June has been and continues to be, a busy month.
Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots. It’s the perfect time to think about and discuss issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the VCFSE sector and consider how we might make changes to make our own organisations more inclusive of all LGBTQ+ communities.
We are also reflecting on Volunteers' Week, that took place at the beginning of the month. We showed our immense appreciation for our wonderful volunteers (watch our thank you video here). We even managed to meet a few of you in person at our volunteer meetups!
June also included Carers Week, that saw the sector highlight and thank carers for the tremendous work they do every day, that so often goes unappreciated.
Finally, last week was Small Charities Week, where we celebrated the brilliance of #smallbutmighty charity sector organisations. All our staff shared what they love most about small charities!
As we approach 'Kind July' we are thinking about how we might demonstrate more kindness every day, not just towards others and the world we live in, but towards ourselves. We will be hosting some more in-person volunteer meetups throughout July as well as an online Mindfulness course exclusively for our volunteers, so keep an eye out!
Many thanks,
Stephen Craker
Chief Executive
FREE HAND SANITISER AVAILABLE
Are you holding a large event, or just looking to stay safe at home?
We've got a large supply of hand sanitiser freely available, to help protect you and your family, friends or colleagues.
To enquire about both small and large quantities get in touch at: us@communities1st.org.uk
COMMUNITIES 1ST INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
If you want more information you can visit our website: www.communities1st.org.uk/Covid-19Updates or contact our Voluntary Sector support team on 01727 743018.
Weekly coffee mornings for member organisations
Our weekly Virtual Coffee Mornings for voluntary sector organisations are a chance to say hello, tell us what you are working on, what support you need and to hear from other local voluntary sector organisations.
- Every Wednesday at 11am.
- The sessions are friendly, informal and hopefully useful. Come along whenever you can!
- Register using our calendar.
For more information, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk or phone Christine on 01727 743018.
Thinking about your group's volunteering activities?
Contact our Volunteer Centre team who can help direct you to volunteering activities you can do safely, whether in person or remotely.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS
Member organisations funding newsletter
This week we are launching a new members only newsletter, which will include all funding opportunities. Organisations who need to renew their membership with us should do this as soon as they are contacted, to avoid missing out on important information and funding tips.
St Albans & District Foodbank need new warehouse space
Having supplied over 10,000 emergency food boxes to Hertfordshire locals, SADC foodbank been given a deadline to move out of their site in Harpenden. If you or anyone you know has any information that could help contact
mpontin@stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
Charity organisation seeks office space
HACRO, a charity that works towards caring for and resettling offenders, are looking for a space to expand and develop workshops and training etc.
If you know of an available space, email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Due to redevelopment, a local artist is seeking a new studio
A local artist is seeking an affordable working space, a minimum of 215ft² (20m²). Larger than this is ok, with some daylight suitable for an artist studio.
- If you are interested please email memberservices@communties1st.org.uk.
New IVAR and CAST report shows how small voluntary organisations are using tech in their response to change
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) and CAST (Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology) have launched a new report: 'Response to change: How Small Voluntary Organisations are Using Tech'. The report includes pertinent messages for both SVOs and funders thinking about tech’s role in the sector.
Birds in a hurricane: Voluntary sector adaptation and resilience
How have voluntary organisations adapted to meet the new and changing needs of their communities over the last year? What has it taken to keep going? And what do they - and those who support them - need to be thinking about next?
The Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual has been updated
The new, updated Hertfordshire safeguarding Children Partnership Manual is available to view here.
Covid-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
The government page outlining how to ensure your community facilities are COVID secure and safe has been updated to reflect step 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery.
Do you know any group who are exceptional and should be put forward for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service?
If you know of an exceptional volunteer group, running for more than 3 years, which has positively impacted on the lives of others in your local community, you could nominate them for the QAVS. Nominations can be made from 1 April to 15 September.
TRAINING & WEBINARS
The HCF Better Boards online trustee training series
This is a collection of training designed to support Hertfordshire trustees and improve board effectiveness. All courses are FREE to attend for Hertfordshire VCSE organisations.
Safeguarding for trustees
- Wed 23 June 6:00 - 8:00
- Register here.
An introduction to digital strategy for trustees
- Tue 29 June 6:00 - 8:00
- Register here.
So, you're a new trustee?
- Wed 30 June 6:00 - 8:00
- Register here.
Recruiting a diverse board
- Tue 06 July 6:00 - 8:00
- Register here.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Advice on the COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccine Resources:
- COVID vaccine information video in Arabic
- COVID vaccine information video in Urdu
- Herts Care Providers Association
- Herts and West Essex Health and Care Academy website
- BBC Asian Network Resources
Bedtime Stories
Our volunteers have been creating bedtime stories, for you and your families to enjoy at home. These stories are a great opportunity to help you children improve their literacy skills.
Email: bedtimestories@communities1st.org.uk to get access to our bedtime stories videos!
Take part in the Hertfordshire Serious Violence Strategy Survey
The Hertfordshire Serious Violence Strategy 2021–2026 outlines Hertfordshire’s plans for reducing the harm caused by serious violence to individuals, families and communities in Hertfordshire. Take part in the survey.
Coaching for People Living with Diabetes
The Adda Club is offering FREE lifestyle coaching for people living with type 2 diabetes who are of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani origin. Read more.
Coaching for People Living with Diabetes
The Adda Club is offering FREE lifestyle coaching for people living with type 2 diabetes who are of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani origin. Read more.
HSCP Revised Neglect Strategy - Resources
The HSCP Neglect Strategy was launched in February 2021 together with a joint Neglect Campaign with the NSPCC. You can find guidance, toolkits, posters and other resources on at their online Neglect Hub
Hertfordshire Libraries and partners looking for two artists in residence as part of the new project
This brand new, exciting opportunity will give the chosen artists the chance to work alongside library staff in unique and varying studio spaces. Working in our libraries, artists will be able to raise the profile of their work amongst library users, the local community and beyond.
- To learn more email: library.promotions@hertfordshire.gov.uk
CCSU Violence Against Women and Girls Survey
The County Community Safety Unit (CCSU) are currently producing a needs assessment on Violence Against Women and Girls. The survey is open to males and females of all ages to enable them to compare experiences and feelings of safety between males and females, therefore we ask that the survey is referred to generally as the “Hertfordshire Personal Safety Survey” to ensure that men and boys are also encouraged to take part in the survey. Take part here.
LLBiH Masterclass Sessions
The Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire movement is very excited to invite you to the first of the LLBiH Masterclass Sessions which will be led by Sir Muir Gray. The webinar will delve into the theory that underpins the national movement and discuss what we can all be doing to help develop this work further in our Hertfordshire. Read more.
British Cycling's Volunteer Bike Rides
British Cycling are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic about leading entry level or family friendly bike rides. Benefits include free Ride Leader training, free Ride Leader kit and access to a supportive network.
Sign up to the webinar here.
Thank You Day
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on so many people, and it’s tested us in ways we never expected. But for many of us, it has also bought us closer together. Closer to our families and to our communities. So please join in with your friends, neighbours and communities and take part in the country’s first ever national Thank You Day on the 4 July. And let’s say thank you together. Read more.
Bushey Festival
Currently, all events run by Bushey Festival as part of ‘Bushey is Open’ will go ahead. There will be limited capacity and social distancing measures in place for your safety. Events will also be ticketed – all ticket details available soon. Read more.
VACANCIES
BAME Carers Breaks Development Officer
- Carers in Hertfordshire
Carers in Hertfordshire are looking for a development officer to work with BAME communities to co-produce carers breaks that meet their needs. You will be responsible for developing creative solutions to the barriers that stop carers from these communities accessing high quality breaks from their caring role.
Young People’s and Families Projects Leader
- Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Young Adults
- 30h per week, £23,296 per year
The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Young Adults is an independent user-led charity looking to recruit a highly
motivated, positive and experienced Young People and Families Project Leader to work with our members and
partners within Hertfordshire.
Female Service Support Administrator
- Herts Area Rape Crisis
- 20 hours per week, £12ph
An exciting administrative opportunity to work for a Hatfield based charity supporting female survivors of sexual violence. Looking for someone to work , with enthusiasm, flexibility and organizational skills.
Equality Council Co-ordinator Officer
- Herts Equality Council
- 12 month post
- £14,430 per year, 2.5 days a week
Equality Council are looking for an experienced, highly motivated, self administrator and skilled community development officer to support, advocate, the issues and concerns faced and raised by the protected groups and people. Email info@hertsequality.org to apply or for a detailed job description.
Digital Inclusion Project Lead Wanted
- West Essex Community Action Network
- 37 hours per week
- Up to £31,000 (Dependent upon experience)
This person will be working with Local Authorities, VCS groups and health partners to provide both access to technology and data, as well as directed support to BAME and MH communities to enable them to benefit from virtual interventions and services.
Registered Charity: 1187164
Main Offices:
2 Allum Lane, Elstree, Herts, WD6 3PJ / Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3JE