Fantastic Friday Update

As August winds down, we've had the extraordinary opportunity to witness a blue moon. Did you catch this rare celestial sight? If not, don't worry, summer still has plenty in store. Discover exciting activities below.

Did you know next Monday, 26 of August, is National Dog Day? Let's honor our furry friends in the best ways possible.

For young people who've recently received their GCSE, A-Level and T-Level results, know that support is available. Explore local wellbeing services and student advice centers to help you navigate this important time.

Keep an eye out in your local area for free health checks with Hertfordshire Council's 'Better Health Bus' and other initiatives providing access to to more wellbeing information.

If you are looking to get your body moving to keep fit and improve your overall health, we encourage you to start walking with Hertfordshire Health Walks. A new beginner's walk is starting in Radlett. After the walk, enjoy a complimentary cuppa and biscuits at our Creative Cafe. If you fancy moving to the music and having fun while staying active, Para Dance UK is back with inclusive online dance sessions. Please scroll down to find out more.   

Have a lovely weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

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

• Monday 26 August: Better Days Hub at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar and Marshalswick Library in St Albans (10am - 12pm)
• Tuesday 27 August: Better Days Hub at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar (10am - 12pm), Creative Fun with Numbers at Elm Court Youth and Community Centre in Potters Bar (10am - 1pm), Men That Meet at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (1:30pm - 4 pm)
• Wednesday 28 August: Better Days Hub at St Albans Library (10am - 12pm)
• Thursday 29 August: Book Swap Shop and Grow Your Own Sunshine at Farriers Way Centre in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Creative Fun with Numbers (10am - 1pm) and Better Days Hub at Bushey Library  (10am - 12pm)
• Friday 30 August: Better Days Hub at at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar (10:30am - 12:30pm)

Come and join us for fun with your child!

Help them to explore numeracy through a range of creative and physical activities.

Make new friends and play with numbers!

Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.

• 27 August, 2024 10am - 1pm

  Elm Court Youth and Community Centre, 363 Mutton lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3BP

• 29 August , 2024 10am - 1pm Bushey Library, Sparrows Herne, Bushey, WD23 1FA

More dates available in September.

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Following last year's sensational success, the St Albans Festival returns this year to give you a fantastic and memorable day out.

The event will bring another super Sunday of delicious food and drink to enjoy on the day and take home – all from local producers and businesses. You can find hundreds of market stalls with a wide variety of produce, along with live music and street entertainers.

Keep an eye out for our newsletter next week when we will bring you more updates on this event. 

Sunday 22 September, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

St Peter’s Street, St Albans.

The Better Health Bus is a new initiative by Hertfordshire County Council bringing health and wellbeing services to you. The bus travels around the county to provide free health checks, support to stop smoking and health and wellbeing advice. 

Please feel free to just drop-in on the day or contact the service provider to book an appointment ahead of time. Find out the bus schedule below.

Email: betterhealthbus@hertfordshire.gov.uk Phone: 0800 389 3998

The NHS is urging people aged 40 and over to come forward for a potentially life-saving blood pressure check. Knowing your blood pressure is crucial for maintaining good health. High blood pressure, if left untreated, can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. By getting regular checks and making informed lifestyle choices, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart and overall wellbeing.

Hertfordshire residents over 40 can get their blood pressure checked for free at their local pharmacy. It can also be checked at your next GP appointment.

Locate your nearest pharmacy, plus information about blood pressure and how to keep yours at a healthy level, below.

Join the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership for the Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Celebration Day event to discover innovative ways to stay strong, maintain balance, enhance flexibility, and foster a sense of community. 

This FREE event will consist of a mix of keynote speakers, informative marketplace and physical activity sessions. 

Please bring a water bottle on the day, as there are water fountain facilities available to use. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. All equipment will be provided for on the day.

Thursday 5 September, 9am - 3:30pm 

University of Hertfordshire's de Havilland campus and Hertfordshire Sports Village, Hatfield (AL10 9EU).

If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, Just Talk Herts (justtalkherts.org) is here to provide support and guidance. They can help you navigate this important time, no matter what your results are.

Services for Young People (SfYP) is also ready to assist. Whether your results are better or worse than expected, SfYP can offer guidance and impartial advice. They can help you explore new options or re-evaluate your plans, ensuring you make the best decisions for your future.

Throughout the summer holidays, our Community Centre in Farriers Way is getting busier and busier.

Every Thursday, fun activities are taking place in the garden. These include: planting, plant pot decorating, growing your own veg and more.  

On the same day, book swapping also takes place. Why don't you bring your old books and swap them for ones you haven't read yet? You'll find a stand set up in or just outside Farriers Way. You can also pop in for free refreshments whilst you select your books!

Both activities, every Thursday 10am - 2pm

Farriers Way Community Centre, 27 Farriers Way
Borehamwood, WD6 2TB.

Contacts: 01727 649980

welcome@communities1st.org.uk

Residents' survey 2024 

If you are a Hertfordshire resident and have yet to take part in the annual residents’ survey 2024, Hertfordshire County Council would love to hear from you. Your responses will help shape how things are done in the future.

The survey is open till 15 September 2024 (11:45pm).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Survey 2024

St Albans City and District Council is conducting a survey as part of its continuing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the Council and community. This survey is designed to gather your experience of equality, diversity, and inclusion and what you would like to see improved.

Your feedback will be used to shape the new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy for 2024-2029, helping to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Hertfordshire Health Walks' new Autumn Timetables (Sep to Dec 2024) are now posted alongside current timetables. Three new walks in Cheshunt and two new walks for beginners in Radlett and Hatfield are introduced to widen your options. A free cuppa and biscuits will be available afterwards in Communities 1st Creative Cafe.  

All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.

Most walks are offered Monday to Friday. Some longer walks are on the weekends. New timetables is now available below. 

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is eager to connect with residents who have experienced flooding or worry about future risks. They're especially interested in learning about your interest in flood prevention measures and exploring potential support schemes. 

Let HCC know your experiences and ideas by completing the survey below. Your input will help shape future flood prevention efforts in Hertfordshire.

Great news! Para Dance UK is back to develop and promote dance as a fun leisure activity for absolutely everyone across the country! There’s a chance to dance for anyone who has otherwise felt excluded. Come and discover the joy of dance for yourself!

We’re also offering online courses designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to create their own inclusive dance classes.

For those interested in becoming an instructor, a limited number of fully funded courses (worth £650) are available to those who live or work in Hertfordshire (A deposit is required).

For those who want to dance, online sessions will resume in September. These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs going a bit faster, but also foster mindfulness.

There is a registration fee of £10 per year for individuals, and £100 per year for care homes/ day care centers/ groups. 

Available classes are:

• Adult Dance Club - all adults are welcome on Mondays from 10am, starting weekly from 2 September 2024. Click here to register.
• Primary After School Dance Club - for primary school-aged children on Wednesdays from 4:15pm, starting weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.
• Through the Decades Dance Club - suitable for care homes and older people on Wednesdays from 11am, starting weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.
• Youth Dance Club - for young people aged up to 25 years on Wednesdays from 5pm,starting weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.

• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Salary: £36,100 - £43,470 per annum (pro rata)
• Location: Grove House, St Albans

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £23,272 - £24,823 per annum
• Location: Peace Hospice, Watford

• Contract: Permanent, Part-time
• Salary: Average earnings of £17.00 p/hr
• Location: Throughout Hertfordshire and Middlesex

Office and Executive Support Facilitator

• Hours: 30 - 37 hours per week

• Salary: £26,370 p.a. pro-rata

• Location: Ver House, Frogmore, St Albans AL2 2WH