Happiful August 2020

BLM
Initiative answers
the call to diversify
curriculums
CHARITY
Non-profit helps people turn worries
into wheelies
Couple’s lockdown project reaches those in need
When we are struggling with our
mental health, looking after our
physical health can be tough. With
that in mind, a new non-profit
scheme, created by a couple from
Kettering, Northamptonshire, is
using the power of cycling to get
people back in the saddle.
Worries to Wheelies was created by
Mandi Hales and Elliott Cole during
the Covid-19 crisis. The scheme lends
bikes out in the hope that by getting
active, people will see a reduction in
stress levels, anxiety, and depression.
Raising funds via Crowdfunder
to expand how many people it
can support, the scheme receives
referrals from local mental health
organisations. It aims to never turn
away anyone who approaches them.
“We each have the opportunity
to touch one another’s lives, and
make them better,” Mandi tells
Happiful. “Mental health has
always been a topic close to my
heart, due to my own experiences
and those close to me. I want to
remind people of their self-worth,
through acts of kindness that
encourage fitness and adventure.
“We are blown away with how
much positivity has risen from
Worries to Wheelies,” she adds. “It
has taught us that there is so much
good in this country, and people
really do care about each other.”
What a wheelie great idea! To find
out more and show your support,
visit worriestowheelies.co.uk
Writing | Bonnie Evie Gifford
Throughout June, people across
the globe came together to stand
against racism, and ask leaders
to reform unfair systems – with
the Black Lives Matter movement
doing vital work to put important
conversations at the forefront.
So how can we keep up the
momentum?
So often, education is the first
port of call for making real social
change, and The Black Curriculum
is a social enterprise founded to
address the lack of Black British
history in the UK curriculum.
By diversifying our school’s
curriculums to include a variety of
voices and experiences, all students
will benefit from reflecting on race
relations and some uncomfortable
truths about our collective history,
helping us to move towards a more
open and accepting society.
With a mix of campaigning and
teacher training, the initiative
hopes to facilitate this change. “We
want to help prepare students to
become fully-rounded citizens, and
ready for an increasingly globalised
world,” says its mission statement.
“Through our holistic approach,
we aim to remedy a wider systemic
issue.”
Through education, in the
classroom and beyond, we all have
the power to make a difference.
To join the campaign, visit
theblackcurriculum.com
Writing | Kathryn Wheeler
August 2020 • happiful.com • 9