Many areas, especially housing estates have community groups or residents associations, some even have a small meeting place where members gather together. Our communities are made up of people with a wide and diverse range of skills. Plumbers, Electricians, Woodworkers, Gardeners, Computer experts, Cooks, Car mechanics, Haberdashers, Book-keepers, the list can be exhaustive. Even the retired sector have many useful skills and extensive knowledge.

In these days of financial restraint, many, especially the retired, cannot financially afford to pay for work to be done to their homes, or simple repairs done to their car, bicycle or mobility scooter, or pay to have someone do repairs or a little DIY. Even those who are working are still struggling in this economic climate.

Why not suggest to your group to make a list,  both of members needs, eg 'Need trousers altered', 'Curtains shortened',  'Need to learn how to send an email', 'Hedge needs cutting', etc., etc. and to list any talents or skills that may have have that could be exchanged.

Mrs Brown from number 9 might be happy to alter your curtains if you could mow the lawn, Mr Smith from number 14 might be able to fix your toaster or fit a new door-bell in exchange for a freshly made fruitcake or his trousers taken up a bit.

We need to get together and help each other, put our skills to good use, and create friendships.