MAKE THIS THE WEEK YOU . . .

BEFRIEND YOUR NEIGHBOURS

SHARE, DON’T SHOP

NEXT time you run out of sugar, don’t head to the shops, use it as an excuse to knock next door.

Streetbank was set up to revive lost community spirit — while saving money and the environment — by encouraging people in a neighbourhood to share goods, services and knowledge.

It’s free to sign up to the website (streetbank.com), where you can log requests for just about anything, from babysitting to long ladders, as long as you can offer something in return.

SET A PET DATE

NO ONE can resist puppy dog eyes, so if you have a pet, you’re off to a head start.

Get to know other local owners by joining the ‘Meet My Dog’ social networking app. Once you’ve set up a profile for you and your pet, you can find other dog walkers near you — add them as friends, send messages and check in your location. Available for download on iOS at meetmydogapp.com.

COME DINE WITH ME

IF YOU fancy a meal out, ditch the restaurant chains and try the latest addition to the sharing economy. EatWith is a scheme where home chefs sign up to open their homes to the community. Why not sign up to cook? Check out locations at eatwith.com.

JOIN THE CLUB

UNDER the Little Free Library project you put a small wooden box of books in your front garden and people can help themselves: take one, return one. Visit littlefreelibrary.org for details.