antidepressants, bereavement support,
money and mental health, OCDs, panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, post natal depression, psychotic
experiences, depression, debt, drugs, eating disorders, self-esteem, self-harm, sleep problems and
MORE. Mind in Mid Herts offers support locally at a well-being centre in Stevenage, through a creative
writing group, FREE counselling and MORE www.mind.org.uk / www.mindinmidherts.org.uk July2013
A Mental Health A-Z of information including alcohol, anger, anxiety, ADHD and autism, bi polar, body
dysmorphic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, delusions, dementia, depression, drugs, eating
disorders, gambling, hallucinations, hearing voices, insomnia, mania, narcolepsy, OCD, panic attacks,
paranoia, phobias, personality disorders, psychosis and MORE www.mentalhealth.org.uk July2013
SANE is a mental health charity offering emotional support via their helpline, email and support forum.
The helpline operates 6-11pm every day for anyone affected by a mental illness www.sane.org.uk July2013
Information about various mental health conditions including anxiety, bipolar, borderline personality
disorder, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia and
psychosis. Rethink offers information online, via their phone line and factsheets about the condition,
diagnosis, causes, treatments and national support groups www.rethink.org July2013
Working in partnership with Hertfordshire Mind Network we provide community support to those recovering
from mental health issues and additional complex needs such as substance misuse & learning disabilities.
We can provide practical support to promote personal independence and recovery, support you to feel less
isolated, be more independent, we offer emotional and practical support to carers, help resolve life
issues including housing, debts and benefits, informal family support, reducing episodes of crisis and
MORE. Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted www.turning-point.co.uk July2013
The Early Intervention in Psychosis teams provide services for 14-35 year olds experiencing one or more
of the following: worrying feelings, problems in sleeping, concentrating or relating to others, disjointed,
unrealistic or racing thoughts, sudden mood swings from depression to elation and hearing unexpected
voices. Referrals through GP or self-referral and parents and carers can also contact the service.
Treatment is usually a mix of cognitive behaviour therapy CBT and appropriate medication. East and
West Teams are available in Herts www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk / www.aminormal.org July2013
FREE 44-page PDF booklet supported by Mind, Rethink, CAPUK and others, for people with mental
health problems and those caring for them. It covers how to handle debts when unwell, work with
banks, FREE debt counselling, specific tips for bipolar disorder or depression sufferers, whether to
declare a condition and more www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/mental-health-guide July2013
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout Hertfordshire. We
aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. We regularly work
with people who feel they have been let down by the NHS and want to make a complaint, older people,
people with mental health issues, sensory impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities,
children and young people, people with autism and people who have experienced discrimination or
exclusion. All services are FREE independent and confidential. Hertfordshire POhWER provide NHS
complaints advocacy, Independent mental capacity advocacy (IMCA), including deprivation of liberty
safeguards DoLS and paid relevant persons representative services, Community advocacy, Independent
mental health advocacy IMHA, Child and adolescent mental health service, Secure services advocacy
and Herts Help Brokerage support service. Find out more by visiting www.pohwer.net July2013
Funded by the county council, we support motivated people with mental ill health, learning disabilities,
Aspergers, physical disabilities and sensory needs who often find it difficult to get and keep a job. We
will help you to get into and stay in paid employment by improving your confidence and self-esteem
and ensuring you meet employers' expectations. We can help you to choose the right job, create a CV ad
support you and your employer. View hertsdirect for more information www.hertsdirect.org July2013
11
Support for Young People and Families
PLEASE ALSO VIEW THE GREEN COUNSELLING SECTION ABOVE AS I HAVE NOT REPEATED SERVICES HERE
Young Minds
Young Minds is committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young
people, providing expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through our parents'
0808 802 5544
helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications. Parents can ring
Young Minds for advice and both parents and young people can view the webpage for information on
anger, bullying, depression, anxieties and more www.youngminds.org.uk July2013
Child and
CAMHS treats emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents across Hertfordshire
Adolescent
including depression, anxiety, phobias, extreme aggression, anorexia, schizophrenia and obsessive
Mental Health
compulsive disorders. Presenting problems may be self-harm, overdoses, non-school attendance, school
Service CAMHS
exclusion or police involvement. Referrals through GP/school nurse www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk July2013
Specific Mental Health Areas – Bi Polar, Self Harm, Suicide, Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Eating Disorders
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK offers support through its website, downloads, helpline, live chat and through email for those
08444 775 774
suffering from anxiety and related conditions such as phobias. Anxiety UK can signpost you to local
therapists with the most local currently in Baldock www.anxietyuk.org.uk July2013
No Panic
Confidential helpline for anyone suffering from panic attacks, phobias, OCD and other related anxiety
0800 138 8889
disorders, as well as telephone recovery groups, literature, advice and support for those coming off
tranquilizers and information and advice for carers and family members www.nopanic.org.uk July2013
OCD Action
Support and information for anyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and related disorders
0845 390 6232
such as skin picking and hair pulling through the website, helpline, email, downloads, information
sheets and signposting to books www.ocdaction.org.uk / http://school.ocdaction.org.uk/ July2013
OCD Carers and
Counselling for those living in Stevenage and the surrounding area as well as a fortnightly OCD support
Sufferers Support
group for OCD sufferers and four weekly support group for those living alongside the OCD sufferer.
07769 639 186
The groups are open to anyone over 18 years and are at a cost to attend www.feellighter.co.uk July2013
Bi Polar UK
Online information, national self-help groups and advice publications www.bipolaruk.org.uk July2013
020 7931 6480
Depression
Online support and information about living with depression, your wellbeing, treatments, working with
Alliance
your doctor, coping and self-help and friends and family. The nearest self-help groups meets monthly
in Hitchin 07530 676324 and twice monthly in Royston www.depressionalliance.org July2013
Self Harm
Online information and downloads for young people and adults. Since March2012 the self-harm
Network
network helpline is no longer available www.nshn.co.uk July2013
PAPYRUS
Papyrus works to prevent young suicide, offering support for you and your friends and family. Papyrus
0800 068 4141
offers a helpline, online information, publications and more www.papyrus-uk.org July2013
BEAT 0845 634
BEAT provides helplines, online support and a network of UK self-help groups to help adults and young
1414 Youth Line
people in the UK beat their eating disorders. The website has information about types of eating disorder,
0845 634 7650
getting treatment and information resources, live chat and much more www.b-eat.co.uk July2013
The Living Room
The Living Room provides access to quality treatment for those with addictions to drugs, alcohol and
01438 355649
addictive behaviours such as eating disorders and self-harming. We also support their families, children
and friends. The Living Room currently runs addiction recovery centres in St Albans and Stevenage; they
run Monday-Friday and services are FREE to access. All those attending The Living Room are allocated
a member of staff to co-ordinate the counselling, care and support they receive ensuring that each recovery
journey is in line with the needs of the individual. Also available is daily counselling and educational groups
for all addictions and separate groups for relationship (love and sex) addiction, eating disorders and illicit
drugs. The Living Room can also provide 1:1 counselling on request to those attending one or more of
the above. Family and friends group happy days playroom (FREE on-site creche), parenting support service
and couples and family counselling (on-request) are also available www.thelivingroom.me.uk July2013
Substance Misuse and Addiction
You can talk to your GP or School Health Advisor about Concerns
NHS Advice
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol, fitness,
Online
healthy eating, stress, depression, fatigue, eating disorders, bereavement and more www.nhs.uk July2013
Drink Aware
Information about alcohol, what is alcohol, the health effects, alcohol and your child, effects on your
Website
safety and relationships, alcohol and the law, alcohol across genders and use the online calculators to
work out how many alcohol units you are drinking www.drinkaware.co.uk July2013
The Site
The Site Website offers advice and information to 16-25 year olds on sex and relationships, health,
Website
wellbeing, drink, drugs, home, law and money, work and study and more www.thesite.org July2013
National centre of expertise on drugs and drug law providing FREE confidential specialist advice to the
Release
0845 4500 215
public and professionals through their helplines and website www.release.org.uk July2013
Alcoholics
AA is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who
Anonymous AA
turn to the fellowship for help. AA has open and closed support groups where the individuals family can
0845 769 7555
and cannot join the meeting respectively. Nearest support groups can be found in Letchworth, Hitchin,
Baldock and Stevenage throughout the week/weekends www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk July2013
Supporting Herts
Supporting Herts offers housing related support to drug and alcohol users in Hertfordshire, supporting
01992 509894
people at different stages of their recovery and at different stages of housing need. The aim of the service
is to support recovery and independence, prevent homelessness and help people achieve stable housing.
Parts of service self-referral, others through professionals www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
12
Westminster
Drug Project
Drug and alcohol services including open access information and advice, outreach to work with people
in the community, day programmes, detoxification and rehabilitation services alcohol services, after care,
and family HertSpeak and One Herts One Family programmes (below) www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
01462 442442
HertSpeak offers a FREE therapeutic service for children, parents and families affected by parental alcohol
or substance misuse in Hertfordshire. The service aims to help children be safe and healthy, adults to be
effective parents and families to communicate. The service offers practical parenting support, individual
HertSpeak
therapy, therapeutic play, family therapy and couples counselling (between any members of a family).
Katie Noorian
Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted. Criteria to access support include one or more
parents having a current or past alcohol/substance misuse problem www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
FREE support for children, parents and families where a variety of issues are causing difficulties for the
One Herts One
children including parental drugs/alcohol misuse or domestic abuse. 1H1F are family-focused offering
Family 1H1F
emotional and practical support to build on existing parenting skills and relationships. To access 1H1F the
(Eldest child
eldest child in the family must be between 5-10 years old and there must be no children’s services
between 5-10 years)
involvement. Based in Hitchin 1H1F offers family therapy, 1:1 therapy, couples counselling, 1:1 therapy,
practical support, parenting support, therapeutic play and parenting groups www.wdp-drugs.org.uk July2013
CRI Spectrum
Our services help people to make and sustain the changes they need to reduce and ultimately stop their
01438 364495
drug and alcohol use. Services include health care clinics at which our recovery nurses provide health care
advice, screening and vaccinations for blood borne viruses, needle exchange to ensure safe equipment
Out of hours
and provide advice for injecting drug users, talking therapies that enable people to build and maintain
0800 652 3169
their motivation, understand their use of drugs and alcohol, and make long-term changes for a healthier
and safer life, prescribing support including medical detoxification and alternative medication to reduce
people’s use of some illegal drugs, rehabilitation support and MORE. If you want to speak to someone
about your alcohol or substance use, or are worried about a friend/relative, you can contact the service by
phone, email or by dropping into one of our hubs (nearest Letchworth). GPs, family, carers, friends or
agencies can refer someone to this FREE 18+ service http://cri.org.uk/stevenage_recovery Aug2013
The Living Room
The Living Room provides access to quality treatment for those with addictions to drugs, alcohol and
01438 355649
addictive behaviours such as eating disorders and self-harming. We also support their families, children
and friends. The Living Room currently runs addiction recovery centres in St Albans and Stevenage; they
run Monday-Friday and services are FREE to access. All those attending The Living Room are allocated a
member of staff to co-ordinate the counselling, care and support they receive ensuring that each recovery
journey is in line with the needs of the individual. Also available is daily counselling and educational groups
for all addictions and separate groups for relationship (love and sex) addiction, eating disorders and illicit
drugs. The Living Room can also provide 1:1 counselling on request to those attending one or more of
the above. Family and friends group happy days playroom (FREE on-site creche), parenting support service
and couples and family counselling (on-request) are also available www.thelivingroom.me.uk July2013
Turning Point
Working in partnership with Hertfordshire Mind Network we provide community support to those recovering
Hertfordshire
from mental health issues and additional complex needs such as substance misuse and learning disabilities.
Complex Needs
We can provide practical support to promote personal independence and recovery, support you to feel
Service
less isolated, be more independent, we offer emotional and practical support to carers, help resolve life
01438 724995
issues including housing, debts and benefits, informal family support, reducing episodes of crisis and
MORE. Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted www.turning-point.co.uk July2013
Gamcare
Support, information and advice to anyone suffering with a gambling problem through their online talk
0808 8020 133
live that offers emotional support, and through their helpline www.gamcare.org.uk July2013
FA
Families Anonymous FA is a world wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s
0845 1200 660
abuse of mind altering substances or related behaviour problems www.famanon.org.uk July2013
Parental Drug Awareness Service PADA offers FREE confidential information, support and advice to
Parental Drug
Awareness Service
parents and carers who may be concerned about their children and drugs, alcohol or solvent misuse.
01707 393934
Information about this service can be found on www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Support for Young People
FRANK
Confidential information and advice about drugs, finding support and emergency help for young people
0800 77 66 00
and their parents. FRANK offers a phone line, text and email support and live chat, as well as an online
A-Z list of drug information, drug news, information about how drugs effect the brain, stories from others,
information about emergency help, support near you and drug treatments www.talktofrank.com July2013
Youth
Youth Connexions Hertfordshire forms part of the County Council’s Services for Young People and it
Connexions
aims to provide information, advice, guidance and support, and personal development opportunities to
0800 389 3258
13-19 year olds (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities). Connexions
offer FREE confidential advice on topics such as growing up, education, work, health, training, drugs,
One Stop Shop - relationships, bullying, depression, alcohol, crime, eating disorders and housing, and offers mentoring in
Bowes Lyon
secondary schools and through its One Stop Shops in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire. Youth
Centre Stevenage
Connexions also offer activities through the summer holidays, support to find youth work and access to
01438 749147
the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Stevenage One Stop Shop based at Bowes Lyon also offers a
condom scheme, pregnancy and Chlamydia testing, counselling and computers to research, develop
CVs and search for jobs www.youthconnexions-hertfordshire.org / www.channelmogo.org July2013
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NACOA
0800 358 3456
A-DASH
01923 427288
or text
07770 537227
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics NACOA provides information, advice and support to
anyone affected by a parents drinking. NACOA offer a FREE confidential helpline for information and
ongoing support for children and adults of all ages by phone and by email, and the website also offers
information for children, young people, adults and other concerned professionals, including help and
advice, information, frequently asked questions and signposting to books www.nacoa.org.uk July2013
The Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service A-DASH provides confidential advice, support and specialist
assessment and treatment to young people under the age of 18 who have drug and alcohol problems,
who have a Hertfordshire GP or live in or attend school in Hertfordshire. Young People can phone or
text directly. The team works in close co-operation and partnership with other key providers of services
to young people e.g. CAMHS, YOT’s, Children, Schools and Families (CSF) and Youth Connexions, in
reducing drug and alcohol related harm in young people. The service welcomes telephone enquiries to
offer advice and information as well as to inform callers what services there are locally to help young
people in Hertfordshire or their parents/carers www.hertspartsft.nhs.uk July2013
Support to Stop Smoking
NHS Smoking Helpline
Online and phone information and advice, ways and reasons to quit, addiction test, patches and
0800 022 4332
gums, cost calculator, quitting timeline, quit tools and smoking and pregnancy. You can order a
Hertfordshire Service
smoke free and quit kit and consider second hand smoking. The Hertfordshire Stop Smoking
0800 389 3998
Service can be assessed in a wide range of venues including pharmacies, GPs, community
centres and MORE http://smokefree.nhs.uk/ www.smokefreehertfordshire.nhs.uk Aug2013
QUIT
QUIT is a UK charity that helps smokers to stop smoking and young people to never start. QUIT
offers a Skype counselling and services in schools such as presentations www.quit.org.uk Aug2013
Specific Group Support
Multiple Births, Pregnancy and Sexual Health
The Twins and
Information and support for parents of twins, triplets and more, and the professionals involved in their
Multiple Births
care, through their twin line helpline 0800 138 0509 and website including information about feeding,
Association
sleep, development, concerns, family life, behaviour and more. The nearest TAMBA support group runs
in Stevenage twice monthly www.tamba.org.uk / www.stevenageandknebworthtwinsclub.co.uk Aug2013
01438 304442
The Multiple Births
The multiple births foundation offers online advice and information for parents expecting a multiple birth
as well as help for professionals, publications, statistics and MORE www.multiplebirths.org.uk Aug2013
Foundation MBF
NHS Advice
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol, fitness,
Online
healthy eating, sexual health, stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness and fatigue, autism, babies, allergies,
eating disorders, bereavement, the menopause, family health, teenagers and more www.nhs.uk July2013
Brook
Brook offers FREE and confidential information for under25s about sexual health, contraception, sexually
0808 802 1234
transmitted diseases, sex and relationships, pregnancy, your rights and body and an A-Z of sex, via the
webpage, phone, email and Brook Centres (nearest are in Bedfordshire) www.brook.org.uk Aug2013
FREE confidential counselling, support and advice for those facing an unplanned pregnancy or have post
CARE
Confidential
abortion concerns via the CARE confidential webpage, centres, helpline and online advisors. The nearest
0300 4000 999
‘Choice’ centre in Letchworth serves North Hertfordshire and Stevenage offering FREE pregnancy testing,
Choice
information on the implications of both pregnancy and termination, and counselling is also available. You
01462 683054
can drop in during opening times or book an appointment www.careconfidential.com Aug2013
BPAS
BPAS provides help to women with an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy they choose not to continue
08457 304030 with. If you're pregnant and considering abortion it's important to know you’re not alone. We are the UK's
leading independent provider of abortion care. As well as non-directive and impartial counselling for unplanned
pregnancy and abortion treatment we provide emergency contraception (such as the "morning after pill") &
FREE pregnancy testing. Over 93% of women have treatment funded by the NHS www.bpas.org.uk Aug2013
Single, Absent and Separating Parent Support
ALSO SEE THE PURPLE MAIN PARENTING SECTION
FREE confidential information, advice and practical support for single parents about anything from the
Gingerbread
0808 802 0925
break up, to going back to work, sorting out maintenance, benefit and tax issues. The website offers
A-Z factsheets, online advice sessions, email support and more www.gingerbread.org.uk July2013
Impartial confidential and FREE information to support separated parents to make informed choices
Child Maintenance
0800 988 0988
about child maintenance arrangements www.cmoptions.org July2013
The Child Support
Assesses and collects child support maintenance, ensuring that parents who live apart meet their
Agency CSA
financial responsibilities to their children www.csa.gov.uk / www.gov.uk/child-maintenance Aug2013
Fosters Legal Ltd
Fosters Legal Ltd has a high reputation in the local community of their continuous support of providing
FREE initial specialist legal advice to help parents who are on low income and on benefits, and going
07572 373011
through family disputes in relation to children’s law and family law, including aspects of divorce and
separation, child welfare and domestic violence. Based in Stevenage, and working with experienced
solicitors and barristers, Fosters Legal Ltd also offers services in immigration, employment and housing.
Please phone Sandra Foster to book your FREE appointment www.fosterslegal.co.uk Aug2013
CAFCASS
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service CAFCASS looks after the interests of children
0844 353 4332
involved in family proceedings. We work with children and their families, and then advise the courts
on what we consider to be in the best interests of individual children www.cafcass.gov.uk July2013
14
Stevenage and
North Herts
Contact Centres
0845 4500 280
Mothers Apart
from their Children
MATCH
Families Need Fathers
FNF 0300 0300 363
When parents are no longer able to communicate, contact centres provide a neutral place for children
to meet the parent who no longer lives at home with them. We won't take your partner's or your side
and we simply operate in the best interests of your child. The centres provide toys, games and facilities
that reflect the diverse needs of children affected by family breakdown. If you have been referred to a
child contact service or just want to find out more, you can find FAQs on the website. Alternatively call
the NACCC. Contact centres offer supported and supervised contact. www.naccc.org.uk July2013
MATCH is a charity that offers non-judgemental information and support to mothers apart from their
children in a wide variety of circumstances including those whose children who have been adopted,
gone through divorce, family breakdown, where the mother is in prison, personal reasons or choice,
for religious or cultural reasons or your child has been abducted www.matchmothers.org July2013
Information and support for parents whose relationship with their children is under threat. FNF offer a
helpline, local branch meetings, downloadable factsheets and an online forum www.fnf.org.uk July2013
BME Support and Translation / Interpreting Services and Immigration
The Hertfordshire Grid BME information and support - http://www.thegrid.org.uk/learning/bme/index.shtml
Hertsdirect offer information about services for ‘Minority Ethnic Groups’ on www.hertsdirect.org
North Herts Ethnic
Minority Forum
NHEMF
01462 440224
Hitchin Language
Centre
01462 431804
POhWER
Advocacy Service
0300 456 2370
Caribbean Harmony
Group 01462 678488
Indian Cultural
Society
01438 313346
Herts AngloScandinavian Society
01707 323602
INTRAN
Translation
HITS
01442 867212
The Hertfordshire
Interpreters and
Translators Assoc..
01923 216961
The NHMEF provides services to improve the life of the BME community including information and
advice on housing, benefits, employment, education, training and health matters. The NHMEF offers
skills development programmes such as IT skills, textiles, ESOL, Italian language for children and adults,
Polish school, Arabic language, job club and CV writing, literacy and numeracy courses and personal
development courses. NHMEF also offer health and activity courses such as yoga and keep fit, as well
as social and leisure groups such as Italian Evening Meal Club and Chinese Social Club and a mentoring
programme for 5-14 year olds across North Herts and Stevenage www.nhmef.org.uk July2013
Hitchin Language Centre is an independent enterprise specialising in language services and offering
private and group tuition for 4+ year olds and adults including Arabic, Greek, Cantonese, Japanese,
Spanish, French, German, Turkish, English and Mandarin www.hitchinlanguagecentre.co.uk July2013
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout Hertfordshire. We
aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. We regularly work
with people who feel they have been let down by the NHS and want to make a complaint, older people,
people with mental health issues, sensory impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities,
children and young people, people with autism and people who have experienced discrimination or
exclusion. All services are FREE independent and confidential. Hertfordshire POhWER provide NHS
complaints advocacy, Independent mental capacity advocacy (IMCA), including deprivation of liberty
safeguards DoLS and paid relevant persons representative services, Community advocacy, Independent
mental health advocacy IMHA, Child and adolescent mental health service, Secure services advocacy
and Herts Help Brokerage support service. Find out more by visiting www.pohwer.net July2013
The Letchworth Caribbean Harmony Group aims to promote cultural, social and educational activities
amongst the town’s Caribbean community www.letchworthcaribbeanharmonygroup.co.uk July2013
The Indian Cultural Society of Stevenage and North Herts are a non government, non profit making
organisation which aims to bring families together, offering cultural evenings, social evenings and
providing showcase for young talent. No membership fee at present. www.hertsdirect.org July2013.
Membership for Swedes, Danes and Norwegians as well as those with family, friends or business
connections in the Scandinavian and Nordic Countries. The group offer a programme of events and
speakers and family friendly and informal get togethers www.hertsscandinavian.co.uk July2013
INTRAN is non-profit making and a multi-agency partnership providing language services throughout
the Eastern region, approving and commissioning agencies offering face to face interpreters (see HITS
below), services working with deaf and hard of hearing people, lip reading and sign language (Clarion),
telephone interpreting (Language Line), written and audio translations, transcriptions and Braille services
(Pearl Linguistics). The website has a link to all services. Possible cost. www.intran.org July2013
Herts Interpreting and Translation Service (HITS) provide phone and face to face interpreting, audio
recordings, written translations and a bi lingual telephone service www.hertsinterpreting.org July2013
THITA provides interpreting and translation services to local health and social services, the police,
courts, voluntary organisations and the private sector including face to face and/or simultaneous
interpreting, phone interpreting, written translations, audio and video recordings, deaf blind signing
and British Sign Language (BSL). THITA currently offers over 60 languages www.thita.org.uk July2013
Gender Identity
You can search ‘sexual orientation’ on www.hertsdirect.org for more information and a list of UK wide support services
NHS Advice
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, contraception, alcohol, fitness, healthy eating,
Online
sexual health, eating disorders, disability, asthma, bereavement, children’s sleep, incontinence, hearing
problems, the menopause, family health, teenagers and MORE www.nhs.uk July2013
Mermaids
Family and individual support for children and teenagers with gender identity issues including a mailing list
0208 1234 819
for 12-19 year olds, a mailing list for parents, carers and professionals, online information about gender
dysphoria, media and science articles and information phone line www.mermaidsuk.org.uk Aug2013
15
Letchworth
Cortex
0788 434 6037
PACE
020 7700 1323
Support and social group for transgender people and anyone else who wishes to attend. Meetings are held
monthly with a small entry fee and Cortex also organise all sorts of activities such as dinner and meeting
other groups across Herts. Online info about local groups www.tgcortex.com/cortex-letchworth Aug2013
PACE promotes the mental health and emotional well being of the lesbian, bisexual gay and transgender
community offering a wide range of services including online support www.pacehealth.org.uk Aug2013
Grandparent Support
Grandparents
National charity supporting all grandparents and their families, offering advice for those who have lost
Association
contact with their grandchildren, kinship care, childcare, welfare benefits and grand parenting as well as
0845 434 9585
offering a helpline, support groups, fact sheets and online chat. Hertfordshire support groups include St
Albans, Hatfield, Letchworth and Royston www.grandparents-association.org.uk July2013
Grandparents
National charity which champions the vital role of grandparents and the wider family in children’s lives,
Plus
especially when they take on the caring role in difficult family circumstances. The charity offers advice
0300 123 7015
and support online and by phone relating to money, work, housing, legal rights, disability and education,
as well as bereavement, drugs and domestic violence. www.grandparentsplus.org.uk July2013
Support for Adult and Young Carers
0300 123 4043 – Children’s Services
You can search ‘Support for Carers’ on www.hertsdirect.org/services/healthsoc/carersupport/. This includes information
about social care support, extra money for carers, emotional support, your well-being, young carers and MUCH MORE.
Herts County
If you provide regular unpaid emotional, physical or practical help to a friend, neighbour or a member of
Council Caring
your family there is a range of help available and you have the right to request an assessment of your
Assessment
caring needs. This is called a carer’s assessment. This assessment is a discussion between you and the
0300 123 4043
assessor. It is not a test of your abilities as a carer. A carer's assessment will recognise the important
role you have in supporting the person you care for. It will help identify the support you need to manage
Young Carers
your caring role. Hertfordshire County Council services are FREE to carers www.hertsdirect.org July2013
PA in County
Children’s Services CS have professional assistants based within the Targeted Advice Service TAS
0300 123 4043
who can offer support and information to young carers and their families www.hertsdirect.org July2013
FREE confidential information and advice for carers, by phone and via the webpage. Guide to caring,
NHS Support
Carers Direct
information about social care, care and work or study, care, finance and the law, carers well-being,
0808 802 0202
young carers, carer’s lives and understanding carers www.nhs.uk/carersdirect July2013
Parent Carers
Parent involvement means the families of disabled children working together with service providers to
Involvement
ensure that the impact of services (or lack of accessible services) on family life is understood by all. It
Forum
also means families gain a better understanding of the decision making factors which service providers
consider when deciding what services to provide, when and for whom. www.hertsparentcarers.org.uk Aug2013
07840 360245
Carers UK
Carers UK offers information including a quick guide to caring, help with money, practical help, care with
0808 808 7777
nutrition, coping with debt, why carers need a break, a guide to carers right, well life stories, online support
forum and more. There is an option to become a member of Carers UK www.carersuk.org July2013
FREE information, support and advice for unpaid family and friends who look after someone including
Carers in
Hertfordshire
information about the Hertfordshire carer’s passport, planning your caring role, carer led support groups,
01992 586969
events for carers, factsheets, carewaves newsletter, a carers bereavement group and support for young
carers and their families. The koolcarers site has details about young carer groups across Herts, including
groups in Hitchin for 9-13/13-19 year olds www.carersinherts.org.uk / www.koolcarers.org.uk July2013
Carers Trust
Online information and carers stories, including taking care of yourself, money and benefits, aids and
adaptions, bereavements, taking a holiday, carers handbook and more. The website signposts to local
support being Crossroads (shown below) www.carers.org / www.youngcarers.net July2013
Crossroads
Crossroads Hertfordshire North support carers and the people they care for across Hertfordshire including
North Herts
North Herts and Stevenage. Services include adult carer support, children’s care, day centre care,
01462 455578
carers cafes and specialised support. You can sign up to a newsletter www.crossroadshn.org.uk July2013
Support for those in Care or Care Leavers / Adoption / Fostering
Hertfordshire
The Herts Adoption Support Service runs for the whole of Hertfordshire providing information, advice,
Adoption Support
training, assessments on family needs, support groups, annual summer picnic, letterbox service,
Service (CSF)
support with direct contact arrangements, access to play and occupational therapists, life stories,
01438 844488
counselling for over 18s and counselling to birth parents. Families can ring directly. July2013
Link Adoption
Barnardos offer a Link Adoption Support Service to anyone that has been adopted or affected by
Support Service
adoption in areas including Hertfordshire, offering a helpdesk and therapeutic and other forms of
01206 362540
counselling. Referrals from local authorities or self-referral www.barnardos.org.uk Aug2013
Foster Line
Advice and information to prospective and approved foster carers and those who support them on
020 7401 9582
a range of issues that can affect the foster carer role such as allegations, approval, finance,
legislation and relationships with fostering services www.fostering.net July2013
Adoption UK
National charity run by and for adopters providing self-help information, advice, support and training
0844 848 7900
on all aspects of adoption / adoptive parenting. Adoption UK offers a helpline, online message boards,
support groups, publications, lending library and family support service www.adoptionuk.org.uk July2013
After Adoption
If your life is affected by adoption you may be searching for answers to particular questions, or just
Support
want a little extra support. If you are an adopted person, part of an adoptive family or a birth relative, we
can help you manage the differences adoption can bring to your life www.afteradoption.org.uk July2013
16
British Association of
Adoption and
Fostering Charity
NORCAP
01865 875000
Extra Tuition
Hitchin Language
Centre
01462 431804
Bright Futures
01462 437173
Kumon
0800 854 714
Number Works
01462 459744
Magikats
0844 870 9896
Whiz Kids
07905 019 496
Little Linguists
01763 288361
Advice on becoming an adopter or foster parent, tracing family members, policy and practice issues
for professionals, consultancy for some aspects of particular cases, resource books, publications
and MORE www.baaf.org.uk Aug2013
The National Organisation for Counselling Adoptees and Parents NORCAP provides specialist services
for adults affected by adoption, guidance on how to locate lost relatives, signposting to local support,
campaigns on issues important to adults affected by adoption and MORE www.norcap.org.uk Aug2013
Search ’private tuition and tutors’ on www.hertsdirect.org.uk
Independent enterprise specialising in language services and offering private and group tuition for 4+
year olds and adults. Languages taught include Arabic, Greek, Cantonese, Japanese, Spanish,
French, German, Turkish, English and Mandarin www.hitchinlanguagecentre.co.uk July2013
Bright Futures 1-1 tuition is designed for both adults and children who need support with basic skills.
Each learner is taught by a professionally qualified, experienced Special Needs Teacher, who has a
special interest in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Aspergers Syndrome. Whether they just require a boost in
any specific subject or are having difficulty with basic skills, reading, writing, spelling and numeracy, the
aim is to help everyone reach their full potential. See hertsdirect for info www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Maths and English programmes for children from 2 years old, the nearest centres are based within
Letchworth, Hitchin and Stevenage www.kumon.co.uk July2013
Maths and English tuition based in Hitchin for 5-16 year olds www.numberworksnwords.co.uk July2013
Math’s and English workshops based across and out of the UK, with the nearest centre in Stevenage
for 4-16 year olds as well as KidiKats workshops for under 5 year olds www.magikats.co.uk July2013
Maths, English and Science tuition for 8-18 year olds in either group or 1:1 settings. Tuition is available
across London, Hertfordshire and Kent www.whizkidstuition.co.uk July2013
Fun and interactive way for your child to start the lifelong process of acquiring a 2 nd language from an
early age. Group classes start from 2½ years and slightly younger in day nurseries and private classes.
Nearest classes Letchworth, Baldock, Hitchin and Stevenage www.littlelinguists.org.uk July2013
Volunteering, CRBs, Leaving School, Careers and ADULTS Also search ‘hobbies and leisure’ on www.hertsdirect.org
North Herts
Based with the North Herts Centre for Voluntary Service, the North Herts Volunteer Centre provide a
Volunteer Centre
volunteering information service for those interested in volunteering, by phone, email and face to face,
01462 689400
information on local volunteering opportunities (over 250 at any one time) for 18+ year olds (some
opportunities available for 14/16 year olds), 1:1 confidential discussions, help and advice to find the
right volunteering opportunity and information on roles and responsibilities of a volunteer. Please
contact volunteercentre@nhcvs.org.uk for more info or view www.do-it.org.uk July2013
HCS Careers Ltd
HCS offers careers advice services to people in Hertfordshire including services for the unemployed,
01462 705000
careers development information and redundancy advice. The careers management and coaching
service can offer 1:1 guidance sessions, personal development plan and MORE www.hcs.co.uk Aug2013
Criminal Record
North Herts Centre for Voluntary Services is registered with the Criminal Records Bureau as an
Checks (DBS)
umbrella body. This means we can process DBS (previously CRB) application checks for your staff and
volunteers 16+ years. We also offer FREE advice on safe storage, handling & disposal of your CRB
01462 689400
checks. To find out more info please call 01462 689400 or visit www.nhcvs.org.uk July2013
IAG 01462 424217
Information, Advice and Guidance IAG is a local independent support and advice service available in
Charlotte Sandwell
regards to adult learning courses and career progression careers@nhc.ac.uk Aug2013
Soundbase
Soundbase offers various courses for 14-16 year olds including an ABC creative art and design award
01462 421122
(video work), music technology, graphic design, creative workshops and foundation learning for 16-18
year olds. Under 16s must be referred by their school / professional www.soundbase.org.uk July2013
Ridgemond
Training centres are available in Letchworth, Stevenage and Luton offering a variety of courses such as
01438 842200
bricklaying, child care, carpentry, painting and decorating, warehousing, multi-skill, plumbing and
electrics and sports coaching. There are no formal qualifications to join a course. Possible funding
support available to vulnerable 16-19 year old students www.ridgemondtraining.org.uk July2013
Pitman
Pitman Training is available nearest in Stevenage offering programmes such as secretarial training,
01438 289085
office skills, keyboard and Microsoft office training, accountancy and bookkeeping, management
courses, IT training, web design and more www.pitman-training.com/stevenage July2013
The Settlement
The Settlement offers a wide range of activities, courses, events and groups for adults, including abstract
01462 682828
painting, cake decorating, creative stitchery, photography, dress making, life drawing, drawing and
painting, oil painting, patchwork and quilting and MORE www.letchworthsettlement.org.uk Aug2013
Letchworth
The Letchworth Arts Centre presents exhibitions, lives shows and art related courses for children and
Arts Centre
adults term time and through holidays including polenastics for adults, floristry, yoga, book club for the
01462 670788
visual impaired and tutored life drawing. The Arts Centre has a café www.letchwortharts.org July2013
Letchworth
Access to a huge variety of leisure groups for adults including arts and design group, daytime book
Arts+ Leisure
club, Broadway buddies, just desserts, pudding club, readers group, history, London villages, wine
Group
discovery, Dutch or German conversation, Latin, alternate ramblers, wild walks, walking buddies,
Photoshop group, computer group, family history group, film club and MORE www.lalg.org.uk July2013
17
Time Bank –
North Herts,
Stevenage &
Buntingford
01462 689405
North Herts
College
01462 424242
Learn Direct
0800 101 901
Time Bank is a community skills exchange program, giving members the opportunity to use their knowledge,
skills and experience to help people in their neighbourhood and earn time credits. Members then have the
chance to use those credits to get help with something they need. Some of our most popular skills are
cooking, DIY, computers, crafts, writing, befriending, housework and language skills, but Time Bank values
all skills equally and the possibilities are endless. As well as traditional time banking, with person to person
exchanges, we offer ‘Fellowship Membership’ which is for people who are unable to give back due to health
reasons, but could still use support from the Time Bank to feel less isolated and maintain independence.
Time Bank has a dedicated garden team who help people who for different reasons have been unable
to look after the gardens. They provide one off help to get the garden back into a manageable state. We
are always in need of new members or referrals of people that could benefit from the service please get
in touch if you can help www.mytimebank.org.uk / timebank@nhcvs.org July2013
North Herts College run termly leisure courses at various costs ranging from Spanish for beginners, yarn
crafts, digital photography, dressmaking, creative writing, drawing and painting, cookery, computer skills,
clay next steps, art ability, French, sportability, food safety, song writing and MORE www.nhc.ac.uk July2013
Learn Direct offers Maths, English, computer and IT, job seeking skills, life skills, business and job specific
and language qualifications and courses for adults. In many cases, your course and qualification may
be FREE due to government funding www.learndirect.co.uk July2013
Special Needs Support
Please also consider other sections in this document
Support FOR those WITH Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Youth
A team of personal advisers dedicated to working with 13-25 year olds with learning difficulties and / or
Connexions
disabilities to help them make a successful transition into adult life. The team works closely with schools,
LDD Team
colleges and other learning providers and the team also supports those young people who are attending
01438 844999
out of county schools or colleges and helps those not in education, employment or training. The team also
works with the parent/carer. Help is provided when the young person first meets a Youth Connexions PA
during Year 9 (age 13/14). The PA will attend the year 9 statement review as part of the Special Educational
Needs Code of Practice. PAs continue to see young people in class, in individual interviews and in groups.
This work aims to explore future options, identify what the young person is interested in doing and find
out what support they might need www.hertsdirect.org / www.connexions-hertfordshire.co.uk July2013
The Circles of
Links 14-18 year olds in Hertfordshire with moderate learning difficulties and special needs with volunteers
Support Project
16+ years old. Over the course of a year each young person can receive up to 250 hours of support to
0845 216 0084
access activities and opportunities that others may take for granted www.reachoutplus.org July2013
StopGap
StopGap is a specialist programme for 16-24 year olds with Aspergers Syndrome, social communication
01438 728938
disorders and associated emotional and behavioural difficulties. Learners may also have mental health
Stevenage
issues. The programmes offers learners a foundation learning course, a NOCN qualification levels 1 and
2, functional skills, social and life skills training, participation in art and drama therapy, sports and leisure
activities, work experience and volunteering opportunities and an individual key worker who works to help
the young person meet their targets. Referrals usually through Youth Connexions and Schools/Colleges
but you can also contact StopGap directly by phone throughout the week www.hcs.co.uk July2013
The Royal
Mencap work in partnership with people with a learning difficulty and all services support people to live their
Mencap Society
lives as they choose. The phone line offers information and advice about learning difficulties and where to
find local support or you can email help@mencap.org.uk. Mencap can provide information on community
Mencap Direct care, benefits, education, jobs, housing, holidays, family and personal relationships . If English is not your first
0808 808 1111
language, Mencap Direct offer a translation service. Mencap also offer information about leisure activities,
housing, work as well as family and personal support, respite and residential care www.mencap.org.uk July2013
Adults with a Learning Difficulty
Work
Solutions
01438 844911
Jackie’s
Drop in Centre
07835 649546
POhWER
Advocacy
Service
0300 456 2370
Funded by the county council, we support motivated people with mental ill health, learning disabilities,
Aspergers, physical disabilities and sensory needs who often find it difficult to get and keep a job. We will
help you to get into and stay in paid employment by improving your confidence and self-esteem and
ensuring you meet employers' expectations. We can help you to choose the right job, create a CV ad
support you and your employer. View hertsdirect for more information www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Jackie’s drop in centre caters for adults with many different forms of disabilities, offering entertainment,
pool tables, game consoles, quiet spaces, radio room, television room, days out, art and craft room and
much more http://jackiesdropin.org.uk/page2.html July2013
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout Hertfordshire. We aim
to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. We regularly work with people
who feel they have been let down by the NHS and want to make a complaint, older people, people with mental
health issues, sensory impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities , children and young people,
people with autism and people who have experienced discrimination or exclusion. All services are FREE
independent and confidential. Hertfordshire POhWER provide NHS complaints advocacy, Independent mental
capacity advocacy, including deprivation of liberty safeguards DoLS and paid relevant persons representative
services, Community advocacy, Independent mental health advocacy, Child and adolescent mental health
service, Secure services advocacy and Herts Help Brokerage support service www.pohwer.net July2013
18
Turning Point
Hertfordshire
Complex
Needs Service
01438 724995
Community
Transport
Scheme
01462 689400
Hertfordshire
Action on
Disability HAD
01707 324581
Disability
Rights UK
Disabled
Parents Network
0300 3300 639
Disability Living
Foundation
0300 999 0004
Working in partnership with Hertfordshire Mind Network we provide community support to those recovering
from mental health issues and additional complex needs such as substance misuse and learning disabilities.
We can provide practical support to promote personal independence and recovery, support you to feel
less isolated, be more independent, we offer emotional and practical support to carers, help resolve life
issues including housing, debts and benefits, informal family support, reducing episodes of crisis and
MORE. Self-referral and referrals from professionals accepted www.turning-point.co.uk July2013
The North Herts CVS Community Transport Scheme provides a door to door car service for elderly /
disabled residents in North Herts who are unable to use public transport. A team of more than 30
dedicated volunteer drivers from all walks of life use their own cars in their free time to take passengers
to their appointments. Passengers pay the drivers a mileage rate to cover the distance they travel. All
drivers are CRB checked. To find out more info please phone / email transport@nhcvs.org.uk July2013
HAD delivers innovative, affordable and practical services to older and disabled people from equipment,
counselling and therapies to information and advice. Counselling is available in the Woodside Centre in
Welwyn and is available FREE (affordable contribution welcome) to those with disabilities and their family
members/carers. HAD also offer family, relationship and couples counselling to their clients. Therapies
such as foot care and nutritional therapy are also available as well as an equipment centre and 24 hour
accessible transport which are adapted wheelchair friendly www.hadnet.org.uk July2013
Information, products and services developed by and for disabled people. Disability Rights UK offer FREE
factsheets on a range of benefits, advice and work support issues, helplines for independent living 0300
555 1525 and disabled students 0800 328 5050 and more www.disabilityrightsuk.org July2013
National organisation for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents and their families,
friends and supporters, offering support through phone and email, online forum, local network links and
information and FREE publications www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk July2013
Factsheets and information providing general advice about things to consider when choosing a wide range
of daily living equipment, including bath lifts and bath seats, stair lifts, walk in showers, household gadgets
communication aids and more www.dlf.org.uk July2013
Support for Parents, Carers and Siblings of those with Special Needs
Hertsdirect Online
On hertsdirect search ‘Information for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs
information
and Disabilities (SEND)’ to find information about education, school action, school action plus, how
Hertfordshire funds SEN in mainstream schools, speech and language therapy, leisure, social care,
benefits, childcare, employment and training, support and MORE www.hertsdirect.org July2013
The HUBs offer FREE countywide support and information for parents and carers of disabled children /
KIDS HUBs
young people with additional needs aged 0-19 years including help to find activities, groups, training,
East HUB (based in
information about benefits and parking, support at meetings, support with forms and letters and
Hertford) 01992 504013
signposting to specialist services. See the HUB webpage for a county-wide directory of activities for
West HUB (based in children with additional needs, as well as parent support groups and training providers, a toy library
Watford): 01923 676549
catalogue for young people with additional needs and a link to our parent facebook page. Emails:
claire.sawczenko@kids.org.uk (East) and shelley.bell@kids.org.uk (West) www.kids.org.uk/hub July2013
Parent Partnership
The Parent Partnership is an impartial confidential service funded by Hertfordshire County Council
offering FREE information about how special needs are assessed and managed so that you can make
01462 634488
Irene Holland
informed decisions about your child’s education. The Parent Partnership Team’s expertise and
01992 555847
training in special educational needs can give information about the statement process, can visit you
Non Term Service
at home and can help with relevant statement application paperwork www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Hertfordshire’s
You can join if you are a parent/carer of a 0-19 year old with an additional need or disability such as
Additional Needs
physical disability, visual/hearing impairment, autism or a learning difficulty. HAND can then offer you
Database HAND
termly newsletters, concessions into leisure activities, information on ben efits, activities, support and
01992 556984
more and an opportunity to influence planning of future services www.hertsdirect.org/hand July2013
NHS Advice Online
The NHS website offers advice on topics such as bullying, bed-wetting, contraception, alcohol,
fitness, healthy eating, sexual health, stress, anxiety, depression, tiredness and fatigue, autism,
babies, allergies, eating disorders, disability, asthma, bereavement, children’s sleep, incontinence,
hearing problems, the menopause, family health, teenagers and more www.nhs.uk July2013
Net Buddy
Website with practical tips with first-hand experience of learning difficulty, autism and special needs.
Tips on verbal and non-verbal communication, food and eating, cars and travelling, dressing, shoes
and socks, adapted clothing, hair, medical appointments, taking medication, feeding tubes, routines ,
epilepsy, bathing, tantrums, bed-wetting, social services and MORE www.netbuddy.org.uk July2013
Parent Carers
Parent involvement means the families of disabled children working together with service providers to
Involvement Forum
ensure that the impact of services (or lack of accessible services) on family life is understood by all. It
07840 360245
also means families gain a better understanding of the decision making factors which service providers
consider when deciding what services to provide, when and for whom www.hertsparentcarers.org.uk Aug2013
Advisory Centre for
Education ACE
0300 0115 142
Leonard Cheshire
01462 439000
The Advisory Centre for Education has formally closed but ex staff continue to offer information and
advice through their advice line term time only and through online booklets about applying for a
school, appealing for a school, asking for a statutory assessment, early years, exclusions, making
a complaint, school attendance, school transport, bullying and more www.ace-ed.org.uk July2013
Leonard Cheshire Disability Direct Payments Support Service is a FREE service for individuals who
require info in managing Direct Payments in the Hertfordshire area www.hertsdirect.org July2013
19
Independent
Parental Special
Education Advice
IPSEA
0800 018 4016
Communications
Disorder Team
01707 320697
Low Incidence Team
The Disabled
Children’s Team
0300 123 4043
The Early Years
SEND Team
01438 844196
SIBS
01535 645453
The Royal Mencap
Society
Mencap Direct
0808 808 1111
Brainwave
01376 505290
Essex Office
Family Coordinator
07894 424312
Contact a Family
0808 808 3555
MAKATON Signing
01276 606778
(Training 606777)
Network 81
0845 077 4055
The Challenging
Behaviour
Foundation CBF
0845 602 7885
SCOPE
0808 800 3333
IPSEA is a national charity offering FREE legally based advice to families who have children with
special educational needs. All advice is given by trained volunteers. IPSEA offer advice and tribunal
helplines, an email information service, training and online advice and information. IPSEA can offer
advice on myths about SEN provision, how to take action, home/school transport, exclusions, going
to a SEND tribunal, law, school governors, understanding jargon and MORE www.ipsea.org.uk July2013
The Communication Disorder Team consists of trained teachers and workers who have additional
training in the education of children with an autistic spectrum condition and/or speech, language and
communication needs. The team is experienced in supporting children from pre-school age to post16. Once the young person has a diagnosis, the team can contact the family (for pre-school children)
and the child's school (for school age children) to discuss the support that may be available from
the service. Please see the website for their extensive list of support www.hertsdirect.org July2013
The Low Incidence Team consists of specially trained professionals who are experienced in supporting
children with deafblindness, hearing and/or visual impairment, physical and neurological impairment
(school age children only). Pre-school children with physical or neurological impairment, difficulties
or other special needs receive services from the early years SEND teams. The Low Incidence Team
offers extensive support for families, young people and their schools which can be found online. The
team accept referrals from parents, schools and health professionals www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Through the Disabled Children’s Services in Children’s Services you may be able to access short
breaks, family based short breaks / shared care, a sitting service, fostering service, befriending,
residential short breaks, diract payments and home care services www.hertsdirect.org July2013
The Early Years SEND Team provides specialist support, advice and training to promote the early
intervention and inclusive practice for 0-5 year olds with special educational needs and/or disability.
The multi professional team work flexibly with small groups or individual children, their families and
early years “settings”. Requests through an SSR, CAF or Early Years Support Plan www.hertsdirect.org
SIBS support siblings of all ages who are growing up or have grown up with a brother or sister with
any disability, long term chronic illness or life limiting condition. SIBS offer a phone and email support
service for adult siblings offering emotional support or practical such as making plans for the future.
SIBS also offer an online forum for adult siblings, a buddying service and SIBS run workshops on
adult sibling issues. SIBS offer an email service for young siblings on any sibling issue, workshops
and also offer support to parents of siblings and online support information www.sibs.org.uk July2013
Mencap work in partnership with people with a learning difficulty and all their services support people
to live their lives as they choose. The Mencap Direct phone line offers information and advice about
learning difficulties and where to find local support or you can email help@mencap.org.uk. Mencap
can provide information on community care, benefits, education, jobs, housing, holidays, family and
personal relationships. If English is not your first language, Mencap Direct can offer a translation
service. Mencap also offer information about leisure activities, housing and work as well as family
support, personal support, respite, residential care and more www.mencap.org.uk July2013
Brainwave works with families to deliver individual home based therapy and exercise programmes
for children from 6 months to 12 years with developmental delay, disabilities and Autism to help them
achieve their potential, with the aim to help the children become as independent as possible. Each
child is assessed and given a unique 20-30 minute programme which families can continue at home.
Reassessments occur every 4-6 months. Brainwave compliments rather than replaces the services
offered by statutory authorities www.brainwave.org.uk / cericollins@brainwave.org.uk July2013
National charity supporting the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability,
offering an information and advice helpline, SEN national advice service, resource library, medical
information, information about working and childcare and more www.cafamily.org.uk Aug2013
Makaton information, resources and nationwide training as well as a FREE family advisory service
providing information and support for family members of people with a learning or communication
difficulty and to the professionals working with them www.makaton.org July2013
National helpline offering advice and support on all matters relating to special needs.
Network 81 also offers a parents’ guide and leaflets www.network81.org July2013
The CBF specialises in severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging and for
family carers we provide practical information and support about everything from reducing challenging
behaviour to finding sturdy furniture, and workshops on understanding challenging behaviour and
supporting behaviour change. For professionals we provide information, positive behaviour support
workshops and networking. CBF offer support by phone and email, along with information sheets
and packs and a range of DVDs. FREE for families www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk July2013
Scope offer FREE impartial and expert information, advice and support for disabled people and their
families through their helpline and webpage. Scope also offer education and learning experiences,
short breaks, residential care and supported living, and employment support www.scope.org.uk July2013
ADHD / ADD / Autism and Associated Areas
ADDISS
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service ADDISS offer information and
020 8952 2800
resources about ADHD to anyone who needs them including parents, sufferers, teachers and health care
professionals. The website offers online general information, articles written by experts, factsheets and
a book store. ADDISS also hold conferences and training events during the year www.addiss.co.uk July2013
20
Angels
0781545 8355
Leise / Jane
077 18755167
ADD-vance
01727 833963
Net Doctor
National Autistic
Society NAS
HARC
07836 667394
Asperger’s for
Herts.
Bright Futures
01462 437173
Tourette’s Action
0300 777 8427
Angels is a parent led voluntary organisation and registered charity in North Herts offering support to
parents and carers of young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and/or Autistic
Spectrum Disorders ASD. Angels offer ‘adult only’ groups to support parents and carers, offer friendship
and to discuss any difficulties and concerns; a resource library and one-to-one individual family support
sessions as well as holiday activities. FREE membership www.angelssupportgroup.org.uk July2013
ADD-vance is a voluntary organisation offering information, training and advice for professionals as
well as support for children, adults and families on issues relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and related conditions. ADD-vance offer training and
consultancy including courses such as challenging behaviour and ASD / ADHD as well as support via
the ADD-vance phone line, monthly support group and coaching www.add-vance.org Aug2013
Information for parents, teachers and adults about ADHD. There are sections on causes, diagnosis and
treatment as well as practical tips for parenting and school www.netdoctor.co.uk/adhd/ July2013
The National Autistic Society NAS offers information, advice and support to people with autism, their
families and carers. The website offers information and an insight into living with autism, education and
transition, understanding behaviour, communicating, strategies and approaches, employment, benefits
and community care and much more. The NAS offer an autism helpline 0808 800 4104 which provides
impartial confidential information and support, an information centre, a parent to parent service 0808 800
4106 which allow parents to talk with other volunteer parents, a welfare rights service accessed through
the autism line to talk through benefit entitlements, education rights service 0808 800 4102, community
care service, training, diagnosis of complex needs and an autism accreditation programme. The NAS
also offer conferences across the UK, training for professionals and events www.nas.org.uk July2013
HARC (Hertfordshire Autistic Resource Centre) is the Hertfordshire branch of the NAS offering support
to families, newsletters, support groups, meetings with speakers, helpline, online information about autism
and understanding behaviour and MORE support@harc-online.org.uk / www.harc-online.org.uk Aug2013
Supporting children, adults and family members affected by Asperger’s Syndrome in Hertfordshire by
signposting to various opportunities including a social group called Spectrum Girls for girls of any age
with high functioning Autism/Asperger’s in Hertfordshire, Gambardo Play an indoor play area in Garston
Hertfordshire, information about StopGap Education, teen social course for 13-19 year olds which in
2010 involved horse riding, rock climbing and trampolining and National Autistic Society social clubs.
The website also has information about the autism alert card and more www.aspergers4herts.org July2013
Bright Futures 1-1 tuition is designed for both adults and children who need support with basic skills.
Each learner is taught by a professionally qualified, experienced Special Needs Teacher, who has a
special interest in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Aspergers Syndrome. Whether they just require a boost in
any specific subject or are having difficulty with basic skills, reading, writing, spelling and numeracy, the
aim is to help everyone reach their full potential. See hertsdirect for info www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Information and support for those with Tourette’s and those living with those with Tourette’s including
support through their helpline, email, online information, support groups, conferences twice yearly, grants,
publications and signposting to books and statistics www.tourettes-action.org.uk July2013
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
British Dyslexia
Advice and information about Dyslexia via their helpline, email and website including early years, getting
Association (BDA)
help, indications of Dyslexia, homework tips, help with handwriting, getting a statement, code of
0845 251 9002
practice, private tuition, choosing a school and MORE www.bdadyslexia.org.uk July2013
Herts Dyslexia
The aim of the association is to support and inform parents, dyslexic children and adult dyslexics as
Association
well as, provide information to the wider community, in particular, teachers www.hertsdirect.org July2013
01727 867399
Bright Futures
Bright Futures 1-1 tuition is designed for both adults and children who need support with basic skills.
01462 437173
Each learner is taught by a professionally qualified, experienced Special Needs Teacher, who has a
special interest in Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Aspergers Syndrome. Whether they just require a boost in
any specific subject or are having difficulty with basic skills, reading, writing, spelling and numeracy,
the aim is to help everyone reach their full potential. See hertsdirect for info www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Dyslexia Action
National charity offering information and a range of services throughout UK wide centres (none local
to Letchworth) and through their website www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk July2013
Dyspraxia
Countywide charity based in Hitchin offering online information including how Dyspraxia can affect
Foundation
education, PE lessons, swimming, bike riding tips, balance board activities and information for family
01462 454 986
and teachers. Local support groups available www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk July2013
Speech and Language, Hearing Deafness and Visual Impairments and Blindness
I CAN
I CAN is a children’s communication charity and we are delighted to provide a FREE phone call or email
020 7843 2544
from a speech and language therapist to discuss children’s speech, language and communication with
parents or practitioners. Call us to arrange a FREE phone call from one of our therapists or you can email
your questions to help@ican.org.uk. We can help explain any aspect of children’s talking and communication
development that you may be concerned about and we can also talk you through ages and stages and
what you can do to help your child and get the right support. Our therapists may also send you some of
our brilliant resources FREE of charge, which have been designed to encourage children with their
communication. View our website for more information and our factsheets www.ican.org.uk/help July2013
21
Afasic
0845 3 5555 77
Herts Hearing
Advisory Service
01707 324582
Action on
Hearing Loss
0808 808 0123
The
Communications
Disorder Team
01707 320697
Low Incidence
Team
Phoenix Group
for Deaf Children
01438 722142
The NDCS
0808 800 8880
DELTA
0845 108 1437
Sense
0845 127 0066
Royal National
Institute of Blind
People RNIB
0303 123 9999
Hertfordshire
Society for the
Blind HSB
01707 324680
LOOK
01214 285038
Afasic’s helpline provides information to parents and others about how to access appropriate support
for children with speech and language impairments. The team of staff and volunteers will be able to talk
about the diagnosis and implications of speech and language impairments, speech therapy, the schools
role, statements, the role of the LEA, choosing a school and state benefits. You can also access support
by email, via the website, publications and an online parents forum www.afasic.org.uk July2013
Based at the Woodside Centre in Welwyn, this advisory service is an independent charity helping people
with hearing loss across Herts and Beds offering a FREE mobile support service, a hearing screening
service in Welwyn, a hearing aider programme, training courses and MORE www.hhas.org.uk July2013
Information and advice for those affected by hearing loss and their friends and family, information about
equipment that could help you, BSL training, booking a lip speaker, information about looking for work,
knowing your rights as an employee, factsheets and MORE www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk July2013
The Communication Disorder Team consists of trained teachers and workers who have additional
training in the education of children with an autistic spectrum condition and/or speech, language and
communication needs. The team is experienced in supporting children from pre-school age to post-16.
Once the young person has a diagnosis, the team can contact the family (for pre-school children) and the
child's school (for school age children) to discuss the support that may be available from the service.
Please see the website for their extensive list of support www.hertsdirect.org July2013
The Low Incidence Team consists of specially trained professionals who are experienced in supporting
children with deafblindness, hearing and/or visual impairment, physical and neurological impairment
(school age children only). Pre-school children with physical or neurological impairment, difficulties or
other special needs receive services from the early years SEND teams. The Low Incidence Team offers
extensive support for families, young people and their schools which can be found online. The team
accept referrals from parents, schools and health professionals www.hertsdirect.org July2013
The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children support families with deaf children by offering training workshops,
an independence group for 7-12 year olds, a youth group for 11-18 year olds, a siblings group for 7-16
year olds as well as courses in BSL and deaf awareness. Youth club activities are outlined extensively
on the website and the 11+ group runs monthly on Saturdays and fortnightly term time Monday evenings.
Venues can vary. Come and meet new friends and have fun! www.phoenixgroup.org.uk July2013
The National Deaf Children's Society NDCS offers information and advice through their webpage,
through their helpline and live chat service and much MORE www.ndcs.org.uk July2013
Deaf Education Through Listening and Talking DELTA is a national charity supporting deaf children,
their families and practitioners who wish to follow an auditory aural route from birth, through education
and beyond. Most materials are FREE to individuals www.deafeducation.org.uk July2013
Sense is a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf blind,
offering advice, support and information as well as specialist services to deaf blind people, their carers,
families and professionals working with them. Sense also support people with sensory impairments and
additional disabilities and help deaf blind people with housing and holidays www.sense.org.uk July2013
The RNIB is a UK charity offering information, support and advice to blind and partially sighted people
including information on eye health, living with sight loss as well as offering talking books and a library
of large print or giant print books and magazines, braille materials, a helpline, information about benefit
payments, registering your sight loss, employment, technology and MORE www.rnib.org.uk July2013
HSB is an independent local registered charity based at the Woodside Centre Welwyn offering services
and information to blind and partially sighted people throughout Hertfordshire, as well as their families,
carers and organisations with an interest or involvement in people with a visual impairment. The society
offers sight information points (nearest is Letchworth), equipment exhibitions, home visiting, hospital
information, sight line helpline and a social clubs in Hemel / Watford www.hertsblind.com July2013
National organisation supporting parents and carers of children with a visual impairment offering a helpline,
magazines, online information, family weekends and youth events www.look-uk.org July2013
Fragile X Syndrome and Down’s Syndrome
National support and information service, newsletters throughout the year, introductory leaflets and
Fragile X Society
booklets, DVD, annual family conferences, talks and presentations, papers of information and MORE.
01371 875100
Down’s Syndrome
Association
0333 1212 300
Up on Downs
Hertfordshire
01462 630459
Down’s Heart Group
0844 288 4800
Membership is FREE to anyone affected by Fragile X and carers www.fragilex.org.uk Aug2013
Information and support on all aspects of living with Down’s Syndrome through their helpline and web
page, training and signposting to local support groups www.downs-syndrome.org.uk Aug2013
Up on Downs is a parent run organisation which supports families of children with Down’s Syndrome
by sharing information and creating opportunities for families to socialise and learn together. Up on
Downs arranges activities and welcome parents from all over Hertfordshire, as well as running an
early development group and specialised speech therapy classes www.upondowns.co.uk Aug2013
Down’s Heart Group is a charity offering support and information relating to heart conditions
associated with Down’s Syndrome through its helpline and newsletters www.dhg.org.uk Aug2013
22
Epilepsy
National Society for
Epilepsy 01494601400
Epilepsy Action
0808 800 5050
Leading national epilepsy medical charity working for anyone affected by epilepsy, through research
awareness and expert care. The society offers a helpline, online forum, webpage of information,
magazines and e-newsletters, clinics in hospitals and MORE www.epilepsysociety.org.uk Aug2013
Epilepsy Action offers advice and information online and via its helpline about epilepsy, seizures,
first aid, treatment, living with epilepsy, how you can get help and support, how it may affect
education and work, driving and the law and epilepsy syndromes www.epilepsy.org.uk Aug2013
Domestic Violence and Child Protection (Including Bullying Support)
Domestic Violence and Related Issues
FREE national confidential domestic violence helpline run in partnership with Women’s Aid and Refuge
National Domestic
Violence Helpline
offering 24 hour a day support, help and information for women experiencing domestic violence, their
0808 2000 247
family, friends, colleagues and others on their behalf. A translation service and a service for the deaf
and hard to hearing are available. The websites offers information about recognising domestic violence,
a survivors handbook, information about money worries, statistics, FAQs, A-Z of local domestic violence
services and read about how domestic violence can affect your children and what you can do to help.
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk / www.womensaid.org.uk / www.refuge.org.uk July2013
National Centre for The National Centre for Domestic Violence NCDV provides a FREE fast emergency injunction service to
Domestic Violence
survivors of domestic violence regardless of financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.
The NCDV allows anyone to apply for an injunction within 24 hours of first contact (in most circumstances)
0844 8044 999
and they work in close partnership with the police, local firms of solicitors and support agencies such
as the Refuge. The website gives details about how the law can protect you, a quick guide to emergency
injunctions and non-molestation, occupation and prohibited step orders www.ncdv.org.uk July2013
Hertfordshire
The Hertfordshire Sunflower website offers information to the victims of domestic violence as well as
Sunflower Service
their friends, family, professionals, young people and perpetrators. The website offers information about
the
signs of domestic violence, how it affects children, honour based abuse and forced marriages, rape
Herts Domestic
and
much more, and the website clearly outlines where you can find support including through the
Violence Helpline
FREE
confidential Hertfordshire Domestic Violence helpline, refuges, women’s centres, sexual health
08 088 088 088
clinics, IDVAs (described below) and Hertfordshire Constabulary www.hertssunflower.org July2013
Independent
The main purpose of an IDVA is to address the safety of high risk domestic abuse victims and their
Domestic Violence children. Serving as a victim’s primary point of contact, IDVAs work proactively with their clients from
Advisors IDVA
the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop coordinated safety plans. The IDVA service is FREE offering independent, professional and confidential
08 088 088 088
advice and support in a non-judgmental manner. The IDVA acts as an advocate on the victim’s behalf,
exploring legal options and/or supporting the victim through the court process. The IDVA can support
the victim by liaising with agencies such as housing, police, the Crown Prosecution Service, solicitors
and other services. You can contact the IDVAs online or via the helpline www.hertssunflower.org July2013
Hertfordshire’s
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s DVOs are specially trained to assist victims of domestic abuse, whether
Constabulary
male or female, young or old and suffering both physical and/or mental abuse. DVOs are available
Domestic Violence
daily and work within the Harm Reduction Unit which also provides specialist assistance to ‘hate’
Officers DVOs
crime, ‘honour’ related crime and ‘forced marriages’. As shown on the website, police officers cover
designated areas but due to shift patterns, designated officers may not always be available. In such
circumstances, another DVO will be available to assist www.hertssunflower.org July2013
The Herts
The Herts Women’s Centre based in Stevenage works to support women by offering coffee mornings,1:1
Women Centre
support sessions, domestic abuse support, information and a support group, weight matters drop ins,
01438 742742
counselling and psychotherapy, job club drop in, family law and money advice sessions, courses incl
assertiveness, coping with anger and protective behaviours, social groups, life coaching, holistic
therapies (£2), FREE pregnancy testing and FREE internet www.hertswomenscentre.org.uk July2013
National Stalking
Guidance and information to anyone who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment
Helpline
or stalking, about the law, reporting, effective evidence gathering, ensuring your personal safety and
0808 802 0300
that of your friends and family and practical steps to reduce the risk www.stalkinghelpline.org Aug2013
The Sexual Abuse
SACA are a nonprofit organisation that works with anyone in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas who
Counselling Agency
was sexually abused as a child, woman or man as well as supporting adolescents and children. SACA
05602 395396
take referrals and self-referrals for individual counselling, offer a support groups for survivors, SACA
run workshops for survivors and their supporters and training sessions for people working with survivors.
Referrals funded by professionals £45/hour and self-referrals £35/hour www.saccaonline.net Aug2013
The National Association of People Abused in Childhood NAPAC offers a national FREE support line
NAPAC (People
abused in childhood)
for adults who have suffered any type of abuse in childhood, email support and booklets as well as
0800 085 3330
online autobiographies and information from survivors speaking out www.napac.org.uk Aug2013
Survivors UK
Helpline for adult men (18 and over) who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual
(for men)
assault / rape, as well as their partners and carers. Sometimes callers may feel confused and are not
0845 122 1201
sure if they have been sexually assaulted or not, but our helpline is still here to support you.
Individual and group counselling is available at a base in London www.survivorsuk.org Aug2013
23
Men’s Advice line
0808 801 0327
Broken Rainbow
0300 999 5428
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse, whether heterosexual, gay or
bi. You can call the helpline, contact via email and use the webpage www.mensadviceline.org.uk Aug2013
Broken Rainbow is the leading national LGBT domestic violence charity providing support to lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) communities impacted by domestic violence and abuse. Broken Rainbow
offer a range of services including a national LGBT DV helpline, email service and partnership projects
across the UK. In addition to providing support, our aim is to raise awareness of domestic violence
experienced by LGBT people, and improve services for LGBT people whose lives are affected by this
devastating crime www.broken-rainbow.org.uk / www.broken-rainbow.org.uk Aug2013
Jewish Women’s
Jewish Women's Aid is run by Jewish women for Jewish women offering a refuge in London, a
Aid 0808 801 0500
national confidential free phone helpline and MORE www.jwa.org.uk Aug2013
Domestic Abuse Courses
Early Response
ERDAP ‘Healthier Relationships Course’ is a 6 week (plus an introductory session) course for men who
Domestic Violence
have committed incidents of domestic abuse, to work towards a healthier, better future with their families .
Programme
The course ran as a pilot in 2010 and will continue to run with courses being held in various parts of the
county. It is FREE to Hertfordshire residents. Email ERDAP@herts.pnn.police.uk for a referral form.
ERDAP
There are plans to run a course specifically for women who are abusive and for young people aged
between 16-18. Please email if you are interested in these courses www.hertssunflower.org Aug2013
Caring Dads
Caring Dads is a 17 week course aimed at men who have been abusive but are still in contact with
Programme
their children and want to learn about child-centred fathering in order to have a positive impact in
077 6666 4296
their children’s lives. While ERDAP provides an introduction to changing abusive behaviour, Caring
Dads provides a follow up more therapeutic course, specifically aimed at Dads. This course is FREE
Tony Holloway
at present as the cost is being met by the Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Resettlement of
Offenders. Contact Tony for details tony.holloway@ntlworld.com / www.hertssunflower.org Aug2013
Men’s Centre
Dr Osindero at Chells Surgery in Stevenage offers treatment to help men stop domestic violence and
Stevenage
abuse, including support for anger problems, relationship difficulties and the challenges of men’s role
01438 347330
in our current age. FREE for Stevenage residents, payable for others www.hertssunflower.org Aug2013
The Freedom
The Freedom Programme supports women where there has been male violence towards women and
Programme
children. You can search the website to find a local course in ‘Hertfordshire’ or you can complete an
online version of the course for £10. An online version is also available for men. Publications, online
chat and a video showing the process of assault also available www.freedomprogramme.co.uk Aug2013
Child Protection Support - If you suspect for any reason that a child is being abused, you can contact the Police 999,
Children’s Services 0300 123 4043 or the Child Abuse Unit within the Police on 101 (specialist team within the
police with countywide responsibility for undertaking child protection investigations) www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk Aug2013.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children NSPCC offers 24 hour FREE child line
NSPCC
for young people of any age (shown below), FREE NSPCC phone line offering advice and support for
0808 800 5000
anyone concerned about the safety and welfare of a young person and the advisors can act on your
behalf to take action if necessary; as well as online advice and information for parents such as keeping
your child safe, the underwear rule, being home alone, using the internet, talking about sex, sexual
behaviour of children, positive parenting tips and MUCH MORE www.nspcc.org.uk Aug2013
Child Line Helpline FREE confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can talk to a
0800 1111
child line counsellor about anything including bullying, self-harm, sexual abuse, puberty, relationships,
alcohol and exam results. No issue is too big or small and you can talk to us via phone, online or by
email. The website also has a lot of this information and games www.childline.org.uk July2013
Fosters Legal Ltd
Fosters Legal Ltd has a high reputation in the local community of their continuous support of providing
FREE initial specialist legal advice to help parents who are on low income and on benefits, and going
07572 373011
through family disputes in relation to children’s law and family law, including aspects of divorce and
separation, child welfare and domestic violence. Based in Stevenage, and working with experienced
solicitors and barristers, Fosters Legal Ltd also offers services in immigration, employment and housing.
Please phone Sandra Foster to book your FREE appointment www.fosterslegal.co.uk Aug2013
KidScape
Kidscape is a national charity working specifically to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse. Kidscape
08451 205 204
offer an anti-bullying helpline for parents, booklets and literature and online advice as well as confidence
building sessions for children that are bullied. ZAP assertiveness training (typically in London) is for 9-15
year olds who have been bullied and want to learn effective ways of being assertive. Subjects cover
body language, confidence building and verbal assertiveness training www.kidscape.org.uk July2013
NACOA
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics NACOA provides information, advice and support
to anyone affected by a parents drinking. NACOA offer a FREE confidential helpline for information
0800 358 3456
and ongoing support for children and adults of all ages by phone and by email, and the website also
offers information for children, young people, adults and other concerned professionals, including help
and advice, information, frequently asked questions and signposting to books www.nacoa.org.uk July2013
The Hideout
Created by Women’s Aid, the Hideout Website offers online support for children and young people to
Website
help understand domestic violence and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you. The webpage explores what is abuse, is it happening to you and what to do www.thehideout.org.uk July2013
MOSAC
Voluntary organisation supporting all non-abusing parents and carers whose children have been sexually
0800 980 1958
abused. We provide various types of support services and information for professionals, parents and
carers dealing with child sexual abuse including a helpline and online support www.mosac.org.uk Aug2013
24
Herts Safeguarding
Children’s Board
HSCB
The Herts Safeguarding Children Board is the key statutory mechanism for agreeing how the relevant
Hertfordshire organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and ensuring
this work is effective. In addition to its statutory roles, HSCB also provides training on safeguarding
issues. The HSCB does not deliver services directly to children, young people or their families. The
website also has information about ‘what is abuse’, bullying, e-safety and domestic violence as well
as an outline about child protection procedures with quick guide www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk Aug2013
Bullying Support
Parent Channel
Online Videos
PLEASE ALSO VIEW THE COUNSELLING SECTION ON PAGE 9 AS I HAVE NOT REPEATED
Online videos and advice for parents of 5-19 year olds on difficulties such as learning, behaviour,
bedwetting, sulking, resolving disagreements, bullying, aggression, peer pressure, angry teenagers and
teen violence, positive discipline, raising confidence, young carers, bedtime and sleep issues,
bereavement, stress, depression, healthy eating, my child is smoking, alcohol, home alone, smelly
bedrooms, addictions, anxiety, sex, abusive relationships and MORE www.parentchannel.tv July2013
Kidscape is a national charity working specifically to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse. Kidscape
offer an anti-bullying helpline for parents, booklets and literature and online advice as well as confidence
building sessions for children that are bullied. ZAP assertiveness training (typically in London) is for 9-15
year olds who have been bullied and want to learn effective ways of being assertive. Subjects cover
body language, confidence building and verbal assertiveness training www.kidscape.org.uk July2013
Family Lives is a charity that has over three decades of experience in helping parents deal with the
changes that are a part of family life, including supporting Dad’s, Grandparents, Stepparents and
Non-resident parents. Our role is to support all of you to achieve the best relationship possible with the
children that you care about. Family Lives provides FREE professional, non-judgmental support and
advice through a 24hour helpline, website, message boards, email, live chat and parenting / relationship
support groups. You can contact use about all aspects of family life including all stages of a child’s
development, issues with schools and parenting/relationship support. We also respond when life
becomes complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying at
school, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns. See the website for more detailed
information as well as information about courses www.familylives.org.uk / www.bullying.co.uk July2013
Herts for Learning has an anti-bullying advisor that is commissioned by Children's Services to support
schools dealing with racist incidents and complex cases of bullying. Parents should contact the
Children's Services complaints line via 0300 123 4043 in the first instance. August 2013
POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout Hertfordshire. We
aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. We regularly work
with people who feel they have been let down by the NHS and want to make a complaint, older people,
people with mental health issues, sensory impairment, physical disabilities or learning disabilities,
children and young people, people with autism and people who have experienced discrimination or
exclusion. All services are FREE independent and confidential. Hertfordshire POhWER provide NHS
complaints advocacy, Independent mental capacity advocacy (IMCA), including deprivation of liberty
safeguards DoLS and paid relevant persons representative services, Community advocacy, Independent
mental health advocacy IMHA, Child and adolescent mental health service, Secure services advocacy
and Herts Help Brokerage support service. Find out more by visiting www.pohwer.net July2013
Mediation Hertfordshire offers workplace, school and community (neighbour) mediation. Services are
free for some areas of Hertfordshire but services are at a cost for North Hertfordshire and Stevenage
residents. The cost breakdown is explained on the website www.mediationherts.org.uk July2013
Education Action Challenging Homophobia EACH supports adults and young people affected by
homophobia or transphobia through its action line www.eachaction.org.uk Aug2013
KidScape
08451 205 204
Family Lives
0808 800 2222
HfL Advisor for
Anti-Bullying
0300 123 4043
POhWER
Advocacy Service
0300 456 2370
Mediation
Hertfordshire
01442 268044
EACH
0808 1000 143
Support for Families affected by Imprisonment and Crime
National charity offering FREE and confidential advice and help to victims of crime, witnesses, their
Victim Support
0845 30 30 900
family, friends and anyone else affected across England and Wales. Victims can receive emotional
support, information and practical help and witnesses can have support while going through the court
process. Support and information available by phone and online www.victimsupport.org.uk Aug2013
Action for Prisoners
Action for Prisoners' Families is a membership organisation for those interested in the wellbeing of
Families APF
prisoners' and offenders' families. APF offer advance notice of events, access to our on-line special
0808 808 2003
interest groups to network to share experiences, concerns and successes, regular e-bulletins, advice
and support, opportunities to be involved in consultations, focus groups and policy development,
access to experienced staff who can signpost and answer questions on a broad range of subjects
and much more. Information available via phone and online www.prisonersfamilies.org.uk Aug2013
The Prison Advice
National charity supporting people affected by imprisonment. We provide practical and emotional
and Care Trust
support to prisoners' children and families, and to prisoners themselves. Working at a number of UK
020 7735 9535
prisons, we support the families of prisoners, run family-friendly visitors' centres outside prisons,
children's play services in prison visits halls and much more www.prisonadvice.org.uk Aug2013
Prisoner’s Families
Independent voluntary agency offering support, friendship and advice to the families and friends of
and Friends Service
anyone sentenced to imprisonment or remanded in custody. Many of the services are available in
0808 808 3444
London but information is also available online and via their main helpline www.pffs.org.uk Aug2013
25
Activity Information for Letchworth and Surround
Sports
It is important for parents, carers and schools to recognise that sports clubs may or may not be accredited.
Accreditation is given to clubs that recognise the following – first aid, insurance and child protection. Without
an accreditation, clubs may not be fully trained, insured and may not have criminal record checks for its staff.
While we offer information for all the clubs within our area, we recommend that carers find out more
information about clubs and whether they are accredited before using the service. The North Herts Schools
Sports Partnership is promoting a new scheme called the Herts Mark, which within the near future will target
and be awarded to satisfactory clubs following the above, but do not complete the work to be fully accredited.
Check accreditations on www.hertsssco.co.uk Follow; ‘North Herts’ and then ‘School club links’.
Befriending and Mentoring Services
See
 The Circles of Support Project 0845 216 0084
 Services for Young People Mentoring 01992 588796
 Other Counselling and Mentoring Services
 Youth Connexions LDD team 01438 844999
(page 9/21)
(page 11)
(page 9-11)
(page 21)
Special Needs Clubs and Activities
You can also search ‘Sports for People with a Disability’ on www.hertsdirect.org
KIDS HUBs - East HUB (Hertford) 01992 504013 / West HUB (Watford): 01923 676549. The HUBs offer FREE countywide
support and information for parents and carers of 0-19 year olds with additional needs including help to find activities, groups,
training, information about benefits and parking, support at meetings, support with forms and letters and signposting to
specialist services. See the webpage for a county-wide directory of activities for children with additional needs as well as parent
support groups, training providers, a toy library catalogue and a link to our parent facebook page www.kids.org.uk/hub July2013
North Herts
Opportunity Classes are an educational provision provided by Hertfordshire County Council for preOpportunity
school children (birth to rising 4) with identified significant additional needs. The North Herts Class runs
Class
in Letchworth term time and families with 0-2 year olds may be offered home visiting and/or parent and
01442 453238
toddler groups and 2+ year olds are invited to a group session www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Woolgrove
Term time Saturday Club for primary age young people on the autistic spectrum and their siblings that
Saturday Club
live in the surrounding area of the Letchworth. The club runs fortnightly and is run by staff from
01462 622422
Woolgrove Special School in Letchworth. Currently £5/session www.woolgrove.herts.sch.uk Aug2013
North Herts CVS Saturday Breakaway runs for 5-18 year olds with special needs in North Herts and Stevenage which is
Respite Holiday
held in Mrs Howard Memorial Hall in Letchworth. The club offers trips as well as indoor activities from
and Saturday
10-3pm, £8/day. To request a place please log onto www.nhcvsbreakaway.org.uk or call 01462
Playschemes
689406. Please note that Breakaway Saturday Club is closed during August. July2013
01462 689406
Breakaway Holiday Playschemes are for 5-19 year olds with special needs in North Herts and
Stevenage. Venues tend to include Woolgrove School in Letchworth, Greenside School in Stevenage
(for young people with complex health needs) and St Nicholas School in Stevenage. Sessions are 103pm, £8/day. To request a place please log onto www.nhcvsbreakaway.org.uk or phone. July2013
Letchworth Sports
Tennis, squash, croquet, badminton, a fitness suite, gym and lounge area, as well as holiday tots, tennis
and Tennis Club
and kids camps. Activities available for 3+ year olds. The Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club also offers
01462 675444
disability tennis and has a qualified physiotherapist during sessions www.letchworth-tennis.co.uk July2013
Pisces
Recreational swimming based at the North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth on Friday evenings for
Swimming Club
children and adults with special needs. Access to facilities is quite good. Annual subscription £7.50.
01767 220470
They use minimal voluntary helpers and the group may ask carers to join www.hertsdirect.org July2013
Hitchin Judo
Based at Hitchin Boys School Sports Centre for those with learning difficulties; the needs of those with
Club
physical disabilities will need to be assessed. Sessions available for 8+ year olds weekly, two taster
01462 455568
sessions available for free and then cost applicable. Information from the Kids Hub directory. Aug2013
Snappy G’s
Youth Club for 13-25 year olds with special needs based at Bancroft Centre, Hitchin weekly for 50p. A
01438 843340
varied programme includes cooking, arts, crafts, dance, video filming, computers, trips and chilling out!
(Connexions)
Youth Connexions is the parent/affiliated organisation www.hertsdirect.org / www.mogozout.org July2013
Asperger’s
The National Autistic Society NAS run several youth groups across Hertfordshire for 13-17 year olds
Youth Groups
with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, including at venues in Hitchin, Welwyn, Hemel
01442 247046
Hempstead, Bishops Stortford and Watford, and Chestnut. Groups aim to improve individual’s social
07795 978224
skills and social networks offering activities such as table tennis, cooking, arts, indoor sports and much
07780 544180
more. Entry fee applicable. NOTE: Currently under revision due to funding. Aug2013
Tracks autism
Tracks is an specialist day nursery based in Stevenage for 2-6 year olds who have complex social and
07955 918248
communication disorders. The staff ratio is usually 1:1 www.tracks-autism.org.uk July2013
JJCs
We provide a collection of unique exploration experiences to nur ture potential and encourage limitless
07583 539 160
expression and we offer a team of staff sharing several years of experience in the arts, dance, music,
empowerment coaching, events, co-ordination and working with children and young people, specifically
those on the autistic spectrum and those that encounter social, emotional or communication barriers.
JJCs offer workshops in creative crafts for 4-14 year olds, music and sounds, exercise for 5-13 year
olds, street dance for 9-14 year olds and MORE. Visit facebook or view www.jjcsltd.com July2013
26
Grace’s Space
07972 345797
Fairlands Valley
Sailing Centre
01438 353241
Stevenage and
North Herts
Athletic Club
Dolphins
Swimming Club
Bedwell Rangers
Disability teams
Sun child
01763 243338
Spectrum Girls
Social Group
07714 483485
Phoenix Group
for Deaf Children
01438 722142
Thames Valley
Adventure
Playground
01628 628599
Aldenham
Country Park
Adventure
Playground
Reach Out
Enable Holidays
0845 216 0080
Circles Project
0845 216 0084
Act One Arts
Base
01582 621947
Wheelchair
Basketball
01509 279900
Herts Disabled
County Cricket
Riding for the
Disabled
01462 457660
Monthly Saturday Club in Stevenage for 3-14 year olds diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder /
Condition, their siblings, parents and grandparents. Sessions aim to provide a space for creative
expression, relaxation and play, to help develop social skills www.gracesspace.org July2013
Fairland’s Valley in Stevenage offers a variety of water sports as well as a Sailability scheme which
offers people with disabilities whether young or old an opportunity to sail. Other activities include the Aqua
Playground which is open in summer and café www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
For any grade athletic from 9+ years upwards and adults. The club meets in Stevenage several times a
week including sessions on long and triple jump, hurdles, sprint and throws. The club also runs a
disability squad for wheelchair users and seated throwers www.snhac.org.uk July2013
Swimming club based at Stevenage pool for anyone with a physical or mental disability. The deck level
pool is equipped with a hoist to help those with a physical disability get in and out of the pool. You can
contact the swimming club via emails listed on their website www.stevenage-dolphins.org July2013
Stevenage Bedwell Rangers offer football for 5-18 year olds (and adults) as well as separate monthly
inclusive disability teams. Contact Roy Small for details www.bedwellrangersfc.co.uk Sept2013
Monthly support group based in Royston for parents throughout North Hertfordshire who have a child
with a disability 0-12 years. Meet other parents, bring along the family and the venue is wheelchair
friendly. The group runs the 1st Saturday/monthly, please book www.roystonandvillagescc.com July2013
Asperger’s for Herts supports children, adults and family members affected by Asperger’s Syndrome in
Hertfordshire by signposting to various opportunities including a social group called Spectrum Girls for
girls of any age with high functioning Autism/Asperger’s in Hertfordshire, Gambardo Play an indoor play
area in Garston Hertfordshire and a teen social course for 13-19 year olds, as well as National Autistic
Society Social Clubs (below). See website for further information www.aspergers4herts.org July2013
The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children support families with deaf children by offering training workshops,
an independence group for 7-12 year olds, a youth group for 11-18 year olds, a siblings group for 7-16
year olds as well as courses in BSL and deaf awareness. Youth club activities are outlined extensively
on the website and the 11+ group runs monthly on Saturdays and fortnightly term time Monday evenings.
Venues can vary. Come and meet new friends and have fun! www.phoenixgroup.org.uk July2013
Adventure Playground for children and adults with all types of special need, offering indoor and outdoor
fun including a bike area, spaceships boats and planes, castle, crazy golf, music structure, roundabouts,
sand and water, sensory garden, swings and toddlers area, art and craft areas, indoor sensory room,
sound room, sort play, computer room and more. Siblings are welcome at the playground and on the
last Saturday every month they have a Siblings play club. Booking essential www.tvap.co.uk Aug2013
Purpose-built environment that offers rural adventure play opportunities for disabled children and young
people. The playground operates a Saturday and school holiday service for the siblings and families of
disabled children and young people aged 0-19 years old. The playground contains both built and natural
play facilities within a secure environment. Activities available include indoor play hut, sensory room, soft
play, chill out lounge, interactive floor projection, climbing frames, water play, sand pit, hobbit tunnel,
basket swing, tree house with slide, chime bars, zip wire and much MORE www.kids.org.uk Aug2013
Enable Holidays are held aboard the Reach Out canal boat fleet based at Nash Hills near Hemel
Hempstead for 11-25 year olds who have special needs or physical disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
Most participants are from Herts and Beds, holidays are usually through May-Oct school holidays and
the boats are wheelchair accessible enable@reachoutplus.org, www.reachoutplus.org July2013
The Circles Project links 14-18 year olds in Hertfordshire with moderate learning difficulties and special
needs with volunteers 16+ years old. Over the course of a year each young person can receive up to 250
hours of support to access activities/opportunities others may take for granted www.reachoutplus.org July2013
ActOne ArtsBase runs vibrant all-ability dance, theatre and arts projects across Hertfordshire working
inclusively so that everyone feels valued whatever their ability. ActOne’s projects include DanceBase for
5+ year olds, ARC which offers a yearly programme of rehearsal, performance and workshops and a
UV inclusive nightclub for disabled and non-disabled 13-25 year olds (19+ for those with a learning
difficulty); the venue is completely accessible and they have staff supporting the clubbers – no alcohol,
drugs and fully inclusive and ActOne arranges transport www.artsbase.org.uk July2013
British Wheelchair Basketball arranges clubs across the UK with nearest clubs in Stanmore, Harlow,
Hackney, London and Aylesbury www.gbwba.org.uk Aug2013
The Hertfordshire County Cricket Association run sessions for junior girls and boys, as well as adults
and those with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired www.hertscricket.org Aug2013
Term time horse riding primarily for 8+ year olds who have learning or physical disabilities. Sessions
run Thursdays between 10-12noon. Contact Joan Pinkstone for details www.hertsdirect.org Aug2013
27
Multi Activity Groups as well as Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs
Regular Local Holiday Clubs (for more details please see the relevant sport section / search on Google)
 Skools Out Holiday Club
 Touchline Soccer Schools
 Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage
 Fun Zone Holiday Club
 Active Soccer
 Letchworth Rugby Club
 Wild Camp (Leisure Centre)
 Premier Sport (multi sports)
 Helen O Grady Drama Workshops
 Holiday Clubs at Churches
 The Arena Baldock (football & more)  Letchworth Arts Centre
 Child UK Friday Night Project
 Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club
 Mad Science Holiday Camps
 NHDC Play Rangers
 Hitchin Boys Sports Centre
 Super Camps (St Francis)
 Children Centres and Homestart  Knights Templar Sports Centre
 Letchworth Cricket Club
 Youth Connexions (summer)
 Sports Extra (multi sports/activities)
 Tri 1 Sports / Freedom Tri
 Fairlands Valley Stevenage
 Market Theatre Hitchin
 Blue Hart Hockey Club Hitchin
Skools Out
Childcare for 0-5 year olds as well as breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for young people up
01462 677088
to 10 years old. Skools Out can provide transport between the club and school and the holiday club
offers trips such as Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn and Gullivers Land. Holiday club runs 8am-6pm daily
(closed bank holiday) and term time runs between 7.30am-6.30pm www.nhmnurseries.com July2013
Fun Zone
Breakfast, after school and holiday club for reception age children (3 years) until 11 years old. Fun
Zone can provide transport between the club and school and the holiday club often offers optional
trips such as bowling, cinema and theme parks. The holiday club runs 8am-6pm with half and short
days available and term times offer 7.45am start, 6pm finish www.funzoneletchworth.co.uk July2013
Zoom Club Saturday
Zoom Club is a fun packed multi activity Saturday club for 8-12 year olds including swimming and
Club 01462 679311 sporting activities 9am-12noon at the North Herts Leisure Centre www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
Holiday Wild Camp
The North Herts Leisure centre offers Wild Camp Mon-Friday during school holidays for 3-12 year
01462 679311
olds offering sporting activities including swimming, inflatables and trampolining as well as crafts
and face painting. Wild Camp runs 9-5pm, half days available www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
Rainbows, Brownies Rainbows offer fun games, parties and the opportunity to make things and develop life skills for 5-7
and Guides
year olds, Brownies offer challenges, games and activities for 7-10 year olds, Guides offer further
0800 169 5901
challenges for 10-14 year olds and the Senior Section offers a flexible programme for 14-25 year
olds with a huge variety of challenges, activities and opportunities www.girlguiding.org.uk July2013
Beavers, Cubs,
Activities for 6-7 (beavers), 8-10.5 (cubs), 10.5-14 (scouts), 14-18 (explorers) and 18-25 year olds
Scouts / Explorers
(network) throughout North Hertfordshire including camping, walking, canoeing, arts and crafts and
badge work as well as caving, climbing and archery for older members www.lbdscouts.org.uk July2013
MBA Association
Youth programmes for children and young people across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage, Watford
0845 5212 989
and Beds including a Basketball Club at Bowes Lyon and Leisure Centre in Stevenage, Basketball
Academy in Hitchin as well as three squads of cheerleading based in Stevenage for 5-24 year olds
(07852 242653). At their building in Stevenage, MBA have set up a radio station project, a fashion
project, video/music recording project and recording and vocal project www.mba1.org July2013
Child UK – Friday
Child UK offers a variety of multi-sports, activities and games for 11-19 year olds on the majority of
Night Project
term time Fridays across North Herts including at the Jackman’s Estate Multi Games Area 7-9pm.
Possible new site in Hitchin. No need to book and all activities are FREE! www.child.uk.net Aug2013
07779 529003 John
Sports Partnership
The Herts Sports Partnership arranges events across Hertfordshire for young people throughout
01707 284229
the year and for various ages. See website for updated info www.sportinherts.org.uk/events/ July2013
Mad Science
Mad Science run a selection of after-school and holiday clubs across Hertfordshire and the UK as
01727 824700
well as offering Mad Science assemblies for schools www.madscience.com/east July2013
Youth Clubs and Cadets
Wilbury Youth Club
Currently CLOSED: Youth Club for 8-11 year olds based on Icknield Way in Letchworth,
07779 529003 John
Wednesdays 5-7pm. For more information about the club contact John from Child UK. Sept2013.
Army Cadet Force
The Army Cadet Force ACF offers challenging exciting educational and adventurous activities to 1218 year olds (pupil from year 8 onwards) to develop cadets mentally, physically and socially. There
may be small subs to attend each week (i.e. 50p/£1) and there may be a cost for boots and camps,
but uniform will be provided and there are no additional costs www.bedsarmycadets.co.uk July2013
Air Cadets
Youth organisation for boys and girls aged 13-17 and every cadet has the opportunity to take part
01462 482794
in many activities from flying to gliding, shooting and adventure training. Costs are currently £6/month,
sessions are based in Letchworth twice weekly www.248letchworthsquadron.moonfruit.com July2013
North Herts Volunteer
North Herts Volunteer Police Cadets is a Hertfordshire Police initiative where police officers, staff
Police Cadets
and community partners volunteer their free time to facilitate young people aged between 13/14-18
years old (Year9 upwards) meeting together and having fun while learning skills that will help them
serve the community. UNDER CHANGE – CONTACT HOLLY FOR DETAILS. Sept2013.
Sea Cadets Hitchin
Sea Cadets offer opportunities to go to sea, learn to sail and do adventure training, all on a nautical
01462 440027
theme for 10-18 year olds. To contact and more information www.sea-cadets.org/hitchin July2013
St John’s Ambulance
If you’re aged between 10-17 years old you can join a St John's Ambulance cadet unit. At cadets it's
Cadets 01438 357900
all about fun, adventure and community and as a cadet you will learn first aid and how to save a life.
Once qualified, cadets can put their first aid and communication skills into practice by providing first
aid to the public at events and teaching first aid to other young people and adults. If you become a
St John's Ambulance Cadet you will learn vital skills to be the difference between life and death in
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Youth Connexions
Youth Clubs
01438 843340
Princes Trust Team
Stevenage
01438 730520
Pro-Action - Herts.
01707 276859
Duke of Edinburgh's
Award DofE – Herts
an emergency. Sessions are every Thursday evening in Stevenage www.mogozout.org Aug2013
Youth Connexions offer various youth clubs across North Herts and Stevenage including on the Grang e
Estate and Jackman’s Estate in Letchworth, the Bancroft Centre in Hitchin and the Bowes Lyon Centre
in Stevenage. Each club operates on various nights of the week offering a range of activities for 1319 year olds such as pool tables, table football, games consoles, trips, internet access, SKY TV and
Hitchin have DJ decks, drums and keyboards. A youth-led internet radio station also runs from the
Bancroft Centre for Young People in Hitchin for FREE every Friday. Contact Youth Connexions for
opening nights and view for more youth club details www.mogozout.org Aug2013
Practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation,
for 13-30 year olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or
have been in trouble with the law. The Princes Trust offers an enterprise programme helping young
people to start up their own business, a team programme offering work experience, get started short
courses, development awards and a fairbridge programme www.princes-trust.org.uk Aug2013
Pro-Action exists to inspire, enhance and represent high quality opportunities for children and young
people to engage, participate and develop. We support and represent over 200 organisations from
clubs to sports groups and beyond across Hertfordshire. Our support takes the form of face-to-face
advice, guidance on meeting legal and best practice requirements, access to free training for staff
and volunteers, DBS checks, a quality mark scheme, and much more. We also deliver projects and
events directly to young people, including our well-established young people’s training programme.
Courses are available for 13+ year olds including dance leadership www.pro-actionherts.org Aug2013
A balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person, mind, body and soul, creating
an environment of social interaction and team working. Young people progress through three levels
of DofE programmes to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Taking part builds confidence and
develops self-esteem, it requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes
and outlook of all young people who do their DofE. Our participants are aged between 14 and 24.
There is a small participating fee for doing bronze, silver and gold awards www.dofe.org Aug2013
Church Youth Groups
Letchworth Garden
The Letchworth Garden City Church offers a dance group for young people on occasional Thursday
City Church
evenings, Sunday groups, Tuesday night gathering for secondary school young people and a
weekly G7 youth club for primary school children from years 2-6 www.mylgcc.com Aug2013
Grange Baptist
The Grange Baptist Church in Letchworth offers a variety of clubs for 3+ year olds including Kid
Church Youth Group
Zone and The Zone Club on Sundays, Wacky Wednesday for 4 year olds to Year 4s on alternate
Wednesdays offering fun packed activities including crafts, games and listening to stories based on
a theme, Friday Girls Jucos Club (Year 5/6) as well as ‘Fusion’ which is a mixed girls/boys group
for Year7+ on Fridays. The Church also offers a pre-school group www.grangebaptist.org.uk Aug2013
Central Methodist
The Central Methodist Church in Letchworth offers several youth clubs including a Boys Brigade for
Church
5-15+ year olds, Girls Brigade for 5-21 year olds, Free Spirit which is a fortnightly fun group for 8+
year olds, Junior Church and Tea and Toddler Sessions www.centralmethodistlgc.org.uk Aug2013
St Paul’s Church
St Paul’s Church offers a variety of clubs including groups for 0-18 year olds on Sunday mornings,
a monthly after school fun club for primary age children, a weekly baby and toddlers group, a holiday
club for children up to Year 6, fun days and MORE www.stpaulsletchworth.co.uk Aug2013
Urban Saints Church
Formally known as the Crusaders, Urban Saints is a group for 5-18+ year olds in Letchworth
Youth Group
offering weekly gatherings, special events, holidays and more www.urbansaints.org Aug2013
Salvation Army The Salvation Army offer a weekly club for 5-12 year olds www.letchworthcorps.co.uk Aug2013
Jam Youth Club
The Parish of Norton
The Parish of Norton offers a variety of youth groups including a weekly snapdragons group for
Street Dragons
parents and toddlers, street dragons on Friday nights for young people in Year 4-7 offering film
nights, games nights, crafts and cooking and the sofa group for those in Year 8+ which meets in
The Loft at the Parish Centre. See the website for more information www.parishofnorton.org.uk Aug2013
Urban Saints and
Urban Saints is a weekly youth event for secondary age young people based at the Hitchin Christian
Centre on Friday evenings. Admission is FREE but you may want to bring money for refreshments.
First Stop Breakfast
Bar 01462 442238
Activities include a fun challenging weekly programme, café and games room. The Hitchin Christian
Centre also offer a FREE ‘first stop breakfast bar’ for secondary age young people between 7.308.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays term time, offering breakfast and activities as well as a
Thursday after school club for 6-10 year olds and holiday clubs www.hcc.org.uk/youth/ July2013
Art Clubs and Astronomy
Letchworth
The Letchworth Arts Centre presents exhibitions, lives shows and art related courses for children and adults
Arts Centre
term time and through holidays. The Letchworth Arts Centre is currently running drop in pre-school painting
01462 670788
and colouring courses, holiday programmes, Saturday art club for 5-11 year olds, Helen O Grady’s drama
academy for 5-15 year olds and an arts award for 7-11 year olds, as well as polenastics for adults, floristry,
yoga, book club for the visual impaired and tutored life drawing www.letchwortharts.org July2013
Astronomy
The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society run sessions throughout the year for adults and young
Workshops
people with meetings held monthly at Mrs Howard Memorial Hall in Letchworth featuring external speakers
07751 315447 as well as frequent observatory sessions at Standalone Farm. FREE for under 18s www.ldas.org.uk July2013
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Photography
Club Hitchin
Hitchin Camera Club is £5 to join for young people and membership gives the benefit of access to likeminded people and an opportunity to learn more about photography www.hitchincameraclub.org July2013
Music, Performing Arts, Drama and Dance (AGE ORDER)
Search ‘’private tutors’’ on www.hertsdirect.org
Hertfordshire Music Hertfordshire Music Service has over 560 instrumental and vocal teachers teaching over 25,000 children
in schools and music centres across the county working with an ever increasing number of agencies
Service HMS
and partners to support our most vulnerable children. Nearest music schools are based in Hitchin
01462 434052
and Baldock offering pupils brass, woodwind and string opportunities, guitar, jazz, recorder and much
more. Students receiving FREE school meals and/or other benefits while living in and attending school
in Hertfordshire may be able to receive financial support for instrumental or vocal lessons with HMS.
We also support children in the care of Hertfordshire County Council. Herts Music Service can offer
schools singing opportunities, in school advice and support, primary music consultancy, training for
teachers, access to music teaching resources and more www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk July2013
The Britton School of
Extensive time table holding weekly dance and performing arts classes Tuesdays at Wilbury Hall in
Performing Arts
Letchworth and Wednesdays and Thursdays at Lordship Farm School for all ages and abilities. Little
Grovers is available for 18 month olds to 3 years which incorporates ballet, tap, modern, westend jazz,
street dance, drama and MORE. Lessons continue for 3+ year olds www.brittonschool.co.uk July2013
The Letchworth Centre
Baby ballet for 3+ year olds, grade 1 and 2 ballet, modern, jazz and tap, and yoga for kids and
for Healthy Living
teenagers. The Letchworth Centre also offers various activities and therapies for adults / families,
01462 678804
please see the counselling section for more information www.letchworthcentre.com July2013
Dance Steps
Ballet, tap and modern dance classes for 3+ year olds based at the Letchworth Settlement. Dance
01462 642858
Steps gives the opportunity for grade exams twice a term www.dancesteps-academy.co.uk July2013
Fusion Dance
Fusion Dance Studios offer classes in Street Dance, Hip Hop and Disco Freestyle for 3+ year olds
Centres
as well as classes in Latin ballroom, rock and roll and cheerleading (holiday workshop). Sessions
01462 731074
held currently Letchworth, Fairfield Park, Ickleford and Sandy www.michellegordinedance.com July2013
New Youth
New voluntary based music workshop on the Jackman’s Estate in Letchworth twice weekly for 4-16
Foundation Workshop year olds. Bring your kids along to have fun learning the benefits of music making, rapping, singing,
07401 800 586
basic dance and stage art. Sessions are split by age each evening. £3/child/session. Sponsored by
North Herts District Council and the Heritage Foundation http://network.youthmusic.org.uk Aug2013
Younique
Younique offer kids street classes from 4 years old to adults and classes run from Letchworth Sports
07866 200209
and Tennis Club and at Fitness First in Stevenage. Younique also offer Street Stomp Tap for 7-14 year
olds and 13+ to adults and zumba with hip hop for adults www.weareyounique.co.uk July2013
Rodney’s Dance
Disco, street and line dancing, ballroom and Latin dances for 4+ year olds and adults in
School 01462 453613
Letchworth, Hitchin, Baldock, Pirton and Welwyn www.rodneysdanceschool.co.uk July2013
Stagecoach Drama
Stagecoach Performing Arts School offers 4-18 year olds an opportunity to learn how to sing, act
01462 811120
and dance and is open to all abilities. Our local Stagecoach currently runs weekly at the Grange
School in Letchworth and Barclay School in Stevenage, both on Saturdays, as well as across
Hertfordshire and nationwide. Stagecoach also offer holiday clubs www.stagecoach.co.uk July2013
Zinc Dance
Classes for under 7s and over 7s in street dance at The Spirella Building Letchworth, in Hitchin and
07792 501118
Stevenage including street, hip hop, locking, popping, freestyle, breaking and commercial styles.
Classes available in performing arts - see online for details www.dancewithsukiandzorro.com Aug2013
Helen O Grady’s
Helen O Grady offers 5-17 year olds an opportunity to develop their enthusiasm, confidence, selfDrama Academy
esteem, conversational ability and social skills through drama classes across the UK with nearest
01481 200250
sessions at the Letchworth Arts Centre and on Fairfield Park www.helenogrady.co.uk July2013
Box of Frogs
Box of Frogs Theatre School is based in North Hertfordshire offering classes in singing, dance and
Theatre School
drama taught by West-End Musical Theatre Professionals. Our aim is to provide a thorough grounding
07973 818254
in musical theatre. Children will learn self-discipline, communication and teamwork skills, encouraging
creativity and self-confidence. Sessions are based at St Francis College on Sundays for 5+ year
olds. 10% sibling discount, costs payable termly www.boxoffrogstheatreschool.co.uk July2013
Letchworth Young
The Young Arcadians meet Saturday mornings from September to February offering performing
Arcadians
arts rehearsals and productions for 10-18 year olds www.letchwortharcadians.org.uk July2012
JS Dance Academy
Ballet for 3+ year olds as well as modern and tap classes for 4+ year olds and street dance for 8+
01462 625259
year olds. Classes are also available for adults as well as a Saturday morning Dance and Drama
Club for primary age children with bi-annual shows www.jsdanceacademy.co.uk July2013
Dance Beat
Classes are held on Wednesdays at St Michael’s Community Centre in Hitchin for 4+ year olds and
01462 625781
in Letchworth for pre-school children on Fridays at Mrs Howard Memorial Hall. Classes are also
available in Stevenage and cross other Hertfordshire venues www.dance-beat.co.uk July2013
Hitchin School of
Weekly classes for 5+ year olds to adults in ballet, tap and modern/jazz as well as open classes in
Dance 01462637622
freestyle jazz, adult dancercize and intermediate tap. New pupils can have a FREE first session and
can benefit from 2 further weeks of paying per lesson before paying termly. Sibling discounts available
and sessions held at the Tilehouse Street Baptist Church www.hitchinschoolofdance.co.uk July2013
Market Theatre Kids
The Kids Club runs every Saturday morning term times offering acting, dance and singing for 5-19
Club 01462 433553
year olds. Paid £6 weekly. Summer school also available www.markettheatre.co.uk July2013
North Herts Sparlettes
Based at Highover School in Hitchin, weekly after school training in majorette dance, marching and
07590 806058
twirling for 5+ year olds. £3/week paid termly with 2 trial lessons £2each www.hertsdirect.org July2013
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Theatre Train
01438 871800
Young Thespians
01462 434181
Starlight Theatre
0845 0940 654
Big Spirit Youth
Theatre
Andrews Dance
01462 643384
Knights Templar Sports
Centre 01462 631300
Footwork’s School of
Dance 01707 328441
Gordon Craig
01438 363200
Top Hat Stage
School – Stevenage
01727 812666
Footsteps Dance
01462 673895
Act One Arts Base
01582 621947
Professional training in the performing arts for 6-18 year olds including acting, singing and dancing
in the important wider context of performing arts and story-telling www.theatretrain.co.uk July2013
The Young Thespians meet Sunday mornings at Woodside Hall, Hitchin, offering 10+ year olds an
opportunity to act, sing and dance. There are no auditions to join and performances are shown at
Woodside Hall and at the Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage www.hitchinthespians.org.uk July2013
Acting, singing and dancing for 10-18 year olds term time in Hitchin. All work will increase a child’s
confidence and drama skills www.starlightuk.com July2013
Big Spirit Youth Theatre offers actor training and performance opportunities to 14-18 year olds
based at the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin www.bigspirittheatre.co.uk July2013
Andrews Dance Centre offers 3+ year olds a fun environment to study ballet, tap, disco and street
within venues in Baldock, Biggleswade and Stotfold. www.andrewsdance.co.uk July2013
The sports centre offers a number of sports clubs including martial arts, gymnastics, badminton,
basketball, dance, youth football and holiday clubs www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Aug2013
Footwork’s School of Dance offers baby and toddler classes, children can start classes at 3 years
old and take exams from 5 years old and are given a combination class of ballet, tap and modern.
Adults classes also available in tap and zumba www.footworksschoolofdance.co.uk July2013
The Gordon Craig Theatre offers drama classes for 3-18 year olds (groups split by age) to explore
music, arts, movement and dance as well as holiday courses www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
Top Hat Stage School is a part time theatre arts school for 4-17 year olds offering dance, drama and
singing classes across Herts. Weekend stage school is available in Stevenage and week night street
dance courses are available further afield in Hertfordshire www.tophatstageschool.co.uk July2013
Classes are available for 4+ year old in Ballroom, Latin and Disco Free Style in Stevenage. Adult
classes are also available Letchworth and Stevenage www.footstepsschoolofdancing.co.uk July2013
ActOne ArtsBase runs vibrant all-ability dance, theatre and arts projects across Hertfordshire working
inclusively so that everyone feels valued whatever their ability. ActOne’s projects include DanceBase
for 5+ year olds, ARC which offers a yearly programme of rehearsal, performance and workshops
and a UV inclusive nightclub for disabled and non-disabled 13-25 year olds (19+ for those with a
learning difficulty); the venue is completely accessible and they have staff supporting the clubbers
– no alcohol, drugs and fully inclusive and ActOne arranges transport www.artsbase.org.uk July2013
Kid’s, teenage and adult classes on a drop in basis in Stevenage focusing on street dance, hip hop,
street locking and break dance. Summer classes available www.streetdanceproductions.com July2013
Interested in music? Want to be involved in organising music gigs? The Music Development Group
(MDG) organises and runs the AFTER DARK live music gigs held every month at the Bowes Lyon
Centre for Young People, Stevenage. The group meets at 4pm every Wednesday at Bowes Lyon
Centre. Sessions are for 13-19 year olds; 25 if you have a disability www.mogozout.org Aug2013
Street Dance Prod…
01438 235637
Music Development
Group (MDG)
07776 226206
01438 843340
Swimming
Letchworth
Letchworth Amateur Swimming Club provides swimming lessons and coaching for 3+ year olds based
Swimming Club
at the North Herts Leisure Centre on Sundays, St Francis College Pool on Thursdays and at the
01462 635220
Letchworth Outdoor Pool during the summer term www.letchworthswimmingclub.co.uk July2013
Aqua / Sport Ed
The North Herts Leisure Centre offers swimming courses as well as dryside sports courses for young
01462 679311
people from 3 years of age and junior gym sessions www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
Hitchin Amateur
Based at Hitchin Swimming Centre and St Christopher’s School in Letchworth, swimming lessons are
Swimming Club
available for children and adults from beginners to squad level www.hitchinswimmingclub.co.uk Aug2013
07812 774690
Football
Letchworth Eagles
Football Club
Touchline Soccer
Schools
07736 713695
Active Soccer
0740 290 1966
Khalsa Football
Academy KFA
Letchworth Cougars
01462 683307
Letchworth Rugby
Union
Knights Templar Sports
Centre 01462 631300
The Eagles home ground is based on Pixmore Pitches between the Letchworth Town Football Club
and the North Herts Leisure Centre. The Eagles offer Saturday schools for 5-7 year olds (07796
181598) and for girls between 7-11 years (07973137660) as well as fixtures from under6s to under
18s. No match, but training fees are applicable £70-80/season www.letchwortheagles.org.uk July2013
Touchline Soccer Schools is a grassroots football coaching school for girls and boys aged 5-14
years which offers mid-week mini soccer at Letchworth Corner Sports Club as well as after school
clubs at Roecroft School in Stotfold, Wood End Primary in Harpenden and Kingshott School in
Hitchin. Holiday soccer camps in Letchworth/Hitchin available www.touchlinesoccer.co.uk July2013
‘Fun, healthy and inclusive’ opportunities through football based activities for boys and girls 4-14
years olds such as holiday camps, Monday night girls only coaching and Saturday soccer academy
at Hitchin Boys School as well as extracurricular school activities www.activesoccer.co.uk July2013
KFA futsal courses run every week for 7-16 year olds as well as senior training at Fearnhill Sports
Centre in Letchworth. For more information contact info@thekfa.com / www.thekfa.com July2013
Was Under11s and now an under 13s football team is available based in Letchworth for all
abilities (July2012). Recruiting under 14s in July2013 www.howard-cottage.co.uk July2013
The Letchworth Rugby Union offer under7 to under17 as well as adult fixtures and are based on
Baldock Road in Letchworth www.letchworthrugby.com July2013
The sports centre offers a number of sports clubs including martial arts, gymnastics, badminton,
basketball, dance, youth football and holiday clubs www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Aug2013
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Arena Baldock
Football Courses
01462 720088
Baldock Town Club
Hitchin Town Club
Hitchin Belles Club
Hitchin Rugby Club
Stevenage Borough
Football Academy
01438 368068
Luton Football Club
Youth Development
01582 411622
The Arena Stadium based in Baldock hosts various football activities throughout term time and
school holidays including safe hands goal keeping courses for 8+ year olds, primary and enhanced
coaching clinics for boys and girls 5-12 years old, Hertfordshire advanced development centre for 7-14
year olds and four week futsal courses. The Arena also offer Saturday morning clinics for 3-8 year olds
as well as regular school holiday courses for 5-12 year olds www.northhertsarena.co.uk July2013
Youth football club for under7s to under18s www.baldocktyfc.co.uk July2013
Youth football based in Hitchin for under 7s to under 18s www.hitchintownfc.co.uk July2013
Football based in Hitchin for girls under 9s-under 15s and women www.hitchinbelles.com July2013
Rugby football club for under6s to adults based in Hitchin www.hitchinrfc.com July2013
Junior kickers offers weekly football for 3-4 year olds, Kids Zone offers sessions for 5-12 year olds
weekly and holiday courses and safe hands courses are also available. The youth development
programme offer training for under 8s to under 18s www.sbfa.co.uk July2013
Luton Town Football Club offers youth development soccer centres across Beds and North Herts
which are entry level into their Talent Identification Programme TIPS. Successful candidates move
through to the performance centres before moving up further www.ltyd.co.uk July2013
Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis and Cricket
Letchworth Sports
Tennis, squash, croquet, badminton, a fitness suite, gym and lounge area, as well as holiday tots,
and Tennis Club
tennis and kids camps. Mini tennis is available for 3-10 year olds with tot’s tennis for 3-5 year
01462 675444
olds and junior tennis caters for under 11-18 year olds. The Letchworth Club also offers disability
tennis and has a qualified physiotherapist during sessions www.letchworth-tennis.co.uk July2013
Academy Badminton
Academy Badminton currently has junior members aged 7-22 year olds, offering sessions at the
07868 248 994
North Herts Leisure Centre and Letchworth Tennis Club www.academybadminton.co.uk July2013
Letchworth Garden City
Cricket Club for 6-17 year olds to adults during cricket season as well as some holiday clubs and
Cricket Club
an indoor winter programme. Contact through website www.letchworth.play-cricket.com June2013
Hitchin Boys Sports
The sports centre provides dual use for Hitchin Boys School and the community with activities
Centre 01462 459270
including badminton, table tennis, shotokan karate, thai/kick boxing, extreme adventure, yoga,
077455 69184 – Ally
trampolining, basketball, Hitchin School of Russian Ballet, Rodney’s Dance School and multigymnastics. Fund sports centre on www.hbs.herts.sch.uk / ally21hbs@hotmail.co.uk Aug2013
Hitchin Lawn Tennis Club
Hitchin Lawn Tennis Club is based at Hitchin Boys School offering tennis coaching for juniors
(Hitchin Boys School)
and adults. Holiday coaching and camps also available www.hbsltc.co.uk/coaching Aug2013
Hitchin Cricket Club
Club for under9s to under15s and adults. www.hitchin.play-cricket.com Aug2013
Knights Templar Sports
The sports centre offers a number of sports clubs including martial arts, gymnastics, badminton,
Centre 01462 631300
basketball, dance, youth football and holiday clubs www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Aug2013
North Herts Table
Coaching and matches for young people and adults. Coaching based across North Herts on
Tennis League
different nights of the week; contact details online www.northhertstabletennis.org.uk Aug2013
Basketball
North Herts Knights
(Baldock)
MBA Association
0845 5212 989
(Hitchin/Stevenage)
North Herts Knights has several teams from under 11 to under 18s playing regularly at the
Knights Templar Sports Centre in Baldock www.nhknights.co.uk July2013
Youth programmes for children and young people across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage, Watford
and Beds including a Basketball Club at Bowes Lyon and Leisure Centre in Stevenage, Basketball
Academy in Hitchin as well as three squads of cheerleading based in Stevenage for 5-24 year olds
(07852 242653). At their building in Stevenage, MBA have set up a radio station project, a fashion
project, video/music recording project and recording and vocal project www.mba1.org July2013
Hockey, Roller Hockey, Roller Skating, Golf, Pool and Snooker
Letchworth Hockey Club
Hockey Club based at Letchworth Corner Sports Club on Whitethorn Lane for juniors and
01462 683881 Peter
adults www.hertsdirect.org / www.letchworth-hockey.org July2013
Letchworth Roller Hockey
Letchworth Roller Hockey Club trains at the North Herts Leisure Centre on Wednesday
01462 620278 Andrew
evenings. Training times depend on age and ability www.lrhc.co.uk July2013
Skate House Roller Disco
Skate House Roller Disco based on Saturdays and Sundays at the North Herts Leisure
01462 679311
Centre in Letchworth www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Aug2013
Hitchin Hockey Blue Harts
Hockey for under10s to adults. Summer club also available www.blueharts.org.uk July2013
Letchworth Golf Club
Events, tutoring and competitions for 9+ year olds and membership fees vary per age group
01462 683203
www.letchworthgolfclub.co.uk July2013
Chesfield Downs Golf Club
Coaching and competitions for 4-8 year olds, 7-11 year olds and 9-15 year olds throughout
01462 482929
the week www.chesfielddownsgolf.co.uk / http://chesfielddownsjuniorgolf.co.uk Aug2013
Avenue Billiard Club
Snooker and pool for all ages based in Leys Avenue Letchworth. Aug2013
01462 480721
Osinsky’s 01462 451441
Pool hall, bar and restaurant. Open from midday until midnight most nights, and 2am on
Fridays and 3am on Saturday nights www.osinskys.co.uk Aug2013
Gymnastics, Trampolining, Acrobatics, Athletics, Archery, Adventure and Water Sports
Fearnhill Gymnastics
Gymnastics based at the Fearnhill Sports Centre in Letchworth for 4-15 year olds Tuesdays
Club 01462 629418
and Thursdays throughout the week for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Sept2013.
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North Herts Leisure Centre
Gymnastics 679311
Richards Trampolining
Club – Website contact
Knights Templar Sports
Centre 01462 631300
Hitchin Boys Sports
Centre 01462 459270
077455 69184 – Ally
Stevenage Acrobatics
Club 01525 717726
Stevenage and North
Herts Athletic Club
Stevenage & North Herts
Adventure 07511 637943
Green Dragon
Bowmen Archery
Fairlands Valley Sailing
Centre 01438 353241
Biking
Bikeability Biking
01438 235881
Biking Courses
01992 556808
Gymnastics based at the North Hertfordshire Leisure Centre for 5+ year olds on Wednesday
and Friday evenings. There is often waiting list, deposit sometimes needed. July2013
Richards Trampolining Club has venues in Letchworth and Stevenage catering for 5+ year olds
to adults (6+ year olds in Letchworth). The Letchworth Cub runs out of the North Herts Leisure
Centre on Mondays and Thursday www.richardstrampolineclub.com July2013
The sports centre offers a number of sports clubs including martial arts, gymnastics, badminton,
basketball, dance, youth football and holiday clubs www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Aug2013
The sports centre provides dual use for Hitchin Boys School and the community with activities
including badminton, table tennis, shotokan karate, thai/kick boxing, extreme adventure, yoga,
trampolining, basketball, Hitchin School of Russian Ballet, Rodney’s Dance School and multigymnastics. Fund sports centre on www.hbs.herts.sch.uk / ally21hbs@hotmail.co.uk Aug2013
Stevenage Sports Acrobatics Club is based at John Henry Newman Leisure Centre in Stevenage
offering beginners to advanced lessons in gymnastics www.ssacgymnastics.co.uk July2013
For any grade athletic from 9+ years upwards and adults. The club meets in Stevenage several
times a week including sessions on long and triple jump, hurdles, sprint and throws. The club
also runs a disability squad for wheelchair users and seated throwers www.snhac.org.uk July2013
Adventurous outdoor activities for 14+ year olds and adults including weekend adventures and
fun including climbing, kite flying and abseiling www.stevenageadventureclub.org.uk July2013
Archery shooting facilities and coaching for all ages and abilities across summer at Knebworth
Park and indoors at Knebworth School www.greendragonbowmen.org.uk July2013
Fairland’s Valley in Stevenage offers a variety of water sports and activities including dinghy
sailing, multi activity courses, power kiting, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboat courses, youth
and weekend activity sessions and racing opportunities, as well as a Sailability scheme which
offers people with disabilities whether young or old an opportunity to sail. Other activities include
the Aqua Playground which is open in summer and café www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk July2013
Bike riding lessons, level 1 for 5+ year olds, level 2 for 9 year olds and level 3 for 11 year olds. Parents
can book lessons individually and lessons bookable for schools www.cycleinstructor.co.uk July2013
Courses for primary schools term time and for young people during holidays. If your family is on a low
income you may qualify for assistance with the cost www.hertsdirect.org ‘cycle training’ July2013
Horse Riding
North Herts Equestrian
Centre 01462 892626
Ickleford Equestrian
Centre 01462 459081
Chibley Farm Horse
Riding 01462 711583
Martial Arts and Boxing
Letchworth Karate Club
07730 666796
Active Hertfordshire
Karate AHK
0800 026 8365
Letchworth and
Biggleswade Taekwondo
07810 808422
KR Kick Boxing
07710 132647 Roger
07723 079039 Kat
Andy Nugent’s
Academy of Martial Arts
Kaishouk Martial Arts
Club 07794 127624
North Herts Amateur
Boxing Club
01462 457296
Hitchin Boys Sports
Centre 01462 459270
077455 69184 – Ally
Horse riding based in Baldock as well as other equine facilities, stables, dressage, saddler
and livery www.riding-schools.com/hertfordshire/baldock July2013
Horse riding lessons for under 16s to adults; private one to one, 2-3 rider groups and for class
lessons for 4-8 riders. Pony Club available www.icklefordequestriancentre.com July2013
Horse riding lessons in Shillington Hitchin for 4+ years old, individually as well as semi private
lessons in groups of two-four riders. Pony Club available www.chibleyfarm.co.uk July2013
Please see www.hertsdierct.org for MORE martial arts across Hertfordshire
Classes for 5+ year olds. Two FREE taster sessions available http://zanshinmkd.com/ Aug2013
Active Hertfordshire Karate offers Shotokan Karate from 4+ years as well as Junior Instructor
Programmes for 11-18 year olds and adult and family sessions across Hertfordshire. Local
clubs supporting all ages can be found in Letchworth (North Herts Leisure Centre) and Hitchin
(Hitchin Girls School). Further sessions are available across Herts www.tskagb.co.uk July2013
Little Dragons is an introduction to Taekwondo for 4-7 year olds and it not only keeps your child
fit and healthy, but it also builds their confidence, including learning safety information. Please
note that 4 year olds are taken as a trial first. Letchworth Taekwando also runs for beginners,
to black belts at Highfield Secondary School www.letchworthtaekwondoschool.com July2013
Based in Letchworth welcoming new students, there is no need to pre-book your first FREE class,
just turn up and pay monthly thereafter. See website for things to bring to your session. Classes are
based at Norton Parish Church twice weekly for juniors and seniors www.krfitness.co.uk July2013
Classes are based at Garden City Academy in Letchworth for around 7+ year olds. The first t2
sessions you attend are FREE. See website for martial art details www.andynugent.com July2013
Kaishouk Ju-Jitsu Rya Martial Arts Club run Little Samurai Warrior classes for 4-6 year olds to
improve basic motor and listening skills as well as offering junior and adult classes. Nearest junior
and adults classes are based at Fearnhill Sports Centre in Letchworth www.kaishouk.org July2013
Whatever your level of fitness, there is something here for you; amateur boxing, boxing, thai
boxing, kick boxing, kids bootcamp, weight loss and fitness, ladies only boot camp, weights,
martial arts, adult boot camp, circuits, personal 1:1 tuition, self-defense and more. Sessions
are available for 7+ year olds, based in Hitchin www.waynearmstrongboxing.co.uk Aug2013
The sports centre provides dual use for Hitchin Boys School and the community with activities
including badminton, table tennis, shotokan karate, judo, thai/kick boxing, extreme adventure, yoga,
trampolining, basketball, Hitchin School of Russian Ballet, Rodney’s Dance School and multigymnastics. Fund sports centre on www.hbs.herts.sch.uk / ally21hbs@hotmail.co.uk Aug2013
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