Emotional wellbeing information and resources to help children and young people in Hertfordshire. There are lots of services to provide guidance, advice and support, from finances to bereavement.
Supporting young people's mental health Mental health services that can help without a professional referral Hertfordshire Suicide Prevention Network YoungMinds – call the parents' helpline and talk to trained advisers, or take a look at their A-Z support guide. Our top tips for parents (PDF, 45KB) – how you can make it easier for your child to talk about mental health and seek help when it's needed. Herts Mind Network – training and workshops, including 'Spot the Signs' and emotional wellbeing. MindEd For Families – Worried about your child? Get advice from trusted experts on how to support your family and yourself when problems occur. Parent and carers' mental health HPFT NHS Talking Therapies – free support to adults in Hertfordshire. It's important for parents and carers not to put off asking for help for their own emotional wellbeing if they need it. "When you're feeling low yourself, how do you communicate about that with your children?" (PDF, 542KB)
Body image Advice for managing body image and mental health First Steps ED – free online workshops for Hertfordshire parents, carers and older siblings who are supporting a young person with their body image, disordered eating and/or eating disorders.
Drugs and alcohol Talking to young people about drugs and alcohol (PDF, 45KB) – a useful guide for parents, carers, teachers and anyone looking out for a child or young person.
School, education and learning Supporting your child with school anxiety and refusal – how you can support them and work with your school. Avoiding school or college due to anxiety BBC Bitesize – daily lessons for every year group. Picture books – a selection of picture books available from Hertfordshire Libraries that reflect and celebrate the diverse families that make up our communities. Stories with LGBTQ+ families and themes. Healthy weight – advice for parents on healthy eating as well as healthy lunchbox recipes.
Supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) The Local Offer – what you can do if you think your child may have special educational needs? Visit the Local Offer website which includes information for parents and young people about special educational needs and disabilities services available in Hertfordshire. SENDIASS – support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability and their parents on issues relating to SEND. ADD-Vance – a range of services throughout Hertfordshire aimed at helping parents and carers to understand and support these complex conditions. Neurodiversity Support Hub information – a hub to support parents, carers and professionals with signposting and guidance around Special Educational Needs and mental health. Includes a helpline – 01727 833963 – open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. More about Mental health and wellbeing support in Hertfordshire.