CSJ Email News | 16 December 2010

RAPID RESPONSE: family breakdown is not about divorce

This month the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) affirmed the central role of family policy as an effective tool in the reversal of social breakdown in Britain today. The CSJ challenged the conclusions made by the BBC that concerns over family breakdown were exaggerated whilst a new report highlighted the stark differences in outcomes between families headed by married couples over those headed by cohabitees. Critical when considered that 70% of young offenders are from non-intact families

The BBC concluded that a poll for BBC Radio 5 in which 98% of respondents said they were happy in their families meant that talk of family breakdown was exaggerated. The CSJ said the poll substantiated the claim that successful family life is crucial for positive life outcomes, which is why the rise of disintegrating families is of major concern.

The CSJ further published a report demonstrating that cohabiting couple-relationships were the least stable household formation, with 80% of family breakdown being amongst unmarried couples, accounting for 86% of the £24bn costs of family breakdown to the public purse.

To read more visit www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk

LATEST REPORT: The Forgotten Age 

The report broadens the debate on Older Age, outlining how loneliness, isolation and social breakdown have fuelled poverty in later life for millions of Britain's pensioners for too long.

The CSJ were delighted to welcome Steve Webb MP, Minister for Pensions, Sara McKee, Chairman of the CSJ Older Age Working Group and Mo Smith, founder and Chair of Trustees at Regenerate RISE.

(Photo: (l-r) Steve Webb MP, Pensions Minister; Gavin Poole, CSJ Executive Director; Sara McKee, CSJ Older Age Working Group Chairman; Mo Smith, Regenerate RISE)

CSJ ALLIANCE: Building partnerships in Northern Ireland

On Tuesday 30 November 2010 the CSJ held a roundtable in Belfast, Northern Ireland, hosted by 174 Trust. Delegates were welcomed by CSJ Alliance Manager, Zoe Briance, and CSJ Chairman in Residence, Dr. Jeff Bailey. CSJ Researcher, Emma Colthup, also attended.

The purpose of the roundtable was to identify potential founding members of the CSJ Alliance in Northern Ireland, and to look at the role that the community and voluntary sector organisations have played in mediation in Belfast.

The roundtable was part of the continuing commitment of the CSJ to build and sustain strong links with the Alliance and voluntary sector organisations, and champion their vital role in Westminster. The CSJ Alliance team followed up the roundtable with visits to each of the organisations that took part.

 

(Photo: Geoff Kerr, Deputy Director, 174 Trust)

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EVENTS: CSJ Annual Reception

On 24 November, the CSJ hosted its annual reception in the David Lloyd George Room at The National Liberal Club. The event provided a unique opportunity for donors, friends and members of the CSJ to come together and discuss the latest developments at the CSJ.

The reception was marked by a speech from CSJ Founder and Patron, Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, during which he paid tribute to the CSJ for putting social justice at the heart of British politics. The evening was kindly supported by Slivers-Of-Time and Capgemini.

To become a donor of the CSJ click here

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If you need any help in making a donation please call Lorna Lopes on 020 7340 9650.

The Centre for Social Justice
1 Westminster Palace Gardens, Artillery Row, London, SW1P 1RL
t. 020 7340 9650
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www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk