016 CHARITY BEGINS CLOSE TO HOME D
espite these uncertain economic times, the British public continues to dig deep and give generously, according to the World Giving Index. The annual global “generosity” survey, carried out by West Malling-based Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), is based on three measures:
giving money, volunteering time and helping a stranger – and it seems the UK is the sixth most generous nation in the world. The report states that one in three of us (33%) volunteered
in the past month, up from 28% last year, while 68% of us gave money – up slightly from 64% last year – and 63% helped a stranger, again, up from 58%.
This sense of community spirit is well and truly alive here in the
South East and we are more likely to support charitable causes than anywhere else in the UK. In fact, Kent is among the most kind- hearted counties in the UK. According to a study by Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards, more than 900 county residents have pledged their support so far this year to a charity that is “close to their heart”, with healthcare topping the charitable issues they care most about, followed by support for people with disabilities and more general community causes.
Saving Grace
Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise money for a personal cause, including funds for pioneering treatments, surgeries and recovery, even if you’re not a registered charity. In last month’s INDEX we featured the story of Tunbridge Wells teenager, Grace Jackson-Matthew, 14, who is suffering from a rare and life-threatening series of multiple vascular compression syndromes, whereby multiple arteries crush each other. Joanna and Dean, Grace’s parents, set up a JustGiving page to raise £50,000 for life-saving surgery for Grace that is currently not available in the UK. At the time of going to press, £30,990 – 61% of the target – has been raised. • To support this JustGiving Crowdfunding endeavor, visit
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joanna-jackson-matthew?utm_ term=kzZpvGvzY
Volunteer Force
From donating to local foodbanks to staffi ng polling stations on election day, volunteers make up a crucial part of our society and it’s no surprise that the act of volunteering itself has enormous benefi ts for those people giving their time – helping to reduce stress, fi nd new friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, increase self-confi dence, improve career prospects, and promote sociability and wellness.
CENTRE STAGE
Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells was founded on community giving, and its army of local volunteers were instrumental in converting the
indexmagazine.co.uk
iconic Decimus Burton church into today’s much-loved arts centre and community hub. A team of more than 200 volunteers currently donate over 1,000 hours a month on average, to support Trinity’s artistic programme, and community arts projects. Ushers, box offi ce and cinema staff, gardeners and duty managers work tirelessly to welcome 90,000 people a year to over 600 events. Volunteers also underpin Trinity’s community projects, acting as companions for Senior Cinema – monthly fi lm screenings held at Trinity in support of older, socially isolated people, developed in partnership with Good Neighbours, a local befriending charity. Volunteers describe Trinity as a “second home”, offering a chance to meet like-minded people, whilst giving something back to the community. “Places like Trinity are so important for the town’s community and volunteering is essential for places like this to survive. Plus, when you retire, it’s a great and valuable way to spend your time – everybody should do it!” explains one volunteer. • Visit
trinitytheatre.net
FEEDING THE NEEDY
In 2017-2018, 6,382 people in Tunbridge Wells received an emergency referral for provisions from Nourish Community Foodbank – a 38% increase on the previous year (a referral equates to a three-day emergency supply of food and toiletries). There are myriad reasons people need the support of Nourish: benefi t changes, domestic abuse, debt, low paid work or unemployment, accident or illness.
WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET. WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE
WINSTON S. CHURCHILL
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