A guide to global charities

Maybe it’s a bit late to be talking about New Year’s resolutions, but it’s never too late in the year to be making a new goal. Often, when we consider new goals, we might try to think about goals for ourselves. These can help us create healthier habits, but another enriching type is a community-based goal. When I was 16, I volunteered at an RSPCA charity shop; it helped me learn a lot about myself and working with other people. Volunteering is very community-centred, but you can also gain many personal benefits from it. And it would be even better to know that you’re not just helping your local community in front of you, but also communities all over the world that you may not see but need your help. But you don’t have to volunteer – donating money or resources is just as valuable for charities.So, if you are looking for a late new year’s resolution, here are some examples of excellent global charities that would benefit from your volunteering or donations. 

You could find yourself travelling and volunteering simultaneously with Mercy Ships: an international health charity with a current focus on sub-Saharan Africa, where nine out of ten people have no access to basic surgical care. Their charity hospital ships sail directly to people to provide free medical care in low- and lower-middle income countries. The volunteers on their two ships are made up of up to 40 nations from 100 different professions. Every year, they train thousands of healthcare professionals on board their floating hospitals. You can help provide life-changing surgeries and train local health workers by donating easily on their website at mercyships.org.uk. They are constantly looking for committed volunteers, from cooks to dentists to housekeepers. With no medical training required, it could be the perfect opportunity. You can easily fill out an interest form under the ‘volunteer’ tab on their website.  

Through forecast-based financing, they provide communities with funds before a disaster, giving them time and means to prepare and protect their lives and livelihood

Hunger is still one of the biggest problems in the world, with 318 million people in acute hunger. The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and works to send food to those who need it most. Every day, WFP has 5,000 trucks, 20 ships, and 80 planes ready to deliver food donations. They also help the most vulnerable communities manage natural resources sustainably so they can meet today’s livelihood needs. Through forecast-based financing, they provide communities with funds before a disaster, giving them time and means to prepare and protect their lives and livelihoods – for example, by reinforcing homes or evacuating livestock. They additionally have school meal programmes, and a meal-sharing app. Donating is easy: just go to their website at donate.wfp.org. 

Save the Children is a charity which is committed to meeting the needs of children across the world. Its extensive work includes education, health, conflict and humanitarian situations, nutrition, and more. To boost funding and influence, Save the Children have partnered with many international organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the Disasters Emergency Committee. There are lots of ways you can volunteer in the UK, for example in Save the Children shops, in community groups, and from your homes. You can apply to volunteer at savethechildren.org.uk.  

Each ticket bought is a donation: in 2019/20, they made over 14,000 grants to charities, organisations, and local groups across the UK

Medical Aid International is a social enterprise that works to advance patient care in low- and middle-income countries by supplying new and recycled medical equipment, accessories, and training. For example, one thing they do is turn hardware tools into effective surgical instruments, safe for medical professionals to use. You can read the guidelines to make equipment donations at medaid.co.uk. Alternatively, if there’s nothing suitable lying around your house, you can sponsor a biomedical engineer to take part in the training required to make a difference in these communities. To make a donation, email tim@medaid.co.uk. 

And finally, the National Lottery Community Fund helps community-led missions with a focus on supporting people facing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination. A really easy way to help their cause is to simply buy a lottery ticket! Each ticket bought is a donation: in 2019/20, they made over 14,000 grants to charities, organisations, and local groups across the UK.