We are now approaching the beginning of the Festive Period, an exciting time for many of us. However, we should remember that many people struggle with loneliness and isolation at this time of year.
We are continuing to support those who are isolated and vulnerable through our shopping delivery services, prescription medicine collection, and transport and handyperson services. We also continue to offer our telephone befriending service, that provides company to those who might need it.
Over the Christmas period we will be visiting clients for a friendly chat, or to deliver them small gifts or mince pies. If you or someone you know would benefit from any of these services, you can sign up here.
We will also be creating another virtual Christmas advent calendar! If you would like to get involved in this, just send a video of yourself singing, dancing, reciting a poem or joke, or doing anything festive, to CommunityStories@communities1st.org.uk.
Many thanks,
Nicola Oneill
Wellbeing Services Manager
COMMUNITIES 1ST INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
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.
Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service, please contact us or visit our website for further information.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Road Safety Week - Safety Measures we Should all Take When on the Road
The theme of Road Safety Week 2021 is Road Safety Heroes, that celebrates the heroic work of road safety professionals, and explains how we can all play a part in making journeys safer for everyone. Read more.
St Albans Christmas Cracker
This spectacular street festival will take place in the city centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday 21 November. Communities 1st will offer its support by looking after the "Community Safe Zone", a place for more vulnerable visitors to go if they need some peace and quiet. Read more.
St Albans Christmas Cracker
This spectacular street festival will take place in the city centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday 21 November. Communities 1st will offer its support by looking after the "Community Safe Zone", a place for more vulnerable visitors to go if they need some peace and quiet. Read more.
Which Services are Missing in St Albans for Those With a Physical Disability?
The Daylight Club have created a survey to find out what services and social activities are missing in St Albans for people with a physical disability. All information will be used for this purposes only. Take part here.
Peace Hospice Care Memorial Service
Peace Hospice Care have organised Lights of Love 2021, a memorial event with readings, carols and a special performance from the Watford and St Albans Rock choir.
- 29 November - 6:30 pm - The Watford Colosseum
- To register please call 01923 330 349 or email: fundraising@peacehospicecare.org.uk.
Hertfordshire County Council -ICS Suicide Prevention.
In 2022 Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS is receiving funding for a suicide bereavement service. As part of our suicide prevention campaign we are inviting those who have been affected or bereaved by suicide to give their views to help plan for this local suicide bereavement service. To take part, complete a short survey here.
Supported Volunteering
Do you or does someone you know face barriers to volunteering due to their mental or physical health? Our Able2Enable project provides support for those who want to volunteer, including help with forms and interviews, and ongoing 'Volunteer Buddies' to help you settle into your role. Read more or sign up here.
Small acts of kindness
Would you or someone you know, like to help pack gift bags to bring warmth and a smile to older people across the county? Small Acts of Kindness need your help to make this happen and to bring a smile to isolated people, many of whom will be feeling lonely during the holidays. Read more.
Join Movember This Month!
By last year, the number of people who had taken part on Movember in one way or another had reached 6,538,699, with the money raised being used to fund over 1,250 men’s health projects since 2003. If you can’t grow a moustache, there are other ways to get involved here. Read more about men's mental health.
Just Talk Week Webinars - 15 – 21 November
The OLLIE Foundation - Live session with Beverley Thompson addressing antidepressants and young people, and how can we better manage side effects for those that would benefit from SSRIs (antidepressants).
- 9th December - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
- Register here.
Alcohol Awareness Week 15 - 21 November
It’s easy to take part in Alcohol Awareness Week. You could tweet using the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek, use their free digital resources to get people talking about their drinking, or take the 15-21 challenge and raise awareness and vital funds to reduce alcohol harm. Read more.
To register for any of these events, please use the links below:
Biggleswade
Hoddesdon
St Albans
Borehamwood
VACANCIES
Senior Domestic Abuse Caseworker
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Hours: 37.5 hours per week (5 days).
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Salary: £24,000 – £25,000 per year.
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Location: Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth.
Senior Domestic Abuse Caseworker
-
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (5 days).
-
Salary: £24,000 – £25,000 per year.
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Location: Three Rivers House, Northway, Rickmansworth.
Donor Development Officer
- Hours: Full Time - permanent contract
- Salary: £28,800 - £34,380 per annum
- Location: Flexible
The role will help develop and deliver high quality appeals and campaigns with a focus on ensuring good levels of supporter stewardship.
Evidence & Insight Manager
- Hours: Full Time - permanent contract
- Salary: £32,700 - £40,860 per annum
- Location: Flexible
The Role is responsible for gathering, synthesising and deriving evidence and insight to support the strategic aims of Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
Evidence & Insight Manager
- Hours: Full Time - permanent contract
- Salary: £32,700 - £40,860 per annum
- Location: Flexible
The Role is responsible for gathering, synthesising and deriving evidence and insight to support the strategic aims of Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
HCNS Community Navigators
- Hours: Permanent (subject to future funding)
- Salary: £22,500 per annum
- Location:Stevenage, Cheshunt & Hemel
Working across both hospital and community settings, the Role will help prevent the need for people to be admitted to hospital, reduce over-reliance on GPs and/or home care providers, reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing.
Community Dementia Support Worker - East Hertfordshire
- Hours: 26.15 hours per week.
- Salary: £24,375 per year.
- Location: Base is 2 Mead Lane Industrial Estate, Merchant Drive, Hertford, SG13 7BH. However, majority of time will be community-based.