Local Campaigner

Winner

Lara Fashola

‘Phone Mast Removal’

Lara is working with a local parents group to campaign for the removal of a phone mast just yards away from her children’s school. By lobbying the local council and the phone company, Lara is trying to create a healthier and cleaner environment for students. Lara is attending parent meetings, council meetings, taking part in demonstrations and liaising with local media. Lara is currently campaigning at a local scale but is looking to lobby on the issue nationally.

Finalists

Laura May

Chelmsford Rethink Activity Group

Laura is working to challenge local prejudices and stereotypes of mental health. By encouraging social contact and interaction with local organisations, Laura is trying to improve the quality of life for people that live with mental ill health every day. Her goal is to empower and encourage people with mental illnesses to have a voice in their community. Laura’s work with local organisations is helping to confront discrimination.

Stephen Heard

Stop Norwich Urbanisation

Stephen is working to find alternative options for new houses in Norfolk, instead of allowing large scale housing developments to take place. By organising petitions, lobbying politicians and teaming up with the media, Stephen is trying to get Norfolk local authorities to listen to the community regarding future housing plans. His goal is for local residents’ views to be taken into proper consideration for major decisions. Stephen is highlighting his community’s housing needs and opinions in order to preserve the historic Norfolk countryside.

Judges

Titus Alexander

Titus Alexander is the Head of Learning and Campaigning at Novas Scarman, where he runs a training and support programme for practical politics and community organising. Titus is a co-founder of Democracy Matters, Charter 99, Action for A Global Climate Community, Parenting UK and the Self-Esteem Network. He has created and run a wide range of courses, including Inspiring Change for Campaigners and Asset-Based Community Development as well as various workshops on family learning, citizenship in schools and self-esteem.

Claire Cooper

Claire Cooper is Deputy Director of Community Action at Communities and Local Government. Claire’s team is responsible for engaging community action and the Third Sector, as well as taking forward a range of projects from the Communities in Control White Paper. Claire joined the civil service in 1999 after previous jobs in marketing at the Financial Times and development work in Nepal. She has worked on a range of policy areas including addressing the social exclusion of Gypsies and Travellers.

Emily Robinson

Emily Robinson is a Trustee of SMK as well as Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at the Local Government Association. In 2006, she won SMK’s Health and Social Care Award for her work with Bliss, the premature baby charity, to improve levels of nursing care for special care baby units. In addition, she has been campaign manager for Consumers International.