Future-Friendly Awards – B2 English Reading Test

Which of the groups

1   has a name that might give people a wrong idea of its activities?

2   wants to respond to feedback from users of a service it provides?

3   has put the results of its work on show to the public?

4   has found it hard to finance its activities?

5   offers advice to beginners in an activity?

6   provides a pick-up service for its users?

7   plans to start selling things to make money?

8   would use the prize money to publicise its activities?

9   noticed that something that was still useful was going to waste?

10   provides a service for people all over the country?

Future-Friendly Awards

Four local community groups run by volunteers have been nominated to win a cash prize.
Who do you think should win?

A   CycleStreets

You’re keen to get on your bike, but you’re not so keen on bumping over poor roads, sweating up hills or riding between all the large trucks on the main roads. Where can you go? The answer is to ask www.cyclestreets.net, a journey-planning website for cyclists. ‘We aim to give newcomers the confidence to start cycling – with all its environmental and health benefits – and to improve routes for those who already cycle,’ says spokesperson Martin Lucas-Smith. The not-for-profit group is based in Cambridge, but routes are available in all regions nationwide. Cyclists can get involved, too, by contributing photographs and reporting obstructions or other issues. ‘We’ve done years of unpaid work and winning this award would help us make some major improvements, which the cyclists who contact us have been asking for,’ says Martin.

B   Sefton Green Gym

If you visit Sefton Green Gym in Liverpool, don’t go expecting to see weights or rowing machines – this ‘gym’ just has rows of lovingly tended organic fruit and vegetables. The gym was set up to help local people improve their skills, make new friends and enjoy the health benefits of gardening. Members range from young people with learning difficulties to elderly people with health problems. ‘My dad went along after a serious illness to get fit and make new friends,’ says Joanne Woods. ‘He’s worked hard to raise funds but with limited success, and the gym faces closure if we don’t get any more.’ The award would help the gym to expand by installing eco-friendly solar heating, as well as advertising for new members and extending its links with the community.

C   The Project Group

The Project Group, from the small town of Oswestry, helps people with health problems and learning disabilities to build their self-esteem through creativity. This year, the group has focused on using recycled materials, including making vases from waste paper and pictures from recycled glass. Last year, it helped stage an exhibition of sculptures entirely created from rubbish such as crisp packets, plastic bags and odd shoes. It has also created posters for the local Wildlife Trust, and helped other community groups. ‘The whole organisation is user-led, and our artwork can now be admired in many public buildings and spaces in our region,’ says spokeswoman Jo Davis. ‘We also hope to use the award to develop a retail range of recycled products to help fund our activities.’

D   Cleanstream Carpets

Every year, an astonishing three-and-a-half million carpet tiles are thrown away in South Wales and south-west England. Recognising that many tiles could be reused, a group of volunteers formed Cleanstream Carpets to collect and supply them at affordable prices to local organisations and community groups. Volunteers collect and grade tiles before selling them from Cleanstream’s premises near Rhondda. Satisfied customers range from local schools to a community furniture bank in Bedfordshire, and the tiles have even been used to build refuges for endangered animals such as great crested newts. ‘Our unique selling point is the guarantee that the product is diverted from landfill,’ says one volunteer. ‘Winning the award would give us encouragement to explore other ways of using other recycled material.’