We build the capacity of voluntary, community and faith groups, as well as social enterprises in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, we share our expertise on policy, governance and more, in a number of different ways including training, advocacy and by hosting events that bring people together.

There is great power when individuals unite over a common goal.

As the centre for voluntary services, our mission is driven by the belief that positive change begins with collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a thriving, inclusive society.

The annual North Herts Community Conference, organised in partnership by ourselves, North Herts Council and Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, provides the opportunity for the whole community sector in the area to come together, foster greater connection among peers, skill-share, and ignite inspiration among attendees, empowering them with the tools to propel their organisations forward.

At this year’s conference on Tuesday, May 21, held at the iconic Letchworth Broadway Hotel, we are honoured to welcome special keynote speaker Michael McGrath, MBE.

The first disabled person to have led expeditions to both the North and South Poles, Michael was awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list (June 2023) for services to people with muscular dystrophy.

He has also been named one of Britain's most influential disabled people by Power 100 four times!

“Michael McGrath is a phenomenon. He shares lessons in leadership, lessons in handling change and lessons in life, introducing audiences to the possibility of thinking and acting differently” says actor and filmmaker Sir Kenneth Branagh.

A powerful and authentic speaker on mental resilience and bouncing back, Michael will be sharing compelling lessons and insights from his life drawn through the lens of his own life experience.

Attendees of this year’s conference can expect to hear from several speakers, on a variety of different subjects, the line-up includes groups from the community who will be sharing their unique lived experiences and stories.

This year’s interactive Community Conference theme is ‘the power of storytelling’. Good stories help evoke emotion and stimulate volunteers to step forward.

Storytelling powerfully demonstrates how donations and fundraising are being spent too and why an organisation should be supported financially, a particular priority for organisations in the current climate.

If you lead or represent a group in the VCFSE sector that is based or operates in North Hertfordshire, be sure to secure your free place at this year’s North Herts Community Conference by visiting nhcvs.org.uk/training-events.

You can also email info@nhcvs.org.uk or call 01462 689400.

As the centre for volunteering services for North Herts and Stevenage, we equip community groups, charities & volunteers with the knowledge to thrive.

Learn more about how we help organisations reach their potential at www.nhcvs.org.uk.