Fantastic Friday Update

The nice weather ahead offers the perfect conditions for attending events and being active whilst  supporting local causes that matter to you.

The whole month of July is dedicated to major campaigns, like Good Care Month. 

July is also Disability Pride Month. This has been celebrated every July since 2015 as a celebration of being unapologetically yourself as a disabled person and a reminder to view and value the disability as difference rather than detriment.

The Samaritans campaign "Talk To Us" is an annual Awareness event aimed at raising awareness and reminding people everywhere that The Samaritans are there and ready to listen 24/7. 

Communities 1st has taken its first steps on the journey of becoming a Net Zero organisation. During our first training session last week we were encouraged to think about the risks and impact of Climate Change as well as how Climate Change is likely to affect our future. If you are passionate about helping to combat environmental issues and you want to be part of our Green Team, get in touch with us !

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.

Stay safe and have a lovely weekend!

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.

Bushey Festival (9th of July)
This year the Festival is celebrating its 40th birthday, so it is a very special year.

Communities 1st will be attending the last day of the Festival this Sunday, please come and say Hi!!

The Summer Reading Challenge 2023

This year's challenge's them is "sports and games" and children are encouraged to read 6 library books over the summer holidays. This could include listening to an e-audiobook, reading independently or even parents or carers reading picture books to younger ones!

Here's how it works:

- Visit a local library to sign up for the challenge from Saturday 8 July
- Borrow 2 books with the participant's library card
- Read the 2 books, come back to the library and tell us something about them in exchange for some stickers and a reward
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all stickers and rewards are earned
- Receive a personalised certificate, medal and gift on completion.

Children who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win a ticket to a creative workshop with Loretta Schauer, official illustrator for Ready, Set, Read!

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 

8,000 free trees to help improve the local environment.

This is the second year in a row that the campaign "Your Tree Our Future" is organised along with Hertfordshire County Council. It is possible to apply for free trees here.

This giveaway is one of more than 100 actions taken to tackle the climate emergency and reduce harmful emissions to net zero across the District by 2030.

Creative Hertsmere

Have your say on creativity in Hertsmere!

HertsmereBC is developing a new strategy to support residents and visitors to experience new cultural opportunities and they need your help.

Complete this survey to enhance creativity in your local are

HAPpy camps back this summer

HAPpy Camps' booking process is open for the summer. Camps are for children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals. Contact your school for your booking code to secure your free place.

For more information

GP Services for Autistic People

HealthWatch Hertfordshire are working to ensure that autistic people are supported and accommodated in their access and experience of GP services. To find out from autistic people about what their GP practice is doing well and where it could improve they've created this survey.
If you are part of the autistic community, please consider completing the survey and sharing your thoughts and experiences.

This research is being conducted in partnership with the NHS, so the information shared with HealthWatch Hertfordshire will be directly used to help GP surgeries be more autism friendly.

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 1pm-3pm

Aberford Community Centre, WD6 1PL. 

For more information please email here.

The next "Creative Fun with Numbers" session will be held on July 25th (12.30pm - 3.30pm) in Borehamwood (Organ Hall Community Centre). 

Admin Team Lead

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time).
• Salary: £24,000 – £26,000 
• Location: Across Hertfordshire

More information

Senior Support Worker  

• Hours: Part time – 12 hours per week, flexibility required
• Salary:  £22,290 per annum, pro rata
• Location:  Based at Hertford, with occasional travel to our other centres (including St Albans, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City)

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

Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer (Herts)

• Hours: 40 hours per week - 18 Months (continuation subject to further funding)
• Salary: Starting from £24,000 (currently under review)
• Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford

More Information

Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer (Harrow)

• Hours: 40 hours per week - 24 Months (continuation subject to further funding)
  Salary: Starting from £24,000 (currently under review)
  Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford

More Information

Development & Fundraising Executive

• Hours: 18-21 hours per week to be worked over 3 or 4 days (to be discussed at interview)
• Salary: £13,230 based on 21 hours 
• Location: St Albans Cathedral

More Information

Finance and Administration Officer 

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week (Permanent, part-time)
• Salary: Up to £30,000 
• Location: Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans

More information

Community and Events Fundraiser

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Permanent, full-time)
• Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum
• Location: Rennie House, Tring or Peace Hospice, Watford

More information

Community Care Officer

• Hours: Full time, Part time, Flexible hours and weekend hours available
• Salary: £27,344 progressing £30,151
• Location: Hertfordshire

More Information