Turn Your Unwanted Gifts into Life-Saving Treasure!
This January, carry on the festive goodwill by donating your unwanted Christmas gifts and pre-loved items to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT). Your donations could become someone else’s treasure while directly supporting our life-saving mission. As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to embrace resolutions of giving, fresh starts, and making a…
Get Moving with Free Health Walks in Hertfordshire
Are you looking for a way to get fitter, feel better, and enjoy the fresh air? Why not make a New Year’s resolution to join a gentle Health Walk? These free group walks are fun, social, and a great way to explore your neighbourhood while improving your health. Walking is one of the simplest ways…
Spreading Kindness Through the Reverse Advent Calendar
In a world where acts of kindness can often feel overshadowed by challenges, an inspiring initiative is bringing people together to make a real difference for families in need. The Reverse Advent Calendar, first conceived by Jane Current, headteacher of Broom Barns Primary School in Stevenage, has grown from a local idea into a movement…
St Andrew and St George Christmas Tree Festival
Despite the wild, wet, and windy weather, Stevenage was alive with festive spirit! Mayor Jim Brown made a visit to the St Andrew and St George Christmas Tree Festival, where an array of beautifully decorated and imaginative Christmas trees are on display. Each tree reflects the creativity and effort of the local community, making it…
Launch of Music24 Charity EP
The Mayor of Stevenage recently joined Music24 to celebrate the launch of their brand-new charity EP, Sing Together. The special event brought together supporters, participants, and the local community to mark a milestone for this incredible charity that uses music to make a difference in people’s lives. The launch took place at a lively gathering…
Stevenage Woman’s Inspiring Journey: From Couch to Marathon and Cancer Awareness
Maxine Shackell’s journey from a “mum of four kids” with no running experience to a marathon finisher and cancer survivor highlights the power of grit, resilience, community, and support. During lockdown, she started the NHS Couch to 5K app, intending to stay active, and this simple step would later connect her with others who would…
How Stevenage FC Foundation Is Changing Lives Through Football in Stevenage
Stevenage Football Club Foundation, in partnership with Mind in Mid Herts, is using football to make a difference in people’s lives through its Get Set to Go programme. These weekly sessions offer people facing mental health challenges a chance to get active, connect with others, and improve their well-being. Just ask Duncan, a 50-year-old from…
Connecting Community Through Football: An Inside Look at Stevenage Football Club Foundation with Dani Toyn
Love Stevenage spoke with Dani Toyn, Head of Community Engagement at Stevenage Football Club’s Foundation, to learn more about her role and how the foundation is making a difference in the community. Here’s what she shared about Stevenage Football Club’s community impact. What does your role as Head of Community Engagement at Stevenage Football Club…
Herts Young Homeless Annual Event to Raise Money for Stevenage Charity
The annual St Albans Sleepout takes place on Friday, 8th November at Oaklands College, offering the community a powerful opportunity to raise funds and support local homelessness charities in Hertfordshire. With homelessness on the rise, this year’s Sleepout—hosted by five local charities: Herts Young Homeless, Open Door, The Living Room, Emmaus, and Centre 33—promises to…
Love Stevenage’s Visit to Charity’s Wellbeing Hub in Knebworth
Love Stevenage recently had the pleasure of visiting the Compassionate Neighbours Wellbeing Hub in Knebworth, a part of the amazing Garden House Hospice Care network. Colette, representing Love Stevenage, was warmly welcomed to the hub and experienced first-hand the community spirit and joy that these hubs bring to local residents. The visit highlighted the incredible…
Stevenage United FC: Football, Fitness, and Men’s Mental Health
Meet Victor Ponnudurai, the founder of Stevenage United FC. This inspiring football team came to life in January 2023 as part of the MAN v FAT initiative, which focuses on helping men who are overweight achieve their weight-loss goals through football. It’s not just about the sport – it’s about health, fitness, and well-being too.…
Mayor’s Indoor Garden Party: A Wonderful Afternoon of Music and Community
Despite the typically unpredictable British weather, Mayor Jim Brown’s annual Garden Party was a big success this year, even though it wasn’t technically in a garden! Held indoors to avoid soggy grounds and grey skies, the event still captured the warmth and spirit of the local community. Everyone who attended had a fantastic time, surrounded…
Building a Legacy: The Marriotts Gambia Project with Jay Drackford
In this inspiring interview, we sit down with Jay Drackford, the driving force behind The Marriotts Gambia Project, a heartfelt initiative that has transformed the lives of many in The Gambia. From humble beginnings in 1987 when Jay first visited the country as a child, to leading multiple trips with volunteers and students, his passion…
Interview with the Founders of Lads Speak Out Football, an inspirational football club in Stevenage
Love Stevenage had the pleasure to speak with Danny Mole, the Chairman and Co-Founder of Lads Speak Out FC. Alongside Mitch Te Braake and Tom Nielow, they established Lads Speak Out in September 2022 with the goal of raising awareness about men’s mental health through football. Their journey officially kicked off with their first game…
Local Balloon Artist Shines Light on Mental Health with Powerful CALM Campaign
A local balloon artist recently partnered with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) to highlight an important cause – youth suicide awareness – with a striking installation that captured the attention of people across the nation. We sat down with Natalie, the artist behind this moving display to learn more about their journey and the…
A Special Event to Raise Mental Health Awareness in Stevenage
This weekend, Bike Stop in the Old Town, Stevenage is hosting a brilliant event to raise awareness and funds for two incredible mental health charities, Papyrus and Mental Health Motorbike, and it’s all happening this Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The idea for this event came from Ollie, the organiser, who experienced a…
How a Foodbank Near Stevenage Is Making a Difference: An Interview with the Founder of Knebworth Food Bank
In the heart of the villages surrounding Stevenage, the Knebworth Food Bank has become a vital resource for many struggling to make ends meet. Founded in 2022 by Darren Gilbert, the food bank has quickly grown into a cornerstone of community support. In this interview, we sit down with Darren to learn more about the…
Taylor Walton Solicitors Lends a Hand to Home-Start Hertfordshire
The team at Taylor Walton Solicitors recently pitched in to help Home-Start Hertfordshire by giving their Stevenage office a fresh new look. Over three days, the team deep-cleaned, painted, and reorganised the entire space. A total of 25 people from Taylor Walton’s three offices in St Albans, Harpenden, and Luton took part. Each person volunteered…
Les Ward’s Captains Charity Day: A Swinging Success at Chesfield Downs Golf and Country Club
The picturesque Chesfield Downs Golf and Country Club was abuzz with activity as it hosted the highly anticipated Les Ward’s Captains Charity Day. The event, dedicated to raising funds for Brain Tumour Research, proved to be an overwhelming success. The charity golf day was especially poignant this year, as it was held in memory of…
