Volunteer

If you can’t afford to give money to your charity – how about you give your time instead? Pitch in at your local charity shop, give a few hours to a food bank or even dust off your trowel for a spot of community gardening! Alternatively, if you have professional skills such as finance or marketing, perhaps a charity would welcome your input? Contact your charity of choice directly or visit The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which is great place to find opportunities near you.

The Salvation Army

Give when you go

Adding a charity to your will’s a great way to leave a lasting legacy – and can also reduce the amount of tax paid on the rest of your estate! State whether you would like to donate a specific item or fixed amount, or give whatever sum remains after other gifts have been given. In order to be legal your will has to be formally witnessed and signed: The Charity Commission has a massive online database of UK charities; so whether you wish to help medicine, children, animals or the planet, your money will be so appreciated.

Give your gear

In a time when everyone and their dog are selling everything but their dog on Vinted and Ebay, charity shops and refuges miss out. So instead of earning a couple of quid on what you no longer want, give it to someone who really needs it. Charity Wrap Up collected 15,000 pre-loved coats for over 90 front-line charities, including family centres and women’s refuges last year; and drop off points for The Hygiene Bank will find grateful homes for unwanted toiletries and cleaning products.

St Barnabas

Donate what you can

The most obvious way to help your chosen charity is to give a cash donation. You could give a one-off amount or set up regular payments through your charity’s website. You could even use Payroll Giving or the Give as You Earn (GAYE) scheme, which allows you to give a set amount from your salary or pension pot each time you’re paid. Ask your employer or pension provider if they provide the scheme. If they do, you will be able to make regular, fuss and tax-free payments that make a big difference.

Hold a fundraising event

There are some national fundraising days you can participate in – such as the Macmillan Coffee Morning, or the MS Society Walk – or get creative and organise your own. Kids at school? Arrange a bake sale or ‘mufti’ day – when students can wear casual, everyday clothes instead of their uniform. Work in an office? Suggest a silent auction or a sponsored walk. There really are 101 different ways to raise: just check your charity’s fundraising guidelines first to ensure everyone has a smooth-running – and ultimately fun – day.

Debra: The Butterfly Skin Charity

Use Gift Aid

Finally, don’t forget to say yes to free cash! Gift Aid is a government scheme which allows charities to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate, so signing up is just good maths. Basically, if you give a charity £100, they can claim £25 tax relief, making it a £125 donation for your good cause. This is straightforward to do – your charity will give you a short declaration to sign – but you can only do this is you’ve paid enough tax to cover what the charity is claiming. As some great philosopher (or supermarket) said – every little helps!

The post 6 ways to help your favourite charity appeared first on Checklists.

The animals residing at Lotus give visitors a real opportunity to interact with them; something that visitors may not otherwise have the opportunity to do. This is a really important step in helping to enlighten and change the perspective that many people hold around certain species of animals.

The Lotus residents will serve as a reminder of the sentience and emotional capacity of each and every animal – a far cry from the packaged and barcoded supermarket ‘products’ they become. Through meeting the animals, adults and children alike will be able to identify that these species have exactly the same needs, emotions and behaviours that they see and feel from the pets that many of them share their homes with.

Regardless of species, all animals have a desire to live their lives and care for their babies. These animals have the ability to give and receive love, the desire to be with family and friends, the ability to grieve and be sad, to feel pain and terror, to experience pleasure and happiness, to play and be mischievous – they are non-human animals just like cats and dogs. All animals are earthlings who are interconnected and exist together on planet Earth.

As the Lotus team say: “Animals are not here for us, they are here with us. Always remember, the only difference between species is human perception.”

A big focus for Lotus Animal Sanctuary has always been on cattle. There was a requirement for a sanctuary in Scotland that would provide a forever home for cows, bullocks and calves. Some Scottish sanctuaries would take highlanders, but in 2016 when Lotus rescues began, no Scottish sanctuaries would take other breeds of cows; so the cows rescued by Lotus had to make the long journey south to sanctuaries in England.

At Lotus, they will always aim to welcome other species, and they do have sheep, but they want to make sure that Lotus will always have space and an open door for cattle in Scotland. A purpose-built cattle shed was beautifully erected in 2019 to specifically cater to the needs of these large and beautiful animals.

Ultimately, everything comes down to perception – this sanctuary exists to challenge and rebuild the way people have been conditioned to view certain animals, alongside providing cohesive and important information about animal rights, the huge impact animal agriculture has on world hunger, the environment, and how to successfully go about leading a compassionate, healthy and cruelty-free lifestyle.

Visit lotusheartsanctuary.com for more information. Follow their great work on social media @LotusHeartSanctuary and donate via PayPal or Patreon.

Lotus are currently offering the opportunity to win an overnight stay for two at the Lotus Camping Pods.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The sanctuary where animals and humans coexist in harmony appeared first on Checklists.

Frontline19 is a UK-based, nationwide organisation that offers a free independent, confidential service delivering psychological support to people working on the frontline. With a vast network of qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists, they can ensure you get the right help quickly and easily.

They help a range of frontline healthcare workers and are currently prioritising those in patient-facing roles. 

Do you need someone to talk to? The Frontline19 team will match you with a qualified professional who will provide a safe place to listen to you and provide psychological support where appropriate. They offer eight to 12 sessions which can be done online via a platform that works for you. 

You can access up to 12 free sessions with your therapist and the process is designed to make it as easy and accessible as possible for anyone working in a healthcare professional to get the help you need. The online form supported by the Frontline19 referrals team allows for efficient and speedy access to the service. For more information about the service, or to make a self referral, go to the Frontline19 website at their website or email.

As a team of specialist mental health professionals this service can support with PTDS, trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, and many other emotional health challenges.  

Help is at hand, reach out and please ask for some support.

Frontline19 are also registering fully qualified, experienced psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists who would like to offer their skills and expertise to support frontline workers. If you can spare an hour a week, it can make a huge difference, get in touch.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post When you need help, you call 999. But who do you call if you are 999? appeared first on Checklists.

1. Etape Caledonia

Etape Caledonia is the UK’s original closed-road sportive. This sell-out event attracts riders from all over the country to take on one of the most breathtaking rides through the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Choose from two distances – the 40-mile route or 85-mile route.

The event is held on May 15 and is open to 5,000 riders on a scenic Sunday exploring the breathtaking vistas of Scotland.

2. Hackney Moves

Hackney Moves, the UK’s largest Outdoor Fitness Festival, returns to Hackney Marshes with a truly epic weekend of movement, creative culture, and entertainment.

Thousands of runners will move to the beat at the Hackney Half (London’s largest and most vibrant half marathon), the Hackney 5K and Hackney Schools’ Challenge. With cheering spectators and a three-day line-up of free entertainment, sports and fitness activities, there will be over 75,000 festival-goers across the Hackney Moves weekend in May.

3. Blenheim Palace Triathlon

Head to the UK’s most stunning triathlon set in the beautiful private grounds of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site. Blenheim Palace Triathlon is one of the country’s most iconic races.

The idyllic lake swim and closed road course makes it a great event for both first-timers and seasoned pros. Plus, with loads of on-the-day activities, it’s a great event for a full family day out at the end of May.

4. ASICS London 10K

ASICS London 10k is back. The fast-paced, flat 10km route takes runners on a tour through the best of London’s Westminster, racing past the capital’s most iconic and historical landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and River Thames. 

With live bands and DJs on route, cheering fans, and post-race festivities in central London, this summer celebration of running is set to be the liveliest event in the London running calendar, starting on July 10.

5. London Triathlon

Every year, thousands of people come to the capital city to join our community of incredible triathletes taking on the challenge of the London Triathlon.

The event takes place at the ExCel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock and has a unique urban route, giving participants the chance to swim, bike and run past London’s world-famous landmarks.

6. London Duathlon

Looking for a new kind of running challenge? The London Duathlon, the UK’s most stunning run-bike-run event, takes place in beautifully scenic Richmond Park in September.

There are four different distances or events for you to choose from including a half duathlon, full duathlon, ultra-duathlon, or a more sociable team challenge, the duathlon relay – perfect for first-time runners.

7. Oxford Half

The Oxford Half takes place this autumn with plenty of sporting activities, live music and local food. The Oxford Half marathon on Sunday, 17 October will see runners speed by world-famous museums, universities, parks and historical streets.

With live entertainment on each of the circuits 13 miles, runners will have plenty to keep the motivated as they strive to do their best in a historic city.

8. ÖTILLÖ Swimrun

The ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Experience on the Isles of Scilly is a great taste of what the isle has to offer. Protected swims, great runs and spectacular views. Anyone can do this race.

The Experience race is exactly what the name implies, a swim-run experience for those completely new to the sport or for those not ready to compete over bigger distances. Race alone or come as a team and enjoy the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Experience on the Isles of Scilly.

9. Poppy Ride

First-time event riders or sportive enthusiasts can enjoy The Poppy Ride. With multiple routes that all wind through the picturesque Shropshire countryside, it provides an opportunity to ride alongside veterans. This really is a ride not to be missed.

All three distance options will start and finish at the Battle Back Centre, a specialist recovery facility that supports wounded, injured, and sick Service personnel to either return to active duty or make a smooth transition to life outside of the Armed Forces.

10. Great North Run

57,000 determined and dedicated runners make the Great North Run the world’s biggest and best half marathon. The marathon is famous for its warm North East welcome, unbeatable atmosphere and the millions raised for good causes.

The race begins 11 September, and the route takes you across the great city of Newcastle, visiting landmarks with a throng of participants.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten sporting events to support charitable causes appeared first on Checklists.

1. Demelza Hospice

Demelza provide specialist care and emotional support for babies, children, young people and the whole family from diagnosis, during day-to-day family life, times of crisis, end of life and through bereavement.

The team believe every child and young person who has a serious or terminal condition should receive the care and attention they need to live the most fulfilling life they can, and that they and their families have the opportunity to build memories, for however long they have together.

Find out more at demelza.org.uk

2. Marine Conservation Society

The Marine Conservation Society is a UK-wide community of ocean lovers all working together towards their vision of a sea full of life, where nature flourishes and people thrive.

They operate across the UK, working with businesses and the government to preserve habitats and species. By donating or becoming a member you can support ongoing efforts to save British wildlife for generations to come.

Find out more at mcsuk.org

3. Disability Snowsport UK

DSUK believe that taking part in adaptive snowsport has the power to transform a person’s relationship with not just their disability, but with all aspects of their lives. All people have the right to access the unique physical, mental, and social benefits of snowsport, regardless of disability, injury, or experience.
‍
DSUK operate ski schools at various locations throughout the UK as well as delivering opportunities to ski and snowboard in a mountain environment worldwide.

Find out more at disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

4. My Name’5 Doddie Foundation

Doddie Weir OBE is one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. He earned 61 caps for Scotland during a successful playing career and is now facing his biggest challenge. In June 2017 the Scot revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. From the outset, Doddie has been driven to help fellow sufferers and seek ways to further research into this, as yet, incurable disease.

In November 2017, Doddie and his trustees launched the registered charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Their vision is simple: A world free of MND.

Find out more at myname5doddie.co.uk

5. SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity

The SSAFA is the world’s oldest tri-service military charity. They support members of the British military, veterans and military families with any issues they may be facing.

Offering assistance in the difficult transition to civilian life, counselling and bereavement, the charity exists to relieve need, suffering and distress for anyone involved with the Armed Forces.

Find out more at ssafa.org.uk

6. Children’s Cancer North

Children’s Cancer North is an independent charity with over 40 years of heritage in supporting individuals and families affected by childhood cancer.

Newly formed in 2021, from the marriage of North of England Children’s Cancer Research and Children’s Cancer Fund, these charities have collectively raised over £40 million to support children with cancer in the North East and Cumbria since 1979.

Find out more at childrenscancernorth.org.uk

7. Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs provide assistance to people with sight impairments across the UK. By offering dog training and guide dog services, as well as offering in-person meetings to make life easier for the visually impaired.

The charity has supported over 200,000 people to make their lives a bit easier and provide a furry friend to keep them on track.

Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk

8. Woodland Heritage

Woodland Heritage is recognised as a unique initiative, which truly unites all tree people – a vehicle for wood users and consumers to put something back and contribute to the proper management of British Trees.

Woodland Heritage was founded by a group of traditional cabinet makers who wanted to improve the way in which trees were grown, maintained and harvested in the UK. This small group of environmentally-minded producers was rapidly joined by many hundreds of individuals with concerns for our woodland environment, furniture retailers, timber merchants, tree growers, and colleges.

Find out more at woodlandheritage.org

9. Independent Age

Whatever happens as we get older, we all want to remain independent and live life on our own terms. That’s why, as well as offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility. 

Find out more at independentage.org

10. Camphill Foundation

Camphill communities in the UK and Ireland offer sector-leading care to people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

The Camphill approach to social care works with mainstream healthcare and complements it with approaches and therapies which often have their roots in anthroposophical approaches to care – holistic care in an intentional community setting that espouses life-sharing at its heart.

Find out more at camphillfoundation.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten admirable charities that are looking for your support appeared first on Checklists.

What is the importance of the charity during the festive period, and why is Caudwell Children important to you?

Christmas is a time for giving. A time when we all come together and show our care and love for one another. we should also be mindful that there are many people and animals who find this time of the year very difficult. So giving back is so important at Christmas as something so small to yourself could be massive to another person and really make their Christmas ten times better.

Caudwell is important to me because every child deserves a good happy life no matter their circumstances. Caudwell do everything they can to improve the lives of disabled children and their families. After attending the butterfly ball I was overwhelmed with all the amazing things Caudwell has done to improve the lives of so many individuals .

How are you spending the festive period?

I’ll be spending the festive period with my family and friends. It’s actually the first time in years my family are altogether, my brothers were usually on tour with the army which always made Christmas difficult. This is the first year in a long time we are together as a family. 

I will also be with my little nephew for his first Christmas which is exciting, plus my youngest brother and girlfriend are also expecting and due in a few weeks time. It’s a family Xmas with some amazing wonderful additions, I couldn’t be happier!!!

Tell me about some of the other lifestyle brands you are working with.

I’ve worked with a number of lifestyle brands, since leaving one of the main ones I’m excited about is Gym Cub. In fact I have something very exciting happening with them soon. I met them through their shop launch and fell in love with their products instantly. I honestly cannot wait.

Fitness is so important to having a good healthy lifestyle and if you can look and feel amazing at the same time then it’s a big thumbs up from me. Alongside this I have worked with a number of fashion and beauty brands.

I also had the honour of meeting the author of Grumbalina Books as they were one of the sponsors at the Caudwell Butterfly Ball. Their collection of books are amazing for teaching young children such valuable life lessons. 

Have you got any tips for feeling your best over the festive period?

My tips are to make sure you make time for yourself, unwind and make the most of the smelly gift sets you receive under the tree and in your stocking. I say treat yourself.

We’ve all had a crazy year, so make sure you put your happiness first. Go and eat that Christmas turkey and pudding and try not to make yourself feel guilty for it, as we all deserve it. The new year is when we can work it off.

Have you been making the most of glamorous nights out or are you a homebody?

I am a social butterfly so you will usually see me out and I absolutely love it. I love meeting new people and making up for lost time and nights out I’ve missed due to Covid. However as we roll closer to the end of the year, I think home life is calling me.

My bladder and dancing feet need a little rest, and I know when the new year starts I need to be better at spending more time at home which will allow me make time for myself. I need try not to let FOMO get the better of me as it’s okay to have some me time.

What is your usual going out ritual?

My going out ritual is to crank up the old school tunes whilst I get ready, which usually makes me late as I get too carried away singing. I’ve got to have a cheeky glass of something. I can’t get ready in silence I need to get myself in the mood otherwise my bed would call me.

How has life changed for you since Love Island?

Life is crazy, it’s amazing, it’s overwhelming but great. I have gone to so many events, met incredible people and had amazing opportunities that I could only have dreamed of. That being said it’s a busy life, so it’s finding the balance between managing the old life and new – I wouldn’t change it for the world though, even if I am knackered a lot of the time.

How did the show support mental health and dealing with fame?

Love island have been incredible. The show gave me the option to have a psychologist who checks in with me weekly as well as the show having their very own welfare team. After leaving they also got me prepped with how to deal with the new world I would be stepping into. I honestly cannot fault love island and the support that is offered in terms of your mental health.

Who are you still in contact with from the show?

I’m in contact with a handful of people, you may have seen from photos that I’ve formed a very close bond with Rachel and Amy, us girls literally talk every single day and they have been my rocks on this crazy journey, a journey no one will ever understand unless you’ve done it. I’m also in contact with Georgia, Kaz, Lillie and Brett, Harry. I’ll always make time for people who want to make time for me. That being said I’ll happily contact or talk to anyone if they wished to reach out.

What’s a secret that not many people know?

So I’m actually really blind and wear saucepan glasses at night. I had to wear my contacts in the villa and take them out when everyone was sleeping.

Another would be that whilst I was in holding to go into the Love Island villa, I found my ex on this years Too Hot To Handle. What are the chances of two exes ending up on dating shows at the exact same time?

Finally, what are your plans for 2022?

I would love to get back into TV or go into radio. I think once you have a taste of it it’s hard not to want to go back. I feel like my full true personality and self wasn’t displayed in my short time within the Villa.

Alongside entertainment I would love to open my own salon. At some point I want to get some travelling under my belt if Covid allows it, oh and hopefully within all this I manage to find a man, as that search is still continuing.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – AJ Bunker appeared first on Checklists.

Most recently, there was a large increase in the number of people donating or sponsoring to the cause ‘hospitals and hospices’ during the height of the pandemic’s first wave, whilst up to a fifth of people specifically reported donating to charities which support the NHS.

Here are some other great causes you can support both near and far.

1. SSAFA

SSAFA, the armed forces charity has been looking after the forces community for nearly 135 years. It is constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of the British military – past and present.

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) understands that behind every uniform is a person, and is always there at any time, in any way, for as long as they need it.

As the UK’s oldest national tri-service military charity, SSAFA provides support to regulars and reserves in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. The network of over 5,000 volunteers, provides practical and emotional support to those in need across the UK and abroad.

The charity works in partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve in an appropriate and timely way, maintaining their independence and dignity.

Find out more at ssafa.org.uk

2. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

Even amidst a global pandemic, childhood accidents and illnesses haven’t stopped. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK offers support to the families of children undergoing hospital treatment by providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation. Based just minutes away from partnered NHS specialist hospitals, the charity’s houses enable parents to stay close to their child undergoing hospital treatment.

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides a safe and welcoming environment in 11 Houses across the UK to families with children in hospital. When a child is sick, parents often have to travel for miles to support them in hospital. The charity takes away some of that burden. Houses offer a place to cook a meal, rest and recharge, just minutes away from their child’s hospital bedside, so that parents can be there for their child for as long asthey need.

Find out more at rmhc.org.uk

3. Orbis

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. In many countries, lack of access to treatment means children are going blind. If they’re not treated in time, they could lose their sight forever.

Orbis is fighting avoidable blindness through access to quality eye care. Five-year-old Vaishnavi kept falling over and wasn’t playing as much as she used to. Worried, San and Vaishnavi had to travel 150 miles to the nearest specialists at Akhand Jyoti Eye Institute in India, an Orbis supported hospital. Doctors diagnosed the cataract and removed it. Vaishnavi could have become blind, struggled to attend school and fulfill her potential. Thanks to Orbis supporters, she now has a brighter future.

Cataract operations can cost as little as £20 and yet each year, thousands of people across Africa and Asia are at risk of irreversible blindness. You can give them the gift of sight.

Find out more at orbis.org.uk

4. Combat Stress

Many veterans hit rock bottom before seeking help. For 30 years Chelsea Pensioner Michael’s mental health issues wrecked everything but his life was transformed when he sought help from veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress. Specialist support helped him learn to overcome his anger, depression and nightmares which had affected him for so many years.

The expert clinical team at Combat Stress are often told by the veterans they help that their mental health treatment is life-changing and, in some cases, life-saving.

Thousands of veterans rely on Combat Stress and the charity relies on the generosity of members of the public, especially those who leave gifts in their wills. Currently, these gifts fund one in five of the veterans Combat Stress helps, so please take the time to discover the difference you can make by leaving Combat Stress a legacy.

Find out more at combatstress.org.uk

5. Marine Conservation Society

At this difficult time, we are all looking to the small things in life to find joy; like the first spring flowers opening or the clear blue sky. Many of us find wellbeing in the ocean; seeing crashing waves and the stunning marine wildlife that surrounds the UK can bring a sense of calm.

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, providing more than half the oxygen we breathe, and absorbing nearly a third of our carbon emissions. But sadly our ocean is in poor health because of decades of human activity: pollution, habitat destruction and over-fishing.

For more than 30 years, Marine Conservation Society been the voice of our seas, defending coastal habitats and species.

Your financial support would be helping vital work for a better protected and healthier ocean. Help us achieve seas full of life, where nature flourishes and people thrive.

Find out more at mcsuk.org

6. Traidcraft Exchange

Traidcraft Exchange brings people together to fight injustice in trade – so hardworking people across the world can earn enough to feed their families and educate their children. In its simplest form trade should be beneficial for everyone involved. Goods and money are exchanged and everyone is better off.

But global trade doesn’t work this way – instead it feeds the rich and exploits the poor. It traps people in poverty.

Traidcraft’s mission is to challenge the way global trade works – to use the power of trade to create lasting solutions to poverty.

A gift in your will is a catalyst for change. Your legacy will help to build a future free from injustice, where everyone, no matter where they were born, can earn a decent living.

Traidcraft Exchange currently offers free Will writing for those considering leaving the charity a gift in their Will.

Find out more at traidcraftexchange.org

7. Marie Curie

“If you’ve lost a loved one to terminal illness, you’ll know how important it is for people to spend their last days at home, surrounded by the people they love,” says Bindi Poonia, a Marie Curie nurse.

As a Marie Curie nurse, she cares for people who have a terminal illness through the night. Often, she will do a lot more than provide nursing care. “I remember one lady who told me how she’d always loved getting her nails done. So I did her nails for her, massaging her arms and chatting as I did so. She told me it made her feel like herself again,” says Bindi.

When the team finish their shift, family members often give Bindi a hug and say ‘thank you’. She adds: “I think those people are not only thanking me, but all the people who chose to include a gift in their will to support Marie Curie nurses.”

Find out more at mariecurie.org.uk

8. World Villages for Children

World Villages for Children believes that every child deserves to grow up free from poverty. Like Ana, aged 12, who lives in the poorest region of Honduras. She gets up at 4am daily to harvest coffee to earn a few Lempira to help feed her family.

They live on a muddy hillside in a homemade, unsanitary shelter with just two rooms, taking it in turns to sleep at night. With little food or fresh water for drinking and no access to healthcare or education, life is bleak.

Luckily for Ana, donors have funded a school place with the humanitarian programmes of the Sisters of Mary. Safe in their care, Ana now has regular meals, clean clothes, healthcare, a bed and the education she deserves. For the first time she has hope for a better future for herself and her family.

To help children like Ana, make a donation today.

Find out more at worldvillages.org.uk

9. Epilepsy Research UK

Epilepsy Research UK is the only charity exclusively dedicated to driving and enabling scientific research into the causes, diagnosis and treatments of epilepsy.

By leaving a gift in your will you’ll be making a vital contribution to supporting research that aims to provide help for today and hope for tomorrow. Gifts in wills fund up to half the charity’s work. No matter how large or small, your gift will help deliver an ambitious vision for people with epilepsy of ‘a life free epilepsy’.

The research projects and fellowships supported by Epilepsy Research UK are of the highest scientific merit and are subject to rigorous scrutiny, involving a scientific advisory committee, independent expert opinion, interviews and peer review. They seek to discover ways to advance the medical care and management of people living with epilepsy and investigate causes and methods for improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention. 

Find out more at epilepsyresearch.org.uk

10. Care International

Grace, aged 17, is a refugee and mother from south Sudan, a country that has seen decades of war and violence. Her father was killed while searching for food. Later, some men grabbed Grace and she was attacked at gunpoint. She didn’t know she was pregnant until her stomach began to grow.

She said: “I decided to come to Uganda because life in south Sudan was so hard. I walked to the border in Uganda. I would walk all day then sleep at night, walk then sleep.”

More and more people like Grace are being forced from their homes. With a gift to CARE International you could provide refugees across the world with vital items such as food, shelter and medical care, as well as psychological support to help them overcome trauma.

You could be a lifeline to refugees like Grace. Could you send the gift of hope today?

Find out more at careint.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Here’s the 10 ways that you can make charity your mission appeared first on Checklists.

Operation Smile has provided over 300,000 successful surgeries for those born with cleft lip and cleft palate worldwide.

Saira said: “It is an absolute honour to be involved with such a life changing charity. Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate and without surgery, struggle to eat, speak and socialise. In many of the countries where Operation Smile operates, these children and their families are often shunned and therefore the implications go way beyond the health of the child. That’s why the work of the charity is absolutely vital, helping to both treat patients in need, and train local medical teams to support their long-term comprehensive care.”

In the UK, if a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, they will be treated by the NHS before they are six months old. However, in many countries these kind of medical resources don’t exist or the costs are prohibitive – in some countries the cost of an operation is equivalent to a year’s salary.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thank you @makeupcouk for my hair and makeup today for @loosewomen abs @mothershoppers for dressing me. I just love a #maxidress – this from @zara – I think for most women this would be a midi – but at 5ft1 it’s a maxi in me😂. Thank you @simplyhairuk for giving me bouncy, full hair again- love your extensions x

A post shared by Saira Khan (@iamsairakhan) on Jan 13, 2020 at 12:20pm PST

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, Operation Smile will conduct its first all-women’s medical mission in Morocco with a team comprised entirely of female volunteers. 54 female volunteers from 27 countries will deliver the highest level of surgical and multidisciplinary care to patients affected by cleft conditions. This landmark mission will also demonstrate the lasting impact women have had on their programmes; on average a mission is comprised of 60 percent female volunteers.

Saira said: “As a champion for women, I am excited and inspired ahead of Operation Smile’s First All Women’s Mission. Women are an integral part of the healthcare system, and this mission honours them. I am a proud Muslim woman, so the fact that it is taking place in Morocco, a predominately Muslim country, really connected with me. It’s very meaningful that these women are going to be making such a difference for some of the most vulnerable children in the country.”

Children with cleft lip or cleft palate can be considered untouchable and shunned by the community who see them as cursed. Some untreated teenagers even report considering suicide.

Saira said: “It is shocking to hear about the stigma some children with cleft conditions face. As a parent of two children myself, it is heartbreaking, and highlights just how important Operation Smile’s community work is. They offer therapy for those affected and raise awareness about cleft conditions in remote areas where families have not heard about treatments for cleft lip or cleft palate.”

The team of female volunteers will be in Oujda, Morocco from March 5th to March 14th for Operation Smile’s First Women’s Mission.

Saira will be participating in an upcoming Operation Smile medical mission in the coming months.

The post Saira Khan announced as Operation Smile ambassador appeared first on Checklists.