A charity is giving people money to stop homelessness
A pioneering UK charity, Greater Change, is transforming lives by giving direct financial support to people facing homelessness. When single mother Laura Burns was threatened with eviction due to debts and moving costs, she received £600 almost instantly, enabling her to secure a new home. Today, she has a job, a fiancé, and renewed hope. Greater Change’s approach is simple yet radical: provide people with dignity and choice, allowing them to use funds for deposits, bills, or debts. Since January, the charity has distributed £699,000 to 403 people, with 86% moving into stable housing and almost half gaining employment. Critics fear misuse of funds, but international studies show that recipients rarely spend on harmful addictions. Instead, they invest in rebuilding their lives. Partnering with councils, philanthropists, and grant bodies, Greater Change saves taxpayers thousands per client by preventing homelessness before it becomes entrenched. For many, even modest grants are life-changing interventions at the right moment, offering stability, opportunity, and hope.
National Week of Prayer
From 6 to 14 September, Christians unite in the National Week of Prayer (NWoP) under the call 'Gather, remember, return'. Inspired by Zechariah 1:3, the vision is to humble ourselves, repent, and seek God’s presence for national transformation. Over 115 prayer gatherings are already confirmed - from Bristol to Blackpool, Jersey to the Isle of Man - with more registrations daily. Activities range from inter-church meetings and workplace prayer groups to early morning breakfasts and online sessions. Ministries and networks are laying aside busy agendas to come together in worship, thanksgiving, and intercession, celebrating the good things God has done and continues to do in the nation. Organisers see NWoP as part of a growing spiritual awakening and an answer to Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17:21. Believers are encouraged to join existing events or start their own, making prayer a visible wave of oneness rising across the UK and beyond. See (https://worldprayer.org.uk/events/nwop-revival-prayer-hour/) Also see (https://www.24-7prayer.com/weekofprayer/)
Reeves rejects claims of £50bn 'black hole' in finances
Rachel Reeves has dismissed claims that she faces a £50 billion 'black hole' in the public finances. She insisted that reports about massive funding gaps were exaggerated, saying many commentators were 'talking rubbish'. Concerns rose this week as long-term government borrowing costs hit a 27-year high, sparking fears of tax hikes or spending cuts ahead of the 26 November Budget. Reeves emphasised her commitment to two borrowing rules: that day-to-day spending must be funded from tax income by 2029–30, and that debt must fall as a share of national income within this parliament. While she ruled out tax rises on VAT, National Insurance, and income tax for working people, speculation continues over possibly targeting property, banks, and other sectors. She rejected talk of an IMF bailout, and promised to strike a balance between funding public services - particularly the NHS - and encouraging growth, saying there are already 'positive signs' in the economy. See https://news.sky.com/story/interest-rates-considerably-more-doubt-over-future-cuts-bank-of-england-governor-warns-13424292
Scottish government halts cash for arms to Israel, flies Palestinian flag
Scottish first minister John Swinney has announced a series of measures in response to the crisis in Gaza, declaring that Israel’s actions 'constitute genocide'. The Scottish government has paused new awards of public money to arms companies supplying the Israeli military; Swinney also confirmed that Palestinian flags are now flying at government buildings. He urged the UK government to recognise the state of Palestine and withdraw from its free trade agreement with Israel immediately. Scottish Conservatives called the Gaza conflict a 'blight on humanity'; Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar condemned Benjamin Netanyahu as a 'war criminal'; Greens welcomed the action but sought a broader boycott; and Liberal Democrats pressed both governments to help more injured children from Gaza receive treatment in Scotland. Swinney insisted Scotland will continue offering practical humanitarian support within its devolved powers. See https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/crown-prosecution-service-london-southwark-palestinian-cardiff-b2819723.html
