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’?

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.

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.

Categories
Planet

This island is parcelling off its ocean – for its own protection

A small, Pacific Island nation has a new way to tackle ocean conservation.

Great! Tell me more.

The nation of Niue is a small one, surrounded by a vast, beautiful ocean – one they are determined to protect. The new idea is this: to protect their oceans, they will be selling it off.

Selling it off?!

In a sense, at least – sponsors will be able to pay $148 to protect one square kilometre of ocean from issues like illegal fishing and plastic waste. 

The protection lasts for 20 years, thanks to the funding provided by each ‘purchase’ – and they are hoping to raise $18 million this way, protecting the ocean around them.

Niue will get the ball rolling by buying 1,700 units – one for each of its citizens. 

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.

Blue Marine Foundation. A charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by addressing overfishing, one of the world’s biggest environmental problems. Support them here.

The Ocean Conservation Trust. A charity of Ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore nature for a thriving Ocean. Find out more here.

Marine Conservation Society. This charity is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean: one we can all enjoy. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

Categories
Planet

JLS star invites children and teachers to online pet protection event

JLS star JB Gill is standing up for animal rights.

Amazing! What’s the story?

JB Gill, a singer in boyband JLS, and now the vice-president of the RSPCA, is a huge supporter of animal welfare. With his support, eight animal rights charities are coming together for a huge event this World Animal Day (October 4th) to help educate young people on animal rights.

What’s the event about?

The event, called World Animal Day & Me, is organised by the Pet Education Partnership (PEP), which includes the RSPCA, USPCA, SSPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and Woodgreen charities.

The event is for Key Stage 2 children, aged between seven and 11, and is completely free to join online on October 4th. On behalf of the PEP, JB is calling on teachers, parents and guardians to join the event with their children, to help teach them about animal welfare.

For more information about World Animal Day & Me, or to sign up for the event visit this EventBrite link. 

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.

RSPCA. This is the leading animal welfare charity in the UK, and they specialise in animal rescue & furthering the welfare cause for all animals. Find out more here.

Four Paws UK. This charity is an animal welfare organisation, working globally to help animals in need. Learn more here.

Wildlife Justice Commission. This international foundation works to end animal trafficking around the globe. Find out more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Life on Land.

Categories
Wellbeing

Record shop holds live gig to fund life-saving services

A record store in East London held a purpose-driven gig on Saturday – all for a good cause. 

The exciting event raised funds for the life-saving services of the mental health charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). 

Fantastic! Tell me more.

Performers included Floodlights, Human Interest, and singer-songwriter Hatchie. 

Hundreds of tickets sold at £8.20 each, with all proceeds going to the charity.

But that’s not all…

Rough Trade customers and music fans can keep the funds flowing by donating in-store and online. 

By donating just £3 you can fund ten conversations via WhatsApp, each of which could potentially save someone’s life. 

“Music plays such an important part in so many lives and we’re delighted to become the legendary Rough Trade’s first official charity partner,” said Simon Gunning, Chief Executive at CALM.

“More people than ever are turning to CALM for support and advice. To put that into context, in 2022 we had over 3 million minutes of potentially lifesaving calls via our helpline and webchat services, and this year we are helping even more people. But we can’t do that alone.”

Simon hopes the support from Rough Trade will “make a real difference to people’s lives”, allowing them to continue offering vital services to anyone who is struggling.

You can support CALM via Rough Trade’s website or directly via their donations page.

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.

Mind. An organisation offering a wide range of advice, support and other services. Support them here.

Young Minds. They focus on educating young people about mental health and ensuring they have an adult to listen to them. Find out more here.

United For Global Mental Health. This organisation is working hard to unite people for young people’s mental health around the world. Learn more here.

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

Categories
Equality

Top comedians perform live to support autism charity

A charity comedy show is returning this year, featuring award-winning comedians fundraising for an autism charity.

What can I expect from the show?

A selection of comedy stars will perform live on stage for the Matt and Co. Comedy Show, at the Clapham Grand on 14th November 2023, fundraising for the National Autistic Society.

The show’s lineup includes: host Matt Richardson, Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones, Jen Brister, Cally Beaton, Milton Jones, Paul Sinha, Josh Jones and Joe Wells. 

All the money raised will support the charity’s work and ensure autistic people get the support they need to live happy and fulfilled lives. 

The charity aims to change attitudes towards autism, improve autistic people’s lives and create a society that works better for autistic people.  

That’s great! Tell me more.

The show is hosted by award-winning comedian Matt Richardson. Matt and his younger brother, Alex, are ambassadors for the charity whose cause is close to their hearts.

Matt and his brother are autistic and have become closer as a result of working with the charity. 

“There was so much about the way he saw the world that I didn’t know, until we started working together. It’s been really eye opening and I feel much closer to him because of it,” Matt said.

To support the National Autism Society, buy tickets for the comedy show.

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.

National Autistic Society. An organisation aiming to transform autistic people’s lives with advice, guidance and changing attitudes. Support them here.

Disability Rights UK. A charity led by disabled people pushing for better rights, accessibility and opportunities. Find out more here.

Sense. They work to support people with complex dissabilities. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Reduced Inequalities.

Categories
Planet

Trekkers given gel bags to keep Canadian wilderness poop-free

A stewardship organisation is providing gel bags and dispensers to combat faecal matter in Squamish, one of Canada’s popular wilderness areas. 

Really?! What’s the story?

After a rise in the number of climbers and trekkers visiting the area and defecating, the park wardens decided to take action. 

The Squamish Access Society (SAS) teamed up with park authorities and local businesses to erect five poo dispensers across the park at key climbing areas.

The bags, known as Wag bags, are made from gel containing enzymes to break down the poo and prevent odours from escaping.

Some more experienced climbers and trekkers already use the bags, operating on the principle of “leave no trace”. But a rising number of newcomers visiting the area began to create a problem.

The SAS tested the bags by leaving one in a hot car for an entire day and they found it left no odours afterwards. They assure visitors that the bags are very difficult to break.

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.

American Forests. An organisation reforesting areas of the US to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Support them here.

Conservation International. Conservationists using the law, finance and lobbying to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems around the world. Find out more here.

NRCD. They use law, policy and people power to reach for climate justice and to restore biodiversity. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Life on Land.

Categories
Planet

Ocean advocate swims 315-mile river for clean water

Lewis Pugh, endurance swimmer and UN ocean advocate, just swam the length of the Hudson River.

Tell me more!

It took 30 days for Lewis, aged 53, to swim the 315 miles (that’s 507 kilometres) of the Hudson River, which stretches down from the Adirondack Mountains towards New York City.

For readers who aren’t fans of extreme sport, you might be wondering why someone would put themselves through such a challenge. But, for Lewis, it was all about highlighting the Hudson rather than his own journey – and showing how important it is to take care of our rivers.

What else?

The Hudson River is notorious for being polluted – though huge effort has been made in recent years to improve it, and it is much cleaner now. Still, there is much work to be done – which Lewis, who swam the river wearing just a Speedo, was determined to highlight.

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 Canal & Rivers Trust. The Rivers Trust are conservation experts who work to create wild, healthy, natural rivers. Support them here.

The Ocean Conservation Trust. A charity of Ocean optimists taking action to protect and restore nature for a thriving Ocean. Find out more here.

Marine Conservation Society. This charity is fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean: one we can all enjoy. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Clean Water and Sanitation.