Latest News

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we hope you're looking forward to spending quality time with your loved ones and celebrating the festivities. We recognise that the holidays can be a challenging time for some members of our community, and we are committed to ensuring they…

The first snowfall of the season has painted our world in a pristine white, signaling the arrival of the festive season. As we embrace the cozy warmth of winter, let's also take a moment to give back and make a difference. Next week, we kick off 16 Days of Action Against Domestic…

Welcome back to our little corner! Did you catch the dazzling fireworks display this week? The vibrant lights against the crisp night sky signal the start of the festive season. We’ve got an exciting lineup of courses, events, and volunteer opportunities to brighten up your free…

We hope you all had the chance to attend a local firework display this week in your community and that you are keeping warm and dry as we move further into the winter months.  With the festive holidays just around the corner, we want to invite you, our dedicated volunteers, for…

Welcome to November’s Future Focus newsletter which is packed full of employment and training news. We have a packed schedule this month including our A New You course, a four-day training course to help improve your confidence and social skills. Also new for Borehamwood…

CEO Blog - Trustees: Guiding the Future, Building a Better Today By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   As we approach Trustees' Week, it's a time to celebrate those unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, making a difference to countless communities and lives across the UK…

As October draws to a close, autumn's vibrant colours are in full display. The leaves are showing off their beautiful colours, inspiring changes and new energy. Amidst your busy week, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the…

Already, we are approaching the end of October which means we are getting closer to the spooky season. If you would like to help out at one of our Halloween events, you can find out more below.  With the Autumn half term only a week away, don't forget to check out the…

I hope you've had a fantastic week! It's time to relax and unwind with our latest newsletter, where we share the latest events and training opportunities. As we celebrate World Menopause Day today, let's take a moment to acknowledge the unique journey women embark on during this…

Welcome back to our cozy little weekly update! Whether you're a longtime reader or a new friend, we're delighted to share news about local events and training courses with you. As the days grow shorter, let's make the most of the daylight and stay warm. However, with the arrival of…

We hope you are keeping warm and dry this autumn and take a moment to take in all of the bright colours of the changing leaves around us. What better time of year for Communities 1st to introduce its Communities Thirst Coffee Cart located in the St Albans Civic Centre. We are…

  "...I dread to think what state we’d be in if we didn’t have volunteers" “It would be devastating. It would impact on vulnerable people, their families, and the wider community. It doesn’t bear thinking about,” commented Patti when I asked her about the role of volunteers. And she should…

Another week has flown by, and we're gearing up for a new one. As autumn leaves fall and the winds pick up, let's shed our worries and embrace a cozy, fulfilling weekend. Grab a warm cup of tea, and let's explore exciting events and training courses to make this week a fantastic one…

“ Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi may have said this eons ago but in our ever evolving fast paced world, these pearls of wisdom are still relevant. Our Future Focus newsletter brings you information and opportunities on…

As we bid farewell to September and its often unpredictable weather, let's embrace the new season with warmth and optimism. October is a month filled with significant observations, from celebrating cultural heritage, to raising awareness of important health causes. This month, we…

Thank you to all of the volunteers who kindly supported Communities 1st at the St Albans Festival last Sunday. Once again Communities 1st were able to offer a safe and relaxing space for those who attended the event and even a space to escape some of the rain. Thank you for all your…

I hope you have had a wonderful week. As the days grow shorter, have you taken a moment to gaze at the bright full moon illuminating the autumn sky this week? The Autumn equinox is upon us, bringing a sense of renewal and transformation. This week, let's embrace the changing seasons…

    To go back to the start Ann, in her sixties and living in Bishop’s Stortford, worked for many years in banking. After her son was born, and he is now grown up and left home, she transferred to work in the local branch of the bank in Bishops Stortford. “I loved being branch based,”…

What the Darzi Report Means for Our Communities By Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st   The Lord Darzi Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England offers a vital snapshot of the current state of healthcare. It reveals significant pressures on the NHS,…

  As we shift into autumn, with yellow leaves beginning to fall and cooler winds setting in, it’s a wonderful time to embrace change and new opportunities. This week, we're excited to bring you a range of engaging training courses to explore. Whether you're interested in…