I hope you have had a great couple of weeks.

As we move into March, we're excited to share some wonderful opportunities with you. Spring is on the horizon, and we're ready to help you grow and flourish. Whether you're looking to expand your skills with our training courses, or seeking a fulfilling way to contribute through volunteering with Let's Give, there's something for everyone.

With Pancake Day on Tuesday 4 March, we hope have a flipping good time and let's make the next two weeks a delicious success!

Best wishes

Nicola O'Neill
Wellbeing Services Manager

Employment support for every step of the way

Our Employment Support Hub helps job seekers gain skills and experience to be seen by employers. Our expert team can help with:

• Creating online job-seeking profiles
• Writing CVs, personal statements, and cover letters
• Interview preparation techniques
• Communication tips and more!

Where and when?

Appointments available at:

• Leeming Road Hub in Borehamwood every Friday, 9.30am to 3.45pm - Drop-in available or make an appointment
• Canada Life (cafe) in Potters Bar every Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.00pm - By appointment only
• Appointments are available at other venues upon request

Contact: 01727 649960

training@communities1st.org.uk

This session is aimed at parents/carers whose children struggle to manage their worries and stress. We will explore what anxiety is, why it happens, and what we can do about it!

We will share helpful tools and strategies to support your child to develop confidence and resilience in order to manage their anxiety. You will also find out more about Nessie's services and the support we offer.

Please note this is an online session. 

Thursday 6 March 2025,  12.30pm - 1.30pm 

Introduction to Bookkeeping for the self employed

This is an introductory course and participants will learn about:

• Setting up a basic bookkeeping system.
• Accurately keeping and recording financial transaction
• How to create essential financial reports.
• Taxation and Compliance
• Reporting self employment and expenses for Universal Credit

Wednesday 12 March 2025, 10am - 3pm

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

This is part of a series of free events in which the public can drop-in at any time to chat with Fraud, Cyber and Trading Standards specialists who will be on-hand to listen, advise and signpost.

Throughout the day, there will also be scheduled talks which anyone can attend. The events are suitable for all ages and especially valuable to those who seek in-person fraud and cybercrime prevention advice, are less tech-savvy, or whom may be considered vulnerable.

No tickets or booking required.

Wednesday 12 March, 12.45pm - 4pm
Borehamwood Library

Did you know that 82% of hiring managers are more likely to choose applicants with volunteering experience?

Volunteering is a great way to broaden your skills and experience, while showing that you care about other people and local causes. If you’re searching for a new job or career, consider volunteering to boost your CV! It’s a great way to increase your self-confidence, gain new skills and experiences and meet amazing people.

We know that looking for volunteering roles at the same time as applying for jobs can be time-consuming. But with Let’s Give, all you need to do is complete a form to showcase your interests and availability to organisations in need. Then, we will contact you with opportunities you can become involved with. No hassle, just opportunities to make an impact!

Become a Board Member for Healthwatch Hertfordshire 

Healthwatch Hertfordshire is looking to recruit committed trustees to help fulfil the role of local independent consumer champion for health and social care.

The organisation welcomes people with differing perspectives, lived experiences, skillsets, and from all stages of life or career to apply.

In addition, they are also looking for a new Treasurer to enable the board to discharge its responsibility for the financial position of Healthwatch, seeking assurance for and enabling sound financial management and controls, and financial sustainability. 

Citizens Advice Hertsmere is looking for a Research and Campaigns Coordinator to join them in making a real difference to people's lives.

As part of this role, you will:

• Identify common, or unfair, problems that clients come for help about
• Help the Research and Campaigns Lead understand the cause of a problem, how it affects clients, and what changes could solve the problem
• Help to organise awareness campaigns which will help with the awareness of problems clients are facing. This might involve creating materials, such as newsletters, or presentations, which could be used to explain the issues to others.

If you are interested, please click on the button below to apply.

The Countryside Management Service would like to recruit more volunteers to support existing Hertfordshire Health Walks and set up new, shorter walks for people who are not currently active or are returning to activity after an injury or illness.

Join their team of more than 200 volunteers who help others become healthier and happier by walking together outdoors. No experience is necessary. You can lead walks or provide support from the back. Volunteer once a week or once a month it is up to you. Training is free and nationally accredited.

Music for my Mind is looking for a vibrant, confident communicator to help them spread the word about the wellbeing benefits of personalised music listening for people living with dementia and those who care for them. Your passions for music, social media, blogging and content creation will help grow their online presence.

You will help them connect with 1,000 families to use the Music for my Mind Playlist Maker and gather their feedback on its usability and effectiveness. They are looking for someone who can commit to a minimum of 5 hours a week, more if possible. There is no office so this is a fully remote role.

Experience the joy of inclusive dance for yourself and explore our exciting themed sessions by joining the Para Dance UK party!

Online classes (via Zoom) are running as follows:

Monday - Adult Dance Club at 10am
Wednesday - Through the Decades at 11am
Wednesday - Primary After School Dance Club at 4:15pm
Wednesday - Youth Dance Club (for secondary school students and young adults) at 5pm

These inclusive and fun sessions are moderate in intensity and will not only get your heart and lungs working, but also foster mindfulness. Register for the classes using the button below to get access to the Zoom links. 

If you'd like to run your own inclusive dance sessions, our online courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to do this. Find out more on the Communities 1st website.