General Election: The Power of Political Engagement

With the date of the general election now set for the 4th July, the voices advocating for the most vulnerable in our society must grow louder. At Home for Good and Safe Families, we are today launching a general election campaign which seeks to live out Proverbs 31:8, ‘speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable’. In a landscape where political decisions shape the futures of countless lives, the upcoming election carries immense significance. We must amplify the voices and needs of children in care and families in crisis across the UK.

At the heart of our general election campaign lies a staggering statistic that the number of children in care across the UK has increased by 30% since 2010, meaning an additional 26,000 children are in care today than were 14 years ago. Behind each statistic lies a story, a life, and potential that deserves to be nurtured and protected. These are not just numbers; they are children longing for stability, safety, and a place to call home, and families who were not given the support they needed during their moment of crisis.

We're asking you to join our campaign by writing to your local parliamentary candidates to urge them to take action on behalf of children and families, and to work with us to write a different story for the next 5 years.

Why should you engage in political advocacy?

The answer is simple yet profound: because it makes a difference. In a democratic society, the power to influence change rests in the hands of people like you and me. By raising our voices, we can compel prospective parliamentary candidates (those standing for election in your area of the country) to prioritise issues that matter most of all, including the well-being of children in care and families in crisis.

Emailing prospective parliamentary candidates is a tangible way for individuals to participate in the democratic process. It allows constituents to communicate directly with those seeking to represent them in parliament, conveying their concerns, priorities, and expectations. In the case of children's social care, these emails serve as a powerful reminder to politicians of their duty as the ultimate corporate parent to thousands of children in care, and challenges them to act to serve and support families in need.

Write to your parliamentary candidates

But why specifically children in care and families on the edge of the care system?

The answer lies in recognising the unique challenges they face and the profound impact of political decisions on their lives. Children in care often experience instability, trauma, and a sense of displacement. Families on the edge of care suffer acute loneliness and struggle to access support services. Their futures are shaped by the policies enacted by those in power, making political advocacy even more critical.

At Home for Good and Safe Families we recognise the urgency of these issues. We work tirelessly to recruit more carers and volunteers to support children and families. Our general election campaign seeks to enable you to speak up on behalf of children and families, ensuring that their needs are not overlooked amidst the broader political discourse. By joining with hundreds and thousands of others taking action to email their prospective parliamentary candidates as part of this campaign, we aim to challenge and galvanize members of the next parliament to take action on behalf of vulnerable children.

When many individuals come together around a shared cause, their voices become stronger and their impact is magnified. In the run-up to the general election, the stakes are high, and the need for political engagement has never been greater. Every email sent, every voice raised, brings us one step closer to a future where we can find a home for every child who needs one and live in a society where no one feels alone.

Take action today by emailing your prospective parliamentary candidates by following the link below. It only takes 2 minutes to complete as we’ve made it as simple as possible for you to do. Simply use our template and select the roles / experiences you most identify with.


Write to the candidates standing for election in your area

A note for the Nations (Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)

Children's Social Care is a devolved responsibility, managed by Westminster in England and the Assemblies in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. However, the upcoming election will still have a substantial impact on children in care and families in crisis across the UK. The election results could influence budget distributions, and MPs across the UK can raise awareness and advocate for children and families at a UK-wide level. Their voices can drive broader conversations and policies, making it clear that children in care and families in crisis across the UK need greater support. We encourage everyone across the UK to engage in this campaign.

Author:
Sam Lomas


Date published:
28th May, 2024


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