With hectic schedules, it can be hard to fit in time for community work, but there are simple ways you can make a difference without sacrificing big chunks of your day. We take a look at some ways how you can help.

Ways you can help your local community:

- Support local businesses

Support your local businesses by buying locally. Think before you buy. Instead of buying from supermarket chains, back local farmers and purchase local produce instead. You could also attend local events and festivals.

- Help your neighbours.

Offering your neighbours some support is a great way of getting to know them and if you look out for others, they’ll probably return the favour too. It could be something as simple as doing the shopping for an older person or collecting the post when next door are away.

- Raise money

If you’ve got small change to hand, you could give this to charity collectors on the street or the homeless

- Donate

Donate old items of clothing to local homeless shelters, food to animal shelters and any household items to local charity shops. It all helps.

- Get involved as a volunteer

There are plenty of opportunities out there if you look out for them. If you’re considering ways to get involved in the community as a volunteer, but have little time to spare, look out for flexible roles that can fit around your needs. You could try being a:
• Mentor to a young person
• School governor
• Befriender to a lonely older person
• Hospital visitor
• Conservation volunteer
• Community project worker
• Charity shop assistant