Fantastic Friday Update

Happy New Year to you all! We are delighted to start 2025 with our first Fantastic Friday of the year. We trust you enjoyed a fulfilling holiday season.

This year, let's strive for your greatest success yet. We offer a diverse range of training and community learning courses to assist you in enhancing your skills and achieving your aspirations.

If you need some guidance during your job search, our employment hubs are here to support you every step of the way.

We are excited that Para Dance is back for the new year! Let's make your new year's resolution of a healthier, more active lifestyle a reality.

Continue reading to discover engaging events designed to invigorate your new year and make 2025 truly exceptional.

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?

Appointments available at:

• Leeming Road Hub in Borehamwood every Friday, 9.30am to 3.45pm - Drop-in available or make an appointment
• Canada Life (cafe) in Potters Bar every Wednesday, 9.30am - midday - By appointment only
• Appointments are available at other venues upon request

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

This course equips you with the essential skills to manage your finances effectively.

Learn to set up a robust bookkeeping system, accurately track income and expenses, generate key financial reports, understand tax obligations, and navigate Universal Credit reporting requirements.

21 January 2025 10am - 3pm

Christ Church Centre, 3 High Oaks, St Albans, AL3 6DJ

Register using the button below or

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

This is a four-day training course to help improve your confidence and social skills.

The course covers the following topics:

• Being assertive
• Team work
• Stress awareness
• Communication skills 

Dates: 24 and 25 February, 2 and 3 March 2025

Time: 10am to 3pm

Venue: Organ Hall Community Centre, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB

Participants are required to attend all the sessions. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

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.

Date: 5 February 2024

Time: 10am - 1pm

Venue: Codicote Peace Memorial Hall, High Street, Codicote, Hitchin, SG4 8XE

Register using the button below or

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

The session, aimed at families, carers and professionals, covers various aspects of sight loss, including causes, functional and emotional impacts on daily life, and strategies for effective communication and assistance. It aims to raise awareness about the barriers people with sight loss experience, including mobility challenges and social isolation. 

Please note this is an online session on Zoom.

24 February 2025, 11am - 12pm

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

This awareness session serves as an introduction on Advance Care Planning (ACP). The session will include an opportunity to start thinking and talking about end-of-life care wishes and preferences.

This session is for those who wish to explore more about ACP and what to include, for example Lasting Power of Attorney, ReSPECT, Advance Decisions to refuse treatment, and will introduce you to some of the templates that can be used to facilitate the process either for yourself, your loved ones, or those that you are working with.

Please note this is an online session on Zoom.

January 20th 2025, 12pm - 1.30pm 
 

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Start your 2025 by joining a Health Walk! Walking is the simplest way to get more active, connect with nature and manage certain long-term health conditions. Health Walks are suitable for people of all fitness levels, backgrounds and abilities. 

New winter Health Walks Timetable Jan - April 2025 is now available.

There is no need to book, just show up 15 minutes before and join the walk! You are encouraged to register with our volunteers before your walk or using the online registration link below.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to prioritise your family's wellbeing.

Beezee Families is a FREE, 12-week program designed to help you and your loved ones build sustainable habits around food and physical activity.

Date: 20 January 2025
Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Aberford Park Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 1PN

Pre-book by emailing BZinfo@maximusuk.co.uk or call 01707248648

This workshop run by Trestle School of Drama is the perfect half-term activity for your children!

Challenge your imaginary and courage to go on a quest to defy the dragon ruler in the magical land. The workshop is suitable for children 4-8 years old.

Date: 19 February 2025
Time: 10am - 3pm
Venue: Trestle School of Drama, Russet Drive, Trestle Arts Base, St. Albans AL4 0JQ

Mind in Mid Herts are looking for mental health buddies to provide a professional, supportive relationship to people being referred to the new Suicide Prevention Service and will meet their client on a weekly basis for a time-limited period.

During this time, the Buddy will support their individual to develop independence and resilience using self-help techniques. By providing a person-focused approach, the individual will be matched to the most appropriate Buddy who will help them to achieve goals set out in their safety/needs plan. This will also include supporting access to wider organisations and other local resources.

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? 

Do you have a passion to work with youth? 

Hertsmere Mencap is a charity supporting over 200 children and adults with learning disabilities. They help their members to feel valued, listened to and included.They are looking for volunteers to help run their dynamic and vibrant Youth Club on a Thursday evening from 7pm–9pm in Borehamwood (WD6). 

Music for my Mind is looking for a vibrant, confident communicator to help them spread the word about the wellbeing benefits of personalised music listening for people living with dementia and those who care for them.

Your passions for music, social media, blogging and content creation will help grow their online presence. You will help them connect with 1,000 families to use the Music for my Mind Playlist Maker and gather their feedback on its usability and effectiveness.

They are looking for someone who can commit to a minimum of 5 hours a week, more if possible. There is no office so this is a fully remote role. 

The Communities Thirst Coffee Cart is 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!

Para Dance UK and Communities 1st are thrilled to continue our partnership in 2024, bringing dance to everyone across the UK. We're passionate about keeping communities active and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

All online dance sessions are back for the new team as follows:

Monday - Adult Dance Club at 10am
Wednesday - Through the Decades at 11am
Wednesday - Primary After School Dance Club at 4:15pm
Wednesday - Youth Dance Club (for secondary school students and young adults) at 5pm.

Just a reminder that the zoom links have now been updated and you will need to register for the new term to access the new links.