Cohesive, sustainable communities

I've just returned from a very special consultation meeting run by the local council - a meeting to which a number of rate payers were invited to be part of the development of the strategic housing plan for the next 2 decades. We talked about the drivers for the changes in the housing market and what our views were on the issues.

Guess what? Community was high up on people's agenda. Personally, I emphasised the notion that, instead of merging primary schools, (which forces people into their 4x4's to take their kids to school) we should be making the investment into real 'village' style communities ,with modern schools and shops and community halls that will again attract mums (and some dads!) back to the habit of walking their children to school and meeting and, more importantly, enjoying the interaction with each other on the journey!

With so much 'modern' culture which now pervades our society and materialistic values replacing simple humanity towards each other, it will take a big effort to make this kind of change happen. It will need guts and true leadership and a long term view from our councils and government, businesses and community leaders, to drive and support and encourage.

Can we expect this to happen? Or will we see our leaders continue to take the simpler, short term economic decisions when it comes to town and community planning?

I would like to think that someone in power and influence will eventually see that the real economy is a 'social economy' that comes not from saving capital now, but from 'using' money for housing (jobs, etc.) in a strategic way to create a more stable, cohesive, sustainable and cost effective community in the future.

The socio-economic benefits of creating truly interactive neighbourhoods will far outweigh the immediate costs in simple monetary terms.

Some who read this will want to pick holes in what I have not said, such as the complications of modern working cultures, the internet, crime and antisocial behaviour and so on. They would be right to pick holes - and I would be naive to believe things could be so simple. But fixing the issues of today's society has to start with some basic human principles, and where we live and how we live is a big part of the long term solution.

All the lonely people

A few weeks back, there was a 'Despatches' documentary on CH4 about the shame of how we treat many of our senior citizens, especially those who are infirm and lonely. You may have seen it yourself.

Having a disabled and elderly mum myself, it struck a real chord with me and I wondered what we could do about this, after all, a truly Caring society could not let this happen - and especially to those to whom we owe so much. And equally as importantly, our society perhaps has more need than ever for the wisdom and experience to be passed on to our children.

Now, in spite of her age and disabilities, my mum lives a full life, has friends and manages to get out a lot. But I came away from that programme thinking that there must be many like the ones portrayed who would really like to have more friends and visitors and feel valued again.

I know a little about the fantastic work of organisations like 'Help the Aged' and 'Age Concern' , but I do not know if there is a scheme that links businesses and their staff to the many lonely people around the city. Imagine the power of such a scheme? In the last few days I have met some business people who want to be part of a scheme like this. I have committed to go out and see if there is such a thing. I could really do with some help.

Next week I will be meeting with one of the national charities who help older people and I hope to find out if my idea is practical.

What do you think? Please help.

Law of attraction

It seems that since I started to talk about Capital of Caring during 2007 that I come across people all the time with a like mind. Anyone who has read or seen 'The secret' would say, "Of Course! That's how it works!" Well, one such individual I have been working with in recent times is Gary Plunkett, life coach and business advisor.

Gary is a great believer in the healing power of love and spends time each year in Hawaii picking up tips, chilling out and soaking up the inspiration - as well as sun and cake!

I thought I'd use the blog to let everyone know that Gary facilitates inspirational evenings once a month in 3 cities - Manchester, Liverpool and Chester and, if you want to have a relaxing and fun time, with like-minded folks sharing some uplifting stories and experiences, then just go along.
Gary's contact email is gary@spiritofhawaii.co.uk or write to me at ed.g@caringabout.com

The next event in Liverpool is at 7:15pm at the Quaker meeting house in School Lane (just behind Radio Merseyside). I will be there, as will many others with lots of uplifting stuff to share.

(and if you want to know more about 'The Secret', ask me for the details.)

Liverpool Culture Company and City Council looking for "good neighbours"

Anyone spot this one in the newspaper and the radio the other day?

Sounds like one of many projects to be launched this year that are aimed at the same mission as ourselves. Will it make a difference? Well, I think it will. It will be a great success if lots of people get involved and we get a newspaper full of great stories on a regular basis. I hope that this happens. Maybe it would make an even bigger difference if it shared the same vision for our communities as the other good will schemes and projects being launched this year of Capital of Culture, 2008. That vision, of course, is our vision... the vision of Capital of Caring.

And I guess that this is really what distinguishes us from the other projects - we see a common, long term vision of a city where people choose to live and grow up.

Capital of Culture is a major urban regeneration project with a focus on 2008.
Capital of Caring is a low key, 'people' project that must last at least for a generation to make a difference. It is hard to achieve, because its aims are at the heart of culture. Equally, it's success cannot be claimed on the basis of new infrastructure and amenities, important though they are.

But, just like all projects, we must raise money if we are to meet our goals of supporting people and communities. So remember to point us at where you think we will find fnancial backing!

Culture of Caring

Back in July 2007 when we did a mini-launch at Radio Merseyside in front of an audience which included 2 or 3 city/borough councillors, we introduced a number of slogans, soundbites and so on. Appearing rather prominently on one of our 2 metre high 'banners' and on our website was the phrase 'Culture of Caring'.

It's pleasing to now hear that this same phrase is being used by some members of the Liverpool City Council in connection with the annual 'Carers Week' in June

WELCOME to our BLOG!

Let me start by thanking you for visiting.

When you have read the short description of our project at the top of the right hand column, please come back here to read the posts and to add your own stories and suggestions, your views on the project, or just comment (as constructively as you can) on what others have said.

Have a good life... and remember,
'we can all make a difference - we just have to believe it and act on it'. Please bookmark this blog and our website, and make a difference for Liverpool and Merseyside.

Ed Gilchrist
Founder, Capital of Caring

Also visit our website and forum on www.capitalofcaring.com
And if you want to help us just say so.... there are lots of ways to do this, from financial support (eg top right hand of this page) to offering your time or resources.