Page Aim
At present the address book focuses on national VCOs working on sustainability, participation and community concerns. In time it will also include more contat details of other organisations, such as Government departments and public bodies.
Page Contents
Contents listed alphabetically between
- VCOs
- Public / Official Bodies
Page Updates
The Address Book will be updated occasionally and additional details will be included about many of the entries. As it has taken a long time to prepare the site a number of the entries will now be out of date: please could you send us details of any changes info@sustainabilitylinks.org.uk Please could you also let LINKS know of any other organisations that should be made to the details given here. The information shown in grey will be supplemented and / or updated in due course.
Information sources
See The Green Directory 2006 – 2008, the UK’s most comprehensive directory of sustainability contacts, ranging from organic food outlets and green shoes to green employment agencies and local authorities. Its 2006 – 2008 edition is available from www.cat.org.ukOther websites listing organisations working on ESD include: www.oneworld.net www.venue.co.uk and www.vois.org.uk
Introduction
SustainabilityLINKS focuses on sustainability and the third sector’s voluntary and community organisations. However there are a growing number of bodies working on sustainability and its links with other aspects of our lives.
It is encouraging that as the environmental, economic and social unsustainability of our way of life increasingly impacts upon us all, there is a growing network of organisations striving to establish alternatives; hopefully these will help to ensure that eventual systemic collapse is less traumatic for us and, more importantly, for those to whom we are bequeathing a seriously damaged earth.
This directory gives some indication of the areas of human activity where action is now being taken, and the changed perspectives and practices being urged in activities ranging from finance, production and consumption to science, agriculture and education, to transport diet, health and spirituality.
The listing is primarily of third sector organisations, though it does also include some government funded and business based initiatives.
VCOs
a
Action Aid
The organisation works to raise the profile of global poverty issues, particularly trade, debt relief, and food rights. While working in partnership with other organisations in Africa, Latin America and Asia Action Aid has over 40 local groups across western Europe.
o Action Aid, Chataway House, Leach Road, Chard, Somerset TA20 1FR. 01460 238047. mail@actionaid.org.uk
Action for Land Taxation and Economic Reform
ALTER works towards a more equitable sharing of our common heritage, through shifting taxation systems from those providing labour to those using the earth’s natural resources.
Action with Communities in Rural England
o ACRE, Somerford Court, Somerford Road, Cirencester GL7 1TW. 01285 653 477. www.acre.org.uk acre@acre.org.uk
Active Citizens Transform
A national campaign working for more participatory systems of democracy.
o ACT, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. 020 7833 9898. info@actnetwork.org.uk
Adbusters Media Foundation
Adbusters uses art and design to challenge media created misperceptions.
o Adbusters, 1243 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 1B7. +800 663 1243.
Afghan Aid
o Afghan Aid, Development House, 56 - 64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. 020 7065 0825. www.afghanaid.org.uk
Airport Pledge
Personal action to help check the spread of air traffic.
o Pledge, 16b Cherwell Street, Oxford OX4 1BG. 01865 241097. info@airportpledge.org.uk
AirportWatch
Aviation is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide and on course to take up all the UK’s ‘safe’ carbon allowance. As if this weren’t bad enough, around airports there are plans to destroy acres of irreplaceable natural habitat.
Animal Protection Agency
o APA, Brighton Media Centre, 68 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. 01273 674253. http://apa.org.uk info@apa.org.uk
ANPED
The Northern Alliance for Sustainability was established in 1991 to promote northern hemisphere third sector activity in preparation for the Rio Earth Summit and to generally raise the profile of sustainability concerns.
o ANPED, PO Box 12111, AC Utrecht Netherlands. 31 30 231300.
Artists Project Earth
Artists Project Earth recruits musicians and artists to raise funds for causes such as climate change and poverty relief. Their Rhythms del Mundo album features tracks by bands including Coldplay, U2, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs and Sting.
o APE, PO Box 627, Banbury OX16 6EZ. www.apeuk.org www.rhythmsdelmundo.org
b
Badger Trust
Formed in 1986, Badger Trust provides advice on all badger issues, often working in partnership with other organisations, such as the police, animal welfare groups and conservation societies. The Trust points out that “half a million years ago badgers shared Britain with bears, hyenas and lions”, that they are survivors, despite the hostility and development they face. A main concern is the way that badgers can be made a scapegoat for bad husbandry practices in the spread of disease; “for more than 30 years governments have killed badgers in the flawed belief that it will stop bovine TB in cattle.” o 2b Inworth Street, London SW11 3EP. 020 7228 6444. www.nfbg.org.uk enquiries@badgertrust.org.uk
Bat Conservation Trust
o Bat Conservation Trust, 15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG. 020 7627 2629. www.bats.org.uk
Black Environment Network
Advice and awards scheme reaching a wider cultural and ethnic catchment than other sustainability organisations.
o BEN, 9 Llainuen Uchas, Llanberis Gwynedd LL55 4LL. 01286 870715. www.bennetwork.org.uk/ ben@bennetwork.org.uk
British Red Cross
o Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL.
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
Providing advice and training, information about grants, working on sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity BTCV has become the UK’s leading practical conservation charity, with a growing network of local groups and supporters. Its number of local groups is growing – there are currently over 2,000. Set up in 1959 as The Conservation Corps, the organisation supports active citizenship through practical conservation in 20,000 locations. Its motto is 'Inspiring people, improving places'.
o BTCV, Sedum House, Mallard Way. Doncaster DW4 8DB. 01302 388 883. information@btcv.org.uk
British Trust for Ornithology
o BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. 01842 750 050. www.bto.org info@bto.org
Buglife
o 01733 201 210.
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
18 native species of bumblebees have been identified in the UK, but nine of these are now either extinct or on the UK BAP. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was founded in 2006 to try to halt their further decline. BCT works with farmers but our gardens are just as important in conservation – in the UK they cover about a million hectares, more than all of our nature reserves combined. Bees depend on having somewhere to nest and flowers to feed them. Nesting boxes are available from www.ecotopia.co.uk and the Trust website lists the flowers we can grow to help bumblebees survive.
o Bumblebee Conservation Trust, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Sterling, Sterling FK9 4LA. www.bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk
Bus Users UK
Formerly called National Federation of Bus Users, the organisation continues to campaign for improved bus services as part of a properly integrated public transport network.
o Bus Users UK, PO Box 2950, Stoke on Trent ST4 9EW. 01782 442855. www.nfbu.org enquiries@nfbu.org
Butterfly Conservation
o 0870 774 4309.
c
Campaign for Better Transport
o CBT, 16 Waterside, 44 - 48 Wharf Road, London N1 7UX. 020 7566 6483. www.bettertransport.org.uk communications@bettertransport.org.uk
Campaign Against Climate Change
o Campaign Against Climate Change, Top Floor, 5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DX. 020 7833 9311. www.campaigncc.org info@campaigncc.org
Campaign for National Parks
There are 12 National Parks in England and Wales and CNP is the only independent national watchdog working to keep them safe from threats such as road building, quarrying and mining and off road driving.
o CNP, 6 - 7 Barnard Mews, London SW11 1QU. 020 7924 4077. www.cnp.org.uk info@cnp.org.uk
Campaign Whale
Works to protect all the whale and dolphin species and their habitats. Over 20,000 whales have been slaughtered since the 1986 IWC ban, while 7 million dolphins have drowned in tuna nets since the late 1960s.
o Campaign Whale PO Box 2673, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 5BZ. 01273 471403. www.campaignwhale.org
Care for the Wild International
Assistance for exotic species affected by animal trade and habitat development.
o CfW, The Granary, Tickfold Farm, Kingsfold, West Sussex RH12 3SE. 01306 627 900. www.careforthewild.com
Centre for Alternative Technology
Pioneering new technologies on site; visits, presentations and mail order. Members receive the quarterly Clean Slate, which focuses on the practicalities of green living.
o CAT, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ. 0845 330 4593. www.cat.org.uk
Centre for Sustainable Energy
o Create Centre, B--Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN. 0117 929 9950. administration@cse.org.uk
Charter 88
Charter 88 is a constitutional reform group established to combat concerns about the steady erosion of local democracy and national constitutional rights.
o 6 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF. www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk also see www.ElectTheLords.org.uk
Christian Aid
The organisation’s global poverty programme is supported by the Church of England, Methodist Relief and Development Fund, Baptist Union of Great Britain, United Reformed Church, World Action for Trade Justice.
o Christian Aid, PO Box 100, London SE1 7RT. 0171 523 2264.
Christian Ecology Link
Founded in 1981, CEL supports Christian work for a greener church and planet. It is cross denominational, having both church and individual members. The organisation publishes Green Christian and runs various issue based projects – for example, Operation Noah addresses climate change, while LOAF supports local, organic, animal friendly, fair trade food and drink. There are CEL groups across the country, details of which can be found on their website.
o CEL, 20 Carlton Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 8DD. 01423 871616. www.christianecology.org.uk info@christianecology.org.uk
CND
Currently focused on replacement of Trident, the veteran Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has been working on WMD and other peace issues for half a century.
o CND, 162 Holloway Road, London N7 8BR. 020 7700 2393. www.cnduk.org
Common Ground
The organisation was established in 1982 to foster locality as a concept as important as law based terms such as national park, area of great landscape value and SSSI. This is to encourage the emergence of mutuality between nature and culture. “Locality offers us the greatest intimacy, nature, history, archaeology, food, buildings, language, legends – jostling together at the level of the street, neighbourhood, parish.”
Community Development Exchange
o CDX, Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield S1 4SE. 0114 241 2760. www.cdx.org.uk admin@cdf.org.uk
Community Development Foundation
“CDF’s Vision is for an inclusive and just society, its Mission is to lead community development analysis and strategy, in order to enable people to influence decisions that affect their lives.” The organisation works nationally to support local community development activities, assisting communities with their involvement in decision making, providing information and education programmes, analysing social policy and advising Government. Its core work is to make communities stronger, cohesive and engaged. At present CDF is working to a three year strategic plan agreed with the Department of Communities and Local Government.
o CDF, Unit 5, Angel Gate, 320-326 City Road, London ECIV 2PT (formerly of 60 Highbury Grove, London N5 AG). 020 7837 0642 / 020 7226 5375. www.cdf.org.uk admin@cdf.org.uk
Community Foundation Network
o CFN, Arena House, 66 – 68 Pentonville Road, London N1 9HS. 020 7713 9326. www.communityfoundations.org.uk network@communityfoundations.org.uk
Community Matters
o Community Matters, 12 – 20 Baron Street, London N1 9LL. 020 7837 7887. www.communitymatters.org.uk communitymatters@communitymatters.org.uk
Community Sector Coalition
CSC was set up in 1994 by a number of community sector umbrella organisation CEOs. It now brings together over 20 national organisations to share information, undertake community research and joint initiatives and help influence and shape Government policy on community sector concerns. In addition to its own work, CSC supports three national programmes – Every Action Counts, National Empowerment Partnership and National Support Service Leadership and Governance programme. During 2008 the Coalition has created a director post to help carry forward this work.
o www.communitysectorcoalition.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers
CSV is the UK’s largest volunteering and training agency.
o CSV, CSV House, Williams Way, Cardiff CF10 5DY. 02920 415 700. www.csv.org.uk
Compassion in World Farming
o CIWF, River Court, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1EZ. 01483 521 953. 01483 861 639. www.ciwf.org supporters@ciwf.org
Coop Bank
Co-op Bank customers get the chance to vote for the national VCOs that will benefit from bank donations.
o Customers Who Care, Co-operative Bank plc, Head Office, PO Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP. 0800 994 311. www.cooperativebank.co.uk
CORE Coalition
Set up in 2001 CORE campaigns for greater corporate social and environmental accountability.
CTC
Established in 1887 the national Cyclists Touring Club campaigns for all cyclists, publishing a bi-monthly magazine, route information, touring and technical guidance; it also offers free third part insurance and legal claims advice. Its work is promoted through a national network of support groups.
o 01483 417217. 0870 837 0060. www.ctc.org.uk
Cycling England
Works to create the conditions which make cycling safe and a more popular mode of transport.
D
Development Trusts Association
o DTA, 33 Corsham Street, London N1 6DR. 0845 458 8336. www.dta.org.uk infor@dta.org.uk
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
o Gorilla Fund, 110 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8HX. 020 7916 4974. www.dianfossey.org info@dianfossey.net
e
Earth Champions Foundation
Works to inspire communities in restoring and sustaining the Earth, focusing on six areas of concern – water, energy, biodiversity, transport, recycling and indigenous wisdom.
o EAF, 1 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1HR. www.earthchampions.org
Earth First!
Network of people and organisations who oppose environmental destruction and challenge the organisations responsible by taking non-violent direct action.
Earthkind
o Earthkind, Enefco House, Town Quay, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HJ. 01202 682344. www.earthkind.org.uk
Ecology Building Society
The bank that offers mortgages for such purposes as self build, energy efficiency, eco renovation, derelict shop conversion, woodland purchase.
o Ecology Building Society, 7 Belton Road, Silsden, Keighley BD20 0BR. 0845 674 5566. www.ecology.co.uk
ENCAMS
o 01942 612 621
11 Million
Formerly the office of the Children's Commissioner for England this VCO supports and champions the 11 million children and young people in England in making their voice heard.
o 11 Million, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG. 0844 800 9113. www.11million.org.uk info.requests@11million.org.uk
Endercombe
A company working with individuals, educators, youth groups, schools, universities, business to inspire sustainability thinking and doing.
o Endercombe, Higher Ashton, Exeter EX6 7QT. 01647 252983. www.endercombe.co.uk
Environmental Investigation Agency
Mounts undercover investigations of illegal environmental activities. Send them your empty inkjets or old mobile phones.
o EIA, 62 – 63 Upper Street, London N1 0NY. 020 7354 7960. ukinfo@eiainternatioal.org
Environmental Justice Foundation
The Foundation works to highlight the links between global economic activity and the production practices dangerous to both people and planet common in third world countries.
o ELF, 5 St Peter’s Street, London N1 8JD. www.ejfoundation.org
Environmental Law Foundation
ELF was established in 1992 to counter the iniquitous levels of legal representation between those interests causing environmental damage and those opposing them. The Foundation draws upon the skills of over 170 volunteer lawyers and technical consultants plus a network of environmental activists and campaigners. It focuses on public interest cases concerning development proposals, contaminated land, nature conservation and open space protection.
o 020 7404 1030. www.elflaw.org info@elflaw.org
Environment Resource and Information Centre
o ERIC, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS. 01223 564334. name@globaltolocal.com
Ethical Consumers Research Association
The Association extends our political franchise to everyday purchasing and consumption decisions. It reports on what products are ethically sourced, those that are being boycotted and on its research into product and company policies on the environment, animal welfare, labour conditions and other legal and moral concerns.
o ECRA, Unit 21, Old Birly Street, Manchester M15 5RF. 0161 226 2929. mail@ethicalconsumer.org
f
FairPensions
The Fairshare Educational Foundation was launched in 2005 with the support of organisations including Oxfam, WWF, Amicus, NUJ, EIRIS and Amnesty. Worth £725 billion, pension funds are powerful investors; as FairPensions the charity questions the secrecy surrounding fund investment choices arguing that investors should know whether their money’s being used ethically or to support corporations involved in oppressive regimes, environmental destruction, etc.
o Fair Pensions Trowbray House, 108 Weston Street, London SE1 3QB. 020 7403 7800. info@fairpensions.org.uk
Fairtrade Foundation
o Fairtrade Foundation, 3rd Floor, Ibex House, 42 - 47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. 020 7405 5942. www.fairtrade.org.uk mail@fairtrade.org.uk
Farm Africa
o Farm Africa, 9 - 10 Southampton Place, London WC1A 2EA. 020 7430 0440. www.farmafrica.org.uk farmafrica@farmafrica.org.uk
Federation for Community Development Learning
o FCDL, 4th Floor, Furnival House, Furnival Gate, Sheffield S1 4QP. 0114 270 1718. www.fcdl.org.uk info@fcdl.org.uk
Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens
o 0117 923 1800.
Flora and Fauna International
The organisation that focuses on disappearing species - there are now 16,000. Current work includes protection of the 10% of the world's endangered tree species and the conservation of tiger and gorilla populations.
"...the doyen of all conservation societies"
David Attenborough
FFI has members in 120 countries. Its aim is to save endangered species and habitats around the world, drawing upon scientific research, long term vision, global networking, commercial practicality and local participation. There are currently over 16,000 species disappearing.
Recent projects include the Global Trees Campaign to protect the world’s 10% endangered trees species and work with central Africa’s mountain gorillas. Past successes have seen the establishment of Liberian forest protection laws and increasing the number of wild Arabian oryx from under ten to over 4,000.
o Great Eastern House, Tenison Road, Cambridge CB1 2TT. 01223 571000. www.faunaflora.org info@faunaflora.org
Food Commission
Concerns include food content, processing, labelling, advertising, growing, children’s diet, government policy, etc.
o Food Commission, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. 020 7837 2250. enquiries@foodcomm.org.uk
Food Ethics Council
The Council researches food production, retailing and marketing issues publishing a quarterly report.
o Food Ethics Council, 39 – 41 Surrey Street, Brighton BN1 3PB. 0845 345 8574. www.foodethicscouncil.org
Forest Stewardship Council
Founded in 1993 the FSC is supported by World Wide Fund for Nature, National Trust, Friends of the Earth, Woodland Trust and Greenpeace. It is the only worldwide organisation offering authentic certification, conducting international ‘chain of custody’ inspections.
o FSC, Unit D, Station Building, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6EB. 01686 413916. www.fscuk.org
Forum for the Future
Works with the business sector to factor sustainability perspectives and practices into commercial enterprise.
o FfF, 9 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB. 01242 262737.
Friends of the Earth
An international third sector organisation, with branches working in all areas of the UK. Its original environmental work is now embracing global poverty, community economics, human rights and other campaigning.
o FOE, 26-28 Underwood Street, London N1 7JQ. 020 7566 1692. www.foe.org.uk
g
Gaia Groups
Members of Resurgence Trust and readers of the magazine can meet up through a network of local Gaia Groups . o 0845 458 4718. www.resurgence.org
Gandhi Foundation
The Foundation demonstrates the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s thinking and actions. His vision was of a society based on pluralism, democratic decentralisation, egalitarian economics, respect for all sentient life, simplicity and non-violence. The organisation runs a number of projects, publishes a quarterly paper, The Gandhi Way, and runs annual events.
o Gandhi Foundation, 21 Fleetwood Court, Madeira Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6BE. 01932 343614. www.gandifoundation.org
Garden Organic
Formerly known as Ryton Gardens, or by its more formal name the Henry Doubleday Research Association. Garden Organic is the UK’s leading organic charity, having worked in the field for nearly 50 years. It manages a Heritage Seed Library and an Overseas Organic Support Group. As well as the Warwickshire site the organisation also has gardens in Kent and Essex.
o Garden Organic Ryton Organic Gardens, Ryton, Coventry CV8 3LG. 024 7630 8210. www.gardenorganic.org.uk enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk
Genetic Engineering Network
o GEN, PO Box 9656, London N4 4JY. 0181 374 9516. genetics@gn.apc.org
Genetic Forum
o Genetic Forum, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. 0171 837 9229. geneticsforum@gn.apc.org
Get Fair
The UK is the fifth richest country in the world, yet over one in five live below the poverty level. This wealth redistribution campaign challenges the growing wealth divide and its consequent inequities; it is supported by a coalition of VCOs including Church Action on Poverty, YWCA, Help the Aged, Poverty Alliance, Oxfam, Urban Forum, Refugee Council, Save the Children and Disability Alliance.
o Get Fair, c/o Church Action on Poverty, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ. www.getfair.org.uk info@getfair.org.uk
Global Action Plan
GAP works to mainstream sustainability concerns and bridge the gap between the ideal and the pragmatic. Its browser-friendly Ergo magazine brings a contemporary lifestyle approach to the serious problems we’ll increasingly have to address in our everyday lives. GAP UK was launched with Department of the Environment support prior to ES2, and is part of GAP International.
o GAP, 8 Fulwood Place, London WC1V 6HG. 020 7405 5633. www.globalactionplan.org.uk all@globalactionplan.org.uk
Global Care
Global Care enables people to sponsor children in Africa.
o Global Care House, 2 Dugdale Street, Coventry. 024 7660 1800. www.globalcare.org info@globalcare.org
GM Freeze
As the Five Year Freeze, the campaign was working for a five year moratorium on GM planting, but it has now taken on a long term commitment to the prevention of a widespread commercial application of genetic engineering.
o GM Freeze, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. 020 7837 0642. www.gmfreeze.org enquiry@gmfreeze.org
Going for Green
Launched as a company by the Department of the Environment in April 1996.
Good Gardeners Association
o 4 Lisle Place, Wooton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7AZ. 01453 526322. www.goodgardeners.org.uk infor@goodgardeners.org.uk
Grain
NGO promoting sustainable management and use of agricultural biodiversity based upon communities’ control over local knowledge and genetic resources. www.grain.org
Green Alliance
o Green Alliance, 40 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RE. 020 7233 7433. ga@greenalliance.org.uk
Green and Away
Environmentally friendly meetings facility – and annual programme of events, Green and Away is Europe's only tented conference centre.
o PO Box 40, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1YS. 0870 460 1198. info@greenandaway.org
Green Books
o Green Books, Foxhole, Dartington, Devon TQ9 6EB. 01803 863260. sales@greenbooks.co.uk
Green Directory
The current issue of this geographically ordered directory is for 2006 – 2008.
o ADC Environment Ltd, PO Box 2138, Wickford, Essex SS12 0WB. 01268 450024. www.greendirectory.net
Green Economics Institute
Recently founded, the Institute is working to bring a wider understanding of the failings of economic orthodoxy. It organises conferences, presentations and other events and publishes the world’s first green economics journal, providing a forum for economists previously “frustrated by the lack of an academic space to express holistic views”. The Institute aims to “reclaim economics” from the (globalised, corporate, white, middle class, male) vested interests that have appropriated it for the realisation of their own ends.
o Green Economics Institute, Strachey Close, Tidmarsh, Reading, Berkshire RG8 8EP. 07990 590 463. greeneconomicsinstitute@yahoo.com
Green Party
The party not only putting the environment and sustainability on the political agenda, but also bringing a progressive approach to a wide range of other issues.
o Green Party, 1a Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ. 020 7272 4474.
Greenpeace
The high profile direct action international organisation for environmental and peace activists. Its work is centrally directed, with local groups supporting national projects through various campaign activities and fund raising. Perhaps unfortunately, Greenpeace’s daring protest stunts serve to define it in the public consciousness whereas these are only a tiny part of its work – most of the time it’s engaged in developing and promoting technical solutions to environmental problems. For example, much of its climate change work is concentrating on energy decentralisation.
o Greenpeace, Canonbury Villas, London N1 2PJ. 0800 269065, 0171 354 5100. supporter@uk.greenpeace.org
Groundwork UK
A business based approach to landscaping areas often otherwise neglected.
o Groundwork UK, 85-87 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 3BY.
h
Harvest Help
A charity working with more than 120,000 people in rural areas of Africa helping them to feed their families, earn a living and become self sufficient. Money donated will go to provide the chosen gifts.
o Harvest Help, 3-4 Old Bakery Row, Wellington, Telford TL1 1PS. 01952 260699.
Henry George Foundation
"Putting the laws of nature and people at the heart of economics" the Foundation focuses on how natural resources should be used if we are to see a sustainable future - and its newsletter, Land and Liberty, has been in publication for 100 years.
Production processes require three elements; land, labour and capital. Land refers not only to fields or open space, but to all the biosphere has to offer - minerals, trees, water, oxygen, air space, the 'radio waves' that carry tv, radio and telephone signals. George claimed that through land value taxes producers using the land should pay the real costs of doing so. He published 'Progress and Poverty' in 1879 and the basic premise behind it, and the Foundation's work, is that we are all born into the world with an equal claim on its resources.
o Henry George Foundation, 212 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HG. 0207 377 8885. www.henrygeorgefoundation.org
Help International Plant Protein Organisation
HIPPO works to encourage the use of plant protein foods in helping poor communities produce their own food.
o HIPPO, the Old Vicarage, Llangynog, Carmarthen SA33 5BS. 01267 241 547. hippocharity@aol.com
HOPE Africa
A social development programme of the Anglican Church in southern Africa whose focus is to help provide food to those communities where people would otherwise go hungry. Able to feed 900 for less than £30 a day, the programme believes that supplying food gives not only immediate nourishment but also long term hope, by facilitating Health, Opportunity, Partnership and Employment.
o PO Box 830, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. +27 21 461 4640. fundraising@hopeafrica.org.za
Housemans
Books on social justice, green issues, alternative technology, peace and disarmament; stationery, cards, cds, dvds, posters, t-shirts. Venue for signings, talks and readings.
o Housemans, 5 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9DX. 020 7837 4473. www.housemans.com
i
Institute of Science in Society
Examines the science behind profit-driven technologies, publishes Science in Society.
o Institute of Science in Society, Omnibus Business Centre, 39 - 41 North Road, London N7 9DP. 020 7700 5948. www.i-sis.org.uk enquiries@i-sis.org.uk
Intermediate Technology Development Group See Practical Action
International Institute for Environment and Development
o IIED, 6 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DD.
International Primate Protection League
o International Primate Protection League, 116 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NS. 020 7837 7227.
Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences
There is an increasing number of Islamic environmental groups in the UK and IFEES is a national organisation helping to support these, although it lacks the resources to act in an umbrella capacity or offer a comprehensive co-ordination of activities.
o www.ifees.org.uk www.iaw.org.uk
IUCN
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature or World Conservation Union publishes a Red List of Endangered Species. A quarter of all mammals and a third of all reptiles are among the 188 species it has found to be in danger.
o IUCN, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridgeshire CB3 0DL. 01223 277894. www.iucn.org
There has to be action "to ensure that humanity's enduring legacy is not to wipe out many of our closest relatives... within our lifetime, hundreds of species could be lost as a result of our own actions."
Julia Marton-Lefevre, Director-General, IUCN.
j
Jubilee
The trading arm of the Jubilee Debt Campaign.
o Jubilee, 143 The Gardens, Brighton BN42 4AR.
Jubilee Debt Campaign
A coalition of over 170 UK local, regional and national organisations. It works with many national voluntary sector organisations and partners in the international debt movement for the relief of unjust third world debts, which not only worsen the poverty of people living in affected countries, but also arise through exploitative government deals.
o JDC, The Grayston Centre, 28 Charles Square, London N1 6HT. 020 7324 4722. www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk info@jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk
K
l
Land Heritage
The rural organisation that works to sustain the countryside by promoting organic production methods and protecting small family farms.
o Land Heritage, Summerhill Farm, Hilitsleigh, Exeter EX6 6LP. 01647 61099. www.landheritage.org.uk
Liberty
The campaign against ID cards, denial of the right to peaceful protest, detention without trial and other infringements of civil liberties.
o 21 Tabard Street, London SE1 6BP. www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk
Living Streets
The organisation that represents pedestrians’ interests, so often overlooked by society (formerly known as the Pedestrians Association).
o Living Streets, 31-33 Bondway, London SW8 1SJ. 020 7820 1010. info@livingstreets.org.uk
Local Grants Forum
Established in 2007, this is a partnership of national organisations campaigning to protect grants for the VCS. The Forum publishes resources to help local communities of interest to pursuade councillors and procurement and commissioning professionals that grants should still be made available to fund third sector activities. Using Forum materials VCOs...
"...will be able to quote Government guidance which supports use of grants; challenge the myth that grants are no longer possible because of competition law and European regulations; and explain what grants can achieve for local communities that contracts cannot."
The 15 partnership member organisations are: Advice UK, Charities Evaluation Services, Children England, Clinks, CAB, Community Foundation Network, Community Matters, Community Sector Coalition, Housing Justice, Directory of Social Change, NAVCA, Novas Scarman Group, Urban Forum, Voice4Change and Women's Resource Centre.
o Local Grants Forum, NAVCA, The Tower, 2 Furnival Square, Sheffield S1 4QL. 0114 278 6636. www.navca.org.uk navca@navca.org.uk
Local Works
Mounted a five year campaign for the Sustainable Communities Act, which received Royal Assent in autumn 2007.
o Local Works, c/o Unlock Democracy, 6 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF. 020 7278 4443. www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk
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Make Votes Count
In the 2005 election Labour polled 30,000 votes fewer than Tories yet gained 92 more seats, or, expressed another way, it took 26,877 votes for Labour to win a seat, 44,521 for a Tory, and 96,378 for a LibDem. Only one in 33 votes has any chance of influencing the composition of the UK Government. It’s democratic concerns such as these that are addressed by the Make Votes Count campaign.
Marinet
The Marine Network is an association of mainly coastal based groups focusing on protection of the sea and sealife. It started life when local Friends of the Earth groups came together to work on the marine issues that the national organisation hadn’t the resources to address. Marinet has a UK newsletter and website information service highlighting environmental concerns such as aggregate dredging, the bathing waters directive and marine legislation.
Medecins Sans Frontieres
MSF provides medical staff, medicines and equipment in over 60 countries; an independent international organisation it offers a humanitarian response to wars, natural disasters and epidemics.
o MSF, West Malling, Kent ME19 4BR. www.msf.org.uk
Movement for the Abolition of War
o MAW, 11 Venetia Road, London N4 1EJ.
Movement for Compassionate Living
Links diet, sentience and practical sustainability living issues. o MCL, 105 Cyfyng Road, Ysalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT. 01639 841223.
Moving Beyond Organic
The Good Gardeners organisation brings together growers, nutritionalists, health professionals, environmentalists - everyone interested in wellbeing and sustainability. Research is a key element of Moving Beyond Organic's work, for example one study was made of the links between the health of soils and that of humans, another found that while organic food may be free of chemicals it is not necessarily more nutritious.
o MCL, 105 Cyfyng Road, Ysalyfera, Swansea SA9 2BT. 01639 841223.
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National Association for Voluntary and Community Action
Formerly National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, NAVCA is a network of over 300 voluntary sector organisations working across England. It provides a range of support services and raises national awareness of grassroots concerns.
o NAVCA, 177 Arundel Street, Sheffield S1 2NU. 0114 278 6636. nacvs@nacvs.org.uk
National Biodiversity Network
o National Biodiversity Network, The Kiln, Mather Road, Newark NG24 1WT. 01636 670090. www.nationalbiodiversitynetwork.org.uk
National Council for Voluntary Organisations
A national organisation supporting the work of local third sector organisations NCVO has over 5,000 members, who in turn represent 13 million of the country’s volunteers. As well as providing information and a range of educational resources the national office HelpDesk runs a free telephone, email and textphone service for voluntary sector workers. NCVO also campaigns to influence and change policy and practice across key issues of concern for the whole sector and, through its Campaigning Effectiveness Programme seeks to empower civil society across the UK. Other areas of NCVO work include: Parliamentary liaison, research, sector funding issues, Compact and partnership working, and servicing European and international links. NCVO’s Third Sector Foresight initiative focuses on the sector’s longer term responsibilities and strategic role.
o NCVO, Regent’s Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL. 0207 520 2454. www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
National Federation of WIs
o National Federation of WIs, 104 New Kings Road, London SW6 4LY. 020 7371 9300. www.thewi.org.uk
National Trust
Established in 1895, the National Trust is a voluntary sector organisation supported by almost 3½ million members and over 40,000 volunteers. It is widely known for its role in the conservation of heritage properties and countryside. It has also become increasingly active in the promotion of sustainable agriculture and climate change work, lobbying Government on aviation and integrated transport. The Trust is also a member of the Community Renewables Initiative which helps communities set up renewable energy schemes. It can provide a speaker for your meetings.
o National Trust, Membership Department, PO Box 39, Warrington WA5 7WD. 0870 458 4000. www.nationaltrust.org.uk enquires@thenationaltrust.org.uk
National Wildflower Centre
o 0151 738 1913.
Natural Collection
Natural Collection is the UK’s leading non-food ethical retailer. They ensure that all their products are checked for their impact on people, animals and the planet, and are catalogue partners with organisations including Greenpeace, World Society for the Protection of Animals. Their catalogue contains everyday items such as; domestic products, cosmetics, clothes, lamps, bags, rugs, bracelets, cushions, toys and games, candles, stationery, Christmas gifts, cups, chocolates, sweets, greetings cards and calendars.
It includes many items of particular use in environment-friendly living; fairly traded, cruelty free, organic and a range of green books; paper bags made by Delhi workers committed to rescuing homeless streetchildren; trays and watering cans made from recycled tins, clocks, sundials and backpacks made from recycled plastics: bags, wallets and boots made from recycled tyres; pens made from carpets or crisp packets; food and home structures for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bumble bees and bats; recycling bins: energy saving products including a non-rechargeable battery recharger, solar powered cycle lights and an energy meter reader.
Natural Collection also offers people a chance to come together to swap recipes, gardening tips, and other positive practical ideas about green living.
o 0845 3677 0011. www.naturalcollection.com
Nature Watch Foundation
o Naturewatch, 14 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham GL52 6AA. 01242 252871. www.naturewatch.org info@naturewatch.org
New Economics Foundation
Promotes community based economies and economic perspectives that challenge the orthodox views on market and finance principles. In the past few years NEF has worked to expose how conventional economic theory and practice serves to maintain vested interests, established the Ghost Town and Clone Town nature of British retailing and helped rebuild communities. Internationally it has led the Jubilee 2000 coalition and pioneered climate change action.
o NEF, 3 Jonathan Street, London SE11 5NH. 0207 820 6300. info@neweconomics.org
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Our World Our Say
Campaigns for the involvement of people in national decision making.
o Our World Our Say, 7a Church Street, Brighton BN1 1US. 01273 357694. info@ourworldoursy.org
One World Week
Annual opportunity for communities of interest to raise local profile of world poverty issues.
o OWW, PO Box 2555, Reading RG1 4XW. 0118 939 4933. enquiries@oneworldweek.org
Orangutan Foundation International
The global orangutan population is endangered by the destruction of Borneo and Sumatra tropical forest. These areas represent their only remaining habitat, but have declined by 80% since 1990. The Orangutan Foundation is therefore committed to saving what it can of the remaining forests in order to save all genetically distinct species and subspecies of wild orangutans. It also cares for, and rehabilitates, orphaned and ex-captive orangutans, undertakes research and educational projects and establishes sustainable local livlihood projects. The rainforests are being irrecoverably lost through logging, and subsequent clear cutting to make way for palm oil plantations.
o Orangutan Foundation, 7 Kent Terrace, London NW1 4RP. 020 7724 2912. www.orangutan.org.uk info@orangutan.org.uk
Our World Our Say
Campaigns on issues where public opinion and Government policy appear at odds.
o Our World Our Say, 7a Church Street, Brighton BN1 1US. 01273 357694. www.ourworldoursay.org info@ourworldoursay.org
Oxfam
Environment and development organisations (Oxfam is probably the best known of these) are more often working together on high profile public education and parliamentary lobbying programmes, such as Stop Climate Chaos and the Trade Justice Movement. Those working on human and environmental poverty increasingly recognise that their concerns share common causes. By embracing environmental campaigning Oxfam continues to widen its remit. The Oxford Committee for Famine Relief was established in 1942 to help relieve wartime hardship in Greece. From 1949 its mandate expanded to bring relief to those affected by war, later changing again to help all those in poverty, no matter what the cause.
o Oxfam International, Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2JY. www.oxfam.org.uk
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Peace Child International
PCI empowers young people to be the change they want to see in the world. Through secondary school workshops the organisation trains ambassadors to talk and teach about sustainability concerns.
o PCI, The White House, 46 High Street, Buntingford, Hertfordshire SG9 9AH. 01763 274459. www.peacechild.org
People and Planet
Student based organisation working on global poverty and environment issues, formerly known as Third World First.
o People and Planet, 51 Union Street, Oxford OX4 1PJ.
Permaculture Association
Organises learning programmes throughout the year.
o Permaculture Association, London WC1N 3XX. 0845 458 1805. www.permaculture.org.uk office@permaculture.org.uk
Performance Hub
A network helping third sector organisations maximise their potential.
o Performance Hub, Regent’s Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL. www.performancehub.org.uk
Pesticide Action Network UK
o Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4JX. 020 7065 0905. admin@pan-uk.org
Plan
Charity organising sponsorship of children in the third world.
o Plan International UK, 5 - 6 Underhill Street, London NW1 7HS. 020 7482 9777. www.plan-uk.org
Plantlife International
One in five of Britain’s wildflowers is threatened with extinction, 98% of Britain’s flower rich meadows and 50% of our ancient woodlands have been destroyed since the 1940s. Plantlife has placed climate change at the heart of their recent strategic plan, recognising it as one of five key ‘drivers of change’.
o Plantlife, 14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX. 01722 342 730. www.plantlife.org.uk enquiries@plantlife.org.uk
Plants for a Future
Promotes ecologically sustainable permaculture and environment.
o Plants for a Future, Blagdon Cross, Ashwater, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5DF. 01208 872 963. webmaster@pfaf.org
Practical Action
This is the working name of the Intermediate Technology Development Group. The organisation helps developing countries use simple technologies to change lives.
o Practical Action Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 9QZ. 01926 634400. www.practicalaction.org practicalaction@practicalaction.org.uk
Prosperity
Works to raise awareness about capital’s dependence upon growth and the creation of debt.
o Prosperity, 263 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR. 0141 332 2214. admcc@admcc.freeserve.co.uk
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Ramblers
The Ramblers have over 500 walks a week and a major part of their work is to protect public rights of way that would otherwise disappear. During the course of its 70 year history the organisation has successfully campaigned on various issues, such as the right to roam, and before this, the creation of National Parks, long distance footpaths and walker-friendly OS maps.
o The Ramblers Association, London SE1 7BR. 020 7339 8500. www.ramblers.org.uk
Real Food
Organises free high street food fairs to promote dietary reform, and provides practical support for individuals and groups.
o Real Food, PO Box 339, Wolverhampton WV10 7BZ. 01902 562463. info@realfood.org.uk
Resurgence Trust
The organisation publishing, and taking forward the work of, Resurgence magazine.
o Resurgence, Ford House, Hartland, Bideford, Devon EX39 6EE. 01237 441293. www.resurgence.co ed@resurge.demon.co.uk
Recycle
A charity committed to providing cycles to people in developing countries. In the UK there are perhaps millions of unused bikes - yet these could help families in Africa access education, healthcare, even food and water. They can also help transport loads. Up until 2009 Recycle had sent over 26,000 cycles to Africa, after testing and repair by volunteers including young offenders and adult prisoners.
o www.re-cycle.org
Road Block
Organisation highlighting the social and environmental damage caused by road building policies.
o Road Block, PO Box 164, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5WX. 0207 7296973. office@roadblock.org.uk
RSPB
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
o 01767 680 551.
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School Governors' One-Stop Shop
o 64 Essex Road, London N1 8LR. 0870 241 3883. www.sgoss.org.uk info@schoolgovernors-oss.co.uk
Scientists for Global Responsibility
o SGR, PO Box 473, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1GS. 07771 883 696. www.sgr.org.uk info@sgr.org.uk
Updates
Please inform LINKS of any changes regarding contact details or any other information published on this page.
Schumacher Society
The Society established and supports ‘Resurgence’ magazine, Intermediate Technology Development Group, Human Scale Education and Green Books.
o The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN. 0117 903 1081. admin@schumacher.org.uk
Seal Sanctuary
o Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6UG. 01326 221361. www.sealsanctuary.co.uk seals@sealsanctuary.co.uk
Shared Interest
The world's only 100% fair trade lender. £30 million a year is pooled by UK members for fair trade business loans, with every pound invested being loaned out many times over. The organisation's partnerships extend across 41 countries, benefitting farmers, co-ops, workers and craftspeople.
o 0845 8409100. www.shared-interest.com post@shared-interest.com
Soil Association
The Soil Association was set up in 1946, as a result of domestic growing during the war years and the 1942 Beveridge Report on agriculture and health. Since then its work has continued to focus on health – not only of people, but also of other animals, plants and the wider environment. It campaigns on issues ranging from climate change, food miles, and fossil fuel wastage to factory farming, habitat and dangerous chemicals.
o Soil Association, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS1 3NX. 0117 314 5000. www.soilassociation.org info@soilassociation.org
Soroptimists International
Bringing together women working in the professions SIGBI (Soroptimists International Great Britain and Ireland) is involved in environmental concerns such as the promotion of sustainability and water conservation, as well as social issues such as the status of women and human rights. Founded in the US during 1921, this international organisation has almost 100,000 members.
o 0161 4807686. www.soroptimist-gbi.org
Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future
o Stakeholder Forum, 3 Bloomsbury Place, London 1A 2QL.
020 7580 6912. membership@stakeholderforum.org
Stakeholder Forum began life in 1987 as UN Environment Programme UK, a national committee supporting the UN and housed within IIED. It was the 1992 Rio Earth Summit joint environment and development agenda that caused the organisation to embrace both sustainability strands and change its name to UN Environment and Development – UK Committee. It moved to the United Nations Association headquarters where it merged with UNA’s Sustainable Development Unit. Rio had served to define UNED-UK’s role, as it came to be the focus of stakeholder engagement with the UNCSD (set up at Rio and the only UN agency facilitating public involvement).
“Stakeholder Forum believes that to enhance democracy, stakeholders should be involved at all levels of sustainable development decision-making. It believes this involvement yields better informed decisions and greater implementation of those decisions.”
Stakeholder Forum, 2006
This led to the organisation undertaking similar work on an international basis, and the establishment of an umbrella global UNED Forum, guided by an International Advisory Board, although it continued to work here as UNED-UK Committee.
From 2000 UNED Forum became Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future, a title inspired by the Brundtland Report, which effectively coined and defined the term sustainable development. Its role at this time was to reach stakeholders worldwide in preparation for the 2002 World Summit n Sustainable Development. It continues to support the work of UNEP, UNDP and UNCSD.
o Stakeholder Forum, 3 Bloomsbury Place, London 1A 2QL.
020 7580 6912. membership@stakeholderforum.org
Sumac Centre
The Centre includes a venue suitable for sustainable diet related events, such as People's Kitchen.
o Sumac Centre, 245 Gladstone Street, Nottingham NG7 6HX. 0845 458 9595.
Survival International
Survival helps tribal peoples protect their lands, defend their lives and determine their own futures. There remain 150 million tribal people world wide – including at east 70 who’ve never had contact with the outside world. Almost all are persecuted and subjected to human rights abuses, driven from their homelands by logging, mining or the construction of dams. For example, in Brazil Indian tribes are not allowed to own land, in West Papua the Indonesian army does what is necessary to protect the profits of US and UK companies and in Siberia tribes are being driven from their land by oil companies.
o Survival International, 6 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7ET. 020 7687 0700. www.survival-international.org
Sustain
The alliance for food and better farming.
o Sustain, 94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF. 020 7837 1228. www.sustainweb.org
Sustainable Development Commission
The Government established body that monitors and advises on Government policy.
o Ground Floor, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL. 020 7238 4951.
Sustainable Energy Partnership
o Sustainable Energy Partnership, Westgate House, 2a Prebend Street, London N1 8PT. 020 7359 8000 and 020 8698 3682. ron-bailey@bargery-rd.fsnet.co.uk
Sustrans
The charity undertakes practical work to encourage people to both cycle and walk more. Its flagship project is the National Cycle Network, which is over 10,000 miles of continuous routes using paths, traffic calmed and minor roads. Sustrans also runs a Safe Routes to School Liveable Neighbourhoods and Travel Smart projects.
o Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD. 0117 929 0888. 0845 838 0651. www.sustrans.org.uk
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10:10
The 10:10 pledge requires signatories, no matter whether individuals, communities, and organisations such as businesses and councils, to cut their CO2 emissions by 10% before the end of 2010.
o 10:10, PO Box 64749, London NW1W 8EH. www.1010uk.org
Transition Towns
o Transition Network, 43 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5HN. 05601 531882. info@transitionnetwork.org
Transport 2000
See Campaign for Better Transport.
Travel Foundation
A UK charity that cares for tourist destinations' people and places, assisting the travel industry to adopt sustainable tourism practice. Some of the ways it does this is by encouraging travel companies to, eg:
use destination goods and services
help protect natural resources and environments
publicise water / energy conservation, ethical trade
promote good tourist practice
o Travel Foundation, CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN. 0117 927 3049. www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk admin@thetravelfoundation.org.uk
Tree Aid
The destruction of forests causes soil erosion and deserts. Environmental degradation is one of poverty’s root causes. Providing funds to reverse the effects of ongoing deforestation in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Mali and Ghana, Tree Aid prioritises the vital role trees play in providing long term solutions to poverty, as well as meeting day to day income, diet, shelter and energy needs. Since 1987 projects have also included tree planting against desertification, and forestry skills training programmes.
o Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE. 0117 909 6363. www.treeaid.org.uk info@treeaid.org.uk
Tridos Bank
Turning the Tide
Quaker peace and service organisation.
o Friends House, Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. 0171 387 3601.
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UK AWARE
The social enterprise marketing green alternatives to a wider public. The products and services promoted give consumers a choice between what's conventional and what's sustainable.
- www.ukaware.com info@ukaware.com
UK WIN
UK Without Incineration challenges the spread of incineration and refuse derived fuel. It acts as a point of contact for communities opposing incineration, helping them to campaign effectively in favour of sustainable alternatives. Launched in 2007, anyone opposing incineration can draw upon UK WIN expertise.
United Nations Association
Voluntary sector organisation supporting the wide ranging work of the UN.
o UNA, 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL. 020 7766 3459. interns@una-uk.org
Urban Forum
Urban Forum is a national membership charity for VCOs working to influence national urban policy. Its events, surveys, research and policy formation take messages from the grassroots to Government on a range of topics – sustainable communities, regeneration, community engagement, LSPs. Members receive regular information about national policy developments, sector good practice, decision making and analysis through its bi-monthly Urban Clearway magazine, briefings, conference reports, emails and its popular website. Urban Forum also represents sector interests in bodies such as the National Empowerment Partnership, Office of the Third Sector Strategic Partners and the Local Area Agreements Project Board.
o Urban Forum, 33 Corsham Street, London EC1M 6EJ. 020 7253 4817. info@urbanforum.org.uk
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Vega
Publishes scientific research and information on a greener agriculture and economy.
When observing that measures to tackle energy shortages (through the expansion of biofuels) are partly responsible for rising food costs, European Food Safety Authority chair Patrick Wall also questioned whether it was “morally or ethically correct” to be feeding grain to animals while people starve.
o Vega, 14 Woodland Rise, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 0RD.
Vegan Society
A diet dependent on livestock increases individuals' carbon footprint and their consumption of valuable natural resources such as land, crops and water.
o Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6HJ. 0121 523 1730 / 0845 458 8244. www.vegansociety.com info@vegansociety.com
Vegan-Organic Network
Promotes a diet based on animal and environment friendly local growing.
o VON, 161 Hamilton Road, Longsight, Manchester M13 0PQ. 0161 248 9224 / 0161 928 3614. veganorganic@riseup.net
Vegfam
Green famine and poverty relief.
o Vegfam, Cwm Cottage, Cwmynys, Cilycwm, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire SA20 0EU. 01550 721197. www.veganvillage.co.uk/vegfam vegfam@veganvillage.co.uk
Village Service Trust
o Bon Marche Centre, 241 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8BJ. 020 7326 5338. info@villageservicetrust.org.uk
Viva!
Viva's campaigns frequently draw the links between diet and sustainability concerns.
o 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH. 0845 456 8220. www.viva.org.uk
Voice of the Listener and Viewer
Public service broadcasting is threatened by corporate commercial competition.
o VLV, 101 King’s Drive, Gravesend DA12 5BJ.
Voluntary Service Overseas
International placement agency.
o VSO, 317 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2PN. 020 8780 7200.
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WaterAid
o WaterAid, 2nd floor, 47 – 49 Durham Street, London SE11 5JD. 0845 6000 433. www.wateraid.org
Waterways Trust
o 0845 070 0710
War On Want
Campaigns on the economic and political causes of global poverty.
o WOW, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. 020 7549 0555. mailroom@waronwant.org
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
o WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham SN15 1LJ. 0870 870 5001. www.wdcs.org info@wdcs.org
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
o Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS. 01387 770200. www.wwt.org.uk
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
o 01453 891 900.
Wildlife Trusts
There are 42 Wildlife Trusts across England and Wales, and another 5 based off the mainland. This federation of trusts is the largest UK charity addressing the conservation of UK flora and fauna and their habitats, with a membership of over 600,000 people. Their grassroots work is paralleled by national education and activity programmes which target a wide variety of communities – from families and neighbourhoods to industries and landowners. The work the Trusts and their volunteers undertake includes reserve management, biodiversity monitoring, habitat protection and education. Specific concerns successfully addressed range from water quality and the decline in Britain’s otter and dormouse populations.
o 0870 036 7711. www.wildlifetrusts.org enquiry@wildlifetrusts.org
WOMANKIND Worldwide
A UK based international women’s rights and development organisation helping women in Africa, Asia and South America.
Women’s Environmental Network
WEN works nationally, while supporting local groups’ own projects. It aims to empower women to act on environmental matters and has campaigned on issues such as pollution and cancer, local food and farming, environmental quality and packaging.
o WEN, Aberdeen Studios, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London N5 2EA. 020 354 8823. www.wen.org.uk
Woodland Trust
Ancient woodland has taken perhaps thousands of years to grow, but is in constant danger of destruction. Airports, roads, clear felling, industry, 4 wheel drives, landfill, golf and other leisure facilities, housing, commercial forestry, agriculture and other human activities all threaten Britain’s richest wildlife habitat and national heritage.
o Autumn Park, Dysart Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL. 01476 581 111. www.woodland-trust.org.uk
World Carfree Network
Established in 2003 the Network currently has 53 member organisations. It works to build and maintain the global carfree movement. Promoting alternative ways of travel, it publishes the quarterly Carbusters, coordinates the annual World Carfree Day and Ecotopia Bike Tour, maintains a print and online resource centre. Recent work has seen the mobilisation of global support for local campaigns, such as those against a Bangladesh rickshaw ban and in support of New York cycle protests. The Network’s Mobility Justice Project claims equal rights to public space and funds and exposes government policies perpetuating car dependency.
o WCN, Kratka 26, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic. 420 274 810 849. info@worldcarfree.net info@worldcarfree.net
World Conservation Union
See IUCN.
World Development Movement
Campaign highlighting the structural causes of global poverty. Past achievements include help in unionising the Del Monte workforce, challenging the then popular myth that GM foods would solve world hunger, persuading the Iceland chain to drop a £12 million debt claim against Guyana, and helping to ensure the UK Government ceases to make aid conditional on trade liberalisation, privatisation and other detrimental economic policies.
o WDM, 66 Offley Road, London SW9 0LS. 020 7820 4900. www.wdm.org.uk wdm@wdm.org.uk
World Wide Fund for Nature
Highly regarded, this is the largest international VCO working to mainstream sustainability concerns. Individuals can help WWF through making lifestyle changes, organising fundraising events or online campaigning.
o WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR. 01483 426444. www.wwf-uk.org
World Wisdom Alliance
Works for evolutionary shift towards values and actions ensuring human sustainability.
o Club of Budapest, c/o 1000 Finch Avenue West, Suite 306, Toronto M3J 24S, Canada. 001 905 881 0735.
Other Organisations
There are countless other organisations working on S&P whose details will be included on this page in due course. These listings indicate the wide range of concerns and support bases.
Action for Southern Africa
Action for UN Renewal
AIESEC
Alternative Vehicles Technology
Aquaaid
Arms Reduction Coalition
ATD Fourth World UK
Ananda Project
Baha’i Faith
Baby Milk International
Birdlife International
Bond
Campaign for Political Ecology
Carbon Storage Trust
Care International
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development
Catholic Institute for International Relations
Centre for Environmentally Responsible Tourism
Charity People
Child Poverty Action Group
Church Action on Poverty
Clean Clothes Campaign
Climate Care
Community Service Volunteers
Compassion in World Farming
Concordia
Concern
Council for the Protection of Rural England
Critical Mass
Culture Change
Earth Centre
Earthwatch
Echo
Engineers for Disaster Relief
Environment Council
Environmental Transport Association
Ethical Trading Initiative
Ethical Wares
Eurodad
European Fairtrade Association
Everychild
Fairtrade Towns Initiative
Fairtrade Universities
Future Forests
Global Witness
Help the Aged
Interaction Tours
International Federation for Alternative Trade
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
International Local Authority Action on Climate Change
International Service
International Society for Ecology and Culture
International Voluntary Service
Labour Behind the Label
Land is Ours
Local Exchange Trading Systems
Merlin
National Association of Farmers Markets
National Group on Homeworking
One World Action
Permaculture Association
Pesticide Action Network UK
Quaker Voluntary Action
Reach
Save the Children
Servas
Sight Savers International
Social Economy Practitioners Network
Socialist Environment and Resources Association
Stop the War Coalition
Surfers Against Sewage
Survival International
Sustain; Alliance for Better Food and Farming
Tearfund
Television Trust for the Environment
Tools for Self Reliance
Tourism Concern
Traidcraft
Traidcraft People to People Tours
Unifem UK
Vegan Society
Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation
Viva!
Voluntary Organisations Internet Server
Voluntary Service Overseas
Volunteer Development England
War Child
Wastewatch
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
World Service Enquiry
World Voices
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Worldwide Volunteering
Public / Official Bodies
Capacitybuilders
The organisation was established to help VCOs by strengthening sector infrastructure, ie its systems, education and training provisions, facilities, networks, etc. Capacitybuilders is also responsible for providing grant programmes to the third sector’s Voluntary Action companies and other second tier organisations for onward distribution to the frontline organisations. However, the Government initiative has attracted controversy. For example, Third Sector magazine (31 January 2007) reported that the Directory of Social Change had accused Capacitybuilders of “supporting the Government’s public service delivery agenda rather than the charity sector as a whole”. o www.capacitybuilders.org.uk
Commission on the Future of Volunteering
The Commission was established by in 2006 by the England Volunteering Development Council in order to develop a long term vision for volunteering in England. It was responsible for publishing a Report in June 2007 on the state of volunteering and recommended how it should develop over the following ten years. The Report considered the relationship between volunteering and government, volunteering for all and how to foster a culture of volunteering. In doing so it looked at such factors as volunteering in relation to its formal and informal modes, the different sectors, hard to reach groups and material resources.
Countryside Agency
From April 2005 Countryside Agency funding has gone to the market sector led Regional Development Agencies, and the Agency's role has become merely advisory. The move was seen to be similar to that which replaced the health sector's effective Community Health Councils with Partners Forums, which no longer offered active participation processes and were less accessible.
o 01242 533 222.
Department of Farming, Food and Regional Affairs
o Free Literature: PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. 0870 1226 236. Sales: Unit 21, Goldthorpe, Rotherham SG3 9BI. 01709 891 318.
Environment Agency
Formed in April 1996 this is a statutory umbrella organisation for England and Wales which has taken over the former duties of HM Inspectorate of Pollution, the National Rivers Authority, the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the Waste Regulation Authorities
Every Action Counts
o c/o CDF, Unit 5, Angel Gate, 320 – 326 City Road, London EC1V 2PT. 020 7833 1772. www.cdf.org.uk
Forest Stewardship Council
FSC is committed to bridging the gap between responsible producers and consumers of forest products worldwide. It enables producers who can demonstrate sound forest managment to reach consumers who wish to have an independent guarantee that the forest or woodland of origin is managed according to agreed social and environmental principles and criteria. FSC therefore provides an incentive in the marketplace for good forestry practice. It does this by providing an umbrella organisation and structure, within which independent certifiers can operate according to clear guidelines and using agreed social, environmental and economic forest managment standards.
o FSC
Governance Hub
Funded by Capacitybuilders.
o c/o NCVO, Regent’s Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London NI 9RL. Helpline 0800 652 4886 (Monday to Friday between 09.00 and 18.00). Information 0207 520 2514. www.governancehub.org.uk governance.hub@ncvo-vol.org.uk
International Council for Local Environment Initiatives
o European Secretariat, ICLEI, Eschhelzstrasse 86, D-79115, Fr burg, Germany
International Institute for Environment and Development
IIED is an independent, non-profit research institute working in the field of sustainability. It aims to provide expertise and leadership in researching and achieving sustainability at local, national, regional and global levels. In alliance with others IIED’s objective is to help shape a future that ends global poverty and delivers and maintains efficient and equitable management of the world’s natural resources.
o IIED, 3 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DD. 020 7388 2117. info@iied.org
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Established by the UN in 1988 to collect and study information on climate change, the IPCC publishes scientific assessments of its causes and impacts - and how humankind can make the personal and social changes necessary to avoid the worst effects.
o IPCC, World Metreological Organisation, 76is Avenue de la Paix, CP 2300, CH - 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland. 41 22 730 8208. www.ipcc.ch ipcc-sec@wmo.int
Local Government Management Board
The LGMB, which no longer exists, was responsible for supporting local authority action on LA21, establishing a national LA21 Steering Group. They produced a wide range of briefings, other documents and a video, establishing a series of roundtable meetings, a local authority policy forum and sustainability help-line. LGMB work in assisting the development of environmental management strategies was aided through the introduction of the Eco Management and Audit Scheme.
LGMB’s work at home and input into international processes, such as the UNCSD and Earth Summit II, was internationally commended. In April 1999 the Board was replaced by the Improvement and Development Agency and Employers Organisation, with responsibility for its sustainability programme being transferred to the former’s Sustainable Development Unit.
Local Sustainable Development Unit
o Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU. 020 7944 4400 www.odpm.gov.uk
UK Sustainable Development Commission
Established in 2000, UKSDC is the Government's independent watchdog on sustainable development. It reports directly to the Prime Minister or to the First Minister in Scotland, Wales or Northern Island, through its offices in those countries. Using appraisal, advice and advocacy the UKSDC helps bring sustainable development concerns into national decision taking processes.
o UKSDC, 55 Whitehall, London SW1A 2HH. 020 7270 8498. www.sd-commission.org.uk enquiries@sd-commission.org.uk
National Community Forum
The Forum was established to enable local community representatives to speak directly to Government. Grassroots works and residents from areas of deprivation are able to feedback to ministers their reactions to initiatives such as neighbourhood renewal, LSPs, community participation and empowerment, poverty and benefits
Natural England
Formed by bringing together English Nature, the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agencey and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development service, Natural England works with communities to preserve and reinstate biodiversity and landscapes in rural, urban, coastal and other marine areas.
o 0845 600 3078. www.naturalengland.org.uk
UK Biodiversity Partnership
Authors of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
United Nations
The UN Charter sets forth the purposes of the UN as follows;
To
maintain international peace and security, through effective
collective measures and through peaceful settlement of disputes.
To
develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for
the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
To
achieve co-operation in solving international economic, social,
cultural and humanitarian problems, and in promoting human rights
for all without distinction as to race, sex language or religion,
and
To
be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in achieving
these ends.
Basic principles of the UN include;
All members are sovereign and equal.
All
are pledged to settle their international disputes by peaceful
means.
No member shall use force against the territory and political
independence of any country, or threaten to use force.
All
pledge to assist the UN in any action taken in accordance with
the Charter.
The
UN shall not intervene in the domestic affairs of any country,
except when it is acting to enforce international peace
There are six main organs of the UN;
The
General Assembly
The
Security Council
The Economic and Social Council
The
Trusteeship Council
The
International Court of Justice
The Secretariat
vinvolved
Launched in May 2006 and funded by v - the £75m National Youth Volunteering Programme - this is the UK's largest action organisation working with the 16 - 25s. Nationally it aims to get half a million young people involved in their communities over the next couple of years.
There are 107 local vinvolved teams based in every English local authority area. Thse not only encourage the target age group to volunteer but also persuade more third sector groups to embrace input from younger age groups. Nationwide the programme embraces a diverse array of interests; as well as peer led projects, such as those supporting sports and arts, there are opportunities available to work with elderly people, on conservation and in animal welfare. The Government youth initiative aimed to:
Help match interests and
opportunities.
Offer volunteering tasters.
Support youth inspired,
developed and led projects.
Assist with the identification
of funding sources and grant applications.
Give access to accredited
training and award certificates.
Aid personal educational
and career development.
Volunteering England
In 2005, as part of their ten year plan ‘Building on Success; Strategy for Volunteer Infrastructure in England 2004 – 2014’, the England Volunteer Development Council launched its Volunteer Centre “brand”, in order to become more easily identified by individuals and organisations, and new accreditation systems.
This was also to help localities’ volunteer centres, agencies or bureaux to implement more standardised practices and ensure that they were all working towards providing six core functions, these are:
Brokerage.
Marketing.
Good practice development.
Developing opportunities,
Responding
to policy and campaigning.
Strategic development: inputting into local, regional and national
organisations.
Please
contact us with any information or feed back:
E-mail - info@sustainabilitylinks.org.uk
Post - Sustainability LINKS, 3 Park Road, Bedworth CV12 8LH