Making a Difference Volunteer Briefing

Making a Difference Newsletter
Thursday 15 January 2026

Happy New Year! We hope that you are stepping into 2026 feeling refreshed and excited for new opportunities.

For many of us, the new year is a great time to try new things, and put into place new resolutions to challenge ourselves and inspire others.

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new opportunity to take part in local volunteering projects, develop new skills and give back, please get in touch! With so many volunteering opportunities to choose from, you could achieve your new year goals all while giving back and contributing to 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

Health Information Week

Understand where to get reliable advice in Health Information Week

The local NHS is teaming up with Hertfordshire Libraries to help people understand how to find reliable health information during this month's Health Information Week.

It can sometimes be tricky to find your way through the vast amounts of health-related information online to fine what is accurate and trusted.

Representatives from Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and the Herefordshire and West Essex ICB will be on hand at the following libraries to answer your questions, show how the NHS APP can help you, and also take your blood pressure.

Come and see us at:

Hatfield Library: Wednesday 21 January, 11:30am to 1:30pm
St Albans Library: Wednesday 21 January, 11:30am to 1:30pm
Welwyn Garden City Central Library: Tuesday 27 January, 11:45am to 2pm

Volunteering Opportunities with Communities 1st

Support a local Creative Café near you!

Communities 1st will continue to run the much anticipated Creative Cafes in 2026 and we need your help and support.

From making drinks and greeting visitors to taking part in creative activities, we are looking for volunteers who would like to attend the Creative Community Cafes to support us in delivering a fun, relaxing space for locals to come along and take part.

We have introduced some changes to our regular sessions for 2026. Visit our website to find out what's happening when at a cafe near you.

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 do 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!

Holocaust Memorial Day 2026

Remembering the past, shaping the future

Presented by Herts Inter Faith Forum and Hertfordshire County Council, you are invited to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day 2026: Bridging Generations event.

The event will take place on Monday 26 January, from 7pm to 8pm online on Teams. No prior registration is required.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year. It is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This year's theme is Bridging Generations. The theme explores how sharing stories and experiences across generations helps keep memory alive and strengthens our resolve to build a safer future.

If you would like to join the meeting on the day, please use the button below to join via Teams.

Click here to attend the meeting

A New Year, A New You Training

Communities 1st offers accessible and impactful training perfect for volunteers!

If you are considering further developing your understanding and skills in a certain area, or if you are open to seeing what opportunities are out there, have a look at our website via the button below.

Our professional skills training helps volunteers develop practical knowledge and abilities to excel in their roles. Courses range from Cyber Security to Report Writing, and are suitable for individuals at all experience levels.

Training courses

A New You

Take charge of your life! Build confidence, feel more in control, more positive about yourself and your future, and take steps towards work or a new direction. This free four-day interactive and engaging course covers:

Team Work - Work better with others and feel more confident in a team
Assertiveness - Communicate calmly and clearly in everyday situations
Stress Awareness - Understand stress and simple ways to manage it
Communication/Life Skills - Speak about yourself in a way that helps you shine, in interviews or life in general

Participants will need to attend all four days of this course.

Dates: Wednesday 21 January, Thursday 22 January, Wednesday 28 January, Thursday 29 January

Time: 10am to 3pm

Venue: Windsor Hall, Blyth Close, Borehamwood, WD6 5DL

Phone: 01727 649955

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

A New You

One Hertsmere Community Conference

One Hertsmere: Strengthening Community Connections Community Conference

You are invited to One Hertsmere: Strengthening Community Connections.

When: Tuesday 20 January 2026
Where: Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar
Time: 10am to 2pm

The Community Conference will being together a wide range of delegates, from all sections of Hertsmere's community to collectively learn, network and explore opportunities for collaboration. Come along to consider how we can collectively come together to build a more cohesive community, which will be informed by our collective thoughts, experiences and stories.

Hertfordshire Health Walks Winter timetables for Hertsmere

Check out the winter timetables for Hertfordshire Health Walks near you!

If you are interested in taking part in any Hertfordshire Health Walks this winter, click on the button below to access the latest timetable and contact information.

Winter Timetable

Happier January 2026

How to make your New Year even Happier!

Action For Happiness have released their January Calendar and the theme this month is Happier January 2026. Take a look at the calendar below for daily inspiration on how you can promote and spread happiness to others.