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Communities Suffer Due to ‘Think of Yourself’ Culture

New research reveals one in nine people blame the poor financial climate for creating a ‘think of yourself’ culture.
Finance, Home, Lifestyle - 29 July 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Maxine Norris| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

New research reveals that 80% of the population are satisfied with their local area as a place to live and 59% feel they belong to their immediate neighbourhood. Half of us (51%) believe our local community is important but despite this, 15% of people believe that the poor financial situation has had a negative impact on their community, with one in nine (11%) blaming it for creating a 'think of yourself' culture.

Charity and voluntary organisations have been hit hard. Financial confidence amongst voluntary organisations has dropped by 51% in two years and 85% of charity leaders expect that the economic conditions for voluntary organisations will continue to decline over the next year.

Natwest and RBS are helping locals contribute to their communities by creating the 'Community Fund' where local people can decide on projects or good causes for a share of £1.9 million.

. Introduction:

New research reveals that whilst our local communities are important to us, we feel that continuing financial pressures are having a negative impact on our neighbourhoods. The charitible, voluntary and local organisations that shape our communities have already been hit hard and many local groups are struggling to gain the financial support they often deserve.

How can we better support local organisations and projects?

Joining us in the studio is Maxine Norris from the RBS Community Fund.

. Suggested Questions:

How do people in our area feel about our local community?

What is the 'Community Fund' and why was it created?

What types of ideas are being suggested?

How can local people influence what project or good cause is chosen?

How will the nominated projects or good causes be chosen?

Where can we find out more information?