In my last blog I talked about freedom of speech and the right to have your voice heard and your views expressed in an open and laudable way. This is something that we as British citizens see as normal, and in many places across the country it is the voice of the people that has helped things to change and improve, and to build a place that is theirs; a place where people can live and work and choose as their home.
I know I’ve said it many times, but we really are fortunate in Wiltshire, to live in a place that has strong and supportive communities; a place where people do come together consistently to take action, make positive things happen, and to help one another. I could provide countless examples of this, but you will already be aware of the many events and activities that take place; from local events and festivals, to litter picking to target those awful hot spots, to participation in group activities such as walking or cycling, or joining one of the hundreds of clubs that offer companionship, the sharing of hobbies, and the time and opportunity to build relationships, make friends, establish contacts and be part of a thriving local community.
It takes years to build these communities. These are places that can, and do, embrace new people and change and opportunities. It usually involves the drive and energy of those people that naturally galvanise community spirit and they organise what’s needed. They’re the people that make things happen, they get things done, and we all know someone where we live, or work, that is such a person.
It is these communities that can cope and can continue to thrive, even in the worst of times. Just recently the whole country was both shocked and affected by the dreadful event of the Grenfell Tower incident. It was sad beyond belief and I cannot begin to imagine the impact on those directly involved in this tragedy. The community of North Kensington was devastated by its loss and by the impact of what happened to their people and their place, and its spirit was visibly broken.
There is no doubt that it needs to rebuild and recover. Inevitably this will take time, and plans and actions have to be discussed and agreed. The local community needs to come together; to talk, to share stories, to grieve and most importantly to be heard and supported in focusing on its future.
I am pleased to have been asked by Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid to be on a new independent taskforce to support the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council to work with the local community to develop a long term recovery plan.
Wiltshire’s track record and reputation for effectively engaging and working with diverse local communities was, in part, the reason why I was asked to take on this important role.
In difficult and adverse times often one of two things can happen; either people retrench and disconnect, or they fight to make things better.
There is no doubt that the North Kensington community needs to come together to discuss and decide on the actions that are needed to rebuild their homes, their place and to shape a community that will be a legacy to those who lost their lives and to those that are suffering from the life changes they now face.
I hope that in Wiltshire we never see such an event, and that we won’t ever suffer the scale of devastation and loss that they have. What happened affected the very heart of their community; and I hope that those people who do motivate and encourage that unique spirit will be at the forefront in helping with the rebuilding and recovery process.
As I’ve said before we live in an unpredictable world, and events that happen can take us by surprise. In my view, now is the time to become stronger, to help each other and to support both those who need it most.
I hope that what we have established and learnt in Wiltshire over many years of working with our communities will go some way towards helping the North Kensington community to become even stronger and to talk about what it needs, and most importantly to build a positive future out of such a tragedy.
Jane
