Making A Difference Volunteer Update

This week Communities 1st has taken its first steps on the journey of becoming a Net Zero organisation. The whole organisation, trustees and volunteers were invited to our first training session this week. We were encouraged to think about the risks and impact of Climate Change as well as how Climate Change is likely to affect our future. If you are passionate about helping to combat environmental issues and you want to be part of our Green Team, get in touch below!

This week is also alcohol awareness week, and the theme this year is the significance of the costs involved in consuming large amounts of alcohol in particular. The average drinker spends around £63k on alcohol in their lifetime. Given the current climate, the importance of cutting unnecessary costs is vital for many members of the community. This alcohol awareness week could be a valuable time for you or someone you know to educate themselves on the latest statistics provided by Alcohol Change UK. These are available alongside lots of other information and help on their website HERE.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead,

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive
Meet Stephen Craker
Be part of our Green Team! 
The Journey to Net Zero

Climate change is an issue affecting everyone and we will be examining what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint by changing our individual actions and participating in group actions to make this happen. We are very keen to involve volunteers in this process either in casting a critical eye on what we are doing or working with us on projects in the community. If you would like to be part of our “Green Team” please get in touch.
GET IN TOUCH
#C1stConference

REGISTER FOR OUR 2023 AGM HERE!
Volunteer this Weekend! 

Bushey Festival 9th of July at King George’s Recreation Ground

Volunteer at Bushey Festival

This year they are celebrating 40 years of the festival, so it is a very special year. You will be working alongside committee members who have been running the park event for several years and who are all very friendly and approachable. Tasks involve keeping areas clean and tidy, marshalling, helping stall holders, car park duty and directing bands when they arrive on site. You will be given full instruction and they will provide food and drink for those who volunteer. It is a fun event, and the focus is on volunteers feeling fully supported whilst enjoying the event themselves.

You can sign up for the event on your dashboard.
Become a Community Connector! 
School Interviews Event - Borehamwood
Would you like to help local young people develop interview skills?

We are looking for volunteers to take part in our Interview Skills event, at a secondary school in Borehamwood, on Wednesday 12th July from 08.30 – 11.30.  

Volunteers will give mock interviews to small groups of students in Year 10, asking a set of questions that we have prepared in advance. It’s an enjoyable event and gives students valuable practice for future interviews.

You can sign up via your volunteer dashboard, or  by clicking the link below.
SIGN UP NOW
Volunteer for our Gardening Project! 
Men's Group Volunteer Needed 
Men that Meet

We are looking for volunteers to help out and support one of our new groups; Men that Meet. The sessions will be held in Windsor Hall, Borehamwood on Tuesdays at 1:30pm-4pm. 

If you think this could be something you are interested in, be sure to reach out and a member of our team will be happy to discuss. 
GET IN TOUCH
Let Volunteering Roles Come to You!

Communities 1st is launching Let’s Give, a new service for volunteers. You will be able to create your own space on our website, so that organisations can find out more about you and reach out regarding their volunteering roles.

You won’t need to display any personal contact information as we will do all the brokerage, so we will put you in touch with the given organisation.

It’s a great way to showcase your skills and experience to local community groups and can help match you with a role where you can make a real difference.

You can do this by logging into your dashboard and editing your Volunteer Centre profile – scroll down to the section on External Volunteer Opportunities.
GET IN TOUCH
How to Claim Expenses

New Volunteer Expenses Claim Form

We have a new volunteer expense request form. If you don't have it, please email us and we will send it to you.

For Shopping Delivery and Prescription Collection Expenses

  • To claim expenses, please sign up to our dashboard and upload your expenses there. Click here to create a login using the same email address that you originally signed up with. You will then see a list of your completed and pending activities.
  • Please submit expense claims the same week that you carried out your shop, and if appropriate, provide a photo of your receipt. If an expense is not claimed in a timely manner it can lead to a client going into arrears, which can cause them stress and confusion. We appreciate your help with this.
  • If this is your first shop, you will first need to email us your bank details  so you can be reimbursed.

For Drivers, Litter Pickers and Other Roles' Expenses

  • You will have been sent an expense claim form when you confirmed your job. To claim your expenses, please complete this and return it to the sender.