Fantastic Friday Update

Unfortunately, the weather in June is throwing a bit of a tantrum but we are still hopeful that sun and warmer temperatures will be with us soon.

In the meantime, be reassured that there are plenty of events raising community awareness to attend, filled with fun and information. 

Communities 1st will attend various Community Events happening during the summer and we hope not only to get the help and support from our amazing volunteers but also to see you at these events. If this is the case please do come to us and say "hello"!! See more information below. 

As always, we have included the latest Action for Happiness monthly calendar for you to take a look at. This edition is all about finding new ways to make the month of June a little more joyful. 

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

Have a lovely weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Come along and learn the benefits of cooking with a slow cooker.

Watch a demonstration on cooking a favourite recipe in the slow cooker. This sessions will also cover how to shop on a budget and to make your money go further in the supermarket.

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

27 June 2024, 10am - 1pm

King Charles The Martyr Church, 368 Mutton Lane
Potters Bar, EN6 3AS

The vibrant festival will be making its return on Saturday 22 June. Communities 1st will be taking part during the festival and we are looking for some help from our volunteers.

Below, you can see a timetable that we have created to outline at what stages throughout the day we are looking for some support. Of course you are welcome to stay for as long as you would like to support the event. If you would like to find it more you can give us a call or send an email. 

Saturday 22 June 2024

• Between 8am to 10:30am - Come along to support the Communities 1st team in setting up gazebos, tables and chairs for the exciting day ahead at the Vintry Gardens. 
• Between 10:30am to 12pm - help along the procession route with wayfinding 
• Between 12pm to 5pm - Help during the main event. Assist with accessibility.
• Between 5pm to 7pm - Stick around to help the Communities 1st team put all of their supplies away, ready for the next exciting event. 

Phone: 01727 649960

Over the summer, Communities 1st will attend various community events and we would love to have the help and support of our amazing volunteers.

The events are:

• Harpenden Health and Wellbeing Fair: Harpenden, Saturday 22 June – 10am -2pm
• The Cottonmill Gathering: St. Albans, Sunday 14 of July – 11am – 4 pm
• Hatfield Community Fair: Hatfield, Tuesday 13 of August - 11am - 3pm

Phone: 01727 649960

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

• Monday 17 June: Creative Community Café and Computers and a Cuppa at Wyllyotts Centre  (10:30am - 12:30pm), Creative Community Café at Windsor Hall (10.30am - 12:30pm)
• Tuesday 18 June: Creative Community Café at Phillimore Place, Radlett (12pm - 4pm), Men That Meet, Windsor Hall (1:30pm - 4 pm)
• Wednesday 19 June: Creative Community Café and Computers and a Cuppa at at Aberford Community Centre (12pm - 4pm)
• Thursday 20 June: Creative Community Café, Farriers Way Community Centre (10am - 2pm) and Computers and a Cuppa at at Bushey Library (12pm - 2pm), Borehamwood Foodbank (10am - 12:30pm), St Teresa's Church, 291 Shenley Rd, Borehamwood,WD6 1TG
• Friday 21 June: Creative Community Café and and Computers and a Cuppa at Organ Hall (10am - 2pm), Bushey Foodbank (10am -12pm), Church House, Rectory Lane, Bushey, WD23 1BD

Lots of work is in progress to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to walk, wheel and cycle in Hertsmere so that more people can choose to make their everyday journeys in an active and sustainable way. Local communities are asked to give their feedback by Wednesday 26 June on draft walking and cycling networks and make suggestions for improvements in and around the following areas:

· Borehamwood & Elstree

· Potters Bar & South Mimms

· Radlett, Shenley & Aldenham

· Bushey

The Harpenden Health & Wellbeing Fair will be taking place this year on Saturday 22 June between 10am-2pm. We will be there as well. Come to say Hi!

What will be happening:

• Relax in their therapy dog corner with pets as therapy. Free of charge.
• Unwind with zentangle, hosted by The Ollie Foundation. 60 minute sessions (10am, 11am and 1pm). Free of charge. Book at enquiry desk.
• Embrace nostalgia and explore their reminiscence collection. 

Chat with Age UK, Communities 1st, Harpenden Learning For Leisure, The Harpenden Trust, Hertfordshire Health Walks, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice  Enley & Aldenham

Each year, the third week of June is Learning Disability Week (17-23 June). It is when we make sure the world hears what life is like if you have a learning disability. This year's theme, "Do you see me?" is all about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face. We want to celebrate the things people with a learning disability bring to society.

One of the services offered by Communities 1st is Able2Enable that aims to help any individual that requires support to get into volunteering. Our client group is extremely varied to include people with learning disabilities, people with physical disabilities and also those with long-term health issues.

Refugee week takes place this week (June 17 - 23) and this year's theme is “Our Home”.

Communities 1st offer its contribution through the "Beyond Borders Project" that continues to provide support for individuals, focusing on the well-being and community integration of refugees and asylum seekers residing in our local communities. To celebrate Refugee Week, we're championing migrant digital inclusion. We'll be distributing laptops and SIM cards for those in need, equipping newcomers with the tools they need to connect, learn, share and thrive. Additionally, we're excited to announce the launch of our Immigration Law Clinic for Asylum Seekers in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.

Join a completely FREE yoga session to celebrate this special day in a serene and welcoming environment. 

You must be 18 to attend this session and and it is advised to pre book a slot . bring your own mat, yoga block and strap, if you have them.

Eid al-Adha will be on Sunday 16 June 2024. A single Eid Prayer will be held in Maxwell Park at 10am, followed by an Eid Party where there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, henna, candy floss and ice cream. There will also be stalls of food and items to purchase.

All are welcome.

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. A limited number of fully funded courses (worth £650) are available to those who live or work in Hertfordshire. (A deposit is required)

• Hours: 4 hours per week (2 x 2hrs) including morning, daytime, evening & weekend work
• Salary: £11.50 an hour
• Location: St Albans

• Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
• Salary: £45,000
• Location: St Albans Cathedral

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week over a 7 day rota (typically 3pm – 11pm)
• Salary: £23,920 – £25,920 per annum pro rata
• Location: Watford Wellbeing Centre / Watford General Hospital