You can now book your space at our November conference and AGM, happening on 17th/18th November! The theme of our 2021 conference is: Strength, Safety, Kindness: Through the Pandemic and Beyond.
On day one the Rt Hon. Lord David Blunkett will be making the first keynote speech on 'Social Attitudes and How Communities May Have Changed During the Pandemic'. You can register for this talk and our other Wednesday workshops here.
On day two the keynote Speech will be on 'The Value of Kindness in The Voluntary Sector', from a representative of Belong, The Cohesion and Integration Network. You can reserve your space for this talk and other workshops on day two here.
This week is Charity Fraud Prevention Week! You can begin taking effective steps to protect your organisation by exploring the resources on the Prevent Charity Fraud site here.
There are case studies, webinars and E-learning modules available. Use the hashtag: #StopCharityFraud to support this movement and spread awareness throughout the Voluntary Sector across social media.
We also continue to celebrate Black History Month, and promote important local events like the Diversity Festival, taking place in Fairway Hall, from 30th - 31st October.
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.
Compassionate Community Connector Programme
If you're in 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.
They 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 network with other local voluntary sector organisations, share your experiences and challenges and tell us what support you need in an informal, supportive environment.
Is there a topic you would like to discuss at one of our Coffee Mornings? Please let us know by emailing memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Every Wednesday at 11am, register using our calendar.
The sessions are friendly, informal and practical. Come along whenever you can!
For more information, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk or phone Christine or Isobel on 01727 743018.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS
You can now book your space at workshops for our 2021 conference and AGM, on the theme of: Strength, Safety, Kindness: Through the Pandemic and Beyond
Key note speeches will be made by The Rt Hon. Lord David Blunkett and representatives of Belong, The Cohesion and Integration Network.
- Wednesday 17 November
- Register here.
- Thursday 18 November
- Register here
Charity Fraud Awareness Week
Charity Fraud Awareness Week brings together the charity and not-for-profit sectors from around the world to raise awareness and share good practice in tackling fraud and cybercrime. There are lots of resources on the organisation website to help your organisation get the tools to better protect itself from cybercrime. Read more.
Organisation seeking large storage space
One of our member organisations is seeking a large, dry storage space urgently. Ideally the space should be at least 2000 square feet, and be available for at least 3 months. The space should be within 30 minutes drive of St Albans.
If you have space available and would like to know more, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Hertsmere Draft Local Plan is open for consultation
Communities 1st are holding two focus groups at which VCSFE organisations can share their views on the proposals. The results of the focus groups will form our recommendations on the proposals and will be fed into the formal consultation response.
November 4th - 11am - 1pm
November 10th - 4pm - 6pm
November 25th - 12pm - 2pm
Do you deliver a service to help disadvantaged families in Hertfordshire?
If you deliver services for disadvantaged families in Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council woud like to hear from you. Complete this short Building Life Chances survey to help them understand more about the services that you provide, and shape their Building Life Chances programme, that supports families in or at risk of disadvantage. The survey is open until 19th November 2021
Moving More Activity Finder
Herts Sports Partnership is launching an activity finder, that will be the ‘go to’ place to find local physical activity opportunities for Hertfordshire residents. This is a fantastic opportunity for deliverers to attract new members by taking advantage of free advertising!
Whether you’re running a one-off session, a local club, or a major facility, you can upload your physical activity sessions for free today and get Hertfordshire Moving More. Read more
How to host a hybrid meeting
This article explores how charities can successfully hold meetings catering for both virtual and in-person attendees as the world of work goes hybrid. Read more.
Plant a Tree for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
As part of the celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Woodland Trust is distributing Celebratory Trees to councils, schools, and volunteers groups, to create 70 new 70-acre woodlands throughout the UK. Proposals from groups in Herfordshire, especially if targeting disadvantaged areas or involving youth, are particularly welcome. Read more.
TRAINING & WEBINARS
Falls Prevention Masterclass Webinar - Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire
The second Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Masterclass Webinar will be led by the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA) and will focus on falls prevention.
- Friday 22nd October 11am – 12pm
- Register here.
BeeZee Families Course in Borehamwood
The BeeZee Families course is taking place at Allum Hall in Borehamwood on Monday evenings. Aimed at families with children aged five to 15 year olds, the course covers topics from healthy snacking, balanced meals, portion size and keeping active together.
Sessions run from 5pm until 7pm for 12 weeks and places are still available. Find out more here, or sign up for free today online or by calling 01707 248648.
Burnout Webinars for Health and Social Care staff
Staff in healthcare, social care, voluntary and not-for-profit sector have been put under increasing pressure due to COVID-19. This staff population is already acknowledged to be at risk of burnout. The online webinar for staff members will provide a space to discuss the concept of Burnout, consider some coping strategies and explore ways in which you can access support.
9th November - 10am - 11:30am
9th December Session - 3pm - 4:30pm
HCF Training Courses
Crowdfunding for your social cause
4 Nov 2021 - 10am - 11.30am
Financial reporting: How to create a good impression
9 Nov 2021 - 10am - 12.30pm
Securing high value grants
25 Nov 2021 - 10am - 13.30pm
For a full list of courses please click here
Spot the Signs & Save a Life
Spot the Signs & Save a Life are a suicide prevention campaign, helping to remove the stigma of talking openly about suicide. They provide training courses and signpost to mental health services available in Hertfordshire. Their fully funded training for voluntary and public sector employees, working with adults in Hertfordshire, are still being delivered online via Zoom.
- Monday 22nd Nov - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
- Register here.
For further information email: hpft.spotthesigns@nhs.net
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Hertsmere Healthy Hubs
A Healthy Hub is a one stop shop providing information, advice, and support to improve the health and well-being of the 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. We are also providing support and resources through our Outreach Hub in Redbourn. Read more.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Another series of 'Breath of Fresh Air' sessions are being delivered by Green Connections, funded by The National Lottery and Hertsmere Council. Green Connections uses nature as a setting to host wellbeing workshops. Read more.
Herts Inclusive Theatre - October Workshops
Herts Inclusive Theatre have some inclusive creative workshops during the October half term, in-person and online. They welcome all, particularly those with a special need or disability. They have workshops in Hemel Hempstead and Watford for Children and Youth ages and then two online workshops for Adults. Read more
October 1st marked the beginning of Black History Month, widely regarded as one of the most prominent cultural celebrations of the year. In celebration of this month, CDA Herts are are hosting a wonderful online event.
Thursday 21st October - 6pm - 8pm
For more information email: mercy.bwomono@cdaherts.org.uk.
Hertfordshire Health Walks Update
Hertfordshire County Council have increased their walk numbers to 20 (i.e. 15 walkers and up to 5 volunteers) as their new Autumn Health Walks programme begins. To book your Health Walks please call them on 01992 555888, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Read more.
Public Health England - New Resources Available
There are now new resources available on the Campaign Resource Centre for the ‘Covid-19 Response' campaign, including Autumn Response translated posters. There are also new resources for the 'Covid-19 Vaccine' campaign including social videos for 12-15 year old vaccines, and 'Isolation' resources. Read more.
Changes to the Highway Code
From today there are changes to the rules on using motorways, so it’s as important as ever that you and your colleagues ‘check the Code’ – and continue to do so on a regular basis. A total of 33 existing rules will be amended and two new rules introduced, with a number of amendments made to the additional information annexes. Read more.
VACANCIES
Thriving Communities Partnerships & Inclusion Co-ordinator
- Hours: 30 - 37 hours per week.
- £24,982 - £25,481 per year.
Key responsibilities in this role include supporting the delivery and momentum of the Thriving Communities programme in the East of England, maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of regional infrastructure developments, learning and development opportunities and funding opportunities, as well as the VCFSE sector in the East of England.
To apply email Tom Watkins at: tom.watkins@communities1st.org.uk.
Deadline for applications: midnight Friday 5th November.
Community Cafe Manager - Red Trust
- Hours: 6 hours per week.
- £12 per hour.
The Red Trust Bushey are seeking a cafe manager to undertake the running of their community cafe, which currently opens for two hours every Saturday.
For an informal conversation about the role, please email Ann at ann.east15@gmail.com.
Scheme Administrator
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- £19,312 per year or £10.01 per hour.
Home-Start Hertfordshire are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team as an administrator in our Stevenage office. The person will need to be confident, have excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and be able to work on their own initiative within the Home-Start Herts team.
To apply please email admin@home-startherts.org.uk.
Part Time Volunteer Managers
- Hours: 15 per week.
- £22,183 per year or £11.50 per hour.
Home-Start Hertfordshire are looking to recruit two Volunteer Managers to manage and support their volunteer mentors and support families referred to them in East Hertfordshire.
To apply please email admin@home-startherts.org.uk
Cleaner / Assistant Caretaker
- Hours: 16 per week including morning, daytime, evening & weekend work.
- £10 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.
More information here.
Project Officer
- Full-time role
- £22,850 to £26,000 (Depending on Experience)
You will work alongside and support the Project Manager (NCS) to help manage the programme, develop strong and meaningful partnerships with a range of stakeholders, and oversee the delivery in Watford, Three Rivers, Hillingdon, and Harrow.
More information and apply here.
Business Support Officer
- Permanent (35 hours per week)
- £20,000 to £27,000 (Depending on Experience)
Are you a team player who is passionate about providing a high-quality service to customers and is proud to give business support to colleagues and volunteers at a well-respected and dynamic charity?
You will provide comprehensive and professional support, ensuring that the Trust is able to continue to make a positive difference for all through sport, physical activity and learning.
More information and apply here.