I am writing this on ‘Blue Monday’ – apparently the most depressing day of the year, supposedly based on factors including the weather, post-Christmas debt, the long haul to next Christmas and the fallout of new year’s resolutions.  Add in the pandemic and surely we have moved further down the Covid-inspired rainbow into a darker shade of indigo.

To mark White Ribbon Day 2020 and the start of 16 Days of Activism 2020, we share the story of Teresa*

“The main problem is that it is really difficult getting out of and leaving a violent relationship.  Not knowing what would happen after leaving, worrying about how to manage as a single mum with children as well as financial worries were the major reasons I struggled to leave.

[stock image, not original art therapy work]

World Children’s Day is celebrated annually on 20th November. The goal of World Children’s day is to improve child welfare worldwide and promote and celebrate children’s rights, The following story about one of the young people we have supported at MCFB illustrates how with the right support, children can overcome difficulties in their lives, realise their true potential and begin to thrive.

I joined MCFB in 2018, first as an observer to the Board, then later, as a fully co-opted Director, or Trustee. This was my first experience on a Board. Although I have experience of working with trustees, for example, in my work with a US-Moroccan development charity, I had never been one.

Mortgage and rental payment holidays have been in the news in recent months. However, there hasn’t been equivalent publicity for ‘Trustee holidays’ simply because there can be no such thing.  As Trustees we are in a permanent three-way partnership with the staff and service users.