7 Independent Charities Making the World a Better Place
Wherever possible, we like to give back. Of course there are the higher profile charities that are doing wonderful work around the world such as Unicef, ActionAid, Greenpeace, WWF and Amnesty International, but there are also some amazing smaller charities that have started up that we feel more people should know about. Here are some of our favourites…
Choose Love
Founded in 2015, this charity has helped millions of refugees by encouraging compassion and empathy for those making dangerous journeys to flee conflict and oppression, rather than viewing them as a political problem or nuisance. We love their radical shop where you buy specific emergency or day to day goods for refugees, such as blankets, hot meals and winter coats, enabling you to see exactly where your donation money goes.
Migrateful
I first discovered this charity a few years ago and I thought the idea was genius - learn to cook delicious meals from around the world with refugees of all nationalities. Migrateful supports migrant chefs who are struggling to integrate and access employment, due to legal and linguistic barriers, helping them on their journey to employment and independence.
TERN
TERN stands for The Entrepreneur Refugee Network, and they are a small charity that I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few times, by supporting their early stage entrepreneurs with branding for their businesses. TERN’s idea is simple but very powerful - enabling refugees to thrive through the power of their own ideas and supporting them in setting up their own businesses. They also have a wonderful shop, Anqa, where you can buy gifts from the entrepreneurs’ businesses.
Compliments of the House
This small London based charity founded by Sinead Brown takes unsold food from cafes, restaurants and shops and donates it to those in need, helping tackle both food waste and food poverty. During Covid, they donated to the vulnerable, those isolating and pandemic heroes who were serving on the front line. Donations will help them secure their first permanent hub in Brixton, and from there expand around the UK.
Unhoused
Co founders Varun and Anisha saw the growing homelessness problem and created an innovative way to help - their charity Unhoused has a buy one, donate one shop providing key items such as warm jumpers, socks, blankets and also frequently overlooked items such as smart clothing and haircuts, enabling homeless individuals to attend job interviews.
Luminary Bakery
As you might have guessed from this list, I’m a big fan of inventive social enterprises and Luminary Bakery is one that I have been evangelical about since I first discovered it. They work with women who have experienced multiple disadvantages and gender based violence for a period of 2 years, offering a safe space and bakery and employment training which can lead to employment in the food industry or founding their own cookery or baking business. Cake, care and careers, what could be better than that?
Bloody Good Period
Bloody Good Period is a charity that is fighting for menstrual equity. Their work includes government lobbying, activism and menstrual and reproductive education for those less likely to access it. They also provide free period supplies for asylum seekers, refugees and those who can't afford them.
Wood Green, The Animal Charity
Animals make life so much better. There are some wonderful charities out there protecting animals and their rights, but this list is about supporting some of the smaller charities, which is why I’ve chosen Wood Green. They work tirelessly to provide safe shelter, specialist care, and a brighter future for thousands of dogs, cats and small pets, including covering vets bills, rehoming abandoned animals and educating pet owners on correct animal care.
This is my roundup of my particular favourite independent charities, working tirelessly to make the world a better place. Have any of these resonated with you? Please do visit their websites and donate to help them continue their great work!
