Fantastic Friday Update

June has finally brought us some much needed sunshine and warmer temperatures and of course some new events to attend and awareness celebrations to support.  

Next week marks the start of a few meaningful awareness celebrations.

First of all though, we would like to remind to everyone of the importance of staying cool and hydrated during periods of heatwave. For those seeking cooling respite at pools, lidos or seaside locations please be aware of the Drowning Prevention Week (17th - 24th June). This is one of the largest water safety campaigns taking place across the UK and Ireland this summer. The campaign is designed to explore a multitude of opportunities to proactively raise awareness of water safety ahead of a summer outdoors. 

Next week Communities1st will be supporting Small Charity Week. This campaign celebrates and raises awareness of the essential work of the UK’s small charity sector who defy the expectations associated with their size to make an invaluable  contribution to the lives of millions of individuals, communities and causes across the UK and the rest of the world. Small is beautiful!

World Autistic Pride Day is a pride celebration for autistic people, which is commemorated every year on the 18th of June. It is a significant day dedicated to educating the public about the difficulties that those living with autism face, , in the hope of creating more welcoming, respectful and empathic communities. Join in the celebration in solidarity with autistic people in our communities to recognise their unique contributions to society and help to combat stigma. 

Please note that whilst our Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood is closed for repairs due to flood damage, support is still available! We’re making every possible effort 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 or write to us.

We would also like to join anyone who will be wishing "Happy Father's Day", to all the significant father figures in people's lives this weekend.

Stay safe in this warm weather this weekend, stay well hydrated and keep cool. Have a lovely week ahead!

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

If you or someone you know is in at-risk group or having to isolate, and needs help or support with shopping, prescription collection, pet sitting, 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.

Alban Street Festival - 25th June

Communities1st will be present at the street party that will take place on St Peter’s Street and Market Place, with much of the City Centre closed to traffic.

It will feature a mix of music, food, street entertainment, arts and crafts, games and activities to celebrate the rich and diverse history and heritage of St Albans

The Alban Street Festival follows the Alban Pilgrimage, which takes place on Saturday 24 June and commemorates the martyrdom of England’s first saint with a huge parade of giant puppets and costumed children. 

Sunday 25th June, 12pm - 6pm

For more information 

Dementia Friends Information Session - Communities 1st Training 

This free online session, open to anyone, will give you the opportunity to learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

Wednesday 21st June, 11am -12pm

For more information

New guide to mental health support in Hertfordshire

An online directory of mental health services in Hertfordshire is now available, helping you get the support you need.

Whether you are looking for self-help resources to boost your mental health, need a listening ear or emotional support, or are in crisis and need urgent help, you can find a service to support you.

For more information 

Bushey Festival (9th of July)

This year they are celebrating 40 years of the festival, so it is a very special year.

Bushey Festival is looking for volunteers to help with the festival working alongside committee members who have been running the park event for several years and who are all very friendly and approachable. Tasks involve keeping areas clean and tidy, marshalling, helping stall holders, car park duty and directing bands when they arrive on site. You will be given full instruction and they will provide food and drink for those who volunteer. It is a fun event, and the focus is on volunteers feeling fully supported whilst enjoying the event themselves.

Sunday 9th of July, 3 hour shifts between 12pm-9pm 

King George’s Recreation Ground.

You can sign up for the event on your dashboard.

Let’s Give

Communities 1st is launching a new service for volunteers. You will be able to create your own space on our website so that organisations can find out about you and reach out about their volunteering roles. You won’t need to display any personal contact information as we will do all the brokerage, so we will put you in touch with the organisations that have reached out to you. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and experience to local community groups and can help match you with a role where you can make a real difference.

Instead, if you work for an organisation you will be able to find out about volunteers accordingly to the role you need to cover. 

For more information contact us by email or call 01727 649953.      

Men That Meet 

June is Men's Health Month. It is thought that 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and social media can often play a part in making these feelings worse. 

Communities 1st has supported the organisation of a new social group in Borehamwood where men can meet other men and connect over good conversation, games etc. 

Tuesday 1.30pm - 4pm

Windsor Hall (WD6 4EE)

For more information

An extension on the £2 bus fare cap scheme

From 1 January to 31 October 2023, a single bus journey will cost no more than £2 on most routes across England. The £2 bus fare cap will apply to single journeys regardless of the length. 

The scheme has been designed to provide affordable travel to support families and individuals with the pressures from the cost of living.

Come Along & Bowl!

Ever fancied trying your hand at bowls? Free sessions take place in Borehamwood and during these session you will be given techniques and tips on how to improve your play. No previous experience needed and equipment will be provided.

Everyone is welcome and there will be refreshments provided as well as other activities to try.

every Wednesday from 1-3pm

Aberford Community Centre, WD6 1PL. 

For more information please email here.

Have your say on dementia services

Hertfordshire County Council is reviewing what community support is offered in Hertfordshire to people living with dementia and their carers.

They want to hear from you as it is equally important that the new services are shaped by a broad range of people within Hertfordshire, including those with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, young onset dementia (under the age of 65), those who are worried about their memory but have not yet received a diagnosis and their carers.

Please complete this survey, which can be anonymous, but if you would like to be involved in a working group set up to help shape the future of how Hertfordshire supports those with dementia and their carers, then please leave your details at the end of this survey. If you think of anything else that you would like to say then please contact via email

Virtual Patient Engagement event

This online event will look at future plans for delivering GP and other primary care services, such as community pharmacists, dentists and optometrists, that work well for patients and the NHS workforce.

The NHS will give an overview of how their plans are shaping up and invite you to have your say on what you think needs to be in their plans so that they can be sure that they’re meeting patients’ needs around delivery of patient care and access to services.

If you would like to join in this session please let the organisers know and more details, including the meeting invite, will be sent nearer the time.

Thursday, 29 June, 9.30am - 11am via MS Teams

The next "Shopping on a Budget " session will be held on June 20th (10am - 1pm) in Borehamwood .

Group Coordinator

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time).
• Salary: £24,000 – £25,000 FTE per annum incl. Outer London Weighting (OLW).
• Location: Countrywide

More information

Herts Haven Café - Senior Lead (CYP)

• Hours: 3Opportunity for:
  
  2x 23 hours (inclusive of Saturday) – Mon, Thurs & Sat (Watford) or Tues, Wed & Sat (Stevenage)
  
  37 hours (inclusive of Saturday) – Mon-Thurs & Sat
• Salary:£30,500 – £32,000 per annum pro rata (inclusive of premium weekend rate)
• Location: Watford and/or Stevenage

More Information

Head of Family Services

• Hours: 21 hours per week,
• Salary: Remuneration equivalent to NHS Band 8a (pro rata), dependent on experience, with a pension option. DBS checks are required, and candidates need to provide references
• Location: Watford and Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

More Information

Cleaner / Home Helper

• Hours: Flexible part-time hours. Work is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm.
• Salary: £11.10 per hour PLUS paid holiday pay.
• Location: Work locally across Hertfordshire.

More Information

Events & Fundraising Administrator 

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: £21,575 – £22,369 annual salary (pro rata £13,120 – £13,603)
• Location: Based at Stevenage Head Office

More Information

Business Support Officer

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: £21,575 – £22,369 annual salary (pro rata £13,120 – £13,603)
• Location: Based at Stevenage Head Office

More Information

Community Care Officer

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary: £27,344 with the opportunity to progress to a maximum of £30,151
• Location: Mobile/ No Fixed location

More Information