Page 7 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • January 2011 7
Big Society. What is it and how does it ‘fit’ into or around Swindon?

Bryan Hutchinson, chief executive at Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) in John Street, Swindon, the charity that provides the town’s
voluntary and community organisations with knowledge, training and resources, gives his take on the idea.
The Big Society, in my view, is one There is also micro volunteering, support from them and the Big permission to make things happen.
in which individuals feel big: big teams of work colleagues who do Lottery. Voluntary effort does cost: Also business can help by encourag-
in terms of being supported and everything from painting and gar- individuals need to be trained in ing and helping staff to volunteer.
enabled, being capable of creating dening to tidying a street of litter. the same way as paid staff, people What next? If you can help think
change in their neighbourhood. Nick Hurd MP, Minister for need specialist advice about a wide what needs to be done, get together
And Big Society is very much Civil Society, said recently: “Our range of issues from safety to first with others and make it happen.
alive in Swindon with between country faces a huge challenge in aid, and recruitment. They need VAS can help with advice on where
1,000 and 2,000 groups of all sizes reducing the public sector deficit. help with somewhere to meet, and to look for funds, printing leaflets
working on a multitude of projects Everyone has a role to play in ad- practical things like printing leaflets and publicising your activities.
and in most neighbourhoods. dressing this.” and creating web sites. See what we do at: www.vas-
At VAS we are delighted with the The danger for ‘volunteering’ Finally I do feel inspired by the swindon.org
contribution of many individuals is that public services are cut and idea of ‘your square mile’ where a We’re also close partners with
in Swindon who make the town a there may be an expectation that the few local individuals get together, Swindon Volunteers. If you need
better place to live, and I want to public can start doing these activi- decide what needs changing locally ideas on how you can contribute
say thank you for your contribution. ties for free. Fortunately Swindon and just get on and do it! your time and skills to an organisa-
Without your work Swindon could Council realises we need help and Clearly government can help by tion in 2011, contact them via www.
not function. VAS continues to receive financial minimizing red tape and giving us swindonvolunteers.org.uk

Free yourself from loan sharks

If the new year brings new worries about how to make ends meet, don’t be tempted to go to loan sharks. With repayment terms typically
as much as 1000 per cent, sometimes a lot more – a loan of £300 could see you paying £3,000 over the year.
Local Credit Unions, by contrast, rates or unachievable repayment no legal right to recover the debt.” the amount you’ve saved.
offer loans with a typical APR of periods. The penalty for defaulting is Kate Rowe, of Clivey Credit “One member told us that we’re
12.68 per cent, so repayments on a often intimidation or violence. Legal Union, explained the benefits of like family to her. Realising what we
£300 loan would total just £319.80. moneylenders have to be licensed belonging to a credit union. “Our can offer, she can see light at the
Alan Evans, of the South West by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) APR is 12.68% and we’re there end of the tunnel.”
Illegal Money Lending Team, said, and follow strict regulations. If you’ve to help you get back on your feet. For details of the Clivey Credit
“loan sharks may first come across borrowed money from an illegal When you’re in a position to be put- Union call 07905 636152.
as a friendly lifeline to those with source you’re under no legal obliga- ting even a tiny amount away each If you’re concerned about illegal
money worries but their victims can tion to repay the debt; if a lender is week, after saving for just 13 weeks money lenders contact the 24/7
be faced with extortionate interest not licensed by the OFT they have you can take out a loan at double hotline on 0300 555 222.

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