Fantastic Friday Update

We hope you had a wonderful week under the sunshine and ready to unwind with this week's newsletter.

The last week of May marks National Dementia Week, a crucial time for us to come together as a community to raise awareness, offer support, and foster a deeper understanding for those living with dementia and their families. It's a moment to reflect on the challenges faced and to highlight the importance of creating compassionate and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

At Communities 1st, we are committed to playing our part in building such a community. Through our training and community learning opportunities, volunteering opportunities and especially our inclusive Para Dance sessions, we aim to offer connection and assistance to those affected by dementia. Let's use this week to learn more, extend kindness, and strengthen our support network for individuals and families navigating the complexities of dementia in our community.

Best wishes

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Training and Community Learning

Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children

Learn about how domestic abuse impacts children and why they should be seen as victims in their own right. The session will also cover the support available.

Professionals working with children would benefit from this training.

When: Tuesday, 3 June, 10am - 11am

This online session is free to attend.

Register now

Carbon Monoxide - an introductory workshop to risks at home

The workshop will tell you about what carbon monoxide is and how it is formed, the sources, signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, how to help prevent it, and what the implications are for you and your clients. It's aimed at front line staff and volunteers from social care, local authorities, NHS, Fire & Rescue Services and the voluntary/community and private sectors.

It's delivered in a mix of presentation, scenarios and practical exercises. Only the presenters will be on video, but participants can ask (or type) questions as you go along, as well as respond to real scenarios.

The workshop lasts just over an hour, and there will be an opportunity to ask further questions at the end. You will also receive a Resources Pack of information and guidance after the workshop for you to use with your clients.

This workshop is delivered by Gas Safety Charity.

When: Thursday 12 June, 9.30am to 10.30am
This online session is free to attend.

Register now

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.

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

Help and advice to age well

Health and care organisations across Hertfordshire and west Essex are working together to support older people to stay well and live independently.

In the celebration of National Dementia Week, we would like to remind you of available health and care support to live well if you or anyone you know is frail or has dementia.

Visit the below link to find useful information. Please also visit the Hertfordshire County Council website or Essex County Council website for more detailed information on adult health and social care services.

More information

Wellbeing events

Open day at Hatfield Bowls Club

Looking for a new, enjoyable activity? Hatfield Bowls Club invites you to their open day where experienced members will introduce you to the game of bowls!

All ages and abilities welcome. All equipment will be provided, just wear flat shoes/ trainers.

This will give you a chance to see the club and everything on offer, whether it is taking up bowls outdoors or indoors or talking to their members about the club and the social events that take place.

When: Monday 31 May 10.00am - 4.00pm
Where: Hatfield Library, White Lion Square, Hatfield, AL10 0LD

Please come along and enjoy the day!

Contact email: enquiries@hatfieldbowlsclub.com

Book swap - every thursday

Do you love to read? Why not bring a book to our Creative Cafe and swap it for a new one?

Come along and meet others who share your love of reading and good conversation. Finished your book? No problem! Swap it for a new one, sit and read it with a free cuppa or take it away to enjoy at home.

When: Every Thursday from 10am to 2pm
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB

No booking required. We can't wait to see you!

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
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

Half term Activities

Free Art and Crafts fun!

Get ready for the season of creativity! Everyone’s welcome to join in at our Creative Community Cafés.

Come along for:

Worksheets for creative and fun drawing
Fun games
Art projects to spark your imagination
Cool vibes and refreshments

All ages welcome - let’s get crafty! No booking required!

When: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Where: Farriers Way Community Centre, 27 Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB

The Big Herts Hero Hunt - Libraries Centenary

Join Hertfordshire Libraries and Pākiki Theatre in ‘The Big Herts Hero Hunt!’ to uncover the secrets of Hertfordshire’s heroes!

The audience will help our Hero Hunters discover these people and their legacy using clues, a map, problem solving, drama, fun facts, and time travel, working as a team to uncover the future heroes of Hertfordshire!

Most suited for children aged 6+ and their families. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout this event.
Tickets are required.

When: Wednesday 28 May 10.30am - 11.30am
Where: Hatfield Library, White Lion Square, Hatfield AL10 0LD

More information

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

Community Outreach Volunteer with St Albans Community Bank

St Albans Community Bank is looking for a Community Outreach Volunteer to help with increasing the number of participating members and identifying/approaching potential candidate organisations for new opportunities. For a full list of role responsibilities click the button below.

Find out more

Social Media Volunteer

Citizens Advice Welwyn Hatfield is currently looking for a Social Media Volunteer to build their public profile and improve their communications for the purpose of raising awareness of their services, attracting volunteers, encouraging financial support and sharing information on their impact. They need help telling local residents and stakeholders about their work. They are seeking an individual who has the ability to deliver engaging content and who will help Citizens Advice Welwyn Hatfield to harness the power of social media.

Find out more

Community Centre Facilities Support Volunteers

Broxbourne Big Local (BBL) is a grassroots charity with big ambitions. As part of their commitment to modernising and sustaining Wormley Community Centre, they are dedicated to ensuring it remains a vital resource for local small businesses, charities, and organisations that empower our community.

They are looking for Community Centre Facilities Support Volunteers to help with tasks such as setting up tables and chairs, securing the community centre and making sure the community centre is up to standard.

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 look forward to bringing you the joy of inclusive dance as you explore our exciting themed sessions and join 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 and 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