7 ways to… help your community

The people we live near are so important, so make sure that you look after them

It's true that there is a lot of hardship in the UK (and worldwide) right now, with most people touched by rising bills, increasing worries and fears for the future. You never know what someone is going through, whether it's your elderly neighbour next door, the single parent who lives down your road or the owner of your local greengrocers. Who do we turn to in these times of uncertainly, if not our community, the people who live alongside us, who we call our neighbours and friends? It is vital that we support one another in times like these, whether that support comes in the form of an offer of help, a cup of tea or even just a friendly smile. Here are seven simple but thoughtful ideas that you can carry out to assist the people in your community.

1. Litter-pick when you go for a walk

If you enjoy a daily or weekly walk, take a bin bag and a grabber out with you. Collect rubbish as you stroll to help keep your town clean and tidy, and as a means of saying thank you to your surroundings and the people that live alongside you. If you find that you really enjoy the activity, you could always take it one step further and start a weekly or monthly litterpicking club for other locals to join. It's a great way to keep fit, meet new people and make your town more pleasant to look at, as well as safer for everyone to enjoy.

2. Shop with locally owned businesses

Do you usually head out of your village or town to do your shopping? Why not start getting what you can at your local greengrocers, zero-waste store or corner shop? Many businesses are struggling right now, with higher running costs and less frequent visitors who are trying to save money. But we must remember that our local shop owners and workers are people just like us, with bills to pay and mouths to feed, and if we, their community do not support them, no one will. By shopping at your local shop, you are directly helping them to remain open. Your money will go back into the community, instead of going into the pockets of corporal business owners and investors. If the prices at your nearest store are higher than those you would normally travel to and you can't afford to do all your shopping there, just buy what you can — even if it is just a low-cost item like a bunch of bananas or a carton of oat milk — then buy other items elsewhere.

3. Attend local festivals and events

Most towns run numerous events for the community throughout the year — fêtes, markets, regattas, craft fairs, festivals or gigs, so show your face and support your local businesses, performers and crafters. You never know, you might discover a wonderful vegan cake baker, uncover a new favourite band or simply make a friend from within your community. Local events are brilliant to get to know your neighbours better, by connecting on common interests and sharing some fun.

4. Look for opportunities to give in your community

Whenever there are chances to give to those who are wanting, try to offer what you can. Many schools collect items for less fortunate families, like unopened canned foods and dried pantry goods, old shoes and clothing. Contact your local primary or secondary school to find out if they would like anything that you have going spare.

Additionally, most villages and towns will have a food bank, if you find yourself with a surplus of unopened and unperishable foods, donate them. Or, if you can afford it, buy an extra box of cereal or pack of rice next time you're shopping to give away. Head to trusselltrust. org to find out where your nearest food bank is.

5. Check on your neighbours

Making someone's day is just a phone call or knock away, especially elderly people who you know don't often get visitors. If you have someone living down your road who you think could use a pick-me-up or some company, give them a ring or tap on their door for a chat, or invite them round for a cup of tea or coffee.

Every day there are people going through difficult times without us knowing about it; take time to get to know your neighbours, find out more about the challenges they face and think about how you might help. Perhaps they need help getting their shopping or picking up their prescription, maybe all they need is a friendly face to show that they are cared for. Loneliness is a growing issue that can often be difficult to detect, but we all have the power to uplift a neighbour in need.

6. Share your food

Food is a great way to connect with others and show people that they are thought of and cared for. There's nothing nicer than receiving a knock on the door and opening it to a friendly face with a freshly cooked meal or treat. If you are a frequent bulk cooker or a serial overcooker, save a portion of your dish for an elderly, vulnerable or too-busy-to-cook neighbour. It will provide you with a lovely opportunity to get to know them better, save your neighbour from cooking for a day, and make them realise that there is someone close by who is thinking of them.

7. Use your gardening skills

If you love to garden and have some time to spare, why not use your abilities to beautify your local area? Speak to your local councillor and ask if you can help to establish and maintain a communal garden area. A green space complete with gorgeous trees, shrubs, flowers and benches will put a smile on the faces of all who walk past it or venture to sit within. You could even make it into an edible garden, adding fruit trees and bushes like apple and blackberry, herbs such as rosemary and mint, and fastgrowing and well-fruiting crops including tomato and cucumber plants.

If you wanted, you could take this further by seeing if other people from your community want to get involved. Teach other people what you know about maintaining a garden and growing fruit, veg and herbs. Gardening, especially of food, is a great skill to develop as it can enable you to become more self-sufficient.

Next time you get the lawn mower out to cut your grass, why not ask your neighbour if they would like you to do theirs, too? It's a simple gesture but one that many people will appreciate, especially elderly residents who struggle to bend and walk, and busy neighbours who don't have time to trim their own garden.