Following on from this conclusion, would it be possible to set up an organisation to use under-employed people's available free time to fill part of the gap commonly known as Care in the Community?
The lack of funds available means that the organisation should arrange to be self-supporting. This implies payment for services from those who can afford it, but those who cannot pay must still be catered for.
During 1994, by leafletting some streets and following up by 'doorstepping' we proved that volunteers can be found in most areas. Some people needed to be paid and where tasks required the use of skilled traders these must also be paid for.
A 'not-for-profit' company Citizen Link (limited by guarantee) was set up in March 1995 and we set about forming local groups in areas of Southampton, and so far finance is a struggle but not a serious problem.
The plan is to encourage the formation of local groups which will develop into centres of community activity, assisting the development of helpful services and providing worthwhile occupations and social events for those wishing for more contact with other people.
Being mindful of the shortage of funds available to local government, social services and charitable organisations, part of the endeavour is to prove that this type of enterprise can be started and operated with a minimum of capital.
Further services will be offered when the basic services are operating successfully. Some of these services will relate to the repair and recycling of goods and equipment, leading to training and work opportunities.
In most areas we found more volunteers willing to help others than 'clients' needing help. This created the problem of maintaining the interest of volunteers when not required to assist clients. This problem was only partly solved by running social events in an attempt to keep local groups in contact.
The next task is to tackle more deprived areas where we expect to find a higher proportion of clients but also fewer volunteers.
The shortage of volunteers able and willing to carry out 'doorstepping' is a serious constraint on progress.
One of the possible solutions currently being tried is to persuade the local university that they should get involved with this project as an area of research vital to communities throughout the UK. It would also be instructive for students, particularly sociology students, to meet and help to overcome practical problems in this field.
Comments and suggestions are welcomed and those interested are invited to contact: Ian Bingham-Hall, Citizen Link, 73 Glen Eyre Road, Bassett, Southampton S016 3NN (tel: 01703 769 099).
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