Getting Involved As The Edge of England took shape, I knew the film couldn’t just be about observing politics from the outside — it needed to show what political action actually looks like on the ground. So, alongside developing the project, I began volunteering with Josh MacAlister MP and the local Labour Party team as they prepare for the upcoming general election. What started as an idea to observe quickly became something deeper — a chance to engage directly with the people of Whitehaven and Workington through one of the most powerful tools in democracy: a conversation on the doorstep.
Door-knocking is about more than voter data — it’s about trust. It means showing up in person, listening without assumptions, and hearing the raw truth about how people feel. Some are hopeful. Some are angry. Some just want to be heard. With Josh and the local Labour team, I’ve seen how local campaigning differs from national politics. It’s less about slogans and more about empathy. From housing issues and NHS waiting times to the future of Sellafield and local youth opportunities, we’ve spoken to residents with real concerns and real insight. Every doorstep tells a story. And for this documentary, those unfiltered voices are crucial.
Thanks to Josh MacAlister and the local Labour team for welcoming me into the fold. The access, trust, and openness have allowed me to experience both the emotional weight and the quiet power of political campaigning.
This isn’t just research — it’s real participation. And that’s exactly what this film is about.
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