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      What do charities, NGOs and groups do in our local community?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the contribution charities, NGOs and groups make in our community.

      Key learning points

      1. Charities address community needs, focusing on helping people, the environment and animals.
      2. NGOs offer humanitarian aid, support vulnerable groups and advocate for social change.
      3. Community groups, led by volunteers, promote collaboration and provide local activities.
      4. Charities, NGOs and community groups work together to build healthier, safer communities.

      Keywords

      • Charities - local, national or international organisations which are set up to help those in need or to raise awareness of an issue

      • NGO - a non-governmental organisation, non-profit, voluntary group of citizens who work on a local, national or international level to achieve an aim

      • Community groups - an organised collective of people with similar interests or aims, including NGOs, charities and other organisations within the community

      Common misconception

      Community groups, charities and NGOs do not make much of a difference in local communities.

      Charities, groups and NGOs make a huge difference and have a measurable impact on local communities and their success.

      Teacher tip

      Use examples of community groups, charities and NGOs from your own local community to capture pupils' interest by making their learning more relevant to their lives.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What should you show to be a considerate member of the community?

      Correct answer: respect
      selfishness
      Correct answer: friendliness
      arrogance

      Q2.
      An establishment of learning for 11-18 year olds is often called a …

      Correct Answer: school, academy, college

      Q3.
      Match the word with its description.

      Correct Answer:local community,a group of people living in the same geographical area
      Correct Answer:volunteering,doing something positive for no financial gain
      Correct Answer:community group,a group of people who want to improve the community

      Q4.
      In emergency situations, cohesive communities show which quality?

      friendliness
      peacefulness
      equality
      Correct answer: resilience

      Q5.
      Lasting change can happen as a result of __________ communities.

      separated
      Correct answer: cohesive
      destructive
      isolated

      Q6.
      By shopping locally, students in schools improve the local ...

      Correct answer: economy
      education
      landscape
      infrastructure

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The three main types of community organisations are NGOs, community groups and …

      Correct Answer: charities, charity

      Q2.
      Charities help the environment, and animals.

      Correct Answer: humans, people

      Q3.
      NGOs are often humanitarian. What does this mean?

      that NGOS improve animals' lives and stop suffering
      that NGOs improve people's lives but allow more suffering
      Correct answer: that NGOs improve people's lives and reduce suffering
      that NGOs improve the environment despite suffering

      Q4.
      Why are NGOs important in communities?

      Correct answer: They provide support for the most vulnerable groups.
      They replace local governments and take over all public services.
      Correct answer: They promote social change and advocate for it.
      Correct answer: They provide resources when Governments are limited.
      They they make a profit for their founders and shareholders.

      Q5.
      Who are community groups run by?

      children
      Correct answer: volunteers
      politicians
      doctors

      Q6.
      Match the word with its description.

      Correct Answer:charity,helps those in need or to raise awareness of an issue anywhere
      Correct Answer:NGO,a non-profit, voluntary group who work to achieve an aim
      Correct Answer:community group,an organised local collective of people with similar interests or aims

      To help you plan your 7 citizenship lesson on: What do charities, NGOs and groups do in our local community?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...