When you’re next having a beverage at the Communities 1st Coffee Cart in St Albans civic centre, don’t be surprised if your drink is served with a song and a smile! There is a lot of interest in singing amongst the volunteers at the cart. This is because Emma, a recent recruit, has a deep interest in music and singing. Her love for music matches her enthusiasm for volunteering on the Coffee Cart.

Across the world, we are living through unsettled times. Wars, political divisions, economic pressures, and misinformation all create uncertainty. These global tensions don’t just play out on the news - they filter down into our communities. You can hear it in everyday conversations: worries about rising costs, concerns about “others” moving into neighbourhoods, and a sense of mistrust between groups who once shared common ground.