Community Support & Getting Involved

Community resilience is one of the strongest tools we have.

Slough’s diverse neighbourhoods already show incredible community spirit during tough times.

Project Sponge, together with WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) and the National Flood Forum, is here to help Slough become more flood‑resilient, inform and empower the community to improve the local areas in the future.

Ways to get involved:

  • Join a Project Sponge community workshop
  • Connect with the National Flood Forum for advice and local Flood Action Groups
  • Talk to neighbours about shared risks
  • Take part in upcoming mapping sessions and co‑design projects
  • Volunteer for local green projects that support water resilience

No one needs to face flooding alone.

What to do during a flood

How Neighbours Can Support Each Other

  • Share emergency contacts and check‑in plans
  • Help elderly or vulnerable neighbours prepare flood kits
  • Keep shared areas (alleys, drains, kerbs) clear of leaves and debris
  • Talk openly about concerns – normalise conversations about flood risk

 

  • Check on neighbours who may need help
  • Share supplies (pumps, buckets, torches, power banks)
  • Offer a safe, dry space if someone needs temporary shelter
  • Communicate what you’re seeing: rising water, blocked drains, overflow points

 

  • Help with clean‑up (if safe)
  • Share information about support, insurers, and recovery steps
  • Celebrate small wins – community encouragement eases stress

 

Local Groups Involved in Environmental Resilience

Slough has a growing network of organisations working on water resilience, climate action, and community wellbeing.

Examples include:

  • Project Sponge community teams
  • Local environmental groups improving green spaces
  • School eco‑clubs and student volunteers
  • Resident associations taking action on drainage and runoff
  • Faith and community centres offering support during emergencies

These groups work together to improve how neighbourhoods handle heavy rain, where water flows, and
how streets recover after flooding.

Volunteer Opportunities

You don’t need technical experience – just a willingness to get involved.

Here are just a few ways you can get involved:

  • Join Project Sponge’s community mapping walks (e.g. Friends of Salt Hill meet every Thursday – email us for more information)
  • Become a Green Streets Champion and help create or maintain rain gardens and SuDS features near you
  • Run or support local awareness sessions
  • Help distribute emergency information during severe weather
  • Assist elderly or vulnerable neighbours with preparation

Volunteering not only strengthens your local area – it also builds confidence and reduces fear about flooding.

If you’d like to get involved, Project Sponge can connect you with opportunities that fit your skills, schedule, and neighbourhood.

Simply email us on [email protected]

WHAT IS FLOOD RESILIENCE?

Resilience is about reducing the impact of flooding, should water get inside your property. The aim is to ensure that damage is minimised and you can get back in to your home or business as quickly as possible.

Measures should be tailored to each property, such as using porous plaster, fitting solid floors or tiled floor coverings, raising electrics and taking simple steps in a flood event to move furniture and valuable possessions upstairs. Structural measures need to take account of the building type and its fabric.

CAUTION
Older properties (listed & non-listed) often need different approaches to ensure the integrity of the build. Many everyday practices can be damaging and create historic problems for the futures of such buildings.

WHAT IS FLOOD RESISTANCE?

Resistance is about reducing the risk of water getting into a property. These measures can allow you time to move possessions from ground level as well as to get people to a place of safety if a flood is expected.

Resistance measures often involve preventing water entering the property in the first place and they use a combination of products (flood boards and doors, air brick covers, non-return valves, pumps, toilet bungs, etc.).

When considering resistance it is important to ensure the fabric of the property is sound (pointing is well maintained below ground, cable entries are sealed, etc.).

CAUTION
Not all buildings are suitable for resistance measures. It is important that measures are designed for the flood risk, the building and the lifestyle of the people using it.

Tools, Checklists & Downloads

 

 

Contacts & Get Help

National Flood Forum Helpline

01299 403 055

National Floodline

0345 988 1188

Slough Borough Council

Thames Water

Blue Pages

Independent Flood Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Report it to Slough Borough Council and let Project Sponge know – this helps identify priority locations for SuDS and resilience projects.

Responsibility varies between the council, Thames Water, and homeowners depending on the type of drain. Project Sponge can help you understand who to contact.

Use the Environment Agency’s flood risk maps and explore the National Flood Forum’s “Are You At Risk?” tool.

Yes. Even tiny spaces can help: micro‑rain gardens, water butts, simple planters that absorb runoff, or small permeable surfaces all make a meaningful impact.