As the dust settles from the recent general election, it’s easy to slip into a mood of fear and despair. Instead we should be looking at building alliances. Many people that I know, are apprehensive about what the next five years holds, both for themselves and the people they care about. Others are concerned about climate change and environmental issues, or conflicts and injustices in dark parts of the world.

As we watch political parties ripping themselves apart, it is becoming all too clear that their focus is nothing to do with presenting a united, coherent opposition. With the new government already talking major curtailment of fundamental human rights, further major welfare cuts, repealing the hunting ban, privatisation in the NHS and education and much more, there is plenty to oppose. Instead they are agonising over who and what might make them electable in five or ten years’ time.

We all have things that are important to us and we will all speak up about these things. In so doing, we should not lose sight of our many friends and acquaintances, whose fears and concerns are just as real and valid as our own. Just because their concerns may not be high on our agenda doesn’t prevent us taking an interest, sharing knowledge, advice, perspective, offering support and encouragement. Individually we are merely candles, flickering precariously in the wind. Together we add fuel to the flame, turning them into bright burning beacons of hope and solace.