Day: 15 May 2020

UNESCO bolsters journalists’ role in fighting disinformation

Stuart Mitchell

Facts are a matter of life and death. We all depend on hard science and reliable information cutting through the noise. And yet, we’re bombarded with false or inaccurate information and questionable science about the virus. Facebook says close to 40 million posts related to COVID-19 had to be flagged for disinformation in March. Over the last month, Twitter had challenged more than 1.5 million users, on spreading false information and displaying “manipulative behaviors.” Close to 18 million scam emails about the coronavirus are being blocked by Google on Gmail each…

Read More

Power to Change launches up to £12 million of emergency support to help community businesses during the coronavirus crisis

Stuart Mitchell

Power to Change, the independent trust that supports community businesses in England, is launching up to £12 million of emergency support to provide both immediate and medium-term help for community businesses facing a loss of trading income during the coronavirus crisis. The crisis has highlighted the vital role that community businesses play in reviving local assets, protecting the services that people rely on, and addressing local needs. The new emergency support includes: £7 million in rescue funding for community businesses, offering grants up to £25,000 to contribute towards trading income…

Read More

Paths For All launch Free mood-boosting podcast launched

Stuart Mitchell

With the help of popular DJ and presenter Edith Bowman, Paths For All have released Mind to Walk – a mood-boosting audio that talks you through a walk that will relax your mind as you move your feet. The podcast uses mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental wellbeing while getting their daily exercise during the Covid-19 restrictions. During periods of social distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines, has become an…

Read More

Thyngs partners with Fidel to increase Gift Aid donations

Stuart Mitchell

Thyngs, the physical-digital marketing specialist, has partnered with card-linking API provider Fidel to enable charities to earn more from Gift Aid donations.  The partnership aims to make it easier for consumers to maximise donations at a time when charities are at risk of collapse due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the Gift Aid system requires consumers to fill out a Gift Aid form when they donate to charities. Government research recently revealed that charities lose £560 million each year due to unclaimed Gift Aid. Thyngs will use Fidel’s card-linking API…

Read More

Young Rwandan radio stars help in fight against Coronavirus

Stuart Mitchell

Young people from a remote part of Rwanda have taken to the airwaves to share life-saving lessons around good sanitation and hygiene practices with millions from across the country, and are now playing a vital role in the fight against Coronavirus.   The students, aged 14 to 20, have been writing and producing engaging radio plays over the past 18 months, teaching people about the importance of washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at key points as well as the role of decent sanitation and clean water…

Read More