The Extra Hour | Do something good in your community

1 Extra Hour. 1 Act of Kindness. 1 Better Community.

This October, when the clocks go back, you don't just get an extra hour of sleep – you get a gift of time. Let's use it to make a difference. Pledge your bonus hour to a small act of kindness, like calling a lonely neighbour or helping at a local charity. It’s simple, powerful, and it starts with you.

Your community needs your Extra Hour

In the UK and Ireland, neighbourliness is declining - and community spirit is suffering. Loneliness and social isolation are increasing, especially among vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, grassroots charities and small local causes are struggling: short on volunteers and pressed to meet growing demand. Every person who pledges their Extra Hour helps to change this.

You really cannot underestimate the impact such kind words can have on people, just by saying ‘to someone special’, and some of the words and poems inside the cards were so heartfelt we did see some people in tears (happy tears) when opening and reading their cards.

Charity leader at Dorothy Parkes Center

The Power of a Ten-Minute Card

For someone feeling isolated, a simple message can feel like everything. That’s what the Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick proved with their recent Christmas card campaign. They asked volunteers for just ten minutes of their time to write a couple of cards for their patrons, many of whom were facing the festive season alone. The ask was small, but the impact was immeasurable. When the cards were handed out, many recipients were brought to tears—not of sadness, but of overwhelming gratitude that someone was thinking of them. It’s a powerful reminder: you don’t need a grand gesture to fight loneliness. Sometimes, ten minutes and a few kind words are enough to change someone’s world.

This day wasn’t just about baking—it was a celebration of kindness, teamwork, and the spirit of giving. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this initiative such a wonderful success.

Volunteer at the event

Connecting through food

On December 23rd, volunteers from Canada Life and Premier Foods, along with members of Gratitude and Barnet Football Club, came together for the annual "Mince Pies for the Homeless" initiative. Filled with laughter and cheer, the team baked an impressive 1,008 pies. The day was a testament to the spirit of giving and teamwork, and the pies, lovingly made by the volunteers, were distributed to the local vulnerable community, bringing comfort and joy to those in need.

This was such a fantastic and enjoyable day! Helping a community garden get ready for their award judges was so very satisfying. You'd be amazed the difference in getting a straight edge to a path makes! Fresh air, fun and a great result!

Volunteer at the event

Giving back can be enjoyable

Not every act of kindness has to be picking up a food shop for a neighbour or cutting an elderly person's lawn, they can be enjoyable and rewarding in their own right. A few groups of people from First Group spent the day micro volunteering with different charities in the Leeds area. The most enjoyable was a small local charity where they helped clean and organise a community garden.