Fantastic Friday Update

A warm welcome to what promises to be a vibrant and healthy start to summer!

As the days grow longer and the sunshine encourages us outdoors, this week we're shining a spotlight on wellbeing and all the fantastic opportunities to embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle during these warmer months. Summer is the perfect time to refresh our routines and make positive changes for our physical and mental health.

For this week's newsletter, we've lined up a wonderful array of events and activities designed to help you do just that. From Healthy Hub events, ParaDance UK to our Creative Community Café activities, there's something for everyone to boost their wellbeing and enjoy the best of the season. Let's make this a summer of feeling great, inside and out!

Best wishes

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Communities 1st Events

Summer Creative Community Café Events

Discover something new at Communities 1st's Community Creative Café, offering interesting and informative sessions for all.

No need to book...just hop along and join in! All of our sessions are free to attend.

Air Frying

Have an Air fryer or considering buying one? Looking to cook cheaper and healthier? Come along to our cooking with an Air Fryer session. Learn to cook with one, add new recipes and learn about the cost savings. Cooking tips will be provided on this free course along with a chance to taste food cooked in the air fryer.

When: Thursday 19 June, 10am - 2pm
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB
Book your place

Make do and Mend

It's all about getting creative with what you've got, repairing beloved items, and giving new life to things that might otherwise be discarded. Not only is it a fantastic way to be more sustainable and save a few pennies, but it also brings a real sense of accomplishment!

When: Thursday 3 July, 10am - 12pm
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB
Book your place

Cooking with a slow cooker

Watch a demonstration on cooking a recipe and get tips on cooking with a slow cooker

When: Thursday 24 July, 10am - 12pm
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB
Book your place

The Creative Cafe will continue to run after these sessions until 2pm. Look forward to seeing you there!

Book swap - every thursday

Do you love to read? Why not bring a book to our Creative Cafe and swap it for a new one?

Come along and meet others who share your love of reading and good conversation. Finished your book? No problem! Swap it for a new one, sit and read it with a free cuppa or take it away to enjoy at home.

When: Every Thursday from 10am to 2pm
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB

No booking required. We can't wait to see you!

Training and Employment Support

Employment support for every step of the way

Our Employment Support Hub helps job seekers gain skills and experience to be seen by employers. Our expert team can help with:

Creating online job-seeking profiles
Writing CVs, personal statements, and cover letters
Interview preparation techniques
Communication tips and more!

Where and when?

Appointments available at:

Leeming Road Hub in Borehamwood every Friday, 9.30am to 3.45pm - Drop-in available or make an appointment
Canada Life (cafe) in Potters Bar every Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.00pm - By appointment only
Appointments are available at other venues upon request

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

More information

Sexual Health Awareness

An online information training session that talks about Sexual Health and relatyed issues. The session includes: Statistics on sexually transmitted infections (STIs); the importance of understanding STIs and their symptoms, testing and treatment, barrier methods, and where to go for support with sexual health.

This session is for those who work with people living with sexual health issues, service users within Hertfordshire, community and voluntary groups, corporate businesses, educational organisations, housing providers, local authorities, NHS trusts, youth services, and members of the public.

Please note this session is online.

When: Thursday 19 June from 11am to 1pm

Register here

Scam Awareness

Stay safe and informed! Join us for our upcoming Scam Awareness session, designed to help you identify and confidently avoid the numerous scamming schemes that you may encounter.

Please note this session is online.

When: Wednesday 2 July from 11am to 12pm

Register here

The Youth Voice Census

The Youth Voice Census 2025 survey is live! If you are aged 11-30, Youth Employment UK would like to hear from you.

Your experiences - at school, work and in daily life - matter! This isn't just another survey; it is your chance to speak up and drive change. Your answers will support the understanding of what you and other young people need right now - whether that is better opportunities, more training courses or improved mental health support.

Youth Employment UK will use this data to create reports that influence real decisions. By taking part, you're making sure your voice is heard by those who can make a difference

Complete the survey

Wellbeing events and information

Goffs Oak Summer Fayre 2025

The Summer Fayre 2025 is here promising a fantastic day out for the whole family. Prepare for a packed schedule of activities including a charming dog show, a wonderfully creative kids' fancy dress competition, vibrant face painting, delicious food, lively music, and captivating dance performances – there's truly something for everyone to enjoy and make lasting summer memories!

When: Saturday 14 June, 12pm- 5pm
Where: Goffs Oak Playing Fields (Behind Library and Surgery)

Hatfield Community Day 2025

Hatfield Town Council is excited to be hosting another fun-filled Community Day!

On the day, you can once again expect to see a full stage, featuring an array of talent, including singers, live music, DJ sets, dancers, and choir performances. There will also be face painters, stilt walkers, a fun photo booth, and a football workshop to try out.

Communities 1st will also join the day! Come and join us.

When: Saturday 21 June, 11am - 4pm
Where: White Lion Square, Hatfield Town Centre

Entry is Free.

Visit a Healthy Hub this June

Healthy Hubs are places where you can find free health and wellbeing support. No matter where you live in Hertfordshire, there's a Healthy Hub to help you with your health and wellbeing needs.

When and where:

Your Community Hub, Leeming Rd, Borehamwood: Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3.45pm, and Fridays from 9am - 1pm
Hertfordshire Satellite Law Clinic at Borehamwood Foodbank: 22 May, 10am - 12.30pm
Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett: Tuesdays 12pm-4pm
Bushey Library, Bushey: Every Thursday 10am-12pm

Click the button below to visit our website for information about other venues and dates.

More information

Free health and wellbeing event

This is a free event organised by the Patient Participiation Group at Midway Surgery.

Come along to receieve helpful information to improve your wellbeing. Representatives from various organisations will be available and many more!

When: Saturday 28 June, 10am - 1pm
Where: St Albans United Reform Church, Greenwood, Watford Road AL2 3HG

Contact 01727832125 for more information.

Free Mental Health & Debt guide

This guide is not only aimed at people experiencing mental health problems, but friends, family and carers who want to help them tackle their finances.

It was written with guidance from several leading charities and organisations, including Mind, Rethink, Christians Against Poverty and others.

Throughout the guide, there are tips to start taking small steps to cut your debt. The guide uses real-life case studies from members of the online forum at MoneySavingExpert.com to illustrate that you are not alone. Hopefully their experiences of escaping from debt may give you hope that you can do the same.

More information

Let's Give

Let’s Give: Where Volunteering Finds You!

Did you know that 82% of hiring managers are more likely to choose applicants with volunteering experience?

Volunteering is a great way to broaden your skills and experience, while showing that you care about other people and local causes. If you’re searching for a new job or career, consider volunteering to boost your CV! It’s a great way to increase your self-confidence, gain new skills and experiences and meet amazing people.

We know that looking for volunteering roles at the same time as applying for jobs can be time-consuming. But with Let’s Give, all you need to do is complete a form to showcase your interests and availability to organisations in need. Then, we will contact you with opportunities you can become involved with. No hassle, just opportunities to make an impact!

Sign up today

Volunteering Opportunities

Carers Peer Support Volunteer with Hertfordshire Mind Network

Hertfordshire Mind Network is looking for volunteers who will support the running of the Carers Peer Support Service. They provide group sessions for carers, enabling individuals to connect with other carers and explore common issues, concerns and share ideas.

The purpose of the groups is to allow carers to take time out from their busy caring role, provide opportunities to share experiences gather information and meet new carers who understand through day-to-day experiences. This role can be carried out remotely via telephone or an online platform.

This role can be also be carried out in one of their Wellbeing Centres across Hertfordshire if preferred.

Find out more

Lunch Club Volunteer with Age Concern St Albans

Could you help engage with older people, make tea and coffee, cook or serve lunch and run games and activities?

Age Concern St Albans is looking for volunteers to help run their lunch clubs. Every Wednesday and Friday they provide an opportunity for older people to meet up for chat, entertainment and a cooked lunch.

Find out more

Supporting Hands Volunteer with Rennie Grove Peace Hospice

Are you someone who enjoys meeting new people and would be able to offer practical and emotional support to people who are dealing with a life-limiting illness?

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice is looking for volunteers to provide support, companionship, respite care and help reduce social isolation for their patients and their carers in their homes and on trips out. This role may involve practical and emotional support and assistance.

Find out more

To see more volunteering opportunities, please visit our website by clicking the button below.

See all volunteering opportunities

Para Dance UK

We look forward to bringing you the joy of inclusive dance as you explore our exciting themed sessions and join the Para Dance UK party!

Online classes (via Zoom) are running as follows:

Monday - Adult Dance Club at 10am
Wednesday - Through the Decades at 11am
Wednesday - Primary After School Dance Club at 4:15pm
Wednesday - Youth Dance Club (for secondary school students and young adults) at 5pm

These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs working, but also foster mindfulness. Register for the classes using the button below and get access to the Zoom links.

If you'd like to run your own inclusive dance sessions, our online courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to do this. Find out more on the Communities 1st website.

Book a Para Dance class