Lifestyle Pocket Guide: Celebrating GOOD NEWS and Growing Together
At Lifestyle Pocket Guide, we’re dedicated to celebrating the power of the human spirit, creativity, and compassion. Our goal is to uncover and share GOOD NEWS that uplifts, inspires, and proves that kindness still thrives in our communities. Your support is what makes it all possible – by reading, sharing, and engaging with our page, you help us reach more people who need a positive reminder.
Before you dive into the stories below, we invite you to help spread the word. Head over to our Lifestyle Pocket Guide Facebook profile, tap the three dots, and select “Invite Friends” to bring more eyes to these uplifting tales. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay connected. And if you know any GOOD NEWS stories that deserve to be highlighted, please get in touch. Together, we can shine an even brighter light on the goodness in the world. Below, you’ll discover real-life examples of individuals and communities making a meaningful difference, reminding us that hope and kindness are always closer than we think.
Standing Up for Others – Both Human and Animal
Kindness knows no boundaries, and these stories show the ripple effects of compassion at its finest. Tracey, who shifted from a career in midwifery to founding Cheshunt Animal Rescue, dedicates her life to caring for vulnerable creatures, ensuring animals find safety, love, and healing.
Natalie, owner of Desserts Boutique, not only crafts light, fresh cakes that spark joy at every celebration, but she also understands the profound strength of family and community. Having helped her loved ones settle in the UK from Ukraine, Natalie’s approach to baking transcends flavour and presentation – it’s infused with the warmth of shared experiences and the resilience found in adapting to new beginnings. Balancing the demands of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and emotional support, she has created a culinary business that symbolises far more than dessert: each airy, beautifully decorated cake is a sweet testament to unity, love, and the healing power of coming together across cultures and borders.
Meanwhile, at the Dereham Aid Centre, Ian Odgers turned a simple Facebook post into a life-changing community hub, providing relief to those in need – whether they’re next door or on the other side of the world. Each of these inspiring figures reminds us that whenever we stand up for others, we strengthen the fabric of our shared humanity.
Reviving Traditions and Building Community
The past can guide us forward, and preserving heritage helps communities thrive. Paul Chamberlain, the Happy Gilder, reclaimed a Victorian art form all but lost to time – glass gilding – reigniting global interest in a nearly vanished craft. Over at Croppers in Norwich, 50 years of welcoming smiles and skilful trims have knit generations together in a cherished neighbourhood barbershop. These stories prove that by honouring tradition, we not only reconnect with our roots but also create enduring bonds that unite us all.
Embracing the Outdoors and Personal Passions
Nature can be a powerful teacher, offering solace and inspiration. Gary Betts is restoring the lake of his childhood memories, determined to share its tranquility with new anglers. On another shore, seven-year-old Ella discovered fishing as lockdowns eased and quickly became a junior champion, proving that curiosity and perseverance know no age limits. By embracing their passions under open skies, Gary and Ella show that the great outdoors can spark inner growth, resilience, and joy.
Creativity, Connection, and Confidence
In the world of the arts and personal expression, greatness often emerges from obstacles. At Rovella Hair & Co, co-founders Ieva and Jess transformed their friendship and training into a salon that’s already recognised by the 2025 Hair and Beauty Awards – proving that trust, creativity, and hard work can launch new dreams.
Then there’s Harriet May, founder of Mays Performing Arts, who has created so much more than a school – it’s a thriving community that nurtures confidence, talent, and personal transformation through dance, theatre, and music. Founded in 2019, Mays Performing Arts offers high-quality training and a supportive environment where each student’s individuality is celebrated. Harriet’s journey has not been easy. After facing life-threatening health challenges, including sepsis, organ failures, autoimmune issues, and a rare Cystic Fibrosis overlap syndrome, she drew strength from her students’ energy, her team’s support, and her own unyielding passion for the arts. Mays Performing Arts is a place where shy children find their voices, dancers master challenging routines, and young people discover self-worth on the stage.
Harriet’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. Each year, Mays Performing Arts hosts a charity event to support local causes, and on December 14th, they’ll present “Glory” – a Christmas show that not only showcases student talent but also raises much-needed funds for a heating system at Trowse Church. Through creativity, kindness, and perseverance, Harriet has built a legacy of empowerment that proves the arts can transform lives, bring communities together, and spark hope in the face of adversity.
By celebrating stories like these, Lifestyle Pocket Guide strives to spark hope, spread optimism, and show that GOOD NEWS is always within reach. We depend on your support and willingness to share these stories with others. Let’s continue finding and amplifying the voices of kindness and resilience that make our communities shine. If you know GOOD NEWS stories that deserve the spotlight, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can keep growing this vibrant, uplifting community – one inspiring story at a time.