FUNDERS
HABS could not offer the support we do without funding and community support. We want to thank each and every one of you that donates to our team and projects ……………………..
Citizens Advice (previously Citizens Advice Bureau) is a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer, and other problems. You can find your local service by following the link.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/
Working together with other agencies, we aim to support the provision of emergency accommodation and other support services, to anyone in Hertfordshire who has become homeless or is at risk of homelessness. Helping Herts Homeless is a team of volunteers that focuses on addressing the needs of the Homeless in Hertfordshire call: 01462 600 425 or website
HYH focus on preventing homelessness in Young People aged between 16 – 24-year-olds from helping with education in schools and family mediation to supporting young people in their first homes or caring for adults of all ages who have mental health issues and housing needs. Website or call: 03000 355 775
Herts Mind Network also offer support to people who are having difficulties with their mental health and housing. Website for details or call: 0203 3727 3600 or email: info@hertfordshiremind.org
Contact website for further links for advice
Residents Handbook… A Guide To Hostels And Temporary Accommodation
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We offer people who have experienced homelessness with a place to call home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in our social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to gain new skills helps our companions to regain any lost self-esteem and confidence so they can get back on their feet. See website
CALL: 0300 303 7555 or EMAIL: contact@emmaus.org.uk
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. Talk to an expert housing adviser if you’re in urgent need of housing advice.
You should use this line if: You have nowhere to sleep, or might be homeless soon, You have somewhere to sleep, but nowhere to call home or You are/could be at risk of harm.
Our FREE helpline is open every day of the year: 0808 800 44 44 8am – 8pm on weekdays /9am – 5pm on weekends
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person:
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Team:
0300 123 4043 – call at any time if you’re a child or young person being abused or mistreated. Or if you’re an adult worried about a young person.
Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger or a crime is being committed or you believe a child is in immediate danger
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should know
How to protect yourself and your children.
What is a ‘novel’ coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus.
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’
The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.
Characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic is not an indication that the virus has become deadlier. Rather, it’s an acknowledgement of the disease’s geographical spread.
UNICEF has been preparing and responding to the epidemic of COVID-19 around the world, knowing that the virus could spread to children and families in any country or community. UNICEF will continue working with governments and our partners to stop transmission of the virus, and to keep children and their families safe.
How does the COVID-19 virus spread?
The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.
These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19. It’s important to remember that key prevention measures are the same – frequent hand washing, and respiratory hygiene (cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue into a closed bin). Also, there is a vaccine for the flu – so remember to keep yourself and your child up to date with vaccinations.
How can I avoid the risk of infection?
Here are four precautions you and your family can take to avoid infection:
Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
Cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately
Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
Seek medical care early if you or your child has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
What is the best way to wash hands properly?
Step 1: Wet hands with running water
Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water
Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel
Wash your hands often, especially before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and going to the bathroom.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.
Should I wear a medical mask?
The use of a medical mask is advised if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others. If you don’t have any symptoms, then there is no need to wear a mask.
If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the virus.
The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever).
Does COVID-19 affect children?
This is a new virus and we do not know enough yet about how it affects children or pregnant women. We know it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there have been relatively few cases of COVID-19 reported among children. The virus is fatal in rare cases, so far mainly among older people with pre-existing medical conditions.
What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?
Seek medical attention, but remember that it’s flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, and symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or fever can be similar to those of the flu, or the common cold – which are a lot more frequent.
Continue to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene practices like regular handwashing, and keep your child up to date with vaccinations – so that your child is protected against other viruses and bacteria causing diseases.
As with other respiratory infections like the flu, seek care early if you or your child are having symptoms, and try to avoid going to public places (workplace, schools, public transport), to prevent it spreading to others.
Where to get support during school closures
Please Click On The Above
Click on the link below:
Useful contacts for young people suffering with mental health issues
Suicidal Thoughts help
NHS Recommended Mental Health Helplines
Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents
Help With Mental Health – Recommended by Time to Change