I was always taught not to discuss religion and politics. It was to avoid heated debates or even arguments
as people have strong feelings on these subjects. However I have woken up this morning to the
news that the conservatives have a majority and will be in power for another
five years. I cannot just sit here and not speak up anymore.
This is the first election in my life that I have actively promoted
voting for anyone who would help to get the Tories out and especially Labour as
it seemed the only real option in England. And Labour was the only party to actually
knock on my door and spend time discussing my opinion of the issues.
Don’t get me wrong; I totally respect the democratic system
and the fact people can choose to vote for which they think will benefit the
country the most. But looking at the
evidence, how can those who voted Tory really understand what they have voted
for?
I have worked in the charity sector since 2002. So I have seen how charities function under
both Labour and Conservative governments. Let me say this loud and clear. The conservatives have made people’s lives
worse. I have worked with those with
physical disabilities, learning disabilities, Mental Health issues, visual and
sensory impairments, long term illnesses and terminal illnesses. I have personally seen and heard the stories
of how people are truly suffering under the coalition. Some were so desperate
they were on the phone to us for hours, crying and not knowing where to turn. No wonder some chose to take their own lives.
It is a heart-breaking situation.
Two of the charities I have worked for have folded recently
under the coalition. This is due to a
lack of funds – and not because the work is not required. With the social services departments under
more pressure than ever and unable to provide the correct level of support, the
vulnerable in our society really do need a voice. I have always felt strongly about everyone
needing an advocate now and again and working in this field has given me a real
sense of job satisfaction. The reason I
think there are a lack of funds for charities are complex but a few suggestions
are as follows:
·
The Big Society – yes remember that? How people were going to give their time for
free to help others? Well all those
volunteers need training, guidance and sometimes a DBS check (that used to be a
CRB). Volunteers do need managing. We do not want to go back to the 1970s where
no one was checked and we leave the vulnerable open to abuse.
·
Children in Need / Lottery – these are charities
but exactly what do they do? They get
your money off you very easily because they are big and promoted on national
TV. But they don’t deliver any services
other than distributing your money. So
now all those small local charities that used to get your money do not get it. They struggle to shout about the good work
they are doing. And most cannot afford a
professional fundraiser. So the big
charities get bigger and the small charities fold.
·
Austerity – yes people are poorer. People
struggle to eat. Struggle to buy their
kids new shoes. People are struggling. So we cannot expect them to give to charity
when they cannot afford to eat. The
British are some of the most generous people in the world for giving to charity
but if they can’t afford to do it – who will?
I have personally been made redundant twice in the last two
years. Working in the charity sector
means there is always a lack of money. The money has to work twice as hard to make a
difference. I still feel passionately
about helping others, but even I have to pay my mortgage. I will take a job wherever I can get one – but
my heart lies in the charity sector. If
you are a charity who needs an experienced and passionate volunteer manager –
contact me!
But this blog is not about my asking for a job. It is about those who need our support and
compassion. The conservative party lack
compassion and really only care about the rich getting richer. They are happy to watch people live on the
streets as they cannot afford their mortgage or high private rents. They are happy to take benefits off of those
who cannot work to the point of starvation. They are happy to watch people go to food
banks. Is this a Britain to be proud of?
Is this Great Britain? It’s not great at all!
And finally when you thought things couldn’t get worse,
Katie Hopkins will not be leaving the country as Labour didn’t win the
election. She is a good example of what
is really wrong with the attitude of those who voted for the conservatives.
Today is a day that I am truly disappointed in those who
chose not to vote. Anyone who says ‘one
vote won’t make any difference’ are so wrong. We need change. We need everyone to help us make this country
a place where people want to live. A
place to be proud of. A Great Britain.
