Reed in Partnership’s Post

I’ve been volunteering with HELPING OLDER PEOPLE NEW FOREST over the last year. It’s a local charity dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of older people who might be suffering from loneliness. Often it’s women who have had their partners pass away after a whole life together. The charity is at full capacity but still receiving up to three new referrals every week for befriender support. If you live in the Hampshire or New Forest area, and if you can spare an hour or more a week, please consider volunteering for this amazing charity. What I’ve learnt and gained during this time (and volunteering with Kilburn Good Neighbours- a similar scheme while in London over the last 5 years) is that the wisdom and time spent learning and listening to older people is so valuable. Unfortunately we all leave this world alone, but having someone to talk to in the last few years can really make all the difference and brighten someone’s week. Even if people have children or grandchildren, they often don’t live nearby or don’t come around that often. Spending time with older people gives me perspective to my own life too: reminds me to not get too stressed out, value my health and to be kind and patient to all. They are special people and have so much left to give to the world. If you can’t give money, your time is the next best thing. https://lnkd.in/edPgjDYh

As professionals, we often measure success in terms of achievements, milestones, or financial gains. But lately, I’ve been reflecting on what success really means to me, and I believe it goes far beyond the traditional metrics. For me, true success is about the impact we have on others, the lives we touch, and the positive change we create in our communities. This is why I’m so proud to be a member of the Constructing Excellence Gloucestershire Club. The club’s focus isn’t just on business growth or industry recognition – it’s about using our collective strengths to make a tangible difference in the community. From supporting local charities to promoting inclusive initiatives, CE Glos is a shining example of how success can be measured by the good we do, not just the profits we make. Being part of this incredible network reminds me that real fulfilment comes from giving back and uplifting others. Whether it’s volunteering, sponsoring local events, or supporting initiatives that make a difference, the work we do as part of CE Glos is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. I’m inspired by how we come together to create positive change, and I’m excited to continue being part of this movement. Because at the end of the day, true success isn’t about what you have – it’s about what you give. #ProudToBePartOfCEGlos #MakingADifference #TrueSuccess #CommunityImpact #GivingBack

FEEDBACK REALLY MATTERS. IF YOU USE COMFORT CASES PLEASE READ BELOW 👇 🎒 Supporters and donors need to hear from you to know that their volunteering hours or their generous donations are making a difference to the children and young people in your care 😢We need to hear it as charity workers to remain motivated in the dark hours of grant applications and connecting with funders who will continue to help us supppty your service ❌If we’re not getting it right, or you think there are ways we can do it better, we need to know ✍️ 📧 📱 WE KNOW YOU ARE SHORT OF TIME AND THAT OUR 2 MIN SURVEY ISNT AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST BUT please 🙏 YOUR SAY REALLY MATTER TO US! https://lnkd.in/ep7h8axW AND SO DOES THE CHILDREN’S POV If you are a local authority, a social worker, a fellow charity, fostering agency, a residential care worker, NHS staff or any one of our Partner Agencies, please click this link to leave us some feedback https://lnkd.in/ep7h8axW or if you want to leave us a short voice note on WhatsApp 07386 044 798 is the number! Thank you #localauthorities #socialworkers #residential #carers #fosteringagency #carehomes #nhs #charity #cic #cla #careleaver #childrenincare #childrenssector #virtualschool #corporatedonor #grantfunding #fundraising #community #feedback #haveyoursay #contructivecriticism #socialservices #childprotection #safeguarding #disclosure

Isn't it odd that while charities encourage people to discover the joy of volunteering in their community, the justice system uses community service as a punishment? Or that a headline-grabbing policy in what promises to be a gruelling next few weeks is to give 18-year-olds the choice between community service or a year in the army? #Volunteering is a social activity, it broadens the mind and helps the community. But to equate it with punishment and compulsion? Mixed messages! To all who would hold power: how about a serious national conversation about encouraging volunteering across all generations? About how to sustainably support charities with national and local policy to help the most vulnerable in society? Maybe even asking charities what they've learned about, you know, actually solving stuff?

My late Nan was the chair of Staffordshire WI and a trustee for decades. She taught me from a young age of the importance of charity, community and giving back. Thats why being a trustee of a charity is one of the most rewarding things I do. This week is Trustee Week. I’m proud to be a Trustee of Solihull Action Through Advocacy. A great charity which provides advocacy services to people in Solihull. Helping people advocate for themselves in institutions who too often try sideline. People talk all day about building legacy, making an impact, giving back… but how many actually step up and do it? For me, being a trustee is a way to roll up my sleeves and contribute something real. It’s about taking skills I’ve built over the years and using them to help an organisation create real change. Volunteering isn’t just about “doing good.” It sharpens you, expands your network, pushes you to think differently, and gives you perspectives you’d never get otherwise. It’s real life education – and you get to make a difference while you’re at it. How incredible is that? I honestly believe more people should get involved, especially in their communities. We’ve all got something to offer, whether it’s our time, skills, or even just an extra set of hands. The world doesn’t change from the sidelines – it changes when we get in the game. So here’s my challenge to anyone reading this: find a cause that resonates with you and get involved. Being a trustee is one of the best investments you can make – in yourself and in the community around you.

The Christmas season is a time for connection and reflection. 🎄 Heartfelt messages can uplift loved ones—consider writing personalized notes expressing gratitude and love. Thoughtful gift ideas, like handmade crafts or experiences (think cooking classes or a cozy movie night), create lasting memories. 🎁 Encourage giving back—donating to local charities or adopting families in need fosters community spirit. This holiday, let’s embrace the true essence of Christmas: joy, gratitude, and generosity. 🌟 Share your favorite ways to spread holiday cheer below! #passagesai #PassagesAI #StayConnected #MeaningfulMoments #BeyondTheMessage #PersonalizedConnections #MomentsThatMatter #DigitalTogetherness #SendWithHeart #CherishTheMoments #FamilyBonding #ConnectionRedefined #MemoriesThatLast

Charity: What Does It Mean to You? I’ll be honest—years ago, I stopped the monthly direct debits to big charities. It wasn’t because I didn’t care but because I wanted to make a more personal, direct impact. So, I shifted my focus to smaller charities and causes closer to home. Here’s what that looks like for me: Volunteering my skills: Just an hour a week helping with marketing for a small charity. Christmas gifts for homeless young people: £20 or £30 a year to bring a little joy to someone who truly needs it. Helping out with research: A couple of hours a year to give back in a way that doesn’t cost a thing but means the world to them. This year, I’ve chosen to support Streetlife in Blackpool, a youth work charity providing emergency shelter and vital support to vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16-25. For just a few £, we can help this incredible organization make a difference to young people right here in our community. I used to ask the children to donate £10 each of their Christmas money, go shopping for toiletries, socks, and sanitary pads, and take them to deliver to those in need. This is more about highlighting their privilege and opening their eyes to those without quite as much, as you never know when you could end up there. Unfortunately for us, we were homeless last year due to domestic abuse, so they now know all too well some of the challenges that come with it, although they were never sleeping rough as a lot of young people do. But this post isn’t about me; I don't need a pat on the back or a well done; it’s about you! What do you do? Because the truth is, you can make a huge difference with just a little time or money. A couple of hours a year, or a few quid, could literally change someone’s world. So, what cause matters to you? How could you make an impact? If you are interested in supporting Streetlife, their Christmas List is here. From what I hear, Pot Noodles are in high demand :) #CharityMatters #StreetlifeBlackpool #MakeAnImpact #SmallActsBigChange #GivingBack #SupportYouth

We’re supporting Carers Week As a member of the Disabled Children's Partnership, we’re proud to be one of the eight national charities supporting #CarersWeek 2024. Together we’ll raise awareness of the huge contribution carers make to society and the support they need. Join us and get involved 👉 www.carersweek.org Get involved Whether it’s at work, in your community or on social media, there are lots of ways to get involved in #CarersWeek 2024! Visit www.carersweek.org to find out more about how you can take part and help to recognise and support carers in the community. Report stat 62% of those who care, or previously provided care, said they had ‘no choice’ in taking on the role because no other options were available. We’re supporting #CarersWeek to ensure unpaid carers are recognised and supported. Find out more 👉 www.carersweek.org  Report launch Today #CarersWeek launch their 'No choice but to care' report, covering the impact of caring on unpaid carers. Read more 👉 www.carersweek.org

Did you know that helping others can boost your own happiness and well-being? Research shows that acts of kindness don’t just benefit those in need—they also improve mental health and overall life satisfaction. Giving back is an important part of what connects us as humans. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating to charity, or supporting your community, small acts of kindness make a big difference. How do you give back? Share your story in the comments below! #HelpingOthers #Volunteering #ActsOfKindness #MentalHealth #GivingBack https://wapo.st/49lyHsg

💔 The Harsh Reality of the System-Compassion Must Prevail 💡 Kathy had two months to live, no job, and nowhere to turn. Legally, I couldn’t waive her rent—but morally, we couldn’t stand by. We connected her to charities, arranged medical transport, covered utilities, and ensured she wasn’t alone. Because at Halo Communities, we believe housing is more than a roof—it’s humanity. 💬 What’s your take? Should landlords and property owners go beyond the call of duty to support their residents? Or does the system leave us powerless? Let’s create a conversation about responsibility, compassion, and the difference we can make. #HousingForAll #CompassionInAction #SocialResponsibility #CommunitySupport #EndHomelessness #CharityWork #HumanityFirst #HousingMatters #CommunityCare #EmpathyAndAction