Let's Give Newsletter - 30 October 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of Let's Give.  

November is upon us, and we are looking forward to National Trustees' Week commencing on 9 November. If you're interested in becoming a trustee we have some webinars for you! Further details below. 

In this edition we have a variety of volunteering opportunities available including one-off roles. You could be participating in an emergency services simulated incident acting as members of the public or supporting our St Albans Christmas Cracker volunteering opportunity coming up on 22 November. 

We hope that you enjoy reading!

Kelly Wright
Voluntary Sector and Partnerships Manager

Communities 1st volunteers are invited to participate by acting as members of the public involved in a simulated incident at Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford.

Your participation helps emergency services test evacuation procedures, communication, coordination and the management of people during a major event. The exercise will help police, fire, ambulance and partner organisations practice responding to a major incident and they are looking for volunteer support. 

The annual St Albans Christmas Cracker Event is returning this winter on the 22 November 2026.

Communities 1st will be taking part in the festivities and supporting the Community Safe Zone and we are looking for volunteers to take part.

The Community Safe Zone allows participants to escape the crowds and sit down in a quiet space. It is also a safe space that allows people to find out lots of information about support on the day as well as other services and helpful information.

To learn more about the roles available and to sign up, click the button below.

Brighten a patient's day by providing companionship and conversation during their stay on the ward. You'll spend time getting to know patients, listening to their stories and helping reduce feelings of loneliness. We're looking for friendly, confident communicators who enjoy meeting new people and want to make a positive difference in their local community.

Communities 1st is inviting all volunteers along to a local Volunteer Festive Get-Together.

It is a lovely opportunity at the end of each year for volunteers, members and people from behind the scenes to catch up, with a lovely hot drink and of course a mince pie!

It's also a great excuse to get your Christmas jumpers out of storage and show them off to others.

We would love the opportunity to say thank you before we head into the new year and we can't wait to see you there!

Upcoming events:

Hertsmere - 1 December 2026, 2pm to 4pm @96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

Broxbourne - 2 December 2026, 2pm to 4pm @Deer Café & Bistro, 116 High St, Hoddesdon.

St Albans - 3 December 2026, 2pm to
4pm @Trestle Arts Base, St. Albans.

Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield - 7 December 2026, 2pm to 4pm @Hatfield Library, Hatfield.

Let volunteering opportunities find you by creating your own personal profile on Communities 1st’s Let’s Give website!

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can showcase your skills, experience, relevant qualifications, interests, and availability. We’ll do the rest, matching you with organisations looking for volunteers.

You won’t need to share any personal contact information, as we handle all the brokerage and put you directly in touch with organisations interested in your support.

Join Let’s Give and start making an impact today!

The Volunteer Chaplain provides pastoral, spiritual and emotional support to people connected with One YMCA, including colleagues and beneficiaries.

Rooted in the Christian ethos of the YMCA, the Chaplaincy team serves people of all faiths and none, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and signposting to further support to enable them to reach their potential in mind, body and spirit.

Please note, this role is flexible across all of our services, particularly our hostel sites in Hatfield and Borehamwood.

 

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team at our little achievers group, a weekly playgroup and teaching class for children with down syndrome. You will join the team to assist the manager and support worker in running fun, supportive and play filled sessions.

We're looking for people who have some experience of working with children aged 0-5 years and who want to make a positive difference. You don't need to have experience of working with children with SEND.

Borehamwood Junior parkrun is looking for a group of volunteers to help bring the junior parkrun to Borehamwood. The skills needed for this role include being able to speak with confidence, authority and sensitivity, being approachable and open to ideas, and being well organised. In this role, you will have to ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of weekly events.

Redbourn Community Group (RCG) is a volunteer-led registered charity which has been serving the village of Redbourn since 1980.

We are seeking volunteer drivers to pick up and return clients, using own car, from their homes and deliver clients to required destinations - such as GP surgeries, hospitals, and other agreed destinations.

The Friends of Care Homes is a registered charity that put-on music-based events every weekend for our seniors, the isolated and the lonely, plus anyone who enjoys music.

We are looking for a bus support worker to support our driver in the Borehamwood area on Sunday Afternoons.

Herts Welcome Refugees supports refugees and asylum seekers across Hertfordshire with ongoing practical support.

We are looking for volunteers to collect donated bikes, take them to our garage for our mechanic to repair and then deliver them to refugee recipients.

Communities1st runs a Handyperson service that undertakes small-scale jobs for residents that are unable to carry out themselves. We offer this service to residents in Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield.

We can offer flexible hours which suit both you and our clients’ needs.

If you have a few hours to spare and would enjoy helping someone who is struggling to cope with daily living tasks, then please give us a call to discuss this opportunity further.

Drivers are needed to help people in St Albans and Hertsmere who are unable to use public transport, attend health appointments, and reduce social isolation in the community.

Volunteers are required to have a driving license and have their own vehicle/access to a vehicle. No formal qualifications or prior experience are required to volunteer with us. 

Communities 1st provides Community Café sessions in Hertsmere and St. Albans.

We are looking for volunteers to support inclusive, community-based creative sessions by assisting participants, helping with setup, and fostering a welcoming environment for all ages.

Participants can engage in a variety of activities, involving creative pursuits, from knitting to music, sports and much more!