Building capacity in the community

In today’s climate of public spending cuts and social challenges, the role of communities is more important than ever. But local people need the support and resources to help them make their communities better.

Our approach

We work across England providing training, support, guidance and information to communities to build their capacity to make a difference. Our guiding principles are to:

• inspire, empower and enable people to act on issues which are of concern to them.
• build capacity in such a way that increases local skills and improves personal wellbeing
• advocate a holistic approach which views building capacity in a social, economic and environmental context
• work in partnership, monitor, and share best practise and to develop our own and others’ programmes.

Our work

At the moment we’re working in West and East London, Essex, Cheshire and North Yorkshire.

In East London we recruit, train and support individual volunteers and groups to promote waste prevention and recycling at community events and public venues.     

"Not only did I get the opportunity to work with an excellent team of recycling enthusiasts, but I was able to secure paid employment within Waste Watch and to share my passion with others”.
    
Hannah Okunlola, Community Recycling Champion

In Cheshire, our volunteers raise awareness around composting and food waste. They have their own website, regular socials, a free subscription to a composting organisation, and are invited to an annual graduation ceremony. In return, volunteers attend community events, visit local groups and distribute information to help local people reduce food waste and compost at home.

“I have acquired much more knowledge through the Cheshire training and I am now thoroughly enjoying passing on this knowledge to others.”
Bob Edge, Waste Reduction Volunteer

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