Charities

ChildLine has been at the forefront of helping children for over 25 years now and I truly believe in all the work they do! They have become an institution in this country and I encourage and implore any young person under 18 years old to contact them if they are facing troubles in their lives.

This is exactly why I have put their link on my Ask Gok page, because although you know I would do anything to help every one of you, these really are the guys with the knowledge and know-how to help teenagers and kids get through some of their most difficult years!

As you know I went through many different issues in my youth and I wish I had had the courage to give them a call! Childline are my charity of the month not only for all the amazing work they have done, but also all the incredible help and guidance they will give the young people of our country in the future. So if you can help them in any way, whether that’s through volunteering or donations please do what you can! Loads of love, and thank you for reading my lovelies! Gok xxx

ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential helpline dedicated to children and young people. 25 years ago in October 1986, ChildLine came to life. Starting out as a single phone number young people could call if they were experiencing abuse, we’ve come a long way since then. Since it launched ChildLine has counselled over 2.6 million vulnerable children.

In October 2009 we re-launched the ChildLine website to include online counselling, which means that now as well as calling 0800 1111, young people up until their 19th birthday can also email a counsellor, have a 1-2-1 chat online, ask Sam a question or get help and support from other young people on the message boards. The website also has videos and games to help young people take their mind off things, as well as information and advice on a whole range of issues.

At ChildLine bases around the UK, trained volunteers are on hand to provide advice and support 24 hours a day. A ChildLine counsellor is someone who will listen and knows it takes courage to contact us; is aware of the sorts of problems that young people might be worried about; won’t judge; is not easily shocked and who children and young people can trust.
Counsellors are also human beings with different jobs, families and friends. They may be gay, heterosexual, bisexual, of any ethnicity or religion, have a disability or long term illness. They have all been children and had different experiences of childhood but they will never assume things about a young person’s situation or how they may be feeling.
Young people have said the following about how ChildLine has helped them:

“ChildLine has not only changed my life, but it has also saved my life so many times!”

“Childline is one of the best things that’s ever happened to the world. It’s a place where you can go to escape from whatever bad things are happening in your life and go into a world where you know you’re not alone and that there are people just like you out there.”

If you are under the age of 19 and would like support from ChildLine, you can call 0800 1111 or visit www.ChildLine.org.uk to learn more about how we can support you. If you’re an adult you can find out more about volunteering or donating to ChildLine here.

I was first introduced to Trinity Hospice from a friend of mine, as she was so passionate and enthusiastic about their work. I just had to find out more!

And I certainly wasn’t let down! They really have such a unique perspective on caring for people- understanding that the needs of each person is different.

Their nurses are at the heart of what they do as an organisation – providing expert end of life care around the clock. This is why their focus for 2012 is raising vital funds to support the Nurses work.

They clearly provide such a caring environment for everyone and I am positive this makes a difference to all the patients’ lives and their families. I also LOVE their shops where they sell fantastic donated clothing- I even put a couple of my own bits in! Please read on about Trinity Hospice and give them any support you can! Gok X

Every month around 800 people in our community will find out that they have a life-threatening illness.

Trinity provides skilled, compassionate end of life care to individuals and support for families in our central and south west London community.

We care for people with many types of illnesses. Many of our patients will have cancer but others will have long term conditions such as heart failure, lung or neurological conditions including motor neuron disease or multiple sclerosis. It’s the needs of the patient and their family that matter to us, not the diagnosis.

Our services include nursing and medical care, counselling and practical support, welfare advice, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, complementary therapies and creative activities. We help people to regain the confidence they need to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Trinity cares for people in their own homes, through day services and in our Inpatient Centre. More than 40% of our patients are able to return home after spending time with us as an inpatient. A third of all those we care for are under 65 and an increasing number are aged between 20 and 40.

This year our focus is on supporting our nurses – Trinity’s nurses are at the heart of what we do as an organisation. They are the face of Trinity and often the first point of contact that people have with the Hospice.

“Thank you again for all your care for mum and us and for giving us the support to spend those last weeks together as a family.”

Our patient and family services are free but we receive just 36% of our income from the NHS. This means we rely on the support of our local community to raise more than £6 million each year.

“Trinity’s specialist nurses and other team members are priceless. The quality of care is outstanding. The human warmth is inspiring. A visit to Trinity helps me – and many other patients – to soldier on. I have made many new friends there, and they say the same: Trinity makes our lives better.”

2012 is an exciting year for Trinity – with many new ways to get involved and help raise vital funds – from our glamorous Stardust Ball to family fun at our open garden day. We also have a range of sporting challenges and fundraising events and initiatives – for more information on how to get involved check out our new website: www.trinityhospice.org.uk/events

We also have fantastic retail outlets throughout our catchment area, from fashion and lifestyle stores to furniture and book shops there really is something for everyone.

Sign up to our e-bulletin on our website if you want to find out about our special shopping events

If you would like to make a donation to support our nurses Trinity please go to www.trinityhospice.org.uk/nurseappeal or text £ 2, £5, or £10 to nurs12

On behalf of all our patients and their families – thank you.

Registered Charity Number 1013945

www.trinityhospice.org.uk

Hello my lovelies,

Where do i start with KSA? This is such an important charity for so many reasons. I had never even heard of Klinefelter’s Syndrome before I worked on my show Gok’s Teens; The Naked Truth where I met the incredible Jake, and we were all so lucky to hear his story! Jake’s condition has caused him to be very tall from a young age and I wanted to show him that he is just a normal teenager and that he can use his differences to his advantage! I really think he has turned a corner now and he is the most wonderful guy! But he is not alone, with Klinefelter’s Syndrome affecting 1 in every 650 male births, more kids, teens and adults out there need support and advice too! This is exactly what the Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association does, so please read on and try and support them in any way you can.

Loads of love,

Auntie Gok

xxx

The Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association (KSA) is a small national charity with big aspirations and international influence. It offers support and information to all affected by, or having an interest in, Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS). The charity is run entirely by volunteers.

Klinefelter’s Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Symptoms are variable but poor language development, increased height and weight, poor social skills and low self-esteem are common.
The KSA is working to raise the profile of the condition generally but within the medical profession in particular. Early diagnosis and a good understanding of the implications of the condition can make life much easier for both the person with the condition and those with whom they have close contact. Some GPs, however, have only a limited knowledge of the symptoms and implications of the syndrome and of the various treatment options available. Representatives of the KSA attend medical conferences to meet doctors and specialists in person in order to raise awareness.

Often those affected by KS have never met anyone else with the condition and feel very isolated. We provide the opportunity for members to meet at our annual conference, informal gatherings across the country and during our Activity Weekend which is held annually in April. In addition, we host an internet chat forum, XXYTalk.com, which attracts members from around the world.

The KSA has a great wealth of knowledge provided not only by the many medical experts who advise us, but also by our members, especially the older ones who are acknowledged experts on the condition. The information which the KSA provides via its publications, websites and helpline, will be of benefit to any professionals, individuals or families affected by, or interested in, the condition.

As many of our members are unwilling to be identified with KS it is difficult for us to raise the profile of KS or to fundraise. We would like to thank Jake very much for supporting us by nominating the KSA as Gok’s Charity of the Month.
If you want to know more about Klinefelter’s Syndrome, or if you would like to support us in our work, please visit our main website: www.ksa-uk.net where you can read our literature, join the Association or make a donation.

Support our sponsorship events http://www.justgiving.com/klinefelters

Like us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Klinefelters-Syndrome-Association/157794747621710

Or call us on our Help line: 0845 230 0047

At the beginning of a new year which is full of hope and promise we can often be humbled by not only the suffering we see and read in the news but by those much closer to home. It is often the case that those that are nearest and dearest suffer in silence as they either struggle to look after themselves or are in the position of carer where they selflessly put others before them. The Alzheimer’s Society are one of those hugely important charities which holds a beacon of hope and promise no matter what time of the year it is to all those who suffer with dementia, and for those whose hard work and dedication help to pursue a dream of giving those with dementia the best possible support they can in all aspects of their lives. Please take a moment to read further about this vitally important charity and how you can do your bit to support them.

Loads of love

xxx

Alzheimer’s Society is the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. There are 750,000 people with dementia in the UK with numbers set to rise to one million by 2021.

The Society’s fight for a better world for people with all types of dementia takes a wide range of forms. Through our network of local services, we touch the lives of over 30,000 people every week, providing practical services and support for people with dementia and their carers.

Through campaigning and lobbying we strive to influence government policies and raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with dementia and the people who care for them. And through our research programme we work to improve the knowledge we have about dementia and its treatment – and pursuing the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

There are a number of ways you can support us or get involved – below are just a few:

If you have jewellery that is either broken or no longer wanted, Alzheimer’s Society can put it to worthy use by recycling it to raise funds in our Old Jewellery Appeal. We welcome jewellery of any kind – whether it’s an odd cufflink or earring, or a bracelet or necklace that you no longer wear. Every single item is gratefully received, and the money raised will be used to fund our vital work.

Fundraising events are a great way to raise money and push yourself with a real challenge. From running a marathon or 10k to trekking the Great Wall of China there a number of ways to support us.

We’re also always on the look out for volunteers. There are many opportunities available including helping us deliver services and supporting the running of events in your local area to working in our central office in London.

To connect with Alzheimer’s Society and stay up to date with the latest news, events and discussions you can Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/alzheimerssocietyuk) and follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/alzheimerssoc).

I visited Pedal Power back in September and was overwhelmed by the generosity and love of all the staff that worked there. I was lucky enough to try out some of the bikes and also meet some of the guys who are being given a unique opportunity to learn to ride for the first time.

This has only been made possible because of the specisalist bikes they have that suit people with all different needs from all walks of life. I have just started biking again after many years and it has reminded me that it is such a simple pleasure- yet it cannot be enjoyed by all unless they have the correct equipment for their needs.

Pedal Power gives this opportunity for everyone and we need to support them so they can keep offering this amazing facility!

Gok x

www.cardiffpedalpower.org

For further information please contact:

029 2039 0713

info@cardiffpedalpower.org

Pedal Power – Cycle Centre & Bike Hire “Making cycling accessible to all”

Pedal Power is a Cardiff-based charity whose aims are to make cycling accessible to everyone in South Wales.

Initially set up to support a project for adults with learning disabilities, it soon became apparent that many more people could benefit, and so the charity soon adopted its main aim to “to make cycling accessible to all.”

Pedal Power’s role is to provide a high quality cycling service that meets the needs of people of all ages and abilities 7 days a week. We have a general cycle hire as well as accessible facilities, specialised bikes and accessories to enable everybody to cycle.

Pedal Power works closely with children and adults with profound disabilities. They have a physiotherapist (funded by BBC Children in Need) to help assess their needs. Pedal Power is also working with Cardiff University to determine the benefits of cycling for children with cerebral palsy.

Pedal Power is funded by grants, proceeds from cycle hire, donations and fundraising. Their aim is to become self funding through general cycle hire and cycle maintenance service.

These are some of their cyclists’ success stories:

Starlight grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for children whose young lives have been affected by a serious or terminal illness. A Starlight wish is a precious opportunity for these children to escape their illness and creates wonderful memories that the whole family can share together, whatever the future holds.

Starlight is also the only national charity working with every hospital and hospice throughout the UK, bringing entertainment, fun and distraction to 500,000 sick children with a year-round programme of parties, pantomimes, Starlight Fun Centres and escapes.

All Starlight’s activities are aimed at distracting children from the pain, fear and isolation they can often feel as a result of their illnesses.

www.starlight.org.uk

Stonewall is the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity that works to achieve equality and justice for lesbian, gay and bisexual people at home, at work and in school.

The Education for All campaign aims to tackle and prevent homophobic bullying through working with schools and developing resources to equip teachers with the skills and confidence to talk about lesbian, gay and bisexual issues in class. In July 2011 Gok supported Stonewall through taking part in the Education for All Conference as a speaker.

If you would like to get involved there are many ways you can do this! Stonewall hold several events throughout the year including the Brighton Walk and Summer Party or you could even run one of your own and put a donate button on your website. You can donate to Stonewall, either by just giving money or by fundraising through sponsorship. Or you may even want to consider volunteering with Stonewall.

Keep up to date with Stonewall’s work on Facebook and Twitter.

Comic Relief is a UK charity which strives to create a just world free from poverty. Their mission is to drive positive change through the power of entertainment and each year they raise millions of pounds through two big fundraising campaigns; Red Nose Day one year and Sport Relief the next.

The money raised by Red Nose Day and Sport Relief is spent by Comic Relief to change the lives of poor and vulnerable people in the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

For more information go to www.comicrelief.com

Inspired by his own experience, helping a family member who lost her hair during cancer treatment, hairdresser Trevor Sorbie recognised the huge impact this can have on a person’s self esteem. Trevor founded the mynewhair charity to provide national information, helpline advice and support for people experiencing medical hair loss. The charity responsibly trains hairdressers who can give advice on where to obtain a wig, can personalise and cut a wig, through to advice on aftercare following treatment. The charity publishes patient information for the NHS and supports requests from nurses for help.

“Giving people back hair that looks natural and attractive gives them back a little of their confidence to face the world again”

www.mynewhair.org

Established in 1984 Kidscape equips vulnerable children and young people under the age of 16 with practical non-threatening knowledge and skills in how to keep themselves safe and reduce the likelihood of future harm from bullying and abuse. Kidscape offers: