Tues 20 July 2021

The Benefits of Kindness

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!

Wed 7 July 2021

Kindness in the Community

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.

Fri 25 June 2021

Retirement? What Retirement?!

Phil reckons he retired too early. Whilst it did give him more time to enjoy his golf, he found that he missed the contact he'd had with so many people during his career as a Post Office Manager.

Wed 9 June 2021 

Forget Slimming Classes - Get Volunteering!

That's the view of Lesley who has lost well over 10lbs in weight since becoming a volunteer and, more incredibly, is now no longer suffering from diabetes. As far as Lesley is concerned, she is in absolutely no doubt that all the activity, as well as being on her feet with the volunteering work (not to mention being away from the house and the temptations of eating...) has led to a notable improvement in her health and mental well-being.

Weds 10 May 2021

Leaping out of Your Comfort Zone

Throughout the long winter months of lockdown, local Hertfordshire resident Lesley tried to keep herself busy. She bought herself , planned new home projects, and invested in some tapestry making kits and piano music. Although the lockdown was a wonderful opportunity for her to focus on self-development and fulfilling hobbies, she increasingly began to miss her friends and family, and felt an empty space where they should be.

Tues 27 April 2021

Terrific Telephone Befrienders

At the beginning of lockdown in March 2020, Alison found herself unexpectedly living on her own. The Nursery where she worked had closed and her Mum was self-isolating elsewhere. She felt a little lonely and wanted to find something to do to keep busy, as well as helping others in a similar situation. 

Weds 14 April 2021

Every Little Helps

As the true impact of coronavirus became increasingly real for the strained NHS, and families and individuals losing loved ones, many of you embarked on a quest to find something useful to do. Ann became a volunteer in May 2020, combining it with her work as an HNS medical secretary...

Thurs 1 April 2021

The Gift of Time

The lockdown has left many with a sudden quiet in their usually busy lives. There are hours of free time but not a lot of exciting things to fill it with! Many people have chosen to heed the collective call-to-arms and use their free time to volunteer, providing them with a sense of purpose and community.

Weds 24 March 2021

A Selfless Act

During the last year life has changed a lot for all of us, many of us facing incredibly difficult challenges and hardship. However, when we reflect on our communities, neighbours, friends and families, stories of selfless people and acts shine out like stars.

Tue 16 March 2021

First Out of the Gate

With an end to the restrictions getting tantalisingly close, feelings of hope and positivity are in the air. You may be making plans: to hug your loved ones, welcome new babies or pets, celebrate milestones reached during the lockdown, perhaps to even grieve those lost. Although the future is looking brighter, many people within our communities will continue to need our support...

Mon 1 March 2021

A Room with a View

Despite us all having unique stories to tell about our pandemic experience, we can all empathise with the feeling of being isolated and alone. We are only beginning to discover the true impact lockdown restrictions have on mental health, and the depth of loneliness they have caused in our communities.  

Tue 16 Feb 2021

All Hands to the Pump

Up and down the country people continue to take an ‘all hands to the pump’ approach to caring for vulnerable individuals in their communities. Volunteer organisations like Communities 1st, together with a wide range of local volunteer groups, have been beavering away silently and regularly for months, providing much-needed care and support for those who are isolated or at-risk.

Wed 10 Feb 2021

Why Volunteer During Lockdown? 

Fri 5 Feb 2021

Peggy and Amy's Story

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused undeniable sadness and hardship for many, but amidst the pain, you may have heard tales of kindness and selflessness that have lifted your spirits. The Compassionate Community Connector programme (run by Communities 1st)  relies on volunteers to support vulnerable and isolated people in the local area.