Fantastic Friday Update

Welcome back to our little corner! Did you catch the dazzling fireworks display this week? The vibrant lights against the crisp night sky signal the start of the festive season. We’ve got an exciting lineup of courses, events, and volunteer opportunities to brighten up your free time.

This week, we also observe Remembrance Sunday, a day to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. As we reflect on their courage, let’s commit to fostering peace and unity.

On the 14th, we mark World Diabetes Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about diabetes and its complications. Let's work together to support those affected by this condition. And don’t miss the information on Para Dance at the end of this newsletter – a fantastic way to kickstart a healthy journey and prevent diabetes.
 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Looking to improve your confidence and social skills? This 4-day course is for you!

A New You covers various topic to help you build confidence in any circumstance, including practicing assertiveness, team work, stress awareness and communication skills.

Monday 18 November 2024
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Monday 2 December 2024
Tuesday 3 December 2024

All sessions are from 10am to 3pm
Organ Hall Community Centre, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB

Participants are required to attend all the sessions. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

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

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and recognising the signs of poor mental health and seeking support can make a significant difference in your overall wellbeing. By investing in your mental health, you're taking a proactive step towards a happier, healthier life.

Our online course will help you to be able to: recognise stress and anxiety and other mental health conditions, have a good understanding of what support is available to people with mental health conditions and manage stress in day-to-day life.

Join us and let's break the stigma surrounding mental health together.

There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the session.

13 November 2024, 10am - 11:30pm
Please note this session is online on Zoom.

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Are you a self-employed entrepreneur looking to take control of your finances?

This introductory course is designed for individuals who are new to bookkeeping or who want to refresh their skills. It will cover the basics of setting up a bookkeeping system, accurately keeping and recording financial transactions, creating essential financial reports, and understanding the basics of taxation and compliance for self-employment and Universal Credit.
 

26 November 2024, 10am-3pm

Organ Hall, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB

Register using the button below or contact us on:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

Come and learn about effective ways to communicate with deaf people, as well as some basic sign language, at this online deaf awareness workshop.

This session will help you gain the confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss. It will enable you to understand deafness, signs that someone can’t hear you, body positions and communicating.

There will be time for a Q&A at the end of the session.

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

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

This concise one-hour session on Menopause Awareness offers a comprehensive overview of menopause, delving into its stages, symptoms, and potential long-term health implications.

By the end of this session, you will gain a solid understanding of what menopause is, how it affects women's bodies and minds, and strategies for managing its associated challenges.

The session will also provide information on the support available.

12 December 2024, 12pm - 1pm
Please note this session is online on Zoom.

Register using the button below or:

Phone: 01727 649960

Email: training@communities1st.org.uk

The much awaited festive event the St Albans Christmas Cracker is almost here!

Start your festive season with a brilliant family day out under twinkling Christmas lights and installations. Communities 1st will be providing a community safe zone for those who are attending that might want to escape some of the excitement for a rest or a chat and find out about the different services we provide.

17 November 2024, 12pm - 6pm
St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street, High Street and Market Place, St Albans

If you would like to help us out on the day, please see more information under Volunteering opportunities.

Join us for a festive afternoon of creativity! We'll be crafting beautiful Christmas decorations, listening to heartwarming Christmas stories, and writing letters to Santa.

Who's invited: Children aged 4+ (spaces limited)

Let's spread some holiday cheer together!

23 November 2024, 11:15am - 1.30pm
Hatfield Library

Don't forget to make your booking at the library in advance!

Communities 1st is seeking volunteers to help with our Community Safe Zone during the bustling event on November 17th. As a volunteer, you’ll welcome attendees, provide information about our services, and assist with light refreshments and general support.

Time: 12pm - 6pm
Location: St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street, High Street, and Market Place, St Albans

Volunteer today and make a difference in your community! Give us a call or send an email - we'd love to tell you more!

We are excited to introduce the Communities Thirst Coffee Cart, a new initiative that brings the community together whilst offering support and opportunity. Come grab a drink and have a chat with us, or join us as a volunteer for a chance to gain valuable skills.

Whether you're a seasoned barista or looking to learn the art of creating the perfect cup of coffee, you can volunteer to help us run the coffee cart and make it a success. You'll have the opportunity to connect with new people, develop various skills and - if you're interested - mentor those who are also eager to learn but find it a bit harder than others. Whether you're able to give a few hours or more a week, your time and energy will be making a meaningful difference. Every cup you serve will help fuel our programme that supports individuals who are working towards a better future.

Weekdays, 8am - 4pm
Civic Centre, St Albans

Interested in joining us? Give us a call or send an email - we'd love to tell you more!

St Albans & District Talking Newspaper creates an audio programme designed for those in the St Albans & District area whose visual impairment puts them at risk of being excluded from what is happening around their local community. They are seeking an additional producer to provide backup or to job-share with existing producers.

The task is to follow a programme template creatively, drawing on an established team of readers and guests to record, create and deliver an audio programme that is of value to their listeners. They are looking for someone who has either relevant experience or a creative instinct or a love of radio. 

Mind In Mid Herts is looking for volunteers to help with their Festive Fun Run on 30 November.

They are looking for volunteers to help set up and take down decorations, route marshals and manning stalls.

Jersey Farm Day Centre is looking for volunteers to help at their community centre. Volunteers are needed to help set up the hall from 10:30am.

During the day you will interact with their clients and help with serving morning tea/coffee. At lunchtime they serve clients a hot two course meal. Volunteers then help with the washing up on a rota basis. In the afternoon they have various forms of entertainment during which clients may require some help. Clients return home at 3pm and volunteers will be needed to help with clearing the hall. 

Mark your calendar! Para Dance sessions will resume on 11 November, bringing you the joy of inclusive dance! 

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.

Our online courses are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to create their own inclusive dance classes.

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