Future Focus Newsletter

As the weather cools, our training schedule heats up with sessions focused on personal development and health awareness, some linked to the many awareness days and months this October. 

Join our 1-hour Menopause Awareness session to better understand and support those experiencing menopause to mark Menopause Awareness Month.

World Sight day on 9 October highlights what it means to have eye care that is accessible and the importance of protecting our eyes. The Sight Loss awareness session will help you understand sight loss and how to support people living with sight loss.

World Mental Health day is on 10 October and our Mental Health awareness session will help you to recognise stress, anxiety and other mental health conditions as well as the support available.  

Finally, join us for a free, four-day-in person “A New You” course, covering teamworking, assertiveness, stress awareness, and communication skills. This interactive course offers practical tools within a supportive learning environment. Read on for dates and registration details. 

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

This online information session talks about sexual health and the issues related around it, including:

• 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.  

12 November 2025, 11am - 1pm

If you are finding your journey towards employment challenging, our employment support team can help. 

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
• Self/professional referral form

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 9am to 4pm.

Interested in joining us? Call us on 01727 649950 or email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk.

We'd love to tell you more!

Join an informative webinar organised in partnership with National Energy Foundation (NEF) where tips and tricks on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home will be shared.

16 October 2025 6:00 - 7:00pm
 

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. 

This free in person session will provide a basic understanding of the healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities and how to maintain good physical health.

Please note: If you are new to the field of learning disability, you must attend Introduction to Learning Disability prior to completing this course.

12 November 2025 Time, 10am – 1pm  

Box Moor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2RE

To register, please send an email to ACSLearningandDevelopment@hertfordshire.gov.uk stating name/s and email address/es. 

This free online training provides staff with an understanding of MS and impactfully demonstrate how this condition affects patients’ psycho-social wellbeing and explores treatment methods. This session is delivered by a Clinical Nurse Educator with first hand clinical experience in MS.

This course will take place via MS Teams, but will run similarly to a face-to-face course, so where possible, please ensure you have your camera and microphone on so you can fully engage and participate in the training. 

To book please send an email with your name and email address.

12 November 2025, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

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

Communities 1st will be attending the Inclusive Job Fair in Broxbourne. This job fair is aimed towards adults (aged 18+) in Broxbourne and surrounding areas with learning and physical disabilities, sensory needs, neurodiversity and mental health conditions.

This event is free for Hertfordshire residents to attend. Booking is not essential but is advised as spaces are limited for each slot. 

Come along and:

• Chat with employers about potential employment opportunities
• Find out about current vacancies
• Ask questions

A British Sign Language Interpreter will be available all day for visitors. 

Communities 1st is attending Generation Hertsmere 2025. This event will bring together students from local secondary schools, SEN schools and colleges with employers and training providers.