Category Archives: Training & Learning

FREE Digital Skills Group in Stanstead Abbotts

Want to master your computer, tablet or phone?

Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts hold monthly Digital Skills group sessions which are free, friendly and volunteer-led by Digital Champions. They can teach you to do simple things like navigate your devices with ease, online shop, access virtual appointments and stay connected with family and friends.

Upcoming sessions take place on 23rd September and 21st October from 2.30pm to 4pm at Nigel Copping Community Building, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8GA. See the poster below for further dates…

Call 0300 123 1034 to book a space.

Vanessa Lynch
Digital Skills Co-ordinator

CELEBRITY TV GARDENER TO HOST SPECIAL EVENT IN GREAT AMWELL

Award-winning horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney will be appearing at Van Hage Garden Centre on 2nd September to share his gardening wisdom with audiences.

David Domoney (Image courtesy of Blue Diamond Garden Centres)

An Evening with David Domoney – Step by Step Gardening Live is an entertaining and inspiring event filled with practical advice and insider tips.

Based on the hugely popular Step by Step Gardening YouTube series, this live event brings the channel to life with expert demonstrations, seasonal inspiration and practical techniques to use in your own garden.

This Morning’s resident gardening presenter will guide audiences through essential gardening tasks step by step, sharing professional tips, planting advice and creative ideas to help you achieve stunning results, whatever your level of experience.

Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a live Q&A session, where David will answer gardening questions.

Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager Rebecca Gurnett says: “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a series of live David Domoney evenings across our centres. These events are designed to support the continued growth of our Step-by-Step Gardening YouTube programme while providing our customers with an engaging and memorable experience. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a fan of television or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this is a unique opportunity to meet one of Britain’s best-loved gardening personalities and enjoy an evening full of laughter, inspiration and advice.”

The evening also includes a welcome drink on arrival and an exclusive book signing with David.

Diamond Club customers will receive an exclusive £5 credit added to their membership account, which can be redeemed on their visit after the event.

Early bird tickets are priced at £12 per person and can be booked at www.bluediamond.gg/whats-on

Summer Reading Challenge is back!

Turn the Page and Turn Up the Volume with the Summer Reading Challenge

Looking for a fun way to keep children reading over the summer holidays? The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is back, and this year’s musical theme, Read to the Beat, promises plenty of fun for young readers.

The challenge launches at all Hertfordshire Libraries on Saturday 4 July and runs until Saturday 5 September. Children are invited to read books throughout the summer, complete reading challenges and collect themed rewards along the way.

Everyone who completes the challenge will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a place at an exclusive workshop with children’s author Gareth P. Jones.

The Summer Reading Challenge is completely free to take part in. Children simply need to be members of Hertfordshire Libraries, and if they’re not already members, joining is quick and free too.

Find out more on their website HERE.

Reading just a few books over the summer can help children maintain their reading confidence before returning to school in September and the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to make reading enjoyable throughout the holidays.

Whether your child is already an avid reader or just discovering a love of books, why not pop into your local library this summer and join in?

Happy reading!

FREE Digital Skills Group in Stanstead Abbotts

Want to master your computer, tablet or phone?

Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts hold monthly Digital Skills group sessions, which are free, friendly and volunteer-led by Digital Champions. They can teach you to do simple things like navigate your devices with ease, online shop, access virtual appointments and stay connected with family and friends.

Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4pm at Nigel Copping Community Building, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8GA.

Dates for upcoming sessions: 22 April, 20 May, 10 June, 22 July.

Booking is essential. Call 0300 123 1034 to book a space.

Just bring your charged device and start your journey toward becoming more digitally confident!

Vanessa Lynch
Digital Skills Co-ordinator

Rucksack Early Years Autism Programme for Families

Are you a parent or carer of an autistic child or a child on the autism pathway? This FREE course delivered for the Early Years SEND Team is designed just for you!

  • Gain essential knowledge
  • Learn practical strategies
  • Access valuable resources to support you and your child in everyday life

Course Topics:

Week 1: Understanding Autism
Week 2: Sensory
Week 3: Communication
Week 4: Play and Social Interaction
Week 5: Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour
Week 6: Using My Rucksack

Spring 2026 course starts end of January!

To register your interest please complete our registration form.

Early Years Service, Hertfordshire County Council

‘Start your book’ with Author and Writing Coach Piper Terrett

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book – whether it’s a gripping novel or a compelling non-fiction title – but aren’t sure how to get started, help is at hand.

Start Your Book is a new 2½-hour writing workshop led by experienced author, journalist and writing tutor Piper Terrett. This inspiring, in-person session is designed to help aspiring writers overcome the overwhelm and take those vital first steps toward getting their book underway.

Piper, a former Financial Times Group journalist and past lecturer in writing at London Metropolitan University, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience to the table. With an English degree from Cambridge and three published books under her belt – including a crime novel – she understands both the creative and structural aspects of writing a successful manuscript.

Held in the welcoming space at Nourish, Vale House in Hertford, this taster session is ideal for anyone who:

  • Wants to get started on their novel or non-fiction book
  • Needs help planning and organising their project
  • Could use a motivational boost and expert guidance

Attendees will also receive £10 off Piper’s full online course, Write Your Book, which is an in-depth 8-week programme launching this December. The full course covers everything from idea development and book planning to editing, publishing and even self-publishing options.

Whether you’re writing for personal fulfilment or hoping to publish, this workshop offers a supportive and informative starting point. It could be just the kick-start you need to finally get that book idea out of your head and onto the page!

DETAILS
🗓 Saturday 22nd November 2025
🕙 10:00am–12:30pm
📍 Nourish, Vale House, 43 Cowbridge, Hertford, SG14 1PN
💷 £30 per person

SPACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

To book or find out more:
📧 piperterrett@gmail.com
📞 07879 810795
🌐 dojustaboutanything.com

Book your spot on the next  Digital Skills Group session!

Did you read about the FREE digital skills group organised by The Community Alliance – Broxbourne & East Herts? It meets at the Nigel Copping Community Building and the next date is just around the corner!

This free, volunteer-led group is perfect for anyone who wants to get to grips with using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Whether you’re new to technology or just want to build your confidence, their Digital Champions will help you learn how to:

  • Navigate your devices with ease
  • Shop online safely
  • Access virtual appointments
  • Stay connected with friends and family

Sessions take place monthlyonWednesdays from 2:30 to 4:00pmat theNigel Copping Community Building (SG12 8GA).

There are two dates remaining for 2025: 13th November and 10th December.

BOOK NOW!
📞 Call 0300 123 1034 to reserve your place.

Just bring your charged device and start your journey toward becoming more digitally confident!

Step2Skills: fully funded Skills Bootcamps

Are you a Hertfordshire resident looking to enhance your skills to start your career or advance your career?
Step2Skills are offering two fully funded Skills Bootcamps designed to provide you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

SKILLS BOOTCAMPS

Early Years
Passionate about working with young children and looking to start or advance your career in Early Years education?
We’ve got fully funded Early Years Bootcamps designed to equip you with the skills you need to thrive in this rewarding field.

What’s covered?
• Understanding child development stages
• How to create educational activities
• Safeguarding practices
• Managing early years settings
• How to support children with special educational needs
• Paediatric First Aid

You will need to be able to commit to weekly online classes for 16 weeks.

After July, the next Skills Bootcamp will begin on Monday 1st September, from 9am to 2.30pm.

This will include modules on safeguarding, child development, and food and nutrition, as well as some 1:1 sessions with your tutor and a careers’ advice meeting.

There will be one full day where you will need to attend in person to complete your paediatric first aid qualification.

In between your live classes, you will be expected to undertake 6 hours of independent study per week.

The Level 2 Certificate is awarded by the NCFE.

Supported Employment Advisor (Starting in October 2025)
Are you passionate about helping individuals with disabilities, neurodivergence, or other disadvantages find meaningful employment? Learn the necessary skills and knowledge to help you thrive as a Supported Employment Advisor.

What’s covered?
• Understanding person-centred planning
• Implementing effective job coaching techniques
• How to engage employers to create inclusive workplaces
• Supporting people with diverse needs
• Navigating legal and ethical frameworks.

WHO CAN APPLY?
You are eligible for free bootcamps if you:
• Are a Hertfordshire resident.
• Are 19 years old or above.
• Have lived in England for at least the last three consecutive years.
• Have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or returning to work after a break.
• Are not currently in any formal education, including any other skills bootcamps.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR SKILLS BOOTCAMPS
• Quality training covering essential topics and skills.
• Flexible learning with online and in-person sessions.
• Expert teachers who bring real-world insights to the training.
• Dedicated career support, including CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.

APPLY NOW!
You can apply to either Skills Bootcamp using the following form HERE.