Who cares?
In our modern, fast-paced world, there can sometimes be a feeling that everything needs to be done yesterday. Consumers of all types of products and services understandably demand high levels of prompt, efficient service at all times. The internet has been the driving force behind this. It is now possible to get information quickly, at the click of a mouse, and then move on to the next task. If one company cannot provide a satisfactory service, you can switch to another.
What can often be forgotten amongst this constant flurry of activity is that, at the grassroots level, there is also a thriving voluntary sector where people give up much of their valuable time to help charitable organisations in their community.
As a local Member of Parliament, I try to support and publicise the voluntary sector in West Suffolk as best I can, because I know they do excellent work helping many of the most vulnerable people in our society. On a recent visit to the Haverhill Volunteer Centre, one of the dedicated organisers, Gaby, showed me a new initiative they were participating in called “caring cards”.
The 29 brightly coloured and humorous cards come in a special pack and cover a range of issues including disability, relationships, young people, substance abuse and many others. On the back of each one is a list of voluntary organisations which help deal with that particular area, complete with the contact number for the group.
I was so impressed by this new and innovative way of highlighting these services that I have made a short web video to help publicise this first class idea.
I hope it will encourage more people to help volunteer with their local group and also guide those who need help to find the best organisation to help them.
Volunteers are often the unsung heroes in our society and their work deserves to be applauded by us all. They fill the inevitable gaps in our welfare structures and without them, support services would crumble.
The video can be viewed on my website at www.richardspringmp.com