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Benefact Trust ‘Brighter Lives’ Grant

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17th August 2022

PRESS RELEASE

We have been awarded the Brighter Lives Grant!

We are thrilled to have been awarded the Brighter Lives grant from Benefact Trust.

We exist to be a resource inspiring community transformation! To date, we have seen over 2000 young
people complete the Flourish Project, over 500 complete Flourish Online, over 55 Champions support the Flourish Project and 150 facilitators trained in delivering the Flourish Project.


‘We are living in times where young people are struggling in silence, many with issues that affect their mental and emotional wellbeing. We all need to work towards finding long-term preventative solutions that can be easily integrated into school cultures at an early age, this will help combat the ever-growing issue around mental ill health.

I believe The Flourish Project is one solution that can help young people start to form healthy habits and positive self-talk, which in turn builds resilience. The impact that this project has seen in improving mental wellbeing & self-esteem is significant and their research over the last few years has demonstrated that this could be a game-changer.’

– Professor Jonathan Warren (previous CEO of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust).

This grant will help us to partner with new churches and Christian organisations to achieve our goal of impacting young people, to truly change their lives and help improve their mental and emotional well-being.

Brighter days are ahead!


About The Proton Foundation

We are passionate about enabling individuals, families, and communities to impact 100,000 young people over the next 10 years to grow and thrive in a healthy way.

Currently, our primary projects under the umbrella of the Proton Foundation are The Flourish Project and Flourish Online. We are continually supported by our Champions through The Champion Membership, who have the opportunity to give as little as ÂŁ3 per month to help our work.

As a way to give back to those who have supported us and to invest in other projects similar to ours, we have launched The Mustard Seed Fund – a financial gift to those who are running or setting up projects that support our charitable objectives.

Do you want to get involved? Contact us today by emailing info@theflourishproject.org.

Follow Proton Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit their Website.


About Benefact Trust

Benefact Trust is one of the UK’s largest grant-making charities. The Trust’s grants further its charitable objectives of promoting the Christian faith and other charitable causes. Its funds are largely derived from ownership of the Benefact Group – a specialist financial services organisation. Since its foundation in 1972, The Trust has awarded over ÂŁ235m in grants – ÂŁ100m in the last 5 years. Applications are welcomed from all parts of the UK and Ireland, particularly from areas of social and economic deprivation.

Benefact Trust funds projects that tackle homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. The repair, restoration and wider community use of churches and cathedrals of all denominations is also supported.

Follow Benefact Trust on Facebook and Twitter, or visit our Website for more information.

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Make The Most Of Your Summer

Fun Summer Hacks


Make The Most Of Your Summer

When the summer months come, it’s very easy to allow the heat get to you — or the sand, or those lazy, boring days. You might not know what to do with all the spare time on your hands?

Get ready to fight boredom over the summer break with these fun hacks👇


1. Beach Days

Swim suit, towel, flip-flops, fitted sheet—wait, a fitted sheet?

If you and your friends are planning a trip to the beach, pack a fitted sheet. Why? It’s a great way to keep sand off your stuff. Tuck some heavy items into each corner of the sheet to hold the edges up. You’ll create a cozy fabric “box” for you and your friends to hang out in, listen to music and play some games.

This really works! 

2. Build a HUGE Slip and Slide

What’s summer fun without a water activity? Find a massive plastic tarp and fix it in place in the grass. Now, the fun part…turn on the hose, and don’t forget the soap. Lots and lots of soap!

You and your friends (and the adults🤪) will have a BLAST! It’s a little on the messier, but oh well? It’s SUMMER!

We like the sound of this one.

3. S’mores, S’mores and MORE S’mores

Few things say “summer fun” like hanging out with friends and roasting s’mores around a campfire. We’re talking every kind of chocolate you could ever want and marshmallows overflowing the bowls. Oh, sparklers too. Don’t forget the sparklers!

While s’mores may be the main event, have a blast and play some campfire games too!


Get out and about and see more of the world around you. Plan some fun activities from the comfort of your own home. Spend some time pursuing a new hobby or skill.

But don’t forget to take it easy, so your unforgettable summer can be both great fun and relaxing!

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Parent Hacks for the Summer Holidays

Parent Hacks for the Summer Holidays

Parent Hacks for Summer


We are smack in the middle of the best season of the year! Time to begin the summer holidays and soak up the sun!

Though, we know these school-free weeks can feel long, and if you’re like many parents and guardians, you’re looking for some fresh ideas to make this school holiday one to remember.

So, how do you get to the end of the holidays in one piece? Read more below👇


1. The One That’ll Help You Make Decisions

Countless times during the summer holidays, you may hear, “I’m bored” or “What are we doing today?”. Without the structure of school, too much choice can feel overwhelming, which can actually result in doing nothing. 

Enters decision-making games.

Make planning and decisions fun! Write lots of different activities on lolly sticks and ask your kids to pick one. Or, if you have outdoor space, you could make a big hop scotch, where someone shouts “stop” to make the decision. This brings a fun element of randomness to making plans.

2. The One When It’s Too Hot

Your freezer’s time to shine! Homemade ice lollies are a money-saving exercise, and a cheaper and healthier alternative to the ones bought from a shop.

Get your ice lolly moulds and sticks ready, because your kids will want to try every one of these delicious recipes.

3. The One When You Go To The Beach

If you’re lucky with the weather, you and kids will be ushered to have a few beach days, but when it’s time to go, make sure you don’t bring all that sand home with you with one super summer hack: baby powder!

4. The One When Accidents Happen

Never fear when aloe vera’s here! It’s inevitable that sometime this summer someone in the house is going to get a sunburn. Freeze aloe vera in ice trays for an instant solution for sunburn.

Forts can be fun outside, too. When the kids need a break from the sun, suspend a big sheet from a tree and there you have it, a cool place to chill and play.

5. The One When You Need A Break

If possible, sign your kids up to a summer camp. This is a great way to keep them busy and shake up the long weeks. While away at camp, they are at a safe environment creating memories, having fun, developing social skills, meeting new friends and experiencing more of the outdoors.

Not only do they benefit your kids, but it means you have FREEDOM! For a little while at least! This is your chance to do what you want, kid-free!


    Have a wonderful summer break, from the Proton team☀️

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    How You Can Look After Yourself During Exam Season

    Look After Yourself During Exam Season

    How to look after yourself during exams

    Looking after yourself is so important at all times! However, when you’ve got the added pressure of revising and sitting your exams, you can easily forget to take care of yourself.

    It’s crucial to practice self-care to help you manage your stress, improve your productivity, and maintain your physical and mental health. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

    We’ve put together some tips to help you make yourself a priority, avoid burnout, and make self-care a part of your exam routine.


    1. Get a Good Sleep 

    Being well rested is so important when you are revising for your exams. As part of your study plan, try to ensure you get enough sleep throughout this busy time. Resting well will help you feel your best.

    2. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

    Yes, this is easier said than done, but the better you eat, the better you’ll feel. Avoid eating sugary snacks. Instead, choose options that give you longer lasting energy. Basically, don’t rely on chocolate to fuel you during the exam period!

    Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You’ll notice a huge difference in your focus and energy levels. Keeping a water bottle by your side helps!

    3. Keep Moving

    A healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy mind.

    It doesn’t have to be complicated; go for a quick run or take a walk. Not only will some exercise give your brain a break, you’ll get your daily dose of vitamin D and some fresh air.

    4. Don’t Use Your Phone Before Bed

    It’s tempting. Hop into pyjamas, flip the lights off, crawl into bed and then … reach for your phone.

    Did you know that being on your phone within an hour of going to bed makes you 3x times as likely to get less than five hours of sleep? (www.sleepfoundation.org).

    The blue light emitted from your device will disturb your sleep. Make it a habit to leave your phone outside of your bedroom.

    5. Plan Your Time and Take Breaks

    Stepping away from your revision could be exactly what you need to be able to do your work more productively. It’s easy to think you’ll get it finished quicker if you just sit down and power through it.

    However, taking regular breaks will actually help you more in the long run. Treat revision as a marathon, not a sprint.

    Plan fun activities for your intervals. This will help refresh your mind and stay focused when resuming your studies. 


    Remember to also treat yourself kindly during exam time. If you find this difficult, imagine you’re talking to your best friend and the advice and encouragement you would give them. 
     
    Your best is more than good enough. Always try to remind yourself of that!

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    Exam Season – Thrive 101

    Exam Thrive 101


    Exam season is well and truly in full swing!

    The sun is starting to shine; summer is almost within your grasp. In fact, maybe for some of your friends’ summer has already started!

    But to you, summer may feel pretty far away! Will you ever make it to summer? Will you ever finish your exams? Is summer even real? Yes, Yes and YES!

    Here are a few tips to get you through exam season and ready for your best summer yet.

    *Weather not guaranteed.


    • One step at a time

    You’re not doing all your exams at the same time on the same day. Don’t try to think about every exam. Make a plan, write out a schedule and get ready for each exam one at a time.

    • Talk

    If you’re struggling, if you’re thriving or if you’re somewhere in between – Talk! Talk to your friends, your family members, a professional or trusted adult. Be honest – tell them where you’re really at.

    • Break Well

    Take breaks from revising, studying and working. Go for a walk, play a sport, read a book. Give your brain a break. To have a break you have to first be doing something to break from!

    • Remember Who You Are!

    Lastly, and perhaps the most important of all, remember you are not defined by your results, achievements or grades.


    Summer’s coming! Stick in there, take one step at a time, talk about how you’re feeling and where your heads at, rest well, enjoy the journey and never forget your results don’t define you.

     

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