Fantastic Friday Update

As we bid farewell to the warm days of August, September arrives, bringing with it a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, particularly blood and childhood cancers. By understanding these diseases, we can prioritise our own health and make informed choices.

September begins with National Foodbank Day on the 1st. This important day highlights the ongoing issue of hunger and the invaluable work of food banks in providing essential support to those in need. We encourage you to visit your local food bank to donate food or receive assistance.

On 5 September, we observe International Day of Charity. Join Communities 1st in honouring the dedicated individuals and organisations around the world who are making a positive impact on communities.

For this Self-Care September, let's put our wellbeing first. Taking care of ourselves is just as important as caring for others. Discover a variety of activities in the Action for Happiness calendar included in this newsletter.

If you're looking to improve your physical health, consider joining Hertfordshire Health Walks. A new beginner's walk is starting in Radlett, followed by a relaxing break at our Creative Cafe. Keep reading for more information.

We're excited to announce the official return of Para Dance UK! Inclusive online dance sessions are available for everyone.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Information to Support Individuals

Employment support

Do you need help to become more successful in your job hunt?

Join us for a chat to get help and support in your employment search.

Every Friday, or by appointment
Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

More information

Our Hubs in Hertsmere and St Albans

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

Monday 2 September: Better Days Hub at Woodhall Library in Welwyn Garden City (10am - 11am), Creative Community Cafe at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (10:30am - 2:30pm), Computer and a Cuppa at the Radlett Centre (10:30am - 12:30pm)
Tuesday 3 September: Better Days Hub at Cheshunt Library and Wyllyotts in Potters Bar (10am - 15pm), Men That Meet at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (1:30pm - 4 pm)
Wednesday 4 September: Better Days Hub at Bishop's Stortford Library and St Albans Library (10am - 12pm)
Thursday 5 September: Book Swap Shop at Farriers Way Centre in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Better Days Hub at Central Library in Welwyn Garden City (10am - 12:30pm), Better Days Hub at Bushey Library and Wheathampstead Memorial Hall (10am - 12pm), Better Days Hub at Goffs Oak Community Library (1pm - 3pm)
Friday 6 September: Better Days Hub at at Hertford Library (10am - 12pm)

Better Health Bus

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

Bus schedule

St Albans Feastival 2024

Get ready for another fantastic day out at the St Albans Food and Drink Festival. This year's event promises to be even more memorable, with a wide variety of delicious food and drink from local producers. You can find hundreds of market stalls with a wide variety of produce, along with live music and street entertainers.

Same as last year we will be hosting The Community Safe Zone at the St Albans Food and Drink Festival (12pm - 6pm) together with Youth Talk. Pop in for a chat, a rest and a chance to find out about local services!

Sunday 22 September, 12pm - 6pm.

St Peter’s Street, St Albans.

Expert support for residents with sensory needs

Hertfordshire Council's Sensory Services provide essential support to individuals with sensory impairments, helping them overcome barriers to healthcare and financial assistance.

The dedicated team assists children and adults who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, as well as their carers. Sensory Services include: Vision rehabilitation, Special equipment, deafblind support, carer support, sensory link workers.

The Sensory Services team would also like to invite anyone in Hertfordshire with sensory needs to a drop-in café – you’ll meet members of the team for advice, or just a friendly chat over a cup of coffee.

First Thursday of every month, 10am –12pm (5 September, 3 October, 7 November and 5 December).
Grove Hill Community Centre Café, Henry Wells Square, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 6BJ

More information

Get Active

Get Active is an FREE event in Stevenage brining you the chance to have fun and get active!

Join to challenge yourself to a new skill or discover a new activity you might enjoy. With a range of fun activities for all ages, you won't be disappointed.

Saturday 7 September, 11am - 3:30pm.
Event Island, Stevenage (Former bus station).

More information

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Health Walks has introduced for the first time walks in Broxbourne and new First Steps Walk in Radlett on Tuesday afternoons.

Enjoy leisurely 20-30 minute walks led by friendly volunteers, suitable for anyone with mobility problems. These walks are free and no booking is 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.

Come join for fresh air, exercise and a free cuppa and biscuits afterwards in our Communities 1st Creative Cafe.

New timetables is now available below.

Autumn timetables

Secondary and upper school application

Don't miss out on securing your child's preferred secondary school place for September 2025. Applications open on Monday, 2 September 2nd.

Applying is easy: simply submit your application online. It's quick, secure, and convenient. The closing date for applications is Thursday 31 October 2024. Act now to ensure your child has a smooth transition to secondary school.

Online application

Family gardening fun and book swap shop

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

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.

Start the survey

3D Hoop Embroidery Course

Step2Skills CLP is bringing to Hertfordshire residents a delightful embroidery course. Learn advanced stitches, design your unique piece, create your own stunning wreath masterpiece and enjoy expert tuition for just £40 for 12 sessions. All resources are included.

Subsidies are available on request if you are on a low/no income and struggling financially - please enquire in complete confidence.

Fridays from September 20, 1:30pm - 4:30pm.
Allum manor House, Borehamwood.

Booking link

Para Dance UK

We're thrilled to announce that Para Dance UK is back and ready to ignite your passion for dance! Join us as we celebrate the power of movement and inclusivity, creating a vibrant community where everyone can dance freely. Discover the joy of dance for yourself and let your creativity soar!

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.