The Social Prescribing Hub
At HAWA, our social prescribing hub is dedicated to addressing the comprehensive needs of the diverse community. Recognising the unique challenges faced by these communities, we provide tailored support to enhance their overall well-being.
Core Services:
We act as a central point for the diverse community to access a wide range of resources and services. This includes helping individuals navigate complex systems to find the support they need for their everyday challenges, from health care to social services.
Personalised Referrals:
Our team actively works on making referrals to appropriate services. If we are unable to provide direct assistance, we leverage our strong network of 60 hub partners to connect individuals with the right organisations that can meet their needs.
Partnership Network:
We collaborate with a diverse array of partners, including health services, social care providers, and community organisations. This extensive network ensures that we can offer comprehensive support across various domains such as mental health, housing, education, and employment.
Our Approach:
Holistic Support:
We understand that well-being extends beyond physical health. Our services address mental, emotional, and social needs, ensuring a holistic approach to support.
Culturally Sensitive Services:
Our programs are designed to be culturally sensitive, recognising and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the diverse community.
Empowerment and Advocacy:
We empower individuals by providing them with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions. Additionally, we advocate on behalf of the community to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.
By focusing on these key areas, HAWA’s social prescribing hub plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for members of the diverse community, fostering a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
HAWA Social Prescribing
HAWA Social prescribing for ethnically diverse communities
Useful Links
Healthy Hub St.Albans
Our overall vision is for a healthy and well city and district where everyone lives a fulfilling and healthy life.
Citizens Advice St. Albans and District
Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.
01727 811118 or 0800 144 8848 | https://citizensadvicestalbans.org.uk/
Herts Help: Community Link Workers
Herts Help is a free service which can put you in touch with practical help and emotional support in your area.
0300 123 4044 | info@hertshelp.net | https://www.hertshelp.net/hertshelp.aspx
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS)
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS) is a charitable, not-for-profit, social enterprise, providing a variety of independence-promoting support services to help older and vulnerable people remain happy, healthy, and independent in their own home.
info@hertsindependentliving.org | 0330 2000 103 | www.hertsindependentliving.org
The Royal British Legion
The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. We support serving and ex-serving personnel and their families’ all year round and our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.
0808 802 8080 | https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Small Acts of Kindness
Their aim is that every older person feels warm in their home and connected to their community.
01923 372717 | info@smallactsofkindness.co.uk | www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk
Thrive Young Person’s Clinic
The service offers confidential afternoon appointments for young people registered with a GP in St Albans or Harpenden where support and advice can be given on any physical, mental or sexual health matter.
To book an appointment, please contact your own GP and ask to make an afternoon appointment for the young person’s clinic.
Autism Hertfordshire
Autism Hertfordshire offers a variety of support to those living with Autism in Hertfordshire.
enquiries@autismherts.org | 01727 743246 | www.autismbedfordshire.net
Macmillan Cancer Support
If you are living with or are affected by cancer and would like to use your experiences to help shape cancer support services in your area, your local Macmillan Engagement Lead wants to hear from you.
Munashe Munyukwi is your Macmillan Engagement Lead. Tell her about your experiences of treatment, care or living with a cancer diagnosis:
mmunyukwi@macmillan.org.uk | 07714134453
Addiction & Dependency
GamCare
Offers free, confidential and non-judgemental treatment services for individuals impacted by their own or someone else’s gambling.
0143 848 7003 | hertfordshire@gamcare.org.uk
Hertfordshire County Council Stop Smoking Service
Provides free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support to everyone on stopping smoking.
To book an appointment, please call: 0800 389 3998 or 01442 435 071
The Living Room
The Living Room saves and transforms lives by providing people and their families with the opportunity to attend community-based rehabilitation treatment and support, to help them break free from the generational cycle of addiction.
0300 365 0304 (local rate) | enquiries@livingroomherts.org
Family & Relationships
Carers in Hertfordshire
Carers in Hertfordshire provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers – people looking after someone who is elderly, disabled, has a physical or mental illness or who misuses drugs or alcohol. Their service is free and they support carers of all ages – children and adults – if they live, work or care in Hertfordshire.
contact@carersinherts.org.uk | 01992 586969
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service offers support to families with children 0 – 11 years. The service is made up of the Public Health Nursing Service (Health Visitors and School Nurses) and the Family Support Service. Our purpose is to support children and families to have the best start in life, develop well and thrive through 1:1 support and group work for families.
0300 123 7572 | stalbans.fcsenquiries@inspireall.com
St Albans Women’s Outreach
Offers information and advice to men and women who may be struggling to make difficult relationship decisions and support them in making informed choices about their future.
Walk The Walk
Walk The Walk is a caring supportive organisation that works with families, young persons and victims of domestic abuse to provide a caring, supportive package of support around your needs, to help you thrive and grow as a family, young person or survivor of domestic abuse.
01992 638000 | info@hertfordshireppp.co.uk
Financial Advice
Shaw Trust
A national charity providing employment opportunities, skills development, training, and health and wellbeing services as well as promoting inclusion and independence for those with disabilities and barriers to work.
Getting Active
Everyone Active
Working in partnership with local medical professionals, the Exercise Referral scheme provides discounted gym membership, additional sessions and support for adults with a range of medical conditions.
Arts on Prescription St Albans provides 9 week courses in different art forms for St Albans District residents experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression or stress.
StAlbansreferrals@everyoneactive.com | ArtsOnPrescription@everyoneactive.com
The Adda Club
Diabetes and lifestyle coaching for members of the South Asian Community who have Type 2 Diabetes. A 4 week course designed to help you change your mindset and lifestyle in relation to managing diabetes.
Beezee Bodies
BeeZee Bodies is a family healthy lifestyles programme designed to offer practical advice
and ideas to families about how to live a healthy life and make sustainable changes. The free programme is designed to enhance self-confidence, break habits that can help change behaviours and learn more about physical activity and healthy eating, all in a fun and exciting way.
01707 248648 | info@beezeebodies.co.uk
Watford FC Shape Up
The Shape Up Programme educates men to develop a healthy relationship with food and change unhealthy behaviours and habits that cause weight gain. The programme engages men in a fun and effective way and uses group exercise and sport to improve fitness and support weight loss.
shaun.murphy@WatfordFC.com / sadie.walden@WatfordFC.com | 01923 496 391
Oviva (replacing WeightWatchers)
This new service includes a face-to-face programme, which will be delivered by Slimming World and a digital programme, which will be delivered by Oviva. Both programmes will support residents for 12 weeks and offer a multi component lifestyle weight management approach designed for adults who are overweight and obese.
Health & Wellbeing
Mental Health Organisations
This document lists mental health organisations across Hertfordshire. These organisations are delivering services that can help everyone look after their mental health and wellbeing.
It covers support for:
People on the autism spectrum, Bereavement, Dementia, Carers, Drug and Alcohol Services & Domestic Abuse.
Support for Frontline Workers
Mind in Mid Herts are still offering free digital wellbeing support to front line workers.
Mind in Mid Herts see front line workers as those providing services directly to communities; especially support to those that are vulnerable during these uncertain times. Front line workers may include; medical workers, community health and social care workers, first responders, pharmacists, funeral workers and carers (those supporting their loved ones with their health and wellbeing)
Access the support here.
Sexual Health Services
Please visit Hertfordshire Sexual Health web page for information about sexual health services across Hertfordshire: https://www.sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk/
To find a clinic near you, please visit this link
COVID 19-Vaccine Information – Community Languages
This video explains how the vaccine is given, and gives clear evidence that the vaccines work and are safe.
The videos have been produced in the following languages:
Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, Yoruba
Helpful Resources
Couch to 5K
Sign up to the Couch to 5k, a running plan for absolute beginners which will get you gradually working towards running 5k in 9 weeks.
Each week you can download a podcast to help keep you motivated and you can connect with likeminded people on the forums by downloading the app. Sign up here.
Five ways to wellbeing
These well researched steps encourage you to think about your current mental health and how it can be improved.
For the fives steps click here.
Healthy Food Recipes
It is important to fuel our bodies with the right food and nutrients as after all you are what you eat.
For healthy and tasty recipes that will fuel your body with the right nutrients click here.
St Albans District libraries
The District has five libraries: St Albans; Marshalswick; London Colney; Harpenden and Wheathampstead. The locations and opening times of each can be found on the County website here.
Health & Wellbeing Apps
Hertfordshire County Council has created a webpage of useful health and wellbeing apps and to help the apps have been grouped into categories to help you find suitable apps for yours needs. All the apps are free to use, although some have in-app purchases.
An extensive list of these apps can be found here.
Health & Wellbeing Apps
Hertfordshire County Council has created a webpage of useful health and wellbeing apps and to help the apps have been grouped into categories to help you find suitable apps for yours needs. All the apps are free to use, although some have in-app purchases.
To be eligible you should be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. Check your eligibility on www.gov.uk/healthy-start
For more information call: 0345 607 6823 or visit Healthy Start.
Online Portal for Mental Health Services in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) provides an online portal for mental health services in Hertfordshire and West Essex and Mid Essex.
To access this portal, please visit here
Playing Out
Playing Out is a nation-wide concept where residents choose to apply to close their road to traffic to allow the children to come out onto the street and cycle, scoot and play together in the road. It is a great way to build communities, offering neighbours a chance to build support networks and children the opportunity to get fresh air and exercise, as well as learn to play in an unstructured manner with other children of all ages.
To find out more information, click here.
Hertfordshire’s Moving More Activity Finder
Hertfordshire’s Moving More Activity Finder is where you can find thousands of different opportunities to keep you active… and they are right on your doorstep!
The Moving More Activity Finder has all sorts at your disposal, from one-off sessions and local clubs to community groups.
Hertfordshire Health Walks
Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces with the FREE Hertfordshire Health Walks led by qualified volunteer leaders.
Please follow this link to find the most up to date timetable.
Hertfordshire Heroes
The Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, promoted locally as Hertfordshire Heroes, works in partnership to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant locally. It brings together business, military organisations, charities, NHS and local authorities in a shared commitment to:
Ensure that veterans and those in the Armed Forces are not disadvantaged in accessing services Ensure that the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces Community are recognised and remembered Encourage the integration of service life into civilian life.
Cost of living support
Advice and support is available from St Albans City and District and a range of voluntary and community groups across the District – we’re here to lend a hand to support you through the increased cost of living.
More details here.
Housing
Emmaus
Emmaus offers accommodation, meals, and support for formerly homeless people in return for 40 hours volunteering for our social enterprise.
community.herts@emmaus.org.uk | 01727 817 294
Mental Health
Harts In Mind
H’arts in Mind is a mental health arts charity and prides itself on the friendliness and support of our groups.
H’arts in Mind has provided well-being services for over five years to the community.
hartsinmind@gmail.com | 07568368191
Mind in Mid Herts
Mind in Mid Herts works with people to prevent them from developing mental health problems as well as supporting people who recover and prevent relapse.
New Leaf College
New Leaf Recovery And Wellbeing College offers free courses about mental wellbeing, supporting personal recovery. The ethos is to increase students’ knowledge and skills and help them take control by learning self-management strategies to help their mental health and wellbeing. Anyone living in Hertfordshire over 18 can join, with or without a diagnosis of mental health challenges.
01442 864966 | Newleaf.wellebingcollege@nhs.net
The OLLIE Foundation
The OLLIE Foundation provides suicide awareness, intervention and prevention training, plus Mental Health First Aid, Goal setting and IHEART training. OLLIE empowers people (including parents, teachers and professionals) to support young people, ensuring no one feels that suicide is their only option.
contactus@theolliefoundation.org | |07715 311891
South West Herts Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They’re there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 24 hour helpline: 116 123
outreach@swhertssamaritans.org.uk or community@swhertssamaritans.org.uk
Youth Talk
Youth Talk offer a counselling service available to 13–25 year olds who live, work or attend school/college in the District of St Albans (Harpenden, London Colney, Redbourn, St Albans, Sandridge and Wheathampstead). We work on a self-referral only basis.
info@youthtalk.org.uk | 01727 868684
Volunteering & New Activities
Age UK
Age UK Hertfordshire is an independent local charity working to alleviate loneliness and isolation, tackle poverty and build resilience in the community for older people in Hertfordshire who need our help.
0300 345 3446 | Info@ageukherts.org.uk
Communities 1st
Communities 1st recruits volunteers to help voluntary and community groups deliver vital services across the District and the wider Hertfordshire community.
01727 649950 | volunteer@communities1st.org.uk
Oaklands College
Initial information and advice on full-time and part-time courses.
01727 737000 | info@oaklands.ac.uk
https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/study/adult-courses/adult-leisure-courses/
St Albans Old People’s Trust
The Trust gives free items and services worth £200,000 each year, household items, personal Items, mobility aids, regular cleaning, meals on wheels, care alarm, financial support, small home repairs, boilers, funeral support to people aged over 60.
01727 260 701 or 07541 659 442 | grants.admin@staopt.org
Redbourn Community Group
The groups purpose is to provide support to all residents in Redbourn regardless of age or background, to connect the community together and to support community projects. Services include assistance with transport to medical appointments, outings in the minibus, friendly telephone calls, shopping, prescription deliveries and other social activities.
They can be found at Redbourn Village Hall, High Street, Redbourn, AL3 7NQ from 10am-2pm on weekdays.
01582 794550 | info@redbourncg.org
Computer Friendly St Albans
Computer Friendly St Albans provides free and low cost support and training on Laptops, Android Tablets & Phones and Apple iPads & iPhones at drop in sessions. They also offer courses from beginner to advanced on eBay, Facebook, Family History, Microsoft Office and much more.
Computer Friendly can be found in the Hub on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 9.30am-12.00pm from the 4th January 2023. Just Drop In or book a 1 to 1 by contacting our friendly booking team:
courses@cfsta.org | 01727 617359
Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia Support Workers offer information and practical guidance to help you understand the condition, cope with day-to-day challenges, and prepare for the future.
We will support the person with the diagnosis, their family, friends and carers.
01707 378365 | Central.Herts@alzheimers.org.uk