Fantastic Friday Update

Christmas is just around the corner, casting its magical spell on us all. Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, we hope you're able to carve out a moment for yourself to enjoy a peaceful Friday evening.

This week, we're excited to announce the opening of a new Employment Hub in Potters Bar! If you're on your job search journey, please find more information about the new hub below.

December is the season of giving. Let's remember to spread kindness, both to ourselves and those around us, with small acts of goodwill each day.

We hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Employment support for every step of the way

Our Employment Support Hub helps job seekers gain skills and experience to be seen by employers. Our expert team can help with:

• Creating online job-seeking profiles
• Writing CVs, personal statements, and cover letters
• Interview preparation techniques
• Communication tips and more!

Where and when?

• Every Friday from 9:30am - 3:45pm at Your Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB.  Drop-in available or make an appointment
• NEW LOCATION: Every Wednesday, from 9.30am - midday, at Canada Life (cafe), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 5BA. By appointment only.

Appointments are available at other venues upon request.

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

Discover creativity and support at our Creative Community Cafés

Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, free refreshments, and engaging crafting activities while accessing valuable support services such as energy advice and benefits guidance. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll find inspiration and support here.

We provide some basic supplies, but encourage you to bring your own projects and materials to work on.

Simply drop in whenever suits you! Find upcoming session details below.

Do have an air fryer or are you considering buying one? Come along to our free course and learn all about air fryer cooking, new recipes as well as cost savings tips. 

Any Hertfordshire resident aged 19 and over is welcome to attend this course. Participants are eligible for the draw to win an air fryer if they have obtained a D grade or below in their Maths GCSE (or equivalent), or are in receipt of any benefits.

14 January 2025, 10am - 1pm

Pirton Village Hall, 37 High Street, Pirton, Hitchin, SG5 3PS

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 how to cook a favorite recipe.

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

23 January 2024, 10am - 1pm

Howard Hall, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, HRT SG6 1NX

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

HAPpy Camps provide children and young people with a range of fun holiday experiences, including physical activity and enrichment.

Children and teens from Reception to Year 11, who live in Hertfordshire and get benefits-related free school meals, can attend this fully-funded holiday activity provision, which includes a hot lunch and snacks. SEND provision is also available.

Bookings are now open. Your child's school will provide you with a booking code if your child is eligible.

As part of a campaign to raise awareness of ‘cuckooing’ we are working with organisations across Hertfordshire to help you recognise if it is happening in your community.

Cuckooing is where criminal gangs exploit vulnerable individuals to conduct illegal activities.

Please complete a short survey below to help us to combat this harmful crime.

This is an initiative designed to help with grief over the holidays run by LeeAnna's Wish and funded by Hertfordshire County Council. This three hour creative workshop will help children create a memory box to take home.

For children between 7 and 16 years old.

14 December 2024, 11am - 2pm
Cottonmill Community & Cycle Centre

Join LeeAnna's Wish for an afternoon of community, soup, reflection and remembrance.

Booking required.

14 December 2024, 11am - 2pm
Cottonmill Community & Cycle Centre

Abbey View Community Athletics Track is a charity created to ensure the long-term future of athletics in St Albans. Their track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports. 

They are looking for Trustees to join the newly formed Charity. You would join the leadership team of dedicated trustees, who are engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire, for the public benefit, through the provision of the athletics track at Abbey View.

DS Achieve are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their team at their little achievers group, a weekly playgroup and teaching class for children with down syndrome. You will join the team to assist the manager and support worker in running fun, supportive and play filled sessions.

They are looking for people who have some experience of working with children aged 0-5 years and who want to make a positive difference. You don't need to have experience of working with children with SEND.

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!

We hope you enjoyed our recent festive dance session! We're excited to announce our return in the new year with sessions on January 6th and 8th, 2025. Aspiring dancers can look forward to registration opening soon – keep an eye on our website for the link but in the meantime, the session dates can be found on our What's On calendar here.

For our valued instructors, we're currently reviewing our instructor membership. To ensure the best possible offer, we'd greatly appreciate your feedback. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey here.

We've thoroughly enjoyed this year of dance and community. We look forward to dancing with you in the new year!