Good morning,
And what a Friday in July it is to wake up. It may be raining but there is big change happening in the UK following yesterday’s General Election. I am personally thrilled that the Green Party has won four seats, including Sian Berry in Brighton. I’m also proud of my former colleague Paul Waugh for winning a seat as a Labour MP in Rochdale as he transitions from his incredible journalism career. Islington North has also stuck with Jeremy Corbyn who has won as an Independent. Most importantly, my hope is that this shake up will mean positive changes, including policies to help the most vulnerable people in our society and across the world. Not only that but action is needed to protect our beautiful nature, including our waters and oceans and animals.
At Catching Lives, the homeless charity I work for, we’ve been joining Homeless Link’s campaign to End Homelessness. We invited all the Canterbury candidates to the Day Centre and to sign Homeless Link’s Manifesto to End Homelessness. Let’s hope the new Labour Government delivers.
If politics isn’t your thing then scroll down for politics-free good news stories and features.
Things That Have Brought Me Joy Since I Last Wrote
This General Election campaign highlights thread by Scott Bryan. I do enjoy Ed Davey!
A Solstice beach fire gathering with friends
Solstice Sunset Ecstatic Dance Brighton on Devil’s Dyke. How beautiful are these photos. There is another one tonight. Come dance with me in the rain.
Dog and tortoise sitting: Rosie and Toby, Dave and Derrick. An absolute joy.
My friend Sarah Weiler, of Day of Musical Joy, and pals storming Glasto’s Greenpeace Stage with their 90s Pop Piano Singalong. Epic.
Also Primary School Bangers at Glastonbury
A weekend away at Camping By The River in Oxfordshire for a hen do with a lot of singing and sunshine
Seeing family including my 91-year-old cousin Monica, cousin Catherine and her lovely dog, pictured, my sister and her family, and my Uncle and Aunt in Cambridge, who encouraged me to cycle a 14 mile round trip.
Catching up with friends and their beautiful babies
Attending Quaker meetings
Uplifting News Stories
Puzzle Bored Cafe in Brighton becomes CIC | Instagram
Street Pastor embarks on second ‘7 for 70’ challenge | Catching Lives
10 Funny Wild Animals In Photos: A Preview From Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards | Forbes
Volunteers give away 100 free school prom dresses | BBC News
Vicky Spratt's second book goes to Fourth Estate | The Bookseller
‘I landed my dream theatre role by auditioning on TikTok’ | BBC News
Escaped pet donkey found 'living best life' with elk | BBC News
Taylor Swift's praised for giving 'incredible gift' after every UK performance | Daily Record
Worth Sharing
'I'm as happy as I've been in my life,' says aid worker Simon Boas as he faces death | BBC News
I put my microphone in front of a 7 week old baby red squirrel | YouTube
ICYMI: The life advice edition with Monique Roffey | The Uplift
Donna Lancaster’s The Bridge has been released on paperback this week
This looks good: Belonging - 6th Annual Empowerment symposium - Live at Birkbeck College
Stop Sitting In The Waiting Room Of Your Own Life | Refinery 29
July’s Connection Jam is at Platf9rm Hove
Build a hedgehog highway! 33 ways to welcome more wildlife into your garden | The Guardian
No, being single doesn’t make me miserable. It’s the key to living my best life | The Guardian
OK that’s it for now. Two Uplifts in one week. Can you tell I’m meant to be writing an essay?
I’d love to hear how you are in the comments below and whether you enjoyed any of the news or features I shared.
Big love,
BB x
Love your newsletters. So enjoyable and inspiring xx
Thank you for sharing Connection Jam! :D