Hi there! I'm Olivia Wilson, a fourteen-year-old with work experience with Twntyfour Studio the creative studio behind this campaign and social movement. I've been exploring the concept of social value, which is close to my heart and especially important for young people to understand.
Understanding Social Value
To me, social value means taking care of others. It's about kindness and our ability to support one another, not just wealth or material possessions. However, people have different views, often shaped by their upbringing and personal experiences.
According to Wikipedia, social value is "a principle that champions the importance of supporting both individual welfare and collective well-being." The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 also emphasises the importance of considering economic, social, and environmental well-being in public service contracts. You can find more details about this here.
The Story of PlushSE16
While exploring social value, I came across the story of PlushSE16, a brand that exemplifies community spirit and social value. PlushSE16 wasn't just a business; it was a community hub that included a barbershop, car wash, and a Caribbean restaurant, all dedicated to bringing people together.
I spoke with Carmen Gowie Clinkett, aka Mrs Plush, a creative campaign strategist for the #NoPriceOnCulture movement. She shared how their community, which had been running peacefully for over 22 years, was forcefully taken away in January unjustly this year due to developers wanting to build flats on the site, for which Southwark Council has not given planning permission. Despite Carmen and her family's protests and gaining the support of their local council and the broader community, they ultimately couldn't reclaim their businesses but are keeping the fight alive, making every effort to focus on what is now lost: the value of society.
Connecting Social Value and Community Struggles
Carmen and Michaels's story highlights a crucial aspect of social value: community preservation. She aimed to maintain her community business and pass it down to their children, ensuring the community it created would thrive. Unfortunately, the developers prioritised profit over the community, demonstrating contrasting social values.
This situation raises important questions about protecting social values and supporting local businesses. How do we ensure that the social value of community hubs like PlushSE16 is recognised and safeguarded?
Protecting Social Value
As a teenager, I have many unanswered questions about social value. For instance, why wasn't PlushSE16's social value protected? Despite paying rent and contributing to the community for 22 years, they faced hardship and displacement. Why could developers override the P33 legislation and involve law enforcement against a peaceful, long-standing business?
To better understand and protect social value, we must raise awareness and advocate for policies supporting community-focused businesses. We should also educate ourselves and others about the importance of social value in our neighbourhoods.
Resources and Inspiration
I found a great TED Talk that explains social value and its importance. You can watch it here.
It's a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn more about social value and how to fight for their community.
Final Thoughts
The story of PlushSE16 is a powerful example of the challenges community-focused businesses face. By understanding and advocating for social value, we can work towards a future where communities are prioritised over profit.
Let's think about how we can protect social value in our neighbourhoods.
Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for reading my take on Social Value of a community like PlushSE16. This is my first published piece whilst working with the design team behind this campaign for Social Justice, and I hope you all continue to support and protect our communities.
Stay tuned and get involved with the up-and-coming Social Value Series #DisplacedSociety
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