Sustainable Didcot is a community-led environmental group focused on climate change and sustainable living. The group has its own dedicated space within Soha, opposite Didcot Parkway Station, where everyone is welcome to visit, take part and get involved.
Its work is organised around five themes: Nature, Energy, Waste, Education and Resources, collectively known as the NEWER project.
Sustainable Didcot runs a wide range of activities that help people lead more economic and sustainable lifestyles, reducing their impact on the planet, and building stronger, more supportive communities.
Protecting the local environment and community
The group grows food across three allotment plots and has also developed a Food Rescue scheme. This initiative collects surplus food from supermarkets and redistributes it to local people, including those on low incomes and anyone passionate about reducing food waste.
Connecting with nature is another important part of Sustainable Didcot’s work, particularly as the town continues to grow and develop. Through planting activities, litter picks and the care of local green spaces, residents are given practical opportunities to help preserve and protect the local environment.
The group also runs workshops and activities that teach skills that will lead to a cleaner, greener local environment and happier, healthier lifestyles. Sessions range from making household cleaning products and reducing energy use at home to crochet, sewing, card making and building bird boxes. These activities help people learn useful skills while reducing consumerism, waste and unnecessary packaging.
Fix it, don’t ditch it!
Its monthly Repair Café brings together around 15 volunteer fixers who mend and restore broken items, helping local people avoid the cost and environmental impact of buying replacements. Sustainable Didcot also aims to teach people how to carry out their own repairs through the Repair Café and monthly mending evenings.
The group’s Library of Things allows residents to borrow a wide variety of tools and household equipment. This helps people save money, reduce waste and avoid using valuable storage space at home.
Bringing people together through sustainability
Sustainable Didcot works closely with other local agencies to support the wider community, including families on low incomes, members of the international community, and people experiencing mental health difficulties or social isolation. This partnership approach helps spread the environmental message while creating volunteering opportunities and bringing people together.
The group has also recently expanded its activities for children and young people. Almost all activities are free to attend, although donations are welcomed to help keep the programme running.
Could you become a Trustee?
Sustainable Didcot is currently working towards becoming a registered charity and is recruiting members for its Trustee Board. Anyone interested in applying or finding out more can email them.
For more information, visit the Sustainable Didcot website or follow them on Facebook.