I wanted to get involved in my local place because I felt that many people don’t care about their neighbourhood. So I started volunteering at the Spen Valley Civic Society, where I now have the role of secretary.
It’s allowed me to find out what’s going on, as well as giving me the opportunity to take part in projects to highlight our natural environment and our local heritage.
By volunteering at the civic society and other voluntary organisations I’ve joined, I’ve found that there is a small number of people who are willing to get up and do something. Meeting people with similar values and interests is really worthwhile.
Spen Valley Civic Society has done lots of projects. The latest is installing a Blue Plaque to celebrate local feminist Mary Taylor, the biggest is the Jo Cox Community Wood. The wood project started 2019 and now includes picnic area and wildlife pond. We entered Yorkshire in Bloom 2023 “It’s Your Neighbourhood” and were judged “outstanding” for the work hundreds of volunteers have done at the wood.
These are achievements to be proud of collectively, but it also feels good to have made a contribution as an individual.
Find out more
Social media
Spen Valley Civic Society (Facebook)
Find a volunteering role – TSL Kirklees Volunteering
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Thank you to Erica for sharing this story through our ‘Share your story’ page on this website. Do you have something to share about getting involved? We’d love to hear your story.
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