Services for Young People (SfYP) works to meet the needs of young people who are challenged in education, their community or home life, to ensure a successful transition to adulthood.
SfYP supports care experienced young people up to 25 to become more independent and confident in all areas of their life. We help them identify their goals in life and, with support, focus on how to achieve them.
One-to-one support and advice at SfYP young people’s centres
Care experienced young people can drop in or make an appointment for support at venues across the county on a wide range of subjects including:
- Help with finding a job, traineeship or apprenticeship
- Education options and exams, including exam pressure and support from the virtual school
- Mental health, general health and relationships
- Personal safety
- Drug/alcohol use
- Sexual health services including:
o Free condoms through the Condom Wallet Scheme
o Free chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing
o Free pregnancy testing and advice - Benefits and finances
- Housing and homelessness
For full details and opening times please visit One-to-one advice and support at SfYP young people's centres.
Care experienced young people who are not in education employment or training (NEET) can also get help finding a job, traineeship or apprenticeship through our 'Pathways to Success' programme.
Pathways to Success is a tailored programme which combines careers activities that are proven to enable sustained entry into education, employment or training for young people who are not in education, employment, or training. The programme includes 30 hours of support and guidance over 1–6 months plus a 5–15-day work experience placement.
Independent Living Skills projects and other group support
Care experienced young people can join their peers at groupwork projects across Hertfordshire, such as Independent Living Skills projects, which are specifically designed to support care experienced young people to build their confidence and skills to be able to live independently.
Other SfYP projects focus on:
- Awareness of the risks of engagement in violence/gangs/crime/antisocial behaviour
- Awareness of sexual exploitation and/or a need for a better understanding of appropriate, healthy and safe relationships
- Support with emotional and mental wellbeing, resilience, confidence and self-esteem
- Sexual health and relationships information and services
- Understanding the risks of smoking, substance and alcohol misuse
Find full details of our projects for young people in each district.
Care Experienced Young People's Hubs
Care Experienced Young People's Hubs are relaxed environments where care experienced young people can meet with their support worker and access help from a SfYP Adviser or Youth Worker. They can explore career opportunities, search for jobs, create or update their CV, prepare for an interview and explore opportunities for employment, apprenticeships or applying for college and training.
Care experienced young people can also participate in activities that support independent living, develop confidence and self esteem, explore relationships and sexual health, and emotional and mental wellbeing.
Please click on the buttons below for full details and opening times of our Care Experienced Young People's Hubs across the county:
Care experienced young people with additional needs
Care experienced young people with an EHCP who need more intensive support to find work can get help from the LDD Supported Employment Team.
Making contact and referrals
Professionals who work with young people and parents/carers can make a referral to Services for Young People.
Young people can access support by contacting their local team.
