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Policy Pulse Newsletter July We held our Conference and AGM at the end of last month where we enjoyed being able to meet so many of our members old and new. The benefits of meeting in person cannot be underestimated. If you…

Welcome to the July edition of Future Focus where you will find exciting opportunities for training and guidance for employment support. It’s World Youth Skills day on 15 July. The day highlights the importance of equipping young people with essential skills for employment,…

First of all, we'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of you who came to our conference yesterday. We truly hope you found it helpful and informative. Summer is the perfect time to get out, try something new, and connect with our fantastic community. From Healthy Hub…

Colin has been a volunteer with Communities 1st for some two and a half years. Once a week he telephones Richard*, who is in his mid-seventies and lives alone. They chat for about an hour, as part of Communities 1st Telephone Befriending Programme. Colin explained to me that “At the start, I…

 A Crossroads for Charities and Communities The Charity Commission’s 2025 research highlights a stark truth: more people than ever before rely on charities for essentials like food, financial aid, and medical support. The figures are sobering - 9% of people received essential support in the…

“I owe Communities 1st such a lot,” Gabriela explained to me over a delicious cup of coffee at the Communities Thirst coffee point in the St Albans Civic Centre where she gives her time as a volunteer. Gabiela continued, “Communities 1st has helped me learn English, taught me new skills, and given…

Welcome to the latest edition of the Let’s Give newsletter, your monthly update on the power of reverse volunteering in action. Whether you’re a new supporter or a long-standing volunteer, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our growing community, where giving and receiving go…

There are only eight days to go until our annual  Conference and AGM! If you haven't yet booked, it is not too late to register. The Conference is free and again open to anyone with an interest in the VCSFE sector, including volunteers. There will be a wide range of…

A warm welcome to what promises to be a vibrant and healthy start to summer! As the days grow longer and the sunshine encourages us outdoors, this week we're shining a spotlight on wellbeing and all the fantastic opportunities to embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle during…

As we step into the summer months, there's so much to look forward to with Communities 1st.  Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Volunteer week events.  I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend our annual conference which is taking place on…

“I owe Communities 1st such a lot,” Gabriela explained to me over a delicious cup of coffee at the Communities Thirst coffee point in the St Albans Civic Centre where she gives her time as a volunteer. Gabiela continued, “Communities 1st has helped me learn English, taught me new skills, and given…

Welcome to our Volunteering Vision Newsletter — a space where we share ideas, insights, and updates on how we’re reimagining volunteering for the future. As valued members and partners, your role is vital in building a more responsive, inclusive, and impactful volunteering…

Welcome to the June edition of Future Focus where you will find exciting opportunities for training, employment support and guidance for employment support. June heralds the meteorological start of summer which means we will be spending more time outdoors. While it’s important to…

Communities 1st Annual Conference for charities, groups and volunteers Registration is now open! I’m pleased to invite you and your amazing volunteers to Communities 1st’s Conference for local charities, groups, and volunteers on Thursday, 26 June at The Vineyard in St Albans. It’s going to be a…

Join us at an event near you for Volunteers' Week 2025 Volunteers' Week 2025 (2 - 8 June) is coming up and we want to say a BIG thank you to you, our amazing volunteers! You are invited to join us at one of our get togethers, to not only celebrate the…

We hope you had a wonderful week under the sunshine and ready to unwind with this week's newsletter. The last week of May marks National Dementia Week, a crucial time for us to come together as a community to raise awareness, offer support, and foster a deeper understanding for…

I am pleased to be able to share these training opportunities with you. As well as the formal training sessions, we are also offering a series of free awareness sessions which may be useful not only to you and your team members, but also to any volunteers or anyone you may…

As we move into the summer months with lighter evening and long sunny days Let’s Give is an ideal platform for you to display your interests, hobbies, and skills. We’re here to help empower individuals to support and contribute their time, skills, and experiences. This newsletter…

It’s Not Just About Services: What We’ve Learned and What’s NextBy Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st As CEO of Communities 1st, I come to this work from a background in health and social care, having worked across the statutory and voluntary sectors. That experience continues…

I hope you have been able to enjoy the sunny weather we have been having. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is community - celebrating the power and importance of community. As I'm sure you are aware, volunteering is a wonderful activity to connect with our…