National Give Something Away Day, 15th July
Being Generous and Mindful at Home Instead Romford
Generosity is at the heart of human connection, community, and responsibility. National Give Something Away Day, celebrated on 15th July every year, is a day to encourage acts of kindness through giving. This year, we at Home Instead Romford decided to get involved and organised a charity drive for our local Sue Ryder in Hornchurch, a much-loved organisation that provides palliative and bereavement support. We wanted to make a difference to those in need and cultivate a sense of generosity and mindfulness within our team.
What is National Give Something Away Day?
National Give Something Away Day was created to encourage acts of kindness and generosity, to get people to give away items they no longer need or use and to give to those who can use them. It’s a day that goes beyond material possessions; it’s about the joy of helping others and community support.
It fits perfectly with the values of Home Instead Romford, where our mission is to care for and support the elderly. It also fits with the ethos of Sue Ryder, who has been providing palliative, neurological, and bereavement support since 1953. By getting involved with National Give Something Away Day, we are supporting a great cause and reinforcing our commitment to making a difference in our community.
About Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder is a well-established charity that has been making a difference for over 60 years. Founded by Sue Ryder in 1953, the charity has grown to be a beacon of hope for those facing terminal illness, complex neurological conditions, or bereavement. Sue Ryder’s mission is to make sure everyone has access to the care and support they need, especially at the most difficult times of their lives.
Sue Ryder: Bereavement Support
Bereavement Support: Sue Ryder recognises the impact of loss and provides bereavement support to help individuals and families navigate their grief. This includes counselling, support groups, and online resources, so no one has to face their loss alone.
The Difference Sue Ryder makes
Sue Ryder’s work is invaluable, providing services that make a real difference to countless individuals and families. Their holistic approach means every aspect of a person’s well-being is addressed, from physical symptoms to emotional and psychological needs. Sue Ryder’s commitment to dignity and respect for everyone is in line with our values at Home Instead Romford.
Home Instead Romford’s Initiative
At Home Instead Romford, we believe in community and giving back. We made the decision to participate in National Give Something Away Day and set up a charity drive where our staff could donate items that would help those Sue Ryder supports. The response from our team was amazing; everyone wanted to get involved and make a difference.
Collection
The collection was well planned to maximise participation and impact. We set up designated drop-off points in the office so staff could bring in their donations. Posters and emails were used to promote the initiative and remind everyone about it and the importance of their donations.
What was Donated
Our team was amazing. We collected 5 bags of goodies, each bag full of items chosen to benefit the Sue Ryder recipients. These included:
- Clothing: gently used clothing items that are still in good condition, for all ages and genders.
- Books: A selection of books to comfort, inform, and entertain.
- Toys and Games: Items to bring joy to children and families during difficult times.
- Household Items: Practical items to help individuals and families in their daily lives.
- Personal Care Products: Essentials like toiletries and hygiene products are always in demand.
Generosity and Mindfulness
National Give Something Away Day gave us the chance to practice generosity and mindfulness in a real way. These are important for others’ wellbeing and for our own growth and happiness.
The Benefits of Giving
- Wellbeing: Many studies have shown that acts of giving can lead to increased happiness and feeling fulfilled. Giving to others activates the parts of the brain associated with pleasure and reward, creating a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts our mood and overall well-being.
- Stronger Relationships: Giving creates a sense of community and strengthens our connections with others. When we give, we build trust and reciprocity, which are keys to strong, supportive relationships.
- Sense of Purpose: Giving to others helps us find meaning and purpose in life. It lets us contribute to something bigger than ourselves and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Practising Mindfulness Through Giving
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Giving mindfully means being intentional about our generosity and considering the impact of our actions on others. It encourages us to reflect on what we have, appreciate it, and share it with those who may be in need.
By participating in National Give Something Away Day, we practiced mindfulness by:
- Reflecting on Our Blessings: Taking stock of what we have and recognising the abundance in our lives.
- Considering the Needs of Others: Thinking about how our donations can benefit others and make a positive difference.
- Acting with intention: making a deliberate effort to choose items that would be most useful and appreciated by the recipients.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Spirit of Generosity
While National Give Something Away Day is celebrated on 15th July, the spirit of generosity and mindfulness should be embraced year-round. At Home Instead Romford, we are committed to continuing our efforts to support those in need and foster a culture of giving within our team and community.
Future Initiatives
- Regular Charity Drives: We plan to organise regular charity drives to support various causes and organisations, ensuring that our contributions have a sustained impact.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging our staff to participate in volunteer opportunities, both individually and as a team, to support local charities and community projects.
- Educational Workshops: hosting workshops and seminars on the importance of generosity and mindfulness, providing our team with the tools and knowledge to incorporate these values into their daily lives.
- Partnerships with Charities: Building lasting partnerships with charities like Sue Ryder allows us to support their work through ongoing donations, fundraising, and volunteer efforts.
Encouraging a Culture of Giving
Creating a culture of giving within our organisation involves more than just organised initiatives. It requires fostering an environment where generosity and mindfulness are valued and encouraged. You can achieve this by:
- Recognising and Celebrating Acts of Kindness: Acknowledging and celebrating the generous actions of our staff to reinforce the importance of giving.
- Incorporating Giving into Our Daily Practices: Finding small, everyday ways to practice generosity, such as sharing resources, offering support to colleagues, and showing appreciation for one another.
- Providing Resources and Support: Offering resources and support to help our staff engage in acts of generosity, such as information about local charities, donation opportunities, and volunteer programmes.
Conclusion
National Give Something Away Day is a powerful reminder of the impact that acts of generosity can have on our communities and ourselves. At Home Instead Romford, we are proud to have participated in this day by supporting Sue Ryder, an organisation that embodies the values of compassion, dignity, and support.
Through our charity drive, we not only improved the lives of Sue Ryder’s clients but also taught our team members the value of kindness and mindfulness. As we move forward, we remain committed to continuing our efforts to support those in need and foster a culture of giving that extends far beyond a single day.
In celebrating National Give Something Away Day, we have taken a step towards creating a more compassionate and connected community where acts of kindness are a fundamental part of our everyday lives. Let us carry this spirit of generosity with us, not just on 15th July, but throughout the year, and continue to make a positive impact on the world around us.
Areas We Serve
Chadwell Heath, Dagenham, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Havering-atte-Bower, Hornchurch, Noak Hill, Rainham, Romford, Rush Green
RM1 1, RM1 2, RM1 3, RM1 4, RM10 7, RM10 8, RM10 9, RM11 1, RM11 2, RM11 3, RM12 4, RM12 5, RM12 6, RM13 7, RM13 8, RM13 9, RM2 5, RM2 6, RM3 0, RM3 7, RM3 8, RM7 0, RM7 7, RM7 9, RM6 6, RM8 1, RM8 2, RM8 3, RM9 4, RM9 5, RM9 6
10b, Elms House, Church Rd, Romford RM3 0JU
https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/romford-hornchurch-rainham-dagenham/