other+issues+-+volunteering

=**Informal volunteering in our communities and neighbourhoods** =

**- how it should be recognised and supported**

 * There is a huge range of informal volunteering and mutual aid going on in all neighbourhoods and communities, without which society would either grind to a halt or not be worth living in! This includes the everyday mutual aid within families and amongst neighbours, as well as the organised activities of grass roots community groups.**


 * Such activity reflects what it means to be human, and to be part of a community. It needs to be respected and appreciated as an end in itself, rather than something done for money, status or ticking boxes!**


 * Some examples include:**


 * __General everyday life__**


 * - caring for relatives of all ages** (children, elderly, people with disabilities, those who are ill)
 * - neighbours helping each other out** (eg cutting a hedge, doing shopping, sharing skills and resources, watching out for each other..)


 * __Community groups__**


 * - residents associations** (eg. organising meetings, leaflets/newsletters and their distribution, mutual aid, sharing experience and advice on various issues, lobbying & campaigning, organising social events and street parties, clean ups, raising money, conducting walkabouts, writing reports, sending reps to strategic bodies, doing surveys, organising consultation, helping manage facilities and projects etc)
 * - ‘friends of parks’ groups**
 * - parents groups in schools and playcentres**
 * - sports teams**
 * - voluntary clubs, associations and societies of all kinds**
 * - workplace groups and trade unions**
 * - faith groups**
 * - other single issue groups**


 * __How this kind of informal activity could be encouraged__**


 * - ensure adequate local social infrastructure, public services, facilities and amenities in local neighbourhoods to encourage community spirit, self-organisation and self-sufficiency, ie enabling strong and sustainable communities** (eg meeting places, libraries, schools, GP surgeries, local corner shops, parks, attractive and convivial streetscene, leisure facilities etc)
 * - systematic support for carers**
 * - public recognition, respect and encouragement for the informal volunteering and activities going on**
 * - ensure community groups are invited to be full partners in projects**
 * - community groups who are partners can use their time as 'match funding' for applying for greater resources**

//Statement by the Secretary of the Haringey Federation of Residents Associations//