Fantastic Friday Update

Time does really fly and we are already in mid-April!

As always, this week we are happy to share with you some of the latest events which are meaningful and important to our Community.

Ms Awareness Week 2023 (24–30 April) focuses on people's experience of MS. Take part in the online conversation using #MSMakesMe. This year there are many MS charities involved (Shift.MS, MS Trust, MS-UK, Overcoming MS, MS Together and the MS Therapy Centres) to deliver a united campaign.

On the 26th April "Stop Food Waste Day" will be celebrated. Its mission is to draw attention to the cause and impact of food waste. Through education and engagement with society at large they hope to share practical, creative, and impactful ways of tackling the problem.

Click here to learn more about this fight and find out how to help!

"On Your Feet Britain®" takes place on Thursday 27th. It is a FREE and FUN way to reboot and re-energize healthy workplace habits. If you want to find out more about this great health initiative and how to participate click here.

Please note that due to flooding our Community Hub, at 5 Leeming Road, Borehamwood remains closed for repairs. We’re still working hard to ensure alternative provision is available for those who need to meet with us but in the meantime please do give us a call at 01727 649930.

Stay safe, warm and have a lovely weekend!

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

COMMUNITIES 1ST INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

If you or someone you know is in 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.

HEALTHY HUBS

Come and visit us at one of our Hubs this week :

MONDAY 24th APRIL : Creative Community Café (12pm - 4pm) at Windsor Hall in Borehamwood.

TUESDAY 25th APRIL : Creative Community Café at Phillimore Place, Radlett (12pm - 4pm).

WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL: Creative Community Café' in Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood (12pm -4pm)

THURSDAY 27th APRIL : Bushey Library (10am - 12pm)

FRIDAY 28th APRIL : Computer and a Cuppa in Organ Hall (10am -2pm)

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Heart Health - Tell us your experience

Healthwatch Hertfordshire has launched a survey, in partnership with the NHS to understand public awareness and understanding of heart disease and related high-risk conditions, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is open to anyone in Hertfordshire, with or without a heart-related diagnosis.

The results of this research will support the NHS with the identification, diagnosis and management of preventable heart disease and its related conditions.

The survey closes at the end of April.

Emergency Alert System -Sunday 23rd

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger.

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond.

Please Note: If you're a survivor of Domestic Abuse with a secret or secondary phone, the government's new Emergency Alerts could reveal your phone even if it's on silent. The tech team at Refuge have created an easy guide to turning off alerts on Androids and iPhone

For more information

Plant Sale Preloved Clothing & Adopt a Teddy

St Albans Action for Homeless organises a fundraising event at How Wood Primary School .

Sunday 30th April, 10am -1pm

For more information

St Albans Charity Cycle Ride (SACCR)

This is an annual fundraising event aiming to raise money for two nominated charities for 2023, The Ollie Foundation and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice.

It has been organised by the two St Albans Rotary clubs and involves four routes chosen to suit all ages, abilities and fitness levels: 10, 20, 30 and 40 miles with the start and finish at Oaklands College Campus.

Participants can ride as individuals, families or teams representing local groups. SACCR also welcomes Charity teams who can money for their own charity.

Sunday 14th May 2023

For more information

Carers Active April

This is a campaign month supporting unpaid carers to be physically active and raising awareness of the the benefits of physical activity for carers and the barriers they may face.

By signing up to Carers Active April today you’ll receive:

- Weekly online physical activity sessions throughout April.
- The opportunity to take part in the Move Into Spring

movement challenge, running throughout April.

- An invitation to a free virtual Healthathon event on 29th

April

- Helpful ideas, tips and links during the month.

For more information

New online mental health digital advice service for 10-25s

The Sandbox is an NHS-funded service to support children and young people in Hertfordshire with their mental health and well-being.

This new free NHS funded service launched on 1st April 2023 and offers a website, with access to games, worksheets, group chats and online events for children, young people, their parents/carers, teachers and other professionals. The Sandbox provides access to internet enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT), or one to one support from professional therapists by text, phone, online chat or video call, based on a triage of the young person’s needs:

Therapy sessions: 7am-10pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am-10pm Saturdays and Sundays
Live Chat: 10am-8pm Mondays-Fridays

For more information

Act F.A.S.T. campaign
NHS England, in association with the Stroke Association, has re-launched the Act F.A.S.T campaign, to raise awareness of the signs to look out for when someone is having a stroke and highlight the importance of taking action quickly by calling 999 immediately.

Spotting the signs quickly could reduce the amount of time between someone having a stroke and arriving at hospital where they can get the right care.

F.A.S.T. stands for:

Face – has it fallen on one side?
Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – is their speech slurred?
Time – even if you are unsure, call 999 if any of the above are true.
If you are aged 50 or above you are more likely to experience a stroke but everyone should be aware and vigilant.

For more information

Are you interested in setting up a walking group in your community?

Join a fantastic team of volunteers from all walks of life. Hertfordshire Health Walks are free, friendly and safe, offering free training and support to get you started. No previous experience is required.

Walking groups are a great way to stay fit and healthy, while having fun exploring your local area. If you’re interested, please call 01992 588126 or email

More information

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.