Fantastic Friday Update

We would like to wish a happy and safe New Year to all of you! 

As usual, we continue to highlight important health campaigns throughout the year that offer us the opportunity to build our awareness of issues affecting our community.

January is "Love Your Liver Awareness Month" and this campaign aims to make people aware of how important is our liver health. Find more info about it here.

"Big Energy Saving Week" will run from January 17th to January 23rd 2024. This is a week-long initiative that focuses on empowering people to take control of their energy consumption and make informed decisions about energy usage. It provides guidance on how to reduce energy waste, improve home insulation, and access financial support for energy bills. 

The "Welcome Space Network" is a project designed to provide comprehensive support and resources to vulnerable and isolated individuals across Hertfordshire. This two-year project aims to establish a network of 30 Warm Welcome Hubs, offering a range of services. You can find more information about it in this newsletter.

A fresh new year is usually accompanied by renewed inspiration, resolutions and good intentions. Why do not visit our training page to see if there is anything of interest to you?  

Communities 1st would also like to wish "Happy New Year" to our Orthodox friends celebrating on Sunday 14th!

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.

Three Rivers Shopper Bus 

Have you tried our accessible Shopper Bus in Three Rivers? This door-to-door service is brilliant for people who have difficulties using public transport to go shopping.

We travel from:

• Saratt, Chandler's Cross, Loudwater and Croxley Green on Tuesdays,
• Rickmansworth, Moor Park and Mill End on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and
• South Oxhey and Carpenders Park on Thursdays and Fridays.

For more information

Brew Monday 2024

On 15 January 2024 - on Brew Monday- everyone is encouraged to get together for a cuppa and a catch-up.

Unfortunately, feeling low isn’t just reserved for Mondays or a random day in January. Any day can be a Brew Monday. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.

If you look for ideas on how to check in with someone in a conversation, have a look here.

Our Health Matters - Support for Wellbeing Event

Save the date for our next health event!
We're delighted to be welcoming:

• Alzheimer's Society
• Citizens Advice Hertsmere
• GP surgeries: Fairbrook Medical Centre, Manor View Practice, and The Grove Medical Centre
• Hertfordshire County Council's Learning Disability team and Public Health's Health Improvement Service.
• Hertfordshire Mind Network
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Hertsmere Healthy Hubs
• Music for My Mind
• New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing College
• Para Dance UK

Join us for an afternoon of support and information, talks and exercises, health checks, and free refreshments. More information will be released soon!

Monday 26th February, 1pm - 4pm

Aberford Community Centre in Borehamwood!

More information

Cancel Out Cancer

Cancel Out Cancer helps everyone learn more about the value of NHS screening tests, gaining confidence in spotting potential symptoms and seeing your GP about them, and simple steps you can take to help reduce some of the risks that cause some cancers.

You can use the Eventbrite link to book onto:

Tuesday,   16 January at 11am-12noon
Thursday  18 January at 2-3pm.

If you have difficulties accessing Eventbrite, just send an email here and you will be booked on. 

More information

Energy Agent with Communities 1st

Our Creative Café / Community Spaces offer helpful advice to help people make informed decisions about their energy usage, conserving energy and safety.

Our volunteers have full training and resources to help you.

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.

More information

Have your say on budget spending (2024-25)
Hertfordshire County Council spends more than £1 billion a year on services which touch the lives of every Hertfordshire resident, business and community.
These services are paid for through your Council Tax and other sources of funding, such as grants from central government and the council’s commercial income.
They are seeking your views about how we should spend this money over the coming financial year, from April 2024 to March 2025.

Your feedback will help them set a balanced budget as they continue to provide much needed services and take steps to reduce costs and raise more income. 

Consultation start date: 5 January 2024
Consultation closing date: 28 January 2024 (11.45pm)

More information

Shape Up is back for 2024! 
Shape Up is a 12 week FREE weight loss course aimed at men aged 18 to 65 who have a BMI of 30+.
During the course, you can find out about simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lose weight in a safe, friendly and sustainable way.
If you, or anyone you know could benefit from this course register your place by email to secure your place.

Shape Up is run by the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. 

More information

Health Walks Timetable 2024 released

Hertfordshire Health Walks has recently released its winter timetable for walks starting from January 2024.  There are five new walks ideal for people looking to gradually increase  their fitness levels in the new year.  Check out Dacorum's Sunday Afternoon Walks Programme which leaves from a different village venue each month.

Just turn up on the day - 15 minutes before the start if its your first walk.  Or, if you prefer, register online. 

To find a walk near you

Discovery Black History

St Albans Museums and Active Lifestyles are looking for local St Albans people to join an African Caribbean Community History Project which aims to capture stories from the African Caribbean community in St Albans and the wider district. To get involved, call 07572 040006.

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Did you know you can use your library card to access the online version of the complete Encyclopaedia Britannica?
Available in three levels: Junior (for age 6-10), Student (for age 10-15) and Adult (for age 15+).
More information

Resources Coordinator

• Hours: Full time 37.5 hours a week
• Salary: £25,000 – £27,000 per annum
• Location: Across Hertfordshire

More information

HR Coordinator 

• Hours: 25 hours per week (9.30 -15.00 with 30 mins break) - Part Time 
• Salary: £25,500 – £27,500
• Location: Watford Wellbeing Centre/Borehamwood/Waltham Cross (with ability to travel to locations in Herts if required)

More information

Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer (Fit & Well Instructor)

• Hours: 22.5 hours per week. Part-Time
• Salary: £10.43 per hour, Personal training 50% commission per hour.
• Location: John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon

More information

Events Officer 

• Hours: 37 hours per week. Full Time
• Salary: £23,973.04 pa
• Location: Hybrid Working / Bishops' College, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross

More information

Kidz Klub Playworkers

• Hours: Casual. Part-Time
• Salary: £11.52 per hour (for qualified staff) and minimum wage rates according to age
• Location: John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon

More information

Behaviour Consultant

• Hours: Full  Time (part-time work could be offered), term-time only.
• Salary:: to be agreed. 
• Location: Schools across Herts

More information

School Sports Project Officer

• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Salary: Up to £26,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
• Location: Based at Watford FC Training ground and remote working due to the nature of the role.

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