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We have had a fantastic summer with lots of new volunteers joining the Let’s Give community but as we approach September, we are looking ahead at all the new opportunities we have available. As we wind down the summer holidays and schools are back in full swing, you may find…

This Saturday, Communities 1st will be attending the Herts Pride event, being held at Cassiobury Park in Watford. Herts Pride is a vibrant and inclusive celebration that unites people to make a meaningful impact in their community. Communities 1st will have a stall where we will…

  “It’s been a brilliant experience! I am so pleased to have been involved. It’s been a real privilege.” So declared Ann Harrison at the Communities 1st annual general meeting in June 2025, in response to a tribute paid to her by Communities 1st chair, Jason John, who was thanking her for…

Moving Beyond Promises For more than two decades, we’ve heard promises to tackle poverty, improve health, build stronger communities, and create fairer opportunities. Yet, despite all the strategies and speeches, too many people are still struggling. Millions of children grow up in poverty. Food…

August always seems to be a quieter month at work and we have taken this opportunity to develop our programme of training courses up until the end of the year. There is a wide variety of courses on offer with substantial discounts if you are a member.If you work with volunteers…

Welcome to Let’s Give where volunteering changes lives. Every volunteer who gives their time and skills uplifts communities, whether you are donating small amounts of time or larger chunks of time. Every minute counts. You have been rolling up your sleeves and giving where it…

Volunteering Vision NewsletterMonday 11 August Welcome to this month's Volunteering Vision! This newsletter is your space to stay informed, so we have packed it with news, organisational support along with training and events.…

With August now in full swing, the summer holidays are offering the perfect chance for a change of pace and new adventures! We hope you're enjoying every moment of the season whether at home or at a new place. It’s a great time to shake up your routine, connect with…

A Familiar Vision, a Critical Moment Every few years, the NHS invites us to imagine a new future for health and care. The latest NHS 10-Year Plan promises nothing less than a reimagining of the system - a bold transformation designed to shift resources into communities, focus on prevention, and…

Let's Give Volunteering Newsletter Friday 18 July As we navigate our way through summer, we are inspired by the commitment from our Let’s Give community. Volunteer registrations are strong, which can only mean one thing, and…

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…