Fantastic Friday Update

With the vibrant greens of spring now in full swing, we also turn our attention to an important focus next week: Mental Health Awareness Week. This is a vital time to remember the importance of our emotional wellbeing and to reach out and support one another.

Just as the weather seems to be having trouble making up its mind lately – with sunshine one moment and a chill in the air the next – our mental health can also have its ups and downs. It's a good reminder to be gentle with ourselves and to take extra care, whatever the day brings.

At Communities 1st, we believe in fostering a supportive community where everyone feels valued and cared for. Mental Health Awareness Week encourages us to open conversations and prioritise our inner health, just as we might check the forecast to prepare for the day ahead. Let's make this a week where we're mindful of our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.

Best wishes

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Training and Community Learning

Death, Dying and Loss Awareness

Join us for an awareness session for the public, staff and volunteers in the voluntary sector, and healthcare staff on how to be better at talking about death, dying and loss.

The session will be a look at several topics including:

Why don’t we talk about death?
What a good death is for yourself?
Communication techniques
Empathy vs sympathy
some the Theories of loss
What to do and say

It will also explore the social context of death and dying, considering the impact on good end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Please note this is an online session on Zoom and is being delivered by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

When: Monday 12 May, 2pm - 3.30pm

To book your place contact us at 01727 649960 or email training@communities1st.org.uk

Register now

Women and Gambling Related Harms

Join our 2-hour CPD accredited training on Women and Gambling Related Harms led by GamCare's Women's Pathway Programme.

This training is aimed at practitioners working directly with women, to feel more confident in identifying gambling-related harms, and how to respond and signpost for support. During this training, we will cover the gambling-related harms women experience, either from their gambling or someone else's.

The objectives of this training are to:

Understand what gambling harm is and its different forms
Recognise the risk factors and drivers to gambling harm
Know how to spot the signs of gambling harm
Understand the impacts of gambling harm for women who gamble or who are an affected other
Knowledge of referral pathways for help and support.

When: Tuesday 13 May, 2pm - 3.30pm

To book your place contact us at 01727649960 or email training@communities1st.org.uk

Register now

Mental Health Awareness

There is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of the role of mental health in the wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole. Being aware of your mental health can substantially reduce long term physical and mental health conditions and the stigma around it.

Join this session to:

Be able to recognise stress and anxiety and other mental health conditions
Have a good understanding of what support is available to people with mental health conditions and be able to manage stress in day-to-day life.

Please note this is an online session

When: Thursday 15 May, 10am – 11.30am

Register now

Dementia Friends Information Session

Nobody wants to hear the news that they have developed dementia and it is currently the biggest killer in the UK, ahead of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. There is a lot of fear and stigma attached to a diagnosis, which can make living with dementia (and caring for someone with it) very hard.

Join us to for a presentation by Jan Payne (a Dementia Friends Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society) to learn more about dementia and the ways we can all help to improve the quality of life for those living with it. Please note this is a general information session and not a medical presentation and will last about 45 minutes. At the end there will be an opportunity, for those who wish to do so, to join over 3 million people in the UK, by becoming a Dementia Friend.

Please note this is an online session.

When: Wednesday 21 May, 12pm - 1pm

Register now

Employment Support

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 to 12.00pm - By appointment only
Appointments are available at other venues upon request

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

More information

Wellbeing events

Never Too Late

Hertfordshire’s ‘It’s Never Too Late to be Active’ campaign is back again, to help everyone – especially those of working age (40-64+), become more active.

By joining the campaign, you’ll receive a 12-week activity voucher that gives you access to discounted classes or activity sessions across the county, so that you can try a new activity each week of the campaign. You will also have the opportunity to win a £150 shopping voucher.

Sign up to Never Too Late, or drop in to your local library from 12 May and keep your body strong, your mind sharp and spark the energy you need to keep doing the things you love.

Launch event:
When: Wednesday 14 May, from midday to 4pm
Where:Aberford Community Centre in Borehamwood, WD6 1PL

Come along and meet the Never Too Late team to sign up to the campaign and find out more about what activities are going on near you!

CPR Awareness Trainings

Would you feel confident enough to act in an emergency? Practice life-saving skills with the help of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Free CPR Awareness sessions are being run by fire crews at Borehamwood and Elstree Fire Station and the Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership.

At the sessions, participants will learn about the recovery position, how to deal with an unconscious person who isn't breathing, CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

The sessions will take place at Borehamwood Fire Station on these following dates:

Thursday 29 May, 7pm to 8:30pm
Friday 20 June, 10am to 11:30am
Wednesday 16 July, 7pm to 8:30pm
Friday 15 August, 10am to 11:30am

For more information and to book your place, please contact community.services@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 020 8207 7801.

Back 2 Bowls at Aberford Community Centre

Come and try out our new Back2Bowls project!

Back2Bowls is a fun and welcoming activity, providing free bowls sessions and refreshments to participants. Our sessions are extremely popular, and offer both indoor and outdoor bowls depending on the weather.

Free and open to all – bring a friend or make some new ones.

Check out the video about this project below to find out more!

When: Wednesday 1pm - 3pm
Where: Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 1PL

Link to video

Come along to a Healthy Hub this May

Healthy Hubs are places where you can find free health and wellbeing support. No matter where you live in Hertfordshire, there's a Healthy Hub to help you with your health and wellbeing needs.

When and where:

Your Community Hub, Leeming Rd, Borehamwood - Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3.45pm, and Fridays from 9am - 1pm
Borehamwood Foodbank, Borehamwood - 15 May 10.00am-12.30pm
Hertfordshire Satellite Law Clinic at Borehamwood Foodbank - 22 May, 10am - 12.30pm
Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett - Tuesdays 12pm-4pm
Bushey Library, Bushey - every Thursday 10am-12pm

Click the button below to visit our website for information about other venues and dates.

More information

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Do you want to include more walking in your day? If so, join one of Hertfordshire County Council's free, friendly and safe Health Walks. As the weather gets warmer, this is a perfect way to get active, meet new people and look after your health and wellbeing. With a range of walks to suit all abilities and backgrounds, there's something for everyone! Click the button below for the summer timetable and get walking!

Summer timetable

Let's Give

Let’s Give: Where Volunteering Finds You!

Did you know that 82% of hiring managers are more likely to choose applicants with volunteering experience?

Volunteering is a great way to broaden your skills and experience, while showing that you care about other people and local causes. If you’re searching for a new job or career, consider volunteering to boost your CV! It’s a great way to increase your self-confidence, gain new skills and experiences and meet amazing people.

We know that looking for volunteering roles at the same time as applying for jobs can be time-consuming. But with Let’s Give, all you need to do is complete a form to showcase your interests and availability to organisations in need. Then, we will contact you with opportunities you can become involved with. No hassle, just opportunities to make an impact!

Sign up today

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer for the St Albans Spring Festival with Communities 1st

St Albans Spring Festival will take place in St Albans on Sunday, 18 May from 11pm to 5pm. This festival is a new event this year, celebrating, wellbeing, community spirit, food and sustainability with activities and entertainment for everyone.

Communities 1st will be running the Quiet Zone tent, located between the Civic Centre and the Alban Arena. The tent will provide a space for anyone who feels overwhelmed or needs a break from the activities and crowds.

We are looking for at least six volunteers to help us with the following tasks:

Help at the stages: There will be musical stage where volunteers will ensure that people with disabilities have suitable seating to enjoy the shows. You will also get to enjoy hearing the bands play while you do it !
Wayfinding - Provide support to the public by walking around and offering information to attendees. Maps and information will be supplied to you
Help in the tent - Providing additional capacity and supporting the Communities 1st staff in the Quiet Zone tent to ensure that people are looked after

There are two available shifts: 11am - 2pm (start time of 10.45am to enable briefing) and 2pm-5pm (start time of 1.45pm to enable briefing).

If you would like to help, please let us know which shift works for you. If your availability differs from the shifts mentioned but you would still like to volunteer, please reach out to us anyway.

Bookshop volunteer with Free Books Hatfield

Are you reliable, friendly, and like books?

Free Books Hatfield would love to hear from you!

There is an opportunity to join an independent book rehoming charity that aims to promote reading and prevent books from going to landfill by giving out free books. Volunteers help sort and categorise books, fill shelves, and answer any questions from our customers. Full training will be given by a senior volunteer or one of the trustees during the trial shift as well as in subsequent shifts after joining the team.

Find out more

Trustee with Youth Talk

Are you a legal professional passionate about making a real difference?

Youth Talk is currently looking for a Trustee with legal expertise to help steer their growing charity through its next exciting chapter.

By volunteering with their committed Board, you’ll help shape the future of a service that is truly life-changing for young people across St Albans and District. If you’re ready to put your skills to powerful use, are passionate about giving back and want to be part of something really special and inspiring then please apply.

Find out more

Audio Programme Producer with St Albans & District Talking Newspaper

St Albans & District Talking Newspaper creates an audio programme designed for those in the St Albans & District whose visual impairment puts them at risk of being excluded from what is happening around their local community. They are seeking an additional producer to provide backup or to job-share with existing producers. The task is to follow a programme template creatively, drawing on an established team of readers and guests to record, create and deliver an audio programme that is of value to their listeners. They are looking for someone who has either relevant experience or a creative instinct or a love of radio.

Find out more

To see more volunteering opportunities, please visit our website by clicking the button below.

See all volunteering opportunities

Para Dance UK

We are thrilled to announce that our Para Dance online classes have started this week. Thank you very much for all those who joined.

We look forward to bring you the joy of inclusive dance. Explore our exciting themed sessions by joining the Para Dance UK party!

Online classes (via Zoom) are running 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

These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs working, but also foster mindfulness. Register for the classes using the button below to get access to the Zoom links.

If you'd like to run your own inclusive dance sessions, our online courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to do this. Find out more on the Communities 1st website.

Book a Para Dance class