Part 76. Doing the research at local level.

Should your church wish to campaign on an issue what does it have to do to mount an effective campaign? An issue locally is a proposal to close a well-used Surestart Centre. How best to resist closure?

Why is closure proposed? Who will make the decision to close? Is an alternative provision proposed? How do you find this information? Who do you contact to make representations on the issue? Do you involve the local press and social media and if so when? What will be the effect of closure on users of the Surestart?

Most of the information you need is easy to obtain. The Centre probably has a website and possibly a Facebook page. The council also has a website and relevant documents placed on it. Contact your councillor and ask for information. Also find out which department of the council is responsible for the Centre, who is the officer in charge? Who is the Cabinet councillor responsible for the department.

So, you know what is proposed and why. You know also the names of the individuals who will play the key roles in making the final decision. Your research has possibly shown up areas where you question the validity of the information and conclusions as to the effect of the closure.

The next task is to find out how the closure will affect users. Some may be known to you. Ask them what the problems will be. The main issue probably will be the inaccessibility of the proposed new location, particularly for those reliant on public transport. Cost and travel time are major considerations quite apart from the detrimental effect on children not having access to nursery provision. Find this information yourself . Do not rely on others to provide it as they may have their own agendas and skew the information: eg a political party may wish to make political mischief. However there is no harm in seeking to work with other interested parties so long as your church is not dragged into an overtly party political campaign. The important outcomes are the church showing a willingness to cooperate with others, standing with and supporting the community and that it is outgoing and responsive to local needs. It is part of the community.