Thought I would share on the diary my thoughts after last night's Big Ideas meeting.
This was supposed to be the last one ever - but there was a great announcement that there is funding for these to continue in to 2023! Everybody was so pleased and relieved with this news. You could see from their faces, their cheering and clapping. These meetings obviously mean something very much to all who attend. And this includes me. I think the meetings meant more to me than I realised. Its hearing the stories, experiences and overall positivity from others in a similar boat that really has buoyed me along since I have been involved.
We also did a Dragons Den of ideas on how to improve the benefits system and it was very reassuring to hear others speak about how to change the system we need people not experienced in benefits to know our shared, our lived experiences and to have a better outlook on this maligned system we have. When it does good the benefit system can change lives. But that is not the prevailing view of our system.
So last night's meeting was a great tonic, another great experience.
Merry Christmas to you all and for all of you working behind the scenes to keep this project going. I hope 2022 is a better year for you all.
