Fantastic Friday Update

We have a great opportunity to build our awareness of issues affecting our community through key health campaigns. This November it's Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, an excellent way to show support for people living with this condition is to sign up to "Walk 30k".

International Men's Day will be celebrated internationally on Saturday 19th November. This date is marked annually and highlights the positive impact men have on their families, communities and the world at large. 

Sunday 20th is Universal Children's Day with its new theme "Inclusion, For Every Child".

Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 takes place from Monday 21- Sunday 27 November. It’s an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. The aim is to highlight key safeguarding issues, start conversations and raise awareness of safeguarding best practice. Here you can find support and help.

Thursday 24th is Carers Right Day. This day aims to help unpaid family carers to be aware of their rights, know where to get help, support and raise awareness of their needs. 

Considering the current Cost-Of-Living crisis, we hope to offer a place of respite and fun for those struggling financially this Autumn and Winter. At our Warmer Hubs you can socialise, enjoy free, hot and tasty meals provided by Sangha Community Café, participate in enjoyable crafting activities and much more! In addition to this, you can access guidance, information and helpful resources provided by our knowledgeable 'energy agent' volunteers. Come and find us every Friday afternoon at Organ Hall, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB. See below for more information.

If you are one of our volunteers and you fancy helping us in wrapping Christmas presents for the most vulnerable people in our community over the festive period, please contact us Here.

Here you can find our calendar listing all of our upcoming workshops and events. There are also links to tips on how to cope with the rising cost of living. 

Stay safe and have a lovely weekend!

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

If you're in an at risk group or having to isolate, and need help or support with shopping, prescription collection, pet sitting, or urgent supplies or tech support, you can contact us.

Email: help@communities1st.org.uk.
Phone: 01727 649930.

Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service, please contact us or visit our website for further information.

Warm Spaces directory now live
We all need a little support from time to time and we want to make sure all our residents can stay safe and well this winter. This is why we have launched our Warm Spaces directory where you can find warm and welcoming in locations across Hertfordshire.

More Information

All carers are entitled to a free flu jab this year
Do you look after a friend or family member who couldn’t manage without your help? You are entitled to a FREE flu vaccine. It’s safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for.

Contact your GP or visit a pharmacy offering the service for your free jab.

More Information

Togetherall - Get Support, Take Control, Feel Better

If you or someone you know is struggling, opening up and sharing how you are feeling can help.
Together all is an anonymous, online community available 24/7, to get (or give) support.

More information

Rudolph Run

This is a nice activity to do with all the family while supporting an amazing charity. Two routes are available,  a 1.5K fun run or a 5K. Just join dressed in your best festive attire and they'll provide the antlers. The run starts at 11

4th December 2022

More information

Homes for Ukraine webinar - Find Out More

A new webinar has been created to give residents in Hertfordshire a chance to find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

As well as a short introduction outlining how the scheme works there will be a panel of existing hosts who will share their experiences and answer any questions from people who may be interested in becoming hosts.

23rd November 2022 (7pm - 8pm)

To register

Free service to help young people manage their worries
Hertfordshire Mind Network have launched a free digital service for Hertfordshire’s 5-18 year olds, who are experiencing emotional health problems (and their parents/carers). With YOUth offers instant online messaging and a helpline. The service is open Monday – Friday from 2pm – 10pm and creates a safe, supported space for children and young people to get the help that they need, at the earliest opportunity.

More Information

The Borehamwood Job Club

A new Job club has been created open to everyone. There is no need to be unemployed or claiming any benefits.

Every Wednesday & Thursday 1pm - 4pm 

Vision Loss Awareness session
This one hour awareness session on Zoom aims to focus on understanding sight loss and supporting people living with sight loss. The session will introduce participants on common sight loss conditions and how they affect vision. It will cover the role of volunteers in supporting people with vision loss and the help they can seek.

21st November 2022 (1pm - 2pm)

Register here

Get a free pair of slippers!
Slipper swap socials are back to help prevent slips, trips and falls by offering residents the chance to swap their old slippers for new non-slip ones.

You can also speak to friendly professionals about how to manage the cost of living, remain independent at home and take part in community activities.

Upcoming events:

Hitchin Library – Tuesday 29 November
Tring Library – Tuesday 6 December
Oxhey Library (South Oxhey) – Thursday 15 December

More information

Safeguarding Adults at Risk Training Courses

Courses will be tailored to different audiences, enabling organisations to comply with The Care Act. In addition to the open courses trainers can deliver in-house training to staff and volunteers.

More Information

Are you interested in setting up a walking group in your community?
The Herts Health Walks Team already offers 75 free walks across Hertfordshire (Hertfordshire Health Walks) and would like to be able to offer more.   We are keen to work with people – who currently don’t do any activity but would like to or are returning from illness –  to set up short, sociable walk for beginners. If you would like to discuss how to set up a group, please contact Claire by email or on  01992588126. 

Mental Health First Aid - an Introduction
This introductory online course will enable you to develop some introductory knowledge of mental health first aid whether as a volunteer or employee. This course aims to allow you to feel more confident to identify and support individuals who may be experiencing mental health distress or difficulties and signpost them in the correct pathway.

24th November 2022 (2pm - 3pm)
Register Here 

Remember to apply for your Healthy Start card

NHS Healthy Start provides families with fruit, vegetables and milk worth £220 a year, plus free vitamins to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and you receive certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per week, to spend on healthy food and milk.

Previous voucher recipients must re-apply to continue getting help.

More information

Personal Advisers

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent
• Salary: £30,151 (Qualified) or £27,344 (Trainee)
• Location: Broxbourne, East Herts, Welwyn Hatfield or Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere

More Information

Outreach Worker

• Hours: 15 hours per week - flexibility required 
• Salary:£21,443 per annum, pro rata
• Location: Based at the Mind in Mid Herts Stevenage office, with travel required around the Royston area and occasional travel to our other centres (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford)

More Information

Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator

• Hours: 20 hours per week 
• Salary:£22,500 per annum 
• Location: Hertford and remote working with regular travel throughout Hertfordshire

More Information

Operational Lead - Nightlight

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week including evenings and weekends
• Salary : £25,500 – £28,000
• Location: To be negotiated - one of our Wellbeing Centres with travel across Hertfordshire 

More Information