Category Archives: Health and wellbeing

Sign up for Your Tree, Our Future 2026 NOW!

Your Tree Our Future is a collaborative project delivered by the County Council, Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, and voluntary sector partners. It is designed to enable Hertfordshire’s residents, businesses and community groups to help plant more trees across the county.

They set out with a goal to help residents plant 100,000 trees over four years. During its first three years, thousands of residents have taken part and helped plant more than 190,000 trees. In 2025 this number was increased to 250,000 trees. In 2026, there are 60,000 trees up for grabs!

You can choose from eight different species while stocks last. A limited number of hedgerow packs are also available, which include 36 trees – enough to plant approximately 6 metres of hedgerow.

All of these trees are:

  • Great Britain natives and suitable for Hertfordshire’s soil and environmental conditions (this gives them the best chance to grow to maturity)
  • two years old and approximately 60-80cm tall (except for hawthorn, which is one year old and a little smaller, as they grow very quickly)
  • grown at a UK tree nursery from seed collected in the UK
  • beneficial to local wildlife.

Trees that could outgrow a domestic garden, like oaks, or fruit trees that need more complex care, have not been included.

The young trees may seem small at the time of collection, but they’re easier to transport and more likely to establish well in their new homes, as their roots are under less stress.

Sign up to the wait list HERE if you’re interested in taking part in the scheme in 2026. The trees do go quickly, so sign up while they are available.

News from Hertfordshire Health Walks

Health Walks Summer Timetables (May to August) 2026 are now online alongside current timetables. Thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, there are more than 100 different walking opportunities. Taster walks are starting in Welwyn Garden City (6 May), Bengeo near Hertford (7 May) and Baldock (22 May).

Walks are suitable for a range of fitness levels. Look out for our gentle walks for beginners, graded FS or G2. New walkers are always welcome and there’s no need to be super fit to join. Nervous about joining a Health Walk? Read our Advice for walkers.

Tune in to Mix 92.6FM on Tuesday 5 May between 11am and 12 noon for a live chat with Elly about Health Walks:MixFM_Your radio Your Hertfordshire

View Hertfordshire Health Walks East Herts timetable below.

Setting up a Health Walk near you

If you are passionate about walking and want to help others who are not so confident about being outside, why not set up a group walk in your neighbourhood?

You would be joining more than 300 Hertfordshire residents who are delivering free walks in their neighbourhoods. Health Walks offers a nationally recognised walk leadership qualification, insurance and marketing to get you started. On completion of the classroom and practical training, you will receive branded Health Walks kit – including a high vis, rucksack, whistle, water bottle and polo shirt!

Spaces are available on our upcoming new volunteers’ training workshops – 21 May in Stevenage and 10 July in Hatfield. Why not come along to find out more? Contact us on 01992 555 888 or healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk to book your space.

MORE INFO ON SETTING UP A HEALTH WALK

Hertfordshire County Council

Air Quality Strategy: have your say!

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.

Hertfordshire County Council

[feature image: Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash]

Community Supermarkets: Extra Support with Food Costs

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.

Community supermarkets are currently located in:

  • Hemel Hempstead
  • Borehamwood
  • Letchworth Garden City
  • Rickmansworth
  • St Albans
  • Stevenage
  • Watford
  • Hatfield

If you think this support could help you or someone you know, you can check eligibility and apply online at: www.communityhelpherts.net/communitysupermarket

For wider advice and resources on managing the cost of living, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving

You can also get in touch for more information via phone (01727 649980) or email (info@communityhelpherts.net).

Source: Hertfordshire County Council

Health Walks Winter Timetables online

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. 

To view our Winter Timeables CLICK HERE.

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.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Health Walks
Hertfordshire County Council

Rucksack Early Years Autism Programme for Families

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

Spring 2026 course starts end of January!

To register your interest please complete our registration form.

Early Years Service, Hertfordshire County Council

Keeping Well in the Winter Months

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.

http://www.bmcare.co.uk

Relax, Refresh & Reconnect at The Hub – Wellbeing Evening

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!

Screenshot

A Warm Welcome awaits you this winter

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 3 Churches Benefice

Health Walks new timetables now online

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…

REGISTER AS A NEW WALKER HERE

Each walk will have a walk leader to welcome you and help make sure you are comfortable on the walk.

Everyone is welcome, so why not give it a try!

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