The only thing better than enjoying a beautiful Spring day out in Chilwell is enjoying it with other people in the community and making a difference at the same time. After its success in December, #LoveChilwell is back with another campaign and a Community Action Day on Saturday 7 June 2025.
Just imagine – the sun is out (or we’ve got our brollies, wellies and coats if not – this is England after all) and there are groups of people from neighbourhoods across Chilwell, tidying gardens, cleaning up neighbourhoods and helping with repairs to a soundtrack of conversations, music and children playing. This is the vibe predicted for the next Love Chilwell event happening this Saturday across the small but bubbling suburb of Beeston.
A great opportunity to meet one’s neighbours, make new friends and spend some time with your own family and friends, the project aims to galvanise residents to do something for those who could use a bit of help.
“There will be social action projects,” says Matt Smith, from the Christ Church Chilwell. “Things like community clear ups, litter picks, DIY – really anything we can practically do to help people in our community.”
A community initiative which started towards the end of 2024, Love Chilwell is led by Chilwell Parish in partnership with Barton’s The Garage. The two organisations have come together to kickstart what will hopefully be a long-term programme with numerous campaigns throughout the year. Their shared vision is a strong, caring and thriving Chilwell.
The current #LoveChilwell campaign is inviting residents, businesses and volunteers to join a day of hands-on community action on Saturday 7 June.
The Chilwell Parish has been instrumental in identifying people who might benefit from the campaign. Christ Church and St Barnabas, both part of the parish, have helped gauge interest and signpost towards who might benefit from these projects, using their long standing community connections. There are also local groups and schools that can sign up or put a project forward for support. “Sometimes people who need help the most don’t always step forward,” added Matt.
The December campaign which invited people to buy a gift for someone in need was a huge success. Initially aiming to get around 300 gifts, Matt explained that when the campaign started, organisers were amazed by the spirit of generosity in the community. People could buy a gift from one of the many local, independent stalls at the market - from homemade soaps and candles to knitted scarves and framed art – and then get it wrapped at the volunteer gift wrapping station. Once the gift was wrapped, they would be dropped off under the Christmas tree at the market.
People also gave cash donations which were used to buy more gifts and the campaign ended with more than 420 gifts collected. These were then distributed to people in five care homes. The response from the care homes was amazing and heartwarming, with one of the beneficiaries sharing that the best part “wasn’t the present you bought us but the fact that you remembered we are here.”
At a time when social isolation is on the rise and the impact of technology is creating gaps in in-person communication, it is easy to feel isolated and this campaign gives everyone a common reason to come together and do good with other people for other people
Two days before Christmas, they still had 120 gifts left. After trouble getting in touch with the care home manager, they ended up just heading over to the care home meaning the gifts were a complete surprise for the residents. “It was just amazing because they weren’t expecting it!” said Matt, adding this was one of his favourite moments from the campaign. They plan to run the same campaign again this year closer to the Christmas holiday.
The current Spring/Summer campaign leading up to the Community Day on Saturday 7 June is already creating a culture of support in Chilwell, with local businesses and cafes joining in to spread the word and signing up to make it a great day. “A large part about Love Chilwell is the community that grows from it,” said Matt.
The Community Day will be a great opportunity for people who might be looking for volunteering opportunities or just wanting to get to know their community better and make a difference in a small way.
Join the Love Chilwell mailing list now to find out how you can help and participate in this brilliant initiative. The day of action will end with a celebration at the Christ Church that evening. “There will be a bar, some food, and music. The event is not just for people who have participated or volunteered in the day but open to anyone who is interested,” said James Barton of the Garage.
“At a time when social isolation is on the rise and the impact of technology is creating gaps in in-person communication, it is easy to feel isolated and this campaign gives everyone a common reason to come together and do good with other people for other people,” added Matt.
Find out more about how you can be part of this on the Love Chilwell website and follow them on social media.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
