Community is central to climate action. Medway has a variety of community groups and passionate individuals that are driving action to respond to climate change.

On this page you will find information and resources to support community groups in their work.

Litter picking

Litter picking is a great way to improve the look and feel of your community. By organising a litter pick, you can:

  • meet new people
  • see immediately the good you’ve done
  • inspire others
  • contribute to behaviour change
  • support the wellbeing of yourself and others
  • help develop a sense of community pride.

Make sure you’re safe whilst taking part.

We can lend litter picking equipment on request, for more information email eet@medway.gov.uk.

Funding

Rochester Riverside Community Fund

The Rochester Riverside Community Board oversees funding for community projects across Rochester. With an annual budget of £30,000 available for selected projects, the Board will help to bring to life worthwhile initiatives and ideas that will enhance the local area, cementing Rochester’s status as a great place to live.

To contact the community fund, email RochesterRiversideCommunity@Countrysidepartnerships.com.

We use our social media and Climate Change Newsletter to update people of community grants as they become available.

If you know of a grant that could be of benefit to other local community groups, please email us at climatechange@medway.gov.uk.

Many grants for community groups require a registered charity number. Read about how to become a registered charity on GOV.UK.

If you find a grant that needs local council partnership, please let us know at climatechange@medway.gov.uk and we can see how we can help.

Orchard Community Energy Community Fund

Orchard Community Energy is an energy society serving Swale and Medway. Created in 2015 they develop:

  • community owned renewable energy
  • low carbon and energy efficient projects. 

The community benefit fund is open to applications from registered charities.

To find out more about the fund and apply, visit the Orchard Community Energy website.

Toolkits and training

Medway Urban Greenspaces Forum (MUGs) - Friends toolbox

MUGs offers a toolbox of resources to assist the new and existing friends groups in Medway to run their group and events more effectively.

Centre for Alternative Technology – Free Information Service and Resource Hub

Free, independent and impartial advice on a wide array of topics relating to sustainability and sustainable living: renewable energy, green building and renovation, water and sewage treatment, organic growing, and more.

Carbon Copy - events

Carbon Copy is a UK charity, focussed on inspiring and supporting local action on the climate crisis. They have a variety of events and webinars to help support community action.

Climate Outreach - resources

Climate Outreach aims to put people at the heart of addressing climate change. They have a range of reports, blogs and videos, and you can also search for resources via the global insights map, and visit the Climate Visuals library.

Awards

Recognition for your hard work, and to inspire others to take action.

A Better Medway Awards

There is a full list of awards available, with an award being for environment, but also for innovation and improvement.

You can nominate:

  • an individual
  • an organisation
  • a community group
  • a service.

Wilder Kent Awards

Run by Kent Wildlife Trust. These awards reward and acknowledge the work of schools and community groups that are helping to create a wilder Kent by:

  • taking positive action to restore nature
  • helping adults and children to reconnect with nature.

We want to hear from you

If you need further information or support on how to create a community group, or have any questions please email us at climatechange@medway.gov.uk.

Find out what others in Medway are doing to tackle climate change on our Local climate change projects page.