Watkin Property Ventures’ Post

Excellent blog from Sumi Rabindrakumar reflecting on how far the Kings Speech takes us towards our The Trussell Trust goal of ending the need for food banks. And setting the government on the path to deliver their commitment to end the need for emergency food. https://lnkd.in/eAPF5Nu7

In Challenging times, the strength of a community makes all the difference. Communities provide strong support through food banks, community centres, and neighborhood watches. Helping individuals by offering practical aid and a sense of belonging. Credit Unions, for example, provide affordable financial products, and allow community members to manage their finances without turning to high-interest alternatives. #community #birminghamcommunity #creditunions #advancecreditunion #foodbanks #finance

Today is World Caring Day. It is an “opportunity to remind people to take seriously the needs and care of others who are struggling… No matter the situation, everyday there are ways that people in the local community could use a helping, caring hand”. As not for profit financial cooperatives, credit unions care about their local community and their members. Local credit unions help with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and many other local organizations. It is at the heart of what we do. #peoplehelpingpeople #creditunions

One of the 7 principles of the cooperative society is 'Concern for the Community'. Beyond looking out for members, it is recommended that cooperatives set aside some profit to empower their immediate community. Does Your Cooperative Engage in CSRs? #QoopCooperative #QoopFinance #FinancialWellbeign

I often get asked what AdviceUK does. We support local, independent advice organisations like these, who offer people free, independent professional advice. For many, this advice can be transformative, and even life saving. Any one of us can be presented with challenges throughout our lives. Wouldn't you want to know that support was there if you, or your loved ones needed it? The #AdviceSaves campaign in #AdviceWeek, aims to raise awareness of the importance of advice to allow these vital services to continue their work. You can find out more and download a supporters toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/eZbqsrYR

While many envision retirement as a carefree time, the reality is that a significant portion of the global population struggles to make ends meet after just 4 months. This underscores the critical need for a robust financial planning – not a one-time fix, but a continuous journey throughout your career. The good news? Income level isn't the sole determinant of a secure retirement. Young professionals hold a powerful advantage: TIME. Starting early, even with modest contributions, allows you to leverage the magic of compound interest, significantly boosting your nest egg over time. #Retirementplanning_StartsToday

THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE GO YOU AND I. The lives and livelihoods of people starting a business, being self-employed or running their own limited companies are largely unimportant to both sides of the Houses of Parliament. So, we should not have been surprised at the merciless discrimination of over 3 million #ExcludedUK from income support during the pandemic. After all, the same politicians regard as unimportant the lives and livelihoods of the ten million people getting sicker, and many even opioid addicted, on UK hospital waiting lists. Then there are the millions of lives ruined by the climate crisis and the women and children bombed, homeless, maimed and killed in Gaza. THE USA and UK governments will always find hundreds of £billions for "wars," banks, the largest corporations, VIP lanes, privatisation, and BigCos for infrastructure projects. But, ordinary enterprising people like you and me are regarded as "lifestylers," "homeworkers", "not viable," "little commercial potential," "irrelevant," or in need of a "proper job." The #ScaleUp investment and 'access to finance' movement, created in the USA by institutional investors and banks and endorsed by the World Economic Forum, is now the only government game-in-town for micro-business owners in the UK. The government prefers to deal only with potential high-growth #startups and companies that are "SMEs" with five or more employees. Discrimination erodes people's self-worth. Most keep their heads down and suffer in silence. Few people side with the discriminated against in case they are tarred with the same brush. It took a TV drama for the injustice of self-employed sub-postmasters to be taken seriously. The increasing number of suicides is not enough to gain public support for loan charge victims and those losing homes and livelihoods because of unfair payment terms and practices. I believe only Greg Wright in the media has consistently campaigned for the loan charge victims. #ExcludedUK and #payin30days or less. But the 3 million #EXcludedUK were told: "No one would be left behind". It was a lie and the suffering continues. If you're still uncertain about the scale of this tragedy, download the Kindle version of "£xcluded Voices" by Stephen Liddell with an introduction by me. THEN, please donate a little of your dosh to the mental health counselling service for #ExcludedUK. Thank you, and, as always, thanks to Jennifer Griffiths.

“When the food bank began more than 10 years ago we did around 300 food parcels a year. In 2023 we gave out 1600 food parcels. That is for a town with a population of 14,000 people.” Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin, Harwick Salvation Army Our Harwick church is providing a range of programmes for people struggling financially and with mental ill health, but our local church is seeing more people than ever turning to them for emergency support. Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin, our Harwick church leader says:  “We are seeing a lot more people, particularly people with jobs, looking for help. Rising costs are affecting every aspect of their daily life. We have people who are working good jobs coming to us saying they can’t afford to eat. It’s heart-breaking. “We can see the growing need, which is why we do more than just give out food parcels. We want to help people tackle the complex reasons they turn to us for support in the first place. We run a range of programmes throughout the week…these programmes look to tackle the main problems people in this community face. Issues such as poverty, debt, unemployment and mental health. We also work closely with substance use groups as well so that we can signpost people to the right support. “We couldn’t do what we do without the generosity and support of people and businesses in Hawick. I know many people who give to us have their own financial struggles but find a way to keep giving. It’s incredible.” Find out more about the wide range of activities our Harwick church runs to help vulnerable people: https://lnkd.in/eewYjeQH

📢 The KWFCDT Q2 Newsletter is now live!   Read about the exciting and impactful work the Trust has been up to over the past few months. Stay informed and engaged as the Trust continues its journey to empower and uplift beneficiary communities. 🙌🏽 You can read or download the Q2 Newsletter here:  https://bit.ly/4eNzkN6 #KWFCDT #QuarterlyNewsletter #CommunityImpact #EmpoweringCommunities #Q2Newsletter

Responding to the result of the general election, Thomas Lawson, chief executive of anti-poverty charity Turn2us, says: “As the new Labour Government prepares to take office, there are critical opportunities to seize that will make badly needed progress on poverty. They have the power to transform millions of lives. Every day, people tell us that they can’t keep up with the cost of food, energy, and housing. Far too many people are being dragged deeper into poverty by a system that fails to grasp the reality of their lives. Tackling the stigma that perpetuates inequality is the first step to strengthening our society, where all of us can afford the basics, live with dignity, and thrive. We urge the new government to immediately scrap the unfair two-child limit and commit to ensuring everyone receiving Universal Credit can at least afford essentials. At Turn2us, we will work across sectors, alongside communities and with policymakers to achieve this vision.”