Tag Archives: charity

A shedload of opportunities

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One for the guys out there next weekend, when June and Rachel will be talking about men and sheds – or, to be more precise, about men IN sheds…

For many chaps (Rachel’s husband Dean included!), a shed at the bottom of the garden is a favourite place to escape to for a bit of peace and quiet. But did you know that more than 11,000 men across the UK head to a shed for precisely the opposite reason?

Like John Nelson and Dez Williams, who’ll be joining the Girls Around Town on Sunday, they’re all Men in Sheds, a nationwide group supported by the UK Men’s Sheds Organisation, which was founded in 2013 to help raise awareness of the social and health benefits of Men’s Sheds in reducing isolation and loneliness and in empowering local communities.

Over the last five years, the number of sheds up and running has grown from around 30 to more than 460, with another 133 currently in development. And for those 11,000-plus Shedders, they’re places where they can share experiences, knowledge and skills while making friends for life with others who share interests and a common purpose.

It gives me a reason to get up in the morning… I feel a sense of worth and love the way all of the men work together

Tune in or listen online between 10am and 12 noon to hear John and Dez explain why they joined the Collingham Shed, what they and their fellow members get up to there and, above all, the difference being Shedders has made to their lives.

And, if you’re a man without a shed, to find out how to join them or track down a Shed near you…

Food for thought

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You’ve almost certainly heard of foodbanks – perhaps you’ve even donated food or household products at a collection point located in one of the shops or churches in or around the town…

But how much do you really know about the work done by the volunteers who run and staff the Newark Foodbank?

One of those volunteers, Jenni Harding, joins the Girls Around Town on this week’s show to explain why, when and where the Newark Foodbank first opened its doors and how it’s grown since then.

Find out how the tinned, long-life, packet and non-perishable foodstuffs, basic toiletries and baby needs donated by the local community are helping to change the lives of single people, couples and families who, for a myriad of different reasons, find themselves short of money and in a crisis situation.

Tune in or listen online from 10am to 12 noon  on Sunday when there’ll be more food for thought from Rachel and Rosalyn as they share some of their own recipes for simple, nutritious meals.

And, if you miss the show, don’t forget to keep an eye on the GAT Facebook page for the link to the podcast early the following week…

Let’s get lippy!

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Need an excuse to buy a new lippy?

Of course you don’t – lipsticks are like handbags, you can never have too many. And even better, unlike handbags they’re not going to break the bank…

But if you’re looking for a good reason to add to your collection, how about this for one of the best?

Throughout May, a new campaign by the Eve Appeal will be encouraging women – and men! – to #GetLippy by speaking up about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers and helping to raise funds for life-saving research.

And there’s even a national Get Lippy Day coming up towards the end of month.

The Girls Around Town are definitely going to #GetLippy (nothing new there, then!) and here’s how can you get involved too…

First you need to buy that new lipstick or lip balm, of course – the Eve Appeal has teamed up with various beauty retailers  who’ve all pledged to put a percentage of the sale price towards gynae cancer research. Take your pick from the list of products here, buy your lippy in store or online as shown and at least 10 per cent of the purchase price will be donated to the charity.

Then pucker up and post your best “pout and shout” selfie on social media, using the hashtag #GetLippy, and don’t forget to nominate a friend to do the same.

You can also make a £3 donation to the charity by texting LIPPY to 70660*. And why not go one step further by signing up for a free campaign pack and getting a group of colleagues and friends together to take part in Get Lippy Day on Friday 25 May?

Every year in the UK alone, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with one of the five gynaecological cancers and, sadly, 21 women lose their battle each day. But awareness levels of these cancers are far too low so come on ladies, it’s time to #GetLippy with the Girls Around Town!

And please share your selfies on the GAT Facebook page too – you never know, we might even manage to find a little treat for the best one…

*Each text costs a donation amount of £3 plus network charge. The Eve Appeal receives 100 per cent of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Charity No 1091708 (Eng and Wales) SCO42612 (Scotland).