Making a Difference Volunteer Newsletter

Making a Difference Newsletter
Thursday 23 October 2025

Thank you to everyone that was able to attend the Volunteer and Staff away day last week. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours, to have important conversations and hear your opinions too.

Do you have a passion for helping others and experience in the education sector? Communities 1st is looking for volunteers with a passion for supporting and teaching others to help individuals develop their English language skills.

For more information about this volunteering opportunity, get in touch by sending us an email to community.help@communities1st.org.uk or calling 01727649980.

Free NHS Health Checks are available in the Hertsmere area. To find out more, please read below.

Why not add a little more optimism to the month of October? If you are looking for inspiration on how to become more optimistic, check out the Action For Happiness calendar below.

All the best,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

Free NHS Health Checks in Hertsmere

Aged 40 - 74? Find out about a Free NHS Health Check near you!

Even though you might be feeling great, if you're aged 40 or above you may be at risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia. A free NHS Health Check can help you reduce these risks and make sure that you stay healthy.

Checks are running in Borehamwood on:

Tuesday 28 October and Monday 24 November at Your Community Hub in Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB.

Both clinics will be running from 10am to 3pm.

Appointments need to be booked in advance. Check if you're eligible and book to be checked now.

If you cannot make one of these dates, you will be placed on a waiting list and offered the next available date.

Register here

Events

Come along to the African Drumming Workshop at the Aberford Community Centre in Hertsmere!

In honour of Black History Month, an African Drumming Workshop is taking placer on 29 October at Aberford Community Centre. Join this free session and immerse yourself in music and culture.

Date: 29 October 2025
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD61PL

Find out more

Herts Inclusive Theatre Wednesday Night Project Winter Term

Herts Inclusive Theatre's Wednesday Night Project will run weekly from 5 November for young people of all abilities aged 10 - 18 years old to develop their skills in drama, dance and design. Booking is open now.

To find out more about the Herts Inclusive Theatre, please click here.

To book, you click the button below.

Book here

Trestle Community Groups present The Great Winter Show Off!

The Great Winter Showoff promises to be a heartwarming showcase, performed by community members from Trestle's three community groups: Dance Now, Act Up, and Sing Out. It will celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of the performing arts to bring people together. Expect uplifting songs, expressive movement, and playful theatrical moments.

When: Friday 12 December, 1:30pm 2:30pm
Where: Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, AL4 0JQ

For more information and booking details, click the button below.

Find out more

Volunteering Opportunities with Communities 1st

Become a Volunteer Driver

With the festive season only a couple of months away, and with our winter day trip planning well underway, we are looking for some help from local volunteer drivers to help us deliver our wonderful day trips.

For lots of people, the festive period can be a very difficult time of year, and by getting out and about, it can make a really big difference.

To join us as a volunteer driver, a volunteer bus buddy, or if to contribute some destination ideas, get in touch with the transport team.

Call us on 01727649980 or email travel@communities1st.org.uk.

Volunteers needed for St Albans Older People's events

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:

London Colney: Monday 3 November at Caledon Community Centre, Caledon Rd, AL2 1PS (10am to 2pm)
Redbourn: Thursday 13 November, Redbourn Village Hall, 63 High St, AL3 7LW (9:30am to 11:30am)

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

Volunteers needed for St Albans Christmas Cracker, 16 November

St Albans City Centre will be awash with festive fun on Sunday 16 November as it once again hosts the St Albans Christmas Cracker! The event will run from 12noon to 6pm.

Communities 1st will be hosting the Quiet Zone and we are seeking some volunteers to help on the day. Shifts of 2-3 hours will be available and we will be able to give more details in the coming weeks.

If you would like to register your interest to help us at this fun event, or would like further information, us@communities1st.org.uk or call 01727 649955.