My commitment to our Voluntary and Community Sector

Not many people know that my first job was working for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. I am therefore delighted that years later, as the Member of Parliament for South Shields, I am able to welcome people active in the 'third sector' to my website. Since I was elected last year, I've seen first hand some of the many achievements, often behind the scenes, that make a real and tangible difference to people in their community. Voluntary groups run by local people are the lifeblood of our community and I see them as being partners in the renewal of the Borough. Now as the MP I have had the pleasure of meeting and listening to the very people who tirelessly contribute so much to our living environment, often without recognition.

It is a recognised fact that the voluntary sector can often reach parts that public and private sector cannot. One size of policy certainly doesn't fit all problems. Being responsive to local need and possessing innovative but practical thinking are qualities of some of our most successful voluntary groups. The public and private service providers understand this, and with increasing numbers of partnerships between the sectors we have a genuine opportunity to play to everyone's strengths.

We have rightly moved beyond the days of 'Big Government knows best'. Since 1997 the Government has forged a new relationship with the voluntary sector, changed tax rules to encourage businesses to give to charities, involved groups in the design of public services and supported new initiatives to increase volunteering. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced an almost twofold increase of financial commitment for the voluntary sector between 2001-2004. £60 million alone is to be used to develop mentoring and to modernise infrastructure in voluntary and community organisations. We must build up our community institutions whilst retaining their ability to be 'light on their feet'. We must ensure that groups, including faith-based organisations, can become real partners of central and local government in delivering services.

Both my fellow South Tyneside MP Stephen Hepburn and myself know that the Government will back ideas to drive forward the necessary improvements to South Tyneside. I believe that a lot of the problems that might face us in the Borough can be solved by collective efforts and expertise. We have people with skills and energy, and in a changing environment I believe we can adapt and prosper.

I want to hear of your work you are doing within the voluntary and community sector in South Shields. Contact my constituency office if you would like me to visit and see first-hand the work you are doing. I hope to always have a close relationship with all voluntary and community groups within my constituency. I will look forward to meeting as many of you as I can in the years ahead.