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Category: Poverty

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Live Better with Philanthropy: Achieving Mental and Emotional Balance through Giving

Let’s get a bit scientific—have you ever heard of the term “symbiosis”?

In biology, symbiosis refers to a close, long-term relationship between different species where one or both parties benefit, and neither is harmed.

Now, let’s step out of the lecture hall for a moment and consider this: Have you ever felt that warm, fulfilling rush after helping an elderly person cross the road, giving a heartfelt compliment, or offering a small act of kindness?

If yes, then you’ve already tasted the magic we’re about to explore!

This article will uncover four powerful ways philanthropy can help you achieve mental and emotional balance.

1. Gratitude and Perspective

Philanthropy encourages you to shift focus from your challenges to the needs of others. This perspective helps cultivate gratitude as you begin to appreciate your own life more deeply. By witnessing the struggles and resilience of others, you’ll often realize that your problems may be smaller than they seem—or just a different piece of the iceberg.

2. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence

Ever noticed how empowering it feels to make a difference? Helping others, even in small ways, can remind you of your strengths and reveal new abilities. It’s like discovering your inner superhero—you don’t need a cape to save someone’s day!

Volunteering or supporting a cause builds your sense of purpose and worth, leaving you with a renewed confidence that ripples into every aspect of your life.

3. Social Connection and Community Development

Philanthropy connects people. By volunteering or supporting causes, you engage with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating bonds that transcend cultures and break social barriers. These interactions not only enrich your life but also foster a sense of belonging and strengthen community ties.

4. Forgiveness and Emotional Release

Giving to others can open your heart in unexpected ways. Acts of kindness often nurture empathy, which can help you release grudges, let go of past hurts, and embrace forgiveness. By focusing on uplifting others, you may find yourself shedding the emotional weights you’ve been carrying.

Conclusion

While philanthropy is often seen as selfless, it’s also deeply transformative for the giver. By embracing philanthropy, you can nurture gratitude, boost your confidence, build social connections, and experience emotional healing.

Start small, and let your heart lead the way—you’ll soon discover that giving is as much a gift to yourself as it is to others.

Have you experienced the positive impacts of philanthropy? We’d love to hear your story—share it with us and inspire someone today!, it can still be a fulfilling and transformative journey—one that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

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New word Alert: “Seed Library” (International Food Day)

If the first thought that pops into your mind the next time someone invites you to the library is a long stack of scholarly expressions, then this piece is for you.

Libraries are traditionally homes for books, but today, seeds are finding a place on the shelves too—though with a unique twist.

What is a Seed Library?

A seed library operates like a traditional library but with seeds instead of books. It’s a community-based program where people can borrow seeds, grow plants, and then return seeds from those plants for others to use. It’s a beautiful cycle that promotes local agriculture and sustainable gardening.

Investing in a seed library is an effective launchpad to promote the right foods through food security, aligning perfectly with the theme for 2024 World Food Day: “Right to Foods for a Better Life and Future.” However, building a seed library is only one piece of the puzzle in tackling world hunger. Here are some fun and engaging methods to promote the right to food:

Fun Ways to Promote Food Security:

The crux of this read is the necessary steps required to cut the widespread shortage of food and keep every stomach constantly fed across the board.

1. Community Cook-Offs

Host friendly cooking competitions using limited or donated ingredients. This encourages creativity and teamwork while demonstrating how to prepare meals on a budget. The dishes made can also be shared with local charities.

2. Farm-to-Table Dinners (FTT Dinners)

Organize community dinners featuring local ingredients, where attendees can have a meet-and-greet with farmers and learn about sustainable agricultural practices.

3. Local Barter Systems

Promote a barter system where community members can trade goods or services for food. This helps those who may not have the financial means to obtain food but can contribute in other ways.

4. Themed Food Challenges

Create fun cooking challenges with specific themes, like a “one-pan dish challenge” or a “five-ingredient meal.” These challenges make meal preparation fun while emphasizing simplicity and moderation.

5. Harvest Festivals

Celebrate local harvests with festivals featuring food tastings, games, and educational activities on growing and preparing food. This not only promotes local agriculture but also builds community spirit.

Conclusion

By implementing these creative and community-centered ideas, you can contribute to food security in meaningful and enjoyable ways. Together, we can ensure every table is full and every stomach fed, while having some fun along the way.

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Poverty

Understanding Bed Poverty and Its Devastating Impact on Children and Families 

You may have encountered discussions surrounding charities and social housing grappling with a range of poverty-related challenges, each presenting its unique set of challenges. Among these challenges are fuel poverty, hygiene poverty, food poverty, and many more. 

These hardships stem from a common root cause – insufficient financial resources to afford essential items to ensure the well-being and happiness of those they serve.

What is Bed Poverty?

Firstly, you must understand that the emotional and physical impact of bed poverty is something that no one should experience, as it has catastrophic downsides for individuals, particularly children. An uncomfortable resting place means an individual will have disturbed or little sleep, with enormous implications for their well-being. 

Bed poverty, often referred to as “bedroom tax,” is a socio-economic issue that represents a situation where individuals or families living in social housing face financial challenges due to the underoccupancy of their homes, as assessed by the government. 

It is a multifaceted issue stemming from the UK government’s housing policy, which has been a part of the broader welfare reform agenda. The core of this issue lies in assessing the number of bedrooms a household requires compared to the number of bedrooms within the property they occupy. 

How Many Children Experience Bed Poverty in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, the current state of bed poverty is alarming, with more than a quarter of children, totalling 4.2 million. To put this in perspective, between 2012 and 2022, the number of bed poverty increased by a staggering 350,000.

Furthermore, research conducted in the previous month shows alarming statistics: 1 million children in the United Kingdom experienced poverty last year. This marks an 88% increase from the figures in 2019.

Regarding the issue of bed poverty, recent polling conducted by YouGov shows a startling reality. There are over a million families in the previous year who have made the selfless sacrifice of giving up their beds so that their children can have a place to sleep. 

Among these families, 422,000 had parents who resorted to sleeping on chairs or sofas, while an additional 138,000 families had a parent who had to sleep on the floor. These statistics shed light on the lengths parents are willing to go to ensure their children have a safe and comfortable resting place.

What is Caring and Sharing Doing to Help Families Experiencing Bed Poverty?

Our dedicated team plays a crucial role in providing support to the children and families that we serve.  This includes the delivery of essential provisions, including food, clothing, and many more. However, while we are committed to this immediate assistance, we understand that bed poverty requires a long-term solution. 

We are steadfast in our commitment to championing the rights of every child in Rochdale Borough who wakes up in a cold home. This entails ongoing discussions with stakeholders, urging them to take swift and necessary actions to tackle poverty.  

We are working round-the-clock to address the root causes and systemic issues behind these challenges so that we may create a brighter future for all children.