JUST GIVING

Giving increases our sense of connection and happiness.

Jennifer Young is terrified of heights. As she prepared to abseil down Liverpool Cathedral, the health care administrator thought, “Why am I doing this?”

Despite her fear, Jen who is part of Mersey Care’s Children’s Community Nursing Team, conquered a 150 foot drop to raise money for Mersey Cares, the Trust’s dedicated charity. She told MC Magazine, “As soon as I did it I wanted to go again!”

Why do we feel so good about giving of our time, energy or money? Clinical psychologist Kate Abbott says it’s an intrinsic part of our make up – but it’s a two way thing.

“Giving increases our sense of connectedness and increases our happiness and wellbeing –even in toddlers,” explains Kate.

“It feels good and comes with its own rewards, like the secretion of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin, otherwise known as the ‘Happiness Trifecta’.

“Research shows that we get the same flood of ‘feel good’ from giving even small amounts of money, time or help to others. So give big, give little, give whatever you can because giving really is receiving!”

Mersey Cares has transformed the lives of patients and communities across Cheshire and Merseyside. Jen has seen first hand the difference these projects have made.

“I’ve lived in Knowsley all my life and you see deprived children and struggling families, so for us to be able to help local children means everything."