HERE we are in April and so it’s time for your ‘A’ challenge.

So far I have been amazed by the response the public has made in embracing the issues that I have highlighted in this column.

Together we have made a difference. This month’s challenge is apathy. Apathy is the biggest stumbling block to change. Not enough of us put our efforts into speaking out.

I agree it takes courage to tackle some situations head on, but there are ways and means of making our voices heard without identifying ourselves. I have given you this opportunity before by publicising my telephone number (01865 862996), and the situations presented to me have been passed on to the appropriate places and I will be monitoring them until we have an improvement. Persistence is also the name of the game.

And there are many opportunities when your presence or signature can show politicians the level of support for an issue. How easy it is to say ‘I’m all right, Jack’: this is the signature of apathy. If it is wrong or unfair then let us all join in the protest.

As I have said before, the many improvements that have been made were due to the dedication of a few people who had a vision in the first place. My vision is a fair, just and equal society: I am relying on you to work with me to achieve this vision.

I know we can if we all pull together. How many of you were in Bonn Square a few weeks ago protesting about the ‘Bedroom Tax’? It didn’t ask much of people to stand and listen to the views and comments that were made, but it showed the level of protest against this unfair and unjust situation.

I felt so strongly about it that I even made my presence and views known by being one of the speakers. I am not suggesting that you should do the same as not everyone feels confident enough to speak in public, but just to be there shows support. We should not be standing by while disabled people are evicted from their homes and shunted into unsuitable and un-adapted houses that makes life harder than it is already, because they can’t afford an extra £14 a week.

Who suffers? Well, not only those evicted, but you and I as we pick up the extra cost that will follow as disabled people become ill and need more hospital treatment and care home places. Where has the Government’s policy of encouraging people to live independent lives gone with houses being modified by adding lifts, low units in bathrooms and kitchens that could be reached from a wheelchair and entrance/exit ramps.

Eligible people will be evicted, the modifications ripped out to suit a family who don’t need the adaptations while the disabled person is once again in a house with no adaptations. Does it make sense?

Apart from the human tragedy, where’s the logic? How can we stand by and watch our children and young people suffer as they are uprooted from their schools and friends all for the paltry sum of £14 a week which, in the end, will be superseded by all the extra costs I have just mentioned.

Don’t let apathy win. Join me not only in this problem but in any other situation that you come across that is unfair, unjust and unacceptable.