Community groups

Resident Associations, Community Associations and other local voluntary organisations are supported and set up by the Communities and Improvement Team. Our support is wide ranging from providing information, to helping groups become constituted, to find funding and to help set up new groups.

There are a range of groups across the city. All are open to new members and offer you the opportunity to meet others, learn new skills and find out more about your neighbourhood. Most groups meet monthly and your level of participation is completely flexible. Want to dabble and see what projects your local group is working on? Just ask. Or do you want to dive in and join a committee or start your own group? Go for it.

There are many reasons why people living in an area or who have a common interest may decide to form a community group. For example:

• To campaign for something (a better street-cleaning service, play facilities, somewhere to meet, starting a new activity (e.g. art group).
  
• To campaign against something (such as the closure or change to local facilities).
  
• Together a you can achieve more, for example:
  - Apply for funding
  - Be seen as a professional body by other organisations/agencies
  - Share workload
  
• To arrange outings and social events (such as coach trips or a street party)
  
• To increase the sense of belonging in a community and to meet and help others
  
• To keep people in area informed of any issues that affect them
  
• To get involved with what other local groups may be doing
  
• To have a representative voice when dealing with landlords or agencies during consultation
  
• To have a say on services provided by statutory agencies and organisations.