Making A Difference Volunteer Update

We would like to say a big Thank You to everyone that helped out at the St Albans Food and Drink Festival on the 24th September. We were pleased to see that our Communities 1st safe zone tent provided respite for lots of festival goers. We hope that you were also able to take the opportunity to enjoy the festivities yourself.

 

There has been quite a change with the weather over the last couple of weeks, so we hope that you are all managing to stay warm and dry throughout the transition into Autumn.

We are already looking ahead to our Autumn activities. Last year we set up Warm Hubs in some of our community centres in Borehamwood and Radlett, the groups of people who met there enjoyed their time together so much we kept the groups running through the summer. We hope to continue through the rest of the year but need volunteers to help. If you have a few hours a week free, please do get in touch.

 

This October, we would like to share the 'Action for Happiness' calendar, which provides you with daily tips to try out and fill each day with some optimism.

 

As always, we would like to thank you for your continued hard work and support. If you would like to get in touch about any volunteering opportunities please email us at volunteering@communities1st.org.uk.

 

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive
Meet Stephen Craker
Optimistic October 
Learn new ways to be optimistic this month.

You can download the Action for Happiness Self Care Calendar from here.
Festive Celebrations December 2023

You are invited to our festive, holiday catch up!

With the Holidays fast approaching, we wanted to share the dates of our upcoming Christmas events for December 2023. 

Volunteers, clients and members of staff are all welcome to come and we hope to see you there to share a hot chocolate and a chat. It is a small gesture to say thank you for all your help and support this year and we hope you can make it! 

If you are interested in coming along, please feel free to put the following dates in your calendar and keep an eye out for the locations and more details in our upcoming newsletters and on our website.

Tuesday, 5th December 2023 - Hertsmere.

Wednesday, 6th December 2023 - Broxbourne. 

Thursday, 7th December 2023 - St Albans.
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 Health and social care 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. 

 
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.
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.