Latest News

Communities 1st is delighted to announce that a photograph of our canine volunteer Beau has been shortlisted for the British Photography Awards' Mobile Photography Awards 2024! This snap was captured by Lucy from the Communications team to be used in promotional materials to advertise our Shopper…

We are slowly approaching the nice weather and getting closer to the Easter festivities.  As usual, in this week's newsletter you can find references to some awareness weeks and days that aim to draw attention to important health campaigns through fun and interesting events.…

We want to start by wishing everyone an early Happy St Patricks Day, we hope that you have a great day and wear your best green clothes to celebrate!  With the longer brighter days, you may be looking for some more volunteering activities to fill the evenings with. Please take…

We have exciting news to share. New month, new courses, and lots of learning! We have additional dates on our ever so popular Air frying sessions. Learn to cook with one, add new recipes and learn about cost savings. It will also give you chance to taste some of the recipes. Join in…

The Spring Budget and Its Significance for the local VCSE sector The Spring Budget presents both challenges and opportunities. It's an invitation to reflect on our priorities, advocate for inclusive policies, and work towards a future where every individual and community has the opportunity to…

As we mentioned last week, March is a month dedicated to many campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and making life easier for people who live with various forms of cancer.   In this week's newsletter we are highlighting "Brain Tumour Awareness Month", which focuses on how…

Welcome to our Volunteer Centre newsletter. We are pleased announce that the next Broxbourne Volunteer Fair has been confirmed in collaboration with Broxbourne Alliance PCN. This event will take place on the 9th of May in Cheshunt at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre. This event will…

A huge welcome to our very first newsletter from Para Dance UK and Communities 1st  Since we announced to you all that Para Dance UK would be merging with Communities 1st we have all been busy working behind the scenes to formulate a strategy to continue to support…

There are so many key dates in March that make it a special month. March is dedicated to many awareness campaigns that share the common aim of increasing the awareness around cancer.   "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" aims to raise awareness by ensuring women know the…

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…

  Irina is a telephone befriender with Communities 1st. She was born in Romania and lived in a small village in the countryside. “Where I grew up, there was a strong sense of community,” she told me. “Everyone knew each other. People helped their neighbours and were very supportive.” Her…