Illustration by Charlie Mackesy to celebrate the NHS’s 75th anniversary

The NHS is an essential part of all our lives. And it’s great to see how passionate the UK feels about protecting this beloved institution we’re so lucky to have. Particularly after the dedication and strength the staff demonstrated during the pandemic. As the service turns 75, let’s explore the many ways we can support the NHS this year.

1. Do you want to join the NHS team?

Joining the NHS as staff is one of the biggest things you can do to support it. Especially when there’s a staff shortage in many areas of the service, any new employee is a plus. With 1.3 million staff, the NHS is Europe’s biggest employer.

There are 350 careers available, so there is a job for you if you want to make a difference. But don’t fret – it doesn’t have to be a clinical role. The NHS employs electricians, administration, porters, accountants, and caterers. Take a look at more information here.

You can work for the NHS whatever your work or educational background is. And there are options to make the career move from another sector (it isn’t only open to the young, fresh graduates). The NHS has a wide range of employers, such as hospitals, emergency services, GP practices, and opticians, as well as monitoring services like NHS England.

Alternatively, there are roles in social care and public health to support people and protect their health. Learn more about careers in the NHS here.

Read more: Beat the ageism game. How to create a great CV when you’re over 50

2. Are you bloody brilliant?

Thanks to their kindness, blood donors save thousands of lives every day. But there is still an urgent need for more supplies. The NHS requires 5000 blood donations every day and 135,000 new donors every year.

Although it may seem disconcerting to some, there is always a member of staff by your side to make sure you’re all right. And, there’s usually a cheeky bicky and squash after, to up your sugars.

Most people aged between 17 and 65 can give blood. However, the NHS specifically needs 40,000 more Black donors to support the growing demand and treat sickle cell disease. If you feel like you can help and support the NHS as it turns 75, click here for more information.

Winner of the ‘Our Partners’ category for the NHS staff & volunteers FUJIFILM competition. Photo: Mary McConnell & Jenny Brodie

3. Could you volunteer locally?

NHS and CARE Volunteer Responders allow you to support the NHS, its patients, and people through social care. A dedicated app makes this work flexible – roles are advertised here if you are interested.

Other volunteer roles include companionship for patients, being a first responder, fundraising, and supporting charities. Or you could even become a hospital radio DJ! There are more details here.

4. Are you on the NHS Organ Donor Register?

If you decide to donate your organs after you die, you will save or transform the life of up to nine lives, and more by donating tissue.

You can register your decision here. But remember, it is always a good idea to discuss this with your loved ones so that they are in the know.

Winner of the ‘Our Environment’ category for the NHS staff & volunteers FUJIFILM competition. Photo: Joe Cartwright

5. What is the NHS1000 miles challenge?

To mark the 75^th birthday of the NHS, you can join the NHS1000-mile challenge and commit to walking, running, swimming, or cycling 1000 miles this year. That may sound impossible, but on average it’s only 2.74 miles per day – so let’s get those steps in.

Participants are encouraged to keep a record of their weekly miles and share their progress via Twitter every Sunday night using the hashtag #NHS1000miles.

Let’s not forget – physical activity is great for our physical and mental health. We should all aim to be active every day to improve our sleep, clear our minds, and boost our energy.

It’s free to take part in, but there is the option to get sponsored. You can set up a Just Giving page here and this spreadsheet will allow you to track your miles. To get started, try the NHS Couch to 5K or attend your local park run. Good luck!

6. Do you want to transform the health of the nation?

The health revolution that has taken place over the last 75 years would not be possible without the 230+ NHS charities located in the UK.

By volunteering and donating to NHS charities, you can support research, renovation, technologies, and the staff, who help the NHS transform the health and wellbeing of the nation. If you are interested in offering your support, learn more about it here.

7. Did you know you can get involved in research?

Research is the foundation of the NHS. And further research will play an important part in shaping the future of the NHS by discovering life-saving treatments, uncovering the secrets behind diseases, and developing the answers to the problems causing ill health today.

It is super easy for us all to get involved and help design research studies and advise what the priorities for the future should be. Get in touch here with questions you want the NHS to find the answers for, find research applications up for review, and decide what research gets funded.

To support the NHS as it turns 75, take part in a study, pop over to your GP and ask for information on trials or studies in your area. Or click here to sign up for alerts.

Photo: Nicolas Leclerq

From everyone at Silver, happy birthday NHS and thank you for everything you do. Here’s to many more years of revolutionary healthcare and outstanding kindness.

Click here for more NHS birthday events and news.

Beth Pratt

Beth is one of Silver’s interns. She loves reading and studying literature. Entering her final year of university, Beth still finds time to dance, swim, and have a pint with friends. Her favourite hobby is going to coffee shops, if you can call it a hobby!

The post 7 ways to support the NHS – things you can do appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s not uncommon to get lost in a shopping frenzy and commercial madness over the festive period. We all want to celebrate, forget our troubles, and have fun. But if you’re wondering how you can give back at Christmas, here are a few ideas.

As a start, instead of buying gifts for people that you know they won’t use, consider giving back in their name. Here’s a bunch of inspiration for you…. 

1. Dedicate a tree, Woodland Trust

When summer comes round, we’re blessed to have such luscious green areas to explore in this country. Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK.

You can dedicate a tree, or entire areas of woodland to a loved one from £20. Choose the woods their tree is in, and even add a bench or marker.

Upon your dedication, you’ll receive a map, information on the woods, and a certificate you can gift to the person. Bring tree-hugging to a whole new level.

For more information, or to donate visit Woodland Trust

2. Donate a Book, Book Trust

(Image: Book Trust – Illustration by Kate Hindley)

Bring some Christmas magic to a vulnerable child, or a child in care. Donating to the Book Trust will help them gift books to children who need them. And you’ll receive a certificate you can personalise in honour of someone.

For more information, or to donate go to Book Trust

3. Donate for a homeless person, Crisis

(Image: Crisis)

We know it’s a struggle for homeless people to stay warm in the winter. It’s true that you can help out at various Crisis centres over the season – helping to cook and serve Christmas lunch, volunteer on Boxing Day etc. But often these volunteer slots get filled up quite quickly.

Don’t despair if you aren’t able to help in person. Donating to Crisis will help provide a place to stay for a homeless person, and go towards all the food and festivities that are organised.

For more information, or to donate visit Crisis 

4. Buy Christmas dinner for a dog or animal, Miracle’s Mission

(Image: Pexels)

For dogs and cats waiting for their forever home, donating to Miracle’s Mission can provide them with a meal or toy. There’s loads of ways your donation can help.

It’s not just people who love to celebrate! Miracle’s Mission is a UK registered animal welfare charity working to provide safety and support to animals in need worldwide. Working predominantly in the UK, Borneo & Egypt, the charity is ever expanding to help animals in need worldwide.

Fore more information, or to donate for an animal in need, visit Miracle’s Mission

5. Buy a meal and someone will get one for free, Frankie and Benny’s in partnership with Feeding Britain 

(Image: Frankie and Benny’s)

Frankie and Benny’s has partnered with Feeding Britain this festive season. For every turkey meal they sell, they’ll donate £1 to Feeding Britain. The charity helps provide access to good, quality food to those in need. We’d say eat out to help out, but that slogan, ahem, has been taken. 

For every dinner bought, Frankie and Benny’s donate £1 to Feeding Britain – which is the cost of a meal for one person in need, according to the charity.

Sasha Storey, Frankie & Benny’s Head of Brand, said: “Frankie & Benny’s is a restaurant brand with families at its core, so it’s really important for us that we support other families in need at this time of year.

“The cost of living crisis will be hard for so many and we must remember to try to help others now and in the future as best we can.”

For more information, or to donate visit Feeding Britain

6. Send a child a secret Santa, Action for Children

(Image: Action for Children)

Send a present to a vulnerable child with Action for Children. Not all children will experience a magical Christmas with plenty of presents under the tree. 

However, you could change this for one child. Donate £25 to Action for Children, and they can provide a vulnerable child with a Christmas present this year.

For more information, or to give, visit Action for Children 

7. Jelly drops for dementia, Jelly Drops

(Image: Jelly Drops)

Not a charitable donation, but Jelly Drops can be gifted to the elderly or those with dementia. They are sugar free sweets designed for water intake, for those who struggle to stay hydrated. Made of 95% water and full of electrolytes, but consumed in a solid form. Provide a way for independent hydration to those who otherwise struggle.

Purchasing some for your own elderly family members or even donating to a local dementia care home would be a perfect way to give back to the older generation of society.

For more information, or to purchase Jelly Drops visit their website

8. Donate a shoebox, Samaritans Purse

(Image: Samaritians Purse)

Buy a shoebox gift for a child through Samaritans Purse. You can choose the gender and age of a child you’d like to gift to. Then pick the items – soft toys, a ball, or music instrument, along with an essentials kit. Samaritans Purse will pack and send the shoebox you created. 

For more information, or to create your Shoebox visit Samaritans Purse

9. Gifts that give, Macmillan Cancer Support

(Image: Macmillan)

Unfortunately cancer now effects 1 in 2 of us. Many people and families are still living with cancer, which can make Christmas an unsettling time, and harder to enjoy.

Macmillan has plenty of gifts you can donate, to help provide a security and support to someone facing cancer this season.

You can also make donations in someone’s name. Starting from £10, which would help pay for supporting a child’s grief, or £32 which would pay a nurse for an hour to support a cancer patient. 

To donate a gift visit Macmillan’s website

10. Send a gift, Unicef 

(Image: Unicef)

For children living in areas of disaster, where hunger, disease, and violence is part of daily life, Unicef ensures as many children as possible are protected from these threats. 

Send a gift in a family member’s name through Unicef to help protect these children. You can pick gifts from 200 bars of soap, measles vaccines, or even delivering a baby. 

Unicef will post a card for free, to the person you’ve dedicated your donation to. 

For more information and to send a gift, visit Unicef

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Ideas for ways to give back this Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Sometimes, the obvious things to do might not be the best ideas. And in some cases, can be more of a hindrance than a help. So what can you do that will genuinely help Ukraine?

Money in many forms

The top priority – and something we can do easily from home – is donate money. The Red Cross and the UNHCR Refugee Agency are two obvious choices. Here is a link from the Ukrainian Institute London that includes a long list of reputable charities to choose from, all of which make sure your money will go where it is really needed. The aid workers on the ground in Ukraine and its borders are well placed to ensure this happens.

For cryptocurrency users, the Ukrainian vice prime minister Mykhailo Federov has posted crypto wallet addresses where people can securely donate, such as Uniswap, DMarket and Solana Foundation. Federov has called on all crypto exchanges to block the addresses of all Russian users and praised those who have stepped up. Binance has not joined in, with the CEO citing “financial freedom” and “libertarian” reasons, so that might be one to avoid.

Getting money there directly

A clever way to help out is to pay for stays in Airbnbs in Ukraine where people are being housed for free by generous hosts. Here is some information from Airbnb about how you can donate this way.

Also, Etsy is waiving all fees for Ukrainian sellers, so you can buy digital products direct. Obviously it’s not a great time for people to be making extra things. But you can pay for downloadable stuff like crochet patterns, art, colouring pages, posters, and so on. Search ‘digital files’ on Etsy.com, click ‘All filters’, then under the location section, add Ukraine in the custom box, and voila.

What kind of stuff can you actually donate?

The crisis in Ukraine is not an excuse to clear out your wardrobe. Or offload the bag of stuff you were going to give to the charity shop that has been sitting in the boot of the car for months. In most cases, you are better off giving old clothes, toys and household items to a local charity.

The refugees are streaming into developed countries such as Poland and Hungary where they are being provided with clothes and blankets as well as places to stay.

The things that are really needed are medical supplies and sanitary products. It can be hard for people who don’t work in medical procurement to obtain medical supplies in the quantities needed. So it is often better to donate money to charities and organisations that are equipped to do this.

When you’ve left everything you know behind because of war, keeping in touch with friends and family becomes critical

Sanitary products, such as pads, tampons, nappies and wet wipes, are always welcome when people are crossing borders en masse often with just the clothes on their backs and whatever they can carry. If you are keen to donate things rather than money, these are the sort of items you can drop off to local donation points. And be safe in the knowledge that they should get to people who need them.

Some organisations are also collecting foodstuffs, such as tinned goods, rice, pulses etc, but check. Not everyone is taking the same stuff.

Cheap burner phones with pre-loaded SIM cards are another way to help out. When you’ve left everything you know behind because of war, keeping in touch with friends and family becomes critical. A lot of European telcos have stepped up to offer free data, minutes and phones to refugees. Check your own provider to see what they’re doing to help and whether you can get involved.

Make your voice heard

If you’re less than impressed with the government’s response to the growing humanitarian crisis, write to your MP. They are obliged to reply to every letter from their constituents. And it has never been easier to send off a strongly worded missive. WriteToThem is a simple way to make sure your email lands in your MP’s inbox.

And of course it is important to stay informed. On Twitter, it is easy to follow the UK journalists who are doing some fine reporting from the frontline. But also seek out Ukrainian journalists who are giving a voice to people who are quite literally under fire. Reporters Without Borders is a great place to find out about the heroic reporting that is coming from locations. Locations far more dangerous than Silver’s cushy offices. As we write in safety and comfort, our hats are off to these brave reporters who are doing amazing work to keep us all informed.

Ukrainian Institute London
Red Cross Ukraine campaigns

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post How to genuinely help the people of Ukraine appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Voluteering at Christmas is nothing new, but often local community Christmas lunch schemes are actually overwhelmed with volunteers. Or charities might prefer if you simply made a financial donation. Whilst that’s still supportive of course, you might want to roll up your sleeves and do something practical. So how to volunteer at Christmas?

Lots of charities work with children, young people, and the homeless to help them have a better Christmas. But as we get older, Christmas can also be a depressing time for lots of people. No one wants to be alone, and no one wants to be out in the cold with no warm meal.

We’ve put together a list of charities, organisations, and ideas to help put a smile on some faces out there this Christmas.

So how can you as an individual help?

1. Donate your old phone

O2 have teamed up with HUBBUB to create Community Calling, a way to donate your old smartphones to someone in need. You post your old phone, it gets data-wiped, delivered to someone without access to the internet, and then O2 provides them with 12 months free data and access to free digital skills training.

With internet access, things like finding a job, finding a local food bank, or being able to contact friends and family is important, and many people don’t have access to this.

Learn how to donate your old phones and where to send them here

2. Get some ethically-made socks

One thing people may not think to donate is socks, but shelters are crying out for them. As many cold homeless people will attest to, a new, clean pair of socks can be the difference between a good and bad day.

For every pair of socks bought from their site, Stand4Socks donates another pair of socks to homeless people. So far, over 150,000 socks have been donated already.

Maybe this year, you could get some ethically-made socks for your loved ones that’ll provide someone on the streets with warm feet!

Buy some stylish socks and support the homeless here

3. Spend time rather than money

Many people tend to think about just giving homeless people money, but human compassion can be huge. To do something different yet kind, maybe get them a hot drink or some warm food, sit with them for a bit, and listen to what they have to their story. Many homeless people have said their loneliness can be overwhelming; why not make a new friend and provide them with company? They spend a lot of time being invisible.

4. Volunteer this year

Nursing homes are full of elderly people who don’t have family to spend time during the holidays and for most of them, it can be get miserable. This year, volunteer at your local nursing home. Get in contact and ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

Your local council can help with finding places that need support. You can also check your local Facebook community groups to find contacts and opportunities.

5. Give a helping hand

Alternatively, if you know of someone spending Christmas alone, like a neighbour, invite them round. It seems like a small thing, but it could make their year.

There may also be vulnerable people in your area who just need a little help this year; it could be as simple as helping them with their shopping or putting the bins out for them.

6. Support food banks

The Trussell Trust has been providing emergency food to people locked in poverty around the UK for years. Their food banks provide emergency food and parcels containing a mixture of necessary things. They ‘advise for people to check their local food bank’s website for what items they are most in need of’.

You can check where your local drop-off points are and what items they are most in need of here

7. Period poverty

Period poverty is a very real thing that some women in our society are battling as result of lack of access to sanitary items.

Every woman should have access to sanitary products, no matter their circumstances, which is why Freedom4Girls are fighting against period poverty in the UK and worldwide.

Help the cause, get involved, and donate here

What help is out there for young people and children?

8. The Children’s Society

The Children’s Society looks out for kids who are threatened by abuse, exploitation, and neglect , they help them to break free from their cycle of abuse and crime and your donations can offer amazing things from finding a homeless child somewhere to live, to help providing counselling.

Donate to the cause here

9. Book Trust

Book Trust is an organisation that helps gift special books to vulnerable children, giving them an escape from their lives and lets them get lost in a world of fiction and fun.

Give a child some escapism here

10. Centre Point

Centre Point focuses on young homeless people, helping them learn life skills to live independently, provide them with a warm and safe space to stay, and more. Young people these days are faced with homelessness frequently and while things are getting back to normal, the effects of the crisis are still active and the outlook for young people is still precarious.

Donate to help a young homeless person here

Things to take away

Be aware of people’s pride

Not everyone feels comfortable asking for help. When offering assistance to someone, try to avoid using patronising terminology. Our advice? Don’t make it a big deal, just ask.

If they say no, don’t be offended. At least they know you’re there for them.

Not everyone is visibly struggling

You might have a couple of friends who say they hate Christmas, or maybe a family member who says they’d rather be alone. This is completely fine if it’s the truth, but we know people don’t always admit to struggling.

Make it your quest this year to just check in and see how some of your friends and loved ones are doing. Christmas can be a depressing time for some, and a conversation may do the world of good.

Alcohol at Christmas – are you struggling?

Are you affected by any of these issues?

Crisis at Christmas
Samaritans
Shelter
Childline
CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably
Mind – mental health charity

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Giving back – 10 ways you can volunteer or help at Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Also known as Pearlies, the Pearly Kings and Queens are actually a charitable organisation, traditionally embodying working class culture in London. They freely give their time to fundraising for nominated charities, in order to support people in need and provide a better way of living. Due to their colourful working class roots, Cockney Rhyming Slang is very much a part of the Pearly tradition, and further personifies the London character.

Pearly Queen Diane

We spoke with Diane Gould, Pearly Queen of St Pancras, and Jack and Wendy, Pearly King and Pearly Queen of Royal Kensington and The Borough respectively.

“Pearlies have always been collectors for charity,” explains Diane. “And we showcase our tradition in a positive light through talks and singalongs. My whole time is in keeping the Pearly tradition vibrant through educational talks to groups of all ages and helping charities whenever I can to raise fun and funds.”

It’s a family affair

You need to be part of the family to be a Pearlie. Diane explained how Pearly titles pass down through generations in London. And while some Pearlies have now moved away, they still hold their original London titles.

Diane, Pearly Queen of St Pancras, with Pearly cab!

Going back to their roots, Henry Croft, born in 1861 London, was raised in a workhouse orphanage in St Pancras. After leaving the orphanage at the age of 13, Croft became a street sweeper and rat catcher, and the costermongers (street traders) soon caught his eye with their jazzy outfits, which were usually trousers that had been decorated with pearl buttons found by market traders.

Croft used this to fashion himself a pearly suit in the late 1870s, which brought attention to him and his fundraising. The first organised Pearly society was established in 1911 in Finchley, North London.

At Croft’s funeral in 1930, over 400 people attended, and there was national media coverage of the event. His name was a memorable one, and his death was a sad occasion for everyone in London and many people in the country.

Pearly titles pass down through generations in London

A speech that accompanied a 1934 memorial of ‘The Original Pearly King’ stated that he had raised over £5000 for people suffering in London hospitals. Thus, a tradition was born.

Today, there are Pearlies of all ages in London. They start from new born babies who have titles of Prince and Princesses, whose births are accompanied by a Pearly christening. The eldest Pearly is 93-years-old and still putting on her regalia.

Jack, Pearly King of Royal Kensington, and Wendy, Pearly Queen of Borough

Jack James, Pearly King of Royal Kensington, and Wendy Loftus, Pearly Queen of Borough

“I was born into the Pearly tradition,” says Jack, “and have had my titles passed down through the family. We have over a century’s worth of history within the Pearlies, and we also hold one of the original titles of Stonebridge Park.

“I was actually in the local newspaper when I was a baby for being the youngest Pearly King. Usually, you would be born as a Prince or Princess, but my Great-Grandad had sadly passed away, so I automatically took over his King title.”

“I was actually in the local newspaper when I was a baby for being the youngest Pearly King. Usually, you would be born as a Prince or Princess”

Not just anybody can become a Pearly King or Queen. Jack explained how, to become an original Pearly, you have to be born or married into it.

“It is a family tradition and is passed through the generations. However, we do allow people to be Prides of the association. A Pride is either a close family friend, or friend of the Association that shows interest. A Pearly Pride will take the King or Queen’s title that brought them into the association and eventually, if we have titles that aren’t being used, we can loan them a title to become a King or Queen.”

Wendy was asked by Jack to be his Pearly Pride as she was so interested in the Pearlies that she already had her own suit. After months of commitment to the association, Jack’s family loaned her the title of Pearly Queen of the Borough, which had been an idle title in his family. She’s thrilled.

“I was honoured to have been asked, and I am so proud now to have the loan of the Queen title,” beams Wendy.

What are the responsibilities?

Jack told us how their main focus is charity work.

“Everything we do and any money we raise is distributed to charities of the association’s choice. We are a registered charity ourselves, but all collections and money donated directly to us is passed straight to local charities.

“We all represent our boroughs, so any events within that borough we get invited to. We also hold our own charity events to raise money. We take most jobs that we are asked to do, as we like to raise awareness when we can.

“There’s a whole variety of events, from visiting hospices and care homes, to the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. My favourite event that sticks in my mind is the Queen’s Jubilee. You’ll often find us at local pubs doing a knees up or at street parties around the place.

“In essence, we do anything and everything London.”

This sentiment was echoed by Wendy. “The Pearlies are great fundraisers and we help support many local charities. Some Pearlies have even taken part in events such as the London Landmarks Half Marathon, while some have fun the rest of us are at the finish line handing out the medals. We are unique to London, which makes us special, and people love to see us at events. Particularly the older generation, who love the nostalgia.

“My proudest moment so far was having the honour to lay the wreath at Leytonstone war memorial for VJ Day; this was close to my heart as my Dad worked on the Burma Railway and sadly did not come home.”

Ashleigh Rose Harman, Pearly Queen of Royal Kensington; Jack James, Pearly King of Royal Kensington; and Wendy Loftus, Pearly Queen of Borough

Read more: How to start searching for your family tree

What does an average day look like?

“We all try to give as much as we can around our day-to-day work life and commitments,” says Jack. We have our largest event in October every year which is our annual Harvest Festival on the first Sunday of the month. This is where you will see the largest gathering of Pearlies, as we all try to come together for that. Unfortunately due to Covid, the Harvest Festival cannot go ahead this year which would have been its 145^th year. This just means our 150^th anniversary will be a big one!

“Most of us have full-time jobs, and do our Pearly duties when we can, or when there are events to attend. A normal day, for example on the day of the Harvest Festival, sees everybody waking up and having a cuppa Rosy Lee before making sure our suits are in the best condition. We sew all of our buttons by hand, and make all of our hats ourselves. We’d then head into the event in full regalia, leaving an hour in advance to prepared for the many photos we get asked for. You can guarantee that, at some point, ‘Knees Up Mother Brown’ or ‘Doing the Lambeth Walk (OI)’ is being sung!”

Still working in the pandemic

Despite Covid-19 and the lack of events thus far this year, Wendy explained how the Pearlies are still giving their time to their society.

We sew all of our buttons by hand, and make all of our hats ourselves

“Unfortunately because of lockdown, we haven’t been able to get out much, so I have been putting the time to good use by sewing on lots more buttons. It takes time and dedication to do this, and as you can imagine, the more buttons there is, the heavier the suit becomes.”

Are the Pearlies dying out, or are they becoming more popular?

“It has started to die out for a couple of different reasons. Mainly, it’s because the older Pearlies have now passed away and either have no family, or their family do not wish to carry it on.

“Luckily though, we have the Pearly Prides to be able to keep this amazing tradition alive, and there’s also a passion and drive from the younger generation to keep it going.

“People are always surprised when they attend Pearly events when they see how many younger Pearlies there actually are. With today’s lifestyle, where everything is done on social media, it allows us to put ourselves out there. I look after the social media accounts of the association and try to keep it fresh and up to date.

“Last year, we attended Brighton Pride for the first time ever, and we were taken aback to see how many people recognised who us Pearlier were.”

What’s the best bit about being a Pearly?

Both Jack and Wendy’s favourite part of being a Pearly is the pride that comes with wearing those pearls. Jack said:

“For me personally, it’s the pride of being a Pearly. I love nothing more than when I put on my suit. I feel that I am carrying my Nan’s legacy and that she is with me each time. I love the family feel when all the Pearlies are together, and I love doing my bit for the community and its local charities.”

When I put my buttons on, I’m proud to be part of the fabric, and of dear old London Town

Wendy expressed a similar wave of emotion, stating:

“I love being part of a happy and historical family. My favourite thing to do is sing and dance, and it’s great when all of us are together and we can have a good ol’ knees up.

“I also love the social side of it and getting to meet new people. When I put my buttons on, I’m proud to be part of the fabric, and of dear old London Town.”

Jack and Wendy both felt it was important to spread the passion and happiness that comes with the Pearly community, and they want you to know about it, too.

“We are still here and working hard to keep our heritage and beautiful tradition alive. We do everything out of pride and love, and it’s a tradition that needs to stay alive, as it is part of London’s history.”

How can you be a part of the community?

While we can’t become Pearly Kings or Queens ourselves, there are a number of ways that we can help out and join in with the association.

You can follow them on social media to keep updated on what they’re doing or contact them for more information.

Facebook: The Original Pearly Kings and Queens Association Est 1875

Instagram: @originalpearlies

Website: thepearlies.org.uk

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post Behind the scenes with the Pearly Kings and Queens appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We met Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association trustee and re-homer Jemma Middleton, who explains how dog rescuing works in this heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting interview.

Tell us about the PDWRA and what you do there

The PDWRA is a registered charity that operates nationwide. As the main pug rescue in the country, it re-homes and rescues pugs across the UK, and has been operating since 1973. We actually celebrate our 45th anniversary this year, which we’re all very proud of.

I’m a re-homer for the South, and manage the largest region of eight rehoming areas alongside my colleague Richard, as well as being a trustee on the board that oversees the governance of the charity.

How did you end up doing this sort of work?

I’ve always been very supportive and appreciative of all people out there who work tirelessly to help rescue and re-home animals, and fly the flag for animal welfare. As an animal lover, I knew that I wanted to give back and become involved in some way, and I absolutely adore the pug breed! While not without their share of health issues, they’re such loyal companions and hilarious company!

What does your role entail?

My job – if you can call it that, as we’re all unpaid volunteers – is to effectively run all aspects of rescue and rehoming across the South of the UK. From surrender calls and adoption applications, to foster homes and volunteers, and of course the pugs, there’s a lot that goes into the job, and that’s only really the re-homing side of things!

Can you talk us through the re-homing process?

My role as re-homer is to ensure that every pug who finds their way into the PDWRA is placed safely into a foster home or an adoptive home. Every case is dealt with sensitively and confidentially, without judgement, and every applicant hoping to adopt goes through a process of vetting and home checking, to make sure that they’re suitable.

Under what circumstances do the pugs end up arriving at the charity?

Most of the pugs that arrive at the charity do so because they’ve been relinquished by their former owners, through no fault of their own. We’ll also endeavour to re-home unclaimed pugs from stray kennels where possible, in addition to pugs that may have been abandoned, and will always offer to help with any other pugs that find themselves in kennels or rescues around the country. We’re always available and willing to help any pug that needs our help.

These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member

Give us some examples of the pugs that the PDWRA takes in

Every pug has their own story and unique case, but some common themes that we see include the heart-breaking surrender of a pug from a much-loved home, where the owner has had to make the decision to surrender in the best interests of the pug. These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member, and we help by placing the pug into a home where we know they’ll be just as loved as they were before.

There are also the sad cases where the pug has come from a home where it may not have had much love or kindness. Often, we learn the true facts once the pug is in our care, which unfortunately is an unavoidable aspect of rescue.

Then, we have the cases where it becomes clear that the pug was surrendered because the former owners couldn’t afford to pay for their vet treatment. These pugs will spend time in foster care, being treated until they’re fit and well, and ready to be adopted.

She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter

Are you able to discuss your most heartbreaking and heart-warming experiences?

My most heartbreaking moment has to be saying goodbye to my long-term foster and PDWRA rescue, Peggy; anyone who’s been through this with their pet knows the pain. It was extra tough with Peggy because she overcame so many obstacles in her life. She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter. She had a limb deformity and a progressive condition, but she also had such spirit and enjoyed her life after rescue to the fullest. She was amazing.

My most heart-warming moment was actually not too long ago! A young pug was collected in early December last year by a lovely foster carer of ours. He’s totally blind and has lived a very sheltered life, and his foster carer sends me video updates of him doing everything for the first time, from his first steps into the garden and his first cuddle, to his first time out on a walk and first time accomplishing the stairs. What a brave boy he is – it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about him!

Is there a process for easing the pugs into their new homes?

We carefully match each pug to the home that we feel suits them and their needs best. We ensure that all of the pugs are neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated, and that any health issues are addressed. Once the pug is settled into their new home and the new owners are happy, we know our job’s done – for that pug at least, and then it’s on to the next one!

Tell us more about the trustee side of things…

My role as a trustee of the charity is to ensure that it’s being governed correctly, and to help manage it from more of a top-down perspective. It’s a lot more formal, but we have some exciting plans this year to rebrand the charity, as well as some new members joining the board, who will have so much to bring to the team.

Do you rely heavily on volunteers?

It’s certainly not possible without the help of all of the PDWRA’s volunteers, who we call upon when needed, to foster, home check and transport pugs around the country. We’re supported totally by volunteers, and everyone gives their time freely and generously. This means that every penny that we fundraise goes directly towards our pugs, and mostly their vet bills, which is our biggest expense!

Rescue really is seven days a week, all year round. I don’t think there are many people who are able and willing to dedicate so many hours for free, but the PDWRA team somehow find a way to keep going.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year

In what ways has the PDWRA developed in recent years?

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year, and we rescue and re-home over 200 pugs annually. So far, 2018 has been very busy indeed, with 45 pugs on our register already as of February, so we don’t anticipate this year being any less busy than the past couple have been!

It’s been a busy few years, with the popularity of the pug breed soaring, and the inevitable consequences that has on the number of pugs needing to be rescued and re-homed.

That sounds like time-consuming work…

Very much so, and no two days are ever the same either. At our busiest, we had 14 pugs on our list for the South region alone. At times like that, it’s not uncommon for me to be in my office all day and night. Post-Christmas and the summer holidays seem to be the busiest times of the year, but overall it’s rarely quiet at the PDWRA!

Rescue cases can often be urgent, and you just never know when your phone will ring next, or what it might be. Sometimes you have to drop everything to focus on a case, and some cases can be complicated and ongoing, particularly if a dog has health issues that need ongoing or specialist care, or behavioural problems that can make placing them challenging.

If we have a lot of pugs in foster care (as we do at the moment!), we can often spend a lot of time contacting foster carers to keep updated on their progress, contacting vets about their treatment, and searching for and checking potential homes. Then, there’s of course all of the admin that needs to be done!

And how are they processed?

Every dog is given a unique ‘welfare number’, and has their own file. We keep records of all of the information that’s available, such as vet records, microchips and inoculations. Our secretary works tirelessly to keep up with all of the pugs under the PDWRA umbrella! We keep paperwork records for every pug – a trail of their surrender, stay in foster, and/or eventual adoption.

It must be heartbreaking sometimes – how do you cope?

There are certainly standout moments that are very tough to deal with – cases that have been very shocking or upsetting, but which are fortunately few and far between. We’re only human, after all, and dealing with difficult, sad and unfair situations on a daily basis can wear you down. I think it’s fair to say that I definitely do cope with the good company and humour of Richard, who I work alongside.

It’s certainly a team effort and we share the load, literally and mentally. I have a very supportive husband who, whether he likes it or not, listens to me talk about pugs every day and have a moan when I need to! My biggest motivation is seeing all of the pugs enjoying their forever homes, and how happy they make their families. That makes it all worthwhile.

Finally, how can people help, and what are some of your tips on getting a pug?

There are so many ways you can help! First, you can donate – every donation, however big or small, helps immensely, and goes straight to the pugs in our care. You can also sign up as a ‘Friend of Welfare’ on our website with an annual donation.

You can volunteer too, whether that’s through fostering (there’s a foster application on our website), doing home checks, or transporting pugs. Or, if you’ve even more time to give and want to become more involved, there are always opportunities! Just email secretary@pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk or click on the banner below.

Then, there’s adoption, where you submit an adoption application on our website to be considered as a forever home for a rescue pug. It’s easy and tempting to want to buy a cute puppy from a breeder, but there are so many amazing dogs in rescue that have so much love to give!

If pugs aren’t your passion, there are loads of different breed rescues and other rescues throughout the UK that are crying out for support too. Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do, and there are opportunities out there, and help needed, for whatever your passion is.

Click HERE for the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association

Fred Latty

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