East Herts Family Centre Service

26/05/2026

The first step is to talk 💛

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse

We are here to listen 💚

📞Call 08 088 088 088 09:00 - 21:00, Monday to Friday & 09:00 - 16:00 at weekends

📧Confidential email Kim@mailpurple.org

If in immediate danger, call the police!

25/05/2026

📱 Chat Health – Support at Your Fingertips 💬

Parents and carers of babies and children aged 0-5 years, can get advice directly from the Health Visiting Team via the Chat Health text messaging service! 🤱💖

Text your questions to: 07480 635164
All messages are securely delivered and responded to by a member of the Health Visiting team.

🕒 Available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, with automatic replies outside of these hours.

For more information, visit: https://buff.ly/2Tyo0Qx

24/05/2026

Your child’s health and development is important to us.👶
Don’t forget to respond to your invitation at 10 and 27 months.

If you need to speak to someone about your child, please call 0300 123 7572 selecting your District then option ‘1’ to speak to Health Visiting.

Watch this link for more information ☟
https://buff.ly/3rTcBMn

23/05/2026

👶 Looking to weigh your baby? 💖

Our Self Weigh Stations are a great way to check your baby’s weight and get support from trained staff on various health and parenting topics.

We offer two ways to weigh your baby:
1️⃣ Book an appointment via Eventbrite (bring your ticket for bookable sessions)
2️⃣ Drop in at specific times (see our What’s On page here: https://buff.ly/3VwKtsT)

Check your baby’s progress at 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 8 months, and 12 months. If your baby is outside of these key touchpoints or you have any concerns, contact your health visitor on 0300 123 7572.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a thin blanket or baby mat for the scales. ⚖️

For more details, visit: https://buff.ly/3PiKdet

22/05/2026

Toilet Training Tips 🚽
Check out these helpful tips from ERIC UK to support your little one on their toilet training journey:

🚻 Get them involved: Start by letting your child help with changing their nappy. Change them standing up, let them assist with clothing, and wash hands together afterward.
🚻 Talk about potty time: Use the right words for wee and poo. Let your child know if their nappy is wet or dry and talk about what’s inside.
🚻 Use a reward system: Create a fun reward system like a sticker chart or lucky dip. Celebrate each milestone, like getting dressed or washing hands!
🚻 Read potty training books: Find picture books about potty training and enjoy them together!
🚻 Reach out for support: Talk to your health visitor or children's centre for additional advice.

22/05/2026

Sun Awareness🌞
As the sun shines, it's important to protect your baby's delicate skin. Here are some tips and reminders:

😎 Seek Shade - make sure you put a hat on your child and stay in the shade
between 10:00 and 16:00 to protect them from intense sunlight.

😎 Use Sunscreen - apply SPF 30+ sunscreen (with UVA and UVB) to exposed skin for babies older than six months. Younger babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. Reapply every two hours.

😎 Stay Hydrated - breastfeed more frequently to prevent dehydration or offer more water if you have introduced it to your child.

Remember, sun protection is essential all year round. Enjoy safe outdoor adventures with your little ones! ⛱️

21/05/2026

✨Looking for something exciting to do with the children this May half term? Join us at your local Family Fun and SEND Family Fun at:

🥰Southern Maltings, Ware, SG12 7BS
Wednesday 27th May 09:30 - 11:00 - £2.50 per family

🤩SEND Family Fun - Free drop in - Selections Family Centre, Hertford, SG14 2DG
Thursday 28th May 09:30 - 11:00
Meet our SEND Champions in these sessions, on occasions we are joined by professionals from the Early Years SEND Team and Public Health Nursing Team

😆Selections Family Centre, Hertford, SG14 2DG
Friday 29th May 09:30 - 11:00 - £2.50 per family

These sessions are a brilliant way to enjoy quality time together, meet other local families and join in with playful and creative activities. For children aged up to 5 and their siblings up to 8 years old.

For more information, visit: https://mailchi.mp/4e07938cbd7a/mayhalfterm

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

*Cancelled* : Breastfeeding Social Group
Selections Family Centre, Hertford SG14 2DG
Thursday 21st - 13:00 - 15:00

Sadly, we're not able to run the above session due to staff sickness. Visit: https://mailchi.mp/oneymca/eastherts to see what else is happening in our area.

21/05/2026

Introduction to Solid Foods 🥕

Are you confused as to where to start, and where to get your information and resources from? Here are a few tips to help get you started:

🍌 The current NHS guidelines is to start introducing solid foods to your baby at AROUND 6 months - they should be showing signs such as good hand eye co-ordination, stay in a sitting position with good head control and demonstrate swallowing food instead of spitting it out.

🥛Breast milk or First Infant Formula remains a primary source of nutrition during this period, and the amount a baby consumes will naturally decrease as they eat more solids. NHS guidance suggests that you should continue breastfeeding or giving first infant formula until your baby is at least 1 year old.

🥰 Waiting until around 6 months will give your baby more time to develop their skills, so they can enjoy solid food, they will be more able to feed themselves and enjoy the sensory experience.

To find out more, join us on one of our Introduction to Solid Foods Talks! See below for more info 👇
https://www.hertsfamilycentres.org/events/whats-on-at-family-centres-in-hertfordshire.aspx

20/05/2026

Ready for a change? 💬
If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood or depression, you don’t have to face it alone. Hertfordshire & Mid Essex Talking Therapies offer confidential, NHS-funded one-to-one support, group sessions, online webinars and self-help resources all designed to help you move towards better mental health.

💙 Take the first step towards feeling better today you don’t need a GP referral.
👉 Visit buff.ly/zfXtK8z to self-refer or learn more.