Fantastic Friday Update

As we bid farewell to September and its often unpredictable weather, let's embrace the new season with warmth and optimism. October is a month filled with significant observations, from celebrating cultural heritage, to raising awareness of important health causes.

This month, we commemorate Black History Month, a time to honour the rich cultural heritage and valuable contributions of Black people in our society. Join us at the Black History Month Pop-Up Market at The Galleria in Hatfield to learn more about our services and celebrate the vibrant diversity of our community. More information about this event below.

October is also a month dedicated to raising awareness about critical health issues. Let's come together to support those affected by breast cancer and liver cancer and promote early detection and prevention. Keep reading to find out more about health activities and events near you which may be of interest.

Finally, mark your calendars for Friday 4th October  as we celebrate World Smile Day. Your smile is a powerful force that can brighten the day of others. Let's share our smiles and spread positivity.

We hope you'll join us in celebrating these important events and embracing the autumn season this October.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

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

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

Join us for a delightful book swap!

Bring your used books and exchange them for new books you haven't discovered yet. Enjoy free refreshments whilst select your books!

Thursdays, 10am - 2pm

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

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your cooking skills and discover the convenience and deliciousness of slow cooking.
 

This sessions will also cover how to shop on a budget and to make your money go further in the supermarket.
 

8 October 2024, 10am - 1pm

Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock, SG7 6DH

Do you need help to quit smoking?

From the beginning of October we'll be offering a free drop-in stop-smoking service at the Healthy Hubs in St Albans.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Visit the hub and chat with a member of our friendly team to find out more. We are happy to support and motivate you on this journey. 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9am - 4pm
St Albans Healthy Hub, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE

Are you missing out on Pension Credit? Starting this winter, Winter Fuel Payments will only be available to those receiving Pension Credit. In addition to Winter Fuel Payments, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as Housing Benefit and support for mortgage interest.

Communities 1st can help you determine if you qualify for Pension Credit and guide you through the application process. 

Come visit us at our hubs and learn more about Pension Credit!

Weekdays 9am – 3:45pm
Your Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood

You can also visit one of our other local support hubs across the county and speak to a member of our team.

Join Hertsmere Borough Council in its 50-year anniversary celebration with a free fun day for the whole family!

Have fun at this event! See classic cars, shop at vintage stalls, eat delicious food, listen to live music, and ride funfair rides.

Sunday 29 September, 12am - 5pm
Civic Offices car park, Borehamwood

Celebrate Black History Month with a vibrant cultural market and workshop weekend in Hatfield.

Explore the latest fashion, handcrafted treasures, delicious treats, and educational resources. Support local businesses and emerging talents while enjoying a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Communities 1st will be there to tell you about our services. We look forward to meeting you there!

Saturday 26 October 10am - 5pm
Sunday 27 October 11am - 4pm
Upper Level, The Galleria, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 0XR

Come and join us for a FREE Halloween Fun with Numbers event for you and your children. This is an opportunity for them to explore numeracy through a range of creative and physical activities.

Monday 28 October, 10am - 1pm
Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1PN

Thursday 31 October, 10am - 1pm
Farriers Way Community Centre, 27 Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB

Join us for this enriching experience for free. Take this chance to invest in your well-being and discover the transformative power of Tai Chi.

This session welcomes individuals of all genders and abilities, including those with hearing, physical, learning, visual impairments, mental health issues, and social or behavioural problems. 

Booking is required.

Wednesdays, 11:30am - 12:30pm
St Michael’s Church, 142 Brook Road, Borehamwood, WD6 5EQ

Discover the joy of badminton! It is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, improve your coordination, and strengthen your muscles.

Live Longer Better is offering free sessions for residents aged 50 and over. Come join us for a fun and active experience.

This is a drop-in session, no need to book!
Starting 10 October, 12pm - 1:30pm
Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood 

The county's new Community Dementia Service, Memory Support Hertfordshire launches 1st October 2024.

This service, funded by Hertfordshire County Council, provides a wide range of help and support for people with mild memory problems and those affected by dementia including carers. Helpful information, advice, local support are available along with group activities and tailored individual support to help people live well with dementia.

Visit www.memorysupportherts.org.uk for more information.

Contacts: 03001313946 Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm
Email: info@memorysupportherts.org.uk 

Last chance to apply for the The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)! The grant offers eligible homeowners the opportunity to receive free energy-saving upgrades for their homes, potentially resulting in significant savings on fuel costs. 

HUG2 can make your home more energy-efficient and cost-effective by upgrading your insulation, heating system, heating controls and lighting.

Find out more about the eligibility criteria by visiting www.hugapply.co.uk for more information or calling 08081968255.

Registration deadline: 30 September 2024

The NHS in Hertfordshire and West Essex is reaching out to local residents to find out their thoughts on local health and care services. They would like to find out what people think is working well and what can be improved. They would also like to get an understanding of what is important to people when it comes to their wellbeing. You can share your views via a survey which can be accessed by clicking the button below.

Hertfordshire County Council wants to hear from residents who have a property that has been or is at risk of being flooded.

This survey is being carried out for the purpose of investigating and managing local flood risk.

Join the conversation and contribute to a more sustainable Hertfordshire by taking part in the survey below.

Join the nationwide Para Dance UK party! Experience the joy of inclusive dance for yourself and help us spread it far and wide through our online courses.

Our online courses are 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 running now and you can join in! 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.

For those interested in becoming a Para Dance UK instructor, we’re also offering online courses designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to create 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: 20 hours a week and one Saturday a month
• Salary: £37,500 FTE - £20,000 pro rata
• Location: Warehouse and Food Bank distribution centres

• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Salary: £25,000 – £26,000 per annum pro rata
• Location: Flexible across 7 wellbeing centres

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £29,000 – £30,500 per annum incl. Outer London Weighting (OLW)
• Location: £29,000 – £30,500 per annum per annum incl. Outer London Weighting (OLW)