Get involved in your community

Do you want to make a difference and get involved in community life in Hackney? Find out about all the things that you can do, how to get involved and where to get more information.

Getting involved can be really rewarding. Apart from the difference that you will make to other people’s lives, you can gain new skills, spark a new area of interest, meet new people, discover more about yourself and have a lot of fun.

 

Get involved in volunteering

Volunteering in your community is a great way to make new friends, get new skills and make a difference. Volunteer now.

Street parties or large or commercial events

Find information on holding small non-commercial events, such street parties, larger or commercial events, events in parks and green spaces, other Hackney venues and promoting or finding an event in Hackney. Street parties or large or commercial events.

Register to vote and take part in elections

Voting is an important duty and a way for local people people to make their voice heard and influence the priorities and decisions that affect the community. If you are 18, make sure you register to vote.

Attend local meetings and voice your opinion

You can see a calendar of meetings and upcoming agendas and reports on our Agendas, reports, decisions and minutes page.

There are also lots of ways you can share your opinion and ask councillors questions. For example at:

• cabinet
• full council
• Licensing Committee
• Planning Committee

Find out more by visiting our Get involved in council decisions section.

Help us check the standard of local services

We run regular scrutiny commissions to look at the quality of services and make sure we use local resources properly. You could send your thoughts to a scrutiny commission and contribute to future policy decisions.

Join your ward forum

Hackney is split into 19 wards. Local residents and councillors meet in ward forums to talk about how to improve the area. Why not join yours?

Respond to a consultation

We usually consult with the public before making important decisions. You can attend meetings or focus groups and give us your feedback by email or post. See our latest consultations and have your say.

Take up a local leadership role

Local councillor

The council has an elected Mayor and 57 ward councillors.

Influence services and conditions in your local area by becoming a local councillor.

Hackney Youth Parliament

If you’re under 18 you could stand for election to the Hackney Youth Parliament and become the voice of young people. Elections take place every two years and all young people are entitled to vote.

School governor

Every school in the borough has a board of governors made up of parents, teachers and local residents who help agree budgets and future plans for the school.

If you’re interested in how Hackney’s children and young people are educated you may want to become a school governor.

Charity trustee

A trustee might be called a management committee member or board member. They are volunteers who provide leadership and vision to local charities, helping decide how best to achieve their mission. Volunteer Centre Hackney can put you in touch with groups looking for trustees.

Join a tenants and residents association

TRA members discuss the issues that affect local living conditions. They set the local priorities for their estate and help improve the physical environment and social conditions where they live. They can also run local activities and fun days for the community to help people get to know their neighbours. See Ways to get involved.

Help improve your local park

Volunteer with Hackney parks or join your local park user group. It’s a great way to help improve local green spaces. You can keep active, meet new people and get some fresh air while making a very visible difference to your neighbourhood.

Join a neighbourhood watch group

Neighbourhood watch groups work together to prevent crime and vandalism where they live. If one doesn’t exist in your area you could set one up and ask your neighbours to help make your street a safer place for everyone.

Become a special constable

Special constables are highly trained volunteers who work closely with the police and the community and patrol their local area. It’s also a possible first step for anyone who wants to join the police force.

Start something new

If you think there is an obvious gap in your local area, why not set up your own group. Hackney Council for Voluntary Service can give you advice to help make your idea a reality.

Love Hackney Awards

Do you know an unsung hero whose remarkable achievements are helping make Hackney a better place to live, work or study? We want to hear about them for the yearly Love Hackney Awards. Applications are now open, submit your nomination.