Our #PowerToChange community partners were delighted to spend time with Shockat Adam the newly elected independent MP for Leicester South when they met of Friday 20th September. The group were keen to hear how they could partner with Shockat to tackle key issues across our city.
Issues raised by the group included
- Lack of provision for young people, which could lead to them getting into trouble
- Insecure and unreliable funding for the voluntary sector
- Challenges around getting support for SEND young people
- Lack of joined up thinking , planning and action across business, public and community sector.
- Growing numbers of people young and old with mental health and wellbeing issues
- Digital exclusion
- Lack of affordable social housing
- Impact of public sector cuts on community wellbeing
The group felt grassroots community groups were often best placed to tackle these issues and offer support to vulnerable people. However, they can be overlooked, and decision making can exclude their input. So, all present were keen to partner with Shockat to have their voices and lived experience on the front line heard.
In response Shockat shared he had got involved in politics to give a voice to communities and to tackle the sorts of issues the group were talking about. He was keen to work with them to raise awareness and make a difference.
I see myself as being accountable to the community and want to work with you , taking forward action points for change, and I am happy to meet with you on a quarterly basis where the emphasis is on action for change
All present were encouraged by Shockat’s warm and friendly words:
Am feeling positive that we can partner together
Refreshing to hear a new voice who seems willing to listen and support
Its early days but feel positive and looking forward to partnering with Shockat
Really like the fact that he sees the MP as being accountable to their communities and not a party
Feels like the start of a very positive relationship
The group will continue to meet and offer each other support and when appropriate speak out with and on behalf of the young people and communities we support. Our central belief being that when people work together in creative and agile partnerships, across community, business and public sector, without “ego , silo or logo” great things are possible.
For more information on Shockat Adam https://shockatadam.org/
For more information on our #PowerToChange approach https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/our-approach/power-to-change/