Fantastic Friday Update

This week we would like to highlight two important campaigns. "Human Rights Day" will be remembered on the 10th of December and this year's theme is "75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights". You can find out more about it here.

On the 12th, we will remember those who lost their lives at work through the "National Workplace Day of Remembrance 2022". You can find out more about it here.

Communities1st is working hard to organise friendly Christmas calls and door-to-door visits for people who would otherwise be alone this festive season. Although this will be an exciting time for many of us - we are mindful that many people struggle with loneliness and isolation at this time of the year and want to help as best as we can. If you are one of our volunteers and would like to help us with the calls or the door-to-door visits, please do get in touch!

In this week's newsletter, you can find ideas on how to keep warm, fit and supported.

This coming week is going to be very cold, so if you need it, remember that on Tuesday you can find our amazing Healthy Hub staff at the warm Hub in Phillimore Community Centre (12pm-4pm). You can find more information about our warm welcome hubs down below.

You can meet the Healthy Hub staff daily at the Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood WD6 4EB!

Stay safe, warm and have a lovely weekend!

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

COMMUNITIES 1ST INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

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.

COMMUNITIES 1ST EVENTS

On Thursday 15th December you can find Communities 1st at the "Cost-of-Living & Wellbeing Event" in Hertford (10am - 2pm). Come and say Hi!

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Anyone can Volunteer

This one hour online session will aim to answer the how, where, when, why and what of volunteering. The session will cover an understanding of volunteering and its roles, volunteering with benefits, researching volunteering roles and identifying skills. This online session is for anybody who is looking to embark on their volunteering journey.

13th December 2022 - 11am - 12pm

More 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

Deaf Awareness Training

This online session will help to gain confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss.

14th December 2022 - 10am -12pm
More information

Toy Drive Campaign

This is an initiative run by the Watford Football Club that allows the community to help those that are less fortunate and will struggle to buy their kids Christmas presents this year.

More information

Shape Up is back for Bushey!
Shape Up is a 12 week FREE weight loss course aimed at men aged 18 to 65 who have a BMI of 30+.

The course, run by the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust, starts Monday 9 January and runs at Bushey Country Club in Bushey 7 - 8.30pm. During the course, you can find out about simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lose weight in a safe, friendly way.

For further information please contact Shaun Murphy at shaun.murphy@watfordfc.com or 07938 486378.

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

Christmas Santa Float

This is a long standing tradition in St Albans and Redbourn run by the St Albans Round Table and dedicated to support different charities. It covers specific routes from 4.30pm to 9pm

10th Dec : Marshalwick from 4.30pm

11th Dec: Redbourn (route 1) from 4pm

12th Dec : Highfield from 6.30pm
13th Dec: New Greens from 6.30pm

14th Dec: Beech Bottom from 6.30pm

15th Dec: Oakwood from 6pm

16th Dec: Chiswell Green from 6.30pm

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

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

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.

Fully-funded holiday activity camps are back for the Christmas break

Booking is now open for the HAPpy programme, which is running more than 100 activity camps on selected days from 22 December 2022 until 4 January 2023.

Eligible families should already have a booking code from their school - if you haven’t received this but think you should have, please contact the school office or email haf@herts.ac.uk

VACANCIES

Educational Psychologists

Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent (part-time considered)
Salary: £45,811 progressing to a maximum of £55,440 per annum
Location: Hertfordshire - Hybrid Working

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