Love is in the air (and in our social media feeds) this week but it can also be in our streets, our parks and our neigbourhoods when you create and support local projects that people love. Here are our five favourite ways to bring a little love to your local area.

1. Say it with flowers

Give someone a bunch of flowers and they’ll bring a little happiness for a few days or so, plant flowers however and they can make a whole community happy for years! Discover the different ways people are showing love to their local area with these great green space projects; Phoenix Garden Blooms, Heroes Wood and Croydon Saffron Central. Create your own here.

2. Cheaper than a box of chocolates

A Swiss Chocolate Box from M&S costs £15, but you can help fund change by backing a local project for as little as two quid. Making a world of difference doesn’t have to cost the earth.

3. Put the art in ‘heart’

A picture speaks a thousand words and nothing says ‘love’ more than bringing great art to the people. Check out our favourite (he)art projects; the Porty Light Box, the York Arts Barge and the Line: Sculpture Walk. Create your own here.

4. Show that you care

Get involved in the local community by offering your time and expertise through volunteering. Check out the skills our projects are looking for and help where you can or sign up with our partners at Do-it and Team London for volunteering opportunities near you.

5. Love yourself

Continue on a journey of self-improvement by learning something new. It’s been proven that crowdfunding develops your skills – from marketing and design, to project management and sales – so discover the skills of crowdfunding with our handy video tutorials and guides and show yourself some love this Valentine’s.

5. Love your area

Ready for a bigger challenge? Consider starting a project and show your local area some serious love. Get inspiration from previous project creators and when you’re ready to get started, press ‘Create‘ and begin a journey you’ll never forget.

Share your ideas to bring love to your local area on social media with #PlacesYouLove!