This year the CSO is doubling down: more house meetings, more trainings — across Humberside, Lancashire, Greater Manchester & North London — bringing people together across dividing lines to build the common good. Let’s bring power home ❤️

Our #WriterInResidence Matt Goodfellow has been busy talking to top authors about the power of voice! 🗣️

This week, check out his conversation with superstars David Almond, Nathanael Lessore and Anthony McGowan... 👇

https://bit.ly/455WtYr

From oysters to office space! 🦪➡️📈 Our #ThrowbackThursday is a look at the top of North Hill in Colchester, just where it meets the High Street. The black-and-white photo shows the lively streetscape before the Prudential Assurance offices were built in 1930.

Every day, we see how people on the lowest incomes are tipped into hardship by an unexpected cost or life event, like illness or redundancy.

Effective, early support can prevent people from falling into long-term hardship and needing to use a food bank.

BIG NEWS: more effective support will be given to people facing hardship from April!

The Crisis & Resilience Fund will provide financial support to prevent people from needing food banks.

This is a big step because hunger in the UK is NOT a food problem, it’s an income problem. 🧵👇

If you're thinking about the year ahead why not dust off your walking shoes and join us on March 21st as we take on the Richmond towpath. We are walking 30km for mental health and wellbeing. Find out more and sign up now.
www.talitha.org.uk/freedom

We are so excited to welcome in 2026 and can't wait to get back to our therapeutic arts workshops next week with refugees, with people living with dementia, and with young girls.

You’re a community that's passionate to save & run your village pub – but how do you find funding to turn vision into reality?

👉 https://www.goodfinance.org.uk/latest/post/securing-pubs-future-lessons-punch-bowl-inn?utm_source=plunkettuk_bluesky&utm_medium=organic_social

@goodfinanceuk.bsky.social

Running a community shop in the South West? 

This half day event could shape your future. 📈

🗓️The Big South West Meet Up - 5 Feb at Powderham Castle. 

🚨Spaces are limited…so don’t miss out.🚨

➡️Book your place today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-south-west-meet-up-tickets-1978593989886

*update*
How to report #badlyparkedcars in Oxfordshire
As soon as you notice it, report the location and why:
📞 0345 337 1138 (option *3*)
OR
🖱️ www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-an...
Civil Enforcement Officers can then attend.

Councils control your roads, but the Department for Transport is setting their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. If they want councils to follow it, they need to make it much more credible. Read more here 👉 buff.ly/qqsXcAQ

We were delighted to join @literacy-trust.bsky.social today at Emirates Stadium to celebrate the start of the #NationalYearOfReading - 12 months full of possibility and opportunity to share the power of reading.

It is time to #GoAllIn2026.

literacytrust.org.uk/about-us/nat...

Our Co-CEO @dianajgerald.bsky.social and Director of Children's Books Lizzie Catford were delighted to attend the #NationalYearOfReading2026 launch today!

We're proud to be leading on early years for the National Year of Reading - find out more:

https://bit.ly/3LERDuF #GoAllIn2026

New guidance to assist charities under threat of attack

Our new article by Jay Kennedy highlights the new Charity Commission guidance, urging trustees and leaders to report incidents and strengthen safeguards.

#Charity #Trustees - take a look at the new guidance: www.dsc.org.uk/content/new-...

Powerful Film ❤️

January is when many of us try something new - gyms, food boxes, free trials...

Avoid subscription traps when signing up online by:

✔️ Read the T&Cs
✔️ Check there’s a cancellation window
✔️ Research before sharing bank details

https://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/articles/subscription-traps/

We’re the CSO — the UK Community Service Organisation. Our community organising training equips local leaders with the skills to build power across divides, bring people together, and create new bonds of trust by organising communities around shared interests.🤲🧡