It’s the first of August so that means it’s time to kick off my annual social media campaign! It started with Defib a Day, and last year I focused on small business, but this year I want to focus on those important community groups that rely on valuable volunteers to keep going.
Now that restrictions are lifted it is time to get back out into the community - whether participating in an activity or volunteering to set it up there's plenty to do, so take a look at the groups and see what interests you.
Day 1 - Tamworth District Scouts
The scouts are one of the most well known group across the UK, teaching boys and girls skills through indoor and outdoor activity from camping and cooking to leadership and sports, the group helps young people develop skills and confidence.
Beavers are the 6-8yr group, ,Cubs 8-11, scouts 10-15, explorers 14-18 so there's something for all ages. With Bear Grylls as the Chief Scout, you know those who join will have an exciting time ahead.
If you want to get involved and support Tamworth District Scouts or if your child would like to join, visit their website at https://tamworthscouts.org.uk/join/ for more details!
Day 2 - Tamworth Air Cadets
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, and the RAF Benevolent Fund has joined forces with the Air Cadets to help mark the milestone of something remarkably important to many.
They are asking former and current members of the organisation to share memories and tell us what their time an air cadet meant to them. Share your story and help inspire the next generation of the RAF – https://buff.ly/3hfkDYa.
Air cadets is a youth group that offers challenge, excitement and adventure to all members from survival skills and camps to gliding and air experience with training for all - even the volunteers who help out. It is regimented so prepare for commitment, hard work and even parades.
If you are interested in getting involved with our local squadron, the 1122 Marmion Squadron Air Training Corps find out more at https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/find-a-squadron/
Day 3 - Sea Cadets
Tamworth may be one of the constituencies furthest from the sea but we have a quality sea cadet team.
During lockdown the Sea Cadets kept their spirits high by holding virtual parade nights, completing Basic Ropework and Rigging, as well as encouraging their members to take online courses to keep occupied. They have now been able to return to face-to-face parading as well as getting back to paddle sports and boating.
The group usually meet at local lakes to hone their sailing skills but trips, competitions and camping events take them to the seaside and beyond.
If you wish to volunteer or you would like to join, find more information at https://www.sea-cadets.org/tamworth/volunteer-with-us
Day 4 - Army Cadet Force
2020 was a difficult year for many youth groups, including the Army Cadet Force, and when the Covid-19 pandemic put most physical activities on hold, the Friends of Staffordshire Army Cadet Force Trust decided it could deliver more tangible support to the cadets. A registered charity and long-term supporter of the cadets, the Friends Sixty Toshiba Notebooks and cases to Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector)
It is fantastic preparation for anybody considering a career in the armed forces, the exercises will get you fit and transferrable leadership and team building skills can be use in all walks of life.
The Army Cadet Force has now been able to resume many of their activities, such as adventure training, fieldcraft and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
If you would like to volunteer as a staff member or join as a cadet find out more at https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/
Day 5 - Police Cadets
The original Police Cadet scheme, for 13 to 17-year-olds, was initiated in 2013 by Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between police and young people and promote good citizenship. As part of a uniformed and disciplined service, youngsters have become more self-confident and outgoing. Many are benefitting academically and socially as well as reconnecting with local policing teams and local communities.
You may have encountered their tams helping with community events, assisting with security at festivals and helping within the community. You also get a hands on look into the world of policing and safety. Even if you're a young person who has had a telling off from a police officer, the cadets provide a fantastic way to turn your life around, boost your public speaking, radio and first aid skills so give it a try!
If you are interested in becoming a Staffordshire Police Cadet or would like more information on volunteering as a leader call 01785 234181 or email cadets@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
Day 6 - St John's Ambulance
Throughout August I am celebrating our local community groups, and this week I have been focusing on youth organisations. I am sure most of you will have heard of St John’s Ambulance, but did you know they also have Badger (ages 7-10) and Cadet (ages 10-17) sections?
SJA Cadets learn valuable lifesaving skills and can even have the opportunity to use those skills supporting adult volunteers at events.
To find out more and perhaps join their waiting list visit: Youth Volunteering & First Aid Training - Cadets | St John Ambulance (ww.sja.org.uk)
Day 7 - Girlguiding Tamworth
Girlguiding in Tamworth gives all girls and young women lots of opportunities to learn and experience new and exciting activities in a safe and unique girl only space. During lockdown units kept going by meeting virtually where they could, and marking important events like the 75th Anniversary of VE Day through challenge badges completed at home.
To find out more about how to get involved, or how to enrol your daughter in any of the sections of Girlguiding, visit their website for more information at https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/
Day 8 - St Giles Hospice
For Day 8 of my Community Campaign I am highlighting St Giles Hospice which provides incredibly valuable support to people in our community whose illnesses may not be curable as well as providing support for families and carers.
St Giles relies on the support of volunteers in all sorts of roles from therapy and befriending to fundraising and shop assistance, and you can find out more about how you might be able to get involved on their website. www.stgileshospice.com
Day 9 - Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre
It’s Day 9 and the second week of my August Community Campaign. Last week I focussed on our many youth organisations and this week I want to turn my attention to those groups that give their time for our wellbeing, starting with fantastic Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre
The Centre’s doors are open to everyone affected by illness and a team of dedicated volunteers offer practical advice, emotional support and a listening ear during difficult times and have previously won the Community Group of the Year award at the Spirit of Tamworth Awards.
Paula and her team as fantastic !
To find out how to volunteer or more about how their services can help you visit - https://www.tamworth-wellbeing-cancer-support.com/
Day 10 - Tamworth Community Together CIC
Continuing the theme of wellbeing for the second week of my August Campaign, today it’s the turn of a group that I am sure will be familiar to many of you; Community Together CIC.
Starting as a Community Cafe in the Castle Grounds, and now offering a huge range of community support, Community Together CIC were a fantastic source of assistance for our area during 2020, bringing together volunteers to make food deliveries and arrange befriending calls to those isolated.
They run activities for all ages and most days as you walk through the castle grounds, there's something going on in their cafe - so pop your head in and say hello.
For an idea of the range of volunteering roles you can get involved in, from kitchen assistant to Pottery and Foam Clay Assistants visit: communitytogethercic.org.uk
Day 11 - Changes Tamworth
It’s Day 11 of my Community Group Campaign, and today I would like to highlight Changes Tamworth , a mental health charity which has operated in Tamworth since 2011. Based in King Street, Changes Tamworth provides free mental health support through a mixture of peer support and workshops in a relaxed and confidential environment.
Changes is a registered charity and relies on the support of volunteers to provide their services. Yvonne and Tony are brilliant! To find out more about how to get involved visit: https://www.changestamworth.com/
Day 12 - Tamworth Litter Pickers
Thanks to Cllr Robert Pritchard for putting forward Tamworth Cleaning Crew (and litter pickers!) for Day 12.
A group of volunteers (people and organisations) that give up their time to improve Tamworth by litter picking, guerrilla gardening and graffiti art. They do great work, from getting on kayaks and cleaning up Fazeley canal, to even featuring on BBC1 only a few weeks back!
You might feel daft to pick up someone else's litter on your own but doing it in a group keeps it fun, keeps it social and definitely makes Tamworth a cleaner, greener place to live. If there's a grot spot you'd like to see cleaned or you just want a good walk in the fresh air with new friends while helping the environment, this group is for you.
Do check out their page if you want to help volunteer.
Day 13 - Tamworth Sailing Club
Tamworth Sailing Club is a very friendly and welcoming club situated on the banks of a 45 acre lake within the picturesque Kingsbury Water Park. For relaxed sailors they have social sailing just for the fun of it, a thriving junior section, and for the more competitive dinghy sailor regular weekend races for a variety of club trophies.
Sailing experience is not necessary as they offer RYA training courses designed to introduce you to sailing in a safe, supportive and enjoyable way. Sailing is something that individuals, couples, or all the family can take part in and they have regular sailors from 8 to 80+.
Find out more at https://www.tamworthsc.co.uk/
They recently supported the #SteeringTheCourse campaign and to encourage more women to get involved in sailing. A great campaign!
Day 14 - Soroptimists Tamworth
Soroptimist International (SI) Tamworth (Tamworth Soroptimists) is a lively group of ladies who enjoy friendship and fun but also have a social conscience.
The aim of their organisation is to support and improve the lives of girls and women locally, nationally and internationally – our strapline being Educate, Empower and Enable. Yes they've even had me campaigning on issues they've raised to improve the lives of women here and across the world.
They are stronger together and if anyone is interested in learning more about their work or might be interested in joining the friendly, active group, please contact Chris Arrowsmith on 01827 59029
For more information about current and previous activities please visit their website sigbi.org/tamworth or Facebook page www.facebook.com/SoroptimistTamworth
Day 15 - Rotary Groups
Rotary Club of Tamworth Anker and Tamworth Rotary Club are our 2 clubs in Tamworth.
At Tamworth Rotary they range from 19 up to 90. Breaking from the norm of your stereotypical Rotary club, they have fun, they enjoy fellowship and they are there to serve our community in Tamworth, across the UK and globally. Primarily, they are here to serve the amazing people of Tamworth as we are all local and want to make a difference in our town.
Tamworth Rotary Club meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Drayton Park Golf Club in Tamworth. Why not come and see what they are all about?
At Tamworth Anker Rotary Club, they also raise money for local and national charities. Recently they have donated to Tamworth Memory Cafe, Kids out Christmas Boxes, plus many more.
You will have no doubt seen this group at the big Cathedral to Castle Run fundraiser but this group isn't just for the sporty types, they've been involved with planting the gorgeous crocus verges in Elford while fundraising for polio, From telethons to work abroad they are all about service and doing good in the world in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Do contact davidbarnes99@yahoo.com for more info!
Day 16 - Tamworth Round Table
Tamworth Round Table is a local not-for-profit organisation offering young men aged 18-45 the chance to try new activities, make new friends and support their local community.
Tamworth Round Table meet up every other Monday, and offer the chance to take part in a whole range of activities from zip wiring and go karting to just relaxing with a beer Tamworth Round Table has supported the local community in many great ways, such as volunteering for the Santa Sleigh, taking part in We Love Tamworth, Tamworth Pride and more.
If you are interested in joining, send them a message on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tamworthrt/ or email info@tamworthroundtable.co.uk
Day 17 - Tamworth Sewing Volunteers
The Tamworth Sewing Volunteers are a community-based group who responded to the Covid-19 crisis by sewing (and knitting!) much needed items for the NHS, healthcare and key workers. The group didn't stop with the end of restrictions, carrying on into 2021 turning their skilled hands to baby hats and blankets, cannula covers and much more.
You may have seen them in the Tamworth Herald earlier this year with their ‘Pandemic Patchwork’ which went on display in Ankerside Shopping Centre - a fantastic piece of work!
If you sew, knit or would like to simply get involved, find more information on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/253578269376263
Day 18 - Tamworth Heritage Trust
Tamworth Heritage Trust was formed in 2000, and takes an active role in the promotion and preservation of our local history
You can visit their Heritage Hub in Middle Entry between 10:00 and 15:00 Tues-Sat, or visit their website to follow the Blue Plaque trail with a recent addition at 1 Victoria Road to honour engraver W.T. Hulland.
The group will be working closely with the Council to ensure the town centre renovations do not hide or interesting and beautiful historic builds.
If you are passionate about Tamworth’s history and heritage and would like to find more information about the Trust, visit their website at: https://www.tamworthheritagetrust.co.uk/
Day 19 - DSUK Tamworth
For anyone feeling inspired by the Olympics and forthcoming winter Olympics, Disability Snowsport UK may be for you!
The local group is based at the Tamworth SnowDome and provides a safe and social environment to ski, snowboard and engage in other adaptive snowsport once a month.
Beginners are welcome and equipment can be provided. The group are always looking to expand and recruit more helper volunteers so grab your snow boots, ski poles and helmet and let’s go!
https://www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/local-groups/dsuk-tamworth-group
Day 20 - The Memory Cafe
The Memory Café is a friendly place where people with memory loss and their carers can come together to enjoy a cuppa in a supportive environment. The group takes place on Tuesdays at Sacred Heart Café and Community Centre. The café is monitored by dedicated volunteers who work hand in hand with local care company Home Instead Senior Care.
The café also includes activities like singing, dancing, presentations, and exercise for those who have the caffeine buzz. For more information get in touch with Terry O’Brien on terryobrien@heartoftamworth.org
Day 21 - Liberty Jamboree
Liberty Jamboree are a group helping support young people and adults who are vulnerable, because of their health or learning barriers, with inclusion within the community.
Music, theatre, arts, woodwork and social activities are run in Tamworth and across Staffordshire on a regular basis.
The group are always looking for more to join the gang as well as helpers who can assist with activities and trips.
Visit their website to find out more about how to get involved: www.libertyjamboree.co.uk
Day 22 - SPOKEN - supporting parents of ids with special needs
SPOKEN is a local community group set up by parents of children with extra needs to help them share and discuss experiences by creating a non-judgemental social environment outside of school and regular family life. They usually met the first Friday of each month at Tamworth Community Fire Station. They also get together for group outings during the school holidays.
SPOKEN are actively looking for new members and fundraisers so get involved! For more information visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/75554372329
Day 23 - Tamworth Have a Heart
Today's group helped me with a previous campign. Tamworth Have a Heart , who worked with me on my very first summer campaign, “Defib a Day”, in 2019 and will be supporting my Seniors Fair on Thursday 26th Aug 2021, so please do come along to meet the team and find out more about using these lifesaving devices!
Tamworth Have a Heart are a small group of volunteers whose mission is ensure Tamworth has AEDs publicly available, and that the public has the training and confidence to use them. To can find out more about how to help, donate or view the map of public defibs in Tamworth on their website: https://tamworthhaveaheart.com/
Day 24 - Kendall and Wall
Kendall and Wall are a fantastic local group. They organise door-to-door, wheelchair accessible outing for those who struggle with mobility whether due to age or disability. The Trust are proud holders of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and previous trips out include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the National Memorial Arboretum and the Black Country Living Museum.
The Trust is run by volunteers in all roles from admin to driving the minibus, and you can find out more about getting involved on their website below, or by speaking to them at my Seniors Fair in St Editha’s on Thursday!
Volunteering | Kendall & Wall (kendallandwall.org)
Day 25 - League of Friends Tamworth Hospitals
For Day 25 of my August Campaign I want to highlight the brilliant efforts of the League of Friends of the Tamworth Hospitals who work very hard to raise money and promote the care and comfort of all at Sir Robert Peel Hospital. This includes In - patients, Out - patients, and Staff.
The team are always looking for new members so take a look at their Facebook page for more info or ask a receptionist next time you're in the hospital
https://www.facebook.com/TamworthLeagueOfFriends/
Day 26 - Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
After lockdown, we all spent a little more time outdoors and some of us found it to be really enjoyable. If you love the flora and fauna then Staffordshire Wildlife Trust might be the group for you, From looking after wetlands and planting trees to animal husbandry, educating youth and fundraising, there is always plenty to do.
If you are wanting to get stuck in, don't forget a pair of wellies - suits and shoes are no good for the forest walks and wetland tramping, trust me!
You'll be amazed at the wildlife and insects right on our doorstep - to learn ore visit https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/
Day 27 - Creative Choices
Creative Choices CIC The Vibe
A Saturday morning social club for adults and young people aged 14+ with learning disabilities, the Vibe is all about fun with table top football, bingo, crafts, pool, activities and group outings.
They meet at the high rise club and would love to meet more residents.
The group are also seeking volunteers interesting in helping run craft sessions.
Take a look at their website for more insight on what they do: creativechoicescic.co.uk
Day 28 - Tamworth SPIN
SPIN stands for special people in need and it is a charity formed in 1998 by parents and carers of young people to have a save and fund meeting space for activities, socialising and learning. From crafts and cookery to discos and pool competitions, it’s a fun place to be and disabled friendly.
They usually meet on Wednesday evenings at the Coton Centre but during the pandemic they’ve been meeting over Zoom. The group hopes to resume activities soon.
If you’d like to get involved or volunteer your time email Lindsey on secretary@spin-tamworth.co.uk to let her know or visit www.spin-tamworth.co.uk for more information
Day 29 - BFAB
BFAB is a stage school for youth and adults with learning, sensory and hidden disabilities. With classes in dance (including chair dance), drama and singing. The group perform all over the West Midlands and run online classes as well as face to face sessions. From hip- hop Motown to contemporary and tea dances, there’s performances and learning to suit all skills and tastes.
To get involved email fabperformingartsstageschool@gmail or visit
https://www.facebook.com/BFAB-stage-school-Online-104594748256537/
Day 30 - Tamworth Ladies Choir
Tamworth Ladies Choir is a well established, who rehearse on Monday evenings from 7:30pm until 9:30pm at Central Methodist Church, Aldergate.
You don't have to be a well trained singer, just enjoy a good sing song - all the training and practice is provided, from small events at rest homes to brighten up people's days to big public events you'll be guaranteed to have a voice of an angel in a few weeks time!
The ladies love to socialise so it's not just singing but fundraising and other meets, so if you want to make new friends wile expressing yourself creatively, Tamworth Ladies choir may be for you!
http://tamworthladieschoir.com/ for more information or to pop along to a session.
Day 31 - Tamworth Street Angels
This is a group more familiar to the pub and club lovers in our area, the Tamworth Street Angels. The group provide help and support to those out at night, be it a warm snack and a bottle of water, flip flops to replace those heels or assistance to get away from that over-clingy drunk resident who won't leave you alone.
Working with the police and local venues to provide safety in our town, these angels have helped many revellers across Tamworth get home safely and learn more about personal safety while out on the town.
If you fancy volunteering with a difference, are more of a night owl and can dedicate a few nights a month to keeping Tamworth town centre safe, the Street Angels may be for you.
A Christian group sharing love, clearing smashed glass and flicking on a torch just when you need it. If you want to help the group fundraise, learn more about what they do or want to become a volunteer yourself visit their webpage.
https://www.facebook.com/TamworthStreetAngels
So there you have it 31 days of local community groups - yet there are so many more! If you want to get involved with volunteering and are stuck for ideas, contact Support Staffordshire who hold a huge list of clubs, charities and groups wanting members, helpers and fundraisers.
I hope you have enjoyed this campaign and I look forward to seeing you all back out in the community this summer!
