Offer a helping hand to charities in France

AT this time of year many people look back over the past 12 months and begin to think about the changes they might want to make in the future.

If one of these changes is to get involved more within the local community, or to pass on your knowledge to groups and associations here are a few ideas.

I have collected together a number of charitable organisation that I’ve written about in the past, who look to work with both English speakers and French, so that you can discover more about their work.

Confédération des MJC de France
The MJC is a national organisation first set up in 1948 which runs events for all ages, there are many local groups that meet regularly, and Coral dropped in on one earlier this year.

Cancer Support France
This voluntary service offers English-language help and support to both people with cancer and their carers.

The Royal British Legion in France
Offers social events across France, and welcomes new members whether ex-service or not, British nationality, French, or any other.

Geoff Thomas Foundation
The former England football international is a regular on the Tour de France and his organisation raises money for leukaemia research.

SOS Helpline
Offers a confidential listening service to English speakers in France, but is always keen to accept volunteers.

Secours Populaire Français
A national organisation that organises events to raise money in support of children and disadvantaged families.

The Phoenix Association
Based in the Dordogne, this long established animal charity is able to offer advice and often has pets looking for a new home.

Galgo News
A site I’ve helped set up but which is written by Beryl Brennan on an almost daily occurrence, helps in the rehoming of greyhounds and other dogs from Spain and features links to many associations.

Les Amis Des Chats
I couldn’t leave our feline friends out. Run by Lynn Stone the association specialise in cat welfare, running trap-neuter-return schemes and issuing neutering vouchers around south west France with adoptions throughout France as a whole.

Equine Rescue France
Oh yes and don’t forget the help and advice offered by Trina Summerfield, and Jon and Kathryn Dobson for horses and donkeys which have suffered neglect. Beryl visited the team a few months ago.

And so over to you, if you currently help a local charity leave a line in the comment form below about its work. And if you complete the website address field this will automatically link to your site.