Making a Difference Newsletter

Have you registered for our upcoming volunteer event? If you haven't please continue reading.

Save the date!
Communities 1st is hosting a volunteer get together event on 14 October 2025 at the Radlett Village Institute Hall. As the event will be running within Community Transport Week, we of course plan to acknowledge the impact our transport services have on the local community and people who make it happen. But, we are also inviting all of our dedicated volunteers to acknowledge your hard work and thank you for your support! Whether you volunteer to support the transport projects, or volunteer on one of our many other projects, all volunteers are invited and welcome. 

Are you interested in doing a spot of driving for people in your local community? Then, perhaps you could consider joining the volunteer drivers team. With Community Transport Week just around the corner, what better time to sign up? Please continue reading for more details.

The Action for Happiness calendar for September focuses on self care. Don't forget to check it out to find new inspiring ways to add more self care into your month.

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

We are partnering with St Albans District Council to organise three events to celebrate International Day of Older People on 1 October, and to support the work of the age-friendly network across Hertfordshire which Communities 1st is a part of.

We are looking for volunteers to help with setting up/taking down the events, tea/coffee making, and to generally be on hand during the events.

In addition to providing our volunteers with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about us, these events also give them a chance to learn more about other groups engaging in volunteer work.

The dates, times and locations are as follows:

• St Albans: Wednesday 22 October at The Alban Arena (10am-2pm)
• Redbourn: Thursday 6 November (tbc), Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High St, AL3 7LW (10am to 2pm)
• London Colney: Monday 10 November at Caledon Community Centre, Caledon Rd, AL2 1PS (10am to 2pm)

If you would like to help us on one (or more) of these dates, or would like further information, us@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649955.

We are proud to support local people with their important transportation needs and we are looking for your help to assist even more people in the community. 

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity that is flexible around your other commitments, is fun, and gets you out and about all while supporting others, then please consider becoming a volunteer driver.

With your support, we will be able to assist even more people with their transport requests - whether that is visiting friends and family, attending clubs, or helping someone make their important appointment that they would otherwise have to cancel - we are looking for your help.

We are also looking for volunteers to support us with our upcoming day trips. If you're interested and want to find out more, please contact us.

Give us a call 01727649980 or send an email to the transport team at travel@communities1st.org.uk.

Did you know that driving the mini buses is not the only way you can take part in our community transport volunteering opportunities? 

Become a volunteer bus buddy to support people during their shopping trips and weekly outings. Whether you're helping someone to their door with their shopping, or keeping them company on the way to their day trip, you can become a volunteer bus buddy and support Communities 1st. 

If you would like to find out more, give us a call on 01727649980 or send an to community.help@communities1st.org.uk. 

Hertsmere Mencap is looking for volunteers who are available for up to 5 hours a month to join a rota driving their members in a minibus to and from their evening social clubs in Borehamwood and St Albans. 

What is involved? 

• Engaging with members by collecting them from their homes
• Creating fun and safe environment as members travel (they love a singalong!)
• Being part of the community working with a dynamic team
• Building your own communication, leadership and teamworking skills

If you would like to find out more and make a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities in Borehamwood, contact Karen on 07938 722 619 or email hdcomm@hertsmeremencap.org.uk 

Celtic Harmony is looking for volunteers to support the day-to-day running of the Prehistory Centre by welcoming visitors, sharing insights about their collection, and ensuring their visitors are engaged. As a Visitor Experience Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in bringing history to life for their guests.

The Government is planning a shake-up of UK driving laws, introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 when they renew their licence every three years. The move comes after a coroner warned current rules are "unsafe" following fatal crashes involving poor eyesight. Other proposals include tougher penalties for road safety offences.