Making a Difference Newsletter

Making a Difference Newsletter
Thursday 29 January 2026

It’s always good to take a moment to reflect on the small actions that can make a meaningful difference, both in our own lives, and within our communities.

Volunteering offers a chance to try something new, develop skills, connect with others, and give back locally. If you, or someone you know, is considering getting involved this year, we would love to hear from you.

With a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, there are many ways to contribute your time and support your community.

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

If you are looking for some inspiration on small daily changes you can make this year, you can check out the latest Action For Happiness Calendar below.

Please continue reading for more events and opportunities to kick off 2026 feeling positive and learn about upcoming local events.

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

Young People's Puppet Theatre volunteering opportunities

Do you want to help support local creative projects?

The Young People's Puppet Theatre (YPPT) is a local charity that runs large-scale puppetry projects in schools, helping children build confidence, resilience, and teamworking skills as they create spectacular puppet shows from scratch.

The YPPT is looking for some support from volunteers to help them prepare for some exciting upcoming projects. If you would like to support the group and volunteer, the available upcoming tasks and shifts are below:

Tuesday 17 February - Stage spring cleaning 10am to 2pm
Wednesday 4 March - Van loading 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm
Thursday 26 March - Van unloading 4pm to 5pm
Friday 27 March - Van unloading 4pm to 5pm

If you would like to get involve, please send an email to Janet at YPPT, janet@yppt.org.uk

Support People Living with Dementia

Helping people feel valued and included!

This is a meaningful opportunity to help create safe, welcoming group spaces for people living with dementia within the community. Volunteers support group sessions by offering a friendly welcome, sharing conversation, and encouraging participation in activities.

These sessions focus on connection, kindness, and helping people feel valued and included. If you’re looking for a rewarding way to give back, meet new people, and make a positive difference, this could be the right opportunity for you.

If you’re interested in getting involved, the Alzheimer's Society would love to hear from you.

Click here to get involved!

Opportunities with Communities 1st

Visit and volunteer at a Creative Café

Creative Community Cafes are now well underway across our community centres in Hertsmere, bringing local people together in a relaxed, welcoming space to connect and enjoy creative activities.

These sessions rely on the fantastic support of volunteers, and we are always happy to welcome new faces. From preparing drinks and greeting visitors to getting involved in creative activities, volunteers play a key role in creating a friendly and enjoyable environment for everyone who attends.

Please see the following halls which are open for each Café:

Aberford Community Centre – Wednesdays 12pm to 4pm
Farriers Way Community Centre – Thursdays 10am to 3pm
Organ Hall Community Centre – Thursdays 10am to 2pm
Phillimore Community Centre – Tuesdays 12pm to 4pm
Windsor Hall Community Centre – Mondays 10am to 2pm
Radlett Village Institute - Mondays 10am to 2 pm.

To find out more about supporting our Creative Community Cafes, send us an email to volunteer@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727649900.

Event support volunteering opportunities

Getting involved in local community events is really important to us! If you would like to come along and support Communities 1st as a volunteer at events in 2026, please get in touch and let us know.

To keep up to date with all upcoming events, you can visit the What's On Calendar on our website. Call us on 01727649900 or send an email to volunteering@comunities1st.org.uk to let us know you are interested so we can keep you updated on the latest events.

We can't wait to hear from you soon!

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Keeping Healthy throughout the new year.

Make 2026 your year to help your community in Watford and Three Rivers. Come and join a Health Walk near you as THEY have different grades and places to choose from. Or if you do not want to volunteer feel free to walk with one of their friendly, happy walk groups.
click here for more information.

Friendly February 2026

Looking for new ways to be friendly this February?

Action for Happiness have released their Friendly February Calendar, filled with simple daily ideas to help spread kindness, positivity, and positive wellbeing. Take a look below for inspiration throughout the month.