The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) develops and promotes initiatives to address noise and other statutory nuisance and manages research into noise. For details of its remit and for access to a number of papers on noise visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise/index.htm. Defra publish two booklets to help those suffering from general noise or from dogs barking. Both showing how the problem can be overcome in a number of positive and constructive ways. Both booklets are free and can be downloaded or ordered by visiting www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/publications/pubcat/env.htm#noise. Booklets are available in Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu. Defra also gives information on the UK Noise Forum at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise/noiseforum/ or telephone 08459 33 55 77

Keep Britain Tidy is the national litter abatement agency funded by government. The campaign is run by ENCAMS, which can provide publications, advice, research and campaign materials to local authorities, the public, businesses or other organisations. For access to research, copies of artwork, information on campaigns or to order free publications visit
www.encams.org/information/publications.asp?Sub=0&Menu=0.26.13.206 or telephone 01942 612639

Sustainable Communities Programme is an initiative that helps bring together residents, schools and other groups to bring about local improvements. A resource pack is available that provides tools for local communities to assess their own environment and make recommendations and improvements in conjunction with their local council. Useful for community group leaders and for council staff who wish to help them, one of the key themes is litter. The pack is free and can be ordered by visiting www.encams.org/information/publications.asp?Sub=0&Menu=0.26.13.206 or by telephoning 01942 612639

Shelter helps 100,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. It also tackles the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.

For publications, information on training, research, advice or support visit www.shelter.org.uk or telephone 020 7505 4699

The EOC is the leading agency working to eliminate sex discrimination and is mainly funded by government. It deals with issues of bullying, harassment and discrimination (mainly of women). Its website has sections on the law, research, statistics, policies and campaigns. If you have been unfairly treated or harassed at work and you believe it's because you're a woman or because you're a man, you can contact the free confidential helpline on 0845 601 5901 for practical advice. The EOC can help resolve problems amicably, or advise you on how to take your case to an employment tribunal or a court.
For more information visit www.eoc.org.uk