Hertfordshire County Council has launched a new in-house support programme for young carers in Welwyn Garden City and across the county as of 1 April 2026. This initiative aims to provide direct assistance to individuals under the age of 18 who help look after a friend or family member with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction.
The new service replaces the previous provision that had been managed by the charity Carers in Hertfordshire since 2019. By bringing these services in-house, the council is aligning with a national government programme designed to transform children’s social care through the introduction of Family Hubs, which focus on providing support to the whole family unit.
Support offered through the council includes formal assessments, assistance with managing daily caring responsibilities, and regular reviews. The programme is designed to ensure that the voices of young carers inform the support they receive, while also providing guidance to help them prepare for adulthood. This transition coincides with the rollout of the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy 2026-2028, which highlights five priority outcomes for carers, including maintaining health and well-being and ensuring safety.
Young carers can register and access help by completing a Day in the Life form available on the Hertfordshire County Council website. This process involves sharing details about their daily experiences to help staff tailor support to their specific needs.
For those requiring assistance, the new service can be reached by telephone at 01992 658469 between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays. Enquiries can also be sent via email to [email protected]. For urgent matters outside of these hours, a dedicated line is available at 0300 123 4043.
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