Author: Fern McErlane

Grassroots football is gaining recognition as a powerful force for social change, addressing issues from knife crime prevention to mental health support. Local football clubs engaged in these efforts report noticeable positive impacts on young people involved, illustrating the potential of the sport beyond mere recreation. Ivan Liburd of Leicester Nirvana FC shares a compelling… Continue reading How community football is helping youth stay out of trouble

In Sierra Leone, a transformative program is empowering individuals with limb loss by teaching them sustainable farming techniques. This initiative, launched by Mambud Samai, who transitioned from pastor to farmer, equips amputees with the skills necessary not only to cultivate their own food but also to establish small-scale commercial farms, thereby fostering greater independence and… Continue reading How a farming programme in Sierra Leone helps amputees rebuild lives

The provided text highlights rewilding efforts in Ukraine and the Danube Delta region, emphasizing ecological restoration and community resilience amid ongoing conflict and environmental challenges. ### Key Points: – **Kulan and Fire Management:** Kulan (wild asses) play a critical role in managing vegetation, thereby reducing wildfire risk intensified by climate change and wartime hazards like… Continue reading Why Ukraine is rewilding in the heat of war

A range of empowering programmes are helping young people unlock their potential and influence their own futures, through methods such as individual mentoring, creative technology education, and leadership training. In London, The Kids’ Network offers approximately 5,000 hours of one-on-one mentoring annually, delivered by trained volunteers. These sessions center on building trust through conversation, shared… Continue reading Three mentorship schemes that help youth develop skills

This weekend marks the return of Generation Circus’ Over 50s Circus Showcase, an event that defies the common notion that play, performance, and daring acts are exclusively for the young. Taking place on Sunday, 14 June in Hertfordshire, UK, the show titled ‘A Rebellion Against Ageism’ will feature a vibrant lineup of circus artists aged… Continue reading In pictures: The circus artists rewriting the rules of ageing

At a small restaurant nestled within Brimscombe Mill in the English Cotswolds, an inspiring initiative called The Long Table is redefining the dining experience by embracing “radical hospitality.” Unlike traditional eateries, this restaurant operates on a pay-as-you-can basis, allowing guests to pay what they can afford without any proof of income or necessity. The concept… Continue reading Come dine with us

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, we reflect on some memorable remarks from the esteemed broadcaster and natural historian. Throughout his life, he expressed a profound connection to the natural world and its significance. He once remarked on the irony of television fame, saying, “You know, it’s a terrible thing to appear on television,… Continue reading 15 of the best quotes from Sir David Attenborough

The article discusses why many people perceive society to be in moral and behavioral decline, despite research evidence suggesting otherwise. Key points include: – **Public perception vs. research findings**: Surveys from over 60 countries reveal that people believe basic decency is declining, with recent polls showing increased perceptions of rudeness and antisocial behavior post-pandemic. However,… Continue reading Think society is in decline? Research gives us some reasons to be cheerful

Here’s a summary of the initiatives described in the text you shared: 1. **KidsOut Charity** – Supports children arriving in women’s refuges who have fled abuse. – These children often arrive with no possessions and are traumatized. – KidsOut provides each child with a box of brand-new toys and Christmas presents. – Over 75,000 presents… Continue reading A season of solidarity: 8 projects empowering people this Christmas

A groundbreaking innovation in domestic chores is emerging from a former Dyson engineer who developed an off-grid, flat-packable washing machine designed for underserved communities. This invention aims to address the burdensome task of hand-washing clothes, which still affects about five billion people living in remote and developing areas. Women and young girls, in particular, face… Continue reading Flat-pack washing machine spins a fairer future