Key Takeaways:
- Citizens UK is a charity that brings people and communities together to build a better, fairer society.
- The organization has achieved several "wins" in North Shields, including improving mental health services for children, reducing bus fares for young people, and cleaning up local parks.
- Community organizers and local residents have worked together to address issues such as racism, dog poo, and lack of amenities, demonstrating the power of collective action.
- The charity’s approach emphasizes the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of local people, particularly those who may feel marginalized or excluded.
- By working together, community members can create positive change and build a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Introduction to Citizens UK
The snow may be patchy and dirty, but the sense of community and hope is palpable as Father Chris Hughes, a Catholic priest, leads a group of 25 people on a Walk of Hope around North Shields. The walk is a chance to showcase the successes of Citizens UK, a charity that is one of five organizations supported by this year’s Guardian charity appeal. Citizens UK is all about bringing people and communities together to build a better, fairer society, and the walk highlights the impact that collective action can have on local issues.
The Power of Community Action
One of the first stops on the walk is the local Camhs (children and adolescent mental health services) centre, where three students from St Thomas More high school – Lily, Maggie, and Brionna – explain how they worked with Citizens UK to improve mental health services for young people. They wanted a full-time school counsellor and a more welcoming Camhs centre, and through meetings with local politicians and NHS leaders, they achieved not only a counsellor for their school but also a commitment to hire 8,500 mental health professionals in schools across England. This is a remarkable example of how young people can effect change when given the opportunity to speak out and be heard.
Tackling Racism and Division
As the group walks through the Meadow Well estate, they pass by St George’s flags and graffiti that reads "RULE BRITTANIA" – a stark reminder of the tensions and divisions that exist in the community. Father Chris Hughes notes that immigrants are often scapegoated for problems that are not of their making, and that this can lead to confrontation and violence on the streets. However, he also emphasizes the importance of community organizers like Sara Bryson, who works with Citizens UK to bring people together and build a more compassionate and inclusive society. By listening to and amplifying the voices of local people, Citizens UK aims to create a more just and equitable community.
Making a Difference in Local Lives
The walk also highlights the impact that Citizens UK has had on local lives, from reducing bus fares for young people to cleaning up parks and improving amenities. Mish Sony, a former student at St Thomas More, explains how she and her friends worked with Citizens UK to introduce a Get Around for a Pound scheme, which offers single fares for a pound on the bus and metro up to the age of 21. This has made a huge difference for young people in the area, who can now afford to travel to school and other activities without breaking the bank. Similarly, Wendy McConnell, who runs a group called MumsSpace, worked with Citizens UK to clean up Alexander Scott park, which was previously a no-go area strewn with litter and dog poo. The park is now a safe and welcoming space for local families to enjoy.
The Importance of Community Organizing
As the walk comes to a close, it is clear that community organizing is at the heart of Citizens UK’s approach. By bringing people together and amplifying their voices, the charity is able to create positive change and build a more compassionate and inclusive society. Father Chris Hughes emphasizes the importance of reimagining democracy and putting people at the heart of decision-making, rather than allowing division and hate to take hold. As the group gathers for tea and biscuits, it is clear that this is a community that is committed to working together to build a better future for all. By supporting charities like Citizens UK, we can help to create a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
