Big Society in the North

In association with my other post, I put the question is the big society only for the middle classes. To be more proactive, rather than negative, I suggest that if people want to be part of the big society, then they should be allowed to do so. There should be no threat from the DWP to cut, sanction, or stop people on benefits if they want to part of this agenda. This includes volunteering. Also, I have heard that claimants are being forced to do full days work (such as working in shops), or being forced to put in a position where they are managed, which may include removal of there 'trustee/ director' position, and to be managed, but they only get there benefit + £15. If they refuse, then they get there benefit cut, then stopped for several weeks. An easy reform to make - lay off these people.The Decision makers should be removed. They are more like poverty enforcers, keeping the poor poor, while trying to justify that they are there to help. If people are entitled then they should get money, if not, well they wont - what the purpose of these people except to try to socially control the poor to remain poor..
While the benefit is called 'job seekers allowance'  it is about getting millions of people search after jobs. I think this is demeaning and pointless. Peoples lives should not be about based around looking for work - hence the point of my previous post.

So, how can we help people to be part of this agenda?. I am proposing that people should start developing there own projects, maybe get them set up via the inland revenue - charities. But this will not work if the about (the DWP) does not lay off the poor.
Instead of people deciding whether people get benefit, these people should have 'mentors'. or buddies. These mentors should be linked with other agencies, and are their to help people get through life. These will encourage people to get involved, to seek medical advice or whatever. They could mentor each other maybe. These could be paid via a system like the community allowance. A great idea, if it is used right, and not used by the politics machine to keep people on benefits. People should not be 'encouraged' by benefit cuts, but helped. for example. local people with a expertise in growing fruit and veg should work with others to provide this for the people. There should be a campaign for the amount of waste of food and products from supermarkets. Instead of throwing it out, donate it to groups that can re-distribute it to people who cannot afford such items.
Use APL to help these people - use their interests and skills as a basis for further training (and a thing called employment)..

these are just a sample of ideas. In fact, I am involved with a new project in Newcastle that is setting up projects using these methods - were just starting though.. (end of lifestile plug)

what do you think ?

any further ideas ??