Posts Tagged ‘charity’
Bedford’s Consortico is pointing the way forward
Posted by Richard | Filed under Bedford & Kempston
Caroline Spelman & Richard Fuller with Dawn Giles from Bedford Creative Arts and Nick Gibson from Sight Concern
When Caroline Spelman, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities visited Bedford, I wanted her to meet with the people leading Consortico.
I am a big fan of Consortico – a new initiative by local charities that serve our community in Bedford, Kempston and the villages. Consortico helps the charities to work together to bid for public sector contracts more efficiently and effectively than they could if they operated individually.
The effectiveness of charities in helping people in need is well known, but because they are so careful with their money, charities often have limited resources available to prepare all the paperwork and administration necessary to bid for local and national government contracts. As a result, they often miss out on opportunities to extend their good work and we, the people, miss out on their skills, care and compassion.
I believe Consortico is on to a big idea – and they deserve our encouragement and support for a new idea that in the future we could be proud to say “Started and Based in Bedford”.
Sports Relief Run
Posted by Richard | Filed under Community Relations
Richard at the run for Sports Relief in Bedford Park
I took part in the Sports Relief Mile at Bedford Park on Sunday, running 3 miles in a disappointing time, but enjoyed the event immensely.
It’s great that people are willing to give up their time for such a great cause. The turnout was fantastic and the event organisers did a really good job of cheering us on as we went along – it really helped motivate me to do another lap!
As for my time – well let’s just say, I don’t remember the Park being so big when I was a kid running around.
A time to consider those who sleep rough – and those who work hard to help them
Posted by Richard | Filed under Housing
The King’s Arms Project held their biennial “Sleep Out” on Friday to raise awareness of the problems for people who have to sleep rough on our streets here in Bedford and Kempston. On this topic, as on others, The King’s Arms church is dedicated, knowledgeable, caring and inspiring. Their leadership is providing help and insight to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
In her talk, Ali Inwood, CEO of the King’s Arms Project, mentioned how important it was to recognise that every instance of a person sleeping rough is an individual story, with an individual history of events and circumstances that has led that person to the need to sleep rough.
The volunteers of King’s Arms make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. I hope the next Government can encourage them to do even more to help.
