App promises Blessings

Christian Aid has launched a new mobile app to help people pause and think about their lives and those of others around the world, using stunning photography and thought provoking daily reflections.

The free ‘ Count Your Blessings’ app aims to be a source of inspiration throughout the 40 days of Lent, with users getting daily notifications, hear uplifting stories from Christian Aid projects and take actions in solidarity with the world’s poorest people. You can choose options such as giving 10p for every bedroom in your house as a reminder of how fortunate we are to have shelter and stopping to pray for people living in conflict.

Christian Aid’s Head of Communications, Steven Buckley, said: “Lent is a great opportunity to stop and think about the many blessings we enjoy and to spare a thought for those less fortunate. Many of us live busy lives and finding time to do this can be difficult. The app is designed to be easy to use and accessible while on the go.” Duncan Smith chided over comments on child poverty The Children’s Society responded to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith’s speech on Child Poverty, with Chief Executive Matthew Reed saying: “Millions of children up and down this country are living in poverty because their families do not have enough money to live on, access to decent housing or affordable childcare.”

Mr Reed said: “Most of these children are in lowincome working families. We know from our extensive work with families that parents are doing their very best. Every day they are making harsh choices between heating their home, buying school shoes or putting a hot meal on the table. Stereotyping children and families struggling to make ends meet is not the answer.

“Cuts to housing benefit, council tax benefit and other key support – together with proposals to cap benefit increases for the next three years - will plunge even more families into poverty. The government needs to take immediate action to end child poverty once and for all.”