Making A Difference Volunteer Briefing

As we step into the summer months, there's so much to look forward to with Communities 1st.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Volunteer week events.

I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend our annual conference which is taking place on Thursday 26 June at Verso Vineyard in St Albans. We have put together a series of workshops specifically tailored to volunteers to help boost your skills and confidence when it comes to volunteering. Have a look at the details below and register your place. We'd love to see you there!

We are currently looking for more amazing volunteers to help support our community supermarket - read more about the role below.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved this summer. From local fayres to community wellbeing days, your support makes all the difference!

Best wishes,

Stephen Craker
Chief Executive

Communities 1st Annual Conference 2025

Book your place today!

You are warmly invited to attend Communities 1st’s Annual Conference and AGM on Thursday 26 June at The Vineyard in St Albans — a day designed to inspire, connect and empower local charities, community groups and volunteers.

Join us for a day jam-packed with workshops and expert speakers tailored to help you grow your impact, or simply feel re-energised in your role as a volunteer.

What to expect:

Tailored workshops on the volunteer journey, volunteer safety, impact measurement, and more!
A vibrant networking marketplace during registration and over a complimentary lunch
And, an incredible keynote speech from Tim Kidd OBE, former UK Chief Commissioner for The Scout Association

Visit our website for more information and to see the full agenda for the event. You can book your place via the website or using the button below.

Register and book your workshops

Upcoming Summer Events

With the warmer weather comes a packed schedule of community events and we’d love your support! These events are a brilliant opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and help strengthen community connections.

Upcoming Events:

Goffs Oak Summer Fayre
Saturday 14 June | 12pm–5pm
A lively afternoon featuring family entertainment, stalls, games, and food vendors. Volunteers will help with setup, visitor support and activities for children.
Volunteer/register

Hatfield Community Day
Saturday 21 June | 11am–4pm
Held at White Lion Square, this event brings together local services, charities, and community groups to showcase support available in the area. Volunteers can assist on information stalls, guide attendees, and engage with the public.
Info

Health & Wellbeing Event – St Albans United Reformed Church
Saturday 28 June | 10am–1pm
A quieter, focused event promoting mental and physical health support services. Volunteers will help direct attendees, support stallholders and offer a friendly face to visitors.

Fun in the Park – Bushey
Sunday 13 July
A highlight of the summer calendar, featuring music, food, local crafts and more. We’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with activities, stage coordination, and community stalls.
Info

Fun in the Park – Radlett
Sunday 11 August
Hosted by Aldenham Parish Council, this event features inflatables, sports, and family-friendly activities. Volunteers will help with managing queues, providing event information, and supporting logistics.
Info

Creative Community Cafe Events

Alongside our regular Creative Cafés, we are running free skills-based workshops at Farriers Way Community Centre. These sessions are designed to offer useful life skills in a relaxed, social setting — helping people save money, cook at home, reduce waste, and connect with others.

Each workshop includes all materials, guidance from a friendly facilitator, and light refreshments.

All sessions are open to the community and completely free but booking is essential.

19 June – Air Frying Course
Learn how to use air fryers to prepare healthy, low-cost meals quickly and efficiently
Click here to book

3 July – Make Do and Mend
Great for beginners and perfect for anyone interested in reducing waste
Click here to book

24 July – Slow Cooker Course
Discover easy, nutritious recipes using a slow cooker
Click here to book

Location: Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 2TB
Time: Sessions will run 10am – 12pm (The Creative Cafe will run until 2pm)

Volunteer at Community Help Hertfordshire's Community Supermarket

Are you passionate about helping others?

If you are looking for a new volunteering opportunity that allows you to engage with the local community, support others and have a positive impact, then the Community Supermarket could be for you.

The Hertfordshire Community Supermarket, delivered by Community Help Hertfordshire (CHH), is a project that requires the support from dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who are looking to give back to the community.

What is a Community Supermarket?

Community Supermarkets support local communities by providing a range of food and essential goods at a lower cost than a traditional supermarket. The Community Supermarket is located in 8 places across Hertfordshire.

What will you be doing?

Some of the duties of the Community Supermarket include:

Greeting and assisting customers, including vulnerable individuals.
Helping to stock and organise products.
Assisting with check our and handling transactions.
Ensuring good hygiene standards are kept.
Engaging with the community and raising awareness.

How can I get started?

If you are interested in learning more or becoming a volunteer, please email us or give us a call on 01727 649980. We look forward to hearing from you and getting you started on this exciting opportunity.

Mental Health and Debt

Free Support Resource

Across our communities we know that financial pressure and mental health problems often align especially in times of rising living costs.

MoneySavingExpert, in partnership with Mind Rethink Mental Illness, and other charities has released a free booklet for people experiencing financial difficulties alongside mental health challenges.

Whether you need support or are helping someone who does, this guide is a powerful resource.

See the booklet here

Youth Voice Census

Complete the Survey and have your voice heard

The Youth Voice census 2025, being run by Youth Employment UK, is now open to all young people ages 11 to 30 across the UK. It is an annual survey gathers honest feedback for what life is like for young people. From education, to mental health and wellbeing, work opportunities and life satisfaction.

It is vital to hear from young voices, shaping future policies and programmes.

Take the survey here.