Volunteering, Communities, Money and Sustainability

Before we start on a new week, I just wanted to mention some initiatives that took place last week. Firstly, Riverside Centre reminded us it was National Youth Work Week and the importance of having experienced youth workers reaching out to children and young people. This week we have marked Befriending Week and Volunteer Centre Sutton advised me they have over 100 befrienders matched to older people who would be otherwise alone. Community Action Sutton kicked off the week by paying tribute to a local trustee in recognition of Trustee Week and his dedication to the charities he supports. 

There are many ways to engage with Sutton’s local community, and there are a number of events worth mentioning in the coming week. I know that for many people talking about money is a difficult topic. Next Week is Talk Money Week - an annual awareness campaign by Money Helper aimed at encouraging everyone to open up about their money and pensions. Sutton Council is taking part and from 8-12 November there will be activities taking place to get more people talking about personal finances, how to deal with debt and teaching children and young people about managing money.

As part of the week Sutton Council and partners are running two drop-in sessions for people to pop in for free advice and information from; tips for good money management to help with benefits or debt advice, loan sharks and scams, energy efficiency to how you can save money for your future. These drop in sessions will run on:

Monday 8 November

• Venue: Thomas Wall Close, 52 Benhill Avenue, Sutton SM1 4DP
• Time: 10am to 2pm

Wednesday 10 November

• Venue: Hill House, Bishopsford Road, Carshalton, Morden SM4 6BL
• Time: 10am to 2pm

You will be aware that COP26 is very much in the news, so just to remind you of a fun way to be more sustainable, why not pop along to the Sound Lounge on 20th November for “A Stitch to Wear Clothes Swap”. Details can be found here.

Action for Happiness suggests November is for new ways, so take a leaf out of the happiness calendar and think about befriending an older person, supporting your local voluntary and community sector by becoming a Trustee, encouraging yourself and others to “talk about money” and finally get some “new” clothes!

Councillor Marian James