“I’m only one person. What can I do?” Said eight billion people.

I recently came across this perplexing question in Positive News magazine, which most likely reflects many of our sentiments in doubting our ability to make a positive change in the world.

I know it’s a sentiment, Ellie Bryant, my colleague and friend who has just left us at Think&Do Camden (heading to a new adventure in Bristol) will completely disagree with!

I asked Ellie about how and why, she started off volunteering.

She told me: “In 2019, as a volunteer for Camden Friends of the Earth, I become totally absorbed with the wonderful new world of Think & Do.

"Back then the shop in Kentish Town was such an exciting space for discussions and debates on climate topics. It fired me up, and the groups that I met there inspired me.

Debbie Bourne encourages everyone to be a volunteerDebbie Bourne encourages everyone to be a volunteer (Image: Debbie Bourne) "Four years later, Think & Do has grown massively. We have developed many projects across Camden, such as Energy Savers Club, Communi-trees, Sharing Spaces and they all have one thing in common… collaboration!

"Collaboration is the key. Everyone can do something alone, but what we can achieve collectively, when we collaborate, is magical! Within these different projects, T&D was fortunate enough to collaborate with Power Up North London, the KOKO Foundation, the Future Neighbourhoods group in Somers Town, and many more.

"Working together with such wonderful Camdeners has been such a joy, with groups embracing each other's strengths and perspectives. In Camden I can see that our collective imagination is so powerful.

"The next few years are crunch time in terms of reducing emissions and tackling climate change. We need to act swiftly and decisively. This isn’t the time for waiting for things to happen, but the time to take action now.

"With such a brilliant ecosystem of organisations and individuals all tackling climate change in Camden it is now more important than ever to work together to achieve our goals!”

So, as we approach the season of giving, dear reader, I hope Ellie’s message will inspire you to consider giving the best gift of all - the giving of yourself.

And change the perplexion to hope, and the maths to: “I’m only one person. What can I do?” Said seven billion nine hundred ninety-nine million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine!