This Thursday saw the culmination of Sports Week with the track finals, which had been rescheduled due to the extreme heat last week. Our runners put in sterling performances with Bronte emerging as the overall winners! You can see the album of the individual and group winners here:

And while the races were underway our Enterprise Day stalls did a roaring trade - there are certainly many budding entrepreneurs amongst us!

Well done to our U15 cricketers who played brilliantly in the regional finals earlier this month. 

They had won their county finals back in June and qualified for the regionals held at Essex's County Cricket Ground.

There were five teams from the region competing, and after winning their matches against Cambridgeshire and two Bedfordshire schools, our team had their last match against Essex, who had also won their first three games.

It was really close, but Essex just won with a few balls remaining. We came 2nd and our players are proud owners of their hard-won Silver medals - congratulations all!

In Year 8 Philosophy and Ethics, students were tasked with imagining being shipwrecked on an island and having to start a new life. Over a few weeks they looked at what you would need in order to survive, how to build a community, forming a government, and making rules and restrictions for everyone to live by. They rounded off the topic with designing a flag, composing a national anthem and sending a message in a bottle! 

Did you know you can hire our spaces and facilities, including our Halls, Dance Studio, Gymnasium, Drama Room, Netball/Tennis courts, classrooms with screens, and more?

If you run a local community group, sports classes or holiday camps and are looking for a top-quality venue in beautiful surroundings - or if you just require an ad-hoc meeting room -  we have numerous spaces available with a range of capacities and equipment. 

Please contact our lettings partner Edu Lettings for ALL hire enquiries:

https://www.edu-lettings.org/

With further heatwaves expected, more young people are heading to the water to cool off. Tragically, this brings a sharp rise in drownings, because even when the air temperature is very hot, water temperatures remain very cold, causing water shock. During May half-term alone, 19 people lost their lives – including 14 teenagers.

Anyone can drown. No one should. Remember the simple safety code:

• Stop and think.
• Stay together with a friend or family member.
• If you’re in trouble in the water, Float to Live - make a star shape with your arms and legs while on your back.
• Call 999 or 112 if you see someone else in trouble in the water.

We are very excited to offer a three-week-long summer holiday programme for 12-16-year-olds. 

• When: Monday-Friday, 5-8pm – 27^th July – 14th August 2026
• What: The programme involves fun activities and interactive workshops that will help young people to              
                  - Improve their confidence, self-esteem, and social skills
                   -Be more resilient and able to overcome challenges in their lives                     -Identify and achieve their goals in life
                   -Make friends and overcome social anxiety
• Who: young people who are 12-16 years old, who may be vulnerable to child exploitation
• Where: Westmill Community Centre, John Barker Place, Hitchin, SG5 2PG
• What to bring: sensible shoes, clothing for team sports, water bottle, sun screen/hat (for outdoor activities)
• Cost: totally FREE

The sign-up process for parents/carers couldn't be easier. Click the link, scroll right down to the bottom of the page, make sure you select the right town and SUBMIT.

 Sign up here

Email info@stand-by-me.org.uk to register your interest.

2026 Herts Summer Parks Dates Announced

This initiative, now in its 4th year, is designed to help address gaps in provision
for 12–16-year-olds across Hertfordshire during the summer holiday period.

Running across August, the programme will take place in five public parks and offer a wide range of free sports, wellbeing, and arts and crafts activities. Activities in pervious years have included inflatables, Zorb footballs, BMX bike tracks, graffiti art, summer craft making and much more!

Young people who attend also receive a voucher to redeem a nutritious meal from a local food provider.

Herts Hub is a new website that's intended to be a one-stop portal for Children and Young People's Mental Health Services, accessible to both parents and young people. Take a look at https://www.hertshub.co.uk/

Living with Anxiety

For 14 - 18-year-olds

This 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's 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, they will 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:

Fill out their online referral form: Living With Anxiety - WithYouth

Or download the form and email it to: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org

Or call: 0208 189 8400 to speak to one of their support workers directly if you have any questions. Alternatively, chat with them on their instant messaging between 2pm and 10pm every day by clicking the blue 'chat with us' button.

What is offered by
Services for Young People?

Hertfordshire Services for Young People deliver a range of youth work projects for young people aged 11-17 (up to 25 for care leavers and those with SEND), in young people’s centres and other community venues in all districts of Herts.

They are committed to giving young people high-quality opportunities to learn life skills and excel in their personal and social development. They also aim to address issues at the earliest opportunity to give young people the best chance to thrive, have a voice in their community, reach their potential and make a successful transition to adulthood.

• Free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
• Email us for support at askus@familylives.org.uk
• Talk to us online via our Live Chat service
• Online advice, peer support and information on all aspects of  family life at www.familylives.org.uk
• Face-to-face support groups and workshops
• Find us on social media @FamilyLives @BullyingUK