Fantastic Friday Update

As we shift into autumn, with yellow leaves beginning to fall and cooler winds setting in, it’s a wonderful time to embrace change and new opportunities.

This week, we're excited to bring you a range of engaging training courses to explore. Whether you're interested in mastering slow cooking or basic British sign language, there's something for everyone.

On 19 September, we will observe Youth Mental Health Day a crucial time to reflect on the mental wellbeing of young people and to remind ourselves not to overlook our own mental health.

Looking ahead, next Friday, we celebrate both International Day of Peace and World Alzheimer's Day - two important observances that call for our attention and reflection.

And please do not forget to join our Para Dance UK sessions! These online dance classes are fun, inclusive and open to all—because we believe that dancing is for everyone!

Please take a moment to check out all the information below and consider joining a session or event that sparks your interest.

Wishing you all a smooth transition into this busy but beautiful Autumn season!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Information to Support Individuals

Employment support

Do you need help to become more successful in your job hunt?

Join us for a chat to get help and support in your employment search.

Every Friday, or by appointment
Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood, WD6 4EB

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

More information

Our Hubs in Hertsmere and St Albans

Come and visit us at one of our Hubs this week!

Monday 16 September: Creative Community Cafe at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (10:30am - 2:30pm), Computer and a Cuppa at the Radlett Centre and Wyllyotts Centre (10:30am - 12:30pm),
Tuesday 17 September: Better Days Hub at Wyllyotts in Potters Bar (10am - 3pm) and Caledon Community Centre in London Colney (11am - 1pm), Better Days Hub at Caledon Centre (10am - 12pm) and the Civic Centre (10am - 4pm) in St Albans, Men That Meet at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (1:30pm - 4 pm)
Wednesday 18 September: Computers and a Cuppa at Community Hub in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Better Days Hub at the Civic Centre (9am - 4pm) in St Albans
Thursday 19 September: Better Days Hub at Bushey Library and Central Library Welwyn Garden City (10am - 12pm), Computers and a Cuppa at Bushey Library and Community Hub in Borehamwood (12pm - 2pm)
Friday 20 September: Better Days Hub at 96 Shenley Road in Borehamwood (10:30am - 12:30pm)

Deaf Awareness and Basic BSL

Join us for an online workshop that will equip you with essential skills for effective communication with deaf individuals. Learn basic sign language and discover ways to interact with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss.

This workshop will boost your confidence and understanding of deafness, enabling you to recognise signs that someone may not be hearing you, interpret body language, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Please note this session is online on Zoom.
25 September 2024, 10am - 12pm

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Register now

St Albans Food and Drink Festival

The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is coming soon! This year's event promises to be even more memorable, with a wide variety of delicious food and drink from local producers. You can find hundreds of market stalls with a wide variety of produce, along with live music and street entertainers.

As part of this large street event Communities 1st will be actively engaging with the public by providing informative resources and offering quiet respite from the hustle and bustle. Our team will be on hand to assist those who may be feeling overwhelmed or need a break from the festivities. Visit our Quiet Zone tent to enjoy a peaceful moment away from the crowds.

Sunday 22 September, 12pm - 6pm.

St Peter’s Street, St Albans.

New drop-in advice service in Borehamwood

Hertsmere Borough Council's Housing and Homelessness Prevention Team is running a new community drop-in advice service in Borehamwood.

The service provides local residents with guidance on homelessness and housing related issues; housing register, tenancy issues, rent arrears, evictions, disrepair, overcrowding, and more. The team will also offer tailored advice to individuals facing difficult tenancy situations, exploring options such as improving existing accommodation or relocating to alternative housing.

Sessions will take place every last Tuesday of the month 10am-12pm and commence from Tuesday 24 September.
Your Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood.

Hertsmere’s 50^th anniversary celebration

Join Hertsmere Borough Council in its 50-year anniversary celebration with a free fun day for the whole family!

Have fun at this event! See classic cars, shop at vintage stalls, eat delicious food, listen to live music, and ride funfair rides.

Sunday 29 September, between midday and 5pm.
Civic Offices car park, Borehamwood.

More information

Death, Dying and Loss Awareness

This workshop is designed to equip staff and volunteers in the voluntary sector, healthcare staff and the public with the knowledge and skills to discuss death, dying, and loss. Through the session, participants can explore why conversations about death can be challenging, what constitutes a good death, and practical communication techniques.

The session will delve into the distinctions between empathy and sympathy, theories of loss, and actionable steps for supporting individuals facing palliative care and bereavement. By examining the social context of death and dying, we'll gain insights into how to enhance end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Please note this session is online on Zoom and is being delivered by Alison May, Community Engagement Manager, Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.
9 October 2024 from 1:30pm - 3pm

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Register now

Ask, Chat, Planning for the Future (Advance Care Planning)

Don't miss this opportunity to join our free webinar on Advance Care Planning (ACP). This awareness session is suitable for staff and volunteers in the Voluntary Sector, Healthcare staff, and the wider public.

The session provides an opportunity to discuss end-of-life care wishes and preferences for those who wish to explore more about ACP and what to include, for example Lasting Power of Attorney, ReSPECT, Advance Decisions to refuse treatment, and will introduce you to some of the templates that can be used to facilitate the process either for yourself, your loved ones, or those that you are working with.

Please note this session is online on Zoom.
7 October 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Register now

Pension Credit

Are you missing out on Pension Credit? Starting this winter, Winter Fuel Payments will only be available to those receiving Pension Credit. Many eligible people aren't claiming this benefit.

Communities 1st can help you determine if you qualify for Pension Credit and guide you through the application process. In addition to Pension Credit, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as Housing Benefit and support for mortgage interest.

Find out more

Navigating Digital Health survey

HealthWatch Hertfordshire is eager to hear from Hertfordshire residents about their experiences using online GP services and appointment booking.

Your feedback will play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the online system. Make a difference to our health and social care system by taking part in the survey.

The survey

Para Dance UK

Get ready to dance with us and be part of the nationwide Para Dance UK party! Embrace the joy of dance, celebrate diversity, and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

We’re also offering online courses designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to create their own inclusive dance classes.

For those interested in becoming an instructor, a limited number of fully funded courses (worth £650) are available to those who live or work in Hertfordshire (A deposit is required).

For those who want to dance, online sessions are resuming in September. These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs working, but also foster mindfulness.

There is a registration fee of £10 per year for individuals, and £100 per year for care homes/ day care centers/ groups.

Available classes are:

Adult Dance Club - all adults are welcome on Mondays from 10am, running weekly from 2 September 2024. Click here to register.
Primary After School Dance Club - for primary school-aged children on Wednesdays from 4:15pm, running weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.
Through the Decades Dance Club - suitable for care homes and older people on Wednesdays from 11am, running weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.
Youth Dance Club - for young people aged up to 25 years on Wednesdays from 5pm, running weekly from 4 September 2024. Click here to register.