Fantastic Friday Update

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.

Tomorrow, 17th February, is celebrated "Random Acts of Kindness Day". If you want to find out ideas on how to celebrate it, click here !

This week we are happy to mention "Cancer Prevention Action Week" which takes place on 19th-25th February and aims to raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention and encourage everyone to take action. This year they’ll be focusing on the transformative power of physical activity in reducing the risk of cancer. Moving more is about integrating activity into daily life in enjoyable and sustainable ways.

Next week is Half Term for the majority of the schools in Hertfordshire. If you are looking for free or cheap half-term activities you can find below some ideas for low-cost and local activities and community meals for your children to enjoy next week across Hertfordshire and beyond.

We wish you 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.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Our Health Matters - Support for Wellbeing Event

Save the date for our next health event!
We're delighted to be welcoming:

Alzheimer's Society
Citizens Advice Hertsmere
GP surgeries: Fairbrook Medical Centre, Manor View Practice, and The Grove Medical Centre
Hertfordshire County Council's Learning Disability team and Public Health's Health Improvement Service.
Hertfordshire Mind Network
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Hertsmere Healthy Hubs
Music for My Mind
New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing College
Para Dance UK

Join us for an afternoon of support and information, talks and exercises, health checks, and free refreshments. More information will be released soon!

Monday 26th February, 1pm - 4pm

Aberford Community Centre in Borehamwood

More information

Para Dance UK

Para Dance UK aims to develop and promote dance as an inclusive leisure activity across the country for those who would otherwise be excluded.
Para Dance UK offers and runs courses online for people who want to provide their own inclusive dance classes.

Dance Club (Adults) - Mondays, 10am-10.30am
Through The Decades - Wednesdays, 11am - 11.30am
Primary After School Dance Club - Wednesdays, 4.15pm – 4.45pm
Dance Club (secondary school age and young adults) - Wednesdays, 5.00pm – 5.30pm

Mental Health Awareness
There is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of the role of mental health in the wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole. Being aware of your mental health can substantially reduce long term physical and mental health conditions and the stigma around it.

The objectives of this course, that is aimed at residents across Hertfordshire are:

To be able to recognise stress and anxiety and other mental health conditions.
To have a good understanding of what support is available to people with mental health conditions
To be able to manage stress in day-to-day life.

- IN PERSON COURSE - Wormley
07th March 2024, 9.30am -12.30pm
Wormley Community Centre, Fairfield Drive,
EN10 6DX
Register here

- IN PERSON COURSE - Cheshunt
19th March 2024, 10am -1pm
Cheshunt Football Club, The Stadium, Theobalds Ln,
Waltham Cross, EN8 8RU
Register here

Healthy Hubs Hertsmere

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

MONDAY 19th FEBRUARY: Creative Community Cafes at Windsor Hall, Borehamwood (10.30am - 2.30pm), Computers and a Cuppa at Radlett Centre (10.30am - 12.30pm), NHS Health Check at Healthy Hub in Leeming Road, Borehamwood. Please contact the hub to book it.
TUESDAY 20th FEBRUARY: Creative Community Café at Phillimore Place, Radlett (12pm - 4pm), Men That Meet, Windsor Hall (1.30pm - 4 pm).
WEDNESDAY 21st FEBRUARY: Creative Community Café and Computers and a Cuppa at at Aberford Community Centre (12pm - 4pm).
THURSDAY 22nd FEBRUARY: Computer's and a Cuppa, Bushey Library (12pm - 2pm), Creative Community Café, Farriers Way Community Centre (10am - 2pm), Borehamwood foodbank (10.30am - 12.30pm), Drop-in Session on Domestic Abuse with ASAHWR Outreach at Healthy Hub in Leeming Road, Borehamwood (10am -12pm).
FRIDAY 23rd FEBRUARY: Creative Community Café and Computers and a Cuppa at Organ Hall, Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Bushey Foodbank at the Phoenix Centre (10am - 12pm).

Searching for half-term activities under a fiver?
Look no further; we've got you covered with our Help for Holidays webpage! It lists low-cost and local activities and community meals for your children to enjoy next week across Hertfordshire and beyond.
More information

Save Big Money by Joining the Arriva Travel Club

Arriva and Communities 1st have joined together to offer savings on local Arriva bus travel. The service is open to everyone using the services and member organisations. The Travel Club lets you pay less for your travel by monthly direct debit. Your ticket doesn't just provide you with reduced bus travel costs to-and-from work, you'll get unlimited travel on any Arriva bus in your selected travel zone each month, so you can get out and about on your days off toom all for no additional cost.

What are the benefits?
You will never lose your ticket again! You can choose to have your ticket on your mobile phone with the Arriva UK Bus app.
Up to 2 children travel free with the ticket holder on weekends and bank holidays, for paper ticket holders only.
You will have unlimited bus travel every month in the zone(s)of your choice.
There is no minimum contract and you can join or leave whenever you like with no penalty. You are also able to pay easily via direct debit. By joining you could save up to 20% on bus travel!

More information

Complete Hertfordshire County Council sustainability survey
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Hertfordshire County Council has committed to becoming a more sustainable organisation, while also tackling climate change and its effects across the county with support from their partners.
To help deliver a more sustainable county and organisation, it would be good to have your thoughts about climate change, its impacts on Hertfordshire and the efforts to tackle it.
Please participate to the short survey which will help to better understand your priorities around climate change, including how to improve the communication and the engagement with you on this important issue.

Complete the survey before Sunday 17 March and help HCC to deliver a cleaner, greener, more sustainable Hertfordshire.

An easy-read version of this survey is available if required.

Free sporting activities in half term Bushey

Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust and Sporting Inspirations organise free sporting activities for young people taking place during the February half term in Moatfield Park, Bushey.

Tuesday 20th & Friday 23rd February
2pm to 4pm

More Information

Raising awareness of oesophageal cancer
February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month.
This is a type of cancer that develops in the gullet, the tube that links the mouth to the stomach. It affects men more often than women, with almost seven out 10 cases being male, and it’s particularly common among white males.

It is one of the deadliest cancers as symptoms are hard to spot in the early stages. The risk of developing oesophageal cancer increases with age, with drinking and smoking. Being overweight also increasing risk.

Symptoms include:
difficulty swallowing
heartburn or acid reflux
persistent indigestion
feeling or being sick.

The charity Guts UK! is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the high mortality rate of oesophageal cancer as well as research into advanced diagnostic tests that could detect the disease earlier. You can find more details on their website.

For more information

View the results of Hertfordshire County Council budget consultation (2024-25)

In January, Hertfordshire County Council invited people who live and work in Hertfordshire to have their say on the council's proposed budget for the next financial year.

Nearly 2,000 people gave their views on the plans, with a majority saying the council should prioritise supporting children and young people, keeping Hertfordshire moving, and caring for adults.

The results of this consultation was shared with elected councillors to consider as they agreed the final budget.

You can access the full results on the council's website: hertfordshire.gov.uk/budget24-25

Upcoming courses and workshops in February, including Family Learning opportunities for half term! Please note booking closes ONE WEEK before the course/workshop begins.

VACANCIES

Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Team Leader

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours a week
Salary: £28,000 – £29,000 per annum per annum incl. Outer London Weighting (OLW).
Location: Flexible to one of our seven Wellbeing Centres dependent on location.

More information

Crisis Centre Coordinator

Hours: Part time 22.5 hours a week
Salary: £24,928 – £26,250 per annum (pro rata)
Location: City Centre - Hemel Hempstead

More information

Active Ageing Exercise Instructor

Hours: 37 hours per week (Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.)
Salary: Starting at £10.90 per hour, increasing to £12.00 per hour from 1st April 2024 (exact agreed hourly rate dependent on experience).
Location: This role is based at one of HILS five sites (St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth, Hertford, or Hatfield) and agreed with successful candidate. Exercise sessions will be delivered to clients in their own homes and within community group settings..

More information

Weekend Support Team Administrator