Fantastic Friday Update

In the blink of an eye, we’re almost at the end of September. This month has brought us so many awareness campaigns and we’re looking forward to what October has in store for us. 

Two campaigns happening throughout next week are focussed on positive experiences of the working environment.  

National Inclusion Week (25th September - 1st October) aims to raise awareness of and celebrate inclusion in the workplace. It encourages employers and employees to consider what they could be doing better but also to celebrate the successes they have achieved through embracing diversity and inclusion at work.

International Week of Work (25th - 29th September) is an initiative which originated in the Netherlands in 2018 and has since been celebrated annually during the final week of September. It encourages employers and employees to reflect on their happiness and satisfaction in the workplace and how to improve them. The initiative is intentionally open to interpretation. Described as a “Do It Yourself Movement”, employers and employees are encouraged to use their discretion in how they wish to prioritise happiness in the workplace.  If you want to get involved in improving your work environment ,read their Manifesto.

Next week we also have a chance to reflect on our health and enjoyment of the environment through "Cycle to School Week" (25th - 29th September). If you want to save money, get healthier, protect the environment and have fun on the journey to school, take a look at resources here .

World Heart Day (29th September) is a reminder to everyone around the world to take good care of their hearts. This year’s theme is "Use Heart, Know Heart" focuses on the essential step of knowing our hearts first.

If you are interested in Fundraising, "McMillan's Coffee Morning 2023" takes place on on Friday 29th September. Funds raised support people living with cancer. Have a look here if you want to know more about this initiative. 

This Sunday, 24th September we will be hosting The Community Safe Zone at the St Albans Food and Drink Festival (12pm - 6pm) together with Youth Talk. Pop in for a chat, a rest and a chance to find out about local services!  

Our Community Hub at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood is open again! Come and see us! We're delighted to be back and are looking forward to welcoming you!

Have a lovely weekend! 

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

If you or someone you know is in at-risk group or is isolated, 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.

St Albans Food & Drink Festival.

The popular Festival is back with the usual blend of fantastic food and free family fun in the heart of St Albans. Celebrating local food and drink producers this event offers an afternoon of free entertainment with music, games, arts and crafts, street theatre and the fantastic demonstration kitchen where you can see local chefs preparing mouth-watering dishes.

Communitites1st will be there, hosting "The Community Safe Zone" by Barclays Bank. We'll be offering somewhere to sit and the opportunity to learn more about services available to support residents.

Sunday 24th September, 12pm - 6pm

St Albans City Centre

More information 

Money Management 

Managing personal finances and making decisions about money are important aspects of everyday life.
In this session you will understand how to budget and keep track of your spending and gain an overview on how finance works whilst improving your numeracy skills.
This course is funded by Multiply a nationwide project to help adults improve their numeracy skills.  

Please note this is an online course. 

Monday 25th September, 10am - 1pm

Hatfield Hub, 56 Town Centre, Hatfield, AL10 0JT

More Information 

Hertfordshire sexual health service launches text message advice line for young people

Sexual Health Hertfordshire has launched a new text message advice line that allows people aged 21 and under to quickly and easily contact a health advisor for confidential advice about a range of sexual health issues.
The service, run by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), offers teenagers and young adults who are unable to attend a clinic in person or speak on the phone a way of accessing sexual health support through their mobile phone.

Users can text their questions or concerns to 07312 263535 to receive support from a trained NHS sexual health advisor within 24 hours.
The service – ChatSexualHealthHerts – is available from 1pm to 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

More information

Hertfordshire's Annual Domestic Abuse Surveys

This is an opportunity to use your voice to help shape systems and services for domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.

The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership are listening and committed to ensuring everyone gets the right help at the right time.

More information

Help to discover the history of the District's Black communities

To coincide with October's Black History Month, a Black History Research Group is going to be set up.

St Albans Museum is looking for people interested in examining the history of St Albans’ Black communities.

This is a long term project intended to improve their knowledge and understanding of Black history in the local area.

The volunteer research team will be provided with three training sessions a year, including one on researching family history, and become part of a supportive group.

No previous experience is required

The first session to be held on Monday 23 October. 

More information 

The Hertfordshire Local Offer

The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.

More information 

Cervical Screenings Survey

Cervical Screenings help to prevent cancer and the NHS routinely offer them to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25-64. However, we know that 1 in 4 do not attend their Cervical Screening test.

A survey has been launched to find out what people’s experience of Cervical Screening has been and any reasons why people might not take up the invitation to be screened.

This research will help local NHS ensure that the Cervical Screening programme is having the greatest impact it can.

For more information and to complete the survey

Creative Community Cafes
Feeling a bit bereft now the kids have gone back to school? Want to get out and about and socialise? Come along to our Creative Cafes in Borehamwood and Radlett - they're perfect for making new friends and the enjoyment of realising your latest craft idea.

More information

Food waste plea

The waste contractor Veolia is asking residents not to contaminate garden waste bins or bags with food waste.

Food waste should be bagged and placed in the food caddies which are collected every week.

More information about recycling including what bins to use for different types of waste here.

58 Green Flags flying high in Hertfordshire
Green spaces across Hertfordshire are among some of the best in the UK and 58 of them have been presented with the prestigious 2023 Green Flag Award. These parks, nature reserves and gardens, as well as other green spaces across the County, provide green havens to relax, exercise and meet others. 

Click here for a map view of Hertfordshire's Green Flag Award spaces 

September Hertfordshire Health Walks timetables

Hertfordshire Health Walks has released their autumn timetables for walks starting from September through to December.  There are some new walks to look out for and many continuing on from the summer so have a look to see where you might go for a walk with new friends next.  

More information about new timetables

Senior Groups Facilitator (Mental Health Groups)

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week - One year contract
• Salary:  £24,000 – £25,000
• Location: Countywide

More information

Recruitment Administrator

• Hours: Fulltime, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9.00am-4.30pm Job share considered
• Salary: £21,366 per annum
• Location:  Hybrid Working from office base in Hertford and home with weekly travel to Watford office

More information

Consultant Social Worker 

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary: £43,516
• Location: Hemel Hempstead 

More information

Fleet Coordinator

• Hours: A part-time role of 20 hours per week over 4 days
• Salary: £15,600 pa 
• Location: the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. 

For a full job description and person specification please contact The Operations Manager