Feeling like a social change imposter
Entering the world of social change and community action can be a daunting step. As someone new to the world of “getting involved”, guest blogger Joe Hartley reflects on the value of inexperience – and shares his top tips for making a difference.
Beyond Empower: supporting healthy, active lives for disabled people by transforming mainstream spaces and services
In this guest blog, Beyond Empower founder Ben Andrews tells us about their work to transform mainstream spaces, communities and leisure services so that they’re accessible to people with disabilities. By thinking differently about the barriers, Beyond Empower help providers, councils and businesses create services that everyone in the community can access and enjoy.
Unusual experiences?: Tackling the issue of closed cultures through storytelling
Mother and carer Eleanor September shares the experiences that led her to participate in Ideas Alliance’s recent project on Closed Cultures. Read about the uphill struggle she has faced to access person-centred care since her daughter was born at 24 weeks almost 28 years ago.
A year on: Are everyday people our new invisible trauma and loss workers?
Trainer Lourdes Colclough highlights an extraordinary new role being carried out by members of the community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: informal trauma and grief counselling. She tells us about the training being offered to those stepping up to fill gaps in formal mental health support.
A year on: still looking in
Inflammatory bowel disease Nurse Rachel Campbell reflects on her experience of working with patients during the pandemic: what’s changed, what’s here to stay and what the future holds.
Secret Musings of a Change Agent
Experienced change consultant and coach Kath Smythe tells us all about her new blog series where she talks to “some fabulous ordinary people who are really great at making change happen” to try and discover what it is that underpins their skill. It’s a must read!
What does the review exposing bullying and harassment at the NCVO say about the charity model and how can we change things?
In this guest blog experienced charity worker Bex Clarkson advocates for radical change and outlines the remedies she sees, from looking at the money, recognising resistance and not just swapping out the CEO.
Tackling Health Inequalities in Manchester: the impact of Covid-19 and what’s next
A story about what can be achieved in a crisis when your way of working is already, and always, driven by listening, building trust and collaboration from Winning Hearts & Minds programme, Manchester.
Exercising Citizenship Through Creativity Is More Important Than Ever
Paul Hine, Director at Made by Mortals explains how they’ve adapted during Covid-19 with innovative ways of working to keep helping people use their creativity to take an active role in society and bring about change.