Everybody wants to feel part of a community no matter where we find it. For some community is about their local area whilst for others it may be about a group of people online who have never actually met.
Building strong local communities can have extremely positive effects on things like crime rates, education and health.
In Blackburn, the Roman Road area has had a reputation for violence and poverty for some time so having a centre where the community comes together in a really positive way is incredibly important.
The Energy Zone and SAMS (link to my earlier blog on recycling) provide a hub for recycling, healthy living, nurturing and empowering their local community. From breakfast clubs, craft clubs for kids and a fresh fruit, vegetables and food co-operative twice a week to hosting third sector enterprises the centre exudes energy and creativity.
Robert Putnam in his book Bowling Alone (link to book on Amazon) has described this as building Social Capital and the work which goes on with CBPartners at the Energy Zone and SAMS is just that getting people together to build a more civil, trustworthy and collectively caring community.
This is about creating and sustaining improvements in lives and working together to improve lives. This is social energy at its very best and although there is still frustration around cuts to public funding there is a spirit of optimism and ambition still alive here in Blackburn.
Support from volunteers is clearly a must for this kind of community programme and there is always a need for more people to help especially when they are successful. As a scheme grows more people are needed to help and run it.
There are many reasons to volunteer it can also be a chance to try something new or to continue to feel of value when you have been made unemployed or redundant, gaining new skills in the process. You can develop existing skills and enhance your CV helping to improve your employment prospects. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends whilst getting to know your local community.
Many people volunteer to give something back and to make a difference to their local community or help the environment. The power of a centre which is run by a combination of staff and volunteers for the benefit of a community is thus further strengthened by using volunteer help and giving time to supporting local people.
As an example of good practice the Energy Zone and SAMS which I visited today in Blackburn is unparalleled.
If you want to volunteer or donate scrap materials (which are not rubbish but are no longer of any value but may be of use for crafts) please contact charities@cbpartners.org or sams@cbpartners.org There is currently a new appeal for Christmas Wishes which is a positive way for employers and residents to put something back. We are looking for chocolate, selection boxes, toys, toiletries and money to distribute to charities & organisations which support vulnerable people in the area. 01254 291273
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