Making A Difference Volunteer Update

We hope you've enjoyed the recent sunny weather as much as we have! The UK has been truly spoilt with sunshine lately. Just remember to keep hydrated and take some shade when needed.

Quick note - the ‘Action for Happiness’ calendar is featuring in this month's newsletter, perfectly timed for Self-Care September. It’s packed with tips for taking care of yourself, so do give it a look.

Your tireless support this summer has been incredible. A huge thank you for all your efforts! While you're out there helping others, don't forget to also carve out some time for your own well-being.

Cheers to a refreshing and fulfilling Self-Care September!

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive
Meet Stephen Craker
Can you help at the St Albans Food and Drink Festival?
Can you help at the St Albans Feastival? 
 

Next weekend on the 24th of September you will see us joining the St Albans Food and Drink Festival. Our staff and volunteers will be hosting a community safe zone tent.

We will be a place where people can come who need some respite from the crowds, a place for people who would just like a calm space to sit and have a chat, and will also allow people to come and learn all about our organisation and what we can offer. We are still looking for some volunteers to help us with guiding people to the accessible stage, and directing people along the High Street.

If you are attending on the day, come along and visit our staff and volunteers and say hi! and if you would like to volunteer and help the team please call us on 01727649900 or email us at volunteering@communities1st.org.uk 

 
Self Care September
Look after yourself this month

You can download the Action for Happiness Self Care Calendar from here.
Volunteer Bus Buddies needed  
Do you have a few hours to spare?
 

We are currently looking for volunteers that could spare a few hours now and again to support our shopper bus clients in Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Welwyn Hatfield districts. As a bus buddy you can support clients by helping them on and off the bus, carrying their shopping or simply by talking to them and providing company. 

If you think this role is right for you, please give us a call on 01727 649980 or email volunteering@communities1st.org.uk
Helping people get connected
Do you have the skills to help someone get connected?
 

In the modern world you can become increasingly isolated and be unable to access services if you cannot keep up with digital technology.  Our Digital Champions help provide advice in becoming confident with new technology. If you feel you can help please get in touch  volunteering@communities1st.org.uk or give us a call on 01727 649970.
International Recruit Buddies
Become a volunteer buddy to support newly recruited international NHS employees in Cambridge
 

Do you know anyone in the Cambridge area who would be interested in providing vital support to newly arrived international NHS recruits?

This support could include: meeting the new arrival at their accommodation and helping them to settle in, showing them around the town centre, helping them register with a GP and dentist, explaining how to use public transport, supporting them in their search for long term accommodation by attending estate agents meetings with them, generally offering them a helping hand and answering their questions. 

We will of course cover any expenses, such as parking costs or car mileage, incurred carrying out this role. 

Anyone interested in providing buddy support to international NHS recruits, should email us at volunteering@communities1st.org.uk or give us a call on 01727 649970. 

 
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.