Neighbourhood

Who's keeping an eye on your area? Be on the lookout for crime and prevent it before it happens! For information on your local Watch Scheme go to www.tvpcommunitymessaging.org/

"Friends of" community groups care for small woodlands and other areas of local wildlife or nature conservation interest. See your separate area information.

Do you ever feel disconnected from your surroundings? Wonder if there's something missing? Common Ground is a national organisation that encourages community working at the local level and celebration of concepts such as Local Distinctiveness, Parish Maps, Community Orchards and Apple Day. Learn more and get inspired at www.commonground.org.uk

A group of residents in the heart of Slough decided to create a wildlife garden and attracted funding from a variety of sources to enable the clearing of rubbish, pathlaying and planting of trees and shrubs. Chalvey Millenium Green Trust now runs the area with and for the local community. Contact: Groundwork Trust 01865 832662

Parish Pumps help to improve their local environment. In addition to receiving regular newsletters, Parish Pumps have the opportunity to attend environmental workshops and other events. A project of the Conservation Foundation which aims to promote positive environmental awareness and action in parishes with designated Parish Pump co-ordinators in Anglican churches. Further info at www.conservationfoundation.co.uk

Many towns and cities in the UK have already identified those things which make for quality of life - and it's rarely anything to do with money! The government has identified a set of national sustainability indicators covering health, environment, social factors and so on but what does this all mean at a local level? Does your local authority's Sustainability Strategy include these? See Local Authorities.

The New Economics Foundation has helped develop national and local sustainability indicators in the UK.

Best Foot Forward helps groups, organisations, businesses and towns to undertake an audit of what is important for quality of life and how to use the information to design a more sustainable future.

A time bank is a way for people to come together and help each other. Participants 'deposit' their time in the bank by giving practical help and support and are able to 'withdraw' their time when they need something done themselves. Everyone's time is worth the same and a broker links people up and keeps records. People help each other with everything from making phone calls to sharing meals and giving lifts to the shop – anything that brings them together. There now over 100 time bank groups operating in schools and communities throughout in the UK.

For further information and to join the network see www.timebanks.co.uk

A new website for voluntary and community organisations in Berkshire was launched in 2006 - www.ba4all.org.uk

Got an hour or two to spare? Get in touch with your local Volunteers Centre to find out about the dozens of different opportunities there are for volunteering to help make a difference in your neighbourhood.

Bracknell CVS
Sue Telfer Tel: 01344 304404

SCVS run a training programme for voluntary groups throughout the year.

Maidenhead: Centre for Developing Connections, 3 Park Street. Monday 12 noon - 4 pm.

Datchet: The Bridge Coffee Shop, The Green. Drop in Thursday 10.00 - 12 noon

Resources available: Directory of Voluntary Organisations 2002 (at public libraries or £10 to purchase); CD-ROM on Funding Trusts; Training events

Wokingham Voluntary Sector Forum
Rose Green Tel: 0118 974 6792