Have Your Say
“What’s the point? They don’t listen anyway!”
“They” actually do listen and, sometimes they can and are able to do something about it. The way the message is presented can help get the point across. A good example is the consultation conducted by the 50+ Forum over the Council budget cuts and how the impact could be mitigated. See the details here.
The Caerphilly 50+ Forum is an independent platform for people aged 50+ in Caerphilly County Borough to “get their voices heard” on issues that are important to them. One of the key ways that the 50+ Forum can help improve the lot of the older residents of Caerphilly Borough is through consultations or lobbying on their behalf. Both entities depend on being able to demonstrate significant membership support.
Digital Lobbying
Digital Lobbying, a particular form of lobbying, is an innovative lobbying format. The Caerphilly 50+ Forum digital lobbying project gives local people the opportunity to make a short 2-minute ‘film’ that can be used to campaign and lobby on issues that matter to them. Examples and how you can find out more about getting involved are here, along with digital story telling.
Local Issues
If you have ever been frustrated at the inability to get a pothole filled or a hedge cut back so that you can walk along the pavement you might like to visit FixMyStreet. You can report issues such as graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving slabs or street lighting. They send it to the Council on your behalf and it stays in public view until its fixed.
You might also be interested in exploring their parent organisation MySociety. You will find there “WhatDoTheyKnow”, where you can make or browse freedom of information, and “TheyWorkForYou”, where you can keep tabs on UK MPs.
The following links might prove useful to people looking to lobby, campaign or get their voices heard on issues that matter to them.
Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC)
Caerphilly County Borough Council has a website detailing local councillors contact details and committees and consultations that you can input into.
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, is an independent voice and champion for older people across Wales, standing up and speaking out on their behalf. She works to ensure that those who are vulnerable and at risk are kept safe and ensures that all older people have a voice that is heard, that they have choice and control, that they don’t feel isolated or discriminated against and that they receive the support and services they need. The Commissioner’s work is driven by what older people say matters most to them and their voices are at the heart of all that she does.
Details of the work they do, such as the Residential Care Review, can be found on the website. http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/Home.aspx
Central Government:
https://www.gov.uk/
The websites of all government departments and many other agencies and public bodies have been merged into GOV.UK.
Here you can see all policies, announcements, publications, statistics and consultations.
Friends of the Earth
If environmental issues concern you the following link is the hub for various campaigns. Some campaigns will assist you in contacting your MEP to get your voice heard.