I wanted to make a difference in my community. I was seeing so many people isolated, with lots of mental health issues, lots of anti-social behaviour and people who needed somewhere to get out, to meet others and have a safe space to go to.
Continue reading “Laura’s story – Finding purpose through volunteering”
I suffered with a range of mental health difficulties for a number of years and really needed some motivation, to get out of my house that I had been hiding away in for so long. My local community centre became that place Continue reading “Sarah’s story – My local community centre became my motivation”
It started with a conversation in the pub. A few of us were sat in the pub out of the football season, chatting about how we could resurrect Berry Brow Carnival. Continue reading “Alison’s story: Are you having a carnival?”
The Linthwaite Leadboilers Festival is about bringing residents of Linthwaite and the Colne Valley together, to celebrate “all things Linthwaite”. Continue reading “Liz’s story: Finding Linthwaite’s local identity”
I joined the More In Common Batley and Spen volunteer group for the Batley Iftar event in 2019 after attending my first communal Iftar the previous year Continue reading “Hafeezah’s story: Faith, traditions and skills – How community groups can celebrate and weave people together”
“I really believe if you’re doing volunteer work, then the work itself should be the reward not the recognition. It is that feeling of, “I’m really glad I did that” which is the important thing. There’s just something about it, such a nice feeling.”
Continue reading “Ray’s story: I get a buzz out of seeing people smile”
Chatting with a small group of neighbours, we discussed how to get to know more people locally. We also wanted to keep Jo Cox’s legacy alive so decided to do a Great Get Together event back in 2017. We met outdoors with food, drink, music, games and children’s activities. Continue reading “Lorna’s story: Creating space for people and nature”
I moved to Cleckheaton in 1999 and didn’t really take part in community life as I worked long hours outside of Kirklees. In 2018 I started volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Service and suddenly realised that I was a part of the community and what we have here is amazing. Continue reading “Kerry’s story: Sharing a sense of pride”
I’m proud of a place where I don’t live.
In the past Heckmondwike Christmas lights were ‘done’ to the community. People would come to watch and then go home. Continue reading “Simon’s story: Anyone can step up”
The sudden closure of the Children’s Centre left people without a community hub that they had previously relied on. Confusion and disappointment were left behind. The local councillors engaged me in helping groups and individuals to work out what should happen next. Continue reading “Louisa’s story: Finding out what local people want”
I’m really proud of the people around me. Continue reading “Ellie’s story: I’m not proud of myself, I’m proud of other people”
I only moved to Shepley a couple of years ago. I haven’t had much opportunity to participate in local activity, partly due to working full time, and partly due to the Covid restrictions. But the Village Association really fires up the social life of the village. Continue reading “Lone’s story: It takes a village to make things work”
