Let’s see what we can do…
Cancer Support
Lister Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group
We aim to provide non-professional mutual support, by inviting anybody who is or has been affected by this devastating illness, to join us at our meetings.
MacMillan Cancer Support
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, we can help. Find out what to expect, get information, practical advice and support, hear from experts and read about other people’s experiences.
Telephone: 0808 808 00 00
Carers
Carers in Hertfordshire
Carers in Hertfordshire staff and volunteers work with and for carers, 1-1 and in groups.
We provide information, problem solving and support. We also arrange a variety of ways for carers to have a voice and influence service improvements.
Telephone: 01992 586969
Twitter: @carersinherts
Email: [email protected]
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Telephone: 020 7378 4999
Young Carers in Hertfordshire
The main focus of the service is to work with children, young people and their families to help them find support locally to reduce the amount of caring young carers have to do.
Twitter: @ycherts
Child Health
If you are a child or young person in a mental health crisis
The NHS and our local hospitals are really busy at the moment, so if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, the quickest way to get help at any time of the day or night is to call our freephone number: 0800 6444 101, or call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health services.
In the case of serious illness or injury, dial 999 for emergency services
If you are already using our service
If you are already receiving support from the Mental Health Services and need help please contact:
- Your care co-ordinator on the number provided to you or if you need help in the evening, weekend or bank holiday call 0800 6444 101.
- Email: [email protected] for non-urgent enquiries
- For a range of self-help information please visit www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/self-help/
Live webchat service
If you’d prefer to speak online, visit the Hertfordshire Partnership University. This service is available Monday-Friday, 07:00-19:00.
Alternative Contacts
Samaritans: Tel: 116 123, 24 hours a day, every day
Childline: Tel: 0800 1111 via 1-2-1 chat between 07:30 and 15:30 every day.
HOPELINEUK (papyrus):Tel: 0800 0684141 Text: 07786209697 Email: [email protected], 110:00-22:00 weekdays, 14:00-22:00 weekends and bank holidays.
Most referrals to our services are made by GPsIf you are experiencing mental health problems and need help please speak to your GP (family doctor). They will discuss the issues you are facing and refer you to our services, if appropriate. To register with a GP in your area go to www.nhs.uk.
Childhood illness visual guide
Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.
Website: NHS: Visual Guide for Childhood illnesses
MOGO Listings
Local activities and events for young people.
Vaccination planner
Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.
Download from: NHS: Vaccination Schedule
Community Groups
Hertfordshire Health Walks
Walking is a really positive thing for your health and wellbeing. It has been shown that walking can prevent, help manage and also rehabilitate from illness. Hertfordshire Health Walks are an ideal way of taking regular exercise. There are local walks to suit all ages and abilities and it’s completely free.
Walks take place weekly in Hertford, Bengeo, Ware, Stanstead Abbotts and Watton. They range from a 20-30 minute comfortable pace walk with plenty of stopping places, up to a more brisk 90-minute walk. Health Walks are the ideal opportunity to meet new people and explore your local area in a safe and supported way.
All you need to do get started is to turn up! No referral or pre-booking is required.
For more information and to sign up as a new walker visit the Health Walks website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
Hertfordshire and West Essex Healthier Together
Healthier Together – a community initiative. The Healthier Together programme relies upon patients and healthcare professionals working together to improve how local healthcare is delivered.
East Herts Community Transport
East Herts Community Transport is a project of the CVS for Broxbourne and East Herts, aiming to facilitate community transport in the district. This includes a Community Car Scheme, run by the CVS as well as initiatives and options of other providers: door-to-door services, car schemes, minibuses for hire as well as other services that make life easier if you are struggling to get out and about.
Telephone: 0300 123 1677
Twitter: @EastHertsCT
Email: [email protected]
MOGO Listings
Local activities and events for young people.
Watton-at-Stone Sports Facilities
Most of the sports activities are centred on the village Sports Field (often referred to as the Meadow) which is located just off the High Street, opposite the Bull public house.
‘Shape Up’ Weight Management Programme available in Hertford – starting mid-April 2022
Free 12 Week Weight Loss Course run by Stevenage Football Club Foundation in Partnership with Watford Football Club Community Trust. ‘Shape Up’ is funded by Public Health Herts and has been running across Hertfordshire since 2014.
Entry Criteria: Hertfordshire resident, Body Mass Index of 30+, BMI above 27.5 for BAME patients – some courses are restricted to either female or male participants.
For further information and to Sign Up: www.shapeupherts.com or contact Nicky Simbotin on 07510 380639 or by email [email protected]
Courses are popular and places are limited.
Walking in Hertfordhshire e-Bulletin
Please follow the link for the latest Walking in Hertfordshire e-Bulletin:
Herts Help
HertsHelp are a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.
Telephone: 0300 123 4044
Email: [email protected]
It’s Never Too Late to be Active
Hertfordshire County Council would like to let you know a new local behaviour change campaign ‘It’s Never Too Late to be Active’, that runs for 12-weeks from 9 May to 29 July 2022 to encourage those aged 55+ to get more active.
You can get a free 7 day activity pass and discover local activities:
Meetups in Hertford
Meetup brings people together in thousands of cities to do more of what they want to do in life.
Family Lives
Family Lives work closely with local communities through their services for families, and a local network of volunteers. Find out what they’re doing near you and how you can get involved.
Telephone: 01163 666087
Activities held at Benington Village Hall
3 Walkern Road, Benington SG2 7LN
More details can be found in the Benington parish magazine.
Mondays Art Club: 10am – 2pm
Chair Exercises: 2:30pm – 4pm
Tuesdays Tuesday Club for over 60’s: 2pm – 4pm on alternate weeks
Whist Club: 2pm – 4pm on alternate weeks
Badminton: 7:30am – 9:30am
Wednesday Yoga/Pilates: 10am – 11am
Thursday Coffee morning: 9am – 11:30am
Friday Badminton: 10am – 12pm
Jenny Cobb: 01438 869348
Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Looking after your Mental Health and Wellbeing through Winter
Winter can be difficult for many of us, darker nights and a drop in temperature can be hard on our mental health and the rising costs of living are causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, their health, jobs and finances. It is normal to feel anxious and if you are worried about the affects on your mental health, you are not alone. The following organisations are delivering services to support you to look after your mental health and well-being through winter:
- Leaflet: Togetherall (PDF)
- Leaflet: Winter Mental Health (PDF)
HPFT – NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
Hertfordshire Wellbeing Service is part of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative, offering access to free, confidential, and highly effective talking therapies for people struggling with common mental health problems including anxiety and depression. The service offers a range of treatment options to help you to make positive changes in your life and improve your emotional wellbeing. They provide 1-1 therapy, group interventions and live interactive webinars. More information is available on their website including an online self-referral form
Hertfordshire MIND
Hertfordshire Mind Network is an independent charitable provider of mental health services. We work across Hertfordshire, offering support to anyone in the county who is over the age of 18 and facing a mental health problem, or caring for those who are.
Telephone: 0203 727 3600
Twitter: @HertsMind
Email: [email protected]
Hertfordshire Partnership Wellbeing Service
The Wellbeing Service offers free and confidential talking therapy and practical support for Hertfordshire residents experiencing a wide range of mental health problems such as: worry, low mood, insomnia and stress.
We also provide support for carers, people who are struggling with the reality of living with long term physical health conditions or who are experiencing low mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy.
Facebook: HPFTWellbeing
Twitter: @HPFT_Wellbeing
Rethink
Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Telephone: 0300 5000 927
Email: [email protected]
Addiction Advocates
Addiction Advocates offer a community-led referral and advisory service for people seeking help for addiction and mental health. Addiction Advocates also operates throughout the whole of the UK, providing a free 24/7 national helpline for people suffering from drug addictions or going through a mental health crisis.
Number: 0800 012 6088
Email: [email protected]
Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss your mental health issues.
Change, Grow, Live (CGL)
We provide help and support to adults, children, young people and families. Our services cover a wide variety of areas including health and wellbeing, substance use, mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Facebook: changegrowlive
Twitter: @changegrowlive
HPFT – Improving Access to Psychological Therapies
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a series of IAPT webinars to support people to improve their emotional wellbeing. The webinar programme provides educational and practical help to support attendees to learn relevant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to make positive changes in their life.
All webinars can be easily booked for free on their website using the short sign-up form. The webinar menu includes information about all available webinars including their benefits, key topics, and links to register. These webinars can be used as a quick and easy guide to support your patients to access HPFT’s support.
Video: YouTube: What is HPFT IAPT?
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
Drugs and Alcohol
Drinkaware Online Tools & Apps
Online trackers and apps from Drinkaware to help you avoid harm from alcohol.
One You Drinks Tracker – Mobile App
Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.
Download from: Google Play: One You Drinks Tracker
Download from: iTunes: One You Drinks Tracker
One You Days Off – Mobile App
The One You Days Off app is a simple and easy way to track the days you drink alcohol and the days you don’t.
Download from: Google Play: One You Days Off
Download from: iTunes: One You Days Off
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Telephone: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Email: [email protected]
Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Telephone: 0300 123 1110
Spectrum – Hertford Drug & Alcohol Services
Spectrum – Hertford is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for adults. Our Hertford service is also open to people living in Waltham Cross, Ware, Cheshunt and Bishops Stortford.
We will help you to make and sustain the changes you need to make to reduce and, ultimately, stop your drug and/or alcohol use. We aim to empower you to identify and realise your goals throughout your recovery journey, in order to live a healthier, safer life.
Telephone: 01992 500161
Email: [email protected]
Change, Grow, Live (CGL)
We provide help and support to adults, children, young people and families. Our services cover a wide variety of areas including health and wellbeing, substance use, mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Facebook: changegrowlive
Twitter: @changegrowlive
The Living Room Hertfordshire
Our treatment centres in Stevenage and St Albans provides free intensive structured, abstinence-based, day treatment for adults with substance addictions: alcohol and illicit and non-illicit drugs and behavioural addictions such as: eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, gambling, shopping/spending, relationships, love and sex); free crèche childcare (Stevenage based); and free therapy and support for family and friends. in addition we have a variety of outreach projects in areas of need.
Telephone: 01438 355649
Facebook: LivingRoomHerts
Twitter: @livingroomherts
Email: [email protected]
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Telephone: 0800 917 7650
Email: [email protected]
Domestic Abuse
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
Telephone: 08 088 088 088 (calling this line will not show up on your phone bill)
Safer Places
Safer Places is an independent charity which provides a comprehensive range of services to adults and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse who live in west Essex, mid Essex, east Hertfordshire and Southend.
Telephone: 03301 025811
Twitter: @saferplacesuk
Email: [email protected]
Elderly Care
Dementia Friendly Hub
Information / Advice / Support from local professionals for people with memory difficulties and/or friends family and carers.
Poster: Dementia Friendly Hub
Hertswise – the dementia support service
The Hertswise dementia service is there to support people with dementia, low-level memory loss or mild cognitive impairment as well as their friends, family and carers.
The service is provided by Age UK Hertfordshire, the Hertfordshire Independent Living Service, Herts Mind Network, Carers in Herts and other community and voluntary groups.
Telephone: 0300 123 4044
Transport for Older People and Disabled People
There are a number of options for transportation within Hertfordshire, for more information and access to services please visit the Hertfordshire County Council website.
East Herts Community Transport
East Herts Community Transport is a project of the CVS for Broxbourne and East Herts, aiming to facilitate community transport in the district. This includes a Community Car Scheme, run by the CVS as well as initiatives and options of other providers: door-to-door services, car schemes, minibuses for hire as well as other services that make life easier if you are struggling to get out and about.
Telephone: 0300 123 1677
Twitter: @EastHertsCT
Email: [email protected]
Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 0800 4708 090
Age UK
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. We believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Telephone: 0800 169 2081
Herts Help
HertsHelp are a network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.
Telephone: 0300 123 4044
Email: [email protected]
Hertfordshire Adult Social Services
There are a number of Social services available to adults across Hertfordshire, for more information and who to contact please visit the Hertfordshire County Council Website.
Red Cross – Mobility aids
The British Red Cross mobility aids service provide short-term loans of wheelchairs and toilet aids in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex.
Telephone: 01992 585974
Hearing Advisory Service
Leaflet: Hearing Advisory Service (PDF)
Dementia
Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
End of Life / Palliative Care
Isabel Hospice
Isabel Hospice provides free palliative care and support for patients and their families living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as MND, end stage renal conditions, end stage heart conditions, respiratory conditions or other neurological conditions, throughout eastern Hertfordshire.
Telephone: 01707 382575
Facebook: isabelhospice
Twitter: @isabelhospice
Lister Hospital End-of-Life Care Services
The Lister Hospital Palliative and end-of-life care services work solely with patients who have life-limiting illnesses and offer; advice, information to patients and families including financial matters, emotional and psychological support, referrals to community services and bereavement support. For full details please visit the website link below.
Telephone: 01438 284035
Maternity
Breast Feeding
Sources of information and support to aid you in your infant feeding journey.
Early Bird Self-Referral for Pregnancy/Maternity
You can self-refer to the Early Bird service from as early as five weeks pregnant. You will be sent a letter offering you an appointment within 10 working days, please read the information contained within the screening leaflet before you come to your appointment.
Self-refer: www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk
Postnatal Depression – Pregnancy/Maternity Wellbeing Service
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundatio Trust provides support for carers, people who are struggling with the reality of living with long term physical health conditions or who are experiencing low mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy.
For Urgent Support Telephone: 0300 777 0707
Facebook: HPFTWellbeing
Twitter: @HPFT_Wellbeing
Baby Buddy App – Pregnancy/Maternity
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy
Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy
Princess Alexandra Community Midwife Team
If you would like to self-refer to the Princess Alexandra Community Midwives team please complete their referral for.
Self-referral form: www.pah.nhs.uk
East and North Hertfordshire Maternity Unit (Pregnancy)
The Lister’s Diamond Jubilee Maternity Unit opened in October 2011 and sees over 5,500 babies born every year. Their aim is to assist you to have a safe pregnancy and a healthy, happy baby.
East and North Hertfordshire Maternity Services
Their maternity team will provide care to you during your pregnancy, birth and early postnatal period. On their maternity pages, you can find information about the services they offer and you can directly self-refer to them for your pregnancy care.
Sexual Health
Dual Testing Campaign
Since June, Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with The Terrence Higgins Trust, Service for Young People and Sexual Health Hertfordshire have been a running a local campaign to raise awareness of community dual testing services across Hertfordshire.
Following changes to the Hertfordshire Chlamydia Screening Programme:
- Those accessing a test for Chlamydia will also be screened for Gonorrhoea
- Anyone 15 years and above (previously up to 25 years) can now request a test
This change was in response to an increase in Gonorrhoea diagnosis and to provide easier access to STI testing and treatment services, especially in areas where access to specialist and online sexual health services is difficult.
Getting started
Dual testing is offered by a range of services including Pharmacies, Sexual Health Centres, Youth Service and Healthy Hubs. Residents and professionals can view the online interactive map at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/dualtestingmap.
Health For Teens: Sexual Health
Health for Teens introduces a new and different way for young people aged 11-19 to learn about their health.
Family Planning Association
They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Telephone: 0300 123 7123
Sexual Health Hertfordshire
All our services are free and confidential to everyone regardless of age or gender. We have clinics across Hertfordshire.
Telephone: 0300 008 5522
National Sexual Health Helpline
If you would like to talk to someone about a sexual health issue, you can call the national sexual health helpline. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
Telephone: 0300 123 7123
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Stop Smoking
Hanscombe House Stop Smoking Service
Our qualified stop smoking specialists offers flexible appointments to suit your requirements. Please contact the practice to make an appointment with them so we can support you to stop smoking.
Quit with help
Everyone has a different reason for quitting, get a personalised Quit Smoking Plan.
Stoptober
Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched over a decade ago in 2012.
Nearly 6 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the single biggest behavioural cause of preventable death, with 64,000 deaths a year.
Stopping smoking is one of the best things anyone will ever do for their health. It’s never too late to quit smoking. Whether someone has attempted to quit before, been thinking about it for a while, or only just considering stopping – there’s lots of different support options and tools available to find the right way to quit. The messaging of this year’s campaign:
‘You’ve got what it takes to quit this Stoptober’.
Please also see the NHS Smoking App poster.
Smokefree Hertfordshire
The Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service offers free professional specialist advice and support to smokers. This increases your chance of stopping smoking by up to four times.
Telephone: 0800 389 3998 or 01442 453071
Text: SMOKEFREE to 80818
Email: [email protected]
NHS Smokefree – Mobile App
The Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to five times more likely to stay quit for good.
Download from: Google Play: NHS Smokefree
Download from: iTunes: NHS Smokefree
Young People
Supporting Young People in Welwyn Hatfield
YCH SfYP Access Points are centres specifically for young people to access free and confidential information, advice, guidance and sexual health services, including:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests
- Free condoms
- Pregnancy tests
- Careers advice
- Finances and housing
- Substance misuse
- Training and apprenticeships
- Independent living skills
All young people in Hertfordshire under 19 are welcome at any YCH SfYP Access Point. They are also available for care leavers under the age of 21 and for young people with any type of disability under 24 years old.
Telephone: 01992 588220 or text 07860 065173
Email: [email protected]
Weight Management
Am I a Healthy Weight?
Calculation your BMI using this NHS Tool.
Slimming World
Find out more about the new 12 week programme:
One You Easy Meals – Mobile App
The free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll find delicious, easy meal ideas to help get you going if you’re ever short of inspiration.
Download from: Google Play: One You Easy Meals
Download from: iTunes: One You Easy Meals
Be Smart Food – Mobile App
Simply scan the barcode of your food and drink to find out what’s inside.
You’ll also get loads of simple hints and tips to help you make healthier choices, plus food detective activities for the kids and fun mini-mission ideas for the whole family.
Download from: Google Play: Be Smart Food
Download from: iTunes: Be Smart Food
Hertfordshire Health Walks
Do you want to include more walking in your day? If so, join one of our free Health Walks.
Walking is an easy and safe way to improve your health and wellbeing. It is recommended for people with various types of long term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis as well as people who are not currently very active. Walking is low impact and:
- helps to keep the joints flexible
- strengthens bones and the heart and
- boosts your mood
A regular, brisk walk even helps you sleep and will help you maintain a healthy weight.
There are local walks to suit all ages and abilities. These are led by a friendly team of volunteers who will welcome you with a smile and ensure you walk at a comfortable pace.
There are two short walks in Hertford:
- Starting by the shops at Sele on Thursday 26th January 2023 at 10:00 and then every Thursday afterwards, there’s a First Steps walk of 20-30 minutes at a gentle pace.
- The other short walk starts in the middle of Hertford in Salisbury Square every Wednesday at 10:15. This 1.5 mile circular walk goes to Hartham and along Port Vale and the River Beane.
Walk leader Anne says “Come with a friend or by yourself – a walk leader in a yellow jacket, like me, will give you a warm welcome!”
Walks take place weekly in Sele, Hertford, Bengeo and Stanstead Abbotts
They range from a 20 to 30 minute walk on flat ground with plenty of stopping places, up to a more brisk 90-minute walk. Health Walks are the ideal opportunity to meet new people and explore green spaces on your doorstep in a safe and supported way.
Here’s what some of our walkers have to say:
“The walks help me to stay young – I am so much fitter now that I can walk faster than my son and even my grandchildren struggle to keep up! At first, I was always getting out of breath, but I don’t now. I feel better than I have in years.”
“We have a great group of leaders and walkers at Sele and all feel the benefit of our health walks. Another bonus are the little invisible support groups who offer help or sympathy where needed.”
All you need to do to get started is turn up! Find out more: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk
One You Couch to 5K – Mobile App
The Couch to 5K app has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers, download the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Download from: Google Play: One You Couch to
Download from: iTunes: One You Couch to
NHS Weight Loss Guide
Our new 12 week weight loss guide combines advice on healthier eating and physical activity.
You get a brilliant information pack for each week of the plan, which is full of advice and tips, plus a brilliant stick-it-on-the-fridge planner to help you track your weekly progress.