Alban News
St Albans Community Showcase Participants Saturday 24 October 2026, 11am - 3pm 1
About the Showcase
When communities thrive, people thrive. At a time when loneliness and isolation are affecting more people than ever, the St Albans Community Showcase brings together nearly 70 charities, voluntary organisations and community groups under one roof. It is a chance for local organisations to share what they do, and for visitors to discover the people, projects and causes making a difference across our area. From mental health and wellbeing to environmental action, youth work, community support, arts and culture, the Showcase highlights just how much is happening in and around St Albans. This brochure offers a snapshot of the organisations taking part. Each has a short introduction, but the best way to discover what they do is to stop by, say hello and hear their story firsthand.
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‘‘Each year we’ve been inspired and awed by the range of work being done by volunteers locally. We’ve seen connections being made between charities, and people finding help who otherwise did not know where to look. This year we have more organisations than ever before – a really exciting line-up!” Chris Lyal, Showcase Organising Team
Participants 2026 ADD-vance, The ADHD and Autism Trust Since 1996, ADD-vance has
been enabling Hertfordshire families and professionals to understand and celebrate neurodiversity. As a local charity run by professionals who are also parent carers, we provide expert training, coaching, and a Neurodiversity Support Hub to give local families and professionals the knowledge, skills, and support needed to help every child thrive.
AgeUK Herts
Age UK Hertfordshire is a local, independent charity supporting older people through a range of different services. These services aim to improve independence, reduce loneliness and isolation, and empower people to make more informed choices on their rights and entitlements. We aim to improve later life and make it as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.
www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/
www.add-vance.org
Age Friendly Hertfordshire
Age Friendly Hertfordshire is a countywide programme working with residents, local councils, health services, and community groups to create places where older people feel empowered, respected and connected. We want Hertfordshire to be the best county in which to age.
afcherts.org.uk/
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is there to support 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
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ASCEND project@w3rt
ASCEND, a Project of Watford Three Rivers Trust (W3RT) based in South Oxhey provides social clubs/activities to overcome loneliness, isolation with opportunities to volunteer, gain employment and access education, make friends and learn new skills. Dig Deep Community Garden is a place to relax, garden and craft. www.ascend.org.uk www.w3rt.org/
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
Centre 33 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
www.beyonddetention.org
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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.centre33.org
Communities 1st Chess in Schools and Communities
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, prisons, hospitals, youth centres and homes for older people. www.chessinschools.co.uk
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/
Community Action Dacorum
Citizens Advice St Albans and District
Our service is free, confidential and open to everyone. Our highly trained volunteers and staff provide impartial advice on practical from issues from benefits to housing to debt and more. Last year, we helped 9,500 people in the district, 40 people per day, and as a local service helping local people, we rely on public support to continue our free services.
www.citizensadvicestalbans.org.uk
Community Action Dacorum delivers services to our community in three areas: Community, Employability and Wellbeing. Our services include direct support as well as training and development and all support Dacorum residents to improve their quality of life.
www.communityactiondacorum.org/
Computer Friendly
Our objective is to help anyone in St Albans and District, including disadvantaged and excluded people, to gain computer skills. These people could include the retired, unemployed or disabled from diverse groups.
www.computerfriendly.org.uk
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CPRE Herts
CPRE Hertfordshire fights to protect our beautiful countryside from urban sprawl and inappropriate development. We champion sustainable communities, vibrant green spaces, and vital wildlife habitats. Join us today to safeguard Hertfordshire’s unique rural heritage for generations to come. Together, we can keep our county green. www.cpreherts.org.uk
Family Support Service
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service provides families with children aged 0-5 with information and support on key areas on family life. We provide opportunities for new parents to meet before and after having their baby at drop-in sessions including Baby Group, Active Rhyme Time and Physical Fun.
www.hertsfamilycentres.org/familycentres.aspx
FoodSmiles St Albans Emmaus Hertfordshire
Emmaus Hertfordshire is an awardwinning charity that empowers people to overcome homelessness for good. We provide the foundation of a home and life-changing tailored support. We equip people with valuable skills, training and work experience to achieve their goals towards independence. Working together, we’re ending homelessness one person at a time.
https://emmaus.org.uk/ hertfordshire/
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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
GoVolHerts
Friends of Verulamium Park
We are a community group founded to enhance the wildlife, archaeology and natural beauty of this park, whilst providing information on current projects, its wildlife and history. We aim to be a voice for everyone who uses the park and enhance their experience. https://www.verparkfriends.org/
GoVolHerts connects individuals with local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations. It enables people to discover and apply for suitable volunteering opportunities, while organisations can advertise roles, recruit volunteers and access guidance and support—all through a free, countywide service.
www.govolherts.org.uk
Goodwill Children Homes South India
Hands at Work
www.goodwillhomes.org.uk/
www.handsatwork.org/ukoffice
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.
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 Zambia.
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Hands Together-Tiplyang Project
Hands Together Tiplyang Project was established in 2012 with the aim of supporting education, healthcare and the development of the village of Tiplyang and neighbouring districts in Nepal, delivered primarily through support for the school in Tiplyang. With strong local connections and expertise, 100% of donations support the charity’s objectives. https://handstogether.org.uk/
Hertfordshire Adoption and Fostering Service
There is an urgent need for more foster carers in Hertfordshire to help children stay in their local area, continue their education, and maintain connections with family and friends. We aim to raise awareness, dispel common myths and share information about Adoption and Fostering including Shared Care and Supported Lodgings.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov. uk/services/childrens-social-care/ fostering/fostering.aspx
HAWA Multicultural Services CIC (HAWA)
HAWA Multicultural Services CIC (HAWA) is an active organisation with a long history of serving the diverse St Albans communities. Initially the Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association, over time, the organisation has evolved, and its services have expanded to encompass both men and women.
http://hawaherts.co.uk/
Hertfordshire Beacon Victim Care Beacon Victim Care is a free and confidential service which supports victims and witnesses of crime under the age of 18 in Hertfordshire. We provide compassionate support by listening and helping you understand what has happened while offering a safe, non-judgemental space to talk.
https://hertfordshirebeacon.org/
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Hertfordshire Constabulary
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. https://www.herts.police.uk/
Herts for Refugees
Herts for Refugees raises funds, collects, and distributes donations to support refugees across mainly in Europe, and also in Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. They volunteer in refugee camps and warehouses, providing essential aid to those in need.
https://hertsforrefugees.org/
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust
HMWT is the leading voice for wildlife conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. With the support of volunteers and over 24,000 members, we protect 40 natures reserves and our globally important chalk streams; we also help people connect with nature and protect wildlife on our doorsteps.
www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
Herts Health & Independent Living Service
HILS is a charitable not-for-profit 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.
www.hils-uk.org
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HertsHelp Herts Hospital and Community Navigation Service (HCNS) The
Hospital & Community Navigation Service (HCNS) helps people move safely from hospital to home and connects them with the right support in their community. Our team works across Hertfordshire hospitals, GP practices, and community services to make sure no one falls through the gaps. www.hcns.org.uk/
HertsHelp is a free, independent service supporting people across Hertfordshire. It provides information, advice, and guidance on issues such as health, wellbeing, benefits, housing, and community support, helping residents understand their options and connect with appropriate local services.
www.hertshelp.net
Hertfordshire Health Walks Hertfordshire County Council-run initiative operating volunteer-guided health walks for all.
Herts Vision Loss
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ healthwalks
Herts Vision Loss exists to support any person living in Hertfordshire with a significant sight impairment.
www.hertsvisionloss.org.uk
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Herts Young Homeless
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.
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www.hyh.org.uk
Since 1988, Hertfordshire Community Foundation has partnered with local philanthropists—including businesses, families, and individuals—to deliver targeted support where it is needed most within our communities. As an independent charity, we are dedicated to providing grants and support to small charities and community groups across Hertfordshire, ensuring essential resources reach those who need them the most. www.hertscf.org.uk/
HIghfield Park Trust
Caring for St. Albans Rural Park since 1996.
www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk/
Live Longer Better Hertfortdshire
In Hertfordshire our mission is to provide learning opportunities for people who are living longer, those people who provide support, as professionals, as volunteers or as family members, and for those people to lead the revolution.
www.livelongerbetterinherts.co.uk/ Hospice of St Francis
The Hospice of St Francis supports 2,000 people and their families across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire to live well. We improve symptoms, help achieve personal goals and provide reassurance. Our free care is tailored to each person, whether at the Hospice, at home, or through wellbeing services, workshops, clinics and therapies. www.stfrancis.org.uk/
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/
LeeAnna’s Wish
Set up in 2021 and based in Cottonmill/Sopwell, LeeAnna’s Wish is a black-led community project. It provides support for protected groups living in and around St Albans, and holds conversations about racial and social justice. Our intergenerational projects aim to engage, empower and upskill, and promote friendships and social interaction. www.leeannaswish.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.
opendoorstalbans.org/
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Orchard Nursing Home
At The Orchard, we provide high-quality residential, nursing, and dementia care while proudly supporting our local community. We host free monthly events, informative workshops, and social activities open to everyone. We actively volunteer and collaborate with local organisations to make a positive difference, enriching the lives of both our residents and the wider community. https://www.caringhomes.org/find-acare-home/orchard-nursing-home-stalbans
Reach Out Hertfordshire
Reach Out Hertfordshire is a home from hospital help. We help over 50s who are medically vulnerable, discharged from hospital or at risk of hospital admission by asking a volunteer to visit for an hour a week. We match volunteers with someone in their local area to support with social isolation, shopping or a short walk.
www.nhcvs.org.uk
Rennie Grove Peace
Parkbury Social Prescribers
Social prescribing is a way for GPs, nurses, and other health professionals to support people whose health is being affected by non-medical issues— things like loneliness, stress, money worries, housing problems, inactivity, or lack of social connection. The aim is to improve wellbeing, confidence, and day-to-day life by tackling the root causes of poor health.
https://parkburyhouse.nhs.uk/
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At Rennie Grove Peace, we support adults within Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire who are affected by a progressive life-limiting illness. We are here for people from the moment they get their diagnosis, providing care and support to help empower them to live well with their illness, maintain their independence, and enjoy life. Our support is provided at our hospice buildings, in people’s homes and in venues in the local community.
www.renniegrovepeace.org
South West Herts Samaritans Singing Mamas
Singing Mamas is a national nonprofit connecting women and mums through singing to improve wellbeing and support maternal mental health. Trained community leaders run weekly groups in over 90 local authorities, including St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead, to provide calm, solace and connection to women of all life stages. www.singingmamas.org
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/
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/ watford/
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/
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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. http://stalbansdistrict.foodbank.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.
www.mrmc.org.uk/anna-chaplaincy
St Albans & District Friends of the Earth Here at St.Albans and District Friends of the Earth we’re keen to do what we can to improve our environment here and in the rest of the world.
https://www.stalbansfoe.org/
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/
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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 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.
www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-theteam/volunteering-and-volunteers/ community-first-responders
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 Pantry
We are a hybrid of a food bank and a food rescue operation. We collect surplus food from supermarkets and offer it to all through our community fridge and bread pantry. In addition, we offer targeted help to more vulnerable individuals and families who find themselves in hardship, by providing boxes of predominantly fresh produce on a weekly basis for as long as needed.
www.stalbanscommunitypantry. org/
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St Albans for Refugees.
Our main charity object is to collect and distribute emergency aid for refugees from war, oppression, natural disasters, climate change, and those being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, gender or membership of a particular social group or political opinion. https://stalbansforrefugees.org/
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/
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St Albans Greenpeace
Together we defend the natural world and work for a green and peaceful future.
www.greenpeace.org.uk
St Albans Mencap
St Albans Mencap are a local charity dedicated to supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and their families. Our goal is simple: to help everyone live their best life, feel included and have access to the support they need.
www.stalbansmencap.org.uk
Sustainable St Albans St Albans United Reform Church Memory Cafe
The Memory Café is a warm, safe space for people living with dementia and their carers. Hosted by church members and supported by experienced volunteers, the café offers friendly chat, simple games and a cuppa. For more information, email stalbansurcgreenwood@gmail.com.
St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance is the charity putting the power of first aid into everybody’s hands, so we’re all closer to help in an emergency. Every person. Every place. Every time. We educate and equip people to feel confident to act in a health crisis, while our volunteers and staff are there to help in communities, at events and alongside other emergency services.
https://www.sja.org.uk/
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.
sustainablestalbans.org
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.
www.communities1st.org.uk/ member/8780
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The Friends of St Albans Cathedral The Friends 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. Whilst our origins are to be found in medieval times, the Friends are a vibrant and active community of over 1000 people who love St Albans Cathedral and wish to support it. www.stalbanscathedral.org/friends
The Living Room
The Hygiene Bank St Albans
Townsend School
The Hygiene Bank works to eliminate hygiene poverty locally - supporting local charities, groups, schools and services supporting vulnerable people and families 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, ensuring everything goes to those in deep need.
www.thehygienebank.com
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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
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
Verso Care (was The Vineyard Care Centre – REFUEL)
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
Verso Care originated as a foodbank and is part of Verso Vineyard Church. Verso Care creates pathways equipping people to move from spaces and places of crisis to thriving, through services such as our Drop-In Café, Stay & Play sessions, Foodbank, Bridge Programme, Refuel Holiday Club and other community events.
www.verso.church/verso-care
Youth Talk
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.
https://www.riverver.co.uk/
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
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Following Christ in Alban’s Footsteps
St Albans Community Showcase Saturday 24 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.
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