Fantastic Friday Update

Spring will soon be upon us. With a bit of luck it should bring with it some nicer weather, longer days and the excitement that is associated with a well-earned break over the Easter long weekend! 

 

In this week's newsletter we’ll draw your attention to the usual awareness campaigns including some fun and interesting events supporting causes that matter to our communities. 

 

20th March will see the celebration of "International Day of Happiness". The theme this year is "Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind’".

 

It's also "The Great British Spring Clean 2023", a mass-action environmental campaign which aims to encourage people of all ages to make a pledge and take up the challenge of picking up one bag of litter – or more ! – between Friday 17th March and Sunday 2nd of April.

 

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

 

Wednesday 22nd March marks the start of the  month of Ramadan.

We want to wish "Ramadan Mubarak" to all in our community who will be observing this period of fasting, reflection and community.

 

Stay safe, warm and have a lovely weekend!

 

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

COMMUNITIES 1ST INFORMATION AND SUPPORT 

If you or someone you know is in 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.

Let’s take a moment to remember some of the hard-won achievements of the UK’s feminist movement.

1973 - Sybil Phoenix is the first black woman to be given an MBE. She initially refused to accept the honour unless the council gave her a property where she could house, feed and educate homeless young girls from the Borough of Lewisham.

1975 - The Sex Discrimination Act makes it illegal to discriminate against women in work, education and training.
The Employment Protection Act made statutory maternity pay a requirement for all employers legislated against dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy.
1976 - Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act is introduced to protect women and children from domestic violence. The Act enabled married women to obtain a court order against their violent husbands without divorce or separation proceedings. A court could order a man out of the matrimonial home, whether or not he owned it or tenancy was in his name.
1977 - The first Rape Crisis Centre opens in London.
1979 - Margaret Thatcher becomes Britain’s first female prime minister.
1980 - Women are allowed to apply for a loan or credit in their own names. Prior to this a women had to get their father or husband to sign for a loan even if they earned more.
1982 - Bars and pubs are no longer allowed to refuse to serve women.

HEALTHY HUBS

 

Come and visit us at one of our Hubs this week :

MONDAY 20th MARCH     : Wyllotts Theatre, Potters Bar (10am-12pm) 

TUESDAY 21st MARCH     : Phillimore Place (12pm - 4pm) 

THURSDAY 23rd MARCH  : Borehamwood Foodbank (10am -12.30pm) and Bushey Library (10am - 12pm)  

FRIDAY 24th MARCH        : Bushey Foodbank (10am -12pm): Ukraine support meeting at St Albans Library (10.30am - 12.30pm); Warm Hub/Computer & a Cuppa session in Organ Hall (10am - 12pm) 

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

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, but there are things you can do to help.

 

More Information 

Creative Community Cafe

If you enjoy knitting, needlework, painting ( or another hobby), come along to our new weekly coffee and crafting mornings at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood. 

 

Mondays 10.30 - 12.30

More information

Have your say on the future of NHS services

NHS services in Hertfordshire and west Essex (Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford) have together launched a survey which will shape how health services are developed over the next five years.  The plan will set out how NHS resources (money and staff) will be used to meet the health needs of local people, as well as delivering national NHS improvement targets on important issues like how quickly illnesses are diagnosed, and how long people have to wait to be treated.    

Please complete the survey to help shape local NHS plans and priorities. As a thank you for completing it, you can enter your name into a prize draw and be in with the chance of winning one of 10 £30 shopping vouchers.  It would be great if you also could share this survey with others to help as many people as possible to have their say.  

 For more information about the plan and how to have your say on this website 

Coronation celebrations: deadline for road closure applications.

The deadline for applying for a road closure to hold a street party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort is Sunday 26 March.

Hertfordshire County Council, the highways authority, has waived its usual fee to encourage people to mark the historic occasion on Saturday 6 May with a neighbourhood get-together.

If you want, you can send an invite to the Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Geoff Harrison, or an Honorary Alderman to attend your event.  

You can find out more information about how to apply for a road closure here.

Updates on what is happening around the District during the Coronation weekend will be posted on the Enjoy St Albans website.

Wanted

Communities 1st is looking for some items for asylum seekers living locally: Good condition men's bikes with straight handlebars, bike locks and helmets and any hi-vis jackets.

If you can help please contact Teresa Clarke either by calling on 01727 855026 or by email.

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 during this period of cold weather. 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

Are you interested in setting up a walking group in your community?

Join a fantastic team of volunteers from all walks of life. Hertfordshire Health Walks are free, friendly and safe, offering free training and support to get you started. No previous experience is required.

Walking groups are a great way to stay fit and healthy, while having fun exploring your local area. If you’re interested, please call 01992 588126 or email

More information

 

World Down Syndrome Day 2023, 21st March

 

 

World Water Day 2023, 22nd March

 

Global Recycling Day 2023, 18th March 

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

 

If you want to find out more about our huge array of projects and activities, you can follow our posts on our social media accounts:

Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - YouTube

VACANCIES

Cleaner/Caretaker

  • Hours: 7.5 hours per week 
  • Salary: £10,53 per hour
  • Location: Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett and Ver House, Frogmore

More Information

 

Group Facilitator (Spark) - North Herts

  • Hours: 9 hours per week (to include Monday evening from 5:30pm – 8:30pm)
  • Salary: £21,500 – £22,145 per annum pro rata
  • Location: Letchworth Wellbeing Centre (with occasional travel within the county as required)

More Information

Youth Co-Ordinator – Young Carers

  • Hours: Full time (37 hours).
  • Salary: £21,164.26
  • Location: Hybrid working from the Hertford or Borehamwood office

More Information

Holiday Club Coordinator

  • Hours: 20 hours per week
  • Salary: Competitive Salary
  • Location: Hybrid remote in Borehamwood,

More Information

Team Leader – Meal Services

  • Hours: 22.hours per week--Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s 8am to 4pm
  • Salary: FTE - £25.569.96 per annum (Pro-rated to agreed hours)
  • Location: St Albans -Jubilee Centre -AL3 5BU

More Information

Recruitment Coordinator

  • Hours: Flexible 18 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hours to be negotiated with the successful candidate with potential for further hours as role progresses
  • Salary: FTE £24,980 per annum, depending on experience, pro rata for part time
  • Location: Letchworth SG6 1HB- with occasional travel to other HILS’ sites within Hertfordshire, surrounding areas.

More Information

Community Manager 

 

 

Senior Admin Support Officer

  • Hours: 37 hours per week 
  • Salary: £23,620 progressing to a maximum of £26,845 per annum
  • Location: St Albans and Dacorum

More Information