On Tuesday 15 September, Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) joined the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and some of our supporters for Love Herts Day 2026, visiting six charities and community organisations making a real difference to people and communities across the county.
From supporting families and reducing food waste to tackling financial hardship, homelessness, violence against women and girls, and social isolation, the day was an opportunity to see first-hand the vital work taking place in communities across Hertfordshire.
Celebrating local organisations
Our first visit was to
Lift Off St Marks, which brings children aged 0–11 and their families together through welcoming, inclusive activities. Its work helps children develop through play and creativity, while giving families opportunities to connect and reducing isolation.
We then visited
Random Cafe in Watford, which tackles food waste while helping make nutritious food more accessible. The café and shop use surplus food from supermarkets and food producers, while its community garden provides locally grown produce and a space for people to come together.
In Hemel Hempstead,
Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub showed us how a welcoming community space can provide both practical and emotional support. Alongside its café, foodbank and pay-it-forward initiatives, Liberty provides free debt advice through Liberty Community Money Advice, helping people facing financial hardship to move towards greater financial stability.
We also visited
First People Housing, an organisation supporting men facing homelessness, trauma, substance misuse and other challenges. Through accommodation, counselling, practical skills, gardening and support into employment, the organisation takes a person-centred approach to helping individuals rebuild their lives and move towards independence.
Women of Grace highlighted the importance of grassroots support for women and girls affected by female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based violence and other forms of gender-based violence. Led and supported by survivors, activists and professionals, the charity provides awareness, advice, resilience-building and support, as well as helping refugees and asylum seekers to feel part of their communities.
Our final visit was to
Grove Cottage, which has supported people with learning disabilities and additional needs for nearly 60 years. Its wide range of services and activities support people throughout their lives, from its specialist nursery and therapy programmes through to adult social groups, sport, music, gardening and performing arts.
Local organisations, lasting impact
Although the six organisations we visited work in very different areas, they share something important: they understand the needs of the people and communities they support and are there to respond when help is needed.
Their work can prevent isolation, improve wellbeing, provide practical support during difficult times and help people build more secure and independent futures.
Love Herts Day gave us the opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the people making this work happen — from staff and volunteers to the individuals and families they support.
At HCF, we believe that local giving can make a real difference when it is connected to local knowledge and need. We are proud to work alongside organisations like these and to help our supporters see the impact their generosity can have across Hertfordshire.
Thank you to all six organisations for welcoming us, sharing their work and for everything they do for their communities.
Should you like to find out more about the local organisations in Hertfordshire, or visit a local charity, we would love to talk to you.
Amanda, Jansen, Head of Philanthropy, E: amanda.jansen@hertscf.org.uk T: 0771 1143267