Making A Difference Volunteer Briefing

This year, we will be supporting the St Albans Spring Festival by providing a calm and relaxing space for visitors to take a break. If you would like to support the event and find out more about the volunteering opportunities available, please continue reading.

As spring blossoms around us and the days grow warmer and longer, we want to remind you of all of our volunteering opportunities that allow you to get out and about, all while supporting someone in your community!

Perhaps you would like to drive one of our minibuses and help people by assisting them to our lovely day trips. If you don't fancy driving, but still want to volunteer and take part, why not become a bus buddy?

If you really want to embrace the outdoors this spring and summer, why not become a volunteer gardener? You can find out all about these projects and more on our website. If you would like to become a volunteer driver, bus buddy or gardener, please continue reading to learn more.

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

Volunteer at the St Albans Spring Festival

Volunteer while having fun

Join Communities 1st as we take part in the St Albans Spring Festival, a vibrant celebration of wellbeing, community, food, and sustainability!

We’ll be running the Quiet Zone Tent, a safe and calming space located between the Civic Centre and Alban Arena for anyone needing a break from the activities and crowds.

Volunteers will be helping us with the following:

Help at the Stages: Assist with seating for people with disabilities so they can enjoy the live music comfortably (you’ll get to enjoy the bands too!)
Wayfinding: Walk around the event area and help visitors by providing directions and information.
Quiet Zone Support: Help staff the tent and offer support to anyone feeling overwhelmed.

Shift Times:

Morning: 11am – 2pm (arrive by 10:45am for briefing)
Afternoon: 2pm – 5pm (arrive by 1:45pm for briefing)

If your availability is slightly different please still get in touch, we would still appreciate your help and support.

Let’s make this festival a warm, welcoming space for everyone!

For more information, please email or call.

Become a Volunteer Driver

Getting out and about while you volunteer

Are you looking to get out in your community all while supporting others and having an impact? Then you might like to volunteer as a driver with Communities 1st.

From exciting day trips, to essential shopping trips and doctors appointments, the Communities 1st transport service helps to support those in the local community who are unable to confidently use public transport.

By volunteering with Communities 1st as one of our drivers, you will have the opportunity to drive one of our accessible minibuses and get the chance to meet and support those in your community that need it most.

If instead, you would like to support people from the comfort of your own vehicle, why not become a community car volunteer driver? Through this service, we are able to support people getting to their important medical appointments, meeting their friends and family and much more.

To find out more about how you can volunteer with Communities 1st as a driver, please give us a call or send us an email.

We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Join in with Hertfordshire Heal Walks

Join a Health Walk today!

Walking is the simplest way to get more active, de-stress, connect with nature and manage certain long term health conditions. Health Walks are suitable for people of all fitness levels plus those who are isolated or lonely.

You can view a full list of free walks in Hertsmere by viewing the timetable on their website or by clicking on the button below.

Hertsmere Health Walk time table

Take part in our online training sessions

Come along to one of our online training sessions!

We offer a variety of scheduled online training courses, that we would like to share with you. Please read on to find out how you can register.

Death, Dying and Loss Awareness

A training course on how to prepare yourself to have conversations with others about death, dying and loss, also covering bereavement as well. This course will help you develop your communication techniques and help you feel more confident in supporting people going through or experiencing loss.

Date: 12 May 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom - hosted by Alison May, Community Engagement Manager, Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

Register Here

Woman and Gambling related harms

This training course is aimed to help people feel more confident in identifying gambling related harms, and how to respond and signpost for support.

Date: 13 May 2025
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Location: Online - Led by GamCare's Women's Pathway Programme

Register Here

Mental Health Awareness

This session aims to help you improve your understanding of mental health and reduce stigma. Being aware of your mental health can substantially reduce long term physical and mental health conditions

Date: 15th May
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Online

Register Here

Dementia Friends Informative Session

This session provides key insights into what dementia is and how you can help. Please note this is a general information session and not a medical presentation. Learn new ways to help to improve the quality of life for those living with it.

Date: 21st May
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Online
Speaker: Jan Payne, Dementia Friends Ambassador, Alzheimer’s Society

Register Here

Scam Awareness Webinar

Arriving in an unfamiliar country International Recruits are faced with many new experiences and situations. The Scam Awareness Webinars and Guide aims to help identify and avoid the numerous scamming schemes they may encounter.

Date: 22nd May
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Online

Register Here

Become a volunteer Gardener

It is such a huge help, I cant maintain the garden on my own anymore, but I miss getting out there'

For many of us, the garden is a place that we can escape to for relaxation and to enjoy the warm and sunny days.

We receive lots of calls from people in the local community who are desperate to enjoy their garden, but need help with some maintenance before they can.

If you have knowledge and experience or even just a passion and love for gardening, you can register as a gardening volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer gardener with Communities 1st, you can send us an email or give us a call so we can put you in touch with the right team!