HABS – Strength in Mind is a charity with a simple but powerful purpose – to make sure that no-one has to face life’s hardest moments on their own. From adults, young people, families, to children in over 50 local schools – the HABS team of professionals is there for anyone and everyone who needs it, delivering support based on first-hand knowledge of trauma and family breakdown, and understanding what it feels like to struggle.
What’s striking about HABS is just how wide their arms are open. They help people through all kinds of difficult situations, whether that’s bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, domestic abuse, money worries, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life. Support might come through one-to-one talking sessions, creative therapies like art or play, parenting programmes and workshops, or practical guidance from someone who truly listens. And crucially, many of their services are completely free to families in their partnership schools who need them most. This is part of what makes HABS feel genuinely different from more traditional support organisations.
“We don’t see statistics, we see a person”
It’s the HABS team and approach that makes a difference. Yes, they are genuinely passionate about people but they also do things differently, taking action based on their own first-hand experience.
“Everyone needs someone to believe in them – and we genuinely do. If a child needs to get out into the woods and scream, then we show them how to release frustration or pain by screaming from the diaphragm. If someone wants to just talk, we listen. If more intensive counselling is needed, we source this. We’re always being told that our energetic, young at heart approach is what makes us relatable – and when people can see and feel that we genuinely care and what to help, they trust, allowing us to change their lives.”
Rather than waiting for people to come to them, HABS goes out into the community – working directly in local schools and alongside other organisations to reach the people who might never think to ask for help. It’s an approach that’s as warm and down-to-earth as the charity itself. For any family in Hertfordshire going through a rough patch, HABS is exactly the friendly, knowledgeable professional friend they’ve been looking for.
Based in our Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre, HABS has been working in Broxbourne for over 13 years and for two years as a registered charity. Their team delivers expert family support, parenting advice, coaching, counselling, and psychotherapy, all designed to help you manage emotions, build resilience, and improve mental well-being at every stage of life. The team also supports and promotes events in the community with other organisations. This month HABS will be supporting the Men’s Mental Health Day on 14th April alongside Hertfordshire Studios, MIND, Men’s Shed and other organisations. See below for more details.
As well as always being on hand if you need them personally, HABS is asking our HEC business community for help. Some of you supported HABS with their community Christmas appeal that delivered sacks of presents to over 750 children in our community, another organisation in HEC took on the Hyrox challenge to raise money for the charity. A huge thank you to everyone who’s helped us.
Support local children – make HABS your CSR charity of choice
We all know how customers value seeing an organisation’s CSR in practice (that’s Corporate Social Responsibility), so direct your attention to HABS. You may choose to fundraise for HABS, volunteer to help at an event, or even make a regular corporate donation – the level of support that HABS can offer is only limited by the funding that’s available.
You may also wish to join electrician Billy Byrne (of DIY SOS fame) and Karen Trew, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, as a trustee of HABS. The charity is looking for people who can share their skills to grow awareness of HABS and bring in much-needed funds. Maybe you’re an accountant, graphic designer, or business leader who is willing to donate time and experience to help?
Keen to find out more about HABS? Visit their website https://habsfamily.co.uk/ or contact HABS directly at admin@habscharity.org.uk or on 01992 303331
Let’s speak soon!
Men’s drop in session – ‘Every man has a story – what’s yours?’
Join us at our men’s drop in session held every month at Hertfordshire Studios in Hoddesdon. You’re welcome to call in between 6-9pm to have a chat with people who understand that asking for help is rarely easy, and who will go out of their way to make the process feel safe and judgement-free. The next session is on 14th April and the HABS team will be there ready to welcome you along with Mind, the Rotary Club and the NHS.
