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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…

If you'd like to support Communities 1st at a local event this September, please continue reading. We are inviting volunteers to come along to the St Albans Festival this year and help out with our Communities 1st Safe Zone. You can find out how to get involved below.  We want…

Welcome to the latest edition of our Policy Pulse newsletter! Earlier this year we produced “What we Stand For” a range of policy statements on key areas produced as a result of extensive engagement with local VCFSE organisations. These were distributed to local elected…

I hope you've had a fantastic week. It's great to connect with you again through this week's newsletter. As National Pension Awareness Week kicks off this week, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of saving for retirement. It's never too early or too late to start…

As we bid farewell to the warm days of August, September arrives, bringing with it a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, particularly blood and childhood cancers. By understanding these diseases, we can prioritise our own…

We hope that you had a lovely bank holiday weekend. Don't forget that we will be hosting our Afternoon Tea Celebration at the Aberford Community Centre in Borehamwood this week in celebration of Hertsmere Borough Council's 50th anniversary. If you would like to come along for some…