We’re closing the week talking about the results of a long-term study that shows just how universal basic income improves the happiness levels of recipients, a win for the National Park City movement in the USA, and a new mental health treatment model supporting hard-to-reach farmers.
Universal basic income doesn’t reduce employment, but makes people happier
The results of a long-term study released on Wednesday suggests that participants of the scheme saw a significant improvement in their overall wellbeing and mental health, but were no more likely to leave their jobs, reduce their working hours or see a decline in work-related income than those outside the programme.
Chattanooga becomes the first National Park City in the US
The National Park City movement is a longstanding grassroots effort that encourages residents, leaders and local organisations to work together to make their cities greener, healthier, and wilder.
Farmers face one of the highest rates of suicide. The solution is in their land
The LandLogic Model is a new way to train healthcare providers that uses farmers’ relationship to their land to identify and treat depression, anxiety and other emotional issues within a notoriously hard-to-reach population.
“Friendship benches” to offer free mental health support in Sussex
The scheme involves a wooden park bench being placed in a public space with a listening ear, in the shape of so-called “grandparents” to anyone passing. Recent analysis found that the model saw an 80% reduction in depression and suicidal ideation, and a 60% increase in clients’ quality of life.
Negotiators from the European parliament and the EU’s 27 member states have agreed to strengthen rules on both toys made in the bloc and those imported from other regions. The move aims to protect children from harmful chemicals that could potentially disrupt growth hormones.
Net zero banking lets customers put their money where their values are
Customers at Sunrise Banks can choose for their deposits to only be loaned out to projects that actively cut back on carbon emissions. This way, the bank hopes to hit net zero emissions by 2050.
Knitting, cheerleading, fishing: how a cellphone ban changed a school district
Schools in the third-largest district in Washington state recently enforced a ban on smartphones for young people as concerns grew about their impact on student mental health, social skills and academics. The result? A big drop in absenteeism and higher levels of student engagement.
The grassroots projects making rehabilitation accessible for all
Although the WHO says 2.6 billion people across the globe would benefit from rehabilitation services, less than half of those living in low and middle income countries receive this treatment. To change this, a growing number of projects are gaining traction, from basic training rehabilitation in Uganda and Fiji to healing bracelets in London.
“We made everything bear-proof”: the Italian village that learned to love its bears
By learning to live with its ursine neighbours, mountainous Pettorano sul Gizio has drawn tourists and new residents, bucking a trend of rural decline.
