Canning Town charity unites neighbours for good deeds

by Melissa York, Reporter Saturday, January 28, 2012
6:30 AM

Newham charity Community Links is launching a new project to link neighbours who need a hand with those who are able to lend a hand.

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Linking Neighbours is a new service run by the Barking Road charity to put people who want to help in touch with those who need assistance in some way.

Volunteers are needed to carry out small but meaningful good deeds to get to know people in their community.

Examples of such deeds include helping a neighbour who works with the school run, taking a neighbour shopping once a week, telephoning a less mobile or elderly neighbour on a regular basis, mowing a lawn or cutting a hedge, accompanying neighbours to appointments or helping a neighbour access information or benefits.

Linking Neighbours is built on the premise that “we all have something to offer, and we all need a bit of help every now and then.”

Community Links are appealing for people to get in touch with them if they would like to help in some way or if they need help in some way so they can unite them.

Cecilia Jaros, who works in Community Development at the charity, said: “We can talk all we want about the big society but this project is bigger than that, it’s about really making a difference in your community.

“This project has very local, community based aims around encouraging neighbours to get to know each other, support each other and work towards improving their communities.

“The opportunities are endless; all that is needed is a little time and imagination.”

Currently, Linking Neighbours operates in Beckton, East Ham, Forest Gate, Stratford and the Royal Docks with hopes of expanding throughout the borough.

If you think you can benefit or benefit someone else through the Linking Neighbours project, contact Cecilia Jaros at Community Links, 105 Barking Road, Canning Town, E16 4HQ, or call 020 7473 2270 or email cecilia.jaros@community-links.org.