The Development Dummy

29/03/2021

As part of my series I've been asking local people what they think of the and which they consider most important.

This is Zoe. She says:

'For many years I have been so uneducated on this subject and really had no idea on the negative impact we, as a whole, were having on this beautiful planet. All the plastic, single use, pollution, harm to wildlife and nature, unnecessary purchases etc. I didn’t think twice 5 or so years ago. Now I have to make some changes to right my wrongs and do my little bit for the planet, the oceans, animals, wildlife and the earth. I care about the future of our generations to come and will do what I can to encourage and educate my own children, when the times comes to be better humans. We all need to do our bit. 

I work within children’s services education. By accident, due to COVID I am driving less, walking more, buying less - especially clothes. Fast fashion hurts the environment and I am totally guilty of playing a role in that with my obsession with shopping online. But with the knowledge I now have I won’t contribute, ever again, in the way I did before. I try to educate the children and young people I work with about climate change. But I’m pleased to say that these days, children are far more knowledgeable than I would have been at their age and so it is easy to have a healthy debate on this subject within our sessions.                    

At home we are trying to do our bit by using less plastic and single use items, buying second hand furniture and up-cycling, using reusable/washable cotton pads instead of single use, only buying what we need, supporting local when we can, speaking to friends about little changes they could make and just generally having less waste. I know I could be doing more, but it’s small steps in the right direction, and I’m happy with that. I would like to do some beach cleans this summer.'

#2030

04/03/2021

It's easy to think of poverty as someone else's problem. Something that only impacts the developing world.

'According to Government figures covering up to 2019, 37.8% of children in Hastings and Rye are in poverty stricken families, equivalent to nearly two in five of all those aged under 16 or under.'

is NOT someone else's problem. It's everyone's problem. It's right here on our doorstep. The Covid-19 pandemic has likely only increased these statistics.

aims to eradicate poverty in all it's forms. What/How are you helping to make this a reality?

'Eradicating poverty is not a task of charity, it's an act of justice and the key to unlocking and enormous human potential. Still, nearly half of the world's population lives in poverty, and lack of food and clean water is killing thousands every single day of the year. Together, we can feed the hungry, wipe out disease and give everyone in the world a chance to prosper and live a productive and rich life.'

#2030

22/02/2021

Just wanted to take a minute and say a huge thank you to everyone who took a little time out over the weekend to collect rubbish. We were super chuffed with the amount of people who got involved. It's such a simple task and hopefully you'll be inspired to get join our next event. Special thanks to for being an absolute boss and a huge inspiration....Got to mention the community for being such a pro active group of people and working towards making our world a happier brighter place!!

Hastings....we might have a lot of rubbish lying around that we need to really do something about, but this weekend has only enhanced my belief that we are a small little seaside town that's paving the way and a beacon for making a reality. Thanks to everyone who has shared our event. So many amazing small businesses all working sustainably and supporting each other. Couldn't be prouder to live here!

I'll get all the photos together and compile them over the next few weeks! Thank you so much 💗💗💗

01/02/2021

The last year has been unexpected and difficult for us all. Endless lockdowns have played havoc on the world's mental health and not knowing when things will be 'normal' again just makes things feel so much harder.

On the positive lockdowns have provided us with time. Time to turn hobbies into businesses, to start projects and try something new. What unexpected things have you done in lockdown?

We've suddenly had time to reflect and think about what's important to us. To question what we want with the future for ourselves and for our world.

This last year has made me realise how much I miss teaching and working in an environment with people from all over the world. I miss being in a position where I can learn about different cultures and having the freedom to plan lessons and conversations that allow young people to think about the change they want to see in the world to make their futures brighter. How has living in a pandemic made you reflect?

25/01/2021

10/10/2020

Today is mental health day. I'm finding more joy in sunrises and sunsets and being so grateful to live by the sea. It displays in itself the whirlwind of emotions we all feel.

Wrap your arms around the people you love. Even if you can't do it physically, a text to say I'm thinking of you can go a long way. Take extra care of those people who never complain, who never ask for help and who you always think....'They're ok' so often it's the people you least expect who are suffering in silence.

As humans communication is the most powerful tool we have. Use it.

07/07/2020

Throughout the rest of the month I'll be highlighting I'll be continuing my challenge to not make any unnecessary car journeys, but also show other things we can be doing and simple changes you can make at home to help make a reality. What changes have you already made in your home?
♻️

03/07/2020

For the next 17 months I will be setting myself a different challenge that helps work towards one of the and using that month to raise awareness and understanding of that particular goal. Have you got any ideas of challenges I can complete? Or is there one of the goals you feel you know nothing about?

04/04/2020

Enjoy my poem about covid 19- please enjoy and feel free to share.

I found myself writing poems yesterday. A little mindfulness while walking my dog. Stay safe and stay at home.  

04/04/2020

I found a little creativity come from no where around the situation we currently find ourselves in both in the UK and around the world.

I found a little creativity come from no where around the situation we currently find ourselves in both in the UK and around the world.