Hope starts in our communities across the UK

5 people in summer clothing tending to an unruly, green community garden in an urban setting, with tall building towers in the background.

People with power tell us our society is broken. They try to divide and distract us. They say they want to scrap climate solutions — even as our towns flood, and our food and energy bills rise.

But communities are choosing hope over division. Harnessing renewable energy to cut bills. Helping nature. Connecting people. And Friends of the Earth community groups are among them, from our local action groups to Postcode Gardeners and youth groups.

Help inspire action where you live — order your FREE Hope Starts Here poster below and spread the word.

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By the community for the community

Ahead of the elections in England we are shining a light on the positive local action within our communities. Members of Manchester Friends of the Earth  have set up Greater Manchester Community Renewables and installed solar panels on ten schools and a community centre in Salford, Bury, Trafford and Manchester.

While our Postcode Gardeners have brought nature to 1,000 community spaces across England and Wales - working together we are putting the smart, simple solutions that benefit people and our planet at the top of the political agenda.

Support brilliant community-led solutions that benefit people and our planet.

Donate to spread hope across the UK

 

People carrying a Hope Starts Here banner through the street next to a park

Sign our open letter

As many of us head to the polls on 7 May, powerful voices will try to divide us with blame and distraction. But communities from Newcastle to Portsmouth will be showing a better future is possible.

When people come together and act with hope, change is possible. 

Now we need politicians to catch up. Help us call on present and future leaders to focus on solutions, unite people and protect the planet.

 

Act now
People carrying a Hope Starts Here banner through the street next to a park

What do we need to improve lives and build a fair, sustainable future?

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Help local farmers adapt to a changing climate
Tell councils to help sustainable farming by buying local produce for use in schools and care homes, creating Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and giving farms permissions for barn conversions, farm shops and renewable energy developments.
Help local farmers adapt to a changing climate
Tell councils to help sustainable farming by buying local produce for use in schools and care homes, creating Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and giving farms permissions for barn conversions, farm shops and renewable energy developments.
Flooding with bus and boats on road
Welcome refugees and migrants
The UK has a proud tradition of providing a safe welcoming home for people fleeing war, persecution and climate breakdown.Encourage your council to provide a genuinely welcoming home for refugees and migrants, and speak out against hatred and lies.
Welcome refugees and migrants
The UK has a proud tradition of providing a safe welcoming home for people fleeing war, persecution and climate breakdown.Encourage your council to provide a genuinely welcoming home for refugees and migrants, and speak out against hatred and lies.
An illustration showing solar panels, active travel and a wind farm.
More local green jobs and training for young people
We need to train people with the skills needed for the jobs that will help us move to a fairer more sustainable future. From heat pump and solar panel installers to farmers and community food businesses.
More local green jobs and training for young people
We need to train people with the skills needed for the jobs that will help us move to a fairer more sustainable future. From heat pump and solar panel installers to farmers and community food businesses.
More resilient communities
Stronger communities are better able to respond to energy, food and weather crises – from floods to heatwaves and blackouts. But investment in youth work and community spaces has plummeted through austerity.

We need our local charities, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, social enterprises and volunteer groups to build community cohesion and resilience. And stand up to people who are sowing division and hatred.
More resilient communities
Stronger communities are better able to respond to energy, food and weather crises – from floods to heatwaves and blackouts. But investment in youth work and community spaces has plummeted through austerity.

We need our local charities, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, social enterprises and volunteer groups to build community cohesion and resilience. And stand up to people who are sowing division and hatred.

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