Fantastic Friday Update

The first snowfall of the season has painted our world in a pristine white, signaling the arrival of the festive season. As we embrace the cozy warmth of winter, let's also take a moment to give back and make a difference.

Next week, we kick off 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence. Let's take this observance to join us in raising awareness and supporting survivors while exploring the devastating impact of domestic abuse and learning how to advocate for change.

As November winds down, why not challenge yourself to a new adventure? Sign up for a course, participate in an inclusive dance session with us, or simply do something that brings you joy.
 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

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

Are you a self-employed entrepreneur looking to take control of your finances?

This introductory course is designed for individuals who are new to bookkeeping or who want to refresh their skills. It will cover the basics of setting up a bookkeeping system, accurately keeping and recording financial transactions, creating essential financial reports, and understanding the basics of taxation and compliance for self-employment and Universal Credit.
 

26 November 2024, 10am-3pm

Organ Hall, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB

Register using the button below or contact us on:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Come and learn about effective ways to communicate with deaf people, as well as some basic sign language, at this online deaf awareness workshop.

This session will help you gain the confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss. It will enable you to understand deafness, signs that someone can’t hear you, body positions and communicating.

There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the session.

27 November 2024, 10am - 12pm
Please note this session is online on Zoom.

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

This course will teach you the benefits of cooking with a slow cooker.

Watch a demonstration on a cooking a favorite recipe.

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

27 November 2024, 12pm - 3pm

Phoenix Community Centre, 4 Farringdon Avenue, Bushey, WD23 3DG

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

This concise one-hour session on menopause awareness offers a comprehensive overview of menopause, delving into its stages, symptoms, and potential long-term health implications.

By the end of this session, you will gain a solid understanding of what menopause is, how it affects women's bodies and minds, and strategies for managing its associated challenges.

The session will also provide information on the support available.

12 December 2024, 12pm - 1pm
Please note this session is online on Zoom.

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery is hosting the Creative Christmas Market.
 

The event will offer shoppers the chance to buy seasonal gifts and stocking fillers, many of them hand-made by local artists and crafts people. 

Held in the Assembly Room, entry is free.

29 November 2024, 11am - 6pm
Assembly Room, St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans
FREE entry.

Join us for a festive afternoon of creativity! We'll be crafting beautiful Christmas decorations, listening to heartwarming Christmas stories, and writing letters to Santa.

Who's invited: Children aged 4+ (spaces limited)

Let's spread some holiday cheer together!

23 November 2024, 11:15am - 1.30pm
Hatfield Library, White Lion Square, Hatfield AL10 0LD

Don't forget to make your booking at the library in advance!

We are excited to introduce the Communities Thirst Coffee Cart, a new initiative that brings the community together whilst offering support and opportunity. Come grab a drink and have a chat with us, or join us as a volunteer for a chance to gain valuable skills.

Whether you're a seasoned barista or looking to learn the art of creating the perfect cup of coffee, you can volunteer to help us run the coffee cart and make it a success. You'll have the opportunity to connect with new people, develop various skills and - if you're interested - mentor those who are also eager to learn but find it a bit harder than others. Whether you're able to give a few hours or more a week, your time and energy will be making a meaningful difference. Every cup you serve will help fuel our programme that supports individuals who are working towards a better future.

Weekdays, 8am - 4pm
Civic Centre, St Albans

Interested in joining us? Give us a call or send an email - we'd love to tell you more!

Mind In Mid Herts is looking for volunteers to help with their music group.

Play an instrument or sing a song whilst supporting people who use the services of this local mental health charity.

Age Concern St Albans is looking for volunteers to help run their lunch clubs. Every Wednesday and Friday they provide an opportunity for older people to meet up for chat, entertainment and a cooked lunch.

If you like making tea and coffee, cooking or serving lunch and running games and activities, this is the volunteering opportunity for you!

To add a bit of festive cheer to our ParaDance sessions, we're incorporating a Christmas theme next week. Join us as we sprinkle a bit of magic dust on our dance routines. Stay tuned for more details in our next newsletter.

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 dance instructor, our online courses are 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).