Humansolutions Bulletin - December 13th 2022

There is no room for racism in a civilised society. The recent surge of interest in anti-racism is very much to be welcomed, but we have to guard against oversimplifying some complex and sensitive issues. This book, from the author of Anti-discriminatory Practice and Promoting Equality, provides an important foundation of learning that will be helpful for anyone committed to a genuinely anti-racist approach to practice. Available from https://neilthompson.info/shop/ or Amazon

In our consumerist society we constantly find ourselves under pressure to earn more, buy more, achieve more. So much these days seems to depend on quantity, with relatively little attention being paid to quality, particularly quality of life. The idea that ‘more is not necessarily better’ is not only something to bear in mind for ourselves and our own well-being, but also for the people we are trying to help or support. While there is much that can be done to help people who are lacking in material resources we should not lose sight of the fact that there should also be ways in which we can help people enrich their lives in other ways Click here to read more

We already know that nature can have a positive impact on our mental health. Gardening, being in green spaces, and being around water can all improve our wellbeing. This became particularly clear during the pandemic, when many people in cities had limited access to nature. Yet while green spaces such as parks and gardens are frequently cited as being good for our mental health, there has been little research into the impact of wildlife on our mood. A new study in Scientific Reports finds that seeing and hearing birds can have a positive impact on our wellbeing, even for people who are experiencing symptoms of depression. Click here to read more

Whether we’re trying out a new hobby for the first time, attending a job interview or simply spending time with people we don’t know, uncertainty can leave us feeling unsettled, restless and sometimes even physically uncomfortable. When we’re anxious or upset, it’s important to recognise when we can take a moment to stop and reflect. Spending time feeling, identifying, and learning how to manage our emotions doesn’t just help us calm down in the moment, but can also help to build resilience over the long term. Click here to read more

The number of people who will be in need of humanitarian relief in 2023 has increased by almost a quarter in the past year, as the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine and the largest global food crisis in modern history pushes millions to the brink, the UN has warned. A record 339 million people, an increase of 65 million on last year, will be suffering next year as a result of 2022’s “extreme events” and will be in urgent need of assistance, said Martin Griffiths, the UN’s under secretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. The UN and partner agencies are asking donors for $51.5bn to fund the relief effort, another record figure and a 25% increase…

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