Fantastic Friday Update

Time flies so quickly and we’re almost in February already. Next month is dedicated to awareness of historic milestones and significant contributions that LBGT+ and Civil Rights movements have made to our communities’ lives. We stand in solidarity as these movements continue to combat prejudice and celebrate the richness that diversity brings to society.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is also remembered on Friday 27th. Check here to see how The Mayor of Hertsmere will mark the day.

It's also Parent Mental Health Day on Friday 27th, which focuses on how parents and carers can successfully adapt to cope with challenging life circumstances. You will find more information in our article below.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week starts on Monday (23rd - 29th January). You can find information about this campaign here.

As usual, this week's Fantastic Friday newsletter offers you a wide range of information and resources, from networks supporting families, to workshops and training, to services which can support you with the cost of living!  

In this regard, Communities1st and the Healthy Hub will be attending a Cost-of-Living event in Welwyn Garden City (Rosanne House) on Wednesday 25th of January (10am - 2pm). 

Please note that due to flooding our Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood is currently closed for repairs. We’re working hard to ensure alternative provision is available for those who need to meet with us as soon as possible but in the meantime please do give us a call at 01727 649930.

Stay safe, warm 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.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 23rd-29th 2023

Jo's Cervical Cancer trust is launching their biggest ever campaign: End Cervical Cancer campaign.

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, get involved to raise awareness and help make it a reality! There are the tools to make cervical cancer a thing of the past and help prevent it but awareness and uptake need to be increased. 

More Information

Know Your Energy
This one hour online session on energy aims to explain what is happening in the energy market and how it is affecting clients.  The participants will get an understanding of the difference between fixed and variable tariffs and whether clients should be switching energy companies. 

26th January 2023 - 11am - 12pm 
Register here

Parent Mental Health Day -27th January 2023

Parents and carers have often to dig deep to find the resources and resilience needed to help their families and face the challenges that arise, but all the challenges they have to deal with may result in less time spent as a family together and fewer opportunities to focus on family wellbeing. This year’s theme is #BuildFamilyResilience, focusing on how parents and carers can successfully adapt to challenging life situations, and deal with their own stress and anxiety, while navigating their family through difficult times.

More Information

Worrying About Money

The rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind right now and is having an impact on most people’s personal finances.

Money worries can also have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing. If you're having to make hard decisions about what you can afford, it's normal to feel stressed or down.

More Information 

Get your YOU back this Dry January

Dry January is the UK's one-month alcohol-free challenge, an opportunity to ‘Get your YOU back’.

A month off alcohol is the perfect way to kick start the new year and reset your relationship with alcohol. It only takes three weeks to break a habit, so this could be your route to healthier drinking long term.

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Warm Spaces Directory
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.

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Join Lisa Sinnott for a talk: How to listen to dogs with our eyes

There has been recently a rise in dog bites news and unfortunately too often there has been a misunderstanding on dog body language.

Lisa Sinnott, from the St Paws Training Academy, will do a talk for Leanna's wish about dog body language. 

3rd February 2023- 8pm at the Cottonmill Community Centre  

More Information

Jog 28 Miles in February Challenge is back. This is a perfect way to support support Pancreatic Cancer UK, while looking after your own health. 

More Information

COVID-19 and flu hospital admissions are rising

Flu and COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly. Both viruses are set to continue to surge throughout January, adding to the very significant pressures on NHS services.
If you are unwell, try to stay home if you can but if you do have to go out, wearing a face covering will help protect others. When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or vulnerable people unless urgent.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are available to eligible children and adults and are the best way to protect yourself and others, with bookable appointments available every day 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.

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Hertfordshire Health Walks Programme Jan to April 2023
Hertfordshire County Council launch this new programme that offers more than 75 walks led by trained volunteers. All walks are free and are graded between 20-30 minutes (First Steps) and up to 90 minutes (Grade 4) unless otherwise stated, whilst Grade 4+ progression walks can however last up to 2 hours.

More information

Drop off your winter clothes
Can you help keep our community warm this winter by donating your unwanted winter clothes? Perhaps you got a nice new coat for Christmas and no longer need the old one that's still perfectly wearable.
We're asking for donations of good quality winter/warm clothing only.
Simply drop off your items at 96 Shenley Road between Monday 16 and Friday 20 January. We will sort it and will make them available at the event to those using Hertsmere's Warm Spaces and other local organisations that are most in need. For any questions please contact this email  

Senior Social Worker

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent (part-time considered)
• Salary: £38,296 per annum 
• Location: Hemel Hampstead and Stevenage 

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Part-Time Administrator

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: NJC scale 3: SCP grade 5-6 - £19,650 -£20,043 (pro rata salary £11,949-£12,188)
• Location: Based at head Office in Stevenage

Part-Time Fundraising Support Officer 

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: NJC scale 3: SCP grade 5-6 - £19,650 -£20,043 (pro rata salary £11,949-£12,188)
• Location: Based at head Office in Stevenage 

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Mental Health Outreach Worker

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Full time 
• Salary: £23,500 – £24,500
• Location: Borehamwood Wellbeing Centre or Hemel Hempstead Wellbeing Centre

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Principal Climate Change & Sustainability Officer

• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Salary: £38,090 - £43,283
• Location: Civic Offices, Borehamwood

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