Gordon Praises Blackpool Voluntary Groups
Gordon has praised the activities of voluntary groups in Blackpool and underlined the need for their links and support with other public statutory organisations after visits to events highlighting their work in the town with disability and young people support groups.
Gordon, who is standing for re-election as Blackpool South’s MP, attended the AGM of Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Motor Neurone Disease Association and met and chatted with members and Dr Brian Dickie, national director of Research.
He was also among the guests at the latest presentation at Blackpool football club of the work done by The Princes Trust with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service with groups of Young People in Blackpool. The presentation featured the personal development and work done by twelve young volunteers aged 17 to 25, in working on a project for Donna’s Dream House and helping them gain skills, literacy and other qualifications.
Gordon said, ‘both of these initiatives touch on things I’ve focused on as a local MP – carer support and campaigns for people with disabilities – of which Motor Neurone Disease is one of the most challenging and cruel – and skills and qualifications, particularly for young people, as chairman of Parliament’s all-party skills group.’
‘They highlight both the fantastic work done by voluntary groups in the town, and the personal stories of transformation the young people gave and their work on one of our most inspirational local initiatives Donna’s Dream House was very moving. But they also show how their support by statutory groups are key as well, the fantastic work of Lancashire Fire Service in backing the Prince’s Trust projects, the importance of Motor Neurone carers and those affected getting their voice heard by local NHS and social services.
I was pleased to hear how MND had been consulted in the new National Care Strategy the Government’s put forward which I support. I’ve pledged to continue the involvement I’ve had with them as we spell out how that involvement will work.’
The message I think from these examples is clear – both public and statutory bodies and the voluntary sector need each other. Government, local or national, can’t just abdicate its role and say, ‘you’re doing a wonderful job, get on with it.’ Voluntary groups need public bodies support –practical and financial and that’s why I will continue to back those links if re-elected.
There’s a big debate on these issues between the parties but I believe partnership is the key, and not just expecting voluntary groups to do core work for which after all we all pay our taxes to Government.’
