Challenge 8 - Community

Getting involved with your local community can really help you make a difference to the area that you live in.

If you've ever wanted to play a bigger role in your community and make a positive impact on the lives of those around you then this is the challenge for you!

Take a Minute

• Work out how much time you can give. Some volunteering requires many hours a week, some only a few each month. Even if you work full-time and have a busy lifestyle you should still be able to find something that suits you.
• Think about the skills you have that charities might need, this could be IT knowledge, organisation skills or a clean driving licence, to name just a few.
• Are there local issues that you feel passionately about? You could get involved in a local campaign or work with your local parish council on behalf of your community.

Take a Day

• Research the causes and issues important to you and look for a group or charity dealing with these issues. There are loads of ways in which you could support your chosen charity, from donations to volunteering.
• Visit your local volunteer centre. Volunteer Centres (VCs) are local agencies that promote and develop volunteering. Visit the website find your nearest VC.
• Get to know your neighbours. Chatting to people in your area will help build a stronger sense of community.

Take a Month

• Take a working holiday. There are lots of companies who offer volunteer travel and holidays. Check out the Responsible Travel website for ideas and further information or visit i to i volunteering for longer term volunteering and travelling opportunities.
• Get your employer involved and set up an employee volunteer scheme. There are loads of volunteering opportunities available for groups. Team challenges are a great idea; why not spend the day painting a hall, clearing a river or creating a children's playground?
• Can't find an organisation that shares your concerns? Why not set up your own and become a Social Entrepreneur? There are websites that can help you get started (try the Community Action Network) and even special training available (The School for Social Entrepreneurs).

Local Community & Voluntary Groups

Bromsgrove & Redditch Network
Telephone 01527 60282
Volunteering opportunities in Bromsgrove & Redditch.

Do-It!
Search for voluntary opportunities in your local area in a wide range of different sectors.

Droitwich Council for Voluntary Service
Telephone 01905 779115
Volunteering opportunities in the Droitwich area.

Guidestar UK
Information about every charity large and small - active in every community.

Malvern & District Community Action
Telephone 01684 580638
Volunteering opportunities in the Malvern area.

Pershore & District Voluntary Help
Telephone 01386 554299
Volunteering opportunities in the Pershore area.

Who Cares in Worcestershire
Directory of voluntary and community groups involved in health and care in Worcestershire.

Worcester Volunteer Centre
Supports and promotes the local voluntary and community sector in Worcester.

Wyre Forest Community Action
Telephone 01562 862757
Volunteering opportunities in the Wyre Forest Area.

Find support for community group sustainability projects

Community First
Support for community and voluntary groups in Worcestershire (e.g Parish Planning, project funding & Community Buildings).

Community Sustainable Energy Programme
Grants for community based groups wishing to install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency.

Eco-congregations
Programme to help churches make the link between environmental issues and the Christian faith.

Every Action Counts
Programme to help community groups and societies lead the way to a better, more sustainable future through support, training and funding advice.

Scout Association
Be Prepared for the Future – together scouts will tackle climate change. Find out about this project and climate change activities and ideas for scout leaders.

Sustainable Development Fund
If you need a grant for a project to do with sustainable development that will benefit the Malvern Hills Area on Outstanding Natural Beauty then you may be able to access funding through the Sustainable Development Fund. Visit the website or contact Joanne Barrow on 01905 768213.

Welcome to our Future
Charity who raise awareness and provide support for sustainable development projects in Worcestershire.

Women's Institute
Find out about the WI's carbon challenge and what members have been doing to tackle climate change.

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