Communities 1st Inclusive Offer Includes Singing, Acting, Dancing and Crafting

Communities 1st is a membership organisation in Hertfordshire dedicated to supporting voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, and small-medium sized businesses. A merger of previous CVS’s, it focuses on assisting the most vulnerable and excluded individuals within the districts of St Albans, Hertsmere, Broxbourne, and East Herts. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for people across Hertfordshire by connecting and supporting local organisations.

As well as being a valuable commmunity connector, in honour of No Limits 2026 - Hertfordshire’s Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity we wanted to spotlight the variety of inclusive programmes and initiatives they offer for Hertfordshire residents to engage with. Find out more below:

---

Para Dance UK – Where everyone can dance!

Built on the belief that everyone can dance, Para Dance UK, part of Communities 1st, adapts teaching methods and movement to ensure people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities can enjoy dance, creativity and self-expression in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Personal achievement and enjoyment are focused on by using non-genre specific dance, with movements inspired by the music, making sessions engaging, accessible and easy to follow. Dancers can enjoy the experience of movement, which boosts their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

Para Dance sessions can be delivered in schools, care homes, wellbeing programmes and community projects. Participants can take part independently or with support from carers and loved ones.

A recent Para Dance attendee said:

"These dance sessions are incredibly helpful to me as it enables me to get the exercise I need despite having Parkinson’s and Spina Bifida... it’s great to keep us on our ‘toes’ whilst at the same time motivating us to get the most out of the session."

Visit www.communities1st.org.uk/paradance for more information.

---

Trestle Arts Base – Where everyone gets to play 

Trestle, part of Communities 1st, is a mask and physical theatre company with a 40-year history. At its heart is Trestle Arts Base in St Albans, home to three community groups: Act Up!, Dance Now! and Sing Out! 

Ask a Sing Out participant why they woke up happy this morning, and the answer is simple: it's choir today. That small joy is exactly what Trestle's community groups are built around.

Every week, around 60 people come together, including adults with physical and learning disabilities, people living with dementia, and their carers for Trestle’s activities.

The groups deliver over 1,200 hours of creativity a year for around 200 vulnerable adults, with members performing across St Albans through partnerships including St Albans Cathedral and St Albans Museum and Gallery. Weekly check-ins find at least 90% of participants feel a lift in mood after every session, and many describe the groups as a lifeline. 

A Trestle Community Group participant said:

"It helps me to get out of the house, the groups are a ray of sunshine."

Act Up!, Dance Now! and Sing Out! welcomes new members.

Visit: www.trestle.org.uk/dance-now-act-up-sing-out 

---

Creative Community Cafes – Where everyone is welcome!

Communities 1st’s Creative Community Cafes provide opportunities for people to socialise in a relaxed, supportive, and friendly environment. Held weekly across Hertsmere, participants enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, board games, quizzes, puzzles, bowls, singing, and more. Staff and volunteers are able to provide support and signpost to other services that would be of benefit.

Creative Community Cafe Attendee said:

“As I live alone coming to the Creative Cafés helps me so much. Spending time with other people and joining in with various projects really is so good for me... Also, information is passed on regarding other groups and support that is available in the area.”

Visit www.communities1st.org.uk/creative-cafe for more information.