Developing A Friends Of Group

The aim of the guide is to provide information and advice to individuals and groups who wish to form a 'Friends of' group in support of a local green space.  You can download a printable version of this guide at the bottom of this page or, if you prefer, you can contact the Community Partnership Team for a free copy.

   

 

There are many reasons why groups get together and there are also many social benefits from forming a community group, for example, the chance to get to know your community and make a positive contribution to your local area, make new friends, get exercise, and the satisfaction that bringing about change can give you.  Further benefits could include access to training, skills enhancement and improved employment prospects as well as general improvements to health and well being.

 

Community involvement in the regeneration of green spaces has been shown to be of key importance in effectively tackling issues common in urban green spaces such as vandalism, dereliction of land and wasted space, under-use of community spaces, fear of crime, and in developing a sense of community ownership.  Improving a green space takes a lot of work and commitment but it is made easier if there are more of you.  Forming a 'Friends of' group is the best way to support your local green space and to help make things happen!

 

The guide to starting a Friends group contains lots of useful information to help get you started and covers topics such as:

 

 

For further information and support in forming a 'Friends of' group please contact the Community Partnership Team.  We can help you with publicity, arranging meetings, facilitation, training, working in partnership with Parks and Countryside and networking with other friends of groups.

 

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