How To Get Involved In Your Local Community

Take Part In Local Elections

The way to make a real impact in the way your community is run is to make sure you’re registered and vote in local elections. Gov.uk can help you find your local council, WhereDoIVote.co.uk will show you where your local polling station is, and WhoCanIVoteFor.co.uk will give you your choices of who to vote for.

Look Out For Local Events

There’s no better way to get to know the locals than to head down to a local event and actually socialise with them. You’ll often find out what local events are happening in your area through the local paper or radio station, and many local papers now operate through Facebook, so you’re likely to find events on there. Not just that, but many places have community pages too, where upcoming events will be featured. Other than that, discount sites like Wowcher and Groupon will show you deals in your area, so you can get out there and experience everything your community has to offer, no matter what your budget.

Volunteer Your Time

There are so many ways to volunteer your time in the community. Perhaps you want a little side gig in your local charity shop, or fancy walking the dogs at the nearest pet shelter. Whatever you want to do, there’s plenty of ways to find out what’s about in your area. Sites like Do-It.org and NCVO.org.uk will show you the opportunities near you. And if you’re not based in England, Volunteer Scotland, Volunteering Wales, Jersey Charities and Guernsey Charities will help you out. And if you have kids that already have that giving spirit, then 16 and 17-year-olds can get involved with National Citizens Service.

Donate

If you’ve got items in your home you don’t want anymore, don’t throw them in the bin – see if you can repurpose them into your community. Donate clothes and household goods to your local charity shop, food to your nearest food bank, and books to local libraries or Oxfam bookshops. Some homeless shelters and women’s refuges may accept items such as unused bed linens and toiletries, but it’s best to check with them first.

Shop Locally

Start shopping locally and you’ll not only see the benefit in your community, but also in yourself. Buying from local farmer’s markets not only supports local business, but the produce sold is often fresher and seasonal. Other great examples of local shopping include getting your fruit and veg from greengrocers, meat from local butchers, coffee from independent coffee shops and clothes from independent retailers in the area.