Shouting loudly for urgent change…
Did you know that, as well as running front-line services supporting people in communities across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, a large part of our work also includes campaigning and advocating for change? Here, our director Patrick O’Dowd, explains more…
As a charity with a mission to end poverty, we’re committed to not only ensuring those people facing crisis are supported effectively so they can transform their lives with dignity, but also to loudly call for a better more just world too.
Tackling poverty isn’t simple. It requires a strategic, long-term and joined up approach both on a national and regional level. We know it’s not an easy thing to do, but our policy work and campaigns are rooted in our experience of accompanying people and listening to those who access our services.
We call for a better, more just world where the voices of people positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect people most in need. We want an equal and just society, and our work includes urging decision makers to hear the voices of those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination and – most importantly – acting upon what they hear too.
The concept of human dignity for all underpins everything we do. Our services are largely focused on helping children and families, those experiencing homelessness and people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK, as well as supporting people who are experiencing poverty or who are marginalised in other ways. This focus shapes all of our campaigns and our asks to those in a position to improve local people’s lives.
It’s unacceptable to us that many people are living in poverty across our diocese, are without a home, are sleeping rough or are excluded in other ways.
We outline on our website here – https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/about/policy-and-advocacy/ – our core policy and advocacy priorities and, while it’s not simple to solve many of the issues facing people across our communities in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, even the smallest positive actions can have an impact.
We’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks and months about how you can help take action where you live, but in the meantime, please do take a look at the key areas of priority, share our posts on social media or website news stories, and make a donation to help our work if you’re able. We also have a range of resources and toolkits to help you signpost people who may need help or give you ideas on ways you can support them in your area as well.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We can’t make change happen alone, but together, by taking small steps forward, we can hopefully open up a future where more people have more opportunities for a dignified, safe, secure and happy life.