As the Centre for Volunteering and Community Services for North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, we champion the efforts of charities, community and faith groups, social enterprises and more.

In doing so, we recognise groups and causes that appear underserved, and on occasion create new services to bridge that gap. Practical Partners is one such project.

Established in July 2023 and funded by the National Lottery, Practical Partners recognises a need in services for young people.

In partnership with Herts Country Council, Practical Partners pairs care leavers in Hertfordshire with volunteer champions, offering support with the challenges involved in moving into their own accommodation for the very first time.

Connecting with existing services, such as Herts Young Homeless, Services For Young People and Separated Migrant Children, proved vital in the early stages of the setup of the project.

As was drawing on the unique experiences of project lead Andy Sheen from Herts County Council, and CVS team member Vicky Hudson.

Not only would the knowledge sharing be indispensable, but the network would also prove vital in the referral of users too, in addition to a linked relationship with Social Workers.

The recruitment of volunteers began in September 2023.

Essential to the success of the service, great care and attention had to be paid to the process of finding volunteers, to training and support and even the terminology used in documentation. Twelve volunteers were secured in the first intake, through the CVS operated project GoVolHerts.

Of the support delivered by volunteers, Practical Partners volunteer coordinator Louise Guiver states: "They are the cherry on top of the cake, the extra bits, helping with things like budgeting or simple DIY tasks—gardening maybe—assistance with theory driving tests, cooking, and how to make simple breakfasts and lunches."

With funding secured for an initial 24-month project, the aim of future funding hinges on project success.

“Success to us is an independent young person,” Louise says, “The relationships are incredibly important to the impact of the service, so we really take care with meet and greet sessions and truly listening to the feedback from care leavers, social services and the volunteers.”

To learn more about Practical Partners and register interest in becoming a volunteer, visit https://www.servicesforyoungpeople.org/support-for-young-people/support-for-care-leavers/practical-partners/.

As the centre for volunteering services for North Herts and Stevenage, we equip community groups, charities & volunteers with the knowledge to thrive.

Learn more about how we help organisations reach their potential at www.nhcvs.org.uk