Why is it important to help others?

Our actions can make a difference to someone’s day and sometimes, our kind actions may encourage people to help others!
No matter how old you are, you can make a real difference to your communityA group of people that live in the same place or have something in common..

Watch - Explore ways to help others in the community
Learn more about the ways we can help others in the community.
VOICEOVER: When we help other people or contribute to our community we are not only improving or making positive changes for those around us, we are also setting good examples to encourage others to do the same.
Why do you think it’s important to help others?
CHILD 1: It’s important to help others because it can bring communities closer together, it’s good to respect people and their rights, or it can just make someone’s day better.
CHILD 2: It’s very rewarding to help somebody because they’ll help you back too.
CHILD 3: Some people may not be able to do certain things because of some illness or some disabilities, and we should help them do those things.
CHILD 4: If you show kindness to somebody else and you put them in a good mood, they’ll pay it forward to another person, and they’ll do it, and it keeps going on and on and on and on.
VOICEOVER: There are lots of different groups of people in your community who work together to support others or issues they feel strongly about. I'm sure you've heard of ‘charities’ that raise money to support certain causes in your community. Perhaps you’ve helped to raise money for a charity yourself!
Other groups in the community try to make changes by ‘campaigning’ - in other words working in a very active or organised way to influence people’s opinion, or to encourage those in charge to take action. This might be for issues like the environment or human rights.
There are lots of ways in which we can help others. How have you helped someone or your community?
CHILD 5: I have helped my community by raising lots of money and doing different activities. I’ve also collected money for the food bank and preparing gifts at Christmas for people in need.
CHILD 3: I have also fundraised for some health emergency victims in India.
CHILD 1: I write letters to care homes, so the people in the care homes don’t feel lonely. Me and my sister bake, and sell them, and give the money to the cancer people so they can do more research about the cancer.
CHILD 2: I’ve also helped out by being kind and being eco-sustainable.
VOICEOVER: By helping others in your community you’re being a responsible and active citizen. Someone you have helped may choose to ‘pay it forward’, meaning they could respond to your kindness by being kind to someone else. Helping each other makes our communities better places to live. How have you been inspired to help someone?
What ways can you help others in the community?
As active citizenA person who participates in citizenship and helps others in their community. we can help others in lots of different ways.
This could be helping your friends and family members, being kind to your neighbours or donating to a charitiesOrganisations that provide help to others and raise money for those in need..
Image caption, Volunteering
You can volunteer in lots of different ways, such as helping out at an open day at your school or working with a local community groups.
Image caption, Being a friendly face
Listening more to people, being more patient or simply saying 'thank you' are all ways to help put a smile on someone else’s face.
Image caption, Fundraising
You can fundraise in lots of different ways, like taking part in a sponsored event or a community or school fair.
Image caption, Donating
Donating things you no longer want or need, like clothes or toys, is another way to help others.
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What are some benefits of helping others?

- We can connect with others - We can meet new people and get to know others in the community.
- It's a chance to 'pay it forward’ – By choosing to help someone else, that person may want to help others in a similar way.
- We can learn new skills- By helping others, you could learn a new skill such as how to grow or make things.

How do charities help others?

Charities play a big part in helping those who need a little extra help.
Some provide aid to those in need all over the world and others tackle community issues.
Charities help to raise awareness and bring people together who care about similar issues.
You can help charities too by raising money or volunteeringGiving up some of your free time to help others. your time or even just by finding out more about what they do.

Did you know?

In 2016, France became the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away good quality food they hadn't sold. They were told they had to donate the food to food banks instead.
Activities
Describe a different world

Imagine a world where everyone helped each other. What do you think it would look like?
- Think of at least three things that come to your mind when you try to answer this question.
- Draw or write your ideas down. Then share them with your friends or family.
What one step could you and your friends take towards creating that helpful world?

Picture the scenario
Click on the image below to download a sheet with different 'scenarios'.
Read through the instructions and think about how you would act in these scenarios.
Quiz
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