Being a Fine City Neighbour is all about people building relationships with each other, so that when someone needs support, whether that’s to get groceries to someone self-isolating during a global pandemic, or just to borrow the proverbial cup of sugar, we all have people to rely on.
This type of behaviour has lots of names. It’s sometimes called ‘community’, ‘Mutual Aid’, ‘solidarity’, or just ‘neighbourliness’, but whatever it’s called, it makes our communities stronger, and we need strong communities now more than ever.
This page has lots of information about how to be a Fine City Neighbour, including how to join an existing Mutual Aid group, advice and inspiration for connecting with your neighbours (and guidance for how to do this safely) and support and resources to help you set up a neighbourhood group, if there isn’t one for you to join already.
We’re not here to tell you what to do, but if you want some advice these pages should help. They’re mostly summaries of what other people have been doing already.
Happy reading, neighbour!
Mutual Aid Groups Near Me
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK have an interactive map where you can find details of mutual aid groups that have already been set up near you. Click here or the blue button to visit their website and search the map.
Mutual aid is where a group of people organise to meet their own needs, outside of the formal frameworks of charities, NGOs and government…Mutual aid isn’t about “saving” anyone; it’s about people coming together, in a spirit of solidarity, to support and look out for one another.
COVID-19 Mutual Aid UK
How to set up a Neighbourhood Group
Staying Safe
Whether you’re joining an existing mutual aid group, setting up a neighbourhood group or just out and about spreading positivity, make sure you follow government guidance and stay safe. You can visit the government website by clicking here or the pink button.
Neighbourliness is not the same as ‘organised volunteering’ which is who the webpage is aimed at really, but the advice is still sound.
Reaching Out
Mutual aid— where we choose to help each other out, share things, and put time and resources into caring for the most vulnerable— is a radical act.
Dean Spade, Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next)
What else can I do?
Get Involved provides support and advice to people who live and work in Norwich who want to make good stuff happen in their neighbourhoods.
If you want to start a conversation with the Get Involved team about something you’d like to do, email community@norwich.gov.uk for more information
Or click here or on the logo to the left to visit the Get Involved website and find out more.
Formal Volunteering
Neighbourliness is not the same as formal or organised volunteering, mainly because being neighbourly is about people looking out for each other without organisations or institutions being involved. You might have heard the phrase ‘solidarity, not charity’ – which basically sums it up. Remember, you don’t need anyone’s permission to be a good neighbour.
However, there are loads of wonderful charities and organisations in Norwich who are doing brilliant stuff to support people during the pandemic and are looking for volunteers. We know that at this really difficult time, lots of Fine Folk are stepping up to do more. Here are some links to information, advice and support if you would like to volunteer for an organisation:
Fine City Neighbours 