Charitable Causes - Get Involved.

It is a popular saying that: “To the world you are just one person. But to one person, you could be the world.”

Despite what we may often think, we are in an incredibly fortunate position. Studying at university is out of reach for so many people our age, yet still a major part of their dreams. With a little help and support however, we have the ability to make those dreams come true.

There are a wide range of charitable causes for students to get involved with to help make a difference, you just need a little direction. Here are three simple ways of supporting children’s charities, and making a difference:

Shopping – Helping Handbags was set up by Melora Johnson, a Londoner, after reading an article about a disabled children’s home in Bulgaria where the children, aged from just a few months to 18 years, were brutally neglected. Her idea was to design a handbag and sell it online, with all proceeds going to the Baba programme run by Bulgaria’s Abandoned Children Trust. The Tabitha, £150, comes in caramel, purple and metallic, and is available at www.helpinghandbags.co.uk

Mentoring – Kids Co. Mentoring was established by the Kids Company charity, based in London. The innovative and flexible mentoring programme is ideal for students, as it involves just one weekly meeting with your allocated mentee, at a time and place of your choice. This can be an exceptionally rewarding experience as you work with young people to help them achieve their goals, build confidence and self esteem, and reach their potential. Often with so many young people all that’s missing is that little bit of hope, which you can give them. More information on training and enrolment into the Kids Co. Mentoring programme is available at www.kidsco.org.uk/mentor

Partying –Trekstock was founded by Sophie Epstone in 2006 to raise awareness about the Teenage Cancer Trust. Parties, gigs and events are held for Trekstock, and all proceeds are donated to the Trust. People of all ages suffer from cancer, but the Teenage Cancer Trust specializes in young people, alike you and I, who are in need. Organising an event for Trekstock could lead to anything from a breakthrough in research to a simple smile for a patient. Either is entirely worth it. For information on how to get involved, visit: http://www.trekstock.com/

Actively becoming involved with charity work will not only benefit the children on the receiving end of your efforts, but will also enhance your own CV, especially causes like Kids Co. Mentoring and Trekstock. It is vital for the future of the children who depend on such causes for people like us to apply ourselves and get involved, so be it a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charity, or a bracket of time for an organised cause, it’s important we make the effort. If we don't do something ourselves, then we cannot expect a change.

Visit http://www.leapanywhere.co.uk/ to learn about new and exciting ways of helping others. To these kids, one person could make all the difference. That one person could be you.