10,000 Stories, what a novel idea!
What is 10,000 Stories and why Herefordshire?
Through 10,000 Stories we are engaging with Herefordshire’s communities to hear their views about the county. We’re asking them, what works well in Herefordshire, what one thing they would change and why. Their views, opinions and stories will help shape change for communities and individuals, bringing about both social mobilisation and action with the help of the newly emerging Citizens Alliance Herefordshire. We are working in partnership with a number of different agencies to bring about a wider change to the county, ensuring that people are part of the solution and that the power lies at the grass roots.
Herefordshire is a wonderful county with a real sense of community. We have a strong, vibrant and diverse range of people, communities and businesses. This county might be small in size but mighty in community spirit! And it’s this community spirit that we want to capture.
Who is involved in this initiative and what is Citizens Herefordshire?
We are delighted to be working with an organisation called Citizens UK and they are helping us to build a Citizens Alliance and carry out community organising across the county. Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse, and most effective people-powered alliance. They’re bringing together everyday people and local organisations to build a better, fairer society.
We are also working in partnership with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, community organising and action is at the very heart of what they do. Perfect partners for delivering the first Citizens Herefordshire!
Tell us more about community organising
The best changes can be made through the method of community organising, bringing people together to win change. This means building community-led solutions to big and small problems, that work for everyone.
Through community organising, we can work together to make change on the issues that matter, from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign.
We know everyday people can shape the world around them and together we put the power back into people’s hands to hold those responsible to account.
By building positive working relationships between communities, elected power-holders and businesses, we make sure everyone is heard and no one is left out. This is how we shift the balance of power, helping people come together across their differences, find common ground and win change.
To achieve this we work with people who are part of civil society organisations (such as schools, universities, faith institutions, charities and unions) to connect them to other organisations in the area, who work together to make change.
We would love you to get involved! Your organisation can join Citizens UK as a member, or if your organisation is already a member, you can get involved as part of your local chapter, Citizens Herefordshire, straight away.
Are there any examples of where this initiative has been successful, what change did it bring for communities?
There have been some huge successes and these have happened on both a national and local level.
National
- Living Wage Campaign - Launched by Citizens UK in 2001, the Living Wage campaign has won over £2 billion of additional wages, lifting over 300,000 people out of working poverty.
Local chapters
- In Lewisham, leaders ran a listening campaign in 2013 bringing to light one clear shared issue – affordable housing. This led to winning the first Community Land Trust in London that has been created by the community and developed 11 permanently affordable homes at Citizens House.
- In Birmingham, there was the creation of bespoke mental health support for 16- and 17-year-olds. Along with re-settling 550 Syrian Refugees in the city in response to the civil war. Last but not least, they grew the Living Wage in the region to over 500 accredited organisations – which put £25 million in the pockets of workers across the region last year.
- The Somerset chapter has been working hard and have campaigned on ‘Fair Fares’ for young people on buses. Secured a commitment from Somerset West and Taunton Council to accredit as a Living Wage employer and are working with Somerset County Council to improve pay and conditions for care workers.
We really want to bring this community spirit and opportunity for change to Herefordshire.
How would you like the people of Herefordshire to get involved?
There are 2 ways we would love you to get involved! We have recently launched our 10,000 stories campaign, we are collecting 10,000 stories from people across the county. These stories are going to help the local chapter, Citizens Herefordshire, understand what people would like to see changed and why. This will form the foundation for change and your story could make it happen.
There are a number of ways you can tell us your story, keep an eye out for our postcards and post boxes in a number of places across the county.
Come and talk to us! We would love to see and hear from you at our Chatty Van, the first mobile Public Living Room where you can grab a brew and tell us what you would like to change.
Like our Facebook page and find out more information on where we are going to be this autumn.
Last but not least! You can tell us your story online, from the comfort of your home or office… or anywhere at all!
What have you heard so far from the public?
We have had the most wonderful conversations and heard from people from all walks of life and across the county. Not only have people told us what they love about the county, they have also started to tell us very important things they would like to see changed. From transport, through to road safety in Weobley. Don’t forget how local chapters across the country have taken their local stories and made change happen!
When will the public find out the results of the survey?
We are hoping to have the findings of the survey in Spring 2025 and at that point, we can work with our local chapter, Citizens Herefordshire on making that change happen!
Join our team and help us collect 10,000 Stories
Would you like to help us collect the 10,000 Stories? We would love you to come and join our volunteer team of Wellness Watchers and be part of an even bigger change!
If you are reading this and are part of a civil society organisation (such as schools, universities, faith institutions, charities and unions), please be part of the first local chapter for Herefordshire and help us bring about that change. Please contact Simone Thompson to find out more.
