Hitchin Food Provision Team
The Hitchin Food Provision Team is made up of; Hitchin Partnership, Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse, Hitchin Youth Trust, Zeo Church, Hitchin Volunteer Army and Hitchin Round Table. Our aim is support families with school-aged children, living in Hitchin, who have found themselves in financial difficulty due to the impact of the current COVID-19 crisis; furloughed, reduced hours, loss of employment. We have provided food provision support since the beginning of lockdown.
Referrals for a voucher are through Hitchin schools, please speak to your child's school if you have any concerns or need support. SELF REFERRALS - forms available from your school or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We would like to thank our supporters; Hertfordshire Community Foundation, NHDC Community Grant, Coronavirus Community Support fund distributed by The National Lottery Fund, Bite Size Pieces, Councillors Judi Billing and Derrick Ashley, Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse, Hitchin Youth Trust, Zeo Church, Hitchin Partnership, Hitchin Volunteer Army, Hitchin Round Table, As One Community Choir, Debbie Dawson. Thank you to the many kind individuals who have made donations to help local families, your generousity and support is really appeciated.
Link for support with bereavement - Coronavirus Bereavement Guidance
Healthy Minds Network have launched a new early intervention and prevention helpline for children and young people aged 10-17 in Herts. The helpline will provide a safe , non-judgemental space to talk to a Young People Advisor or Mentor who will provide emotional support, advice and information, signposting and discuss coping strategies. For opening hours and more information please visit the website https://www.hertsmindnetwork.org/young-peoples-helpline .
Helpline number is 01923 256391.
Opening times at the moment are:
Mon, Wed, Fri – 13:00 – 16:30
Tues, Thurs – 17::00 – 19:30
Sat – 10:00 – 13:00
We are also able to offer support to parents either through this line, or our 18+ 24/7 line – reached through the same number.
Domestic Abuse support
How to get support
If you are in immediate danger you should still call 999. If you feel you cannot speak, you can alert us silently by dialing 999 then pressing 5 5. You can also report non-urgent matters silently via our web chat service through www.herts.police.uk.”
We are encouraging victims of domestic abuse to contact Herts Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVA) on 0300 790 6772 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) who will conduct an initial risk assessment to signpost to the correct services. Or, if you require emergency refuge accommodation, you can call Safer Places specialist domestic abuse service on 0330 102 5811 (24/7 availability). These services can support anyone 16 years or over.
Alternatively, you can contact Hertfordshire’s victim service team at Beacon, even if you don’t want to report the incident at a crime. You can call a case manager in confidence on 0300 0115 555 and press option 3 (Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Wednesday 8am-8pm) or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For information and advice for yourself or someone you’re worried about, you can go to www.hertssunflower.org. The website is a helpful local resource for anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse or those carrying our abuse who want support to change their behaviour. You can also speak to someone from the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, in confidence, for help, advice and support on 08 088 088 088 (open weekdays 9am-9pm and weekends 9am-4pm)
For further information and support visit :-
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse
Please note residents who have a medical condition which makes them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) will have received a letter from the NHS. This will entitle them to accessing support services from Government. These individuals will be required to register and tell Government whether they need support. Further information can be found here www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
- Residents not deemed extremely vulnerable but who are self-isolating and in need of support from volunteers can visit www.hertshelp.net, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044.
- If you would like to help your community at this time, TeamHerts is leading the response across Hertfordshire and is in need of support from volunteers. Residents, services and community groups who would like to volunteer can visit www.thvolunteering.org.uk
North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) has tailored its Healthy Hub service to provide
residents with information, advice and support in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
This will include how to:
- stay mentally well and physically active whilst staying at home
- access essential items such as food and medication
- receive financial support
- entertain and engage children
- stay socially connected
- volunteer your help
Residents can contact the Healthy Hub by calling the hotline on 01462 474111 which is open from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Alternatively, send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website: www.healthyhubnorthherts.co.uk
COVID-19 Update
Our team are continuing to support families referred to us. There are some useful links on the attached (Parents Tab ) (Useful Resources) including free educational resources.
Foodbank Appeal - for full details please see the attached letter (Parents Tab). The demand for food has increased dramatically which has had an impact on what the Foodbank can provide owing to a dramatic fall off of public donations. If you are able to support with monetary donation please see their website: www.letchworth.foodbank.org.uk.
The Hamper Team are working as the Hitchin Food Provision team, more details to follow.
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Families First Portal - Hertfordshire Directory
