Where to start
Organisations and individuals in Tamworth have been working together more than ever before to make a difference to the place they call home. The Borough and County council, Police and Fire Services, housing partners, health services and community groups are all working collaboratively in the Borough to improve outcomes and experiences. And – in the spirit of Tamworth Better Together – there are opportunities for residents to play their part too. From small changes in your daily life to dedicating your time or expertise to help out a good cause – the options are endless.
There are so many examples of people, families and groups making a difference in their local area. From checking in on your elderly neighbour to organising a litter pick, donating unwanted items to a local charity to offering your time to support your local Foodbank.
You are already probably doing more than you think to support your local community but there are always opportunities to get more involved.
And remember – by working together, we can achieve more for Tamworth.
Look after your Neighbours
We know that everyone’s lives and circumstances are different, and you may be aware of people living locally to you with particular challenges. You may have a neighbour who lives alone, someone on your street with mobility issues or a family who are new to the area. Just being aware of your neighbours, saying hello and sharing a brief conversation can make a big difference.
Tamworth is well-known for its strong community spirit. This was particularly evident throughout the pandemic with lots of people volunteering to help others, delivering food parcels, picking up prescriptions, walking dogs for people who had to self-isolate or just popping in for a cuppa to check that their vulnerable relative or neighbour was okay. All these things meant a lot and made a difference to the community as a whole.
Just taking the time to check-in on others is appreciated so much – for many, it can be their only contact and so to know someone cares can be invaluable.
Ideas to consider
- Putting your neighbour’s bin out / putting it back
- Do they need help with their recycling?
- Check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives to see if they need any shopping picking up
- Do they like to read a paper? Could you pick one up when you’re out and about?
- Do they need a lift to a doctor’s or hospital appointment?
- Do they have pets they may need a hand with? Dog walking or feeding them if their owner feels unwell
- Call or pop in to see them on a regular basis to check that they are okay or just make them a cuppa
- Have you cooked too much? Consider sharing what’s left over with your neighbour or a relative
Look after your neighbourhood
We all want the place where we live or work to be safe, clean and welcoming. The council has a regular cleaning regime across the borough, in parks, green spaces, town and local centres, grass verges etc. but we all have a part to play in keeping Tamworth safe and clean.
- Use the litter bins provided – if you see litter, pick it up and place it in the nearest bin
- Ensure you clean up after your dog
- Consider carrying out your own litter pick in your street / local park or just take a bag out with you when walking and pick up any litter that you see
- Use the recycling and waste centres – don’t be tempted to fly tip! Further information available about the waste recycling centres.
- If you have large items to dispose of, the council has a bulky waste service.
- You can report litter, fly tipping and damaged or overflowing litter bins on the council’s website.
- Remember if you see anyone suspicious or have concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour, report it to Staffordshire Police via their website, facebook or by ringing 101 (999 in an emergency)
Look after our planet
- We all need to take responsibility for our actions to reduce waste and releasing carbon, which contributes to climate change.
Here are some simple things you can do:
- Learn about sustainable food and explore growing your own food. Get involved in local food growing initiatives and groups .
- Lower your energy usage – this will help reduce your Carbon footprint and your bills. There is information about Energy efficiency on the Council website. This includes information on saving energy and current schemes available to Tamworth residents
- Ensure you are recycling right at Recycle for good
- Learn more about reducing, reusing, repairing and keeping materials in use for as long as possible at Waste Savvy Staffs - Staffordshire County Council
- Host a “swapping event” where you swap clothes, toys, or other items that you don’t want among your friends or local community.
- Travel sustainably – reducing travel by cars and making use of active travel and public transport reduces your Carbon footprint and emissions. You’ll find more information about sustainable travel here.