"We're here to do everything we can to encourage, enable and engage with well-being throughout our community, in and around Hertford"
The project to create the St Andrew's Centre had at its heart the desire for Hertford St Andrew to improve the well-being of people around it. To do this, we have added to the range of activities that already existed and have done so in a more structured way, in partnership with voluntary and community organisations, and by publicising them more effectively.
The Hertford St Andrew Parochial Church Council (PCC) established a charitable organisation as the focus for the operations of the St Andrew’s Centre. The Hertford St. Andrew Community Trust (HStACT) is responsible for the ongoing running and maintenance of the Centre.
The Trust had many informative discussions with local community groups and charities that work in the fields of mental health, support for carers, day-care for the elderly, bereavement support and counselling. We do what we can to accommodate many of these groups alongside some of the activities that we are already involved in.
For information about bookings, view the St Andrew's Centre page or e-mail standrewscentre@hotmail.com.
Activities held in the centre
The centre is well used by NHS groups, U3A and local interest groups as well as dance, sport and exercise classes and counsellors.
Table Tennis for those 50+
The Hertford St Andrew Community Trust has worked in conjunction with East Herts Council's Forever Active Scheme to run weekly Table Tennis sessions in the St Andrew's Centre.
Further details of the table tennis group.
What do we mean by 'well-being'?
At its simplest, well-being is about feeling good and functioning well. This includes having a sense of meaning, a sense of belonging and of connection with people and place, and having the capability to manage change and problems. The New Economics Foundation's "Five Ways to Well-being" provides some thoughts we'll be encouraging people to explore:
Connect…
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
Be active…
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Take notice…
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
Keep learning…
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
Give…
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Who are the HStACT Trustees?
The Trustees are Malcolm Fry, Philippa Probert, Richard Taylor (Chair), Rod Willis, Judy Sharman, Laura Ramsay, Carol Muhr and David Spring (pictured below at the 10th Anniversary Celebration for the St Andrew's Centre in October 2023, with Treasurer Shirley Taylor holding the flowers).
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