Latest news with #volunteering
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Worcester Volunteer Expo to highlight opportunities in city
AN event is set to highlight the crucial role of volunteering in Worcester. The Worcester Volunteer Expo 2025 will take place at the Guildhall on Friday, June 6, from 10am to 2pm. More than 40 local organisations will attend, sharing information about their community support and volunteering opportunities. Councillor Jabba Riaz, chair of Worcester City Council's communities committee, said: "The Worcester Volunteer Expo is a fantastic opportunity for anyone curious about getting involved in local volunteering. "Volunteers truly are the heartbeat of Worcester. "Whether it's protecting our green spaces, preserving our heritage, or promoting our city's rich cultural life, their contributions help shape a stronger, more connected community." He added: "Every year, volunteers give hundreds of hours of their time, making a real difference to the services and support available in our city. "Volunteering is not only a way to give something back to your community – it's also a chance to develop new skills, meet people, and grow both personally and professionally. "The Expo is a relaxed, drop-in event – there is absolutely no pressure to sign up on the day. "I'd encourage anyone who has ever considered volunteering to come along and discover the wide variety of opportunities available in Worcester." The event is a chance for residents to explore various ways they can contribute to the community. For more information about the event, email worcestercommunityaction@ The Expo is a drop-in event, and there is no obligation to sign up on the day.
ABC News
18 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Flood-affected NSW communities help themselves in wake of devastation
On a whiteboard in a church on the NSW Mid North Coast, Lauren Davies is constantly updating a "needs list". Ms Davies has been taking stock of donated clothes, supplies and food, and calling out for items the community-run recovery centre needs since flooding ravaged her town of Wingham. The list has included electric frypans, white vinegar, fresh fruit, antiseptic and pillows. "It's like putting it out into the universe," she said. "I turn around and say we really need this … and within five to 10 minutes, someone's got it, here it is. "It's just manifested." The community-led recovery centre has been bustling with adults and children picking up clothes, supplies and a meal, and finding a shoulder to lean on. And there has been no shortage of volunteers. "We have little old ladies that are in their 80s and 90s, coming in with cups of soups," Ms Davies said. "The community here have been amazing even though they're affected, just like I am. It has come after almost 800 properties were declared uninhabitable this week. "We had a lady come in … [she] was telling us that every part of her house was taken out," Ms Davies said. "There's nothing left, she's bare bones, no gyprock, no electrical, no nothing. "But she's smiling and saying, 'I'm OK, I'm alive'." Hundreds of people were expected to spend Saturday cleaning up in Taree, adding to the efforts already seen across the flood-ravaged region. The "Mud Muster", a major volunteer mobilisation project being coordinated out of the Taree SES headquarters, has been led by locals. Other initiatives have also started across the wider region to help towns recover. More than 600 volunteers on the Mid North Coast joined a community flood response group to help wash out homes. On Port Macquarie's North Shore, a community barbecue was set up to provide a place of respite for emergency service crews and residents amid sweeping mud and relocating drenched furniture. More than 200 homes in the suburb — which was isolated for five days with no power — were damaged by floodwater. Volunteer Talia Kelly spent the start of the weather event sandbagging homes and businesses before setting up the recovery barbecue out of her own pocket. "You don't realise how good you've got it to be able to go home to a safe place," she said. "Some of these guys don't have a safe place, nowhere to eat, nowhere to shower. "We just hope that it gives some people some hope to be able to get their feet back on the ground." Elvira Paima, who moved to the North Shore last year, lost some belongings in the floods. "It was very stressful but I'm feeling much calmer now," she said. "We are helping each other. We leave our house and then help another neighbour … because it helps us to also help someone else." Volunteer Amanda Harte said the simple gesture had gone a long way. "The damage here is absolutely devastating, it's something you probably can't even believe from pictures," Ms Harte said. "Something as simple as just giving them a sausage sandwich, or a drink, or just lending an ear … it's pretty important." Further south in Taree, food has remained a unifier during difficult times. Rotating groups of Sikh volunteers from Melbourne made the more than 1,100-kilometre journey to Taree with a food truck and vans to make and deliver food. The group has made up to 2,000 meals a day, which not-for-profit Sikh Volunteers Australia chief executive Jaswinder Singh said were delivered across the Mid North Coast. "That is one thing less to worry about for them," he said. The volunteer teams plan to stay as long as required. "It could be a month … we don't know yet," Mr Singh said. "As long as the demand is there, we will stay." Kimbriki resident Tanya Ternovy picked up a meal from the Sikhs on her way home after the floods. "To come all the way from Melbourne and to bring their beautiful food, it's just so kind," she said. Ms Ternovy said the generosity of the volunteers was appreciated as the region faced immeasurable loss. "It's just time enough now that the power's just come back on, and we can get across the bridges," she said. "Driving through Taree, you can see so much loss, all dumped on the side of the road." Mr Singh said he had witnessed "horrible scenes and stories" from people who had lost everything. But he said many hands were coming together to help. "Volunteers from all across the region are coming and supporting each other," he said. "People are not just thinking about themselves. They are thinking about their neighbours and the whole street.
Fox News
21 hours ago
- General
- Fox News
Study reveals 10 happiest states for seniors: Did yours make the list?
Where you live can have a big impact on your mental health. Particularly for seniors, it's important to settle down in a location that promotes happiness. Older adults face a higher risk of mental health problems due to circumstances like the loss of loved ones, loneliness, chronic illness or disability, medications, changes brought on by retirement and other stressors, according to the National Council on Aging. a senior care resource, recently released its Senior Happiness Index, revealing where in the country seniors are happiest based on WalletHub's state happiness roundup. Experts analyzed various factors like happiness levels per state, cost of living, average life expectancy, health rates in residents over 60 and the number of senior centers per state. Below are the results for the top 10 happiest states for seniors. Utah claimed the No. 1 spot for the most content seniors, with a happiness score of 7.69 out of 10. According to the study, Utah's high rank is due to its "supportive environment" for senior living, good senior health and the third-lowest percentage (21.48%) of seniors living alone, which reduces the risk of social isolation. The researchers mentioned that more than two-fifths of seniors in Utah volunteer, which is the highest rate in the U.S. Volunteering allows the state's aging population to "stay connected and involved with their community," commented, which "contributes significantly" to well-being and happiness. Idaho followed closely behind, with an overall happiness score of 7.38 out of 10. Less than a quarter of seniors in Idaho live alone, the second-lowest rate in the country, and the state ranks in the top five for senior centers. "Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Idaho offers seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting both physical and mental well-being," added. Connecticut and Delaware tied for No. 3, scoring a 7.01 out of 10 on the happiness scale. Connecticut has the third-highest average life expectancy and is among the top 10 states for overall health. Only 7.2% of Connecticut residents lack health insurance, which ensures access to necessary medical services for the aging population. Connecticut also offers a variety of discounted cultural and immersive experiences for seniors, such as museums, parks, libraries and arts events. According to Delaware is regarded as one of the "happiest and most supportive states for later life." The state ranks in the top 10 for overall senior health and happiness, and in the top five for the lowest percentage of people living alone. considered Delaware's cost of living index "relatively affordable," which can help residents maintain a "comfortable and independent lifestyle." Other states stood out in these categories, including North Dakota for the most senior centers per 100,000 population and West Virginia for the most affordable cost of living. Hawaii has the lowest percentage of seniors over 65 years old living alone, the highest average life expectancy and the highest senior state of happiness.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Meet the teenage philanthropist behind 1000 Suns and YouthCORE
Philanthropist and social entrepreneur Brian Yip's passion for making a difference started early. Very early. Like, age five early. 'My earliest memory is helping out at a book fair,' says Yip, founder of charitable platforms 1000 Suns and YouthCORE. 'Back then my mum instilled in me the importance of service and being involved in my community,' taking him along to recycling events, helping pack food for homeless people and visiting elderly people living in cage homes. 'As I got older, it taught me about giving back and the importance of compassion.' Aged 13, Yip started volunteering with Mother's Choice , a Hong Kong charity supporting children without families and pregnant teenagers. Growing up as an only child, 'whether it's my friend's siblings or other children', he says, 'I really try to be the big brother'. On his first day as its youngest-ever child care home volunteer, Yip 'wasn't sure how the kids would react to this guy who's only 10 years older than them', but 'five minutes after I walked in, a baby girl grabbed onto my leg, looked up and smiled'. Carers and children at the Mother's Choice home in Mid-Levels. Photo: courtesy Mother's Choice He remembers her smile 'shining like 1,000 suns', which inspired his first charitable initiative, in 2022. 'I founded 1000 Suns because, during Covid, I knew a lot of organisations were struggling to keep themselves alive.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I dated a famous actor... his constant need for attention overshadowed the dazzling perks
A woman who dated a famous actor has revealed how his constant need for attention overshadowed the dazzling perks that came with being in a relationship with a star. The woman, who will be referred to as Charlotte in the story as she asked to keep her identity private, met the unnamed star while they were both volunteering, and she was instantly wooed by his charming personality. She and the man - who she described as a 'D-list actor' who was big in the '90s - bonded over their shared passion for giving back, and soon, they struck up a whirlwind romance. And while dating him was exciting at first, she began to see a shocking side of him that ultimately cast a dark shadow over their relationship. 'I met him at a volunteer meeting for an organization I wanted to volunteer for,' Charlotte recalled exclusively to 'Turns out we have a certain hobby in common and we started meeting up just for that hobby. We had a lot of fun and I genuinely cared about him. 'He was [so] charismatic. I always had a crush on him, so that was a driving factor.' But soon, Charlotte said the man's 'insecurities' crept into their relationship. 'At first, I thought it was confidence that drew me but that was just narcissism masked as confidence,' she continued. 'He needed validation, he needed to be the central focus on a lot of things and in control.' Charlotte told that while he was 'really popular in the '90s,' his career has slowed down as of late. But she said he had a hard time accepting that and was desperate to 'stay relevant.' 'He was really popular in the '90s and a lot of millennials would know who he is,' she shared. 'He does whatever he can to try and stay relevant. He is doing good things for the world but he is sure to have himself at the center of all of it.' She described him as 'very self-centered' and said he 'needed to be in control and have the final say' in everything. In addition, she said 'communication was not his strong suit,' which she found 'ironic' given his 'profession and notable persona.' 'At first I thought it was disconnect due to an age gap (he is in his late 60s and I am in my early 40s) but that wasn't it,' she continued. 'It was just him as a person. He was never accountable, someone else was always the issue or problem - including me.' In the end, they were together for about six months before they went their separate ways. And looking back, she called him the 'most insecure and narcissistic person' she ever met. 'When we split, he was bitter for a bit but as time moved on, he reached out a few times and was apologetic, professed love, etc.' concluded Charlotte. 'I see him as a broken man, he always will be in my opinion.'
