The 'why'

Herefordshire Resilience Forum was founded on the belief that preparedness, self-reliance and community spirit go hand in hand. Inspired by the importance of helping one another during challenging times, our aim is to bring people together, share knowledge and build a stronger, more resilient Herefordshire.

Why We Exist

Herefordshire Resilience Forum was inspired by the UK Government's renewed emphasis on emergency preparedness, alongside the remarkable community spirit demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We saw neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers delivering essential supplies and communities coming together to support those who needed assistance.

We believe that spirit should not be limited to times of crisis.

Our ambition is to encourage those same connections in everyday life, creating a community where sharing knowledge, learning skills and helping others becomes second nature.

Our Approach

Our approach is practical, inclusive and community-focused. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities, recognising that everyone has something to contribute and something to learn.

We aim to support sensible preparedness, encourage self-reliance, strengthen community relationships and develop initiatives that provide genuine local benefits.

As the Forum grows, we intend to explore appropriate funding, partnerships, volunteering arrangements and safeguarding measures to support the safe development of our activities.

We are not an emergency response service or a replacement for statutory services. Instead, our goal is to complement existing community support through education, cooperation, information sharing and appropriate practical assistance.

The Full Aim

The mission is centred on education, practical preparedness and community collaboration. By sharing knowledge, developing skills and encouraging people to support one another, we aim to empower individuals, strengthen local connections and build a more self-reliant and resilient Herefordshire.

Education, Awareness & Practical Skills

We aim to organise accessible educational sessions, workshops and community events covering essential life skills, including first aid awareness, emergency preparedness, growing and preserving food, off-grid power, outdoor skills and sustainable living.

By bringing together experienced individuals, professionals and local organisations, we hope to make practical knowledge available to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.

Community Partnerships & Collaboration

We believe that meaningful resilience is built through cooperation. We intend to approach local authorities, emergency services, charities, businesses, educational providers and other community organisations to explore opportunities for collaboration. This may include educational talks, practical demonstrations, shared community initiatives, access to suitable venues and funding opportunities that help us deliver useful activities across Herefordshire.

Community Action & Mutual Support

We want to develop a local network of volunteers and community members who can offer practical assistance when it's needed most. This could include helping elderly or vulnerable residents access essential supplies during severe weather, undertaking appropriate welfare check-ins, assisting with basic snow clearance where safe, sharing resources and connecting people with local support services during flooding, power outages or other disruptions.

Health, Wellbeing & Social Connection

Resilience is as much about our physical and mental wellbeing as it is about emergency preparedness. We hope to encourage community walks, outdoor activities, group exercise, social gatherings and opportunities for people to connect. By promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing social isolation and helping people build friendships and support networks, we aim to contribute to happier, healthier and more connected communities.

Sharing Knowledge, Advice & Ideas

The Forum provides a welcoming space for people to exchange experiences, ask questions, share useful information and learn from one another. Whether discussing emergency preparedness, practical household solutions, homesteading, outdoor skills or community initiatives, we believe everyone has knowledge worth sharing. By encouraging open, respectful and constructive conversations, we can help turn individual experience into collective understanding.

Self-Reliance, Homesteading & Sustainable Living

We encourage individuals and households to develop greater independence through practical skills and sustainable living. From growing vegetables and preserving food to rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, household resilience and traditional crafts, we aim to make self-sufficiency more approachable. Self-reliance isn't about doing everything alone; it's about developing the confidence and ability to manage everyday challenges while remaining connected to others.

Volunteering, Skills & Resource Sharing

Everyone has something valuable to contribute. We aim to develop a network of volunteers willing to share their time, experience, practical skills or available resources to benefit others. Whether someone has a background in healthcare, farming, education, engineering, gardening or simply wants to lend a helping hand, our ambition is to create opportunities for individuals to contribute safely and meaningfully to their local communities.