COMMUNITY
Fifth Sense Smell and Taste Action Groups
When people unite with the common goal to bring about positive change within their community amazing things can happen!
Fifth Sense are thrilled to have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to set up Smell and Taste Action Groups. The groups will facilitate collaboration among like-minded individuals and drive collective action towards a more inclusive society, with a specific focus on raising awareness and support for those affected by taste and smell disorders.
The groups will be led by volunteers with support from Fifth Sense and will be very much rooted in their local community. Initially we are looking to set up groups in:
• Birmingham
• Liverpool
• Derby
• Peterborough
• Norwich
• North London
If you are interested in setting up a group but live in different areas of the country, please still get in touch. We will be expanding areas and there may be activities you can do now to start the ball rolling!
Birmingham Smell and Taste Action Group
A dedicated group of volunteers have now formed to set up the Birmingham Smell and Taste Action Group. Their first in person meet up took place on 17th July in Birmingham city centre. You can read about it here.
Anyone who is affected by smell or taste disorders is welcome to come along and connect with others: you may be living with a condition or the carer, parent or loved one.
At the meet up you can expect:
– Supportive Environment: Share your journey and listen to others in a safe, understanding space.
– Resources and Tips: Discover practical advice for managing daily challenges.
– Social Connection: Build friendships and connect with people who truly get it.
Look out for details of the next Birmingham event coming soon and please email info@fifthsense.org.uk if you would like more information.
Interested in starting a Fifth Sense Smell and Taste Action Group?
If you are interested in starting a group in your local area, then please get in touch with Fifth Sense. While it takes passion and commitment and dedication from you, Fifth Sense is here to support you at every stage of setting up and running the group. With thanks to the Community Fund, Fifth Sense will also provide seed funding for your group to set up, your fundraising will then support the group’s activities going forward.
You will probably decide an activity to focus on at first, this might be setting up a peer support group, or raising awareness through leaflet distribution, group talks or fundraising. You will be able to use your local knowledge, connections, and experience to grow the group over time.
Smell and Taste Action Group volunteers may be people with lived experience of smell or taste disorders, professionals with a passion for the senses or anyone that wants to make a difference in their community and help change the lives of others for the better.
Each group needs at least two Smell and Taste Action Group Lead volunteers supported by a small team of volunteers focused on either raising awareness or peer support.
Role descriptions
You can read our Volunteer role descriptions here:
• Smell and Taste Action Group Lead Volunteer
• Raising Awareness Volunteer
• Peer Support Volunteer
Interested?
If you would like to know more, please email volunteering@fifthsense.org.uk. Our Community Development Officer, Sally Connick, will be very pleased to hear from you.
Ready to apply?
If you are ready to apply, please complete a volunteer application form. Thank you.