Future Focus Newsletter

August has been a quiet month in our training calendar, but we are stepping into September with renewed energy. Our exciting line up of sessions focus on skill development and wellbeing.

Join us for a free, four day in person “ A New You” course. It is designed to cover aspects related to teamworking, assertiveness, stress awareness and communication/life skills for everyday life and for the workplace. This interactive course offers practical tools within a supportive learning environment.

September is Sexual Health Awareness month, a time to encourage open discussions and awareness on the importance of sexual health care. If you are working with people living with sexual health issues or are part of organisations that provide services connected to sexual health or just want to educate yourself, do sign up for our Sexual Health Awareness session.

September is also World Alzheimer’s month. This is a time to prioritise awareness and the impact dementia has on the lives of those it affects, on the healthcare system and on the economy. Book your place on the Dementia Friends Information session and take this opportunity to join 3 million people in UK by becoming a Dementia Friend.

We always look forward to hearing your views and feedback on our training. Feel free to send us an email to training@communities1st.org.uk.

Kind regards,

Juli Riley
Head of Wellbeing, Employment and Skills

If you are finding your journey towards employment challenging, our employment support team can help ensure you're ready to secure your next role. 

We can help with:

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

• 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

• Ver House (Park Street), Civic Centre  (St. Albans) and London Colney (by appointment only)
• Appointments are available at other venues upon request

An online information training session that talks about Sexual Health and the issues related around it. The session includes: 

• Statistics on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Why understanding is important
• STIs and their symptoms
• Testing and treatment
• Barrier methods and where to go for support with sexual health. 

This session is for those who work with people living with sexual health issues, service users within Hertfordshire, community and voluntary groups, corporate businesses, educational organisations, housing providers, local authorities, NHS trusts, youth services, and members of the public.  

4 September 2025, 11am - 1pm

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, and become a Dementia Friend.

Please note this session is online.

The Communities Thirst coffee cart at St Albans Civic Centre is an extension of Communities 1st's mission to offer volunteers the chance to learn, grow, and support their community. 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 develop various skills and - if you're interested - mentor those who are also eager to learn but find it a bit harder than others. The coffee cart is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

Interested in joining us? If you'd like to find out more about this opportunity, call us on 01727 649950 or email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk.

We'd love to tell you more!

This program of webinars covers a variety of topics including stress, sleep and relaxation, as well as worry and anxiety, mindfulness and bereavement. These webinars provide educational and practical help to support you to learn relevant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to make positive changes in your life. 

An online powerful and thought provoking session on the impact of shame, guilt and stigma that prevents women from seeking help for their own gambling. 

This session will talk about :

• How gender roles and societal expectations intensify shame and stigma.
• The barriers women face in accessing support.
• How services can evolve to better meet the needs of women affected by gambling

Reserve your spot today via this link or click the button below. 

Fully funded training is offered on Recognising and Reducing Fire Risks in the home of someone receiving care and support.

This course will talk about :

• Home fire safety and how to gain an understanding about what services Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service can offer
• How to spot the risks and where to go for support with any elements of fire safety within the home.
• Fraud awareness and reducing the risk of scams.

There are two online sessions available at the dates below. Each session runs 9.30am-12.30pm

• 11 September
• 2 December

Shorter ‘lunch and learn’ briefings will also take place between 12.30pm-1.30pm on10 November

To request a place on this training, please email acslearninganddevelopment@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Research plays a crucial role in improving health and social care services, and you can be a part of it.

Ways you can get involved:

• Take part in research - join studies that interest you and help improve healthcare services
• Share your experience - give feedback on research priorities and help shape future studies
• Become a Community Research Champion - work with us to make research accessible and meaningful to your community
• Spread the word - encourage friends, family, and community groups to learn more about research and how they can get involved.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Research Champion or want to know more, visit our website here or click the button below. Scan the QR code above to find out about research studies you could take part in.

Email: communityresearch@communities1st.org.uk

Tel: 01727649900