Community Showcase Brochure 2025

Alban News

St Albans Community Showcase Participants Saturday 25 October 2025, 11am - 3pm 1

About the Showcase

Discover over 60 charities and community organisations at this year’s showcase event.

Learn about their impactful work, supporting people and the enviornment.

Representatives will be present to share their missions and stories, providing insights into the critical issues they address and the positive change they foster.

‘‘ I met three people who I have connections with but have never really had the opportunity to meet and learnt about organisations that I did not know existed, so it was all very valuable.

Congratulations!”

From Helen Bishop following the 2023 Community Showcase.

Learn more about the causes you are passionate about, explore volunteer opportunities and get inspired. Join us for a special day of community spirit like no other!

2

Participants 2025

ADD-vance, The ADHD and Autism Trust The ADD-vance ADHD and Autism Trust Herts based charity supports families affected by ADHD and/or Autism and the professionals involved in their care. They provide support, increase understanding and change perceptions through their Helpline, Training, Coaching and social media.

ASCEND (Watford 3 Rivers Trust) ASCEND has been tackling unemployment/social deprivation and supporting people with learning disabilities in the local community for 27 years by helping residents of a deprived area to better their life chances, welcoming all and signposting them to other services if necessary

www.add-vance.org

www.ascend.org.uk

3

Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer’s Society supports those whose lives are affected by memory concerns and dementia. In Hertfordshire, we offer 1-2-1 support, providing information and advice, including young onset dementia support, carers support and facilitate groups and hubs where people living with cognitive impairment and their carers can feel supported and socialise with others. www.alzheimers.org.uk

Carers in Hertfordshire Carers in Hertfordshire provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers – people looking after someone who is elderly, disabled, has a physical or mental illness, or misuses drugs or alcohol. Carers of all ages are included if they live, work or care in Hertfordshire. www.carersinherts.org.uk

4

Beyond Detention Beyond Detention (formerly Yarl’s Wood Befrienders) provides emotional and practical support to people detained in Yarl’s Wood IRC and post-detention, in the community.

Centre 33 Center 33 is run and staffed by volunteers helping people in St Albans who are homeless or otherwise socially disadvantaged by providing hot food, washing facilities and somewhere warm and dry to sit during the day.

www.beyonddetention.org

www.centre33.org

Chess in Schools and Societies Chess in Schools and Communities aims to improve educational outcomes and social development through facilitating the learning of chess in disadvantaged communities, working in a variety of settings: primary schools, hospitals, youth centres, homes for older people and prisons.

Communities 1st Communities 1st develops, connects and supports local voluntary and community organisations, helping to improve the quality of people’s lives and enhancing community resilience.

It provides support and guidance to potential volunteers and those recruiting volunteers. www.communities1st.org.uk

www.chessinschools.co.uk

Citizens Advice St Albans and District Our service is free, confidential and open to everyone. We are trained to advise on virtually any issue, arming you with all the facts and possible outcomes, so that you can make the decision that’s right for you. We also offer practical support such as help with form filling, writing letters or negotiating with third parties. www.stalbans-cab.org

Earthworks - St Albans Earthworks supports people with learning disabilities, alongside volunteers, to manage 3.5 acres of beautiful eco-gardens in St Albans, through the practice of social and therapeutic horticulture.

Earthworks sells its produce at the monthly St Albans’ Farmers Market. www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk

5

Emmaus Emmaus Hertfordshire supports up to 39 people by providing a home for as long as needed, along with training, support and work in one of their social enterprises, providing them a sense of belonging in the community. www.emmaus.org.uk/hertfordshire

FoodSmiles St Albans FoodSmiles St Albans is a local community of gardeners learning, growing and harvesting together on a weekly basis in Harpenden and St Albans. Come and visit us and think about joining our friendly and welcoming community. www.foodsmilesstalbans.org.uk

Extinction Rebellion St Albans Extinction Rebellion is a worldwide organisation of concerned citizens uniting to force governments to recognise and act on climate change and destruction of the biosphere. The St Albans branch (XR_StAlbans) has formed to promote the cause and coordinate local action. http://xr-stalbans.org.uk/

6

Friends of St Albans Cathedral We are an independent charity providing financial and practical support to St Albans Cathedral.

Since 2005 our members have donated over £1m to support initiatives and projects that enrich and enhance the work of the Cathedral. We are a vibrant and active community of over 1000 people who love St Albans Cathedral and wish to support it. www.stalbanscathedral.org/friends

Goodwill Children Homes South India Goodwill Children Homes South India supports the care and education of destitute and orphaned children in southern India. It is currently responsible for 700 children in residential homes, trade training activities and outreach with tribal communities. www.goodwillhomes.org.uk

Green Christian St Albans We are passionate about climate and environmental issues. St Albans Green Christian Local Group aims to support the churches’ response to the climate and ecological crisis through networking and the provision of resources. We share news, support local initiatives and engage our churches and the wider community. www.saint-lukes.co.uk/greenchristian

Hands at Work Hands at Work is a Christian charity offering support for the orphaned and vulnerable in sixty communities across eight African countries. They foster sustainable development, education and the alleviation of poverty. Cathedral members are partnered with a community in Eswatini. www.handsatwork.org

GoVol Herts GoVolHerts is a one-stop-hub for volunteering in Hertfordshire, helping volunteers to find volunteering opportunities and charitable organisations to promote their volunteering opportunities and events. www.govolherts.org.uk

7

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is a local conservation charity working to protect wildlife and help people to connect with nature. With a team of volunteers, it cares for wild places so that nature can thrive and aims to protect the wildlife on our doorsteps. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/

Herts for Refugees We are a humanitarian organisation with no political affiliations. From our earliest days, our purpose has been to ensure refugees, who have had no choice but to flee their home countries, have access to the basic necessities we so often take for granted - shelter from the elements, warmth, clean clothing. www.hertsforrefugees.org

Herts Valleys Older People & Sensory Services Team | Adult Care Services

Herts Health & Independent Living Service HILS is a charitable not-forprofit providing lifeline health and wellbeing services for older, disabled, and vulnerable people across Hertfordshire, Hampshire, and West Sussex. From daily meals on wheels to Active Ageing exercise, nutrition support, and welcoming Community Hubs, we help thousands stay nourished, connected, and independent every single day.

8

www.hils-uk.org

Herts Young Homeless Group Herts Young Homeless focus is prevention of homelessness by education, family mediation, support for ages 16-24 in their 1st homes and caring for adults with mental health and housing needs. We empower young people to overcome difficulties, building confidence to find stability. www.hyh.org.uk

Herts Police Herts police are available to answer questions and offer advice, and can sign people up to Herts Connected, a free interactive messaging service enabling people to get connected with what is happening in their local area, keep up to date and have their say in what goes on where they live or work in Hertfordshire.

Hygiene Bank St Albans The Hygiene Bank works to eliminate hygiene poverty locally - supporting through local charities, groups, schools and services those for whom access to the basic toiletry essentials is impossible due to limited financial circumstances. We accept donations of new and unused toiletries and cleaning products and distribute them to our local charitable partners. www.thehygienebank.com Mary’s Meals Mary’s Meals provides nutritious school meals to children in the world’s poorest communities, encouraging them to attend school, learn, and hope for a better future.

Already feeding 2,429,182 children daily, it costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year. www.marysmeals.org

SERV Herts & Beds The Herts and Beds SERV group provides a free out of hours delivery service for blood products and patient samples, as well as Human Donor Milk, medical equipment and drugs. We provide a service to the main hospitals in our region, as well as Hospices and Milk Banks. www.servhertsbeds.org.uk/

Soroptimist International St Albans and District Soroptimist International St Albans and District is the local branch of the global women’s organisation with Clubs all over the world and consultative status with the United Nations. Members are volunteers working on projects and issues affecting women and girls locally, nationally and globally.

Soroptimists also like to have fun! https://sigbi.org/st-albans-anddistrict/

9

OLLIE Foundation The OLLIE Foundation works to reduce suicide within communities by empowering individuals and organisations to provide the right support and knowledge to individuals. This is undertaken by fostering a community that cares through education, intervention and prevention. www.theolliefoundation.org

Rennie Grove Peace Rennie Grove Peace provides patient-centred palliative care and bereavement support to patients, carers, and families facing lifelimiting illness in Bucks & Herts.

The care starts at diagnosis and includes clinical, emotional & practical support throughout treatment and beyond. www.renniegrove.org

Open Door St Albans Open Door, established in 1992 in St Albans, offers an emergency night shelter and day centre for homeless and vulnerable people. They provide support to prevent rough sleeping, including counselling and early intervention. The annual Winter Beds project adds extra beds from December to March. www.opendoorstalbans.org

10

Rotary in St Albans The Rotary Club of St Albans gives members the opportunity to help people in need, from local charities to orphans in Africa. It works at grassroots level to promote peace and understanding through humanitarian and educational programs, addressing the underlying causes of conflict. www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage

SPACE Hertfordshire - Autism |ADHD Neurodiverse Conditions SPACE Hertfordshire supports over 10,000 families with neurodivergent children and young people, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. We offer vital family support, free training and workshops, inclusive events and activities, and access to our unique community hub, Lending SPACE, helping families feel empowered, connected and understood. https://Spaceherts.org.uk

St Albans & District Foodbank St Albans & District Foodbank, part of the Trussell network, is here so no one in our community goes hungry. Through nine hubs and a dedicated team of volunteers, we provide emergency food and support, while connecting people to advice and services that help them rebuild stability and hope. www.stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk

South West Herts Samaritans South West Herts Samaritans provides local support and guidance to distressed and suicidal people. It also provides counselling in schools, prisons and at St Albans railway station. In 2021/22 it received over 20,000 telephone calls, 2400 emails and participated in 434 webchats. www.samaritans.org/branches/ samaritans-south-west-herts

St Albans & District Talking Newspaper We provide free weekly audio programmes containing local news and events, TV and radio listings, interviews and other items of interest, to those who cannot see well enough to read print, in order to help them stay in touch with their local community. www.sadtn.org.uk

11

St Albans Action for Homeless St Albans Action for Homeless is about a community coming together to help our homeless friends in the best way possible.

St Albans Cathedral The Cathedral has been a focus for Christian life and worship for a thousand years. It has several groups actively working on Social Justice and environmental matters, as a part of its Christian mission. www.stalbanscathedral.org

www.actionforhomeless.co.uk St Albans Child Contact Centre For 15 years, the St Albans Child Contact centre has offered a safe and neutral environment where children of separated families can spend time with non-resident parent and/or other relatives. www.stalbanschildcontactcentre.org.uk

St Albans Anna Chaplaincy An Anna Chaplain offers spiritual support to older people living in care homes and sheltered housing, also their relatives and staff who care for them. They promote the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.

12

St Albans Community Bank A not for profit, volunteer led, fully regulated organisation, part of the credit union movement. “We contribute to supporting the financial wellbeing of members in our local Community by enabling more people to access loans at fair rates and to save for the future.” www.stalbanscommunitybank.co.uk

St Albans Community First Responder Group - East of England Ambulance Service The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) Community First Responder (CFR) group serves St Albans and District.

The group is a voluntary organisation whose responder members are trained by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust to attend emergency calls in St Albans and the wider district.

St John Ambulance St John Ambulance are the charity that steps forward in the moments that matter, to save lives and keep communities safe. We are a market leader in the provision of workplace training, first aid supplies and event and ambulance services. https://www.sja.org.uk/

www.eastamb.nhs.uk

St Albans Diocese Environmental Officer Advises Diocese and parishes on environmental matters. www.stalbans.anglican.org/faith/ environment

West Herts Hospitals Charity WHHC is the official charity dedicated to supporting patient care across West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Through donations, staff provide a level of patient care beyond what is possible with NHS funding alone.

Allowing for the latest technology, environmental enhancements & staff development that make a difference to our patients. https://whhc.org.uk/

13

St Albans Girlguiding Through fun, friendship, challenge and adventure we empower girls to find their voice, inspiring them to discover the best in themselves and to make a positive difference in their community. www.girlguidinghertfordshire.org.uk

St Albans Greenpeace Together we defend the natural world and work for a green and peaceful future. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ stalbansgreenpeace

St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme The aim of St Albans Good Neighbour Scheme is to be a dependable good neighbour to any St Albans resident who needs help, particularly older people, who may be unwell, isolated, have special needs or may be dealing with a difficult situation and would benefit from our assistance. www.stalbansgoodneighbourscheme. org.uk

14

St Albans Lions St Albans Lions Club is very active raising funds in St Albans and surrounding areas and is part of Lions Clubs International - the world’s largest service club organisation with 45,000 Clubs and more than 1.3 million members. Every single penny raised goes to good causes. www.stalbanslionsclub.com

Sustainable St Albans Sustainable St Albans is a charity set up to make St Albans more environmentally sustainable. They organise events including, The Sustainability Festival, a two-week festival of events and talks and also provide advice and support to the Great Big Green Week, a national event. www.sustainablestalbans.org

Church of Uganda Children’s Ministry UK The charity provides valuable support to the Church of Uganda’s Children’s Ministry in Uganda by funding staff and materials to deliver training for safeguarding children especially those who are disadvantaged by poverty, sickness, disability and abuse. Notably, the founding member of the charity came from St Albans Abbey. https://sites.google.com/site/ childrensministrycou/home

The Daylight club The Daylight Club is a social club for adults with physical and other disabilities who live in the St Albans District. The members attend weekly to socialise, learn new skills, make friendships and most importantly have fun, whilst parents/carers get a much needed break. https://www.communities1st. org.uk/member/8780

15

The Green House The Green House is a volunteer led community eco hub based in St. Albans. The hub is committed to helping everyone lead happier, healthier and greener lives and offers a range of services from an eco library and recycling collection point to a sewing repair cafe and a Library of Things. https://thegreenhousestalbans.org/

Townsend School Townsend School is the only Church of England secondary school in the area, offering a long tradition of a highquality education which develops the personality and talents of every child.

The School is open to all, children of other faiths and those of no faith are also welcome. www.townsend.herts.sch.uk

The Living Room The Living Room aims to provide therapeutic and support in St Albans for families affected by the illness of addiction. They provide free, facilitated group therapy and provide support to the 12-step programme. www.livingroomherts.org

16

Up on Downs Up on Downs is a parent run organisation which supports families of children with Down’s Syndrome in Hertfordshire. We share information, provide advice and create opportunities for families to socialise and learn together at our Family Support meetings, parties, children’s activities and outings. www.upondowns.com

Ver Valley Society The Ver Valley Society protects and promotes the River Ver and its valley.

The Society was originally founded in 1976 to promote the Ver/Colne Walk, but shortly thereafter the river, and its water meadows, began to decline due to over abstraction of ground water and climate change.

Verso Care (was The Vineyard Care Centre – REFUEL) Verso Care was set up in 2016 by the Vineyard Church to provide meals during the school holidays to those who require free school meals. It has since expanded to provide emergency food, health advice, family support and free new school uniform & clothes to struggling families. www.verso.church/verso-care

Youth Talk Youth Talk is a St Albans based charity which provides free, confidential psychodynamic group and individual counselling services to young people aged 13 to 25.

Their vulnerable clients typically suffer from anxiety, stress and depression. www.youthtalk.org.uk

17

Following Christ in Alban’s Footsteps

St Albans Community Showcase Saturday 25 October, 11am - 3pm www.stalbanscathedral.org/community-showcase St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY Cathedral Office: 01727 890210 Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org www.stalbanscathedral.org

There is no charge to enter the Cathedral or the Community Showcase. Donations are welcome.

For the latest information visit our website and sign up for our What’s On newsletter.

18