Hertfordshire County Council is inviting residents, community partners, businesses and stakeholders to help shape a cleaner, healthier future for the county as it launches a public consultation on its draft Air Quality Strategy.
You can view both the full draft strategy and a summary when completing the online survey before the consultation closing date on 22 March 2026.
Find out more about the consultation and have your say at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/AirQuality26 You can view a one-page summary of the strategy below.
With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, a new initiative across Hertfordshire is helping residents stretch their weekly food shop further.
Community supermarkets offer good-quality food and everyday household essentials at very low prices – often under £1 per item. They are designed to support people who may not need a food bank but are finding it harder to manage rising costs.
Although there isn’t currently a community supermarket based in Great Amwell, St Margarets or Stanstead Abbotts, there are eight locations across Hertfordshire, with plans to open more in the future. Some residents may find it possible to travel to an existing site, and the scheme is expected to expand as demand grows.
To use a community supermarket, residents need to sign up and complete a simple eligibility assessment. Once registered, the first eight visits are free, thanks to funding from the Household Support Fund. After that, a small membership fee applies alongside the cost of the shopping.
The scheme is run by Community Help Hertfordshire, working with Hertfordshire County Council, and is now open to self-referrals, meaning you don’t need a professional referral to apply. As well as affordable shopping, visitors can also receive information about other types of support that may be available to them or their family.
Get active for free! We have a range of great walks with a variety of lengths to suit all abilities and backgrounds. And there’s no need to worry about not being fit enough. There is a volunteer at the front and one at the back, no-one gets left behind.
For those of you just getting started, there are more than 30 short walks to choose from. Our shortest walk lasts around 20 minutes. It is ideal for people with long-term health conditions looking to improve their activity levels and those recovering from an injury or illness. Our friendly volunteers in their bright yellow jackets will welcome and support you all the way.
If you are a new walker, you can register HERE in advance and save time on the day.
Advice for walkers joining a walk for the first time
If you are thinking about joining a free Health Walk, the first thing to do is find a walk that is suitable for your fitness level and starts near where you live. We make it easy for you by grading our walks by how long they last and the terrain covered. Walks graded 3 and above are aspirational/progression walks. First Steps are our shortest. Other things to consider are:
Start gradually – join a short walk first
Communicate – arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start to listen to the pre-walk briefing
Be prepared – wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing. For longer walks, bring essentials like water, snacks and rain gear even if the weather looks fine.
Are you a parent or carer of an autistic child or a child on the autism pathway? This FREE course delivered for the Early Years SEND Team is designed just for you!
Gain essential knowledge
Learn practical strategies
Access valuable resources to support you and your child in everyday life
Course Topics:
Week 1: Understanding Autism Week 2: Sensory Week 3: Communication Week 4: Play and Social Interaction Week 5: Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour Week 6: Using My Rucksack
As the winter season sets in, it’s essential to prioritise the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, who are more vulnerable to health challenges during this time. Cold weather brings an increased risk of flu, pneumonia and depression, along with other serious concerns like heart attacks and strokes. Older people often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses in winter, and pre-existing health conditions can worsen due to colder conditions.
There are many easy ways to ensure that our elderly loved ones stay warm, well and healthy during winter:
Keeping Homes Warm: Ensure the heating system is in good working order, seal any drafts and heat only necessary spaces to save energy.
Layer Up: When heading outdoors, dress in cosy layers to trap warmth close to the body.
Stay Vaccinated: Keep up with vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
Minimise Exposure: Try to avoid contact with anyone presenting flu-like symptoms.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate warm, nutritious foods like soups and stews into your diet, staying hydrated with warm drinks.
Stay Active and Social: If able, engage in moderate activity such as short walks to generate body heat, promote circulation and maintain a good mood.
If additional support is needed, reach out to your local GP for medical care, vaccinations and guidance. Support from your community is always essential – family, friends, and community groups can be relied on for assistance and companionship. Respite care at a local care home is also an option for those requiring extra support; they can provide 24/7 inclusive care in a warm environment.
Remember that with the right precautions and help, everyone can enjoy the season while minimising health risks. B&M Care provide support and respite care to our local communities (see: https:// bmcare.co.uk/our-care/respite-care/) so please contact us if you need using our dedicated customer support team on 0333 234 1975 (available 9am–5pm (Monday–Friday) or via email to info@bmcare.co.uk for any questions and advice regarding the care that B&M Care can offer a loved one.
Looking for a relaxing way to end the week and nourish your mind, body and soul? Join us for a Wellbeing Evening at The Hub on Friday 21st November from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
This uplifting community event will feature taster sessions of holistic and healing therapies, giving you the perfect opportunity to try something new in a calm, welcoming space. Whether you’re curious about alternative therapies or simply want an evening to unwind, this is the perfect place to start.
Alongside the treatments, you can enjoy a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes and other yummy food – all designed to make your evening extra special.
Come along, relax and connect with others in the community while discovering new ways to enhance your wellbeing.
📍 Venue: The Hub, 2B High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB 🗓 Date: Friday 21st November 🕡 Time: 6.30–10.30pm
For more information or to book a taster session, contact Joanne: 📞 07884 292323 📧 joannelyon662@hotmail.co.uk
Let’s make this evening one of relaxation, connection and positivity. Everyone is welcome – come along and give yourself the gift of wellbeing!
As the weather turns colder, we’re opening our doors and hearts to offer Warm Welcome Spaces across The 3 Churches Benefice. Whether you’re looking for company, a cuppa, or simply a warm and friendly place to spend some time, we’d love to see you.
Coffee Morning – Every Monday 📍 The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts 🕘 9.00–11.00am
Come and share a cup of tea or coffee, enjoy a fun activity and connect with others in our free, welcoming space. It’s a relaxed, friendly morning where everyone is welcome!
Community Hub Drop-in – Every Wednesday 📍 St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets 🕥 10.30–11.30am
Our Wednesday session is open to anyone who needs a chat, a bit of practical help, or just a safe space to sit and relax for a while.
These sessions are part of the national Warm Welcome Spaces initiative, supporting communities to come together and ensuring everyone has somewhere warm and welcoming to go this winter.
So if you’re nearby – come and join us! Have a cuppa, meet new friends and enjoy the warmth of community.
The Health Walks Autumn 2025 Timetables are now available to view online HERE. You can access the East Herts timetable below (PDF).
Some dates and times may have changed so please check details of your favourite walks.
Health Walk is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, meet new people and get some gentle exercise too. There are different walk grades so that you can find one suitable for you. All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.
If you’re new to Health Walks, save time on the day and register online in advance…
Get ready for a fun-filled, active day out for a great cause – Bike ‘n’ Hike is happening this Saturday 13th September, and there’s still time to get involved!
Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a casual walker, or looking for a family day out, Bike ‘n’ Hike is a fantastic way to explore beautiful historic churches across the region while raising vital funds. The money you raise is split between a local church of your choice and the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, helping to preserve these wonderful buildings for generations to come.
The3 Churches Benefice are also joining in the fun with a special Family Map, designed to guide you around our three lovely churches in a safe and enjoyable route suitable for all ages.
To get your Family Map, just email: admin@3churches.net
So dust off your bike, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for a rewarding adventure this weekend!
We’ve just received an update from the HertsLynx team that will be of interest to many of our readers, especially those who use the service regularly.
Due to increased demand for transport across the area, HertsLynx is adding two new vehicles to its fleet in the coming weeks. This is great news for passengers, as it should mean more journeys are available to book.
However, there’s an important detail to be aware of: these new vehicles are smaller minibuses and do not include step-free access. They may also look slightly different to the buses you’re used to seeing.
What this means for you
If you require a vehicle with step-free access – for instance, if you use a wheelchair, walker, or have difficulty with steps – it’s essential that you inform the HertsLynx team before making a booking. This ensures that your journey is assigned to a suitable vehicle.
You only need to do this once. Once your account has been updated, the system will remember your requirements for all future bookings.
How to update your access needs
You can update your preferences in one of the following ways:
By phone
Call the HertsLynx Support Team on 01992 555 513. Give them the name on your account and let them know you require step-free access. They’ll update your account for you.
Online or via the App
Log in to the HertsLynx app or booking website.
Scroll to the ‘Passenger(s)’ section.
Click or tap the icon to the right of your name.
Select ‘Type of seat’, choose the correct option, and confirm.
Repeat for any other passengers you may have on your account.
Once this is done, your details will be saved and you won’t need to update them again.
Why this matters
If step-free access is not noted on your account, it’s possible a smaller bus without this feature will be assigned to your booking. In that case, you may not be able to board the vehicle, and unfortunately, the journey may have to be cancelled.
Need help?
If you have any questions or run into difficulty, the HertsLynx Support Team is happy to help. Call 01992 555 513 or email hertslynxsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
We’ll continue to bring you updates on local transport and community services as they come in, so stay tuned.
The Three Villages 