2012 Will Be a 'Year of Service'

Faith groups will lead volunteering days to bring communities together

The UK Communities & Local Government Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, has today announced that 2012 will be a 'Year of Service'.

Faith communities across the country will lead a series of volunteering days to encourage communities to come together to improve their neighbourhoods.

Supported by the government, nine faith groups will hold a day of service in their region that will bring together people from different faiths to tackle a specific community need. The days will be themed around social action priorities, such as community clean ups, or will use existing religious themed occasions - such as Mitzvah or Sewa Day - to encourage greater involvement.

The Year of Service will also provide an opportunity for faith communities to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee as service has been such an important aspect of her reign.

Launching the scheme, Eric Pickles said "Faith is a great motivator and throughout the year people from different faiths regularly give something back, volunteering for projects that benefit people in need.

We want to help them do what they do best by recognising that just a little support can make a big difference. The Year of Service is a chance to link these efforts together throughout the year... and encourage greater levels of volunteering in neighbourhoods and among businesses..."

For more information and to find out about projects in your area go to www.ayearofservice.org.uk