Month: September 2023

Categories
Planet

What’s a permanent solution to the climate crisis?

Most environmental work centers around key aims; cleaner energy alternatives, reducing pollution, slowing deforestation, and protecting wildlife to name a few. While such solutions are vital they don’t get to the root of many of the problems we’re beginning to face. Those problems are centered around the fact that many of our resources are depleted and our land and soil decimated. 

This is something that Kiss the Ground aims to fix with their regenerative agriculture technique. 

“I think most climate organizations are working in the context of sustainability,” Finian Makepeace, a co-founder of Kiss the Ground, tells Smiley News. “We are working in the context of regeneration and those two vantage points are very, very, very different.”

The idea is simple in theory: restore the soil we use to its former glory, for healthier land, crops, drainage, and many other positive impacts. This is the principle that the Kiss the Ground team is passionate about.

“Truth be told, facing the climate struggle, I pretty much saw everything that we had in the solution box as a way to go off the cliff just a little bit slower,” Finian says.

He learned about regenerative agriculture and saw that as a way to back us away from the proverbial cliff entirely.

“When I learned about regenerative agriculture and soil health or building soil using carbon in the atmosphere currently causing a problem to rebuild the very stuff that mitigates 99% of the problems we actually get hit with human costs, climate issues from drought, desertification, biodiversity loss, human health decline, water flooding, drought issues, to climate and carbon itself,  it presented such a big universal solution,” he says.

A big part of the work that they do is education, serving as a “data stream” so information about the potential of regenerative agriculture can spread throughout society. They don’t want to lead the movement, they want to help it keep its steam.

“Most of the time, the leaders aren’t the reason that the world catches on,” Finian says. “It’s the second person who’s coming to make sure ideas are more available, more connected, more mainstream, more interconnected to regular people.”

They don’t want to take the place of the people leading the movement or the people on the ground. Instead they serve purely as intermediaries, similar to how journalists disperse information. 

“We really saw our role saying, we’re not the farmers, we’re not the indigenous knowledge holders, we’re not the scientists, so what if we take a role of allowing for this idea to emerge and have a goal of what if by 2025 2030, regenerative ag and building soil is actually seen as the most critical climate change solution on planet Earth?”

Charity check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

I Am A Girl NGO. They work to support girls across Barbados. Find out more and support them here. 

Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more. 

American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here. 

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

Categories
Wellbeing

Viral cat-owner duo ride with Paralympic cyclist

In the next part of their cycling adventure, Travis and his deaf cat Sigrid met an inspiring Paralympic cyclist, Ben Watson. 

When he was 14, Ben was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. He overcame this health challenge and went on to become a double Paralympic champion in Tokyo two years ago. 

Today he supports GAIN, a small charity supporting people with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

In this latest episode of the Smiley News series, Travis and Sigrid’s Charity Rides, the cat-owner duo heard from Ben about GAIN’s important work. 

“Charity, for me, means being able to help people who need a bit more help,” Ben told Travis.

Brilliant! Tell me more.

Ben explained how Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease that affects your central nervous system. He discovered he had it when he returned from holiday in Egypt and became severely ill, spending five months in hospital.

But Ben bounced back from this experience, buying a mountain bike aged 16 and going on to become the successful Paralympian he is today.

For him, cycling means everything.

“It’s not just a sport, it’s freedom as well,” Ben said.

The pair talked through Ben’s experiences and the importance of charitable work, enjoying the cycle ride despite the bad weather.

As Ben and Travis chatted, a very soggy Sigrid watched the rainy scenery from her basket at the front of Travis’s bike.

Watch the full episode here. Later episodes will be released every Tuesday at 12pm till mid-October.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

GAIN. They provide specialist support for people with the rare disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome. Learn more here.

Cancer Research UK. This charity provides information for anyone affected by any kind of cancer. Support them here.

Alzheimer’s Research UK. An organisation funding research into cures for dementia. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.

Categories
Culture

The director empowering small charities

One of the biggest barriers to positive, sustainable change – as with most things – is money. Particularly for small, local charities and community initiatives that are trying to help the people they know, and care about, the problem comes down to access to resources.

The main ‘solution’ that the global north has employed over the last couple of centuries, since the concept of ‘charity’ really took off, involves sending people from rich countries to poorer countries, and having them enact their charitable efforts. 

There are a lot of problems with this – not least that people who are coming in from a very different situation often don’t know the nuances, the ins and outs of the communities that they are trying to help. They have the best intentions, but the truth is, the people best suited to solving these problems are those that are living them.

To this end – the Global Fund for Children was created 30 years ago. They are dedicated to helping children and young people, and do so by sending funds directly to the charities and community groups that are already established locally.

“I’ve worked in the charitable sector since I left university,” explains Hayley Roffey, who is the Global Managing Director of Global Fund for Children. “The previous organisation I worked for was founded by my dad and was working with disadvantaged children, young people across the south of the UK, London and the Southeast, and global climate children. And said they wanted to fund us. “

“It’s been a really interesting journey because it means I’ve had the perspective of what it’s like to receive GFC funding – and the grants officer who supported [us] right from the start is still here! So it’s been a really, really lovely full-circle journey.”

Having once worked for small charities herself, Hayley knows how difficult it can be for local groups to get the resources that they need to take care of their own children and young people – and knows what they need when it comes to a partnership.

“We are like the opposite of how international aid works,” explains Hayley. “We work with local people in their local community [to] try and mobilise and move resources to them so they can do the work to meet those most vulnerable [people] – rather than people from the global north, going to countries and providing that support directly themselves.”

“It’s all about locally rooted people who already know how to meet needs. It’s not rocket science. It’s just something that I think we’ve forgotten as a society over the years.”

The goal, for Hayley and GFC as a whole, is to make it easier for charities to help people. They aim to take away the pressure and stress that comes with having to jump through hoops and fill out long, difficult forms – and instead focus on doing what they do best.

Hayley and her incredible teams are helping to revolutionise the charity sector, making it more efficient, and less stressful for those who are just trying to make a difference in this world.

“I heard [someone] say ‘this sector is the only sector where non-experts tell experts what to do’,” comments Hayley. “[But] I think local people are the experts – why should we tell them what to do? They know what they’re doing. They just need resources. They don’t have the time, the means, the access – so they need organisations like GFC, who’ve been around for 30 years [and] who’ve got thousands of people in our networks. “

“That’s what we can open up for them. That’s what they need. They don’t need people telling them how to work with children and people – [but] they might need help with creating budgets, they might need help with opening bank accounts because we often will also fund unregistered groups, groups led by young people.”

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Create. Create is the UK’s leading charity empowering lives, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing through the creative arts. Support them here.

Save The Children UK. Save the Children is a UK charity for children that works in over 100 countries to make sure children are fed, learning and treated fairly. Learn more here.

Barnardo’s. This is a children’s charity that protects and supports children and young people in the UK who need them. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.

Categories
Equality

Football star supports campaign encouraging girls to play sport

Fara Williams, Image: James Boyes
Fara Williams, Image: James Boyes

Image: James Boyes.

The highest capped player in women’s football, Fara Williams, is aiming for a new goal: to get more girls interested in playing football.

That’s great! Tell me more.

Fara has teamed up with the cereal company, Weetabix, on their campaign, ‘Balls Allowed’. 

The campaign is challenging ‘No balls allowed’ signs in urban areas. The signs frequently deter children from playing, and yet they are not always legally enforceable. 

To encourage more girls to play the game, campaigners are setting up pop-up goals in cities across the UK, including London, Leeds, and Manchester.

They are also distributing hundreds of free footballs to enable even more children to play this most loved game. 

“Being able to have a kickabout in my local community was my first step to discovering a love for football,” said Fara. “Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t have been a Lioness.”

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Women In Sport. A charity breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more active and participate in sports. Learn more here.

Burgess Sports. They empower disadvantaged children to achieve their goals by offering free sports sessions. Support them here.

United Through Sport. An organisation using sport to educate and empower children around the world. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality.

Categories
Equality

Famous campaigner to host annual disability awards

The broadcaster, speaker, author and disability advocate, Samantha Renke, will host the national disability charity Sense’s annual awards ceremony.

Amazing! What’s the deal?

The Sense Awards 2023, taking place on 23 November, will celebrate the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities and those who support them.

Awards will be presented in 13 categories. These include ‘Person of the Year’, ‘Campaigner of the Year’, ‘Young Sibling of the Year’ and ‘Celebrity of the Year’. Previous winners include comedian Rosie Jones and BBC News correspondent Nikki Fox.  

A team of disabled celebrities, influencers and disability activists will judge the awards, selecting the shortlist and winners. 

Judges include singer-songwriter Alice Ella, chef and TV presenter Briony May Williams, Paralympian Siobhan Fitzpatrick and disabled influencer Lauren Gilbert, whose decisions will be announced by Samantha.

Tell me about Samantha.

This year’s host, Samantha was born with Brittle Bone Condition. She regularly speaks out on topics such as body image, ableism and the financial and social impact on disabled people. She’s written for the Metro and is co-host of The Motability Lifestyle Pod.

In her book, You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, she shares her experiences of living with a disability. 

She’s appeared on shows including Lorraine, Loose Women, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Jeremy Vine on 5 and Sunday Morning Live. 

“In recent years, as I’ve become more involved as a disability rights campaigner, I’ve come to fully understand and feel so much pride in my disability identity,” she said. “The Sense Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of disabled people and continue to raise our voices.”

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Sense. Sense helps thousands of people who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential. Learn more here.

Scope. Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales, providing practical information and emotional support when it’s most needed, campaigning to create a fairer society. Support them here.

Disability Rights UK. Disability Rights UK is the UK’s leading organisation led by, run by, and working for disabled people. Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.

Categories
Equality

The 10 year old who awoke the world to a vital cause

She was only ten years old when she changed the world – and today, aged 20, Nada Alahdal shows no signs of slowing.

“Child marriage in my village is very common, especially in my family,” explains Nada. “My grandma, she got married when she was nine. My mom, she got married at the age of 14. So for them, these kinds of things [are] normal. This crime is normal for them because it happens in [their] small society.”

Nada was 10 years and three months old when she was first engaged. Growing up in a small village in Yemen, child marriage was common in her family – which is why her parents engaged her to be married off to a wealthy expatriate, 16 years Nada’s senior.

Luckily for Nada, her uncle Abdel Salam al-Ahdal stepped in. Abdel believed that what was happening to Nada was wrong, and was able to dissuade the suitor, dissolving the engagement.

“He’s well educated,” explains Nada. “He’s the only person in the family who finished uni. He’s really into media and reading a lot, so he’s the only person who’s educated in the whole family. He really believes in educating girls, and girls’ rights. In summer breaks he used to take one of the girls [in the family] to the capital of Yemen, educate them, join them to singing classes, drawing classes, English classes, and I got really close to my uncle. He used to take care of my education.”

Unfortunately for Nada, her parents found another man to marry her. This is when she ran away from home, to her uncle who took her in – and when she filmed a video speaking out against her situation, and the situation of many other girls who are forced into child marriage.

The video went viral, and you can watch it here, with English subtitles.

Though Nada went to live with her uncle, the danger was by no means over. Nada and Abdel were kidnapped by ISIS, in an attempt to silence her. There has been a lot of backlash from those who still support child marriage – though Nada has received support around the world, there were many that wished to prevent her from speaking out.

“I [received] a royal invitation from Saudi Arabia, saying that Arabia will take care of everything, like, [my] education, etcetera, will be under their support. Obviously, I accepted that – I needed to be protected, I didn’t have another choice,” explains Nada. “[That is] where I started my activity – I’m talking about child marriage, I’m [a] feminist, on social media and TV, talking about my story and trying to spread awareness about the consequences of child marriage, and the importance of girls lives.”

Since then, Nada has been fighting to end child marriages across the globe and to protect the young girls that are being subjected to this injustice. She has even gone on to create her own charity – the Nada Foundation. The foundation’s project ‘Our Dreams Thrive’ is helping Yemeni girls that have been displaced by child marriage, violence or conflict.

The Nada Foundation is using profits from Nada’s book; The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up Against Child Marriage, which she co-wrote alongside Yemeni director Khadija al-Salam. The money is currently funding the educational journey of 10,000 girls, teaching them the English language, and helping them to instil them with confidence, dignity and passion – as well as giving them the opportunity to continue their education remotely.

“We really believe that English can save so many girls’ lives,” says Nada. “One video of mine saved my life – I didn’t mean to post it for people to see, but it happened. Imagine [if] I was speaking in English, my message would be worldwide. So that’s why we start courses for these girls for free to learn English. We opened in six cities in Yemen classes.”

The biggest result of Nada’s incredible work has been the young girls that she has been able to save. Her story is a long, dangerous and stressful one – but it has inspired so many other girls around the world that are enduring, or in danger of, child marriages. Thanks to her work, these girls are finding freedom.

“There are so many girls [that] actually social media contacted me and asked me for help,” explains Nada, speaking of the incredible work her foundation is continuing to perform. “So the programme is to take these girls, put them in a safe places and try to solve their problems with the police legally. It was a safe haven. We [have] saved more than 63 girls.”

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

ActionAid UK. This is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty, and helping to end child marriage. Support them here.

Girls Not Brides. Girls Not Brides is a global partnership working collectively to end child marriage. Learn more here.

World Vision UK. For 70 years, World Vision UK has been working to end child marriages across the globe. Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality.

Categories
Equality

Brits have become more liberal, study shows

Britain has become more socially liberal, according to a new study.

Tell me more!

The latest NATCEN British social attitudes survey shows that since the surveys first began 40 years ago, Brits have become much more liberal-minded. 

As of the most recent survey:

81% think it is all right for a couple to live together without being married, up from 64% in 1994.

67% think a sexual relationship between two people of the same sex is never wrong, compared with 17% in 1983.

Attitudes have improved towards women’s right to choose when it comes to abortion, single-parenthood, and having children outside of marriage.

It’s great to see that attitudes are shifting to become more accepting as time goes on!

However, the study also notes that attitudes have worsened towards transgender people.

The proportion of British people who describe themselves as “not prejudiced” towards trans people, fell from 82% to 64% over the period of the study.

So while progress has been made in some areas, others require increased attention from campaigners.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

MindOut. An award winning LGBTQ community mental health service based in Brighton; run by LGBTQ people, for LGBTQ people. Learn more here.

Switchboard. They provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. Support them here.

LGBT Hero. LGBT HERO is the national health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQ+ people supporting over 100,000 people a month.  Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Reduced Inequalities.

Categories
Planet

Is this new palm oil alternative ‘the holy grail’?

Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, September 2023. University develops a replacement for palm oil that is healthy and environmentally friendly. L to R, Dr Julien Lonchamp and Catriona Liddle. Pic free for first use relating to QMU. For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: [email protected]; copy to: [email protected]; M: 07711 011239. © Malcolm Cochrane Photography +44 (0)7971 835 065 [email protected] No syndication No reproduction without permission

It’s finally here – the eco-friendly palm oil alternative.

What’s the story?

Palm oil has been a hot topic in recent years. A natural preservative that is smooth, odourless, and tasteless, it is used in myriad cosmetic and food products. Its use is so prolific that it accounts for 40% of vegetable oil use in the world.

Unfortunately, it has also led to huge deforestation near the equator. Trees that produce this palm oil are decimated for mass production, leading to ecological decline and biodiversity loss.

So, tell me about the alternative.

A Scottish research team believe they may have produced what they are calling “the holy grail to replace palm oil”. PALM-ALT is created from a byproduct of the linseed industry, and contains 25% less fat and 88% less saturated fat – so is better for us, as well as the planet.

Plus, as it’s a byproduct of an already existing industry, it isn’t contributing to deforestation – all while helping produce the same delicious foods we’re used to.

PALM-ALT was developed by Dr Julien Lonchamp, Reader in Food Science, and Catriona Liddle, Head of the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

The Climate Coalition. This is the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. Find out more and support them here.

Climate Reframe.  Climate Reframe is committed to supporting the climate and environment movement in its transformation towards greater justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Find out more.

The Woodland Trust. This is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

Categories
Culture

Famous comedian to host Disability Sports Awards

Image: CC-BY-SA Heath Campanaro.
Image: CC-BY-SA Heath Campanaro.

Image: CC-BY-SA Heath Campanaro.

A children’s charity has announced this year’s Disability Sports Awards will be hosted by the comedian, Adam Hills MBE.

Tell me more!

Variety, the Children’s Charity, has announced that they will be hosting their Variety Club Disability Sports Awards on 30th October 2023.

These are the UK’s only annual disability sports awards, designed to celebrate the achievements of disabled UK athletes of all ages.

What are the categories?

There are nine categories, including a Champion for Change Award, an Unsung Hero Award, and the Sports Icon Award.

As a bonus, Britain’s best-known paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, will be presenting a tenth Special Achievement Award on the night.

Adam Hills MBE who also hosts The Last Leg on Channel 4, said: ​​”I am passionate about making the sporting world an inclusive place for everyone, and these awards are very important for recognising the achievements of people with disabilities. It’s fantastic to see such a step forward towards inclusivity.”

If you’re interested in buying tickets for the event, follow this link to the Variety website.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

Sense. Sense helps thousands of people who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential. Learn more here.

Scope. Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales, providing practical information and emotional support when it’s most needed, campaigning to create a fairer society. Support them here.

Disability Rights UK. Disability Rights UK is the UK’s leading organisation led by, run by, and working for disabled people. Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.

Categories
Culture

102-year-old abseils for charity

A 102-year-old WWII veteran has abseiled 280 feet for charity.

That’s incredible! What’s the story?

Former Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell was a Mosquito bomb pilot in the RAF during WWII. Now aged 102, on 14th September 2023, Colin took on the 280-foot abseil down the Royal London Hospital to raise money for charity.

In this daring challenge, Colin raised money for three separate charities; the Royal College of Nursing Foundation, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the London Air Ambulance.

He is also taking on a sponsored walk, visiting places significant to his wartime journey, in aid of the three charities.

What are the stats?

So far, Colin has raised over £7,000 for the London Air Ambulance, over £7,300 for the RAF Benevolent Fund, and more than £5,000 for the RCN Foundation. This brings his total up to an incredible £19,527.

If you would like to support Colin on his fundraising journey, you can donate to his RCN Foundation page here, his RAF Benevolent Fund page here, and his London Air Ambulance page here.

Charity check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

London’s Air Ambulance. This charity delivers medics to the scene of accidents all around London to provide life-saving surgery and transportation. Learn more here.

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has supported RAF family members, providing practical, emotional, and financial support. Support them here.

Royal College of Nursing Foundation. The RCN Foundation provides grants for hardship, education and research, to support and strengthen nursing and midwifery and to improve the health and wellbeing of the public. Find out more.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.