More than one in two people in Britain volunteered in 2011, according to a new study in volunteering habits by YouGov.

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The Big Tree Plant funding scheme hopes to encourage and support community groups to plant trees in neighbourhoods where people live and work.  The scheme can fund work such as community involvement, site surveys and expert advice as well as trees, planting materials, labour, and tree care and maintenance.

The 121 befriending project has recently launched the 121 social café in Tunbridge Wells. The cafe provides a safe and fun environment in which young people can meet new friends and give each other support. Members of the café have overcome their own personal barriers to feel happy and more optimistic about the future.

The British Empire Medal, which was awarded as part of the Queen's Honours system to British citizens making a difference in their communities until 1992, will be reintroduced in the Diamond Jubilee Honours list in June next year.