Fantastic Friday Update

December has arrived! This year Communities1st is organising friendly Christmas calls and door-to-door visits for people who would otherwise be alone this festive season. Although this will be an exciting time for many of us - we are mindful that many people struggle with loneliness and isolation at this time of the year and want to help as best as we can.

 

December offers more great opportunities for us to build awareness of issues affecting our community through key health campaigns. "16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence" will last until 10th of December. If you or someone you know needs any help or support please contact Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. This is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. (Call 08 088 088 088 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm weekends).

Today we highlight two very important campaigns. One is "National Grief Awareness Week" with its aim of raising awareness of all aspects of grief and loss on a national scale. You can find support and help Here

The other one is "The International Day of People with Disabilities".

On this topic, we are holding a Deaf Awareness Training session on 14th December run by Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Services. It will help you to gain the confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss of any kind. To join us there Register here

 

Today is also Fuel Poverty Awareness Day and considering the current Cost-Of-Living crisis, we continue to offer a place of respite and fun for those struggling financially this Autumn and Winter. At our Warmer Hubs you can socialise, participate in enjoyable crafting activities and much more! In addition to this, you can access guidance, information and helpful resources provided by our knowledgeable 'energy agent' volunteers. Come and find us every Friday afternoon at Organ Hall, Borehamwood, WD6 4TB. See below for more information.

 

Next week is UK Charity Week (5th-9th December) where volunteers around the world raise money through challenges, bake sales and auctions for charities. Another way for you to support a charity of your choice when shopping online is to select your chosen charity on Amazon Smile. Any qualifying purchase automatically generates a small donation from Amazon to your chosen charity at no extra cost to you. Whenever you shop you can help a cause you care about… Communities 1st is registered on smile too so if you would like to choose us you can !
On the 8th December we'll celebrate Christmas Jumper Day!  People are encouraged to wear their best (and silliest) Christmas jumper to support a good cause. If you decide to participate, whether at home or in the office, please send us your photos or tag us on social media!

 

If you are one of our volunteers and would like to attend one of our Christmas Get-togethers you can register your interest through our links below.

 

Stay safe and have a lovely weekend!

 

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: 01727 649930.

Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service, please contact us or visit our website for further information.

COMMUNITIES 1ST EVENTS

On Tuesday 6th December you can find Communities 1st at the Baby Fair in Borehamwood (1.30pm-3.30pm). Come and say Hi!

HEALTHY HUBS

On Monday 5th December, our Healthy Hub team will be at Borehamwood Foodbank (1pm-3.30pm) and on Tuesday 6th we will host representatives from Peace Hospice at the Community Hub (10.30am-11.30am).

Every Thursday (1pm -3pm) the Community Hub hosts a drop in session with SAHWR Outreach where you can receive confidential information, advice and support around any options against domestic abuse.    

Our amazing Healthy Hub staff are always happy to meet you daily at the Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood WD6 4EB! We're there every weekday to help you! 

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Rudolph Run

This is a nice activity to do with all the family while supporting an amazing charity. Two routes are available,  a 1.5K fun run or a 5K. Just join dressed in your best festive attire and they'll provide the antlers. The run starts at 11am.

 

4th December 2022

More information

Shopping on a Budget

This course helps you understand the benefit of shopping on a budget. It will look at current shopping habits and highlight areas where savings can be made.

 

Tuesday 6th December 2022 - 10am - 1pm

Organ Hall, 37 Bairstow Close, Borehamwood (WD6 4TB)

More information

Warm Spaces directory now live
We all need a little support from time to time and we want to make sure all our residents can stay safe and well this winter. This is why we have launched our Warm Spaces directory where you can find warm and welcoming in locations across Hertfordshire.

More Information

Deaf Awareness Training

This online session will help to gain confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss. 
 
More information

Toy Drive Campaign

This is an initiative run by the Watford Football Club that allows the community to help those that are less fortunate and will struggle to buy their kids Christmas presents this year. 

More information 

Dementia Friends Information Session

This online session will give you the opportunity to learn more about what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

 

Wednesday 7th December 2022 - 11am-12pm

More Information

All carers are entitled to a free flu jab this year
Do you look after a friend or family member who couldn’t manage without your help? You are entitled to a FREE flu vaccine. It’s safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for.

Contact your GP or visit a pharmacy offering the service for your free jab.

More Information

Togetherall - Get Support, Take Control, Feel Better

If you or someone you know is struggling, opening up and sharing how you are feeling can help.
Together all is an anonymous, online community available 24/7, to get (or give) support.

 

More information

Free service to help young people manage their worries
Hertfordshire Mind Network have launched a free digital service for Hertfordshire’s 5-18 year olds, who are experiencing emotional health problems (and their parents/carers). With YOUth offers instant online messaging and a helpline. The service is open Monday – Friday from 2pm – 10pm and creates a safe, supported space for children and young people to get the help that they need, at the earliest opportunity.

More Information

The Borehamwood Job Club

A new Job club has been created open to everyone. There is no need to be unemployed or claiming any benefits.

 

Every Wednesday & Thursday 1pm - 4pm 

Are you interested in setting up a walking group in your community?
The Herts Health Walks Team already offers 75 free walks across Hertfordshire (Hertfordshire Health Walks) and would like to be able to offer more.   We are keen to work with people – who currently don’t do any activity but would like to or are returning from illness –  to set up short, sociable walk for beginners. If you would like to discuss how to set up a group, please contact Claire by email or on  01992588126. 

Remember to apply for your Healthy Start card

NHS Healthy Start provides families with fruit, vegetables and milk worth £220 a year, plus free vitamins to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and you receive certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per week, to spend on healthy food and milk.

    

Previous voucher recipients must re-apply to continue getting help.

More information

If you would like to attend any of these events, please click on the relevant link below:

Tues 6 Dec:  Christmas Get-together with staff and volunteers   4pm    Phillimore Community Centre (Phillimore Pl, Radlett WD78NN) Register Here
Wed 7 Dec:   Christmas Get-together with staff and volunteers   4pm    Beaumont Day Centre Cheshunt, Waltham Cross (EN89EP)      Register Here
Thurs 8 Dec: Christmas Get-together with staff and volunteers   4pm   

Trestle Arts Base (Russet Dr, St Albans AL40JQ)                       Register Here
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VACANCIES

 

Educational Psychologists

  • Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent (part-time considered)
  • Salary: £45,811 progressing to a maximum of £55,440 per annum 
  • Location: Hertfordshire - Hybrid Working

More Information

 

Outreach Worker

  • Hours: 15 hours per week - flexibility required 
  • Salary:£21,443 per annum, pro rata
  • Location: Based at the Mind in Mid Herts Stevenage office, with travel required around the Royston area and occasional travel to our other centres (St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford)

More Information

HR & Training Assistant

  • Hours: 6 - 21 hours per week (to be worked weekdays)
  • Salary:£19,201 FTE per annum
  • Location: Hertford Head Office and remote

More Information

Operational Lead - Nightlight

  • Hours: 37.5 hours per week including evenings and weekends
  • Salary : £25,500 – £28,000
  • Location: To be negotiated - one of our Wellbeing Centres with travel across Hertfordshire 

More Information