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
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