Being a carer is a tough job. But, if you are prepared to hold your hand up and say you want some…read morehelp (and can recognise that this is NOT an admission of defeat), the gals at this charity will link you up - if you live in the borough of Bromley that is. Carers of Bromley is a charity that focuses primarily on the needs of the carer, as opposed to the person requiring care, and are a really useful source of information for everything from benefits to support services and beyond. They are funded in part by Bromley Local authority, so have good relations with departments there too. Although I've never used the support groups, I've found the short term sitters list extremely helpful and they even provide a limited volunteer service for the odd whole day off. In short, if this charity is relevant to you, you have nothing to lose from contacting them.

This is one of the best cancer research stores Ive been inthat said I havent been in that many, but…read moreIve been in a lot of charity shops and this one is really good. The clothes are reasonably priced - no-one expects them to be amazingly cheap, because they're a charity trying to raise money afterall. Most of all I've noticed that their clothes are aways really good quality. Who says you need to pay through the nose for vintage clothing? just go to cancer research store.

The Swanscombe Children's Centre is fantastic. I have had two children since living in Swanscombe…read moreand the staff and the service I have received has been great. They offer ante natal groups pro natal groups, toddler groups, assistance with breast feeding, drop in sessions, weigh in sessions, christmas / easter days off, lots of day sessions for children in the Summer involving lots of different activities. The staff also visit your homes for regular checks. I have had also had a speech therapist visit regularly who was also excellent. The effort the staff put into this centre is amazing.

The MS Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - over…read more85,000 people in the UK - making it the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. The Society provides help for those with the disease and their friends and families, as well as supporting a wide-ranging research programme into new treatments, and understanding the disease better. MS itself is caused when the body's own immune system attacks the protective covering (known as the myelin sheath) of the nerves. This causes the nerves to malfunction, typically leading to loss of muscle control and sensation, but in more serious cases can also affect things like memory and sight. Why it occurs in some people but not in others, and what triggers it, are still the subject of research. After an attack, the minute scars or scleroids can be identified by certain types of scan, hence the name - multiple sclerosis. However, diagnosis is a quite complicated, as every case seems to be slightly different, and involves a number of different medical tests. There are also several different forms of MS - some involving periods of recovery with occasional relapses (relapsing-remitting MS) and others which involve a slow but continuous progression. The Society publishes a wide range of very helpful leaflets about the condition, and how it may impact on someone's life: from problems with specific medical issues, to how it can affect travel insurance, the sorts of treatments available and what financial support the Government provides in what circumstances. These, and the telephone and e-mail helplines, are available to all, not just members. For members, there are local MS Society groups around the country where they can meet others and find out about their experiences and get support. Membership also comes with a regular magazine with more information, news on latest research and articles on how it affects individual members; and an on-line 'Members Zone', with more information and advice. All this help can be invaluable for people newly diagnosed with MS and their friends and family, as it can help to understand what can - from a purely medical standpoint - seem a baffling, complicated and - let's face it - a frightening - disease. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the work of the society, and costs just £5 per year.

I first learned of Starfish when I was searching for a running race in London. Most normal people…read morego on vacation and relax. Me? No, I decide to run a few miles for a good time. I participated in Starfish's 10K Breakfast Run in September 2008 and had an excellent experience. The organization works to raise funds for orphans of AIDS in South Africa, a cause that is close to my heart. They provide school uniforms and supplies, housing and wellness care for these vulnerable children. They host a variety of events each year, so I encourage you to check them out!

ION was founded in 1984 and is an independent charity that is dedicated to educating the general…read morepublic and health professionals into delivering optimum nutrition. I have been on this course and studied for 3 years to obtain a diploma in nutrional therapy and it is really good.If you are interested in kowning more about what to eat and waht is good for you then look for a pracioner with the letters Dip ION after their name.Thye also have an onsite clinic that treats certian types of disorders.

St Stephens Church is a fantastic building with walls of flint which many visitors to St Albans…read morecoming from the South will pass on their way in. It is opposite the King Harry pub and has it's own parking area. My daughter was christened here and it's a great church to visit, or to come to regularly. The vicar Rev David Ridgeway is very friendly and approachable and I'm sure he'd welcome any newcomers. At church on a Sunday there is a pretty full congregation, lots of families and also people who have been coming to the church for a long time. The fairs are well attended. St Stephens is partnered with St Julians nearby. The church holds Brownies on a Tuesday evening at 6pm and a toddler group on Friday morning at 10am as well as other events.

The St Lukes Parochial Trust has opened a rather incredible community centre in Central Street…read more Totally renovated the building houses a mixture of meeting rooms and community facilities over 3 floors. We end up here every week as te youngest daughter goes to Guides here on a Thursday evening and the place is always a hub of activity. Facilities include a public access computer suite for people to access internet, do homework, or find jobs, an amazing community cookery school to learn life skills; numerous activity and social spaces for older people, and meeting facilities for local groups. Despite all the wealth in Clerkenwell the Ward of Bunhill is actually within the bottom 10% of the most deprived wards in England and Wales. The classic inner city issues of unemployment, poor housing and health are to the fore nestling next to the bright and shiny office buildings. This centre seeks to support the community they serve and I commend themn for that... Friendly and welcoming - every neighbourhood should have a community centre like this.