Fantastic Friday Update

July is around the corner, it is shocking how fast the time flies! July is a month packed with more meaningful awareness events to get involved in. 

"Thank you Day" is back for its third year on Sunday 2nd of July. It was created by organisations looking for a way to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the individuals and institutions that helped us through the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to find a way YOU can say thank you, click here for more inspiration.

Alcohol Awareness Week - organised annually by Alcohol Change UK - takes place from 3-9 July 2023. This year's theme is 'Alcohol and cost'. If you  want to find out how you can support this campaign, click here.   

The whole month of July is dedicated to some major campaigns, like #plastic free July. To find ideas on how to go plastic-free in your home, click here.

The Samaritans campaign "Talk To Us" is an annual Awareness event aimed at raising awareness and reminding people everywhere that they are there and ready to listen 24/7. 

Please note that whilst our Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood is closed for repairs due to flood damage, support is still available! We’re making every possible effort to ensure alternative provision is available for those who need to meet with us but in the meantime please do give us a call at 01727 649930 or write to us.

Stay safe and have a lovely weekend!

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

If you or someone you know is in at-risk group or having to isolate, and needs help or support with shopping, prescription collection, pet sitting, urgent supplies or tech support, you can contact us.

Email: help@communities1st.org.uk.
Phone: 01727 649930.

Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service, please contact us or visit our website for further information.

New guide to mental health support in Hertfordshire

An online directory of mental health services in Hertfordshire is now available, helping you get the support you need.
Whether you are looking for self-help resources to boost your mental health, need a listening ear or emotional support, or are in crisis and need urgent help, you can find a service to support you.

For more information 

8,000 free trees to help improve the local environment.

This is the second year in a row that the campaign "Your Tree Our Future" is organised along with Hertfordshire County Council. It is possible to apply for free trees here.

This giveaway is one of more than 100 actions taken to tackle the climate emergency and reduce harmful emissions to net zero across the District by 2030.

Bushey Festival (9th of July)
This year the Festival will be celebrating its 40th birthday, so it is a very special year.
Bushey Festival is looking for volunteers to help with the festival 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 instructions and they will provide food and drink for those who volunteer. It is a fun event, and the event organisers really care about volunteers feeling fully supported whilst enjoying the event themselves.

Sunday 9th of July, 3 hour shifts between 12pm-9pm 

King George’s Recreation Ground.

You can sign up for the event on your volunteering dashboard.

HAPpy camps back this summer

HAPpy Camps have opened this week the booking process for the summer. Camps are for children and young people in receipt of benefits related free school meals. Contact your school for your booking code to secure your free place.

For more information

The St Albans International Organ Festival and Competition

This event celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Tickets are on sale for a wide range of performances which are held between Saturday 3 and Thursday 15 July.

The programme offers something for every music lover – solo piano, jazz and classical song, chamber ensembles, symphonic repertoire and more.

Tickets can be bought from the Cathedral Box Office and find more information on the Festival website.

Let’s Give

Communities 1st is launching a new service for volunteers. You will be able to create your own space on our website so that organisations can find out about you and reach out about 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 organisations that have reached out to you. 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.

Instead, if you work for an organisation you will be able to find out about volunteers accordingly to the role you need to cover. 

For more information contact us by email or call 01727 649953.      

Men That Meet 

June is Men's Health Month. It is thought that 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, and social media can often play a part in making these feelings worse. 

Communities 1st has supported the organisation of a new social group in Borehamwood where men can meet other men and connect over good conversation, games etc. 

• Tuesday 1.30pm - 4pm
• Windsor Hall (WD6 4EE)

For more information

An extension on the £2 bus fare cap scheme
From 1 January to 31 October 2023, a single bus journey will cost no more than £2 on most routes across England. The £2 bus fare cap will apply to single journeys regardless of the length. 

The scheme has been designed to provide affordable travel to support families and individuals with the pressures from the cost of living.

Come Along & Bowl!
Ever fancied trying your hand at bowls? Free sessions take place in Borehamwood and during these session you will be given techniques and tips on how to improve your play. No previous experience needed and equipment will be provided.

Everyone is welcome and there will be refreshments provided as well as other activities to try.

Every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm

Aberford Community Centre, WD6 1PL. 

For more information please email here.

The next "Help Your Child Love Numbers " session will be held on July 4th (10am - 1pm) in Borehamwood (Farriers Community Centre). 

Admin Team Lead

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time).
• Salary: £24,000 – £26,000 
• Location: Across Hertfordshire

More information

Events & Fundraising Administrator 

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: £21,575 – £22,369 annual salary (pro rata £13,120 – £13,603)
• Location: Based at Stevenage Head Office

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Business Support Officer

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Salary: £21,575 – £22,369 annual salary (pro rata £13,120 – £13,603)
• Location: Based at Stevenage Head Office

More Information

Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer (Herts)

• Hours: 40 hours per week - 18 Months (continuation subject to further funding)
• Salary: Starting from £24,000 (currently under review)
• Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford

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Healthy Lifestyle Project Officer (Harrow)

• Hours: 40 hours per week - 24 Months (continuation subject to further funding)
  Salary: Starting from £24,000 (currently under review)
  Location: Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford

More Information

Development & Fundraising Executive

• Hours: 18-21 hours per week to be worked over 3 or 4 days (to be discussed at interview)
• Salary: £13,230 based on 21 hours 
• Location: St Albans Cathedral

More Information

Finance and Administration Officer 

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week (Permanent, part-time)
• Salary: Up to £30,000 
• Location: Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans

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Community and Events Fundraiser

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Permanent, full-time)
• Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum
• Location: Rennie House, Tring or Peace Hospice, Watford

More information

Community Care Officer

• Hours: Full time, Part time, Flexible hours and weekend hours available
• Salary: £27,344 progressing £30,151
• Location: Hertfordshire

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