For the first time ever young people turned out in their droves to vote and have their say on the future of the country. Their awareness of the election was raised partly due to the use of social media to target messages directly so that they became engaged and motivated to take part and have their voice heard.
As a council we need to learn and consider how we use social media to communicate more with the young people in our communities.
Democracy is a truly wonderful thing and something we should never take for granted. I was pleased to see such a high turn out across the country and that more than 75% of Wiltshire voted demonstrating how seriously people take their right to vote.
This country promotes freedom of speech and this freedom is a real strength in Wiltshire where communities and individuals are actively encouraged to have their say on matters that impact on them. This can be anything and recently included where houses will be built in future years, where business growth is needed, and what road improvements need to be prioritised. Young people are invited to say what activities they want and need and how these can be best provided. It’s about taking responsibility and making the place we live – our community - part of us and a place where we invest our time and energy and where we can belong.
I wonder though how often any of us pause to consider this freedom?
The local BBC has been broadcasting stories of the refugees that have resettled in Wiltshire after fleeing war zones, atrocities and horror that many of us would never encounter in our lifetime. These people and families had no freedom, no opportunities, and there only focus was survival. And, many of them have survived, and are now thriving in local communities across the county. Wiltshire has embraced these people who sought solace and help and we have welcomed them wholeheartedly providing support, advice and the things they need to feel like they belong. Many are now in employment and the children have settled into schools and are growing up with the freedom that they deserve to express themselves. This integration demonstrates the unique qualities that makes Wiltshire one of the best counties in the country. We promote community, and we encourage people to come together and we know that diversity is what makes us stronger, more tolerant and in turn more interesting.
In today’s often unpredictable world we need to remember that everyone has something to offer and that together we can become stronger and more able to help each other.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to the communities affected by the awful tragedies in Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, and also to the regiment that lost two of its Tidworth soldiers during a recent training exercise in Wales.
The Grenfell Tower fire incident is one of the most shocking in recent history and we have to do all that we can to try and prevent anything like this happening again in the future. In Wiltshire we don’t have buildings of that size but we have undertaken checks across the county to make sure buildings are safe.
Last week saw the longest day (21 June) and a peaceful and spirited solstice welcoming of the sunrise at Stonehenge and Avebury. These annual events, which are steeped in history, demonstrate how communities are built over decades of investment from the people who live there and who welcome the new, the different, and the opportunities for the future. This community spirit comes to the fore in the event of a tragedy as we have seen over the past few difficult weeks.
But, it’s also about these communities having the courage to focus on opportunities and changes ahead. We need to look to the future and how we can help to make communities strong so that they are ready and able to cope with whatever may happen.
Our new plan for the next 10 years sets out how we will do this and I always like to hear what you think and welcome your feedback.
Jane
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