Alex Smith

Being part of the @ObamaFoundation community helped me and @TheCaresFamily to make a bigger difference than I ever thought possible. I’m so excited to join the @ObamaFoundation team to nurture that community in Europe and to help civic leaders everywhere to deepen their impact.

Thrilled that @EmmaBurnell_ is the new @LabourList editor. Emma started writing for the site back 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-la…

I've been privileged to get to know Ola recently. Her relational work with women and communities is inspiring. Ola was one of 37 @TheCaresFamily Multipliers, and as her leadership continues to grow she has reflected on what the programme meant: thecaresfamily.org.uk/blog/the-multi…

Magical 💫

When @TheCaresFamily was offered free billboard space in Manchester during lockdown, one phrase came to mind immediately. 'Because we need each other.' True then, true now, true always. #OasisManchester

'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.' theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

.@AlvinCarpio's "rites" is a journey through love and loss, hope and heartbreak. He has poured three years – and really a lifetime – into it. Now he is sharing his story to help others who have experienced loss. Screenings continue at @SOAS this week: youtube.com/watch?v=GN-uYs…

With big challenges ahead, the words that best exemplify @Keir_Starmer and his political instincts in this excellent profile by @TomMcTague are 'normal, respect, family...focused on people's small prides, dignities, hopes and fears.' newstatesman.com/politics/2025/…

"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: theguardian.com/us-news/ng-int…

So good to see @Ed_Miliband so humble about the past and so passionate about the future (especially on climate) in this @RestIsPolitics with @campbellclaret and @RoryStewartUK. Two fantastic episodes, ultimately rooted in hope: youtube.com/watch?v=rvMgNg…

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

Editing @LabourList 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/labour…

It's always inspiring to see the positive impact of @TheCaresFamily ripple through time. Jamie's commitment to intergenerational connection didn't just help improve David's life; it also gave Jamie himself a new perspective. Here's Jamie's new blog: thecaresfamily.org.uk/blog/my-experi…

‘This community experience is unbelievable. I've started writing. I'm on my third play. I didn't know I had it in me.’ Congrats @Hamps_Theatre for this wonderful work reducing loneliness in bustling Camden, one of the loneliest boroughs in the country: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

Wow, Declan Rice. Two of the best free kicks you’ll see. Now up to the team to make them truly memorable. #ArsMad

The first characteristic of an #MUFC player should be bravery. But #NFFC were more creative, tenacious, courageous, organised, with better short passing and a much bigger desire to win. #MUFC still offer little in the way of patterns, or anything really.