Well, it’s finally arrived – the last day of the campaign. I can’t quite believe this day has come, it feels like it has been on the horizon forever.
For me it has been a whirlwind of visits to some really fantastic social action projects, which have all given me an insight into how committed and enterprising us Brits can be. This is especially when it comes to rallying around to solve some of society’s most difficult issues.
Whether it’s the Passage Homeless Centre in London, Caring for Life in West Yorkshire, the Lads and Girls Club in Bolton, or Bookdonors in Selkirk, each employee, whatever their role, seems to go the extra mile to ensure their organisation makes that vital difference.
During the campaign I’ve chatted to volunteers and staff from community groups, charities, community interest companies and social enterprises and have learnt a lot about how they differ in terms of funding and how they are run.
To be honest, the jargon was sometimes confusing for a novice like me, but once I cut through it I realised that what’s important is the passion, flexibility and risk-taking nature of these social action projects. They seem to be very reactive and can turn things around quickly to provide help where it is most needed.
The most important lesson I learnt from my Social Action tour was that local people do have the solutions and the appetite to solve local issues is huge – the Big Society can become a reality. In fact, I was reading earlier today that a PoliticsHome survey found the majority of people (55%) would like more community involvement in improving the quality of life in Britain, and only 20% said they would not have the time to get involved.
A number of civil society organisations have signed a letter to support the role that Social Action and civil society plays now and should play in the future. They definitely have my support too.
Thanks for reading my Social Action blog posts over the past few weeks. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.
( 13 comments ) Tags: Big Society, civil society, Social Action
Comment by Brian on May 5, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Just wanted to say how well Mrs C has done in the campaign, you will make a great First Lady! Good Luck!
Comment by Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson on May 5, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Finally decided what party to vote for. I am voting conservative.
Comment by Carol Simms on May 5, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Just a quick note to wish you all well -and hope that you will win.
All the hard work Mrs C and other members have put in to keep us up-to date and let us contact our “Party” gives me the confidence to know that my vote counts:
I am not just a tiny cog in a wheel and that the people of this Country, their thoughts and comments are important to you.
Comment by Linda Partridge on May 6, 2010 at 8:41 am
Hi to you both from Australia, I think today is going to be a good day for the Cameron family and an even better one for the U.K.
I wish you and your family good luck for the election and hope your move into No. 10will be a smooth one.
I will be watching as an ex pat to celebrate
Comment by Norman Webster on May 6, 2010 at 10:14 am
I passionately believe we can all make a difference where we live – roll on The Big Society. Step one is to get out there and vote Conservative today!
Comment by Elizabeth Price on May 6, 2010 at 10:30 am
Go Sam and David, make Britain ‘Great’ again!!!
Comment by Radu Prisacaru on May 6, 2010 at 11:11 am
Fantastic blog. Keep on rockin, Radu Prisacaru – UK Internet Marketer & Web Developer
Comment by Lauren and Molly on May 6, 2010 at 12:26 pm
You are a role model and an inspiration to us all! All our fingers are crossed for you today!
lots of love xx
Comment by Michelle on May 14, 2010 at 9:30 am
Firstly, Good luck and what a refreshing change to have the Conservatives back in charge.
I was wondering if anyone can help on this UK Social issue. I watched a programme last night on Channel Four called ‘How the Other Half Live’ and it really moved me. There was a young boy called Kieran who was 12 and he lived in a two bed house with 7 other family members. He went to school with pumps that had a hole in the bottom and let the rain in. It really moved me and I turned to my partner and said I would love to sponsor a child in the UK, as there are lots of charities abroad where you can sponsor children but none in the UK. I Googled it and nothing comes up. I would set aside £500 – £1000 per year to help a child like Kieran and I think a lot more people would do this if such a charity exists. Hope you can help
Comment by Cameron Bishop on May 16, 2010 at 9:54 am
Just following on from Michelle’s comment:
The only charity in this area that operates throughout the UK would be Barnados – see the link:http://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do.htm
Hope this helps.
Comment by Mick on May 18, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Congrat on victory, and I hope that you will build the big society. For too long government has interferred in too much and devolving power to indviduals is the way forward.
Though I would ask that can we have a big society when we have such things as the BBC a undemocratic and anti-business organisation.
Comment by James Abraham on May 20, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Congratulations to you both, I sent an congratuy email to the Downing Street I am not a Conservative supporter or an Anti Tory and did not vote Conservative in the election it was my first election, and hope things turn out allright with the new baby, congratulations again on everything and sincerely with the best of luck to you both.
Best Wishes and Regards
James
Comment by Michelle on May 25, 2010 at 7:02 pm
Thanks Cameron. I will have a look into that website.