A scheme in which heroin is given to addicts in supervised clinics has led to big reductions in the use of street drugs and crime, the BBC has learned.
More than 100 users took part in the pilot - part funded by the government - in London, Brighton and Darlington.
They either injected heroin or received the drug's substitute methadone.
Those given heroin responded best and an independent panel which monitored the scheme over six months is advising ministers to set up further trials.
A really interesting scheme that could work with other issues along with drug addicts. At first it seems ridiculous but i think it is necessary to instead of persecute to understand these problems and find new ways of working with them. i.e - assisted self harming, legalized brothels.
Schemes like these are going to work only with the close help of NHS and rehabilitation groups.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
No 9. The Brixton pound.
The Brixton Pound (B£) is money that sticks to Brixton. It’s designed to support Brixton businesses and encourage local trade and production. It’s a complementary currency, working alongside (not replacing) pounds sterling, for use by independent local shops and traders.
The B£ is the UK’s first local currency in an urban area and the fourth transition town to have its own currency, following the Totnes Pound in Devon, Lewes Pound in Sussex and Stroud Pound in Gloucestershire.
A really nice idea in a community but i am not sure that it would work in ever borough of London however would work in towns in rural settings increasing the community spirit and relationships etc. This needs the support of local people and council to make it work and also would not work as a mandatory requirement.
The B£ is the UK’s first local currency in an urban area and the fourth transition town to have its own currency, following the Totnes Pound in Devon, Lewes Pound in Sussex and Stroud Pound in Gloucestershire.
A really nice idea in a community but i am not sure that it would work in ever borough of London however would work in towns in rural settings increasing the community spirit and relationships etc. This needs the support of local people and council to make it work and also would not work as a mandatory requirement.
No 8 Free Bikes.
Initially set up in Amsterdam, but now in a handful of other cities like Paris, and Brussels - Europian countries are welcoming the notion of free bikes. The idea is that people sign up to the scheme and can then borrow bikes for free all around the city.
This idea could definitely work in London... the scheme has been proven in other smaller cities. Advertising on the bikes would be a good way of funding the project. I think the project would promote itself when implemented. Millions of tourists would be more than happy to ride the streets over getting the tube. Westminster and Mayor of London would have to back the project to make it a complete success.
This idea could definitely work in London... the scheme has been proven in other smaller cities. Advertising on the bikes would be a good way of funding the project. I think the project would promote itself when implemented. Millions of tourists would be more than happy to ride the streets over getting the tube. Westminster and Mayor of London would have to back the project to make it a complete success.
No 7 Charity work for festival ticket.
E4 have organised a free festival. Well sort of free... all they ask in return is a few days to help selected charities carry out community projects. All of the artists play for free so the festival has minimal costs but generates a massive work force to get community projects done.
Sperm donors are to be offered free tickets to any music festival in Europe under a new initiative. Passes to a festival of their choice will be offered to any donors in Europe who contribute to Ireland’s sperm reserves.
www.nme.com
Ok so millions of people are willing to do a lot to bag them self a free ticket to a festival. I think this concept could work within communities internationally... communities could organize smaller festivals within towns and tickets can be given in return for something that isn't money, generally community service. It is great way to help community spirit and relations whilst having loads of fun.
Sperm donors are to be offered free tickets to any music festival in Europe under a new initiative. Passes to a festival of their choice will be offered to any donors in Europe who contribute to Ireland’s sperm reserves.
www.nme.com
Ok so millions of people are willing to do a lot to bag them self a free ticket to a festival. I think this concept could work within communities internationally... communities could organize smaller festivals within towns and tickets can be given in return for something that isn't money, generally community service. It is great way to help community spirit and relations whilst having loads of fun.
No 6 'Normal' woman in Magazine
Germany's most popular women's magazine is banning professional models from its pages and replacing them with images of "real life" women instead.
In what is seen as the latest attempt to stamp out the "size zero" model, the editors of Brigitte said it would in future only use women with "normal figures".
www.guardian.co.uk
Marketing ploy?? Maybe. But it is still a step in the right direction. This scheme has had a lot of criticism... 'It won't last' and 'they're doing it for the press coverage' Part of me agrees with these points BUT... will the scheme do any harm? I don't think so. I think only good can come of it so surely it is a good thing. Now this idea is not something that has never been spoken about and is always in the headlines. but i think this could work with certain magazines in the UK and i feel it would be totally celebrated and excepted. What it needs is the support of a + size celebrity and 1000's of women to give it some punch. I think if magazines where approached with an interesting idea of how to use +size girls. They may be open to it.
In what is seen as the latest attempt to stamp out the "size zero" model, the editors of Brigitte said it would in future only use women with "normal figures".
www.guardian.co.uk
Marketing ploy?? Maybe. But it is still a step in the right direction. This scheme has had a lot of criticism... 'It won't last' and 'they're doing it for the press coverage' Part of me agrees with these points BUT... will the scheme do any harm? I don't think so. I think only good can come of it so surely it is a good thing. Now this idea is not something that has never been spoken about and is always in the headlines. but i think this could work with certain magazines in the UK and i feel it would be totally celebrated and excepted. What it needs is the support of a + size celebrity and 1000's of women to give it some punch. I think if magazines where approached with an interesting idea of how to use +size girls. They may be open to it.
No 5 Eco Village
A slightly more extreme version of No.4. 'Twin Oaks is an intentional community in rural central Virginia, made up of around 85 adult members and 15 children. Since the community's beginning in 1967, our way of life has reflected our values of cooperation, sharing, nonviolence, equality, and ecology. We welcome you to schedule a visit.'
www.twinoaks.org
I'm not sure if this is totally practical as a concept that would work internationally. But i think combined with No.4 it is a concept that people will like the idea of. Maybe not being totally self sufficient but that community and working together idea could be promoted.
www.twinoaks.org
I'm not sure if this is totally practical as a concept that would work internationally. But i think combined with No.4 it is a concept that people will like the idea of. Maybe not being totally self sufficient but that community and working together idea could be promoted.
No 4 The Brighton Community Food Project
'The Whitehawk Community Food Project is located on Whitehawk Hill in East Brighton on an old allotment site which had become disused in the 1990's. The site covers nearly 1 acre and has beautiful views of both the sea and the South Downs. It is now an established and productive community garden including fruit, vegetable and herb beds, polytunnels, ponds and a forest garden/orchard area. The site has been developed for people to be able to enjoy and participate in organic, biodynamic and permaculture techniques and principles. We aim to be an inspiring and valuable demonstration site where people of all ages can learn through practical hands-on experience.
Fresh seasonal produce is always available as a thankyou in return for helping out. Gardening days are Thursday and Sunday - 12 til dusk and we welcome anyone looking to find out more about food and food growing.'
www.thefoodproject.org.uk
There is so much land and garden area that is disused, and so many people that want to grow. Evident by the lengthly waiting lists for allotment spaces.
This could work in cities across the UK. What it would need is council and community support and maybe the endorsement of a celebrity gardener. It would not be difficult to quickly find a volunteer group that would be willing to look after spaces. I think the benefits of community growing would be social, economical, ethical, educational - there really are no down sides to the idea.
Fresh seasonal produce is always available as a thankyou in return for helping out. Gardening days are Thursday and Sunday - 12 til dusk and we welcome anyone looking to find out more about food and food growing.'
www.thefoodproject.org.uk
There is so much land and garden area that is disused, and so many people that want to grow. Evident by the lengthly waiting lists for allotment spaces.
This could work in cities across the UK. What it would need is council and community support and maybe the endorsement of a celebrity gardener. It would not be difficult to quickly find a volunteer group that would be willing to look after spaces. I think the benefits of community growing would be social, economical, ethical, educational - there really are no down sides to the idea.
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