17.06.2023 Friends of Parks

The Greening Network met at the Everyone Everyday Warehouse to discuss Friends of Parks.

They were joined by Laura Collins from Go Parks London and Laura Toffolo from the Citizens Alliance Network. Laura Collins gave some advice for starting a friends of park group, this included;

• Start off with some small, achievable events, such as a bake sale which can help spread the word of your group and help you raise money.
• Register with Go Parks London who can help with promoting your Friends of group, give you access to their monthly newsletter full of tips and support such as funding or training opportunities, and give you bespoke help and advice whenever you need it. To register your group, email laura@cprelondon.gov.uk
• Find a way to communicate with your group and supporters, such as a regular newsletter, facebook page, or WhatsApp group.
• Provide opportunities for people to volunteer with your group, such as regular litter picks or gardening days.

Laura Toffolo then spoke of the support that the Citizens Alliance Network could provide to Friends of Park groups. This includes;

• Support with promoting your group on the Citizens Alliance Network website and newsletter
• Micro-grants to support your group to run community activities/events or with other costs associated with your grant. If you are interested in applying for a grant, please complete this short expression of interest here.