About Us

What We Do

Communities 1st develops, connects and supports local voluntary and community organisations, helping to improve the quality of people's lives across the East of England. 

We are home to the St. Albans, Hertsmere, Welwyn Hatfield, Broxbourne and East Herts Volunteer Centres, providing support and guidance for those who want to become volunteers and those who want to recruit volunteers. 

We provide support services for older people and those with vulnerabilities and facilitate various meetings and events around health and wellbeing within the community and at a higher level. We offer Group Support resources for new community groups and ongoing information and advice on everything from funding to social media for existing groups in districts of St. Albans, Hertsmere and Welwyn Hatfield. 

Through our buildings, we offer training, networking opportunities, room hire and office rental. We also deliver specific projects within the counties of Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, West Essex and the surrounding areas. 

Trestle Theatre Company has been inspiring creativity for over 40 years, combining innovative theatre-making with a strong commitment to education and community. Based at Trestle Arts Base in St Albans, a vibrant converted chapel and hub for local groups, the company is renowned worldwide for its pioneering use of masks and physical storytelling. Now part of Communities 1st, Trestle continues to use the arts to build confidence, connection and well-being, while ensuring cultural expression remains at the heart of community life.

Our Journey: The Story of Communities 1st

Roots and Beginnings
 

Communities 1st was born from a vision of unity and community service, a journey that began in 2018. Our foundation was laid through the merger of two pioneering charities - Community Action Hertsmere and Community Central St Albans. These organisations, each with a distinguished history of serving local communities, established Community Voluntary Services (CVS) and Volunteer Centres, becoming lifelines for the people in our region.  Community Action Hertsmere, tracing its history to the early 2000s, emerged from a union of Elstree and Borehamwood CVS, Potters Bar CVS, and Borehamwood Community Partnership. This amalgamation brought together a spectrum of services, significantly impacting individuals and communities.
 

Growth and Integration
 

Expanding our Family:

• 2019: Broadening Our Reach - We embraced two new charities into our family with the inclusion of Hertsmere Community Transport and Aberford Social Club, each contributing unique strengths and deep-rooted community connections.
• 2021: Enhancing Volunteer Engagement - In October 2021, the Volunteer Centre Broxbourne and East Herts became part of our network. This expanded our capacity for volunteer outreach and engagement, furthering our impact across a broader range of communities.
• 2023: Embracing New Dimensions - Para Dance UK joined us in October 2023, bringing an inspiring element of inclusive dance. They champion the values of inclusion, accessibility, and participation for all, irrespective of ability.
• 2025: Enriching Creative Life - In Summer 2025, Trestle Theatre Company, a leading light in mask and physical theatre for over 40 years, merged with Communities 1st. This move provides Trestle with strong foundations, operationally and strategically, allowing their artistic mission and core activities to continue and flourish. The merger is designed to deepen the impact of both organisations and secure a vibrant, creative future. Read more.
   

Our Ongoing Mission

At Communities 1st, we are more than just a collection of services; we are a confluence of efforts aimed at empowering and uplifting communities. Each step in our journey has been about bringing people together, fostering inclusivity, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and supported.

Join Us in Our Mission: As we continue to grow and evolve, we invite you to be part of our story. Whether you're a volunteer, a donor, or someone looking to make a difference, there's a place for you in the Communities 1st family.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we build better communities.