Hertfordshire may appear to be a prosperous area with a strong education system, a family-friendly environment, and reasonable socioeconomic conditions. However, it is a “county of contrasts,” containing pockets of deprivation, relative poverty, and complex social issues. The reality is that there is continuing rise in mental health concerns, housing insecurity, social challenges, opportunity restriction and more. With statutory services failing to meet the demands of our children and young people, we have made it our responsibility to create an environment where collective impact can thrive.

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The reality is that there is continuing rise in:

• Mental health issues among teenagers, with statutory services not meeting demand

• Youth homelessness – where many young people are facing hidden homelessness, which is the lack of a safe, stable and permanent home

• There are over 1000 children in care

• More than 10,000 young people have significant additional needs recognized in an Education, Health and Care Plan

• Barnardo’s found as high as 1 in 11 children are growing up in poverty

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Furthermore, youth violence, "county lines" exploitation, and school exclusions are on the rise, with over 6,000 offences involving under-18s recorded annually. Mostly driven by inequality, social exclusion, and a lack of positive opportunities, young people are increasingly becoming both the victims and perpetrators of harm.

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Helping Herts is Hertfordshire’s leading unrestricted funder, connecting communities through a single, streamlined relationship in aid of children and young people. We offer our partners business and governance support, project funding, event production, networking and much more. 

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These charities are often doing essential work completely under the radar. Turning individual efforts into county-wide impact. Supporting Helping Herts expands your impact, powering a range of vital interventions and services across Hertfordshire.

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