Words by Smiley Team
If you’re looking for an easy way to give back to your community, or meaningfully support small charities, head to The Social Society.
Founded by Toni Finnimore, and based in Brighton, it’s the UK's first social club for social good, and works to give easy access to local charities who are seeking people with 21st-century skills.
“I have worked in charity for years and watched Government funds and support for core community services decline," Toni tells Smiley News. "Where these huge gaps exist, small charities step up to plug the gap with very little or no resource, funding and often a poor skillset. I wanted to create a model that was independent and that offered long term support for charities via skill sharing.
“Volunteering matters because we all have the ability to do good and I firmly believe that listening to the needs of our communities at a local level can make a massive impact. Volunteering also makes you and everyone else around you feel great!”
(Read more about these volunteers reducing hunger in Hackney)
In a survey, 98% of The Social Society members said being part of a connected social network was key to their mental health – and £115,200 has been saved per annum for Brighton projects by the local volunteering legends.
One member, David Hillier, said: “I’d been trying for ages to find some local volunteering but there was always red-tape which put me off. Founder Toni linked me up with AudioActive and I was immediately helping them with a website rebranding project.
"I did a couple of hours per-week copywriting, and I’ve loved getting to use my skills for a fantastic, innovative cause in my local community. I can’t wait to help someone else!”
(Read more about these kind volunteers using their lunch break to help kids)
The Social Society has big ambitions. “We want to completely reinvent the charitable giving model in this country," says Toni.
"Instead of people donating £10 per month to their favourite charity and businesses giving employees gym membership as a benefit, we want to see people join our social club. Members get to give back in a way that's meaningful, raise funds for charities with their fees, feel connected at our local events and support the cities they live within effectively."
They are on a mission in 2022 to bring in 50 forward-thinking businesses for good to pilot the social club community inside the workplace. Each organisation will have the opportunity to support up to 90 charities across the UK inside four annual skill-sharing programmes. "We are encouraging businesses to scrap the one-off team days, fun runs and black-tie galas and look at a more long term, sustainable approach to supporting local charities," adds Toni.
JOIN: Join The Social Society for yourself and make a difference to your local community.
VOLUNTEER: Find other local volunteering opportunities near you on the NCVO website.
WATCH: How volunteers keep this scrapstore diverting waste from landfill up and running.
