Fantastic Friday Update

As we move towards the end of November we get a growing sense of the festive period approaching. We are thrilled to see what December has in store for us!  

"16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence" takes place from Friday 25th of November - Saturday 10th of December. If you need any help and support please contact Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. This is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. (Call 08 088 088 088 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm weekends).
 

Next Friday, 1st of December is World AIDS Day. This is an opportunity for everyone to spread awareness about the current status of the disease and encourage more progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world. You can find support and help here. 

Giving Tuesday takes place on Tuesday 28th November. It started with a very simple idea, to have a dedicated day encouraging people to do good. Since giving the gift of our own time is the basis of volunteering, we want to thank all of our volunteers that so generously offer their time to support our projects.

Last Sunday we were delighted to welcome so many people to the "Community Safe Zone" Tent run by Communities1st staff and volunteers during the St Albans Christmas Cracker! It was lovely to see you all! Thank you very much for paying us a visit!

We would like to wish anyone, especially our Scottish neighbours, who will be celebrating St Andrew’s Day on Thursday 30th November "Latha fèill Anndrais sona dhuibh!"

Take care and 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.

Introduction to Air Frying

Have an Air fryer or considering buying one? Looking to cook cheaper and healthier? Come along to our cooking with an Air Fryer 3 hour session. Learn to cook with one, add new recipes and learn about the cost savings. Cooking tips will be provided on this free course along with a chance to taste food cooked in the air fryer.

Any Hertfordshire resident aged 19 and over is welcome to attend this course. Participants are eligible for the draw to win an air fryer if they have obtained a D grade or below in their Maths GCSE (or equivalent), or are in receipt of any benefits.

 - IN PERSON COURSE -Letchworth Garden City
28th November 2023, 1pm -4pm
John Coxall Court, Hadleigh Road
Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2DD
Register here

- IN PERSON COURSE -Letchworth Garden City
29th November 2023, 10am -1pm
Edwin Nott House, Birds Hill
Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1PH
Register here

Help over winter

Winter’s darker nights and plunging temperatures can be tough for people’s mental health and wellbeing. The impact of the rising cost of living is also causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, health, jobs and finances. 
Hertfordshire County Council has compiled a directory of organisations that are delivering services to support your mental health and wellbeing this winter. 
Among the organisations you can reach out to are Herts Mind Network, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Samaritans, Carers In Herts and the Domestic Abuse Helpline. 

More information

Harpenden Christmas Carnival and Light Switch On

Organised by Harpenden Town Council, this exciting event will include the Farmers’ Market, Santa's Grotto, the Harris Funfair, the main stage, walk about entertainment, Young Enterprise Trade Fair and the much-anticipated procession.

The lights will be switched on from the stage at 5pm. 
Sunday 26th November, noon to 6pm  

More information

Charter Market Supports White Ribbon Day 

The community safety team will be at a stall from 10am to 2pm, handing out information leaflets and chatting to people about the worldwide White Ribbon campaign  to end male violence against women. The theme this year is Change The Story.

Saturday 25th November

Earthworks Winter Fair

Join in their Eco-building and gardens to peruse handmade crafts, enter the raffle and tombola and try your hand at a seasonal craft activity. There will be seasonal refreshments by the fire and will be entering into the festive season with music from local choir Fleetville Harmony.

Saturday 25th November, 12pm - 4pm 

Earthworks Hixberry Lane, AL40TZ St Albans

More Information

Recognising possible symptoms of lung cancer
November is lung cancer awareness month so the NHS is highlighting key symptoms of lung cancer to encourage more people to get life-saving checks.

In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:

- Chest infections that keep coming back.
- Coughing up blood.
- A long-standing cough that gets worse.
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
- Persistent breathlessness.
- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

More information on cancer signs and symptoms

Herts libraries slipper swap 2023

We all get less steady on our feet as we get older, and it's easy to take steps to prevent a slip or a trip.
Hertfordshire County Council has some great advice and helpful services, including a slipper swap to make sure we all keep a good grip on our floors at home. Bin your old slippers and come along to one of our events to pick up a new non-slip pair.

Slipper Swaps 2023 will be held at the following libraries:

• Hoddesdon Library - Wednesday 29 November
• Hemel Hempstead Library - Thursday 7 December

All events run 10am – 1pm

More information

Just Talk Week 2023 (20th - 26th November). "We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. A new Hertfordshire campaign aims to make it easier for all of us to talk about our mental health and seek help when it’s needed."

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Caseworker

• Hours: 22.5 per week
• Salary: £24,500 – £25,000 per annum pro rata
• Location: Flexible across their 7 wellbeing centres

More information

CYP Support Worker – With YOUth (Early Help Digital Intervention)

• Hours: 37.5hrs – to be worked flexibly across a 7-day week, between the hours of 9am – 10pm, excluding bank holidays.
• Salary:£22,750 – £24,000 per annum incl. Outer London Weighting pro rata
• Location: Watford Wellbeing Centre (expectation of working in our centres across Hertfordshire and from home)

More information

Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser

• Hours: 35hrs per week, open to part time / flexible working
• Salary:£25,000 – 30,000pa
• Location: Home based – with occasional work in the office and meetings in St Albans, Herts

More information

Office Receptionist and Administrator

• Hours: 12 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (see recruitment pack for more information)
• Salary: £20,529 (FTE) pro-rated to £7,039 per annum for 12 hours a week (this may increase to 16 hours in the future)
• Location: 64 London Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 1NG - occasional work from home.

More information

Reception Administrator

• Hours: 26.5 per week
• Salary:: £23,114 progressing to £23,500 pa
• Location: Stevenage 

More information

Communications Apprentice

• Hours: 37pw - 2 year Fixed Term Contract
• Salary:: £16,500 rising to £19,500 in the second year
• Location: Hoddesdon

More information

Volunteer Manager

• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Salary:: £38,242 FTE (£31,007 pro rata 30 hours)
• Location: Hybrid Working

More information

Park Team Leader 

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
• Salary: Up to £32k, depending on experience
• Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information

Park Grounds Person

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
• Salary: Up to £26k, depending on experience.
• Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information