For years we have all tended to accept that strong, confident communities are important for society. They provide a solid foundation for individuals, families and businesses to fulfil their potential; they foster greater cohesion and build resilience – critical at times of change and useful at times of challenge. Academics call it social capital

So who takes the initiative? Where do we expect to find that spark of idealism, and the commitment to do things?  Clearly not from Central Government! Whatever hopes there may have been for this administration’s Big Society, experienced people in the community and voluntary sector always argued that the best community action was always inspired from the ground up, not from the top down.