Voluntary Sector Briefing

As the weather gets colder and the days shorter, many of us turn on our central heating. However this year, many in our community cannot afford to do this. To support people who may struggle to heat their homes, organisations are offering their community spaces as ‘Warm Spaces’, providing somewhere to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments. Please read on for more details of Warm Spaces and to access our directory which lists them.

During October, we celebrate Black History Month and commemorate the history of Black communities in the UK.  At our conference in 2020, we were privileged to be joined by Joyce Fraser from The Black Heroes Foundation, who gave an inspiring keynote about steps that we can all take to become anti-racist. The direction she gave continues to inform and guide the work of Communities 1st.

Our next Conference and AGM will take place in person at Oaklands College, St Albans Campus on Thursday 27 October 2022. We are again fortunate to have an exciting line up planned, with a diverse range of thought provoking and engaging speakers who are all experts in their fields. Please see details of how to register below, we can’t wait to see you there!

Stephen Craker

Chief Executive

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 mid October 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 Spaces (also known as Warm Hubs or Warm Places)

Warm Spaces are community spaces open over winter months, providing people struggling to heat their homes with somewhere to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments. Some warm spaces offer additional activities, a hot meal and information and signposting.

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. Please note, any existing regular provision (including coffee mornings, lunch clubs, community centres etc) open to the public free of charge can register as a Warm Space.  In addition, some centres may decide to extend their opening hours and/ or services as a Warm Space. This information will appear on Communities 1st website and will be available to the general public.

To view the register of warm spaces, please click here.

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 activities are needed in the area. 

If you are interested in offering your space as a Warm Space, but would like more information, 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. If you would like to access any of the support above, but cannot attend the weekly session, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk to request an alternative time. 

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 7 Stronger Together Networks:

Communities 1st are delighted to introduce new Stronger Together Network to our popular quarterly programme of STNS.  The new session is aimed at Volunteer Managers and the first session will take place on 16 November.  This network offers the chance for Volunteer Managers to come together, discuss challenges, share best practise and network. Please register here to attend.  

The November STNs will take place on the following dates: 

• Disability Tuesday 08 November 10:30-12:00 

• Transport Tuesday 08 November 14:00-15:30

• Children &Young People Weds 09 November 14:00-15:30

• Older People Tuesday15 November 10:30-12:00   

• Culture & Environment Tuesday 15 November 14:00-15:30

• Volunteer Management Wednesday 16 November 10.30-12.00

• Mental Health Wednesday16 November 14:00-15:30

  You can attend as many STNs as you wish. Please choose the relevant event(s) and register here to attend, or contact Aneta Wujek, Policy & Network Coordinator, for further information on 01727 649944.

Email: memberservices@communities1st.org.uk

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

There is no need to book theses sessions, just turn up.

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. 

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.

The programme runs on the following dates:

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

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  

Flex your green fingers with free trees

Hertfordshire County Council is giving away trees to Hertfordshire residents as part of their Your Tree Our Future scheme.

There are 8 different species of tree available, all selected for their suitability for Hertfordshire's climate. Any trees planted before March 2023 can be counted towards the Queen's Green Canopy project in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Trees are allocated on a first come first served basis so don't delay and apply for your today.

Free carbon monoxide awareness workshop

The risks of carbon monoxide poisoning increase as we move towards Autumn and Winter. The Gas Safety Charity is offering free carbon monoxide awareness workshops. Aimed at front-line staff and volunteers working in vulnerable people's homes to be more aware of the risks. The CO Alarm Regulations in England changed on 1st October 2022, with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 setting out new requirements.

Have your say!

Neighbourhood Watch 2022 crime and community annual survey is now open. They want to hear your views on crime, community, and your experience of Neighbourhood Watch. Everyone who completes the 5–10 minute survey has a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher. 

Clean, safe and well

As the cost of living impacts, In Kind Direct encourages charities to sign up with its networks. Giving you access to a range of high-quality donated products such as cleaning products, clothing and toys to support your community and run your services. From this month, for every two Unilever hygiene products purchased from over 700 Tesco stores, Unilever is donating one hygiene product to In Kind Direct.

Effective Gambling Education and Prevention

Leading anti-gambling charities Fast Forward, YGAM and GamCare have launched a new framework for the UK's education sector to use when educating young people about gambling harm. The framework analyses the research and data around effective prevention education and seeks to draw conclusions, recommendations, and principles.

End Furniture Poverty have released a guide for those needing help acquiring furniture.

More information about this initiative can be found on End Furniture Poverty website.

Their guide is for people who need essential furniture items and white goods, items like beds, sofas, washing machines, cookers, and fridge freezers, but who don’t know where to turn to get help.

A copy of this guide can be downloaded here.

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. 

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 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 memberservices@communities1st.org.uk

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

Volunteer Management training PART 1 - Recruiting and retaining Volunteers 

Topics for this session will include:

• Volunteer Motivation
• Writing Role Descriptions
• Writing Recruitment Adverts
• Selection Process
• Induction and Support.

Ideal for those new to volunteer management and for organisations wishing to complete the 6 point promise.

9th November 2022 - 10am - 1pm. Register here.

Volunteer Management training PART 2 - Managing and supporting Volunteers 

Topics for this session will include:

• Volunteer supervision
• Managing changing motivations 
• Dealing with challenging or difficult behaviour
• Saying “Goodbye” 
• Rewarding and recognising volunteers
• The Six-Point Promise

Ideal for new volunteer managers and for organisations looking to complete the 6 point promise

9th November 2022 - 2pm - 5pm. Register here.

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. The last of the series is dedicated to report writing:

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.

Public Health Hertfordshire

Public Health Hertfordshire would like to create some drug and alcohol training and would appreciate your feedback. They are particularly keen on understanding the current knowledge on drugs and alcohol and where they can enhance learning in Hertfordshire. They would also like to know how you would like this training to be delivered and what subjects you would like covered.



Thank you in advance for completing this anonymous survey by Friday 17th October.

To access the survey please click here.

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.

Community Engagement Officer

Hours:30 hours

18-month contract 

Salary: £12.06 / hour 

How to Apply:

You can send your application for this role via email to us@communities1st.org.uk or you can call us on 01727 649900.

About The Role:

Working initially in Hatfield with Welwyn Hatfield CVS, we are seeking a creative and self-motivated individual to work sensitively with both the local communities and agencies to develop and deliver a programme of projects and activities to address local issues and needs. The Community Engagement Officer will undertake a range of activities supporting covid recovery working with the local community and deliver agreed targets and outcomes.

You can view the full details of this role here.