Fantastic Friday Update

I hope you've had a fantastic week. It's great to connect with you again through this week's newsletter.

As National Pension Awareness Week kicks off this week, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of saving for retirement. It's never too early or too late to start planning for your future financial security. Also commencing next week, UK Saving Week inspires us with ideas of how we can adopt better saving habits. It's a great opportunity to reassess our financial goals and explore different saving strategies.

We're also excited to share a variety of training courses designed to help you enhance your skills. From air frying and slow cooking to bookkeeping and family budgeting, there's something for everyone.

Don't forget to check out the information below about our new Para Dance UK sessions. These inclusive online dance classes are open to all. Everyone can dance!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

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

• Monday 9 September: Better Days Hub at Wyllyotts in Potters Bar (10am - 3pm), Woodhall Library in Welwyn Garden City  (10am - 11am) and Marshalwick Library (10am - 12pm), 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 10 September: Better Days Hub at The Hive in Hatfield, Wyllyotts in Potters Bar (10am - 3pm) and Cottonmill Centre in St Albans (10am - 12pm), Men That Meet at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (1:30pm - 4 pm)
• Wednesday 11 September: Better Days Hub at Cotlandswick Leisure Centre in St Albans (10am - 12pm)
• Thursday 12 September: Book Swap Shop at Farriers Way Centre in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Better Days Hub at Bushey Library (10am - 12pm)
• Friday 13 September: Better Days Hub at 96 Shenley Road in Borehamwood (10am - 12pm)

Discover the joys of slow cooking and learn how to make your favorite recipes effortlessly. Join us for a session that will teach you the basics of slow cooking, how to adapt your favorite recipes for the slow cooker, and tips for shopping on a budget.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your cooking skills and save money!

17 September 2024, 10am - 1pm

St Mary's Ashwell Parish Room, Swan Street, Ashwell, SG7 5NY

Contact us to book or use button below:

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Join us for our Introduction to Air Frying course and learn how to cook healthier, cheaper, and more efficiently. Whether you already own an air fryer or are considering purchasing one, this 3-hour session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to master this versatile appliance.

Hertfordshire residents aged 19 and over are invited to attend this free course. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will have the chance to enter a draw to win an air fryer. Don't miss this opportunity to learn new recipes, cooking tips, and enjoy delicious air-fried samples.

12 September 2024, 10am - 1pm

Howard Hall, Norton Way South,

Letchworth Garden City, HRT SG6 1NX

Contact us to book or use button below:

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Don't miss this opportunity to join our free Family Budgeting course where you can learn how to create a family budget in easy steps and how to keep track of your spending, which in turn, can make your money go further.

This course offers practical guidance on managing household finances and improving your numeracy skills.

13 September 2024, 10am - 1pm

Welwyn Hatfield Hub, White Lion House, 56 Town Centre, Hatfield, AL10 0JT

Contact us to book or use button below:

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

In February 2025, Hertfordshire will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first public library with an event.

To make the celebration of this milestone and the positive and meaningful impact the libraries have had on the community, Hertfordshire Libraries would like to hear from you. Your input is invaluable in shaping this special event.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your thoughts on how we can best honour the positive impact of our libraries.

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.

Health Walks has introduced walks in Broxbourne for the first time 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.

The new timetables can be viewed below. 

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be joining the fun at FestivAll next week! In addition to our presence, we’re excited to offer a special Para Dance session.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just curious about trying something new, everyone is welcome to join us for a fun and inclusive experience. So if you are attending FestivAll, come see us - we can’t wait to dance with you!

Para Dance UK invites everyone to join the dance party! Experience the joy of movement, embrace diversity, and be part of a vibrant community.

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 are resuming in September. These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs working, 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, running weekly from 2 September 2024. Click here to register.
• Primary After School Dance Club - for primary school-aged children on Wednesdays from 4:15pm, running 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, running weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.
• Youth Dance Club - for young people aged up to 25 years on Wednesdays from 5pm, running weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.

• Hours: 30 - 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £23,609 per annum (pro rata)
• Location: Grove House, St Albans with regular travel to other sites

• Hours: 18.5 hours per week
• Salary: £28,975 per annum (pro rata)
• Location: Peace Hospice, Watford with regular travel to Grove House, St Albans

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

Wellbeing, Welfare and Engagement Officer

• Hours: 24 hours per week

• Salary: £24,649 p.a pro-rata

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