As we reflect on the enjoyable in-person events we held throughout ‘Kind-July’, where we met so many of our brilliant volunteers, we remain conscious of the hardship the voluntary sector has faced over the last year. It has been a tough year for many, and all of us have experienced changes in our everyday lives.
In light of this, we undertook in-depth interviews with many voluntary organisations, to broaden our understanding of the challenges they’ve faced. This research helped us recognise that many organisations have been struggling to stay afloat, amidst ever-changing rules, regulations and restrictions. If your voluntary organisation is struggling or needs extra support, please contact either Christine or Isobel by emailing memberservices@communities1st.org.uk or calling 01727 814018.
In a more positive light, we are proud to have been awarded the ‘Thriving Communities’ contract for the East of England region, which will be led by Tom Watkins. This contract will enable us to improve and increase the range and reach of social prescribing community activities that are available. Tom is looking forward to his new role, where he will help pioneer social connections within our communities and enhance collaboration between local organisations.
I have recently agreed to chair one of the six work-streams for the national Vision for Volunteering ten-year strategy, working in partnership with NCVO, NAVCA and Volunteering Matters. If you are interested in ‘supporting older people and young people to lead their own change’ (or any of the other five work-streams) please get in contact. Further details of the engagement to follow.
Many thanks,
Stephen Craker
Chief Executive
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.
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.
Compassionate Community Connector Programme
If you're an at-risk group or having to isolate and need help or support with shopping, prescription collection, pet sitting, or urgent supplies or tech support, you can contact us.
- Email: help@communities1st.org.uk.
- Phone: 020 8207 5115.
We will ask you some questions about the kind of help you need and can connect you to support from a volunteer in your community, alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service. please contact us or visit our website for further information.
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 network with other local voluntary sector organisations. Is there a topic that you would like to discuss at one of our Coffee Mornings? Please let us know by emailing memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Every Wednesday at 11 is, register using our calendar.
The sessions are friendly, informal and hopefully useful. Come along whenever you can!
For more information, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk or phone Christine or Isobel on 01727 743018.
Are you hosting a group or class but can't find a suitable venue?
We have several large community centres for hire at locations across Borehamwood. These spaces are perfect for hosting events such as children's parties as well as groups or classes.
- Click here for more information or call 020 3559 3559.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS
It's Membership Renewal Time!
Members of Communities 1st will soon be receiving a membership renewal notice. Organisations who haven't previously registered as members can do so here.
St Albans & District Foodbank need new warehouse space
Having supplied over 10,000 emergency food boxes to Hertfordshire locals, St Albans and District foodbank have been given a deadline to move out of their site in Harpenden. If you or anyone you know has any information that could be of help, please 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 okay, with some daylight suitable for an artist studio.
- If you are interested please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Risk Management Template for Event Organisers
The Government has published resources to help event organisers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in event settings. This checklist can help event organisers to identify risks and risk management options specific to their event or setting. It includes an example of a risk management template for an indoor event with free movement of attendees and high crown density. Read more.
Enabling Safe and Effective Volunteering During Covid-19
The Government guidance which aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic has been updated following the move to step 4. Read more.
What has the impact of coronavirus been on mental health?
Mind conducted research with 12,000 people and found that those who were more likely to struggle with their mental health before the pandemic have been most affected, and now urgently need tailored support. Mental health is sure to continue to be a growing concern for the VCFSE sector as both employers and organisations working closely with volunteers, as well as in terms of local community needs. Read more.
Burnout and the UK Charity Sector
Many of us are feeling fed up with the persistence of Covid-19. We are struggling to find enthusiasm amid the ever-growing list of compliance and logistic demands, all stemming from constant change. Charity Digital's recent podcast aims to address and discuss this and find ways to counter burnout by supporting staff and volunteers. Listen here.
Easing of restrictions in England - Guidance for charity shops
The Charity Retail Association has produced guidelines on easing restrictions within charity retail. This includes advice on face masks, social distancing, ventilation, risk assessments, fitting rooms etc. Read more.
UKFC report on recovery from the pandemic
UK Community Foundation has released a new report called 'Investing, inspiring and improving'. The report looks at the continued impact f the pandemic on local charities and the communities they serve and examines the practical steps that funders can take to make their grant-making more responsive, inclusive and accessible. You can read the full report here.
#StopMassHomelessness
The Big Issue has launched a major new campaign to #StopMassHomelessness and calls on governments to take immediate action to support people who are at risk of losing their homes and long-term action to end homelessness for good.
Reform for People - A Joint Vision For Integrating Care
National Voices, Age UK, The Richmond Group of Charities and The King's Fund have joined together, with input from a range of health sector partners, to produce a shared vision of what a new NHS Bill could achieve. This joint vision, 'Reform for people' aims to lay out a shared ambition of what integrated care and improved ways of working could mean for people and communities and in doing so motivate the workforce as we embark on the long transition period.
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 them 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.
TRAINING & WEBINARS
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. Read more.
Suicide Intervention Training
This is an informative training session to provide you with the skills needed to handle suicide intervention.
- Wednesday 11th August - 9:00 - 13:00 | Register here.
- Friday 13th August - 12:30 - 16:30 | Register here.
- Wednesday 18th August - 9:00 - 13:00 | Register here.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Our volunteers have been creating bedtime stories, for you and your families to enjoy at home. These stories are a great opportunity to help your children improve their literacy skills.
Email: bedtimestories@communities1st.org.uk to get access to our bedtime stories videos!
Below are the latest COVID-19 public health guidelines to help you, your family, friends and community stay safe:
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
Hertsmere Healthy Hubs
A Healthy Hub is a one-stop-shop providing information, advice, and support to improve the health and well-being of our community. The hubs provide free lifestyle support for individuals and their families covering mental health, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, health MOT's and nutritional advice. Read more.
Fun in the Park
Returning this summer is the popular Fun in the Park and Movies in the park. Please see the event schedule poster here. All attendees are required to book but it remains a free event. You can collect tickets here.
New Leaf Courses for Mental Well-Being
New Leaf College is hosting free courses and seminars to support mental well-being and personal recovery for anyone over 18 living in Hertfordshire. Read more.
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. The event will be running from August 2nd to August 26th at the usual times of 10 am – 2 pm Monday- Thursday, providing a free hot meal each day for every child. Read more.
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
Herts Pride
This is Hertfordshire's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration. It will take place at Cassiobury Park, Watford on Saturday 14 August. A day is an annual event celebrating Hertfordshire’s LGBTQ+ community, that includes stalls, a funfair, live entertainment and the Herts Pride Dog Show. Organisations are encouraged to celebrate Herts Pride; the council will have a Pride flag raising ceremony and encourage staff to wear pride colours leading up to the event. Read more.
Changes to providing free prescriptions to people aged 60 and over
The government is thinking about changing how people aged 60 and overpay for their prescriptions. They have 2 ideas for the changes. They want to make sure they listen to people to know what they think about their ideas. They would like you to tell them what you think about any potential changes. Read more.
Keep Your Cool, 52 Climate Actions
In case anyone has noticed, it's been quite hot this week. So it might interest you to take a look at these 52 climate actions that you can take to manage the high summer heat without using up the energy-hungry air conditioning. Read more.
11 Tips to Cope with Anxiety Coming Out of Lockdown
NHS England's Every Mind Matters campaign has produced its top tips for taking care of your mental health as things change. Read more.
VACANCIES
Policy & Communications Coordinator
- Hours: 25 - 37 hours per week.
- £24,982 p.a. pro-rata (Fixed term to 31 March 2022) – with possible extension.
The ideal candidate for this role will be proactive and able to work with colleagues and volunteers to deliver amazing services.
Cleaner / Assistant Caretaker
- Hours: 16 per week including morning, daytime, evening & weekend work.
- £9.65 per hour.
The role of the Cleaner / Assistant Caretaker role is to provide a comprehensive cleaning and setup service at the Community Centres managed by Communities 1st.
Project Co-ordinator
- Hours: 37 per week
- £25,187 p.a. (Fixed term to 31 March 2022) – with possible extension
The ideal individual for this role will have excellent people skills, empathy, compassion and
awareness of safeguarding.
Equality Council Co-ordinator Officer
- Herts Equality Council
- 12-month post
- £14,430 per year, 2.5 days a week
Herts Equality Council is 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.