Interior decorator brings feel-good design to poorer Paris suburbs Assetou Coulibaly says her association helps people in social housing take control of their circumstances and improve their mental health by redecorating their homes
How to join a sports club in France: admin, medical and fees explained Joining a sports club is a great way to keep fit and make friends - we look at what is involved
Helpful, social, active, fun: Why we like France’s ‘third age clubs’ Readers share their experiences of being members of local clubs for retirees, of which there are hundreds in France, and tell how they manage the language barrier If walls could talk: Anglo-French group delve into history of houses A guide to how to find extra help with schoolwork in France New French association for Britons who still feel European
French associations explained Most people in France belong to an association – une asso for short – a non-profit-making club or charity
Coronavirus: Celebrities urge Macron to help animals Forty-seven celebrities from the world of music, cinema and television in France have written an open letter to President Emmanuel Macron asking for financial aid to help animal protection associations and shelters badly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
Refuges: 55-110 pets a day saved in France Between 55 and 110 animals have been saved from possible euthanasia every day since pet adoption was authorised during the confinement period.
Boost care homes with Lily of Valley gift An initiative to give Lily of the Valley flowers to staff and residents of retirement homes in France and at the same time support flower producers who cannot sell the traditional May 1 gift due to home confinement has been launched.
First 24 French 'rural café' villages are chosen The first 24 villages have been selected to receive funding and help to open a café under a scheme to fund 1,000 of them in rural areas.
Charity aims to end problem of loneliness 5.3 million people in France feel isolated and believe they have no one to turn to
Help save French forests In Corrèze, an association called Faîte et Racines ( tinyurl.com/vvdlno7 ) is trying to crowd-fund a project to save some hectares of local forest from what it calls “ coupes razes ”, where parcels of land are sold to companies who remove established woodland.
French wildlife group creates nature reserves A wildlife association is creating its own nature reserves, saying it has been forced to act because the government is not doing enough.
Passing on this welcoming family Message 'Message' is a lively association for English-speaking families living in Paris which gives help and support with every aspect of family life.
Riviera run is unusual, but fun Riviera Hash House Harriers has celebrated its 30th anniversary, meaning 30 years of what has been called a “drinking club with a running problem.” Charity shop in French village is lifeline Gardeners find time to chat, visit and share tips French lawn bowls club offers coaching for newbies
Make sense of... starting an association The French equivalent of a ‘charity’ is an association reconnue d’utilité publique or an association d’intérêt général. The first is a status held by certain large organisations like the SPA animal charity or La Croix Rouge and which has to be applied for from the Interior Ministry. The latter is simpler and is the most common kind of structure. It is easy to set up and later it can apply to become reconnue d’utilité publique , which brings extra benefits and obligations, if it has more than 200 members and more than merely ‘local’ activities. Gardeners ready for spring and club One good turn can help fund cancer support Volunteers help ease the pain and cost of funerals Slower pace suits Walking Football players Shhhh! Secret Panto society on hunt for volunteers
Fun and friendly debate with like-minded Lefties Friendly and informal group of like political minds looking for new members in southwest France
Zimbabwe artists find future by working in France An association that ‘started by accident’ is helping artists from Zimbabwe to show – and sell – their work in the Dordogne while also revealing a different, more positive, side of the country.
Brittany association welcomes new arrivals The chief aim of this Brittany based association is found in its name, Association Intégration Kreiz Breizh (the last two words are Breton for Central Brittany) as it helps newcomers settle into their new lives in the region.
Be prepared... to have fun with a scout group The British Scouting Overseas groups in France is looking for volunteers to set up more local groups
Volunteers pick surplus fruit from your trees Many fruit trees in private gardens produce more fruit than their owners can use – but an association is offering to harvest the unwanted crop and turn it into jam to be sold.