There has been quite a bit mentioned about The Big Society recently.
In essence this means power transported away from Government right
down to community level.

It is about liberating social capital to unleash community spirit -
empowering local charities and voluntary groups to do what they do
best - without government or bureacracy getting in the way.

On Thursday, I mentioned that charities Minister Nick Hurd was coming
to town to see Harlow's Big Society alive and well.

It was a very successful visit, as the Minister met with local
councillors, and a range of community bodies including Rainbow
Services, Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, Harlow Multi-faith forum
and members of the Harlow Youth Council (including a visit to the
Youth Cafe).

The purpose of his visit was not just to see the strength of the Big
Society in our town, but to also urge the Minister to consider Harlow
in the next wave of support from the national Big Society project.
This would involve support for extra community organisers and some
funding to strengthen some community projects.

It was a successful visit, which included the launch of Harlow Council
Big Society Team and new Harlow Big Society Website.

This website is well worth looking at closely, as it sets out Harlow
Council's commitment to the Big Society and support for vibrant
community organisations.

As the website states, the role of the Harlow Big Society is as follows:

"Harlow Council has launched its own Big Society Team and is working
together with Rainbow Services to take forward a range of services and
initiatives that reflect Government aims to build strong, involved
communities where people have a say in local decision making; where
public services are opened up to new providers like charities and
social enterprises and where social action and volunteering
opportunities are encouraged and supported".


by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com