Celebrating Bucks communities

From fundraisers to food champions and support networks to street associations, our local communities are made up of people committed to helping others and improving life in their local area.

For the month of June, the focus is on celebrating everything that makes our communities great, including:

• saying a big thank you to all those who volunteer, in whatever capacity, including those who have offered assistance as part of our Helping Hand for Afghanistan and Ukraine schemes, as well as our unpaid carers
• shining a spotlight on the work the council does with local communities to make them even stronger, including the work of our Community Boards and our work with partner organisations
• sharing information on how people can get more involved in their local community, including volunteering opportunities and other community initiatives
• raising awareness of the Bucks Online Directory which gives details of ongoing activities, schemes and community groups that people can get involved with

Throughout June, the focus will be on different elements of community, tying into national campaigns and promoting local schemes and initiatives, including:

• Volunteering and Refugee Week (19 to 25 June) – a festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary
• Spotlight on the Armed Forces – coinciding with Armed Forces Day (24 June) and including our Armed Forces Conference in Aylesbury (12 June)
• Combatting loneliness and isolation, with Loneliness Awareness Week (13 to 17 June).
• Getting involved in your community and increasing health and wellbeing

Arif Hussain, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"The Month of Community is a time to come together and celebrate, shining a light on the amazing communities we live in. It's an opportunity for us to recognise and appreciate the incredible work that our residents do every day to make this county an exceptional place to live, work and visit. This includes volunteering, fundraising, or simply being a good neighbour.

“As a council, we're committed to supporting and empowering our communities, and it's inspiring to see the progress we're making together. To everyone who has contributed to making Buckinghamshire the special place it is, we want to say thank you to them for everything they have done and continue to do.”

There are lots of ways you can get involved in your local community. For volunteering opportunities, check out the Volunteer Matching Service run by Community Impact Bucks.

If you are interested in supporting the efforts to help those who have fled the conflict in Ukraine, find out more about our Helping Hand for Ukraine scheme online.

One of the best ways to learn more about community projects and initiatives in your local area is via your Community Board. Find information on your local board.

Check out the Bucks Online Directory to see what's going on and search for events near you.

Prevention Matters is a commissioned service which aims to support adults aged 18 years+ reduce vulnerabilities, including social isolation, by supporting them to remain independent and active within their own communities for as long as possible.

Communities are being encouraged to tag their events during the month with the #MonthOfCommunityBucks hashtag and to share on social media.