Making A Difference Volunteer Update

Tomorrow is not only Good Friday and the beginning of the Easter bank holiday celebrations, but also World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a global health awareness day sponsored by the WHO to help draw attention to specific health topics of current and recent concern. The theme this year is focusing on the journey to achieving Health For All, which is particularly fitting for the past few years we have all endured in the COVID pandemic. More information about this can be found HERE.

For those of you who will be enjoying the Easter bank holiday, take this as a chance to relax and rejuvenate, spend time with friends and family and to reflect. 

Easter is also a time of giving. If you or someone you know might be struggling with the cost of living crisis this Easter, please have a look at our website HERE for a list of comprehensive meal deals and free holiday activities for you and your family to enjoy over the school holidays. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead,

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive

Spring is here and we are looking for volunteers with DIY or Gardening skills who would be able to fulfil some small jobs around client's houses. 

Jobs can range from, but are not limited to:

• cutting grass
• laying paving stones
• Painting sheds or indoor areas
• installing curtain rails
• putting up flat pack furniture

Communities 1st has their own group of minibuses, which we use to help us conduct some of our project activities.

We are looking for some volunteers who would like to help us as minibus drivers, in order to facilitate numerous activities throughout the community, from our shopper bus service to driving on day trips for our international nurses project.

We say Hello to Spring by launching our Busy Bee Communities 1st Garden Development Project. 

We are looking for green fingered volunteers with an interest in garden design, plants for wildlife and edible growing for the community.

The sessions will be working in various venues around the borough.

The gardening volunteer roles are:

• To lead the sessions and to undertake gardening duties with providing engagement and practical skills
• To be part of the team of gardeners to create and maintain the gardens with the help of the community groups in the area

The project will

• Help develop positive relationships, mutual understanding, and respect between members of the local community through the activity of gardening.
• Promote participants mental health and wellbeing with by working outdoors as part of outdoor community activity, involving gentle exercises while planting.
• Provide participants a catalyst to act locally and encourage dynamic change, creating positive impact for our planet, educate about biodiversity and nature.
• Create sustainable, eco – friendly urban gardens.
• Produce a quiet sanctuary for those wishing to grow vegetables or simply enjoy nature.

We need you if you have the personal qualities below:

• An interest in gardening
• Commitment to the project
• Good communication skills
• Able to travel around the Borough to attend the sessions
• Availability for once or twice a week for two hours between May and September

Do you want to be involved in this exciting fun filled and rewarding project?

We have recently been supporting new international NHS arrivals in Bishops Stortford and Welwyn Garden City. 

We would cover all your expenses for these activities, such as parking and mileage reimbursement. 

The Big Help Out campaign aims to promote volunteering and increase participation among those who traditionally do not volunteer. By showcasing the benefits of volunteering and encouraging more people to get involved, the campaign is helping to create a culture of volunteering and community involvement in the UK.

Help us spread the word by sharing information on the upcoming Big Help Out event! More information can be found on our website and social media channels. 

Do you enjoy arts and crafts, knitting, drawing and other hobbies? If so this is the volunteering role for you! If you have a hobby you would like to share with others, please get in touch. 

Each week you can get involved with creative activities, make new friends, and enjoy chatting over a coffee and free refreshments. These sessions can be an important opportunity for members of the community, allowing them time each week to socialise, get out of the house and try new things. 

Join us every Monday from 10:30am-12:30pm, at Windsor Hall, Borehamwood, with more locations to come!

There is an increasing acknowledgement of the importance of the role of mental health in the wellbeing of individuals and the community as a whole.  Being aware of your mental health can substantially reduce long term physical and mental health conditions and the stigma around it. 

This in person awareness session is aimed at volunteers in Foodbanks and Warm spaces across Hertfordshire.

Please note this training is via Zoom. 

Date: Thursday 20th April

Time: 10am to 12pm 

Register here.

Participants coming to this session will gain the confidence and basic skills to communicate with those who are living with deafness and hearing loss. It will enable them to understand deafness, signs that someone can’t hear you, body positions and communicating.

Please note this training is via Zoom. 

Date: Wednesday 26 April

Time: 10am to 12pm 

Register here.