A CAMPAIGN to bring about a ‘fairer, cleaner, quieter, happier and healthier’ way of life is hosting a community forum event for Somerset this month.

During the coronavirus crisis, there has been much talk of a need for change in how society functions after the highlighting of inequalities.

The National Build Back Better campaign aims to bring together diverse groups from across the country so that their combined call for a better way of life has to be heeded by councils and political representatives.

“The gap between the rich and poor is widening, as those who are earning the least are being affected the most by disruptions to jobs and businesses,” said a spokesperson.

“In addition, and perhaps rather eclipsed by the health crisis, environmental and ecological damage continues apace adding pressure to the need for urgent change in the way we lead our lives, the way our financial systems and industries are run, and the way our politicians determine the political agenda.

“On a positive note, there are individuals and groups at all levels of society and in all sectors who are bringing about this positive change. This is true at international, national and local levels.

“In Somerset, numerous organisations are working in a variety of ways to make our part of the country a better place to live - fairer, cleaner, quieter, happier, healthier.”

Now, Somerset Build Back Better teams have organised a community forum, via zoom, on January 23.

In the company of Peter MacFadyen, who led the revolution in local democracy that is Independents for Frome, the plan is to envision a blueprint for the transformative changes that we seek to make in our county by the year 2030.

Themes identified as being important locally include: Creating Wellbeing Neighbourhoods, Local Transport, Supporting Young People and their Mental Health, Housing Issues, Local Food Production and Regenerative Farming and Participatory Democracy.

All are welcome to join the forum, although numbers will be limited by the size of the group working on each theme.

You can find out more about the event by looking on the BBB Facebook page or by emailing Chris at waddilovechris@gmail.com.

For more on the campaign, visit www.buildbackbetter.org.