Basildon Borough More In Common group have an aim of reducing social isolation for the most vulnerable in their borough. Their group is made up of 8-10 people and they enjoy meeting and putting on events in their local area. Recently they joined Mayfest in Basildon’s central community point, the Town Square. Charities and community organisations came together to raise awareness about what they do, connect with new organisations, enjoy a day of building relationships and finding out about what is available. The festival was attended by a range of organisations including Pride, Basis – a charity for the blind, Disability and youth organisations to name a few.
Basildon Borough More in Common group were spreading Jo’s ‘more in common’ message and talking about The Jo Cox Foundation’s work. They were also raising awareness of their More in Common One Stop Shop that people can use to find local charities and services.
Chris Lovell from Basildon Borough’s More in Common group attended Mayfest and commented:
“There was fantastic community engagement. New relationships were formed with the public and between organisations. New groups signed up to the one stop shop which will increase participation and opportunities at future events.”
Basildon Borough’s More In Common group are organising a Great Get Together on June 25 at a local church that has donated the space for free for the day. There will be food and entertainment from local groups, this creates a great opportunity to give something back to local volunteers as well as providing opportunities for organisations to perform. Entertainment on the day will include La Danse Fantastique, a long-standing performing arts school that encourages diversity and inclusion with special needs and mixed abilities, getting to express themselves through music, dance and a variety of shows.
This More in Common group is lucky enough to have a member from Basildon’s Citizens Volunteer Service which provides an excellent platform to recruit volunteers for events and to promote opportunities. They also connect with the NHS who can offer First Aiders at events and much more.
Working in partnership with your local Citizens Volunteers Service can be very beneficial and Basildon Borough’s More in Common group would recommend it to other groups.
Basildon More In Common group will also be taking part in Basildon Pride in September. Make sure to keep an eye on the Basildon’s More In Common website for more news of these amazing events.