One of my favourite things in the world is useless facts, which I find quite ironic as sometimes some of them can become quite useful. I think it's more the spontaneous element of being told some useless information I enjoy the most. You could be talking to somebody about anything in the world then completely out of the blue a spark is ignited in their head and they inform you of some irrelevant information beginning with the words "Did you know?." I have experienced many "did you know?" moments in my life that immediately get you thinking like did you know that the word typewriter is the longest word that can be made using only one row of the keyboard? And did you know that it is impossible to hum while holding your nose? I didn't know either of these and so just like any other curious human being on the planet I checked them out and no matter how hard I tried it is virtually impossible to hum while holding your nose, go ahead and give it a try.
These days information is being shared left, right and centre all day every day. Not one person in the world goes a day - and some may argue an hour, or even a minute, without learning new information. Whether it be from a newspaper, television, online, a teacher, a billboard in the street or through socialisation, we are constantly being informed. Although we are bombarded with a menagerie of different information there is no doubt that some is more important than others. For me, charity awareness campaigns are at the top of the most important information list, yet are there now so many we have become blind to them?
Many charities not just in the UK, but all over the world would suffer if not for awareness campaigns. Every year there are weeks and months dedicated to raising awareness for illnesses, diseases and charitable organisations. There's Mental Health Awareness Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ALS Awareness Month, Dementia Awareness Week and thousands more. Having these vital campaigns help to not only raise money and awareness for the subjects of the campaign but they can also help to distribute a wealth of knowledge to people highlighting local services available that can help people who may be affected by the issue highlighted or for those who may become affected.
All of these awareness campaigns have one thing in common. That is carers - young and old. It has recently been Carers Week - that's a whole campaign dedicated to supporting and raising awareness of carers. At the heart of society are millions of unpaid carers, looking after family, friends and loved ones who are suffering from any number of illnesses and conditions. I'm one.
It's tough - mentally, physically and emotionally.
Many carers don't get any support. Many don't get a break. This week Carers Trust is launching its annual fundraising campaign and asking people to 'wake up' to caring and hold Britain's Best Breakfast. Carers Trust have found that less than two thirds of all carers in the UK will take a holiday this year. 30% said they never get a break of any kind. So, if there's one awareness campaign I'd urge everyone to take note of it's this one. Britain's Best Breakfast is a fun, social way to support carers. With three in five of us likely to become a carer at some point in our lives, this is an issue we can't afford to ignore.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT http://www.britainsbestbreakfast.org