As your MP I would work hard to support existing voluntary groups and to help residents start up new ones, so that we can improve our environment, help vulnerable people, and build some new skills too.
I started volunteering in Tooting six years ago when I became a Governor at Oak Lodge School for the Deaf in Balham, and since then I have realised just how many charities and other organisations there are that can benefit from the time and skills of local residents.
Over time I became increasingly involved with other volunteering initiatives - supporting local schools, the police, our commons and charities - putting something back into Tooting. And four years ago I brought together all of the local people I know who are interested in volunteering and I set up regular local projects for us to contribute towards.
In a nod to Citizen Smith, I called this group the Tooting Voluntary Force! Anyone can join this group and there is no regular commitment involved, so please sign up by emailing me on dan@danwatkins.org.uk or via the Facebook page, where you can also see lots of examples of past projects and hear of the new ones I arrange:
https://www.facebook.com/TootingVoluntaryForce
Some examples of our projects include:
- wading in the Wandle River, fishing out rubbish
- digging out a community allotment
- restoring the overgrown Nature Centre on Wandsworth Common
- litter-picking on Tooting Common
- setting up local festivals and street parties (e.g. the BATCA Tooting Fun Day).
Whatever your views on politics, I hope you will want to get involved with this initiative to help improve our area.
