Fantastic Friday Update

I hope you have had a wonderful week. As the days grow shorter, have you taken a moment to gaze at the bright full moon illuminating the autumn sky this week? The Autumn equinox is upon us, bringing a sense of renewal and transformation.

This week, let's embrace the changing seasons as we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September. Join us in observing International Deafness Week and learn more about British Sign Language, fostering understanding and communication with those who live with deafness or hearing loss. More information on this course can be found below.

Looking ahead to next Friday, World Heart Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cardiovascular health. Incorporate more movement into your daily routine, and consider joining our inclusive Para Dance UK sessions. These fun and enjoyable dance classes can help you stay active and maintain a healthy heart.

The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is happening this Sunday. It's the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and enjoy some yummy treats! Don't forget to stop by our tent in the Community Safe Zone to say hello! We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O' Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

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

• Monday 23 September: Better Days Hub at Wyllotts Potters Bar (10am - 3pm) and Marshalswick Library (10am - 12pm), Creative Community Cafe at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (10:30am - 2:30pm), Computers and a Cuppa at the Radlett Centre (10:30am - 12:30pm),  
• Tuesday 24 September: Better Days Hub at Wyllyotts in Potters Bar (10am - 3pm), Men That Meet at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood (1:30pm - 4 pm)
• Wednesday 25 September: Computers and a Cuppa at Community Hub in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Better Days Hub at St Albans Library (10am - 2pm)
• Thursday 26 September: Book Swap Shop at Farriers Way Community Centre in Borehamwood (10am - 2pm), Better Days Hub at Bushey Library (10am - 12pm), Computers and a Cuppa at Bushey Library and Community Hub in Borehamwood (12pm - 2pm)
• Friday 27 September: Better Days Hub at Wyllotts Potters Bar (10:30am - 12:30pm)

Join us for a free course to learn more about money management.

Creating a family budget can be a great way to get a handle on your finances and make your money go further. It can also help you improve your numeracy skills at the same time!

23 September 2024, 10:00am - 1pm

Welwyn Hatfield Hub, White Lion House, 56 Town Centre, Hatfield, AL10 0JT
 

Contact us to book or use button below:

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

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 how deafness affect people, 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

Contact us to book or use button below:

Phone: 01727649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is here!

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 visitors by providing information on local services and activities and offering some 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 Community Safe Zone tent to enjoy a peaceful moment away from the crowds.

Sunday 22 September, 12pm - 6pm.

St Peter’s Street, St Albans.

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, 12am - 5pm
Civic Offices car park, Borehamwood

Join us for an empowering and informative webinar, "Embrace the Change: Menopause Made Easier," designed to help you navigate the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause. Whether you're currently experiencing menopause, approaching it, or supporting someone who is, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to make this transition smoother.

Friday 27 September, 12:30am - 14pm

Please note this session is online on Zoom. Advanced booking is required.

Do you need help to quit smoking?

From the beginning of October we'll be offering a free drop-in stop-smoking service at the Healthy Hubs in St Albans.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Visit the hub and chat with a member of our friendly team to find out more. We are happy to support and motivate you on this journey. 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9am - 4pm
St Albans Healthy Hub, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE

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

The first session takes place next Tuesday 24 September and following sessions will take place every last Tuesday of the month 10am-12pm.
Your Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood.

Discover the joy of badminton! It is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, improve your coordination, and strengthen your muscles.

Live Longer Better is offering free sessions for residents aged 50 and over. Come join us for a fun and active experience.

Starting 10 October, 12pm - 1:30pm
Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood 

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) offers eligible homeowners the opportunity to receive free energy-saving upgrades for their homes, potentially resulting in significant savings on fuel costs. 

HUG2 can make your home more energy-efficient and cost-effective by upgrading your insulation, heating system, heating controls and lighting. Find out more about the eligibility criteria by visiting www.hugapply.co.uk for more information or calling 08081968255.

Registration deadline: 30 September 2024

Are you missing out on Pension Credit? Starting this winter, Winter Fuel Payments will only be available to those receiving Pension Credit. In addition to Winter Fuel Payments, you may also be eligible for other benefits such as Housing Benefit and support for mortgage interest.

Communities 1st can help you determine if you qualify for Pension Credit and guide you through the application process. 

Come visit us at our hubs and learn more about Pension Credit!

Weekdays 9am – 3:45pm
Your Community Hub, 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood

You can also visit one of our other local support hubs across the county and speak to a member of our team.

Hertfordshire County Council is inviting residents to participate in the Air Quality Strategy Consultation to help shape the future of air quality in the region. Your feedback is essential in developing effective strategies to reduce pollution and improve public health. 

Join the conversation and contribute to a more sustainable Hertfordshire by taking part in the survey below.

FestivAll was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who joined us at FestivAll last week week! 

Join us for the nationwide Para Dance UK party and experience the joy of inclusive dance our online courses.

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.

• Hours: Full time/ Part-time
• Salary: £35,745 progressing to £39,186 pa (pro rata for part-time) 
• Location: Hertfordshire

• Hours: Full time/ Part-time
• Salary: £35,745 opportunity to progress to £39,186 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Location: Hertfordshire

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary: £25,000 per annum 
• Location: Can be flexible at one of our four centres (St Albans, Stevenage, Hertford and Hatfield)

• Hours: Fixed Term, 9-months, full time –28 hours (4 days) per week
• Salary: Based on the Real Living Wage
• Location: Hybrid, Welwyn Garden City Herts Vision Loss office

Office and Executive Support Facilitator

• Hours: 30 - 37 hours per week

• Salary: £26,370 p.a. pro rata

• Location: Ver House, Frogmore, St Albans AL2 2WH

Wellbeing, Welfare and Engagement Officer

• Hours: 24 hours per week

• Salary: £24,649 p.a pro-rata

• Location: Ver House, Frogmore, St Albans AL2 2WH