As we reflect on the enjoyable in-person events we held throughout ‘Kind-July’, where we met so many of our brilliant volunteers, we remain conscious of the hardship the voluntary sector has faced over the last year. It has been a tough year for many, and all of us have experienced changes in our everyday lives.
The National Academy for Social Prescribing are delighted to announce that Tom Watkins of Communities 1st will be Thriving Communities Lead for the East Region.
As Batchwood Vaccination Centre prepares to close its doors we would like to thank our incredible volunteers, who have provided 8,975 hours of crucial support to the clinical staff there. The centre has gained a reputation for its warm, friendly and efficient team of volunteers, who have helped in a variety of roles, from directing and registering patients, to handing out PPE, to distributing information to those receiving the vaccine.
The volunteers have shared their thoughts and experiences at the Batchwood vaccination centre:
We’re so fortunate to count you amongst our incredible volunteers!
If you have some extra spare time this summer, please let us know and we’ll find meaningful ways for you to spend it. Our team are here to help you offer your skills to positively contribute to our community’s recovery and resilience.
I would like to wish Happy Eid to all our community who are celebrating this week, Eid Mubarak. All of us at Communities 1st are sending you warm wishes of joy and happiness.
Following the government announcement on lifting Covid Restrictions from today, we have carefully considered this new advice alongside the risk assessments and safety measures we have introduced during the past 16 months. We will continue to ensure that our services remain as safe as possible for everyone.
Written by one of our volunteers:
The Small Acts of Kindness gift bag project was delivered in conjunction with Welwyn Hatfield Centre for Voluntary Service.
Anything but a dumb blonde, Aly concluded her 30 years of police service by working in an Intelligence Unit. Coming from a sporting family, Aly was still keen to maintain her fitness after retirement by cycling, walking, and recently even white-water rafting!
Razzle Dazzle are a Dance Supply shop based in Hemel Hempstead, with a wide range of uniforms, tutus, shoes and accessories for Girls, Boys and Adults. This amazing locally-based organisation is working with Para Dance UK over 2021-22 to show the community locally and nationally that no matter what the ability that Everyone Can Dance!
There is a lot to celebrate as #Kind July Begins, and for many, the easing of government restrictions will bring immense relief. We know this will mean a lot of you will be returning to work and reconnecting with family and friends. We hope those of you who will be leaving us have had a good experience and will consider returning soon!
Amongst Wimbledon, the Euros (c'mon England), and the Olympic/Paralympic Games, we have an exciting array of sports volunteering opportunities to get involved in! See below for further details and how to get in touch.
Written by one of our volunteers:
After trying out a wide range of volunteering roles, Rod was encouraged and uplifted by the many acts of kindness he encountered with people in the Hertfordshire community, who give up their time for the less fortunate. A resident of Welwyn Garden City, Rod first became involved as a volunteer within the Welwyn & Hatfield Community & Voluntary Service, after previously working as a trustee for a Mental Health Charity. From here, other roles steadily evolved.