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Parent Resources
Within this page we will share resources and opportunities for parents to stay up to date with what's going on around their children, resources for parental guidance and much more. We hope you find this page helpful in supporting your child.
See below the latest edition of the Hitchin Thrive Newsletter with your parents and carers.
This issue has been curated specifically for families and is packed with free resources, including:
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Easter Holiday Activity Guide: Low-cost local events and sessions like "Doughnutting" and pottery painting.
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Free Parent Support: Workshops on digital safety, managing anxiety, and SEND/Neurodiversity support.
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Specialist Services: Details on free one-to-one support for eating disorders (First Steps ED), mental health therapy, and family wellbeing.
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Community Resources: Information on local food pantries, social supermarkets, and cost-of-living advice.
The newsletter is designed to help our local families navigate the holidays and access the support they need to thrive.
To make this as easy as possible, here is a suggested text for your parent communication:
"Please find attached the April edition of the Hitchin Thrive Newsletter. This issue is full of helpful information for the Easter holidays, including free local activities, parenting workshops, and specialist support services for mental health and wellbeing. We hope you find it a useful resource."
Hitchin Thrive Newsletter April 2026
Spring Market at Pioneer Nursery (Letchworth) would love to invite families to attend.
The event will feature a variety of local stallholders, handmade goods, gifts, food, and family-friendly activities, including a “meet the animals” experience and our Little Gardeners Club. It’s a great opportunity for families to support local businesses and enjoy a spring community event.
Event details:
Spring Market 2026
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Pioneer Nursery, Baldock Lane, Willian, Letchworth, SG6 2AE
(Free Entry)
Welcome to Understanding My Autism and ADHD - School Years 10-11
Link to a free course to share with parents
Overview
A comprehensive 6-week programme designed specifically for young people who are awaiting, or have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or both.
Eligibility:
- Diagnosis, or awaiting a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or both
- School years 10-11 (ages 14 to 16)
- Hertfordshire Resident
If places are full, please add your name to the waitlist to be notified of any additional places or cancellations.
If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria for this programme they may still be eligible for a different pathway. Please visit our Understanding My Autism and ADHD events page for more information.
Come join us for a fun and informative 6 week programme focused on helping young people in school years 10-11 (ages 14-16) better understand their Autism and ADHD.
The sessions are tailored to help young people learn more about neurodiversity and their own experiences. Through interactive sessions, the young people can discuss their strengths, challenges, and strategies for navigating daily life.
Key themes include identifying your needs and communication preferences, navigating friendships, problem-solving, advocacy, and becoming more confident and happier.
The activities and discussions aim to enhance self-awareness, boost self-esteem, and improve confidence.
The programme will also include signposting to support and services tailored to the young people’s needs. By the end of the 6-week programme, it is hoped that the young people will leave with a stronger sense of empowerment in embracing their neurodiversity.
Please note this is a six week programme, taking place on:
- Tuesday 14th April 2026, 18.00-19.00
- Tuesday 21st April 2026, 18.00-19.00
- Tuesday 28th April 2026, 18.00-19.00
- Tuesday 5th May 2026, 18.00-19.00
- Tuesday 12th May 2026, 18.00-19.00
- Tuesday 19th May 2026, 18.00-19.00
Family Lives have confirmed our online parenting groups and workshops (via MS Teams) for the summer term, funded by Herts County Council in the Autumn term for parents/carers who live in Hertfordshire or who have a child attending a Hertfordshire school. Please share the attached flyer with your parents.
All our programmes provide support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members so they can help their child reach their full potential.
Bringing Up Confident ADHD/ASD Children - Online
Thursday 14 May to 25 June
7pm to 9pm
Less Shouting more Cooperation - Online
Wednesday 13 May to 24 June
7pm to 9pm
Or Monday 1 June to 6 July
9.30am to 11.30am
Getting on with your Pre-Teen/Teenager
Friday 5 June to 10 July
9.30am to 11.30am
Anxiety around ADHD Workshop - Online
Date to be confirmed
Reducing Conflict Workshop – Online
Date to be confirmed
Sibling Rivalry Workshop – Online
Date to be confirmed
To book a place please click here Referral Form for Family Lives Herts Parenting Groups and Workshops for our online referral form or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
Nessie will be hosting a friendly and informal parent evening on Thursday 26th March, 7:00–9:00pm, at Royston Town Hall, focused on Supporting Anxious Children.
The event will include two practical and engaging talks led by our CEO Rachel Lambie and Elisa Ferriggi our Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Disabilities Specialist, along with opportunities to speak with the Nessie team. Guests can also enjoy local cheeses, wine and other refreshments.
We have kept tickets affordable at £20, and we are also able to offer a limited number of free places for families who may benefit. If you know a parent or carer who would appreciate complimentary access, please feel free to contact me directly at hpowell@nessieined.com.
13/02/26 - Young Adults Craft Group in Letchworth Library. They are putting on some free craft sessions aimed at 14 – 24yr olds and are keen to increase their numbers. The sessions are on the last Tuesday of each month.
09/02/26 - Heart Health Month
Simple yet powerful tips to support healthier hearts for the whole family and this is just a glimpse of the support we can offer!
Here is a FREE resource (attached to this email) and we would love it if you could please share the attachment with parents/carers via email / regular newsletters and on social media. We've got some copy below you can use to make life easier.
We run Beezee Families, a FREE heathy lifestyle programme that our nutritionists deliver across Hertfordshire. The 12-week programme supports families to build healthy habits around food, physical activity, and how to have fun while doing so!
Our current programmes are in full swing but you can secure your FREE spot now for April. Places fill up fast so make sure to book soon! If you can’t wait to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey, you can learn at your own pace over on our Academy website. Visit our website for more details
30/01/26 - Wellbeing Newsletter
As part of Safe Space’s 25th birthday celebrations, we are delighted to share with you our Spring edition of the 25 Ways to Wellbeing newsletter. This special series has been created to mark our anniversary year and to highlight simple, practical ideas that support the wellbeing of children, young people, and the wider school community.
Each edition offers a selection of bitesize wellbeing tips, supportive resources, and activities that can be shared with students, families, and staff.
27/01/26 - Free parent/carer workshop:
Parenting in the Digital Age: How to Help Your Child Thrive Online
Tuesday 27 January, 18:30–20:00 · The Barn at The Vic, Hitchin
Free (limited spaces) · Booking essential
Parents will leave with:
- Clear boundaries for screens, social media and gaming (without constant battles)
- A simple family digital plan that actually sticks
- Conversation starters to keep communication open at home
Tuesdays - Living with Anxiety
Free online course we are running for young people aged 14 - 18, which may be of interest to some of your pupils and their families.
Living with Anxiety is an 8-week online group designed to help those who may be experiencing anxiety or finding it difficult to manage their emotions day to day. It is a friendly and supportive space where young people can:
- Better understand their anxiety and what triggers it
- Learn practical tools and coping strategies
- Build confidence through shared experiences and guided activities
Each week, we’ll focus on a different theme - such as challenging anxious thoughts, managing social anxiety, and developing healthy coping habits. Participants also receive a workbook to help them reflect and practise between sessions.
Group Details:
- Tuesdays at 7-8pm
- Online via Zoom
Families can access the group by referral (parents, teachers, or professionals can refer).To Register:
You can go to our website to fill out our online referral form: Living With Anxiety - WithYouth
Or download a copy of the form and email it to us at: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org
Or call: 0208 189 8400 to speak to one of our support workers directly if you have any questions. Alternatively chat with us on our instant messaging between 2pm-10pm every day by clicking the blue chat with us button.
If you feel this group could support any of your pupils, we would be very grateful if you could share the information with families through your school newsletter, circulate via class teachers or directly with those who may benefit.
21/01/26 - Anxiety & Emotional Based School Avoidance
Join us in person at Hitchin Boys' School on the 21st January 2026 at 6pm for a relaxed and supportive free of charge workshop with Catarina from the NHS Mental Health Support Team to help parents and carers understand and tackle anxiety and emotional based school avoidance in children. Get practical tips, share experiences, and learn how to support your child through these challenges.
This event will be at Hitchin Boys' School in the Main Hall. This event is for adults only.
This event is offered to parents of students at Hitchin Boys' School, Hitchin Girls' School and The Priory School, Hertfordshire.
This is a free of charge ticketed event as we are limited to numbers. We strongly recommend that you reserve your tickets today if you wish to attend.
Please book one ticket per each adult attending. Please bring your digital ticket with you.
12/12/25 Festive Sports Holiday Camp
For those parents looking for childcare for 22nd & 23rd and then 29th & 30th December. See poster for more details
14/11/2025 - Online Safety
The information below includes changes to the Online Safety Act / Safer Internet / Safety & Privacy Settings / Supporting Teens on Social Media / AI:
Autumn Online Safety Newsletter
11/11/2025 - Smartphone & Cyber Bullying Webinar
https://connect.kooth.com/events/event/for-families-smartphone-safety-and-cyberbullying-20-nov
Most 11-year-olds have a mobile phone, but do they know how to protect themselves from cyberbullying?
On the 20th November, parents and guardians are invited to join a free 45 minute webinar. The team will share practical tips on how to help children deal with potential problems, how parents can spot signs of cyberbullying and what action to take.
The webinar will include information on:
- How their phone grabs and holds their attention
- The pressure they may feel to be online
- What cyberbullying might look like
- The impacts of social media and bullying
- How you can help young people stay safe
- How they can build a positive online space