The Big Society

1. Getting to Grips with the Big Society event

The Voluntary Sector Network has teamed up with Dosti and national charity Urban Forum to run Getting to Grips with the Big Society. This FREE event will take place on Wednesday 22 September and is for voluntary, community and faith groups across Dudley, and Urban Forum members from across the region.

Click here for information and booking details. Places MUST be booked in advance.

2. Big Society online chatter

I have been regularly scanning Big Society information posted on websites, blogs, twitter and so on. Websites and links which I found interesting or useful have now been added to a new Big Society page on Dosti's website.

Dosti volunteer Richard Jarrott is also scouring the internet for useful and interesting Big Society information and is provding a regular bulletin for anyone who subscribes. Click here to read the first bulletin. Click on the join our mailing list link near the bottom of this email to sign up to receive our Big Society bulletins directly.

I'm also blogging every now and again, with Big Society being a thread in my thinking. If you can access blog sites and are interested you'll find me at www.lornaprescott.blogspot.com.

3. Big Society down the pub!

Recognising that good discussions take place offline too, I'm offering to bring copies of the best Big Society information to informal discussions at the pub or in community settings. I'd also like to hear from you about what you know about Big Society, what you'd like to know, what you think the opportunities and threats are.

If you'd like to come along for a chat about Big Society I'll be downstairs in the Brewer's Wharf on the Waterfront in Brierley Hill on Thursday 2 September and Tuesday 14 September, from 12.30pm. Do let me know if you're thinking of coming along. There is a pay and display car park and they will refund your parking when you buy a drink or food. Food is reasonably priced with lots of 2 for 1 offers.

I'm happy to travel further afield in October, and do have either lunchtime or after work conversations. Please get in touch if you want to jointly arrange something.