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Culture

‘Volunteering has given me a new perspective on life’

One very special puppy has graduated from university thanks to her foster parent.

Aww!

Megan Davies, aged 21, from Cardiff decided to volunteer as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs Cymru while studying for a degree in Animal Health and Welfare. 

Her guide dog puppy, Cariad, was able to come to classes with her, and (unsurprisingly!) was a huge hit with everyone.

What was volunteering with Guide Dogs like?

According to Megan, “I would recommend volunteering to other students – it’s a lot of fun and I’ve met so many amazing people. It’s given me a new perspective on life.

“It was a proud moment when I graduated and Cariad came up on stage with me. She got the biggest round of applause of the day.”

Megan graduated last year and is now working as a PA for a local guide dog owner. She also takes part in fundraising for her local Guide Dogs group.

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.

Guide Dogs UK. Guide Dogs is here to help people with sight loss across the UK, live the life they choose. Support them here.

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

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.

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

Categories
Planet

Fashion brands band together for the planet

Fashion brands are making a stand against textile waste.

Great! Who is involved?

Brands like Adidas and H&M Group are coming together to research the most effective ways to manage clothing waste. This is all in a bid to make the world of fashion more circular and sustainable.

Why are they doing this?

Textile waste has a massively detrimental effect on the environment and can be incredibly damaging. It’s hugely positive that some of the biggest brands around are working to make things more sustainable, and hopefully others will follow their lead!

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.

Every Can Counts. This is a not-for-profit recycling programme, encouraging people to recycle more often, to protect our planet. Support them here.

Trees For Cities. They are working to plant more trees within large metropolitan areas, for the betterment of people and planet. Support them here.

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.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

Categories
Equality

Volunteering transformed this woman’s life

Community Integrated Care volunteers supporting Womens Rugby Super League Grand Final - Leeds Rhinos v St Helens, Headingley Photography - Nick Harrison

In lockdown Jenny Robinson rarely socialised and spent much of her time alone at home. But then she discovered the community-integrated support project, the Learning Disability Super League (LDSL), and everything changed.

Her partner, Declan Jenkinson, was playing rugby for LDSL’s Leeds Rhinos team, in matches specially adapted to people with autism. Seeing how much he loved it, Jenny wanted to get more involved in the sport too.

“I wanted to support Declan at games, as I know how much it meant to him,” she explained.

So she decided to start volunteering for the charity, supporting the matches and spreading the word about their work. 

What are the benefits of volunteerism to society?

She signed up for all kinds of volunteering roles: producing art, designing shirts and interviewing players. 

Quickly, the charity recognised her skills and efforts. She contributed to the official England Rugby League World Cup warm up shirt design and displayed her art at a Leeds Rhinos fixture exhibition.

She went on to gain a huge confidence boost, hosting Community Integrated Care’s Learning Disability Super League World Cup draw at Headingley Stadium, as part of the Inclusive Volunteering programme run in partnership with Sport England. 

She even stepped into the national limelight, speaking about her experiences on the hugely popular Women’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

The benefits of volunteering have been enormous for Jenny. “It has changed my life,” she said. “Working with Community Integrated Care has given me so many things to look forward to and be excited about. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

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.

Community Integrated Care. This charity offers support for disabled people to build their skills and confidence. Find out more and support them here. 

MSI Reproductive Choices. The national charity supporting disabled people through the cost of living crisis. Support them here.

Disability Rights UK. A charity led by disabled people campaigning for their rights. Find out more. 

This article aligns with the UN SDG Reduced Inequalities.

Categories
Equality

Argentina says ‘yes’ to over the counter emergency contraceptives

pills
pills

Reproductive health has been a hot topic in the United States since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the summer of last year. Farther south, in Argentina, the conversation is about making reproductive choices more accessible.

Women in Argentina will no longer require a prescription to get emergency contraception. The government said making the ‘morning-after pill’ more easily available removed an “important barrier” to reproductive health. 

“This removes an important barrier to access,” Valeria Isla, director of sexual and reproductive health at the ministry, said. “People can have this method of contraception as support before an emergency happens.”

Argentina is one of the most influential countries in South America, and this is a sign of progress in the Catholic-dominated country. 

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 International Planned Parenthood Federation. This organization delivers sexual and reproductive health services around the world. Find out more and support them here. 

Planned Parenthood. They offer support and care to women seeking an abortion. Find out more. 
MSI Reproductive Choices. They believe that everyone should have the right to decide their own future. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality.

Categories
Wellbeing

Singing legend leads nation in song for dementia carers

Time to warm up your vocal cords. The singer of This is the way to Amarillo, Tony Christie, is asking everyone in the UK to learn the lyrics of a 1978 classic.

But I can’t sing.

Oh yes you can. And it will be great.

Okay. Why?

The song, Thank you for being a friend, will be released on Thank You Day (2 July) in gratitude to all those looking after people with dementia. This group was chosen because carers represent the UK’s least thanked group.

The recording features five carers singing alongside Tony as well as famous singers whose names will be announced in late June. 

Tony himself was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year and recorded the song for Music For Dementia, a charity which uses song and sound to support people with this memory impairment. 

Ahead of the occasion, Tony is preparing everyone to let loose.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in a church, at a festival, at a picnic in the park, in your bedroom on TikTok or you host an event yourself at the park or in the pub,” he said. “All that matters is that you’re part of something big and special that celebrates all the diverse people and communities that make the UK great, and gives special recognition to the brilliant carers in it.”

If you want to record your own cover of the song, download the sheet music and backing track for free from the Thank You Day 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.

Dementia UK. This is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia, to help support those in need. Find out more here.

Alzheimer’s Research UK. Alzheimer’s Research UK are the UK’s leading Alzheimer’s research charity aiming to find a cure for dementia. Learn how to support them here.

Alzheimer’s Society. They are working towards a world without dementia, and are giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future. Learn more here.

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

Categories
Equality

CROWN Act Prohibits hair discrimination in Texas

Afro American hair
Afro American hair

One of our most important expressions of self is through our hair. But for many, particularly Black and Brown people in the United States, that expression could lead to discrimination in professional settings with locks and curls viewed as as ‘unprofessional.’ 

Now, thanks to the CROWN Act this discrimination will no longer be legal in Texas. 

The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, would prohibit discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race, according to the office of Representative Rhetta Bowers, the author of the bill.

“The CROWN Act is a civil rights law that will improve the lives of countless Texans, and it will be appreciated by more people than we can imagine,” Bowers said. 

The bill extends to businesses and schools, and the idea became mainstream after two Texas students were told to cut their hair or face consequences. 

The bill goes into effect on September 1. 

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 Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here. 

Black Male Voter Project. They help Black men get involved in the political process around the United States. Find out more. 


The Trevor Project. They focus on suicide prevention and mental health support for queer youth. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Categories
Wellbeing

Artists decorate bears for sick children in Leeds

Leeds bear hunt
Leeds bear hunt

Leeds is going on a bear hunt.

Wait, what?

Well, not a real bear hunt. But a free art trail of decorated bear sculptures will pop up across the city, raising money for Leeds Hospitals Charity from 1 July to 9 September.

The trail is inspired by Michael Rosen’s best-selling children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Local and national artists, including painter and maker Caroline Dowsett, have decorated their bears in diverse ways. Each one is unique and helps create a brightly coloured sight, bringing joy to the city’s streets. 

The bears are currently stowed away, to be released into the streets later this month – watch out!

Artist Caroline Dowsett.

Commenting on her design, called ‘Bloom’, Caroline said: “The use of colours and composition are inspired by feelings of joy, and that is the main source of inspiration in my work. I want to evoke a sense of optimism and bring a splash of colour into our everyday lives.”

What does this achieve?

Once the trail is over, the bears will be collected and auctioned off. All funds raised will go to Leeds Hospitals Charity to support their vital mission of caring for very poorly children and their families in a welcoming and friendly environment.

“It’s a real honour to be part of such an important cause,” said Caroline.

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.

Leeds Hospital Charity. This is a charity improving care facilities at NHS hospitals across Leeds, funding the best support and research. Find out more.

WellChild. The UK’s national charity to provide quality care for sick children at home. Support them here.

Great Ormond Street Hospital. This is a charity dedicated to providing Ormond Street Hospital with research, family support, medical equipment and more. Find out more and support them here.

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

Categories
Planet

New York breaks solar power records

Solar power continues to wrack up wins in the United States, and this time it’s in New York State. The state recently posted record-breaking solar power numbers.

New York state’s power grid met about 20% of its electricity demand with energy from the sun for one hour last week, marking the highest-ever output from solar generation.

A record-setting 3,330 megawatts (MW) of solar power was produced during the noon hour on May 18. This amount of energy is enough to power anywhere between 2.7 million and 3.3 million homes.

“New York is one of the most robust solar markets in the U.S. with programs such as NY-Sun driving significant growth across the state,” said Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

This is a big step toward New York’s climate mandate goals, with an act requiring all power generation to come from clean sources by 2040, including 70% from renewable energy by 2030.

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 Civil Liberties Union. This is one of the largest civil liberty defense organizations in the US. Find out more and support them here. 

Human Rights Campaign. This is one of the largest equality-focused organizations in the US. Find out more. 
The Trevor Project. They focus on suicide prevention and mental health support for queer youth. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action.

Categories
Planet

Indigenous-led movement reintroduces bison in Canada

One of the most iconic animals in North America is returning. There was a point in time when as many as 60 million bison roamed the North American Great Plains, a flatland region that includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, and several US states, but after colonial expansion into the Midwest, the bison were nearly wiped out. 

In the past, we at Smiley News have written about US plans to help restore bison populations and now Canada has plans to do the same. 

“When the buffalo was first taken away, our way of life was severely impacted,” said Violet Meguinis, the consultation director for Tsuut’ina Nation. “We used to follow the buffalo…. Wherever it roamed and we followed it. We got everything off the buffalo.”

But now, because of primarily indigenous intervention, many bison are being reintroduced to the area. Around 370 bison were introduced in a single paddock, and they’re aiming for 160 calves by the end of the year.

“It’s exciting for us,” said Brennen Starlight, one of the workers on the buffalo paddock. “We like to see different nations and different reserves get buffalo.”

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.

Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. 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 Life on Land.

Categories
Wellbeing

Epic fundraiser donates thousands to charity

An incredible, eight-day, one-man hike has just been completed in the name of raising funds for Marie Curie.

Tell me more!

Marie Curie is an end-of-life charity, that helps people with terminal illnesses and their loved ones navigate an incredibly difficult time.

Joe Penney, age 22, from Chelmsford, decided to raise money for Marie Curie in memory of his mum, Rachel, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (aggressive cancerous tumour in the brain) in 2015 and sadly died in December 2017 when he was 17.

To honour the work that the charity does, he embarked on a 154km hike along the West Highland Way then climbed to the summit of Ben Nevis to raise funds for Marie Curie.

How did it go?

After an incredibly difficult hike, he managed to raise over £2,500 for charity, all of which will go towards helping families and patients with end-of-life care.

If you would like to donate to his GoFundMe, you can do so by following this 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.

Marie Curie. They provide care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Support them here.

Hospice UK. This is the national charity for hospice care. It champions and supports the work of organisations providing hospice care across the UK. Learn more here.

Sue Ryder. They provide palliative and neurological support from our specialist centres and in people’s homes. Find out more here.

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