FabSwingers.com forum: Making a difference in your Community

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

We all know that helping better others' lives has a positive impact on our own. It can make us happier knowing you have given back to your Community. What do you do to help improve where you live and help others? I personally help to run the local village fete to raise funds, organise litter clean ups, deliver the village news letter etc. What do you do or do you leave it to everybody else?

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

I don’t do enough really. I volunteer at a school in my own town, I volunteer at a food bank and I occasionally serve meals at the Salvation Army kitchen. I would like to do something that is more local community based but it’s difficult fitting everything in.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I don’t do enough really. I volunteer at a school in my own town, I volunteer at a food bank and I occasionally serve meals at the Salvation Army kitchen. I would like to do something that is more local community based but it’s difficult fitting everything in. "

That sounds like plenty Babs. I have helped to serve food to the Homeless and everytime I shop I donate an item of food to the Bank. It all helps, but you are right, we have so much ourselves to do, it's hard to fit other things in.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

I do voluntary work with vulnerable people in my local community.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We don't have much of a community any more. I keep out of people's way and pick up my dog poo in the park.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I do voluntary work with vulnerable people in my local community. "

It's so nice to make a difference to the lives of others. I'm sure they appreciate you.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"We don't have much of a community any more. I keep out of people's way and pick up my dog poo in the park."

Tbh I thought the same about my area, except for the churches, until I went looking for community groups. I've gone from a person who lives here to part of the community.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"I do voluntary work with vulnerable people in my local community.

It's so nice to make a difference to the lives of others. I'm sure they appreciate you.

Yeah. It's quite extraordinary. And they give back without knowing it.

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By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

I don't do anything in the community, I think that's sufficient to make sure they benefit.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I foster pets occasionally and take my elderly neighbour cake when I bake.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We don't have much of a community any more. I keep out of people's way and pick up my dog poo in the park."

Well at least you keep the pavements/park clean; more than some people do. There are only about 650 people in my village so I think that helps being part of a small community?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I get involved in quite a lot - from helping organise events and fundraising, to sitting on various groups etc. Won't go in to too much detail for reasons of anonymity but love helping out and improving the local area.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I foster pets occasionally and take my elderly neighbour cake when I bake."

That's such a lovely thing to do. Helping neighbours is so rewarding, just little things can mean a lot to them.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

For those who can't or don't want to be involved directly - fundraisers make a huge difference to community groups. I know mine is on a big push at the moment to raise more money. Buying things at the fête, sponsoring someone in a race etc, it all adds up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m have been actively involved in a significant role in my local community for the last 12 years and in a major transformation project. I think it’s important for me to give back.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I get involved in quite a lot - from helping organise events and fundraising, to sitting on various groups etc. Won't go in to too much detail for reasons of anonymity but love helping out and improving the local area. "

It's kind of you. I'm sure people recognise your support.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Im working with a community mental health project im so excited id love to bore you all with the details but were just moving to better places been accepted for funding by the lottery becoming a registered charity and been given a fat grant by the council its amazing where getting money thrown at us from all angles as weve not had anything like it before

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I’m have been actively involved in a significant role in my local community for the last 12 years and in a major transformation project. I think it’s important for me to give back.

Blimey, that's a long time and fantastic support. A lot of people think their Council should do everything but unfortunately they don't have the funds. If we all helped a little, our surroundings and public areas could be so much better.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

I pay my council tax and care for my parents.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Im working with a community mental health project im so excited id love to bore you all with the details but were just moving to better places been accepted for funding by the lottery becoming a registered charity and been given a fat grant by the council its amazing where getting money thrown at us from all angles as weve not had anything like it before"

I think that's absolutely fantastic. More help for mental health is needed. My life is affected by someone with chronic mental health issues. I wish there was more charitable health in my area.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We all know that helping better others' lives has a positive impact on our own. It can make us happier knowing you have given back to your Community. What do you do to help improve where you live and help others? I personally help to run the local village fete to raise funds, organise litter clean ups, deliver the village news letter etc. What do you do or do you leave it to everybody else?"

I help someone with 1 leg.

Push his weelchair in hospital and at swimming. (I get free food and exercice facilities)

If your unemployed or have depression or some disability you can go to the gp and ask for volenteer work.

My mate with 1 leg is a top freemason who set up an international company and has a chemistry degree. (Good reference)

I never was intrested in volenteer work but I've actually got more out of it than I put into it.

All i do is push a chair and go swimming (in my own lane reserved because I help someone else)

I could also do old peoples bingo and quizzes in the afternoon and they make you a big dinner.

Sometimes I take my friend with 1 leg to the pub. He needs someone to assist him when he's had a few beers.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m have been actively involved in a significant role in my local community for the last 12 years and in a major transformation project. I think it’s important for me to give back.

Our Council is mainly an obstacle to getting the things done in the Community we would really like to happen. We’ve taken things into our own hands and use crowdfunding type approaches to get community engagement and commitment to making things happen.

The area is slowly rejuvenating itself despite the inertia of politicians.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

I think that's absolutely fantastic. More help for mental health is needed. My life is affected by someone with chronic mental health issues. I wish there was more charitable health in my area."
I could talk forever about it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My friend when I was younger was Nigerian and I stayed in Nigeria for a while with his family.

One thing I learned was how no money from western charity actually goes to starving children.

You can either go Africa yourself and do things directly.

Or you can help people in England who are poor/disabled/homeless

There isn't much point raising money like bono and gildoff do...It's abit of a scam and I've seen what happens to that money.

My African friend and I agreed. Charity starts at home. You do stuff directly to help people. "Fund raising" for Africa probably does more harm than good.

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By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

I patrol the village with three very big dogs glaring at any strange vehicles.

I also like to sharpen my axe sat on the doorstep helping coordinate the neighbourhood watch.

I also help keep the village pub going by drinking in it. Selfless behaviour I know.

Would love to do more but it’s quite insular as villages go.

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By *itzMcGeeCouple
over a year ago

Lancaster

We both help at a volunteer youth organisation and Mr is part of a local volunteer rescue team

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" My life is affected by someone with chronic mental health issues. I wish there was more charitable health in my area."

I'm in the crazy club also.

I'm so neurologicly gifted my synapses have issued connecting with my above average neurons.

Recently there has been lots of investment into mental health so it's not going to be as big a problem in future.

People thought autism was an epidemic New thing. But really it's only because neurologists are spotting it more. People were not aware of it when I was in school.

Appt of autistic of all ages are getting diagnosed in the last few years because of advancments in knowledge.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I patrol the village with three very big dogs glaring at any strange vehicles.

I also like to sharpen my axe sat on the doorstep helping coordinate the neighbourhood watch.

I also help keep the village pub going by drinking in it. Selfless behaviour I know.

Would love to do more but it’s quite insular as villages go. "

Well actually supporting your local pub is very important. Mine has closed and has completely ruined the social lives of many. I miss it so much. It's a posh house now.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I pay my council tax and care for my parents. "

Paying community tax and caring for people is part of life for the majority of us.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do enough.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I help my community by not getting involved. I got involved once, I wouldn't do it again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I am fortunate enough to be employed in 2 roles that work with some of the most vulnerable members of the city.

For both roles we have volunteers who are amazing and couldn't do it without them.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I help my community by not getting involved. I got involved once, I wouldn't do it again"

Oh dear

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I am fortunate enough to be employed in 2 roles that work with some of the most vulnerable members of the city.

For both roles we have volunteers who are amazing and couldn't do it without them. "

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I do enough."

Good for you x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Our new business is fast becoming the heart of our village, we are a safe space, a meeting place for the elderly or lonely, something everyone can be proud of. It's also given other local businesses the nudge to make improvements, build bigger and better and we are all really excited as to how our village is going to grow in the next few years. Community spirit is on its way back.

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By *ibblingnewtWoman
over a year ago

by the sea

I’m doing my mini bus test this week so I can be a community bus driver

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By *lfienchocMan
over a year ago

Birmingham

Elfie here

I'm a coordinator for Homewatch

Member of two over community groups

Marshall at a big charity motorbike event every year

Help/volunteer at events at local school

That's about it lolol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Physically I don't actually do very much however I do donate weekly to the local food bank and a Christmas I volunteer for Christmas complete which provides gifts to children and families that are in difficult times.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We don't have much of a community any more. I keep out of people's way and pick up my dog poo in the park.

Well at least you keep the pavements/park clean; more than some people do. There are only about 650 people in my village so I think that helps being part of a small community?"

Possibly. There's probably more than 650 in my road alone and I barely know any of them now, whereas, when I was a child I knew loads.

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

Big up those that make a difference to others.

Enough respect to you x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sadly, this seems to be my community.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

It's so lovely to read how people are helping. I started by picking just one thing that I cared about changing, one thing that ignited my passion and went from there. We have a virtually litter-free village now and an immaculate village green.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I support a lot of local charities, some of which are fund raising others are on a practical level.

Everything begins at a home level...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do lots but some of that is loosely linked to my work.

We can all do our bit, be it donating to a food bank, joining in with a community litter pick or sharing our skills/time for a local good cause.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I pay my council tax and care for my parents.

Paying community tax and caring for people is part of life for the majority of us."

Indeed it is but by being an unpaid carer for my parents I free up resources that can be used elsewhere in the community.

I think most people contribute

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I buy new items and donate on a regular basis to a dog rescue charity event. They hold a few raffles per year.

I also donate my books instead of selling them on and I look out for my elderly neighbours.

Most major thing I've helped with is to be a surrogate mother for my friends who can't have kids. I would donate my eggs to others but I can't due to my age. Fertility clinics won't take eggs from ladies over 35yrs old.

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By *eachPreacherMan
over a year ago

Kent/London

I help my community by not committing any crimes and paying my taxes.

Please hold your applause.

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By *electableDalliancesCouple
over a year ago

leeds

When I’m scooping poop on a dog walk I’ll pick up one that’s been left by some lazy bastardo.

Changing the world one poop at a time

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By *ibblingnewtWoman
over a year ago

by the sea

"When I’m scooping poop on a dog walk I’ll pick up one that’s been left by some lazy bastardo.

Changing the world one poop at a time

Hat off to this couple , I hate dog shit left on the ground

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have little to know interest in helping my community

Its not the kind of people who deserve help after the last 2 years of seeing what my family has had to put up with so i say fuckem let em suffer or at least increase it

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"When I’m scooping poop on a dog walk I’ll pick up one that’s been left by some lazy bastardo.

Changing the world one poop at a time

Yep, I'm with you on this one and I do the same. I picked one up the other day at the bottom of the slide. Wtf is wrong with people?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I have little to know interest in helping my community

Its not the kind of people who deserve help after the last 2 years of seeing what my family has had to put up with so i say fuckem let em suffer or at least increase it"

Your neighborhood sounds a bit grim

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By *hoenixAdAstraWoman
over a year ago

Hiding in the shadows

I volunteer one day a week, at a local community cycle project.

We take in old, unwanted, dumped bikes & get them working, some are sold to fund the project, others given away to those in need.

Anyone can bring their bike to us, if it needs repairing, we teach them how to do all the jobs themselves, no charge for any parts.

I'm also a volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust, walk dogs for people unable to do so themselves

And every November, I'm found surrounded by poppies.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have worked for 9 years with at risk kids. Do some volunteering with autistic, drug and alcohol dependency and homeless charities. Recently helped with a charity fight night. Theres a lot of people out there that do fantastic things so I like that this thread let's people divulge their good deeds

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By *urls and DressesWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere near here

I volunteer for a charity for pregnant women and young families, I don’t do as much now as I used to sadly because of new commitments.

I also give my time in other ways that help new families.

I used to be a scout leader until about 18 months ago

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I volunteer one day a week, at a local community cycle project.

We take in old, unwanted, dumped bikes & get them working, some are sold to fund the project, others given away to those in need.

Anyone can bring their bike to us, if it needs repairing, we teach them how to do all the jobs themselves, no charge for any parts.

I'm also a volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust, walk dogs for people unable to do so themselves

And every November, I'm found surrounded by poppies. "

Honestly, I read your posts and I don't know how you do it all, your life is so busy. The cycle project sounds brilliant and so rewarding.

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By *andy cane321Couple
over a year ago

Aylesbury

Does gang banging the locals count?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do my bit by avoiding the community, they do their bit by avoiding me. It works for us

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

". What do you do or do you leave it to everybody else?"

I stay out of it becayse all these groups seem to have at least one person with this unbearable holier than thou attitute

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

". What do you do or do you leave it to everybody else?

I stay out of it becayse all these groups seem to have at least one person with this unbearable holier than thou attitute"

That’s not my experience at all but you speak as you find I suppose

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

"I volunteer one day a week, at a local community cycle project.

We take in old, unwanted, dumped bikes & get them working, some are sold to fund the project, others given away to those in need.

Anyone can bring their bike to us, if it needs repairing, we teach them how to do all the jobs themselves, no charge for any parts.

I'm also a volunteer for the Cinnamon Trust, walk dogs for people unable to do so themselves

And every November, I'm found surrounded by poppies.

Honestly, I read your posts and I don't know how you do it all, your life is so busy. The cycle project sounds brilliant and so rewarding. "

That really does sound rewarding. I take my hat off to you for your energy and caring x

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By *elloIntrigueMan
over a year ago

North West UK

I am a trustee for a Hospital Radio station since last year. I've been volunteering down there for over 10 years now. I have a weekly show and mentor three young members/presenters and assist on another show with a gentleman with Aspergers syndrome.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have little to know interest in helping my community

Its not the kind of people who deserve help after the last 2 years of seeing what my family has had to put up with so i say fuckem let em suffer or at least increase it

Your neighborhood sounds a bit grim

"
think detroit in robocop

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

". What do you do or do you leave it to everybody else?

I stay out of it becayse all these groups seem to have at least one person with this unbearable holier than thou attitute"

Oh that's a shame. But if that's your reasoning, then fair enough.

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By *nabelle21Woman
over a year ago

B38

Wow just wow. There are so many inspirational people on this thread x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Wow just wow. There are so many inspirational people on this thread x"

I agree. Do you think some people are just born wanting to help others versus I couldn't give a shit about anything but myself?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Wow just wow. There are so many inspirational people on this thread x

I agree. Do you think some people are just born wanting to help others versus I couldn't give a shit about anything but myself? "

Not so much born that way but the motivation is formed in our early years up to puberty.

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By *antheman100Man
over a year ago

Rossington

I’m an on call firefighter in my local area, love helping the community

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Wow just wow. There are so many inspirational people on this thread x

I agree. Do you think some people are just born wanting to help others versus I couldn't give a shit about anything but myself?

Not so much born that way but the motivation is formed in our early years up to puberty."

I started doing that kind of thing in my mid-late teens. But the seeds were sown earlier in my upbringing.

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By *DreamOfGenieWoman
over a year ago

London

Up until I moved a few weeks ago I was a volunteer reader for our local branch of Talking Newspapers for the Blind - this has just reminded me I need to contact my new nearest branch and get back into it

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"Wow just wow. There are so many inspirational people on this thread x

I agree. Do you think some people are just born wanting to help others versus I couldn't give a shit about anything but myself? "

No I think it depends a lot on your family background. My parents are givers, they even now in their late eighties and nineties contribute to tje community in any way they can. My wider family have always been community minded too. It follows that all of us contribute in various ways without giving it a second thought. However life treats people differently and circumstances don't always make it easy or possible for people to give or contribute to the community, thats where compassion comes in.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Loved reading this thread!

Communities hey! Really powerful things can happen when people help/support each other. It's all about giving what you can even if it is just your time. Luckily my neighbourhood is good and we look out for each other. I have a few options/ways I can contribute to my new wider area so will be focusing on that once I get to know them throughout the year.

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By *elloIntrigueMan
over a year ago

North West UK

"Loved reading this thread!

I have to agree Adam, I really liked this thread.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Loved reading this thread!

I'm sure being the kind-hearted person you are, your Community will benefit from having you around. x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I thought I'd bump this thread to see if anybody else has been busy? I'm now selling raffle tickets for the village fete and have promised cakes to help raise money for our Parish. I'm not blowing my own trumpet as I don't care if people think I'm priggish. I just like to help when I can

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