Fantastic Friday Update

Thinking that Christmas is almost next week, is mind-blowing! Time has flown by so quickly. We are busily finalising our friendly Christmas calls and door-to-door visits for people who would otherwise be alone this festive season. We know many people struggle with loneliness and isolation at this time of the year and we want to help as best as we can. If you volunteer with us and would like to help us with these calls or the door-to-door visits OR if you would like to receive them, please do get in touch!". 

In this newsletter we would like to bring to your attention two very timely campaigns.

"International Migrants' Day" falls on the 18th of December. The United Nations uses this campaign to try and ensure all migrants and their families are looked after properly and that their rights are acknowledged and met. You can find out more here. 

On the 20th December, we will celebrate  "International Human Solidarity Day" . This is a day to celebrate our unity in diversity and raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity with all people.  Find out more here.  

In this newsletter you can also find information about Christmassy events, we hope you enjoy them. 

 

Take care, stay 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 is isolated, 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.
HEALTHY HUBS

 

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

MONDAY 18th DECEMBER:     

Creative Community Cafes at Windsor Hall, Borehamwood

(10.30am - 12.30pm), Computer's and a Cuppa - Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar (10.30am - 12.30pm), NHS Health Check at Healthy Hub in Leeming Road, Borehamwood. Booking is required, see information in the newsletter.

 

TUESDAY 19th DECEMBER:      Creative Community Café at Phillimore Place, Radlett (12pm - 4pm), Computers & a cuppa at the Healthy Hub in Leeming Road, Borehamwood (11.30 - 2.30), Men That Meet, Windsor Hall (1.30pm - 4 pm).

 

WEDNESDAY 20th DECEMBER: Creative Community Café at Aberford Community Centre (1pm - 4pm).

 

THURSDAY 21st DECEMBER:    Computer's and a Cuppa, Bushey Library (12pm - 2pm), Borehamwood Foodbank (10am - 12.30pm). 

 

FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER:        Creative Community Café at Organ Hall, Borehamwood (10am - 2pm).
 INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Festive Community Feasts

St Albans Community Pantry offers a Christmas touch by adding some activities to the free meal prepared by local pubs and restaurants:

- children’s storytelling 
- biscuit decorating 
- live music 
- winter coats for adults and children 

 

From 12.30pm to 2.30pm

  • 18th December - Cottonmill Community Centre
  • 19th December - Fleetville Community Centre
  • 20th December - Jubilee Centre
  • 21st December - Jersey Farm Community Centre

Besides those who have registered, walk-ins will also be accommodated. 

 

To register 

More information

Beds available for all rough sleepers during winter

Emergency accommodation is available for rough sleepers to ensure they can all be offered a bed during the cold winter months. 
The Winter Beds Project is making available three self-contained cabins with a total of four beds at the site managed by the charity Emmaus Hertfordshire.  
This is an annual volunteer-run initiative, managed by the Open Door charity and funded jointly by them and the Council. 
A further two emergency beds are available at the Open Door homeless shelter in Bricket Road, St Albans. This is managed by Hightown Housing Association and can accommodate 12 people a night throughout the year. 
Two outreach workers are active in the District to make rough sleepers aware of the support.  
 

More information
Christmas activities at St Albans Cathedral

 

Carols on the Hour 
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear music from different St Albans choirs. Entry via the West End doors only.
Please exit out of the Welcome centre after the visit.
No tickets required.

 

Saturday 16th December - Carol services will take place on the hour, every hour from 11am until 4pm.

More information

 

Crib Services

A busy and popular occasion, this service is a wholesome celebration of Christmas, which welcomes children and families 
No tickets required.

Sunday 24th December at 1pm – 1.45pm AND 2.30pm –  3.15pm.
More information

New St Albans locations for Compassionate Community Cafés

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is expanding its Compassionate Cafés in St Albans to support local community members who are struggling with  loneliness and isolation after losing a loved one. The Community Engagement team has been organising Compassionate Cafés in various locations across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire for the past 18 months.
 

The Compassionate Cafés will run in the following locations:

From December 2023

At Cross Street Café

St Saviours Church Hall (Sandpit Lane)

 

From January 2024

At Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre

At Jersey Farm Community Centre
At Café on the Corner
 

More information.

Cancel Out Cancer

Cancel Out Cancer helps everyone learn more about the value of NHS screening tests, gaining confidence in spotting potential symptoms and seeing your GP about them, and simple steps you can take to help reduce some of the risks that cause some cancers.

You can use the Eventbrite link to book onto:

  • Monday,   15 January at 7-8pm
  • Tuesday,   16 January at 11am-12noon
  • Thursday  18 January at 2-3pm.

If you have difficulties accessing Eventbrite, just use hweicbenh.communications@nhs.net and you will be booked on. 

 

More information

Shape Up is back for 2024! 
Shape Up is a 12 week FREE weight loss course aimed at men aged 18 to 65 who have a BMI of 30+.
During the course, you can find out about simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lose weight in a safe, friendly and sustainable way.
If you, or anyone you know could benefit from this course register your place by email to secure your place.

Shape Up is run by the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. 

 

More information

Winter Reads Challenge
Hertfordshire Libraries have decided to brighten up your winter with a wonderful reading challenge for all ages. 
Goals have been decided, events have been planned and prizes are waiting to be won. 
The fun event runs until Saturday 24 February next year. To take part, you just need to visit your local library and collect your free challenge card

More information

Help with your mental health and wellbeing over the winter months
This time of year can be difficult for lots of people. The impact of the rising cost of living is also causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, health, jobs and finances. 

Hertfordshire County Council has developed a directory of services available in the community to make it easier for you to get the support you need.  
Among the organisations you can reach out to are; Herts Mind Network, the Alzheimer’s Society, Samaritans, Carers in Herts and the Domestic Abuse helpline.

More information

Free NHS Health Checks
If you're aged 40-74, you can have a free health check to assess your heart health, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and risk of diabetes. Your personal advisor can also help with information on diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and risk reduction.

 

Mondays all day from 10am 

The Community Hub, 5 Leeming Rd, Borehamwood
More information
 

Here you can find low-cost activities and community meals available to you and your family during the winter school holidays which run from the week beginning Saturday 16th December 2023 - Monday 8th January 2024.
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

 

Mental Healthcare Support Worker - Nightlight Crisis House

  • Hours: 5 out of 7 days on a 24/7 rota, inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Salary: £22,277 – £23,750 per annum
  • Location: Hemel Crisis House

More information

 

 

Keyworker - Children & Young Adults

  • Hours: 37 hours per week
  • Salary: £32,076 with the opportunity to progress to £34,834 pa (L9) or £35,745 with the opportunity to progress to £39,186 pa (L10) - depending on experience.
  • Location: Hyrbrid working model with base locations at either Stevenage or Apsley.

More information

 

Behaviour Consultant

  • Hours: Full  Time (part-time work could be offered), term-time only.
  • Salary:: to be agreed. 
  • Location: Schools across Herts

More information

 

Performance Coordinator

  • Hours: 28pw 
  • Salary: Circa £22,173 (£29,300 FTE)
  • Location: Hoddesdon

More information

External Affairs Officer 

  • Hours: 37pw 
  • Salary:: Circa £37,000
  • Location: Hoddesdon

More information

 

Volunteer Manager – East Herts

  • Hours: 15 hours per week
  • Salary: £24,496 per annum FTE (pro rata £9,930.81) or £.12.70 per hour
  • Location: The role is home-based however a driving licence and access to a car is essential as you will be visiting families across East Herts Area A.

More information

Park Team Leader 

  • Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
  • Salary: Up to £32k, depending on experience
  • Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information

Park Grounds Person

  • Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
  • Salary: Up to £26k, depending on experience.
  • Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information