Latest News

Welcome to the latest Voluntary Sector Briefing from Communities 1st. This newsletter contains lots of information to support the work you do over the coming months, including the return of our fantastic training course Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers, which takes place on …

It’s a leap year and we have a bonus day! What are you going to do with the extra day? Will it be starting something new or strengthening a skill or simply taking a restful break! Whatever you chose to do, take care of yourselves and if you chose to learn something new, why not…

March will be upon us next week, but the last few days of February will still offer some opportunities for community awareness.   Eating Disorders Awareness Week (26 February - 3 March 2024) wants to shine a light on a health condition that we know doesn't always get the…

Welcome to our Volunteer Centre newsletter.   We are grateful for the ongoing support of volunteers, constituting the backbone of our communities.   We aim to support all volunteers in their activities. If you are looking for more volunteering opportunities, please look…

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.   Tomorrow, 17th February, is celebrated "Random Acts of Kindness Day". If you want to find out ideas on how to celebrate it, click here !   This week we are happy to mention "Cancer Prevention Action Week" which takes place…

This new week we focus our attention on new campaigns for community awareness. Monday 12th is "International Epilepsy Day", a day  which aims to raise awareness of this disease and challenges myths and stigmas surrounding it. You can find more about it here. …

Would you like to support people by providing comprehensive advice and resources surrounding home energy? We are looking for volunteers to help deliver this information to members of the local community and offer some additional support during the cost-of-living crisis. If you think you…

Welcome to our Volunteer Centre newsletter. On Tuesday we held a pop up Volunteer Centre at Services for Young People in St Albans on Catherine Street. Where we were able to give volunteering support and guidance to young people who are looking to develop new skills, improve their CV…

Research suggests that acts of kindness, giving and volunteering can improve your mental health. Giving to others creates positive feelings and is one of the five steps to mental well-being. Take the opportunity to learn more about these five steps to well-being on our Mental…

We have an engaging week ahead! This newsletter highlights some upcoming important and meaningful campaigns which may take your interest.  Sunday 4th February is "World Cancer Day". This day contributes to give its contribution in the fight against cancer through…

What's in Store for 2024?     While it may be a bit late for "Happy New Year!" greetings, I invite you to approach this blog with the spirit of new beginnings and forward-thinking. As we embark on 2024, our traditional January reflection takes on new significance, particularly for…

February is going to be quite an engaging month, full of important events that mark meaningful moments in our past, present and future.   February is "LGBTQ+ History Month". Its aim is to celebrate all the historic milestones and significant contributions LBGT+ and Civil Rights…

With the New Year comes new projects and volunteering opportunities that we are keen to share with you all.  If becoming involved in more volunteering opportunities was one of your new year's resolutions, why not get in touch and see what opportunities are available in your local…

We are progressing through the month of January trying to highlight the important health campaigns that offer the opportunity to increase awareness of issues affecting our community.   January is Cervical Cancer Month with the Cervical Cancer Prevention Week…

We are already more than two weeks into the new year and delighted to announce that Communities 1st Annual Conference for the Voluntary and Community Sector is taking place on Thursday 16 July. This will be our third in person conference since the Covid pandemic and we are busy planning…

We would like to wish a happy and safe New Year to all of you!    As usual, we continue to highlight important health campaigns throughout the year that offer us the opportunity to build our awareness of issues affecting our community.   January is "…

Happy New Year! We hope that you all had a wonderful Holiday season and a Happy New Year! With the New Year upon us, we continue to have many volunteering opportunities available for you to try. Whether you'd like to get back in to something you already have experience with, or would…

Welcome to our Volunteer Centre newsletter.   Firstly, we would like to say thank you to all our volunteers who helped us over the Christmas period with our Christmas Calls and Visits!   As we turn into 2024 many people may have found a new inspiration to volunteer.…

This Christmas time our volunteers have showed once again just how amazing they are by delivering gift bags and making Christmas calls.  The end of the festive period can prove to be especially challenging after a period of celebration. For those who are already isolated…

This Christmas time our volunteers have showed once again just how amazing they are by delivering gift bags and making Christmas calls.  The end of the festive period can prove to be especially challenging after a period of celebration. For those who are already isolated…