six ways to help your community

Supporting your local community can bring a whole host of benefits. Lending a hand can help you to make new friends, learn new skills, advance your career and most importantly, give something back to your local community.

With hectic schedules it can be hard to fit in time for community work, but there are simple ways you can make a difference without sacrificing too much. Here are six top tips.

1. get involved as a volunteer

There are plenty of opportunities out there. If you’re looking to get involved in the community as a volunteer, but have little time to spare, look out for flexible roles that fit around your needs. You could try being a: 

• mentor to a young person
• school governor
• hospital visitor
• conservation volunteer
• community project worker
• charity shop assistant. 

To find volunteering opportunities in your local area use gov.uk's search tool or contact your local volunteering centre. 

2. support local businesses

Support your local businesses by buying locally. Think before you buy. Instead of buying from supermarket chains, back local farmers and purchase local produce instead. You could also attend local events and festivals.

3. local tidy ups 

Things like litter picking and gardening can help make your local area a nicer place to live. 

4. help your neighbours

Offering your neighbours some support is a great way of getting to know them – and, if you look out for others, they are likely to look out for you too. It could be something as simple as doing the shopping for an older person or collecting the post when next door are away.

5. raise money 

If you've got small change to hand, you could give this to charity collectors on the street or the homeless. If you're an Engage Mutual customer who volunteers on a local community project, take a look at the engage with your community campaign and apply for project funding. 

6. donate

Donate old items of clothing to local homeless shelters, food to animal shelters and any household items to local charity shops. It all helps.