UK Charity Week 2024

DS Achieve's Resources into Schools service is a bespoke offer with the aim of increasing progress in school for children with Down Syndrome.

The charity offers free physical resources to schools to support your child's learning and free training by a Specialist Down Syndrome Advisor for the relevant teaching staff on how to use the resource to support your child's development. It includes an assessment at school of the individual child’s needs and the current strategies in place, and offers the school team working with the child expert input and guidance on how to enable the child to progress.

This service is currently offered free of charge to families and schools in Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties and must be applied for by the parent(s).

There are four stages: application, in-school assessment, recommendation and training visit, and follow-up. Visit the website for further information and to apply.

Website: www.dsachieve.org

The Salvation Army Harpenden's Christmas dinner is now bookable!

Every year for 60 years, The Salvation Army in Harpenden has served a Christmas dinner to those who would otherwise be on their own at Christmas or would not be able to cook themselves a Christmas dinner. Many volunteers are people who would have been on their own at Christmas too.

On Christmas day, they are open from 11am - 3pm, serving lunch with entertainment and The King's Christmas Broadcast.

If you or someone you know is going to be alone on Christmas Day, The Salvation Army would love to see you! However, you must book as numbers are limited:

Email: harpenden@salvationarmy.org.uk
Call: 01582 469399

Website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/harpenden

Give. Help. Share. provides local schools with nourishing food bags and educational sessions.

The food bags and educational sessions Give. Help. Share. provides make a real difference. Each month they supply 350 food parcels to families in need, helping to ease the burden of food insecurity.

Their hands-on workshops in schools are designed to teach children practical food skills and the importance of healthy eating, empowering them to take these positive habits home. Topics comprise lower sugar snack swaps, how to make healthy food choices, reducing food waste, preparing basic meals and snacks, where food comes from, and more! To book a session for your school, get in touch:

Email: info@givehelpshare.org.uk
Website: www.givehelpshare.org.uk

Headway Hertfordshire's Peer Support Groups provide enriching opportunities for people with an acquired brain injury - and their carers - to come together.

Headway Hertfordshire works tirelessly to improve life after a brain injury for adults who have been immediately affected and the loved ones who care for them. If you have had a brain injury or are caring for someone who has, they can provide a range of support options to you, such as Peer Support Groups.

Peer Support Groups meet in St Albans, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Letchworth, Stevenage and Watford and Welwyn. Most groups meet fortnightly and are led by experienced volunteers with the help of the Support Coordinator team. Often interesting activities take place, be it creative, active or just plain fun.

At these sessions friendships are made and experiences shared, always with a cup of tea on hand!

Get in touch with the team to see how they can help you and to join a Peer Support Group.

Email: enquiries@headway-herts.org.uk
Call: 0300 330 1455
Website: www.headway-herts.org.uk

Health and Independent Living Support hosts a drop-in lunch club for older people at the Jubilee Centre in St Albans.

Open on weekdays from 11:30am - 2pm with lunch served from 12:30pm, the lunch club is a great place to get together to enjoy a hot meal and a chat.

It costs just £7.45 for a hot meal and dessert. There is no need to book in advance, just come along!

Website: www.hils-uk.org
Call: 0330 2000 103

Dietary requirements can be catered for, including cultural and religious food options (Kosher, Halal, Caribbean and West Indian meals), allergen-free meals and texture modified meals. Let the team know your requirements in advance by emailing hubs@hils-uk.org or by calling 01727 847264.

The Road Victims Trust offers emotional and practical support alongside a counselling service.

The charity supports anyone affected by a serious road collision, including those bereaved, involved in the collision, or witness to the collision. Services are available for as long as they are needed or useful, and can be face-to-face, online or on the phone.

Those affected may need support to find ways of managing things they have not handled before, for example, a funeral, benefits, notifying authorities of the collision. Coping with the feelings and everyday tasks can be enough at first so someone with a clear head and experience of what needs to be done can be invaluable. Practical help offered includes: support from a highly trained individual to help navigate potentially confusing and distressing procedures, access to the information required to deal with the aftermath of a fatal road collision, support to make choices as to how to use hat information, support at an inquest or criminal court, free and confidential counselling service.

Website: www.rvtrust.org.uk
Email: enquiries@rvtrust.co.uk
Call: 01234 843345 (open 8:30am - 4:30pm on weekdays, except Bank Holidays).

Centre 33 provides two dine-in services to cover breakfast and dinner in St Albans.

Centre 33 provides practical support for people who are in need, homeless or otherwise socially deprived by being somewhere warm and dry to meet, offering hot food and drinks, and by providing toiletries and shower facilities.

Despite St Albans' affluent image, some people rough sleep in the area, others are living in temporary accommodation or relying on friends’ sofas. Some people are in need as a result of experiencing unemployment, family breakdown or eviction. They may for now have a roof over their heads but their lives can be precarious and they may need support.

Morning meal service: 2A Spicer Street, St Albans, AL3 4PQ. Open from 10:30am - 12pm on weekdays. No meals are served after 11:30am.
Evening meal service: The Salvation Army at the Citadel, 16-18 Victoria Street, St Abans, AL1 3JB. Open Sunday - Thursday from 7:30pm - 8pm. On certain days, this will revert to take-away service when the full facilities at the Citdel cannot be used. Notice will be provided in advance via the noticeboard.

Website: www.centre33.org

Drop-In Service and Night Shelter services provided by Open Door St Albans.

In England, your council must help if you’re legally homeless or will become homeless within the next 8 weeks. There are different types of support your council could offer you. For example, they may offer you advice, emergency housing (such as the Open Door Night Shelter) support to find longer-term housing or help so you can stay in your home. The type of help you can get depends on your eligibility for assistance, if you’re in priority need, and what caused you to become homeless.

If you can, consider visiting the Open Door Drop-In Service for support registering with the St Albans Council Hosuing Service, advice on eligibility for benefits, counselling and health advice, and help to get a bed in the Open Door Night Shelter.

The Night Shelter is run by a dedicated support team run by Hightown Housing Association who can support and help you with your housing situation. It can help you by providing food, shelter and washing facilities, housing advice, skills and employment training, and social and support networks.

Drop-In Service: 8 Bricket Road, St Albans, AL1 3JX. Open from 2:30pm - 4pm on weekdays.
Call: 01727 859113
Website: www.opendoorstalbans.org

Herts Ability's free travel support service is boosting travel confidence in Hertfordshire!

Would you like to feel more confident to travel locally? Do you fancy a trip to the shops but are worried about using public transport? Are you confused by travel apps?

Herts Ability offers free travel support sessions in your own home and beyond to enable you to get out and about and travel independently. A travel support buddy will accompany you on a local journey, whether it's by bus, train or even walking, until you're confident to go alone.

Interested in knowing more? Contact the team to discuss how they can help you!

Email: hubinfo@hertsability.org.uk
Call: 01707 324581
Website: www.hertsability.org.uk
 

Bethany Community Church introduces Pause Coffee Shop in Harpenden.

So many people lead hectic lives and so Bethany Community Church wants to create a space where they can stop, relax and have a fantastic cup of coffee (or tea or hot chocolate etc!) It will be a place for community activities such as quiz nights, open mic evenings, board games sessions, homework clubs, knit and natter groups, and more.

The exciting part of this is that the church will be training up young people with special needs to give them a chance for them to be employed. They are very excited about the potential of this project and would welcome any help to fulfil their vision, such as voluntary work, financial contributions, or just coming by to purchase a coffee when they are open!

Pause Coffee Shop email: neil.chitty@bethanycc.org.uk
Website: www.bethanycc.uk

Date: Monday 2 December from 10am - 1pm
Location: Methodist Church, 69 Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XG
For information: call Hetul on 07810 155082

Free event with snacks and refreshments provided. There will be a free raffle with a top prize of a Fitbit.

The following services will be available: NHS HCT vaccinations, NHS HCT dental, Hep C testing, liver screening, First Vision opticians, Archway Podiatry Services, sexual health, barbers, hairdresser.

The following support organisations will be available: MIND, Open Door Charity, St Albans District Council Housing, Centre 33, CAP - Debt Management, Citizens Advice, Communities 1st, Breakeven (gambling), HACRO, Herts Help, Joyful Living, COL Drug and Alcohol, Breakeven (gambling), and more!

The King's Pantry is a community project delivered by Bethany Community Church and The Salvation Army Harpenden.

The King's Pantry food bank began in 2013, supporting families working through debt issues with the Harpenden Money Advice Centre. During the first year of the Covid pandemic, 2,300 food parcels were delivered to local households. There is now a dedicated food store at The Salvation Army Harpenden, and the organisation continues to provide support to families in need in the Harpenden area.

Each food parcel provided consists of a range of items including tinned and dried foods and household products. Toiletries are provided by the local Hygiene Bank. The items in the food parcels are donations from local groups, schools, churches, and other organisations. Individuals can also make donations at the Co-op shops in Southdown and Batford, or at The Salvation Army on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9:30am - 11:30am.

How to get help
If you are struggling to feed your family The King's Pantry takes referrals through a number of agencies, including Harpenden Money Advice Centre, Harpenden Trust, Citizens Advice and local Church offices. It is also possible to seek help by phoning The Salvation Army on 01582 469399.

Websites: www.bethanycc.uk and www.thesalvationarmy.org.uk/harpenden

Borehamwood Foodbank is hiring a Volunteers and Warehouse Manager.

If you're passionate about community service and great at organising, this is the role for you.

The appointed person will be responsible for the recruitment, induction, training and scheduling of rotas for the team of volunteers. They will lead in the organisation and running of foodbank projects including school holiday family lunches, cookery classes, Duke of Edinburugh student volunteering programme, and social events for volunteers. They will also oversee the day-to-day functions of the foodbank's on-site warehouses, ensuring adequate stock levels and appropriate stock rotation.

Role information:

• 20 hours per week - flexible hours to support the demands of the foodbank
• 1 year fixed-term contract
• Rate of pay: £25,350 pro rata

For an application pack, please email: trustees@borehamwood.foodbank.org.uk

Applications close on 10th December. Interviews start in early January 2025.

Website: www.borehamwood.foodbank.org.uk

The newly formed charity, Abbey View Community Athletics Track, is looking for trustees to join their board!

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports. The charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Volunteers would join the leadership team of dedicated trustees engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

Five trustee opportunities are available:

• Trustee for day-to-day operations
• Trustee for facilities
• Trustee for fundraising
• Trustee for human resources and safeguarding
• Trustee for key user groups

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Fleetville Community Centre has teamed up with Christmas Treeasy for the holiday season!

If you're buying a festive tree this holiday, why not let Christmas Treeasy take the hassle out of your Christmas? When you purchase one of their trees and select Fleetville Community Centre as the affiliated charity, a portion of the proceeds will go to the community centre. You can also enjoy free delivery and optional tree recycling!

Website: www.christmastreeasy.co.uk

St Albans and District Foodbank has launched their reverse advent calendar for 2024!

Christmas can be a difficult time for many, especially for those living on a tight budget. With increased winter fuel bills alongside the seasonal pressures, many will find themselves in food crisis.

A reverse advent calendar is a way of donating to a good cause ahead of the holidays. For 25 days starting in November, you pick an item each day from the foodbank's Christmas wish list to donate. It's timed to help the foodbank ensure donations reach those in need before Christmas. This year's calendar began on Monday 18 November, but you can donate the items at any time until Friday 12 December, to help someone in need and make a really big difference this Christmas!

Click here to see the wish list. Items include festive biscuits and confectionary, cooking sauce, nuts, UHT milk, long life fruit juice, tinned vegetables and fruits, tinned soup, and more.

Items can be donated via the donation boxes in local shops - click here to find your nearest. If you use the BankTheFood app please register your donations to alert the foodbank what has been donated when.

Website: www.stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk

Home-Start Hertfordshire provides emotional and practical support to families across Hertfordshire such as helping a parent with a disability take their child to the park, helping a family access local community groups or assisting with healthy eating, budgeting or parenting skills.

The charity is recruiting volunteer Family Mentors to support families in their homes. These trained and skilled volunteers are matched with families and visit them at home, every week for two - three hours. They help parents to build their confidence and find ways to manage the challenges they face. This could be by helping them get out, meeting people and building networks, or maybe helping them with setting boundaries and managing difficult behavior.

An e-learning training with two in-person sessions are provided to help you learn all the skills and information you will need to support families

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.home-startherts.org.uk

DS Achieve supports and champions children and young people with Down Syndrome.

The charity is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the Little Achievers group - a weekly playgroup and teaching class for children with Down Syndrome. Sessions run from 9:15am - 12:30pm on Thursday mornings during term-time in Hatfield.

Volunteers joining the team will assist the manager and support worker in running fun, supportive, play-filled sessions. They are looking for people who have some experience of working with children aged 0-5 years and who want to make a positive difference. You don't need to have experience of working with children with SEND.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.dsachieve.org

The Living Room is a charity provding free group therapy for adults in Hertfordshire living with addiction through free, daily group therapy sessions.

The charity is searching for a volunteer to support in their office and reception. Basic duties would include welcoming clients, making drinks and answering the phone. Volunteers would need to be available two mornings a week: Mondays and Thursdays from 9am - 12pm.

Two volunteering opportunities are available: one at the St Albans office (156 Hatfield Road, Al1 4JA) and one at the Watford office (24 Station Road, WD17 1JU).

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.livingroomherts.org

Friends of Care Homes supports seniors, the isolated, the lonely and all families and friends living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. This is done through their regular weekends of music based events, Inside and outside of care homes.

The charity is looking for a social media coordinator to help maintain and regularly update the Friends of Care Homes social media accounts including Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram. This role will require you to create, edit and publish social media that is engaging and relevant to friends in care homes service needs such as recruitment or project publicity posts. 

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.friendsofcarehomes.org.uk

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports.

This newly formed charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Successful candidates will join the leadership team of dedicated volunteers engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

The Trustee for Day-to-Day Operations role:

• Growing and supporting a small team of volunteers and part time staff to help day to day operations
• Working with Trustee for Human Resources and Safeguarding to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for the benefit of all community users
• Identifying new equipment needs and informing the treasurer accordingly

Experience in operating a facility, ideally with experience of running a track facility, is desirable.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports.

This newly formed charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Successful candidates will join the leadership team of dedicated volunteers engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

The Trustee for Facilities role:

• Ensuring the charity pursues its stated charitable objectives
• Taking an active lead in the new building project (of a track clubhouse) with the Trustee for Fundraising. Considering the views of stakeholders, athletes, coaches, staff and the local community.
• Identifying new equipment needs and informing the Treasurer accordingly.

A knowledge of building projects would be desirable.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports.

This newly formed charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Successful candidates will join the leadership team of dedicated volunteers engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

The Trustee for Fundraising role:

• Setting a fundraising strategy and establishing the charity’s fundraising needs
• Making sure the charity is compliant with the law when fundraising, including having the correct licenses and agreements in place
• Considering the impact of campaigns on the charity’s reputation
• Regularly reporting on fundraising progress, plans, and achievements
• Guiding, supporting, and challenging fundraising volunteers

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports.

This newly formed charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Successful candidates will join the leadership team of dedicated volunteers engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

The Trustee for Human Resources and Safeguarding role:

• Ensuring that the charity’s human resources are aligned with its charitable objectives
• Assessing risks, implementing policies, and supporting the performance of the charity’s board, volunteers and staff
• Working with the charity’s IT support to provide a user-friendly booking system.

Knowledge of safeguarding and human resources policy development is essential. This trustee plays a vital role in health and safety policy for the track users.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Abbey View Community Athletics Track was created to ensure the long term future of athletics in St Albans. The track is used by all sectors of the community, including athletics and running clubs, schools, and disability sports.

This newly formed charity is searching for trustees to join their newly formed charity. Successful candidates will join the leadership team of dedicated volunteers engaged in the advancement of sport in Hertfordshire.

The Trustee for Key User Groups role:

• Supporting the key user groups of the track facility (including local schools, the St Albans Athletics Club (SAAC) and Striders).
• Ensuring key user groups needs are met and voices are heard

You will also be a member of, or actively involved in, at least one of the key user groups.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.stalbanstrack.co.uk

Friends of Care Homes supports seniors, the isolated, the lonely and all families and friends living with Alzheimer's and Dementia. This is done through their regular weekends of music based events, Inside and outside of care homes.

The charity is looking for a volunteer to help redevelop and refresh their new website. This role would require you to update content, build and edit web pages.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.friendsofcarehomes.org.uk

DS Achieve supports and champions children and young people with Down Syndrome.

The charity is looking for volunteers to join the fantastic team running their Youth Group. The Youth Group, for school-aged children with Down Syndrome, aims to help children to develop their social communication skills and grow their independence while taking part in fun activities. Two sessions take place during term-time on Saturday afternoons at Colney Heath Village Hall in St Albans:

• Primary school session for children aged 4-11 years runs from 2:30pm - 3:30pm
• Secondary school session for children aged 12 - 17 runs from 4pm - 5:30pm

Volunteers are especially needed to support the primary school session, set up and tidy away afterwards.

Volunteers should have experience of working with children, be warm and friendly, be happy to get involved with the activities and to help encourage the children to join in. Support to learn the role and safeguarding training (and potentially formal training regarding Down Syndrome, if needed) will be given.

Click here to apply for this role.

Website: www.dsachieve.org