Making A Difference Volunteer Update

Today is the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities. The GAAD Foundations' mission is to disrupt the culture of technology and digital product development to include accessibility as a core requirement.

Here at C1st we have volunteer opportunities for Digital Champions, to help support this cause and end digital isolation. Anyone comfortable with day to day technology e.g. using an iPhone, apps, Word or accessing emails can help to support people struggling to experience web-based services. You can find out more about becoming a Digital Champion HERE.

In other news, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting our second Our Health Matters Event in Hertsmere in the coming weeks which will be open for all members of the local community to attend. If you are looking for the opportunity to volunteer at the afternoon event, then please do not hesitate to contact us below. 

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead,

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive
Meet Stephen Craker
Volunteer Opportunities at Our Health Matters Event 
GET IN TOUCH TO VOLUNTEER AT OUR EVENT

 
Have a Story to Share?

Do you live in Hertsmere (Hertfordshire) and have experience accessing health services and treatment as a patient, family member, or carer?

We want to hear from people who have struggled to get help, especially with one or more of the following health conditions:

  • Respiratory diseases 
  • Cancer 
  • Severe mental illness 
  • Hypertension
COMPLETE THE SURVEY
International Recruit Buddies 
Become a Buddy Today!

Volunteer as a Buddy to an International Recruit health care worker new to your area!

We will cover your expenses for these activities, such as parking and mileage reimbursement. 
GET IN TOUCH

Buddies Needed in the Cambridgeshire Area

Maybe you have friends and family in the North Herts or Cambridgeshire area that can help to support and befriend our new international NHS recruits?

Day Trips

You can also join the Recruits on day trips to popular tourist destinations such as Alexandra Palace, Cambridge and Windsor! 
GET IN TOUCH
Urgent Volunteer Roles
Volunteer Today!
 

There are so many volunteer opportunities available! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities. Click the button below to get in touch.
 
GET IN TOUCH
Let Volunteering Roles Come to You!

Communities 1st is launching Let’s Give, a new service for volunteers. You will be able to create your own space on our website, so that organisations can find out more about you and reach out regarding their volunteering roles.

You won’t need to display any personal contact information as we will do all the brokerage, so we will put you in touch with the given organisation.

It’s a great way to showcase your skills and experience to local community groups and can help match you with a role where you can make a real difference.

You can do this by logging into your dashboard and editing your Volunteer Centre profile – scroll down to the section on External Volunteer Opportunities.
GET IN TOUCH
Join in with our #VolunteerReady initiative
#VolunteerReady
 

Would you like to make a difference in your local area?

Volunteering is a great way to share your skills, learn something new, and connect with your local community.

Check out our Twitter page HERE!

#Communities1st
 
EXPLORE OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HERE
Upcoming Training Opportunities

If you are a volunteer who currently works with children or are interested in roles volunteering with children you may be interested in the specialist safeguarding training we are running later this month, full details HERE
SIGN UP HERE
Creative Community Cafes 
Weekly Creative Community Cafe Project
 

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. 
 
APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE
Number Ninjas

We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in supporting members of the local community to access the help of our Multiply Project. 

The Multiply project aims to improve people's numeracy skills, to help them in their every day life, by offering maths boosting courses. These will include shopping on a budget, make do and mend and make do and cook.

We are looking for volunteers to become Number Ninjas. Number Ninjas will help us:

  • Identify the learning needs of local residents
  • Engage and refer suitable candidates for tailored tutoring support.

If you are interested in this opportunity, email us or call 01727 649950.

Training courses are available to our volunteers all year round. You can learn about all the topics we cover and register for dated sessions by clicking here.
How to Claim Expenses

New Volunteer Expenses Claim Form

We have a new volunteer expense request form. If you don't have it, please email us and we will send it to you.

For Shopping Delivery and Prescription Collection Expenses

  • To claim expenses, please sign up to our dashboard and upload your expenses there. Click here to create a login using the same email address that you originally signed up with. You will then see a list of your completed and pending activities.
  • Please submit expense claims the same week that you carried out your shop, and if appropriate, provide a photo of your receipt. If an expense is not claimed in a timely manner it can lead to a client going into arrears, which can cause them stress and confusion. We appreciate your help with this.
  • If this is your first shop, you will first need to email us your bank details  so you can be reimbursed.

For Drivers, Litter Pickers and Other Roles' Expenses

  • You will have been sent an expense claim form when you confirmed your job. To claim your expenses, please complete this and return it to the sender.