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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · 1d

They listened deeply to inputs from local people and those working in the loneliness field.

What they've created is a new benchmark for urban design and use of space that encourages community, connection, and belonging.

Huge congrats to them and to all involved.

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · 1d

You could always tell these homes were going to be special, because United St Saviour's Charity was focused on community – for those living in the homes, and the wider world outside.

bbc.com/news/articles/c4gwlz6k96no

Riba Stirling Prize 2025: Appleby Blue Almshouse named Britain's best new building

Appleby Blue Almshouse in London wins the Royal Institute of British Architects' Stirling Prize.

bbc.com

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Reposted by Alex Smith

Kirsty McNeill MP @kirstymcneill.bsky.social · 12d

💜 We belong to clubs but just as importantly they belong to us.

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · 3d

Successful social movements find ways to build civic power, to cross class differences, and to mobilise those who don’t yet agree.

For all those looking for hope in times of challenge and change, this is a strong call to action, for the UK as well as elsewhere:

www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...

America Needs a Mass Movement—Now

Without one, America may sink into autocracy for decades.

www.theatlantic.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Sep 12

'It's a narrative you don't often hear in our media... [but] I've always seen communities come together.'

Yes, this is a time of challenge and lost social interactions, but when people work together with hope, stronger communities are possible:

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/vide...

Luton v Tommy Robinson: the myth of a town divided – video

Summer 2025 was marked by a surge in anti-immigrant protests, attacks on mosques and racist graffiti across the UK. The unrest, stoked by far-right agitators such as Tommy Robinson, sought to pit comm...

www.theguardian.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Sep 10

Of course employers should consider culture when hiring. But we need more exposure to, not protection from, people we disagree with – in work as in society. Working through tensions is part of what drives successful collaboration and cohesion.

www.thetimes.com/article/09e1...

Rejecting a job applicant over their football team is fair, judge rules

Bosses have the right to consider whether a prospective employee would get on well with existing staff, the employment judge said

www.thetimes.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Sep 9

What a privilege to meet the 35 new Obama Foundation Leaders in Europe last week, as they began their six-month program.

In total, the Foundation has welcomed 205 new Obama Leaders from multiple regions, as we work to empower the next generation to change their world:

www.obama.org/programs/lea...

Meet the 2025-2026 Europe Leaders

Meet the new cohort

www.obama.org

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Sep 7

‘One wonders how much longer we can avoid adding a personal finance GCSE to the national curriculum. No child should leave school with zero understanding of savings, pensions, and all the pitfalls – especially in this age of industrialised scams.’

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

Footballers’ financial naivety has put them on the losing...

The revelation that former players lost millions in investments is a sad tale of misplaced trust

observer.co.uk

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Aug 28

“All of us, side by side, united while celebrating our differences”

Nicely said, @markfergusonmp.bsky.social ❤️

Mark Ferguson MP @markfergusonmp.bsky.social · Aug 28

This is my flag.

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Reposted by Alex Smith

Mark Ferguson MP @markfergusonmp.bsky.social · Jul 25

Fantastic hire by @labourlist.bsky.social - when I was Editor, Emma was one of best contributors to the site in every sense. She understands what LabourList is and what it has the power to be. Good luck @emmaburnell.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...

Emma Burnell announced as new LabourList Editor - LabourList

LabourList is delighted to announce that Emma Burnell has been appointed as the new Editor of the leading media and events platform for all things Labour.

labourlist.org

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Jul 25

Thrilled @emmaburnell.bsky.social is the new @labourlist.bsky.social editor. Emma started writing for the site in 2009 and has always been thoughtful, pluralist and deeply connected to the site’s mission. Good luck, Emma, and congrats to all involved on a great hire.

labourlist.org/2025/07/new-...

Emma Burnell announced as new LabourList Editor - LabourList

LabourList is delighted to announce that Emma Burnell has been appointed as the new Editor of the leading media and events platform for all things Labour.

labourlist.org

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Jul 8

'Those near a Sure Start centre in early years performed better at 7, 11 and 16 and got better GCSEs. At 15 they had 15% fewer absences from school. 12- to 14-year-olds had 50% fewer mental health hospitalisations.'

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

To those who question what Labour stands for – look at Best Start. It will change Britain’s future | Polly Toynbee

Sure Start was New Labour’s finest achievement, and the Tories destroyed it. Now it’s back with a mission to put children at the heart of everything, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee

www.theguardian.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Jun 3

"We have much to lose in the erosion of neighborly concern, the impetus to look out for others we don’t know that well. Neighborliness is collective belonging."

This is thoughtful about how progress comes when people from different experiences bond:

www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...

I crisscrossed America to talk to people whose views I disagreed with. I now have one certainty

I’ve spoken to white nationalists in Tennessee and Black activists in Texas – and learned about what it takes to connect across difference

www.theguardian.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Jun 2

So good to see Ed Miliband so humble about the past and so passionate about the future (especially on climate) in this @therestpolitics.bsky.social with @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social and Rory Stewart. Two fantastic episodes, ultimately rooted in hope:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMg...

Ed Miliband: Why Blair & Farage Are Wrong About Net Zero (Part 2)

YouTube video by The Rest Is Politics: Leading

www.youtube.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · May 23

Retention is just as important to an organisation’s culture and success as recruitment. MUFC have lost some very good players prematurely over the years. McTominay and Lukaku deserve every success at Napoli ⚽️

Futebol Clube @futebolclub10.bsky.social · May 23

GOLAÇO DO NAPOLI

Napoli 1x0 Cagliari
⚽️ Scott McTominay - golaço
🅰️ Mateo Politano
🏆 Série A | última rodada

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · May 23

Editing @labourlist.bsky.social was one of the great privileges of my career. The site remains a vital place for debate, influence and action. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to build on the last 16 years (!) of impact.

labourlist.org/2025/05/labo...

LabourList job vacancy: We're looking for a new Editor - LabourList

Job Title: Editor Location: London, including some home working Reports to: LabourList Board Salary: Approximately £40,000-55,000, depending on…

labourlist.org

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Reposted by Alex Smith

Luke Tryl @luketryl.bsky.social · Apr 2

I’ve written for @thespectator1828.bsky.social about people’s stories in focus groups of how they’ve turn inward and become less social since the pandemic and the risk it leaves us lonelier, more isolated less cohesive and less open to new experiences. www.spectator.co.uk/article/were...

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 22

‘What matters most isn’t success, or wealth, or stuff. It’s connection and relationships and love.’

www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...

What is the meaning of life? 15 possible answers – from a palliative care doctor, a Holocaust survivor, a jail inmate and more

I asked some well-known names for their thoughts on the ultimate existential question. Their answers were fascinating, funny – and could help us frame our days on Earth

www.theguardian.com

Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 21

‘If you don’t like what is happening, you don’t need to wait for someone to come along: you need each other.’

Inspiring call to action on what it takes to build a movement of change:

www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...

Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 19

'Belief and resilience sit on three key foundations: identity, connection, and culture. We need to authentically connect with those around us, and feel the sum is greater than the part. We need to build genunine connection – in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.'

Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 19

How do we build belief and resilience – not just individually, but collectively, as a nation?

Gareth Southgate is asking some of the questions, offering some of the answers, and telling part of the story that will help us navigate the future.

LBC @lbc.co.uk · Mar 19

"We have to show young men that character is more important than status."

Sir Gareth Southgate demands leaders step up to become positive role models for 'isolated' young men.

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 18

‘This is your home: you’re welcome to play here.’ 💕

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Yes, ball games: drive to take down signs warning against play begins in London

Charity says thousands of signs on capital’s estates deter children from being active, and is covering some of them up

www.theguardian.com

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 14

Always a pleasure to be with Mike Omoniyi.

In this conversation we discuss inequality and loneliness, why boys and men are vulnerable in ways we've not grappled with, and the bigger national story that's needed to help everyone feel they belong.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEZB...

The Loneliness Epidemic: What No One Is Brave Enough to Say | Alex Smith

YouTube video by Common Sense

www.youtube.com

Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 11

As a Visiting Fellow at @harvardkennedy.bsky.social @shorensteinctr.bsky.social I've reviewed evidence on The Cares Family's impact from 2011-2023.

The study shows how intergenerational connection can reduce loneliness and build community in times of change:

shorensteincenter.org/commentary/l...

The Loneliness Crisis: Evidence on Causes and Solutions from the UK | Shorenstein Center

In October, 2018, I stood inside a drafty community center tucked under a bridge over a quiet side street in otherwise bustling south London, nervously awaiting the arrival of Britain’s prime minister...

shorensteincenter.org

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Alex Smith @alexsmith1982.bsky.social · Mar 10

'The pandemic gave many people more time at home. But it also left them more alone, detached and disconnected – changes that have lingered.'

Of all the stark charts in this, the one showing the decline of socialising is most striking:

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

30 Charts That Show How Everything Changed in March 2020

It can be easy to forget, or look away from, the pain and disruption of the pandemic. The numbers will be there to remind us.

www.nytimes.com