Community Information Champion Update
1 December 2022
Welcome to the Community Information Champion newsletter. It’s December already! How did that happen?
You may have noticed that Keran is no longer writing this introduction. This is because I have taken over the newsletter and Community Information Champion project from her. I used to work on the Welwyn and Hatfield Community Champions project, so know a bit about the excellent work you all do. This newsletter goes to all Champions, so ‘hello’ to the ones I’ve met, and ‘nice to meet you’ to those I haven’t!
In this week’s newsletter, you will find out about:
- Free weight-loss programmes
- Tackling domestic abuse via Crimestoppers
- LGBT Veterans review
- Free training sessions and webinars
- What’s Happening in Hertfordshire
- HAPpy Camps
Remember to share this information with your links in the community, especially the health-related information!
Thank you all for your continued commitment and support, it’s very much appreciated.Â
Best wishes,
Communities 1st
Physical and Mental Health
Want to lose weight which won’t cost you a pound?
Kick start healthy habits today by joining a free 12-week programme where you can learn how to improve your health and manage your weight with specialist support.
You can either choose Slimming World’s weekly in-person group sessions or on your own using Oviva’s digital app from the comfort of your own home. Both programmes will offer you personalised support to work towards improving your diet and exercise habits.
If you’re eligible, Oviva will contact you to get you started with your chosen programme. It’s as simple as that! All you need to do for now is click here.
NHS Flue Vaccine
Flu can be serious, especially if you catch COVID-19 at the same time. The flu jab is free for many, including carers, and is the best way to protect you and the person you care for.
Contact your GP or visit a pharmacy offering the service.
Learn more here.
Togetherall
During a cost of living crisis, day-to-day activities can feel overwhelming and your mental health may be worse than usual.
Find out some things you can do to ensure you’re keeping well and getting the right support.
Togetherall is an anonymous, online community available 24/7 to get (or give) support.
LGBT Veterans
The Government are holding an independent review for LGBT Veterans impacted by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the UK Armed Forces.
They would like to hear from those impacted by the ban, those who were involved in enforcing it, or those who witnessed the impact of the ban. There is a questionnaire to complete. You can also give your opinions on how veterans impacted by the ban can be better supported.
Please do complete the questionnaire and/or share it with your networks. Learn more.
Beat the Winter Blues!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Â affects many people each winter. These tips from the NHS can help you avoid or reduce it:
- Get outside for at least a few minutes in the morning and again at lunch for natural light exposure.
- Try a bright-light therapy lamp or mask.
- Improve your mood by taking note of three good things that happened each day, or at least three good things in nature while you’re on your daily walk.
- Set aside some time each evening to do things you enjoy, watch something funny on TV, or start a new hobby.
- Keep your body clock in check – sleep plays a big role in evenings, so avoid too much bright light and set a regular sleep routine.
For more support available in Hertfordshire, including local walks and ways to keep active click here.
Drugs and Alcohol
Spiking is giving someone drugs or alcohol without them knowing. It’s not always easy to tell if someone has been spiked, but here are a few signs to look out for:
- Difficulty speaking,
- Struggling to balance,
- Hallucinations or paranoia,
- A sudden change in behaviour,
- Passing out and not responding.
More information on spiking, what to do if you think you or a friend have been spiked, and how to prevent being spiked is available on CGL’s website.
For advice and support available in Hertfordshire, visit the County Council’s website.
Tackling Domestic Abuse
A recent study highlighted that domestic abuse increases by 28% when England lose a game.
When England win, the increase is 26%. For some, the prospect of match day is a fearful one. The impact of domestic abuse is enormous and devastating.
Crimestoppers are appealing to family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and anyone who may have suspicions to speak out and help someone who could be a victim. Click the button below to learn more
Give Information Anonymously
Healthy Hubs Hertfordshire
Have you used a Health Hub in Hertfordshire?
Tell us about your experience. All feedback is anonymous and will help us improve our services.
Not visited yet?
With one in every district, Healthy Hubs Hertfordshire are your free one-stop shop for health and wellbeing information, advice, and support. Whether you’d like to quit smoking, get money advice, or simply try a new activity, your local Healthy Hub can help you every step of the way. Click the image (right) to find your closest.
Free Events, Webinars, and Training
Suicide Prevention Training
As Community Information Champions, working in the voluntary sector with Hertfordshire residents, you can book a place on the Hertfordshire County Council and Samaritans‘ Suicide Prevention Training.
Suicide is a complex and emotional subject. However, the more we develop our shared understanding of the signs of suicidal thoughts and feelings, the more we can make successful interventions that save lives.
Click here to book your free place, or email suicidepreventionherts@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Dementia Friends Training
At present there are around 900,000 people in the UK with Dementia. It is anticipated this will soon reach 1.6 million in 2040.
Our free session will give you the opportunity to learn more about what it’s like to live with Dementia, and turn that understanding into action.
The session will take place on Wednesday 7 December from 11am-12pm, via Zoom.
Women in Leadership: 5 December
Join Herts Sports Partnership for their Women in Leadership webinar on Monday 5 December, 12pm-1pm.
Kate Dale, responsible for the #ThisGirlCan campaign will be in conversation with CEO of Sport and Recreation Alliance Lisa Wainwright MBE. Kate will be asking questions about Lisa’s career, how she has got to where she is, challenges she faced along the way, and how she overcame them. She will ask what it’s like to be a successful woman in a leadership role and how others can follow in her footsteps.
Book Your Free Space
Happening in Hertfordshire
Warm Places, Spaces and Hubs
We have opened three new Warm Hubs in Radlett and Borehamwood, and you can search for Hubs run by other organisations in our directory.
There are Hubs in each area, including Welwyn Hatfield Borough, St Albans City & District, and Hertsmere District. Some are libraries with free Wifi, workstations, and toilets. Others offer food, hot drinks, charging facilities, parking, and activities such as board games.
Search for your nearest Warm Hub here.
Your Tree our Future
All successful Your Tree Our Future applicants have now been emailed with pick-up information. If you haven’t had an email, contact yourtree@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Missed out on trees this year? Sign up to hear about next year’s giveaway here.
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Hertfordshire Budget Survey
Hertfordshire County Council want to hear from you as they develop their budget plans for next year.
Complete the survey by clicking here. Your views will inform the discussions county councillors have and help decide the budget that is set for the council in February.
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Family and Youth Services
HAPpy Camps
Bookings for HAPpy Camps are now open!
If your child is eligible, and you haven’t had your code yet, please contact your school office.
Camps are free to school-aged children (reception to Year 11) in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
Book your place here.
Volunteering Opportunites
Search Volunteering Opportunities
If you have some spare time want to help out in your community, please take a look at our Volunteering Opportunities webpage.
You can search for opportunities by topic, area, role-type, and even time of day. Communities 1st have roles available in St Albans, Hertsmere, Welwyn, and Hatfield.
Search here.
