The services provide a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s behaviours that challenge.
This directory helps you quickly find the right local services, support, and resources when you need them most.
Whether you’re looking for support, resources, or simply a bit of guidance, our Signposting Directory is here to help you find the right place to turn. We’ve gathered a wide range of trusted services and organisations, from mental health support and family advice, to housing, education, and local activities, all in one easy-to-use guide.
Each listing includes essential information and contact details so you can access the help you need quickly and confidently. This directory is designed to connect individuals, families, and professionals with the right support at the right time.
The services provide a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s behaviours that challenge.
The services provides a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s deafness & sight-loss
The services provide a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s learning difficulties.
The services provides a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s mental health.
The services below provide a combination of early intervention and more specialist neurodiversity support.
The services provide a combination of early intervention and more specialist support for children and young people’s physical needs.
The services provide a combination of early intervention and
more specialist support for children and young people’s speech
language and communication.
Specialise in children who have experienced developmental trauma / at risk of placement breakdown, also sexualised behaviour support
County lines, child exploitation, sexual exploitation, missing from home
Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour
Charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime 100% anonymously
Target – those who have offended or are at risk of offending / been involved in anti-social behaviour or fire setting / poor school attendance and behaviour / low confidence and self-esteem.
Lesley – 01707 292439
Aim to avoid permanent exclusion / help with placements
Fiona Haynes 07748 041 982
Knife Crime
The first and most complete resource on knife crime in the UK
Age 13-16
into one or more of these following categories:
• Received exclusions (perm or temp) from school
• Problems at home or school
• Easily led
• Persistent offending/antisocial behaviour
• Lack of self-esteem/confidence
• Lack of rules/boundaries
• Anger issues/confrontational
• Victim of bullying/crime
• History with fire
Youth Engagement Team 01992 555282
Knife Crime
Support young people to make more positive choices when it comes to knife crime and youth violence
Offers assessment, treatment, consultation and training for and about children and young people where there are concerns about harmful sexual behaviour (HSB)
Support the whole education system to ensure that every child and young person gets the support they need to have the best possible chance in life.
Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour
Provides a services for young people programme for 11-17 year olds who are at risk of becoming involved with gangs and violent crimes, focusing on risks and consequences
Provides educators, service providers and parents with information and resources to help educate, guide and support children and young people to keeping safe
Young people aged 11 to 17 in families at risk of breakdown or on the edge of care / Young people who go missing from home or those that are at risk of, or experiencing, child exploitation, including gangs and county lines / Young people in the Youth Justice system to prevent offending and re-offending; and to support victims of youth crime and their communities / Young people aged 16 to 17 years old who are homeless
Aims to enable young people to succeed
Provide a broad range of information and guidance about challenging behaviour and connected issues
Service that aims for ‘no more’ getting into trouble with drugs, police. Working with at risk young people, substance misuse, chaotic home lives, etc
No timescale on the work and although based in Stevenage, covers all county.
Provide practical parenting support and guidance. Herts Practical Parenting Programme specialising in child to parent abuse
Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour
A police-led youth violence prevention programme which diverts young people away from knife crime, gangs and county lines across Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere
Help children, young people, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service supporting children, young people and their families, with other services specifically supporting adults
Provide bereavement support
Children’s helpline – 01707 264 293
Adult helpline – 01707 278 389
Working with people to create an open culture in which we are comfortable talking about death, dying and grief
Preparing children for death / reactions of children of different ages
Samaritans volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in any type of emotional distress, without judging or telling people what to do.
Provide bereavement support
NHS booklet for those bereaved by suicide (aimed at adults)
Suicide Bereavement Support
Provide peer-led support to adults impacted by suicide
DV support services for South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women. Safe houses, support.
Support Hertfordshire families where there is child on parent violence (CPV) occuring within the home. Family Hub team leader, Tara Ward
Email: [email protected]
Child to Parent Abuse
Bring together people and communities, champion the disadvantaged and provide advocacy for minorities and excluded groups
Legal support service designed to help protect women against domestic abuse
Provide support to young people worried about friends, FGM, forced marriage etc
For men who have been violent or abusive in their families – 17 week parenting course
Support people subjected to domestic abuse in Hertfordshire who are not at imminent risk of serious harm or homicide
Support for adults and children who have been a victim of sexual violence or abuse
The Tiffin Club – women to socialise, learn new skills, share ideas, and meet with friends.
Free support for anyone affected by domestic abuse
Supports anyone over 13 years who have experienced sexual violence and/or abuse
24 hour legal helpline – 0203 9355 999
Support for recovery for childhood abuse
Helps survivors of domestic violence and abuse to obtain protection against an abuser. Also offer services to the police, probation service, domestic abuse agency workers, the legal profession and judiciary
Free support for anyone affected by domestic abuse
The centre aims to achieve a system change in the provision of services for children and their families who are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The focus of their work has been extended to include breast flattening and child abuse linked to faith or belief
This is a national helpline which supports Polish victims of domestic violence living in the UK. Helpline staff speak Polish. Risk assessments are carried out for all callers who ask for help and they are referred to specialist domestic violence agencies for further support.
National helpline: 01270 260106.
Support for girls and young women at risk or victims of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
This helpline helps women and children in the Polish community to improve health, wellbeing, financial stability and happiness by stopping domestic violence.
Opoka: 0300 365 1700.
Child to parent abuse: supporting parents and professionals
This is a free helpline for Polish people who live in the UK and experience domestic abuse.
Polish Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 061 4004. This is a free helpline for Polish people who live in the UK and experience domestic abuse. It is open on Wednesday 9.30 – 14.30 and Friday 9.30 – 12.30.
Keeping young people safe – advice for parents & professionals – teen relationship abuse
Domestic and sexual abuse support / ISAC service (independent stalking advocacy caseworker)
St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge
03301 025811 (24-hour referral line only);
St Albans – 01727 824425;
Outreach – 07501492064;
Sarah Oliver – 07483 149 900
Supporting South Asian women with the tools to lead an independent life without fear
Support for victims of stalking
arts charity working with young people to prevent DA & sexual violence – promote healthy relationships
Specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted
DV counselling, career advice, ESOL courses, legal advice, immigration support. PEAR programme (psychology education and resilience) – build self esteem and confidence.
Child to Parent Abuse
support people with a range of mental health and emotional conditions, dual diagnosis and other complex needs to recover and live independently by providing free, short term and direct 1:1 personalised support packages in own homes or in the community.
24 hour helpline for young people with questions and concerns about alcohol or drugs
Young people’s support service for those affected by their own gambling / someone else’s gambling / family members worried about a young person. Live chat via BigDeal.org.uk
drug or alcohol issues, mental health concern or a learning disability – health and wellbeing services
A charity offering free, confidential support to adults and young people with issues around alcohol dependency and drug use across the UK
Children’s well being & mental health / advice to parents
13-17 year-olds (and those aged up to 24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Education, training, apprenticeships and work / sexual health / drugs & alcohol / finances / housing / CV support
YC Hertfordshire Personal Advisor or Education and Training Advisor – call 01442 454934.
LEGAL ADVICE FOR CHILDREN
Promotes children’s rights and gives legal advice and representation to children and young people.
EDUCATION & CAREER SUPPORT – ADULTS
Support people with learning disabilities – social and therapeutic horticulture training and work experience.
YC Herts – volunteer opportunity – Youth Health Champion Age 16+
EDUCATION & CAREER SUPPORT – ADULTS
Accessible job search for disabled people
Learning for Independence & Future Employment provision at Oaklands College
EDUCATION & CAREER SUPPORT – ADULTS
The Prince’s Trust TEAM Programme for 16-25 year olds who are not currently in employment or education. TEAM is designed to help young people to get back into employment or further education. CV/interview support/work expereince.
Aged 16-24 with traits of an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated emotional, behavioural and mental health needs / anxiety. Help to progress to employment.
13-17 year olds can come and take part in projects involving: Music-making and/or recording / Film making / DJing / Photography
Sarah Campbell: 01442 454717 / 01442 454934 [email protected]
HM Government scheme which provides advice and support to enable people with a disability, mental health or physical health condition to start or stay in work
ENERGY BILL HELP
financial support for water bills – fixed water charges
Provides grants to support local children who face challenges in life due to health issues, special needs, bereavement or poverty
Grants for children who we help face challenges in life because of special and additional needs, disability, bereavement and poverty
debt advice, counselling, budgeting, life skills, reduce bills
Email : [email protected]
Consumer helpline offering free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on their rights and responsibilities. They can help with debt worries, benefits, housing and employment problems, consumer or tax issues, family and personal matters
practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation
Supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances. The programme provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal and other items or services critical to a child’s wellbeing.
A free on-line handbook for front-line staff who are advising people facing fuel cost recovery action, disconnection or who wish to complain about the actions of their supplier
Prepaying for energy but not having the money to do so means living without heat and light. The Fuel Bank Foundation provide people with the financial support and practical advice that they need to get back on their feet.
Support for chronic illness / help with shopping, gardening, extreme cleaning services
Holidays and day trips for young people and their families (with disability, DV, emotional issues).
Help to buy food and milk for people who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4
Find out what support you can get with the cost of living
Provide a range of grants to support the community and voluntary groups (eg. care leavers grants)
Operates in conjunction with local leading law firms to improve access to justice by providing free advice to the local community
Hertfordshire has become one of the first regions in the UK to partner with Energy Saving Trust to provide an energy efficiency app to residents and help them make energy savings
benefits, budgeting, benefits calculator, healthy start food vouchers, PIP, debt, fact sheets, ESA etc
Advice and practical help to manage finances and make savings
Practical & emotional support. Community Navigation Service. Carer support.
Benefits calculator, crisis support (foodbank etc) / referral to community navigator team (help people maintain their independence, health and wellbeing)
Benefits and money advice from Hertfordshire County Council
Go into Morrissons customer service kiosk and ask for ‘Sandy’ to receive free sanitary products.
Eg. If move to a new house and have nothing. Small charity – small one off grants available.
Provide essentials to vulnerable families in need so no child goes without
Provides basic essentials such as clothes, nappies, toys and toiletries, birthday gifts
The Work and Health Programme helps people to find and keep a job, improves employment outcomes by developing necessary skills. It will supports people with a health condition or disability
Provide funding towards membership and equipment to enable children to take part in community club sport
Provide funding and grants for a very wide range of items and services
Hertfordshire County Council scheme. Shops in Harpenden, Stevenage, Ware, Garston & Welwyn Garden City). If you are a worker supporting a family, please contact us to find out about free reused furniture from WasteAware
4 week crisis support (weekly deliveries) & deliveries in school holidays.
Debbie Hodge & Debs Kent [email protected]
Provide weekly food deliveries, food bank education, free tutoring, loan of IT devices, refugee support, upskilling parents for re-employment, 8 languages within team. (On facebook)
Food bank, BRIDGE project, FEED, school uniform support.
Yvonne Tomlins – Support worker 07563 258 582.
Aisha Datubo – BRIDGE.
Sacha Kirsten – Care Centre Operations manager.
Provides access to the information the Council holds about you
Support for anyone suffering from an eating disorder
Help families to make small changes to live health lives. Provide weight management and behaviour change programmes
PUBERTY / BODY IMAGE
Puberty course and download booklet for young people – age 10-14
Peace Children’s Centre, Peace Prospect, Watford, WD17 3EW
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service supporting children, young people and their families, with other services specifically supporting adults
Shopping delivery / collect prescriptions / Dog walking / Pet setting / Walking buddies / phone suport
Pre-school group for children who are blind/ partially sighted. Parent support.
EATING DISORDERS
ARFID carer support group – Carer support group for parents/carers of young people aged 5-15
Provide care and support for children and their families, young people and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders.
Advice for 11-19s on topics ranging from emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and physical health
Help to buy food and milk for people who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4
A programme of free, led walks helping everyone to get outdoors and get active
Provides a range of services to help older and vulnerable people stay happy, healthy, and independent
Provides support for young people
PUBERTY / BODY IMAGE
Young people’s emotional wellbeing information and signposting to help in Herts
Parents with Cancer
The centre aims to achieve a system change in the provision of services for children and their families who are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The focus of their work has been extended to include breast flattening and child abuse linked to faith or belief
Support for fertility, pregnancy and motherhood through to menopause.
Health and well being social programme (cooking, well being), families first sibs group, parenting support, employability support, college)
Support members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans & their families – serving & ex-serving personnel – support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over – include benefit, debt and money advice. support with housing; finances; health both mental and physical; independent living and employment.
Distribute Warm in Winter bags – free to older people over 55 across Hertfordshire.
Community Paediatrician inc SALT, Hearing Services, Health Visiting etc
Helps families caring for a life-limited or life-threatened child to find the support they need
Young people’s digital wellbeing service provides support to children and young people who are experiencing mental health needs or would like support with their emotional wellbeing
Plus One Programme for 14-21 year-old young parents and parents-to-be.
employment/training support, money/debt, benefits advice, help liase with housing providers
Kerry Thomas – 07812 514 370
Alison Andrews – manager [email protected]
Jean Osprey-Scott 07815 676 260
0300 1234 043 (Internal: 55717)
Equipment and care at home – stay safe and independent in your own home with services and equipment to make life easier
Mediation / floating support for 18-24 / Emergency accommodation / Mental health / substance misuse support
Help to complete your housing application – book appointments
01727 866100 (option 2)
informs someone by email re any sexual online searches
An advisory website for parents and teachers, specifically about video gaming.
Good general site for children to find out more about e-safety using interactive games and activities.
You Tube – story of the murder of Brett following online chat / grooming
Online concerns / reporting criminal online abuse.
Advice for older children and young people giving guidance about safe chatting online and via mobile phones etc.
Removing nude images online
If your child is worried that an image or video of themselves has been shared
Sexualised bullying
Resources on a range of topics including online sexual harassment
Online safety resources and information for young people. Offers fun film clips and stories to support talking with younger children about safety online, as well as resources for older children, parents and carers.
Parenting and family support – helpline, online chat and parenting classes
Gaming Age Guides, What you need to know, Choosing the best games, Setting limits
Pornography
Up‑to‑date information and advice on topics including internet porn:
Screen Time Tracker App – tracks how much you use your phone each day, helps you create daily limits on that usage, and offers “occasional nudges” when you’re approaching those limits.
Sharing nude images
To report experiences of sexual harassment and abuse in school
call 0800 138 663
Peer Pressure
Parenting advice from Action for Children, offering a free 1:1 live-chat with a parenting coach
Sharing nude images
Practical advice, including a dedicated helpline 0808 1000 900
helpline 0808 1000 900
Peer Pressure
Keeping young people safe – advice for parents & professionals – cyber bullying, sexting
Info for parents & professionals. Same powers as police – can remove people from Facebook etc. Cyber-bullying.
helpline – [email protected]
Pornography
Step‑by‑step guides on setting up parental controls on your child’s device:
Resource for parents, (site owned by a father who is a big gaming enthusiast)
Article by Professor Sonia Livingstone re: screen time & other issues that affect children.
Peer Pressure
Explains which are Supervised Experience (in the main YouTube app) and Parent Allowlisting (in the YouTube Kids app). 5 short videos explaining what these are and how to set them up.
Bullying and harassment at work, Sexual orientation discrimination
Supports aged 16-25 in the uk who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.
Specialise in supporting young trans people under the age of 21.
Provides support for young people
Supporting You programme – emotional well being & resilience, low mood, stress (11-17) / Girls allowed project (13-17) life skills, body image, creativity / LGBTQ group (13-24), Positive alternatives project (13-17) risky behaviour, drugs, sexual health
The Youth Service works across all of Calderdale and Kirklees, providing support to LGBTQ+ young people, their parents and carers.
Provides training and information regarding the LGBT+ community
Leaflet in file with lots of links
Sexuality and gender, Coming out, HIV and sexual health support
Group monthly meetings, swim sessions etc
An introduction to separation to help parties understand what first steps they can take after separation.
mediation (couples, separation, contact, conflict between generations) or conflict coaching
reduce parental conflict, communication breakdown – offer 1:1 support and group programmes
A series of four short videos to help people understand how parental conflict affects children and what they can do to better manage conflict at home.
Brings people together to create a happier and kinder world together
Specialist service set up to help help children, young people and their families to overcome problems and achieve the things they hope for
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS University Foundation Trust offers workshops, online self-help and guided self-help for people of all ages to live their lives to their full potential. They offer support to keep people mentally and physically well.
Self referrals. Talking therapies, emotional support, CBT for age 16+. Group work and 1:1. Can signpost and refer to counselling.
Call: 0300 777 0707
App to help teenagers manage/resist the urge to self harm by providing range of distraction techniques.
Specialist child and adolescent mental health service
Run by Carers in Herts for parents using CAMHS or Step 2 or have an identified mental health condition
Mild to moderate anxiety and low mood intervention – age 5-18 (Threshold below Step 2 & CAMHS). One to one and group based guided self-help, and workshop
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service supporting children, young people and their families, with other services specifically supporting adults
App to help children and teenagers manage anxiety through distraction and helpful activities.
App that contains psycho-education for parents, families and friends with practical advice on how to provide mental health support to children and young people.
MEDITATION / RELAXATION
Relaxing musical app that helps people try to capture their mood and express it by making music within the programme and capturing it in a journal format.
Through children’s well being team
Parenting and family support – helpline, online chat and parenting classes
Provide support to refugees who are experiencing mental ill health, or need support with their mental wellbeing or daily challenges.
Supporting men’s mental health – a safe place for men to talk who are suffering from anxiety, depression and grief
Information on emotional health and wellbeing support available for children and young people in Herts
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) provides access to primary care psychological therapy services through a range of talking therapy treatments and practical support for adults with common mental health problems
Provide strategies and tips to support children who are currently struggling with attending school due to anxiety
Hosted by the public health school nursing service
Social care service for children and young people
Supports childrens’ emotional wellbeing
Helpline for children & young people age 10-17, Young people’s online group for age over 15.
Guidance and information about why babies cry, strategies, and parent/carer safety planning
Equine coaching / alternative education provision / outreach
Therapeutic digital intervention game for 7-12 year olds facing difficulties with anxiety
App
Offer low level short term CBT based interventions for low mood, Anxiety and low level behaviour concerns for children in schools. Working with the parents in the primary age group and with the young people in the secondary/college age groups.
Provides mental health support
Free educational resource for propfessionals, parents and carers on chidren, young people, adults and older people’s mental health
Free app to help young people manage the behaviours associated with low mood or depression
The Hertfordshire Wellbeing College offers a range of free courses to help people take better control of their wellbeing, learn some practical skills and provides an opportunity for reflection
Mental health support in schools and colleges
Mental health advice, interactive quiz, Covid 19 support
Works with children and young people their parents/carers and school staff, to provide a comprehensive, efficient and accessible service to children and their families
Free confidential space to talk about thoughts of suicide with trained advisors for children and young people up to 35 years
Offers bespoke and differentiated support packages for young people, from 1-2-1 classroom support to life and social skills training in the community
Support for people living in the community who have complex or serious mental health problems
Safe Space mentoring programme is available to 11-19 year olds (up to 25 years for young people with learning difficulties / disabilities) across Hertfordshire.
24/7 text support for young people experiencing a mental health crisis
Parent programme to support children’s emotional well being / protective behaviour.
Free parent support groups (virtual) – build skills, confidence and self-esteem.
Support for all kinship carers – grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles.
Support for non-abusing parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused
Support group for young parents who are in care or who are care leavers.
13 week course for parents with children age 8-16 – anti-social behaviour / parenting skills / managing behaviour.
Talking to children when a parent has been arrested or convicted with regard to child abuse material on the internet
Charity which supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families. Caring and life changing services provided at every stage of the criminal justice process: in court, in prison, on release, and in the community.
Support for ASD & ADHD / QbCheck / Parent coaching / EHCP support / Support groups
Habitica – earn game time
Plants nanny – encourage drinking water through the day
Visual daily planner App – https://www.tiimoapp.com/
Rhona MacDonald / Sally Yates [email protected]
SEN ACTIVITIES
Groups for children with ASD, ADHD, Aspergers. Lego club (8-13), trains & tracks club (8-13), youth group (16-25), holiday clubs (can be accessed through SBLO).
SEN ACTIVITIES
Indoor football/futsal sessions for children with SEN. (School years 6-8).
Specialist Advice and Support Service
SEN ACTIVITIES
Yoga etc – can be virtual if you can’t be there in person
· Specific learning difficulties (dyspraxia, dyscalculia etc) – Mon & Thurs 9.30-12
· Speech, language, communication & autism – Tues & Wed 1.30-4pm
· Early years under 5 – Wed 9-12 & Thurs 1.30-4pm.
01992 588 574 – Educational psychologist advice – Wed 2-4.30pm
loan sensory, practical, educational resources
Space events and support / courses
Parenting programme (children age 3-11) with moderate to severe symptoms of ADHD. Also ODD, conduct disorder etc
SEN ACTIVITIES
Respite / school holidays schemes for children with disabilities 5-16
SEN ACTIVITIES
Therapeutic residential activity camps for children with health challenges / serious illness
Support for children with global learning disability and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families.
Training, information, resources about PDA
Monthly social groups for young people age 12-18. Girls Group.
Speech, language, communication and autism needs advice line – available during term time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1.30pm – 4pm. Call 01442 453 920.
Lead teacher – Mandy Goode
· Victoria Collins – [email protected]
· Helen Parkin – [email protected]
· Katie Hewerdine
· Steph Redhead
Impartial information, advice and support for parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) and children & young people with SEN
Tel: 01992 555847
Short breaks – time out with others socialising / fun activities, giving their families a break.
SIBS GROUPS
St Paul’s Church St Albans – Thursdays 4.30-6pm / Saturdays in Hitchin – therapeutic workshops for siblings age 8-18 of children with SEN, disability, physical or mental illness.
SEN ACTIVITIES
Holiday playschemes, Saturday clubs, Evenings (11-19) independent skills woodland activities 10-19, venturers group 14-19 outings for LD, buddy scheme
Advice on issues in school, understanding letters, EHCP, Appeals.
Family support ASD & ADHD / Support group
Space family support worker support – book appointment times – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/space-hertfordshire-family-support-helpline-tickets-160194818013
What it Means to be Autistically Happy & sharing what we learn as we transition to independent living
SEN ACTIVITIES
Athletics, swimming, football etc
Sharing information for disabled young people
Autism and Me: Rory Hoy
