At Be Community, we value diverse approaches to volunteering. We honour and appreciate each volunteer’s unique contributions. Be Community empowers Monmouthshire volunteers with comprehensive training resources and opportunities.
Our approach at Be Community is multifaceted. We cater to diverse volunteer needs and interests, offering training courses that cover various aspects of volunteering and community group management.
Our goal is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference.
Book a Course > Registration Form
In addition to traditional training, we provide:
- Accessible online learning modules, allowing volunteers to engage with valuable content at their own pace and convenience. These resources are crafted to enhance their understanding of community issues, foster empathy, and promote effective problem-solving approaches.
- Bespoke packages, we recognise that sometimes community organisations need a more bespoke approach to help elevate the project to the next level or overcome challenges. In these circumstances we are able to provide mentorship from seasoned third sector organisations with specific experience in your area.
- Networking is a key component of our support system. We facilitate connections between volunteers, enabling them to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from one another’s experiences. Volunteers can expand their social circles, form partnerships, and gain valuable insights that enrich their volunteering journey.
At Be Community, we’re dedicated to providing free resources and opportunities for all volunteers. Our commitment ensures that financial constraints never hinder anyone’s ability to contribute positively to the community. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to engage in volunteering and experience the profound sense of fulfilment it brings.
Be Community welcomes all volunteers, whether you’re experienced or new. Together, let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
Latest Courses & Workshops
Management of Aggression and Personal Safety Course.
📅15th December 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Library, Chepstow
This course will enable volunteer teams to recognise different aspects of conflict that they may encounter.
This course will empower you to recognise, defuse and de-escalate confrontational situations and maintain your personal safety (in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and fully complies with The All Wales Violence and Aggression Training Passport & Information Scheme, Modules A & B.
- To understand and be aware of the different methods of resolving such conflicts.
- Help you to work towards minimizing the effects of violent and aggressive behaviour.
- Provide awareness of the Government legislation and Health & Safety legal requirements regarding violence and aggressive behaviour within the working environment.
- To increase awareness of personal safety issues such as safe and secure working environment, lone working.
Community Change Maker Program (Tummler School)
2nd February 2025 10:00 – 2:30pm,
TBC
Community Change makers is a training program developed by leading community development practitioner and scholar Andy Green and the team at Grow Social Capital.
At its heart, the Community Changemakers Program is about sparking energy and action in communities. The program will teach you to become a “Tummler”, a term which comes from Yiddish, describing someone who gets the party started. That’s exactly what this programme helps community leaders and activists do—get things moving, inspire others, and build momentum for change.
But the Community Changemakers Program isn’t just another training course. It’s a practical, energising experience that draws on the latest insights from behavioural and social psychology. Rather than focusing on marketing or promotion, it teaches subtle but powerful ways to shift how people respond to you and your cause. Through small changes in how you ask, frame, and enable participation, you can unlock greater engagement and support.
What makes it so good?
- It’s practical and immediate: You leave with tools you can use straight away—like how to make “small asks” that build confidence and connection.
- It’s rooted in social capital theory: You’ll explore how to grow bridging, bonding, and linking capital in your networks.
- It’s fun and inspiring: Sessions are interactive, story-driven, and designed to build your confidence and capability as a changemaker.
- It’s tailored to real-world community work: Whether you’re a lone wolf, a cruise director, or a Tummler, the programme helps you understand your style and how to work with others to create lasting change.
As Andy puts it, the Community Changemakers Program is about “getting more people to do more for you”—not through pressure, but by creating the right mindset, narrative, and environment for action.
Let’s make things happen – together.
Mental Health First Aid
📅22nd & 29th January 2026, 09:30am – 16:00pm
📍Innovation House, Magor
Become a Mental Health First Aider in Your Community!
Empowering Volunteers & Community Champions to Make a Difference
Are you part of a community group, support network, youth club, or faith-based initiative? Want to feel more confident supporting adults facing mental health challenges?
Join our FREE 2-day Mental Health First Aid (Adults) course — specially designed for volunteers and community members just like you!
What You’ll Learn:
Gain the practical skills to:
✔ Recognise early signs of mental health issues
✔ Provide immediate support during a mental health crisis
✔ Offer effective first aid until professional help is available or the situation improves
Want a Recognised Qualification?
Complete a simple workbook to gain the Accredited Agored Cymru Certificate in First Aid for Mental Health – or attend as an awareness-only participant. Your choice!
This training is a must for anyone involved in grassroots, community-driven initiatives who wants to make a real impact in people’s lives.
Carbon Literacy Training
TBC
County Hall, Usk
Empower Your Organisation with Carbon Literacy Training!
Are you ready to amplify your organisation’s impact and lead positive environmental change? Join our dedicated Carbon Literacy training session designed especially for third sector organisations, charities, and community groups!
- Learn the essentials of climate change: its causes, effects, and what you can do to make a difference.
- Engage in inspiring discussions and connect with other passionate change-makers in your sector.
- Take action by pledging both individual and group commitments to reduce carbon emissions—your efforts will be recognised with an internationally accredited Carbon Literacy certificate.
Let’s create a more sustainable future, one pledge at a time. Become a certified Carbon Literate organisation/ group and show your commitment to a greener tomorrow!
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today and make your organisation a champion for climate action!
PAT Testing Training
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Magor and Undy Community Hub, Undy
Protect Your Community Group/ Organisaton – Get Certified in PAT Testing!
BECommunity, in partnership with PAT Testing Wales, invites you to take part in a power one-day training course. Whether you’re a volunteer, community leader, or just want to ensure safety at local events, this course gives you practical skills that matter.
- Real PAT testers
- Certificate of Competence
- Learn visual inspections
- Understand safety regulations
- Test real appliances
Spaces are limited – register today and become a safety champion in your community!
Emergency First Aid at Work
9:30 – 4:30pm, Raglan Training Centre, Raglan
After attending the course, the first aider will understand and be able to manage a casualty that is unresponsive, in shock, choking, or has a minor injury.
This course is ideal for anyone wishing to become an emergency first aider. It provides learners with the skills and knowledge to deal with first aid situations in low-risk workplace environments, for the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
HABC Food Safety Level 2
This qualification is suitable for individuals working or preparing to work in the catering and hospitality industry, as well as those involved in community groups who handle food or operate community cafes. It covers essential topics such as hazards and controls, food safety management and temperature controls, food poisoning prevention, personal hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, food pests, and the responsibilities of food handlers in maintaining food safety. The HABC Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (QCF) is internationally accredited and recognised, supporting customer protection, brand management, and business operations.
Importance of Training
Anyone engaged in food preparation or service—including members of community groups and staff in community cafes—must ensure consumer health and verify that food provided is safe for consumption.
Assessment Method
The qualification is assessed via a multiple-choice exam, requiring candidates to answer at least 13 out of 20 questions correctly. The exam lasts up to 45 minutes.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of food safety principles, systems, techniques, and procedures
- Understanding methods to manage food safety risks, including personal hygiene, food storage, cooking, and handling
- Ability to apply safe practices when providing food to consumers
First Aid at Work (3 days)
Raglan Training Centre
This 3 day course is ideal for anyone wishing to become a first aider. It covers a wider range of subjects than the ones covered by the Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
It provides learners with the skills and knowledge to deal with first aid situations in higher risk workplaces or workplaces with an increased number of employees. Produced in aid of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes.
By the end of the course delegates will not only be able to manage a casualty that is unresponsive, but also will know how to treat basic First Aid injuries such as; anaphylactic shock, epilepsy, diabetes, poisoning, heart attack, bone , joint and muscle injuries.
CIEH Food Safety in Catering Level 2
(Online, Distance Learning)
This online course, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, teaches you how to handle fresh produce safely in the field.
You will learn how to identify and control food hazards, manage temperature, follow hygiene and cleaning protocols, and comply with regulations.
You will also learn about various types of food hazards, such as microbiological, physical, chemical, allergenic, and malicious.
CIEH Health and Safety in the Workplace Level 2
(Online, Distance Learning)
This online course accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is a comprehensive and endorsed by esteemed Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and covers the essential aspects of workplace safety in various sectors.
The course teaches how to identify and manage different types of hazards, conduct risk assessments, implement controls, and handle incidents. The course aims to help organisations and volunteers to improve their safety standards and culture.
CIEH Level 2 Principles of Manual Handling
(Online, distance Learning)
The Manual Handling Principles online course is crucial for individuals lifting objects to understand key principles that can lessen injury risk by spotting typical manual handling dangers.
The course covers:
- Introduction to Manual Handling
- Identifying Manual Handling Hazards
- Conducting Risk Assessments
- Implementing Controls and Minimising Injury Risk
- Relevant Laws and Regulations
CIEH Serving the Allergic and Food Intolerant Customer
(Online, distance Learning)
The “Serving the Allergic and Food Intolerant Customer” e-Learning course is an essential guide for anyone involved in food preparation, including volunteers working in food banks or community cafes. This course helps learners understand allergies and their causes, food labels with an ingredients list, warnings on packed food, and preparing and serving non-packed food.
Course module topics include:
- Allergy awareness
- Understanding pre-packed food labels
- Serving non-packed food
- Allergy labelling – food prepacked for direct sale (PPDS)
This course is also offered face to face
CIEH Slips Trips and Falls
(Online, distance Learning)
The Slips, Trips and Falls e-Learning course will alert staff to the dangers of slip and trip accidents and raise awareness to dangerous everyday hazards that can be avoided to create a safer environment.
Course module topics include:
- RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences) statistics for slips, trips and falls in the workplace
- The main regulations relevant to workplace safety
- Legal ‘punishments’ the HSE can enforce
- The five steps of a risk assessment
- Responsibilities in the workplace
CIEH Principles of Fire Safety Awareness
(Online, distance Learning)
The “Principles of Fire Safety Awareness” e-Learning course provides essential knowledge about fire safety, from precautionary measures to prevent fires and actions to take in the event of a fire.
This course offers an overview of the main causes and effects of fire in the workplace, organisation, and community halls. Learners will understand their role in preventing fire and the responsibilities of their community leaders, fire wardens, and other key staff.
This course emphasises that everyone has a responsibility to lessen the risk of fire and take every action to minimise injury and loss of life in the event of a fire.
This course can also offered face to face
CIEH Introduction to First Aid
(Online, distance Learning)
Suitable for a variety of candidates, this course provides learners with the skills and knowledge to deal with first aid situations in low-risk environment. Modules covered:
- Introduction to first aid
- First aid equipment
- First at a scene
- Fire prevention measures
- Unconscious casualties
- First aid incidents
- Treating minor
Principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) Level 2
(Online, Distance Learning)
This course is ideal for organisation/ groups to learn how to manage food safety and implement a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) system in when working in a food business.
It will guide food operators on food safety management and provides controls that ensure a safe food environment that protects consumers and satisfies external scrutiny by inspectors.
Printable samples and blank forms will be provided for your organisation, and you will learn how to apply the 12 Step HACCP Codex Model.
You will also gain an understanding in the key terms, principles, and benefits of HACCP, as well as your legal obligations and the consequences of not complying with them.
CIEH Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
(Online, distance Learning)
If you regularly use display screens at your workstation, the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) e-Learning course is beneficial for you. This module covers various equipment, including televisions, personal computers, laptops, and tablet devices, along with the associated risks and hazards.
Completing this course ensures compliance with the Health and Safety (DSE) Regulations 1992.
Course module topics include:
- Definition of DSE
- Health hazards associated with DSE
- Regulations
- Assessing health risks
- Ergonomics
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Level 2
(Online, Distance Learning)
Are you aware of the potential hazards in your workplace?
Do you know how to handle hazardous substances safely?
Join our COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Workshop and ensure a safer working environment for everyone!
This comprehensive e-learning training course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understanding COSHH regulations and their importance
- Identifying hazardous substances in your workplace
- Safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances
- Implementing effective control measures
- Emergency procedures and first aid for hazardous substance exposure
Foodie Foundations – Environmental Health Coaching
Building Safe and Successful Community Food Projects with Be Community’s Coaching Scheme. Foodie Foundations is a coaching scheme offered in partnership with Environmental Health and Be Community. It provides personalised support and training for community projects involved in food preparation or handling. The scheme aims to ensure success and safety by tailoring advice to each project’s unique needs. Post-visit support is also provided. However, it does not replace routine inspections.
Object-Based Reminiscence Training
TBC
Shire Hall, Monmouth
Join us for World Dementia Action Week !
Unlock the Power of Conversation: Make a Difference to the Lives of Older People and Those Living with Dementia!
Do you love talking to people? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of older people and people living with Dementia?
Reminiscence is a wonderful and powerful tool for stimulating conversation, prompting recall of lived experience and triggering memory.
Join Karin Molson from MonLife Heritage Learning and discover how to:
- use objects to create safe and engaging reminiscence experiences
- learn about which objects work best,
- Find out where you can hire reminiscence resources
- Discover how to create your own reminiscence resources and
- Get creative with activities that keep the conversation flowing.
This one-day course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact on the lives of those you engage with.
Sign up today and start transforming memories into powerful connections!
Past Courses
These are past courses, however if you are interested in these please get in touch!
- Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness and Control in Catering (RQF)
- Chat GPT ( AI artificial intelligence app) online training workshop
- Making Grants Work with Justin Horton
- Food Safety Level 2
- Branding and Brand Story
- Risk Assessment
- Health & Safety at Work
- Suicide First Aid
- First Aid
- Menopause Awareness
- Stress Management
- Unlocking Memories: Object-Based Reminiscence and Memory Café Training
- Introduction to Canva
- Digital Engagement with Young People
- Power to the People
BE Community Enquiry Form >
BECommunity@monmouthshire.gov.uk
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.