Making A Difference Volunteer Update

With the New Year comes new projects and volunteering opportunities that we are keen to share with you all. 

If becoming involved in more volunteering opportunities was one of your new year's resolutions, why not get in touch and see what opportunities are available in your local area? You can contact us over the phone on 01727649900. 

Speaking of new projects, we are excited to be taking part in the Regrown project this year across our different community centres which is apart of Feeling Good Week. The project aims to encourage people of all ages to spend more time outdoors to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We will be hosting 4 workshops in our community centres at the beginning of February where locals can come along and take part in some gardening oriented activities. If you think you would like take part and support one of these workshops, you can find out how below!

If you would like to become an energy agent and deliver information to those in your community about how they can save energy and make informed decisions, you can find out how below! We will be offering training to anyone that is interested in supporting this project.

Don't forget to check out the Action For Happiness 'Happier January' calendar for inspiration as to how you can make your January a little happier.

All the best,  

 

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive
Meet Stephen Craker
  Grow Your Own Sunshine - Feeling Good Week!
 
 

We wanted to take the opportunity to let you know about an upcoming project we are running from our community centres. The project is called 'Grow Your Own Sunshine'.

The Regrown project will run within feel good week. It's a project that looks at the benefits of spending time outdoors, and how it can have a positive effect on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a project looking to encourage children of different ages to spend more time outside! We will be running workshops from our community centres on the below mentioned dates which will include fun and educational activities for local children. Some of these activities will revolve around gardening, planting seeds and many more! There will also be refreshments available.

If you feel like you would like to spend a bit more time outdoors yourself, and support the project as a volunteer, please feel free to let us know, we would love to see you there!

Monday 5th February – Farriers Way Community Centre, 27 Farriers Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB 3:30pm to 5:30pm 
Register here. 

Tuesday 6th February – Phillimore Community Centre, Phillimore Court, Radlett, WD7 8NN 3pm to 5pm 
Register here. 

Wednesday 7th February – Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1PL. 3pm to 5pm 
Register here.

Friday 9th February – Organ Hall Community Centre, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB. 3pm to 5pm
Register here.

If you would like to come along, please let us know by getting in touch on 01727649980 or email us at welcome@communities1st.org.uk
Annual Client Survey 2024

With another year passed, it is time for our annual survey for clients. This survey allows us to check in with our clients, as well as monitor feedback which we can then use to inform and improve our services. 

In order to complete this survey, we need some help calling everyone. If you have some spare time, and would be happy to call some clients and conduct a short survey with them, please give us a call on 01727 649900 or email us. 

We will give you all the training you need for this role. This activity would need to be completed in our main office (1st Floor, Ver House, Park Estate, Frogmore, St. Albans, AL2 2WH), and we will have a full desk set up and landline for you to use.

You will be surrounded by friendly staff members who will be more than happy to support you or answer any questions you have. Just drop us a call now if you would like to know more!
Have your say on budget spending 2024 - 2025!

Hertfordshire council have published their draft budget for the next financial year. They plan to spend over £1 billion on services touching the lives of everyone in Hertfordshire but also want to tackle shortfalls in funding to deliver a balanced budget.

They are seeking the views of Hertfordshire residents on their plans and inviting residents to share their feedback by completing a survey.

If you would like to have your say as a Hertfordshire resident, you can complete their survey by clicking here.

Your feedback will help to set a balanced budget as Hertfordshire council continue to deliver much needed services and take steps to reduce costs and raise more income. 
Happier January 2024

You can download the Happier January 2024 Calendar here.
Is Volunteering One of Your New Year's Resolutions?
   Help deliver energy advice in your local community!

With the months getting colder, why not come along to support the members of your local community at our creative cafés/community spaces. Apart from welcoming visitors and helping with activities this year we also want volunteers to be able to become Energy Agents. In this role you will be able to help people make informed decisions about their energy usage, conserving energy and safety.

If you would enjoy delivering this helpful advice to people in your community who need it, then please get in touch with a member of the team or sign up on your dashboard. You will be given full training and resources to help you in this role. 

Our Creative Café / Community Spaces are available across Hertfordshire and every week from Monday to Friday in Hertsmere. Find out which one is closest to you below:

  • Mondays: Windsor Hall Community Centre, Borehamwood from 10.30am - 2.30pm.
  • Tuesdays: Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett from 12pm - 4pm.
  • Wednesdays: Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood from 1pm - 4pm.
  • Thursdays: Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood from 10am - 2pm.
  • Fridays: Organ Hall Community Centre, Borehamwood from 10am - 2pm.

If you feel that this is the volunteering opportunity for you, please contact us by emailing us at welcome@communities1st.org.uk or call us on 01727649970 or 01727649980.

Become a Bus Buddy today!
 
 

From driving and gardening to friendly phone calls and neighbourly walks, Communities 1st has lots of different volunteering opportunities to offer and we welcome anyone that is willing to give volunteering a go. 

If you would like to try something new this year, or if you know someone who would like to get involved in some volunteering but doesn't know where to start you can contact us on 01727649900. 
Anyone Can Volunteer!
 
 

From driving and gardening to friendly phone calls and neighbourly walks, Communities 1st has lots of different volunteering opportunities to offer and we welcome anyone that is willing to give volunteering a go. 

If you would like to try something new this year, or if you know someone who would like to get involved in some volunteering but doesn't know where to start you can contact us on 01727649900. 
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.