Ever felt that one or more of the services provided in your local area are not up to scratch?
Got ideas about how to improve your local area?
There are many ways you can get involved and it doesn't have to take up lots of time.
It could be as simple as making a suggestion to those responsible for delivering public services, or it could involve volunteering in your local area. You may even want to apply for a public appointment, such as joining the board or committee of a public body.
Below are some ideas of how to get involved in particular aspects of your local area, such as education, healthcare, and community safety. Or visit Directgov for some other ideas.
Community safety
There is a lot you can do to help police keep your neighbourhood safe. Directgov provides information about Neighbourhood Watch schemes, community justice projects underway in your area, and how you can get involved in groups working to prevent crime.
Education
Would you like a greater role in your child's education? There are many ways to get involved, including Parent Councils, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), or helping out at school. Or why not contribute to the running of a school by becoming a school governor?
Your health service
At one stage or another we all need healthcare. The NHS provide information about how to get involved, including how to contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), and how to become a member of a Foundation Trust.
Another way of getting involved is to contribute to the way hospitals and other organisations are inspected. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the body responsible for regulating all organisations that provide healthcare, and they are looking for people who use these services to become an 'expert by experience'.
Local Involvement Networks (LINks) are made up of individuals and community groups who work together to improve these services in their local area. Click on the following link to find out how to get involved.
Environment
Did you know that you can have a say on the development of your area? Click on the following link and find out how to have a say on the sustainable community strategy for your local area, or to get involved in your local planning system.
Your local authority
There are many ways of contributing to the council's work in your area. Maybe you want to report graffiti or fly tipping, or you want to oppose an application for planning permission. Did you also know that your local councillor will hold surgeries for local residents to share their views and ask for action to be taken?
Or if you want to be more actively involved in your local authority, why not become a local councillor yourself? Directgov provide information on how to become a councillor.
Parliament and voting
Voting is one of the most important ways you can have your say. You can make sure you are registered to vote, and find out details of how to vote, by visiting 'About my vote' website.
You don't have to wait until an election to make your voice heard. Parliament's website has ideas of how you can join in - these include petitions, online forums, lobbying MPs, or even attending debates at either the House of Commons or House of Lords.