B&NES Council has become the 50th organisation to sign up to a new campaign which aims to create a more compassionate society, empowering people to look after each other and their community.
Councillor Dine Romero, Leader of the council, with James Carlin, Director of 3SG
Compassionate Communities is a grassroots global social movement which recognises that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services but is everyone’s responsibility.
The aim of Bath and North East Somerset’s Compassionate Community, coordinated by 3SG, is to reconnect people to their own support network and the extensive community support available.
Organisations which sign up to the Compassionate Community Charter have agreed to:
- Promote the support available – for example linking people to community activities such as choirs and walking groups
- Support people to find out what is available – for example signposting to relevant services
- Inspire people to help themselves – for example encouraging people to build relationships with friends and neighbours
- Share information about their work and services across other sectors
- Encourage positive collaboration across Primary Care, the 3rd and public sector
- Work to ensure unmet need is addressed.
Councillor Dine Romero, who signed the Charter on behalf of the council, said: “Our purpose is to improve people’s lives and the Compassionate Communities campaign fits well within our own ethos and ambitions.
“It is important that we all practice acts of kindness across our communities whether that is in the workplace, with friends and family, or with strangers.
“No-one should feel lonely or helpless and creating an environment where people feel safe will ultimately make us all healthier and happier.
“We deliver a wide range of services and I want to ensure that aims of the Compassionate Community campaign are embedded within everything we do.
“In March we’ll be hosting our annual Community Awards celebrating amazing people and organisations who are selfless and put others first.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to thank those people who are practicing acts of kindness every day.”
James Carlin, Director of 3SG, said: “We are delighted that Bath & North East Somerset Council is the 50thsignatory on our Compassionate Community Charter.
“Our ambition is to nurture a grassroots social movement which recognises there are people and organisations supporting each other, who care and are available to step in as and when needed with support.”
If you or your organisation would like to get involved in Bath and North East Somerset’s Compassionate Community, email [email protected].
