Voluntary Sector Briefing

It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We remember her remarkable and outstanding service to our nation and commonwealth as our sovereign, undertaken with such grace, dedication and humility. United now with her beloved husband, may she rest in peace.

We extend our sincere condolences and thoughts to King Charles III and the Royal Family

A book of condolence has been placed in the Civic Centres across Hertfordshire, so that individuals can write their personal tributes to the Monarch and reflect on her lifetime of service to the country. There is also an online book of condolence on the Royal Family's website and a book of remembrance on the Hertfordshire Lord-Lieutenant's website.

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive

Save the Date

Save the date for Communities 1st AGM and Annual Conference, which will take place in person at Oaklands College St Albans Campus on Thursday 27 October from 1pm to 6pm. The theme is 'Strengthening Communities, Building Connections' and we have an exciting line up planned. More information coming soon.

Communities 1st Membership Renewal

Communities 1st membership year runs from 1 May until 30 April (it is a yearly membership, not a rolling membership)

Due to a planned upgrade to our website and CRM, we have chosen to send out membership renewal notices a little late this year. You should have received your membership renewal email.

Membership of Communities 1st is very competitively priced, starting at just £30 per year and offers voluntary sector organisations a huge range of fantastic benefits including:

• Support with all areas of small group development
• Advice on locating sources of funding and writing funding applications
• Access to a monthly funding newsletter, packed full of information about potential sources of funding
• Guidance on governance and policy development
• Promotion of volunteer vacancies
• Promotion of events and activities
• Access to networking events including the Stronger Together Networks.  

All of the above activities are for C1st member organisations only. From 19 September these services will no longer be accessible by organisations who do not renew their membership. 

For any queries about membership benefits, or to check the membership status of your organisation please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.

Warm Hubs/Spaces/Places

To provide a coordinated approach and to support local communities, we would like to encourage all partners providing warm spaces and activities this winter to register here. This information will appear on Communities 1st website and will be available to the general public.

Information about existing provisions will help local communities to access warm and safe venues. It will also help other emerging hubs to make an informed decision on what other activities are needed in the area.

For more information and support, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.

Virtual Weekly Drop-in Support Sessions

Did you know, that as a member of Communities 1st, we can offer you support on a wide range of topics, including funding, governance and policies and volunteer recruitment, as well as opportunities to network and work with other voluntary sector organisations? Our weekly Virtual Drop-in Support Sessions for voluntary sector organisations take place every Wednesday at 11am via Zoom. Drop in to tell us what you are working on, what support you need and to connect with other local voluntary sector organisations.

The sessions are friendly, informal and constructive. Come along anytime you need to. 

To register please click here

Stronger Together Networks

The Stronger Together Network Meetings are held quarterly, in February, May, September and November by Zoom.

Each Stronger Together Network gives an opportunity for organisations working in a similar field to network, share experiences and challenges and work together. 

There are 6 Stronger Together Networks:

Mental Health Network: A positive and welcoming network of mental health providers, facilitating meetings, networking, sharing of ideas and discussions of best practice to meet the needs of their service users.

Children & Young People Network: A network to provide space for organisations working to support and help children & young people to meet, network, create and share information and ideas across county.

Transport Network: An informative and informal network of local community transport organisations, providing a great networking and information sharing opportunity and a forum to discuss provision of the different services provided within local schemes.

Disability Network: A fantastic opportunity to meet, learn and talk to other organisations working to help people with disabilities in the locality.

Culture and Environment Network: A network giving a fantastic opportunity for BAME organisations, museums, theatres, cinemas, galleries, parks and leisure centres to come together, share information about their facilities, work and network.

Older People Network: A welcoming space for organisations working with older people to network, to share ideas, activities, and promote good physical and mental health and well-being, reduce isolation and loneliness so older people may live healthy and meaningful lives.

You can find the dates and times for the next STN below: 

September

• Culture and Environment, Tues 13 Sept 10:30-12:00 
• Disability, Tues 13 Sept 14:00-15:30 
• Older People, Weds 14 September 14:00-15:30 
• Transport, Tues 20 September 10:30-12:00 
• Mental Health, Tues 20 September 14:00-15:30 
• Children and Young People, Weds 21 September 14:00-15:30 

Please choose the relevant event(s) and register here to attend, or contact Isobel Hatfield, Partnerships & Development Coordinator, for further information.

Email: memberservices@communities1st.org.uk

Tel:     01727 649944

Ukraine Peer to Peer Support Sessions

Communities 1st are hosting weekly sessions where Ukrainians can meet other Ukrainians in the UK and hosts can meet other hosts, to come together, chat and make friends. These sessions are open to all, on both the Homes for Ukraine scheme and the Friends and Family visa. 

Come along to:

Aberford Community Centre

• Aberford Rd, Borehamwood WD6 1PN 
• Every Wednesday, 4.00pm - 6.00pm 

St Albans Library

• Level 2 The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3JQ
• Every Friday, 10.30am - 12.30pm

For more information email us@communities1st.org.uk

Herts with Ukraine Website 

The Herts with Ukraine website is hosted by Community Help Herts, a partnership of voluntary sector organisations delivering projects to support the communities in Hertfordshire. This website provides information and resources to help you if you are sponsoring or supporting Ukrainian guests, or are considering doing so. It also provides a wealth of information and resources to support Ukrainian guests, such as local activities and information on where to go for advice on a range of topics. 

The Herts with Ukraine website aims to be a community resource. If your organisation would like to post something on the Herts with Ukraine website, please email Gary Franklin at Communities 1st  gary.franklin@communities1st.org.uk

Please click here to visit the Herts with Ukraine website. 

St Albans Food and Drink Festival Community Safe Zone Tent

Communities 1st is supporting the St Albans Food And Drink Festival on Sunday 25th September by hosting the “Community Safe Zone“ tent, offering a quiet space to anyone vulnerable or feeling overwhelmed and in need of respite from the activities and crowds.  We will offer a friendly space to sit down and have a chat to our staff and volunteers, as well as signposting on to a range of services.

Communities 1st would like to invite local organisations to join us in hosting the ‘Community Safe Zone’, by coming along for an hour or two on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity to share information about your organisation and the services you offer.

In addition, we are keen to share information about local organisations.  If you are able to come along on the day, or would like to display information in the tent please contact paola.alessi@communities1st.org.uk. Please note, the event will take place between 12noon and 6pm.

Staying Safe in Your Own Home 

Join for an afternoon of tips and advice, on how to stay safe in your own home. Representatives from key organisations including the police, trading standards and fire services will give tips on how to avoid scams and how we can protect ourselves. Plus, a light-hearted quiz with cheese, wine and refreshments!                                                             

15 September -  2pm - 4pm at Redbourn Parish Centre

Tickets £3 each bought in advance

Available from RCG Office in Village Hall between 10-2 pm weekdays.

Raffle tickets £1 available on the day

Able2Enable

Communities 1st is running the Able2Enable project across St Albans, Hertsmere, Welwyn Hatfield, Broxbourne and East Herts. We are looking for organisations to become Able2Enable Allies, willing to work with us to host a supported volunteer on an ongoing basis.

Volunteering should be accessible and open to all individuals. Sometimes people need a bit of extra support to volunteer and overcome barriers such as a lack of confidence and motivation, difficulty communicating, problems completing application forms or anxiety about travelling to unfamiliar venues and meeting new people. Able2Enable works with these individuals to enable them to get into volunteering positions.

There are many benefits for organisations hosting a supported volunteer. We can offer you a committed volunteer to support your work, access to our ongoing support, training and guidance to make your workplace more accessible and inclusive to our volunteers, and support to ensure that our volunteer is able to take on the role. You will benefit by having a committed volunteer that can support your work and the satisfaction of supporting your local community. Hosting a supported volunteer can also help to diversify your organisation.

If you would like to refer a volunteer needing some extra support, if you are interested in hosting a volunteer through Able2Enable, or simply to know more about the project and its impact within the community, please contact us at able2enable@communities1st.org.uk

Mind in Mid Herts Training 

M-ask wellbeing drama programme

This  fun and free programme using theatre techniques is for those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other conditions affecting mental wellbeing. You don’t need any experience to take part, everyone is welcome from absolute beginners to the more experienced.

8 week Programme runs:

Date: Sept 29th, October 6th, October 13th, October 20th, (No Session 27th Oct), November 3rd, November 10th, November 17th and November 24th.

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Location: St Albans Mind, 11 Hatfield Rd, St Albans AL1 3RR.

For more information, please call 03303 208100 or email admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programme

The online programme is an eight-week evidence-based program; which offers mindfulness training to assist people with stress, anxiety and depression. This will be run by our qualified mindfulness practitioner. 

It is a practical approach that trains attention, allowing people to cultivate awareness and therefore enabling them to have more choice and take wise action in their lives. You’ll also receive a workbook to utilise alongside the course and practice skills yourself.

If you have any queries then please get in contact with the training team: admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk

Mental Health Peer Support Training

Do you want to support others with their mental health? Become a Mental Health Peer Supporter! Mind in Mid Herts will be offering training to give you the skills to support others with their mental health and wellbeing.

The current online course dates for this training are below:

• Thursday 29th September, Friday 30th September (2x full days 9.30am to 4.30pm)

Please click here to book your free course. 

Free Cooking Sessions to Sopwell residents

 Sopwell eco-stars is a sub-group of Sopwell Residents Association. They aim to support local people to manage the uncertainties of global warming, ecological breakdown, and related disruptions around food, energy, and the cost of living.

Sopwell eco-stars are offering free cooking sessions to local Sopwell residents and beginners living in the area.

The next date is Saturday 1st October 2-4pm at the Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre, Old Oak, off Cottonmill Lane. AL1 2EF.

Please contact Kate and Gail with any questions email info@sopwell.org.uk 

Latest News - Energy Price Guarantee 

Headlines from the statement by the Prime Minister on the Energy Price Guarantee below – which will also extend to all business and charities for six months.

• A typical household will save on average £1,000 a year from her two-year energy price guarantee.
• An average energy bill for a typical household will be no more than £2,500 a year for the next two years from 1 October under the plan. This figure takes account of the removal of green levies (worth around £150 per household) and it will supersede the existing energy price cap.
• Households who do not pay direct for gas or electricity from the mains will receive support from a fund, and will be no worse off, Truss says.
• Businesses will get equivalent support, under a scheme lasting six months. After this there will be ongoing support, particularly for vulnerable industries.
• The package is expected to reduce inflation by up to 5 percentage points from where it otherwise would have been.
  
  [taken from Guardian Website]

The accompanying ministerial statement can be accessed here 

It also states that:  ‘HM Government will also support all business, charities and public sector organisations with their energy costs this winter, offering an equivalent guarantee for six months.’

Clothes swap event in Radlett

The event takes place on Saturday 24 September at The Radlett Centre. The event starts with shoppers dropping off a maximum of ten items of clothing between 10am and 11am. For each donated item you can choose a new item, for free! Swapping takes place between midday and 1.30pm. It’s simple and sustainable!

The aim is to divert the amount of perfectly usable clothing from unnecessarily ending up in landfills, but also make it more accessible for people that want new clothes but possibly can’t afford them.

To find out more about the clothes swapping event, please click here

Shape Up is back!                               

Shape Up is a 12 week FREE weight loss course aimed at men aged 18 to 65 who have a BMI of 27.5+.

The courses will be delivered in two areas of Hertsmere, Borehamwood and London Colney. During the course, participants can find out about simple lifestyle changes they can make to help lose weight in a safe, friendly way.

If you, or anyone you know could benefit from this course then contact Shaun Murphy at shaun.murphy@watfordfc.com or 07938 486378 now to secure your place.

Shape Up is run by the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. If you would like further information on this programme, please visit their website.

Antibullying guidance from Charity Commission

The Charity Commission has published guidance urging that Trustees play a central role in preventative measures against bullying and harassment at charities. This comes after a collaborative working group co-chaired by the regulator with a range of charity sector representatives. Read the full report here

RNLI - new TikTok stars!

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution became one of the biggest charities on TikTok within just a week of joining. They gained 4M views only after a few days. RNLI highlighted how TikTok gives them the chance to reach a new audience. Check out their TikTok page here.

Banking disputes registration deadline

There are just six months left for charity sector businesses to register any unresolved banking disputes with the Business Banking Resolution Service. This scheme will close for new complaints on 14th February 2023. You can check via the BBRS online tool whether your banking dispute can be tackled.  

Free SIM cards for Digital Inclusion projects

Vodafone's charities.connected programme has committed to providing more than 50,000 SIMs. Launched last year, this scheme gives every UK charity the chance to apply for free connectivity, helping their digital capacity or that of the individuals and families they support. 

Food and cost of living support information

Hertfordshire County Council have created a webpage which shows all known food banks and providers in Hertfordshire found here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/foodsupport it would be helpful if you could share this with any service users who you think could benefit. In addition, the District Council has put together a cost of living page on our website which has information on all support available for those struggling: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/cost-living-support  

National Workforce Benchmarking Survey - supporting people with mental health conditions

Health Education England is seeking information on the provision of social support staff for people with mental health conditions within the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. The project scope spans VCSE organisations offering support to service users with mental health support needs, including those experiencing homelessness, one of the social inclusion groups identified in the Core20PLUS5 approach. The collection will help build a comprehensive profile of the social worker and wider social workforce, including data from across the NHS, local authorities, the independent and voluntary sectors.

Completed data templates should be returned by Monday 26 September.

For more information on this collection, please contact the NHSBN support team - k.phillips20@nhs.net

New Training Offer for Communities 1st Members

We are offering Communities 1st members access to an extensive programme of e-training. Training will be delivered from the following categories:

• Digital Skills 
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity 
• Essential Skills 
• Food and Hygiene
• Health & Safety 
• Leadership & Management 
• Mental Health & Wellbeing 
• Personal Development 
• Policy & Legislation 

All training is available now. 

£125 gives access of up to 25 people per organisation to any of the courses. 

£200 gives access to any of the courses to 50 people per organisation. 

If you would like to discuss accessing courses for a smaller number of people, please contact Juli Riley, see contact details below. 

If you would like to take up this excellent offer but are not currently a member of Communities 1st, please contact christine.halpin@communties1st.org.uk

Please email Juli Riley, Head of Volunteer Centre and Skills, Communities 1st for further information Juli.Riley@communities1st.org.uk. 

Learning Together Programme from the National Academy for Social Prescribing

The Learning Together Programme offers development opportunities for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups and organisations supporting their communities needs through the delivery of social prescribing activities.

Click here to register

Royal Literary Fund Get it Write Workshops

Thriving Communities in the East of England has partnered with the Royal Literary fund to bring you a series of writing workshops.

Get it Write: Royal Literary Fund – Reflective Writing Workshop

As social prescribing develops there is a constant and necessary requirement to critically reflect on our practise. This is an opportunity we can take to convey to those supervising, commissioning or funding our work; what we do and how and why it makes a difference. The ability to effectively communicate insights and reflections on our own practise can be used to positively influence stakeholder opinions of our work and inform any improvements we would like to make. This will have a particular application for those working on a portfolio of their work as part of supervision or reporting. 

Thriving Communities in the East of England has partnered with the Royal Literary fund to bring you this workshop to help you elevate your reflective writing practise.



This 2½ hour workshop will support you to:

• Develop an understanding of reflective writing and its benefits. 

• Explore how reflective writing helps you to learn from your experience and improve your practice. 

• Practise different models for approaching reflective writing in your day-to-day work.

Monday 26th September, 10am-12pm

Click here to sign up.

Get it Write: Royal Literary Fund – Bid Writing Workshop

The ability to write compelling and successful applications for funding is a vital skill required in any organisation working for the benefit of our communities. Fundraising for our work provides the lifeblood our projects and services need to continue.

This workshop will be delivered through two linked 2-hour sessions that support you to:

• Understand the key principles of writing applications for funding

• Explore issues of content, structure and style in writing funding applications

• Practise skills in marshalling information, formulating ideas and expressing yourself clearly, coherently and concisely.

Part one: Monday 10th October, 10am – 12pm.

Part two: Wednesday 26th October, 10am-12pm.

Click here to sign up.

Get it Write: Royal Literary Fund – Report Writing Workshop

Within the voluntary and community sector writing reports is a constant and necessary part of our routine. It’s also an opportunity to convey to those commissioning or funding our work, both current and prospective what we do and how it makes a difference. The quality of our reports has a direct impact on stakeholder opinions of our work and a well written report can put you in the best possible place to secure sustained funding for the future.

These workshops will help you to learn how to write clear, concise reports that convey your message effectively and efficiently. You will be supported to:

• Explore the essential elements of writing a report

• Understand the role of storytelling in reports

• Formulate a structured approach to report writing

• Build skills in selecting and sequencing relevant information

• Practise editing and proofreading.

Part one: Monday 21st November, 10am – 12pm

Part two: Monday 5th December 10am – 12pm

Click here to sign up.

New Leaf College

New Leaf College offers hope for the future despite life's challenges, opportunity, learning from other student's experiences and equipping students with skills to make changes to support their wellbeing. 

For the Autumn term the college will return to the classroom, offering sessions in Stevenage, Watford, Ware and Hemel Hempstead as well as continuing to provide sessions online. 

They would like to work with partners who may be able to offer access for residents to join their online sessions from a local venue. If you can provide a venue, please call 01442864966 or contact louisa.whorrod@nhs.net. 

Please visit the New Leaf College here.

HCF Better Boards programme 

Better boards is an umbrella programme supporting Trustee Boards in Hertfordshire

A comprehensive programme of training and consultancy for trustees, developed to improve the effectiveness of Hertfordshire charities.

The HCF Better Boards Programme has been supported by Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services since 2019.  The programme aims to support charitable organisations with their governance, as it is widely recognised that well-functioning trustee boards and management committees have clear and productive relationships with the management and staff, provide solid foundations for success and achieve long term sustainability. Please click here to know more.

Communities 1st Job Vacancies

Communities 1st currently have some exciting vacancies.  You can find these along with further information here. Please contact us by email at us@communities1st.org.uk or call us on 01727 649900.  

Sessional Cookery Programme Leader

Salary:

Up to £30 per hour

How To Apply:

You can view the full details of the role here. 

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen at Communities 1st on 020 3940 4869 or Helen.Ives-Rose@communities1st.org.uk.

About The Role:

Communities 1st are seeking an enthusiastic nutritionist, chef or food technology teacher to deliver a sessional cookery programme, which aims to teach families how to cook healthily on a budget. The ideal candidate will have appropriate qualifications and experience of teaching cookery skills to small groups. 

Communications and Campaigns Officer

Hours: 30+ hours to full-time, 18-month contract with a view to becoming permanent 

Salary: £22,350 - £24,104 p.a. pro rata

How To Apply:

You can view the full details of the role here. 

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Helen at Communities 1st on 020 3940 4869 or Helen.Ives-Rose@communities1st.org.uk.

About The Role:

Communities 1st are looking for individual who will support the effective delivery of a Communities 1st brand that aims to increase awareness of the charity. Working across traditional and digital channels including the website, social media, and print publications, the post-holder will help communities 1st tell its story by creating compelling content about the work being undertaken.

Clerk to Trustees                        

The Charity of Sarah Duchess of Marlborough & The Charities of Thomas Lathberye and Richard Raynshaw

Both charities provide almshouse accommodation in St Albans for eligible residents aged over 60.  There is a total of 43 flats, which are unfurnished and self-contained.  Residents must be able to live independently as no additional support is provided.

Hours: variable but approx. 60 per month.

Hourly rate:  £32

Location: St Albans office but some home working is possible. 

The charities are separate but are looking for one person to provide professional administrative support to manage all aspects of the day to day running of the 2 charities.  The role includes estates management as well as general administration and charity governance.  A knowledge of property management and charity governance is desirable but not essential.

For more information please contact 07483 351094  admin@csdom.org.uk or clerk.lathberye.raynshaw@outlook.com

To apply send a CV to djg6160@hotmail.co.uk

Closing date: 30 September 2022

Start date: to be agreed