The CRE operates very much like the EOC (see above); it is a publicly funded body set up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality. It works in both the public and private sectors to encourage fair treatment and to promote equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their race, colour, nationality, or national or ethnic origin. It provides information and advice to people who think they have suffered racial discrimination or harassment, you can telephone 020 7939 0000 for personal advice, or visit www.cre.org.uk for general information. Race Equality for Social Landlords - guidance for the handling of harassment and racial equality for social landlords can be found at www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_housing/documents/page/odpm_house_603873.hcsp

Backed by a number of partners, Thames21 is an environmental organisation working to improve the quality of the River Thames, its tributaries and canals throughout London. It aims to transform London's waterways into a place where people, wildlife and business can prosper by working together with local businesses, community groups, statutory organisations and residents. Thames21 organises many clean-ups of the Thames, London's rivers and canals. If you would like to be involved as an individual, a business or an organisation visit www.thames21.org.uk or telephone 0207 248 2916

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 United Kingdom Noise Association (UKNA) is an independently funded organisation which brings together a unique coalition of key organisations lobbying on different aspects of noise, including traffic noise and neighbourhood noise. Its objective is to work to improve the noise climate across the UK. UKNA does not give detailed advice on individual cases, but its briefing sheets aim to assist both noise sufferers and noise campaigners.

For more information visit www.ukna.net or telephone 020 7329 0774

Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Britain in Bloom has grown into the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. Every year, hundreds of communities are involved, from tiny rural villages to the largest cities, all bringing a great deal of horticultural skill and huge enthusiasm to one common aim: to regenerate local
environments, both locally and nationally, by the imaginative planting of trees and shrubs, flowers and landscaping and by dealing with local environmental issues, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

For advice on how to enter the Britain in Bloom competition and for more details of the campaign visit www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom/index.asp or for access to the wide range of services and advice from the RHS visit www.rhs.org.uk or telephone 020 7834 4333