There has been much talk about the ‘Big Society’, largely based on the premise that people just don’t get it. I fundamentally disagree. The idea of a ‘Big Society’ is one that most people welcome; it is an ideal that many people strive for, it just it hasn’t been given a name before. The current financial crisis and the Government’s necessary measures to mitigate the worst of the impacts of the recession will mean difficult times ahead for all of us, but there is no reason why community groups will have to suffer more, in fact they may thrive. One of the most important things that the Government is striving to achieve is a change in culture. We need to realise, and most people seem to, that not every problem is best solved with money, and state intervention. Many of the problems that face people in their everyday lives are best dealt with by a strong community. Neighbours helping each other; local fund-raising events; volunteers helping the most needy in our communities. By putting people first, rather than structures and bureaucracy, community groups and charities will take centre stage, as a vital part of our society in a way they haven’t for decades.