Fantastic Friday Update

This Christmas time our volunteers have showed once again just how amazing they are by delivering gift bags and making Christmas calls.

The end of the festive period can prove to be especially challenging after a period of celebration. For those who are already isolated the loneliness does not go away. If you know someone who would benefit from a friendly weekly chat and check in, refer them to our telephone befriending service here.

If you need support you can meet our Healthy Hub staff throughout the week at the Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood WD6 4EB!

Please note, however, that during the festive period the Healthy Hub will be closed on the 25th and the 26th of December and then again on the 29th and the 1st of January.

Communities 1st would like to wish "Happy Holidays!" and a "Happy New Year" to you and your families!!!

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

The Healthy Hub staff and all the Clubs will resume their activities on the 2nd of January. In the meantime they wish "Happy Holidays" to you all!

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Carols on Boxing Days.
A belated opportunity to sing more Christmas carols comes this Boxing Day, with our carol service. It is an informal service which encourages people to come along for a final festive celebration.

No tickets required.

Tuesday 26th December, 4pm - 5pm
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

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 January 2024

At Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre
At Jersey Farm Community Centre
At Café on the Corner

More information.

Save the date - Boxing Day Open House

Leenna's wish welcomes you on Boxing Day at Cottonmill Community Centre from 3pm to 6pm.

For 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

Opening Time

These are the days that the St Albans & District Foodbank will be closed:

Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th - CLOSED

Saturday 30 Dec & Monday, Jan 1 - CLOSED.

Back to normal 2 January 2024.
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