With the clocks now having moved forward and the evenings staying lighter for longer, it really feels like spring has arrived. This time of year often brings a renewed sense of energy, making it the perfect moment to try something new, reconnect with others, and make the most of the brighter days ahead.

As we head towards the Easter period, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether you’re looking to build your confidence, develop new skills, or simply enjoy being part of a supportive community. Your time and dedication as volunteers make such a difference, and this season is a great chance to grow personally while continuing to support others.

We’ve got a range of training sessions, activities, and opportunities lined up for you. Take a look below to see what’s coming up. We hope there’s something that inspires you to get involved!

To find out more, please contact us by email at volunteering@communities1st.org.uk or give us a call on 01727649900. 

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

We are busy planning our annual conference for Volunteers, Local Charities and Community Groups, which will take place on Thursday, 9 July at Verso Vineyard Church in St Albans.

We look forward to welcoming volunteers and local voluntary and community groups for a day of informative talks, insightful workshops, and of course, plenty of networking opportunities. Please save the date in your diaries and share it with your fellow volunteers.

Watch out for further information in the coming months!

We are looking for green-fingered volunteers to help us help our community to work undertaking various light duties in the garden including:

• Mowing the lawn
• Weeding
• Light gardening duties
• General tidy up
• Digging

We are a busy service and are looking for some friendly and caring volunteers who like the outdoors to help fulfil demand.

If you'd like to join this wonderful team, get active outdoors and enjoy a healthy pastime while giving back to your local community, click the link below.

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 our 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.

Even if you're only able to give a few hours 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.

Are you a people person? Do you enjoy meeting new people, supporting others and working as part of a small team to make a real difference?

The demand for our local counselling service has grown exponentially and we need our community to support us. Youth Talk is looking for people to connect, represent and in some cases deliver presentations (community outreach team) to help raise awareness and funds to enable us to support more local young people.

Youth Talk is here to make sure young people in the St Albans District get the best possible mental health support. Our vision is that every young person can talk to someone, whatever is worrying them. By providing free, confidential counselling services delivered by qualified counsellors, we make sure everyone from 13 to 25 in the area can access this, whatever their background or circumstances.

If you’re ready to make a difference, why not apply to become a volunteer today.

Our Children and Young People’s Team is looking for friendly, caring volunteers to help run our support groups for young people who are experiencing illness or bereavement in their family. These sessions offer a gentle, understanding space where young people can meet others going through something similar — and you can help make that possible.

What you’ll be doing:
As a volunteer, you’ll support our counsellor to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere by:

• Building trusting relationships with children and young people
• Listening sensitively and offering reassurance
• Encouraging them to take part in group activities
• Helping set up refreshments and clear away afterwards
• Feeding back any highlights or concerns to the counsellor