Many thanks to everyone who completed our member needs survey over the summer. We are doing a further bit of work to explore the findings a little more before we present them back to you, but the exercise has been extremely useful to help shape our services and support offer. One of the most important, probably THE most important area we are seeking to do more upon is with regard to Climate Action.
When we undertook our State of the Sector analysis in early 2023, only around 10% of you were engaged in Climate Action which was a bit worrying if I am honest. So, I was really heartened that over half of you knew this was now an area of focus for us and over 70% were interested in doing more in your own charity, community group or social enterprise. That is one reason we started the Staffordshire Green Network, so that anyone could take their first steps on action for climate and nature, whether or not it is your main focus; in fact especially if it is not your main focus. For organisations based in the north of the county and Stoke-on-Trent, you may be especially interested in knowing more about our partnership work led by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust in the Trent Valley, building upon the past five years working in the southeast of the county.
Perhaps though you just don’t know what you don’t know, or feel uninspired or daunted by it all? If so, I would urge you to take the time to attend the Midlands Climate Expo, run by the amazing Globe Group CIC from our very own Uttoxeter, this is a big event where you can find your angle, make connections and feel motivated to act – as I write tickets remain free and available here. Support Staffordshire will be there, and I look forward to seeing you.
Two quick updates – I previously discussed the recent unrest and want to assure you that partners are working behind the scenes on what actions now need to take place to ensure this never happens in Staffordshire again. I also previously promised an update on contact with new MPs. This is a little slow, but we are making some steady progress, and initial meetings are in the diary with several now, though Lichfield and Cannock Chase have been quiet (so give them a nudge if you know them). I hope to provide further updates in the coming months.
Garry Jones (he/him)
Chief Executive
Support Staffordshire
