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We know that good communication is the key to successful inclusive dance activities and Para Dance UK is thrilled to have 3 members of the dance team who have worked hard to complete every available level of Makaton training through levels 1 to 4!   Emma Millward, Head of Dance said “Makaton…

We know that good communication is the key to successful inclusive dance activities and Para Dance UK is thrilled to have 3 members of the dance team who have worked hard to complete every available level of Makaton training through levels 1 to 4!   Emma Millward, Head of Dance said “Makaton…

As we reflect on the enjoyable in-person events we held throughout ‘Kind-July’, where we met so many of our brilliant volunteers, we remain conscious of the hardship the voluntary sector has faced over the last year. It has been a tough year for many, and all of us have…

The National Academy for Social Prescribing are delighted to announce that Tom Watkins of Communities 1st will be Thriving Communities Lead for the East Region. Communities 1st are a voluntary sector infrastructure organisation; CVS, Volunteer Centre, Wellbeing Services and Voluntary support…

As Batchwood Vaccination Centre prepares to close its doors we would like to thank our incredible volunteers, who have provided 8,975 hours of crucial support to the clinical staff there. The centre has gained a reputation for its warm, friendly and efficient team of volunteers, who have helped…

We’re so fortunate to count you amongst our incredible volunteers! If you have some extra spare time this summer, please let us know and we’ll find meaningful ways for you to spend it. Our team are here to help you offer your skills to positively contribute to our community’s recovery and…

 I would like to wish Happy Eid to all our community who are celebrating this week, Eid Mubarak. All of us at Communities 1st are sending you warm wishes of joy and happiness.  Following the government announcement on lifting Covid Restrictions from today, we have carefully considered…

Written by one of our volunteers: The Small Acts of Kindness gift bag project was delivered in conjunction with Welwyn Hatfield Centre for Voluntary Service.  Anything but a dumb blonde, Aly concluded her 30 years of police service by working in an Intelligence Unit. Coming from a…

Razzle Dazzle are a Dance Supply shop based in Hemel Hempstead, with a wide range of uniforms, tutus, shoes and accessories for Girls, Boys and Adults. This amazing locally-based organisation is working with Para Dance UK  over 2021-22 to show the community locally and nationally that no…

There is a lot to celebrate as #Kind July Begins, and for many, the easing of government restrictions will bring immense relief. We know this will mean a lot of you will be returning to work and reconnecting with family and friends. We hope those of you who will be leaving us have had a good…

Written by one of our volunteers: After trying out a wide range of volunteering roles, Rod was encouraged and uplifted by the many acts of kindness he encountered with people in the Hertfordshire community, who give up their time for the less fortunate. A resident of Welwyn Garden City, Rod first…

With Kind July well underway we continue to reflect on the incredible impact that simple acts of kindness can have. We'd like to encourage anyone that can to “do something kind” every day during July, and hopefully continue this trend in their everyday lives. After all, kindness isn’t…

Para Dance UK the NGB for Para Dance Sport and Inclusive Dance and LimbPower the National Disability Sports Organisation for amputees and individuals with limb impairments have come together with Youth Sport Trust to enable more of our community to dance, using the knowledge of both organisations…

Written by one of our volunteers: Phil reckons he retired too early. Whilst it did give him more time to enjoy his golf, he found that he missed the contact he'd had with so many people during his career as a Post Office Manager. Instead of simply settling into his early retirement, Phil decided to…

Volunteering is good for us! It can provide fantastic opportunities to improve both our mental and physical health. We've heard first-hand from many of you that giving your time during this difficult period had a positive effect on your mental health. When you give your time meaningfully you can…

June has been and continues to be, a busy month. Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots. It’s the perfect time to think about and discuss issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the VCFSE sector and consider how we…

National Volunteers’ Week may be over for another year but that doesn’t mean we’ll stop being grateful for the dedication and kindness of our volunteers. It was incredible to get the chance to meet some of you in person last week. We will be organising more opportunities to connect with you…

Written by one of our volunteers: That's the view of Lesley Landes who has lost well over 10lbs in weight since becoming a volunteer and, more incredibly, is now no longer suffering from diabetes. As far as Lesley is concerned, she is in absolutely no doubt that all the activity, as well as being…

Isobel Hatfield (Partnerships and Development Coordinator at Communities 1st) was joined by Peggy Sharp (Community Engagement, Equality and Grants Officer at SADC) and Alison Glennie (Community Engagament Project Officer at SADC) to hold an information event on the St Albans…

Today is the last day of Volunteers' Week, a time when volunteers are celebrated for their efforts and achievements, and a chance for us to say thank you to our own dedicated team of volunteers.  The community response effort that we have helped to coordinate over the past year would not have…