Growing Communities & Growing Friendships

By Natalie Smith (St James Community Builder)

What began just a few months ago as a simple suggestion from a local resident: "Shall we do a local litter pick with a couple of neighbours, starting in the Community Orchard?” has gently grown into something far more meaningful.

At first, it was just a handful of people armed with bags and grabbers, doing their bit to keep the streets tidy. But with each monthly meet-up, something special started to take shape. The group grew, ideas were shared and a real sense of purpose emerged. What started as litter picking soon expanded into extra acts of care: collecting bottles for the bottle bank, saving cans for the local football club to recycle, Weeding Parties and swapping clever suggestions on how to make an even bigger difference.

Each session ends with that unmistakable feeling of satisfaction, the kind of satisfaction that comes from doing something positive together. But perhaps the most wonderful thing to develop over time has been the friendships.

Among the group, two ladies in particular have formed a bond that has blossomed beautifully. They choose to work side by side, chatting as they go, swapping stories, encouraging one another, and turning what could be a routine task into something warm and worthwhile. Their partnership has become a lovely example of how community action can bring people together in ways no one expects.

What started as a neighbourly idea has grown into a group that not only cares for the environment, but also nurtures connection, belonging, and friendship ~ proving that sometimes, the smallest acts spark the biggest changes.