With Kind July well underway we continue to reflect on the incredible impact that simple acts of kindness can have. We'd like to encourage anyone that can to “do something kind” every day during July, and hopefully continue this trend in their everyday lives. After all, kindness isn’t only for July!
Our volunteer Alex was recently interviewed by BBC Three Counties Radio and spoke about the kindness volunteers have shown throughout the pandemic. Listen to the interview here.
As we practise our kindness towards each other it has never been more important to care for our world. During #PlasticFreeJuly millions of people are choosing alternatives to single-use plastic products, that can take hundreds of years to degrade. Could you make an easy switch to reusable containers, or look out for non-plastic packaged goods at the supermarket? Small changes can make a huge difference.
As the summer holidays approach many local vaccination centres have extended their age bracket so that 16-17-year-olds can volunteer! If you know a young person who would benefit from volunteering with us, they can sign up on our website.
Finally, we never would have made it to where we are today without the generosity and dedication of our volunteers. This month is for saying thank you for kindness, and we can’t thank you enough for yours. We are hosting several ‘Thank You’ events throughout July. Find more information on these below!
Many thanks,
Stephen Craker
Chief Executive
KIND JULY EVENTS
During #KindJuly we want to say thank you to all our volunteers. Whether you've helped as a steward, a telephone befriender, a shopping delivery helper or a volunteer driver, you have made such a difference to your community.
These events are our way of showing our appreciation for the time and energy you've given to others. There will be food and refreshments available, and a chance to meet some of our staff in person. Below are a list of all the volunteer celebration events.
Borehamwood, Aberford Community Centre
- Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1PN.
- July 12 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
St Albans, Highfield Park Pavillion
- Highfield Lane, AL4 0RE
- July 14 - 2:00PM - 3:30pm
Biggleswade Football Club
- Langford Road, SG18 9JT
- July 15 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Albury Village Hall
- Clapgate, Albury, SG11 2JD
- July 16 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Bishops Stortford
- Bishops Park Community Centre, Club Room, Lancaster Way, CM23 4DA.
- July 19 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Harlow, Learning Centre
- Town Park, Edinburgh Way, CM20 2QG.
- July 23 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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. The sessions are friendly, informal and hopefully useful. Come along whenever you can!
- Every Wednesday at 11 am.
- 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
Last week we launched our new members-only newsletter which includes 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. Renew your membership.
St Albans & District Foodbank need new warehouse space
Having supplied over 10,000 emergency food boxes to Hertfordshire locals, SADC foodbank has 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 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.
The Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual has been updated
The new, updated Hertfordshire guide to 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.
My role in tackling health inequalities: a framework for allied health professionals
The King’s Fund has worked with AHPs from across the UK to develop a framework to support any AHP to think through and understand their contribution to tackling health inequalities, whatever their role. This includes a section on how to work with and advocate for communities.
Filling the gaps in mental health support for young people with cancer
Teenage Cancer Trust has published a report which highlights the experiences of young people with cancer in terms of their mental health and their access to psychological support, along with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Community health and wellbeing Level 3 apprenticeship standard: demand scoping for employers
Public Health England is working with a Trailblazer group of employers to develop a Community Health and Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship at level 3. To support the national uptake of the Community Health Wellbeing Apprenticeship, Health Education England are asking employers to indicate future workforce demand. Fill in the survey here. Send any queries to sp-phskf@phe.gov.uk.
Socially excluded older people and their access to health and care services
Age UK has published a report which brings together a series of case studies from professionals who are working with socially excluded older people, including older people who are homeless, former prisoners, those living in poverty, or living with severe mental illness or addiction. It offers an insight into the challenges these older people are facing and provides best practice examples of services making a difference in older people’s lives.
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 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
An introduction to digital strategy for trustees
- Thu 8 July - 9:30am - 11:30am
- Register here.
Trustees working better together
- Fri 9 July - 10am - 12 noon
- Register here.
Herts VCSE Training Forum
- Weds 21 July - 10am - 11:30am
- Register here.
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 for Hertfordshire VCSE organisations.
iNFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Below are the latest COVID-19 public health guidelines to help you, your family, friends and community stay safe:
Advice and resources on the COVID-19 Vaccination
- 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!
Fit, Fed and Read Summer 2021
With easy online bookings using the code 'FFR2!'. Sessions will take place in Borehamwood at Saffron Green Primary School (Cowley Hill). The event will be running from August 2nd to August 26th at usual times of 10am – 2pm Monday- Thursday, providing a free hot meal each day for every child. Read more.
Coaching for People Living with Diabetes
The Adda Club are offering FREE lifestyle coaching for people living with type 2 diabetes who are of Bangladeshi, Indian, or Pakistani origin. 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.
Herts Valleys CCG Survey
People across west Hertfordshire are being invited to have their say on future urgent care services at St Albans City Hospital as part of a public engagement exercise that launches today (18 June) and runs until Sunday 1 August. Read more.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Services
The Hertfordshire Family Centre is running various courses for families, including 'Families Feeling Safe', 'Parenting Puzzle' and 'Welcome to the World'. Read more and book here.
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 are looking for two artists in residence as part of a 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
Weight Watchers are offering a free 12 week programme to help you lose weight and improve your well-being. Read more.
VACANCIES
BAME Carers Breaks Development Officer
- Carers in Hertfordshire
- 37 hours per week
- £12,370 per year
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. More information here.
Community Playwork Coordinator (Family Group Worker)
- 18h per week
- £23,836 per year
Home-Start is a leading family support charity, committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of 5. Parent volunteers offer regular support to families in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.
To apply or for more information email:
Link Worker (Based in Central Watford)
- £24,000 per year
- Full-time and part-time available
Hertfordshire's NHS has commissioned "Link Workers" throughout the county to work closely with GP surgeries supporting patients to find non-clinical solutions to improve their wellbeing. Link Workers will work intensively with a small number of individuals, enabling them to access support within their local community. More information here.
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. More information here.
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 organisational skills. More information here.
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. More information here.