iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 26/03/2026

Today is #SocialPrescribingDay, which highlights the people helping to connect people to non-medical support. If you're experiencing loneliness, visit our directory to find a befriending service near you, or ask at your local GP surgery about social prescribing. 💜 befriending.co.uk/directory

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

33% of UK 16–29 year olds feel lonely often/sometimes—the highest of any age group. The carefree twenties myth is outdated. Loneliness is driven by scattered friendships, remote work, lack of community institutions, later family formation, and isolating house-shares www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

The surprising truth about who the loneliest generations are

Conversations around it often focus on the elderly. But by some measures, people in their 20s are the loneliest group in Britain

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Really pleased to have joined @befriending.co.uk as a Trustee! They do fantastic work supporting befriending services across the UK that tackle loneliness and build meaningful connections in communities. Looking forward to helping advance their mission. 🤝

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Landmark day for renters in England as the Renters' Rights Act receives Royal Assent. Section 21 'no fault' evictions are finally being abolished. This law will transform private renting, giving millions more security in their homes and driving up standards.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

The UK’s charities do incredible work, but too often lack the data and insight needed to go further. CSEVO would be a new hub linking charities, funders, researchers & government—so evidence is shared, not siloed.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Thrilled with Wellbeing Poverty panel at Lib Dems. Thanks to @alexkbrewer.bsky.social @dannychambers.bsky.social @joswinson.bsky.social Natalie Webb @paulfarmerceo.bsky.social for sharing insights. Even small social connections matter—wellbeing should guide policy across departments. @pbe.co.uk

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

The Children's Society Policy and Youth Practice @tcspolicypractice.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

A busy day 2 at Lib Dem Conference! Team TCS were engaging in discussions ranging from enrichment to curriculum reform, and from supporting carers to the value of wellbeing. Great to hear from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk, @munirawilson.bsky.social, @dannychambers.bsky.social & @wendychambld.bsky.social

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 22/09/2025

Free2Talk offers something vital for LGBTQ+ young people: a safe, identity-affirming space to belong. @karol122.bsky.social and @charlotteprothero.bsky.social share Charlie’s story, and the value of the programme which could deliver £4 of wellbeing benefit for every £1 spent. Read it here 👇

pbe.co.uk

Every LGBTQ+ young person deserves a safe space | PBE

Charlie* was looking for somewhere they could explore their emerging identity and feel supported as they considered socially transitioning – that is, beginning to live and be recognised in everyday li...

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Dismissing national wellbeing measurement misses the point. Britain’s teenagers have the lowest wellbeing in Europe. Parents even rank wellbeing above exam results when choosing a school. If we don’t measure it, we won’t understand the scale of the challenge. schoolsweek.co.uk/pupil-wellbe...

schoolsweek.co.uk

Spielman says school wellbeing checks 'counterproductive'

The former chief inspector of Ofsted spoke out against measuring wellbeing during a House of Lords debate.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Looking forward to this discussion at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference on how we can tackle wellbeing poverty and ensure everyone has the chance to live a decent quality of life.

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 18/09/2025

Around 60% of schools measure wellbeing voluntarily, but inconsistent tools and definitions make it hard to compare results or know what works. Alongside our partners and a coalition of 60+ orgs, we'll continue to call for wellbeing measurement in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

youtube.com

Lord Gus O’Donnell on the importance of wellbeing measurement for children and young people

YouTube video by PBE

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

#BeeWell @beewelluk.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

"If we get this right, it will be the most important thing we have done in this Bill - but, at the moment, there is no measurement,” said Lord Gus O’Donnell in yesterday’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill debate. 🔗 www.ourwellbeingourvoice.org 🎥 Watch his speech below 👇

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

🏡 A brilliant example of the impact economy in action. £30m from Gloucestershire Pension Fund has helped house families facing homelessness, by social impact investor Resonance, and charity DHI. Local capital, local solutions. More of this. 👏 housingdigital.co.uk/pension-fund...

housingdigital.co.uk

Pension fund supports families out of homelessness

The first local families have moved into newly refurbished homes as part of a £30m investment aimed at tackling homelessness

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 17/07/2025

📢 Volunteer with Ella’s, a charity supporting survivors of trafficking. Help build an Excel dashboard & improve impact reporting. ~5 days work, Aug–Sept. UK-based only. Use your data skills for good! Apply: pbe.co.uk/vacancies/da... #DataForGood #Volunteering

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

Luke Tryl @luketryl.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

When we asked about lowering the voting age to 16 last year the public tended to oppose the proposals. By a 48% to 27% margin. There were however stark age divides; younger voters more likely to back the proposals, older voters dead against.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

Economic growth is only meaningful if it leads to an improvement in people's overall wellbeing.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

What impact could a wealth tax have on charitable giving? In @cityam.bsky.social @pbe.co.uk warns it could hit legacy income, a funding source for charities. As the gov’t considers taxing assets over £10m, it must weigh the risk to philanthropy. Read: www.cityam.com/third-sector... #WealthTax

cityam.com

Third sector warns wealth tax will hit philanthropy

A wealth tax of the sort being considered by the government would leave a multibillion-pound hole in charities' finances, bosses have warned

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

Matt Whittaker @mattwhittaker.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Also shows decline in financial support for charities post-pandemic, alongside significantly rising demand for charity services. More needed and well trusted, but less well resourced: it’s not hard to see (i) why the sector is under pressure; and (ii) why we'd all benefit if it was less so

Chart showing the proportion of respondents reporting supporting a charity in some form between 2020 and 2025. Shows relatively flat trends in volunteering and working for a charity, but marked reductions in those donating money or goods and in those using a charity shop.

Chart showing the proportion of respondents reporting receiving some form of support from a charity between 2020 and 2025. Shows significant increases across all three categories: those attending a charity-run community facility; those receiving food, financial, medical or similar help; and those using other charity services such as advice or outdoor space.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

"People don't see GDP growth as making a difference to their everyday lives" CBI

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

“We need to create an accountability for wellbeing” @pbe.co.uk

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

“Renters are more than three times as likely to be living in wellbeing poverty” @pbe.co.uk

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

"Last year, public spending per pensioner was £12,600 higher than it was per child ... spending on pensioners has increased by more than half in the past two decades, while the amount of taxpayer cash devoted to children has lagged." www.telegraph.co.uk/money/retire...

telegraph.co.uk

Government accused of prioritising pensioners over children

Spending gap widens 170pc as political parties chase ‘grey vote’

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Over 14,000 UK grantmakers collectively provided £23 billion in grants, this year a 7% increase. Notably, Trusts & Foundations' giving jumped 12% to £8.2bn, and Donor-Advised Funds saw a 20% rise to £2.1bn, becoming a growing income source for charities. #UKGrants #Philanthropy #VoluntarySector

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Individuals with specific learning difficulties like dyslexia earn approximately £8,000 less per year, resulting in an estimated £1.4 billion in lost annual earnings.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

“Ten to 15 per cent of every classroom in the UK is made up of children with dyslexia. These children are three-and-a-half times more likely to be expelled from school than their neurotypical peers.” inews.co.uk/culture/tele...

inews.co.uk

Jamie Oliver is back on his soap box - but the Government isn’t listening

The chef wants to help children with dyslexia enjoy school, but Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson only offers platitudes

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Charity boards need more diverse voices! Our new report shows key stats on trustees: median age 65-69, only 8% from ethnic minority backgrounds, 43% women. Join this free webinar 24 June to discuss solutions & build inclusive boards! 👇 pbe.co.uk/event/whos-o...

pbe.co.uk

Who’s on board? Closing the diversity gap in charity leadership | PBE

Sign up now to hear about PBE's latest research on trustee diversity and what's needed to build more inclusive charity boards.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

More than 5,000 of England’s most sensitive, rare and protected natural habitats are at high risk of being destroyed by development under Labour’s new planning bill. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

Revealed: 5,000 English nature sites at risk under Labour’s planning proposals

Exclusive: Planning bill includes mechanism for developers to ‘pay to pollute’ valuable ecosystems, experts warn

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

700,000+ people volunteer as charity trustees each year. But who are they? Mostly older, wealthier, non-disabled—and often found through personal networks. If we want stronger charities, we need more open, inclusive boards. Wrote about it here: pbe.co.uk/insights/who...

pbe.co.uk

Who gets a say in how charities are run? Broadening access to trusteeship | PBE

More than 700,000 people volunteer their time each year as trustees in England and Wales, collectively filling nearly a million board positions. These individuals are vital to the success of the chari...

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

The new Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy will include: £132.5 million for young people £132.5 million for financial inclusion £87.5 million for social investment £87.5 million for community wealth funds But youth services by local councils have lost £1.2bn since 2010. www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Jeremy Clarkson is already bored with farming and is now focusing on his pub venture. In Season 4 of Clarkson’s Farm, he purchased a country pub, highlighting the connection between pub closures and the rural loneliness crisis. He makes a valid point: community spaces are important.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

“By deploying NHS-led, evidence-based intervention during children’s formative years, we will not only halt the spiral towards crisis but cultivate much-needed grit amongst the next generation.” – Bridget Phillipson & Wes Streeting www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/998f11a...

telegraph.co.uk

Children to be taught to show some ‘grit’

Pupils need more robust mental health, say ministers in drive to tackle worklessness crisis

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

The Charity Commission has new guidance on trustee recruitment, @pbe.co.uk research revealed that 6% of trustees find their roles through advertisements, and about 30% of positions are publicly posted. It’s great to see our work making an impact and driving change! www.gov.uk/government/n...

gov.uk

Regulator updates guidance to help charities open up opportunities for new trustees

The Charity Commission has refreshed its guidance on recruiting trustees (CC30).

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 09/05/2025

📊 Are you a data-savvy volunteer who wants to help tackle youth violence? Godwin Lawson Foundation need a volunteer to create an Excel dashboard to track and visualise the impact of their mentoring programme for young people. 📆Apply by Sunday 18 May 2025: www.probonoeconomics.com/volunteer-fo...

probonoeconomics.com

Volunteer for Godwin Lawson Foundation

Support Godwin Lawson Foundation to organise and visualise its data. Demonstrate the key metrics from its mentoring programme and facilitate efficient quarterly reporting to funders. (3-5 days)

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

A big thank you to Baroness Enfield for the Parliamentary shout-out — and for championing the vital cause of better quality, joined-up data on children and young people’s wellbeing and mental health. Great to be recognised alongside the excellent @beewelluk.bsky.social initiative!

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

The Times article on plans to measure children's wellbeing in schools. 🎓 Proud of @probonoecon.bsky.social for building the economic case alongside @beewelluk.bsky.social and others. Thanks to Donnell & Blunkett for advocating this. Let's keep moving forward! 📰 www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...

thetimes.co.uk

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

New stats out today from MHCLG: • Record 127,890 households in temp accommodation (+13.6% YoY) • Most families w/ children stuck 5+ yrs • End of private tenancies still top cause • Section 21 use slightly down #StatutoryHomelessness #HousingPolicy

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 23/04/2025

Join PBE and @rosafunduk.bsky.social next week for an essential conversation about the strength of the women and girls’ social sector and the challenges it's facing. 📆29 April at 12:00 online Book your free webinar ticket: www.probonoeconomics.com/Event/unlock...

probonoeconomics.com

Unlocking the power of the women and girls’ social sector - 29/04/2025 12:00:00

The sector has a critical impact but struggles with rising demand, stretched resources and funding pressures. Sign up to find out more.

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 24/04/2025

Women and girls’ organisations are small, but what they do is vital: 🔹 53% of respondents have fewer than 10 employees (vs 25% in the wider sector). 🔹 Most are experts in areas like domestic abuse, women’s health & girls’ empowerment. 🔹 Many serve communities mainstream services miss. 4/8

A bar chart showing respondents’ workforce size by number of people, split into Staff and Volunteers. The largest bars are in the 1 to 10 category, with 53% Staff and 45% volunteers.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

🍽️ Free breakfast clubs are launching at 750 schools in England today. Providing breakfast in disadvantaged schools is a cost-effective way to boost children's future earnings, costing around £180 per pupil per year, yet potentially generating over £9,000 in long-term benefits per child.

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 15/04/2025

📣Join PBE and @rosafunduk.bsky.social for an essential conversation about the strength of the women and girls’ social sector and the challenges it's facing. 📆29 April at 12:00 online Book your free webinar ticket: www.probonoeconomics.com/Event/unlock...

probonoeconomics.com

Unlocking the power of the women and girls’ social sector - 29/04/2025 12:00:00

The sector has a critical impact but struggles with rising demand, stretched resources and funding pressures. Sign up to find out more.

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

Joshua Livestro @joshualivestro.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

US treasury bonds are now trading at higher yields than Greek treasury bonds. In other words: the bond markets put greater faith in the Greek government’s ability to continue to finance its debt than in the US government’s ability to do so. NB. Greece’s debt/gdp ratio is 160%…

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

About 5 million people in the UK feel lonely all the time. It’s hitting young people, women, and people in poor health the hardest. Addressing it could ease pressure on the NHS and improve national wellbeing.

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Children's wellbeing in the UK is in crisis—and it’s affecting their learning, growth, and overall thriving. In my latest blog, I explore the necessity of measuring what truly matters and making wellbeing more central. #MoreThanGrades #OurWellbeingOurVoice www.probonoeconomics.com/counting-wha...

probonoeconomics.com

Counting what counts for kids: the future of education

Is it time to rethink what we value in education? Charlotte Prothero reflects on our More Than Grades event and why children’s wellbeing must move to the top of the agenda.

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Reposted by Charlotte Prothero

PBE @pbe.co.uk · 09/04/2025

Why is children’s wellbeing measurement needed to drive meaningful change? Hear reflections from our 'More than grades' event: @beewelluk.bsky.social's @meerasarav.bsky.social & @neilhumphrey.bsky.social, Naomi from @thefea.bsky.social, Bright Futures and Susan Watmough youtube.com/shorts/TgPKu...

youtube.com

More than grades event reflections #Beewell #OurWellbeing

YouTube video by Pro Bono Economics

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

“The Children School and Wellbeing Bill is currently missing the wellbeing element and this national children’s wellbeing measurement amendment will provide it”. #Ourwellbeing

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Charlotte Prothero @charlotteprothero.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Three in four people on UC and disability benefits are already struggling to afford the basics. Yet new data released alongside the Spring Statement reveals that the government's plans will push a further 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty.

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