Making A Difference Volunteer Briefing

Already, we are approaching the end of October which means we are getting closer to the spooky season. If you would like to help out at one of our Halloween events, you can find out more below.

With the Autumn half term only a week away, don't forget to check out the Communities 1st website for affordable activities in your local area to take part in during the half term.

Most of us will be starting to think about and plan for the festive holiday season already. Communities 1st is doing the same and getting organised for the rollout of festive calls and visits to our beneficiaries. To find out about how you can volunteer and help to spread some joy over the holidays, please continue reading.

We will also be attending and supporting the St Albans Christmas Cracker event this year, so if you would like to come along to support a local event in your community, you can find out how below.

If you haven't done so already, there's still time to check out the Action for Happiness Optimistic October calendar for inspiration and tips about becoming more optimistic this month.

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

Volunteer over the festive period with Communities 1st

St Albans Christmas Cracker Event 2024

To bring in the festive holidays, Communities 1st will be attending the St Albans Christmas Cracker event on the 17 November 2024.

We will be providing a community safe zone to those who are attending that might want to escape some of the excitement for a rest or a chat and find out about the different services we provide.

We will also be helping to support the event by guiding attendees to different checkpoints at the event and handing out useful maps and resources.

If you would like to come along to support us at this event we would love to see you there!

The event is running from 12pm to 6pm, so if you have any availability on 17 November within this time and you would like to support the event, please get in touch to let us know.

If you would like to come along or find out more, give us a call or even send us an email.

Would you like to make festive phone calls or take part in doorstep visits this Christmas?

With Christmas just a couple of months away, we are welcoming back our Christmas volunteering opportunities.

The holidays are a time for celebration and joy and if you want to help spread some joy to others this year, whether that be through a friendly phone call or a visit to their doorstep, you can volunteer with Communities 1st.

To find out more, get in touch by sending an email or giving us a call.

Spooky volunteering opportunities

Would you like to volunteer this Halloween at one of our events?

There is still time to sign up to volunteer at our Halloween events taking place on 31 October 2024. we will be transforming our Creative Community Cafe at the Farriers Way Community Centre into a fun Halloween workshop for the local community.

We will be hosting a Creative Fun with Numbers session from 10am to 1pm, helping people to improve their maths skills all whilst having fun. If you would like to come along to help out, please send us an email or give us a call. You can also volunteer to support the Creative Cafe Halloween crafts and games.

We hope to see you there.

Communities Thirst Coffee Cart

Be part of something bigger: Volunteer as a barista with Communities 1st's Coffee Cart.

We are excited to introduce the Communities Thirst Coffee Cart at St Albans Civic Centre, a new initiative that brings the community together whilst offering support and opportunity. Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, this coffee cart is a place to grab a drink and a chance to build connections and gain valuable skills.

At Communities 1st, we believe in empowering people through our Able2Enable and Employment support programs. While there's often limited external help for those seeking these services, we're committed to making a difference. The Coffee Cart is an extension of this mission, offering 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 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.

Whether you're able to give a few hours or more 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.

Interested in joining us? Give us a call or send an email - we'd love to tell you more!

Check out the latest volunteer blog post

Imagine a world without volunteers

This month, we have a new blog post to share with you called "Imagine a world without volunteers".

In this blog, you can hear all about Patti's experience as a volunteer with Communities 1st and learn a little bit about her.

We are always revisiting the volunteer blog to ensure that we are updating it with fun and entertaining reads about volunteers and their individual experiences.

If you haven't done so already, why not check out the latest entry on the volunteer blog on our website.

Become a volunteer befriender

'That one call a week makes the world of difference' - Telephone befriender beneficiary

In an effort to support the local community and combat social isolation, Communities 1st offers different befriending services that allow people to connect with others in their local community and helping them to feel less lonely and more supported.

These include telephone befriending, neighbourly walks and even festive calls over the holidays.

If you would like to volunteer as a Communities 1st befriender, we would love to hear from you. Please send us an email or give us a call if you would like to find out more.

Your Dashboard

What is Your Dashboard?

Your Dashboard is the hub of all things volunteering. Access your Dashboard to:

Sign up for volunteering opportunities, shifts and events
Feedback on volunteering you have done
Submit expense claims

Visit Your Dashboard

Optimistic October

How to add optimism to your October

Check out the Action for Happiness website to view their Optimistic October calendar for inspiring ideas as to how you can fill each day with some optimism.