It feels to me that we are on the edge of the abyss, where a lot of people are lacking in direction and hope because they have thrown out the old religion and belief systems which no longer serve them, but have nothing much to replace it beyond materialism and retail therapy, or worse. I think if we can somehow reach out to people, especially the young, and ask them what would really make a difference in their lives and society in general, and try to get people thinking about the deeper values, we might be able to encourage and support them in making a difference both in their own lives, and eventually in the wider society. I know this sounds like pie in the sky, but we are at a crisis point in society and we need to make some changes to bring about a fairer, more just and loving society.

There are probably many people that are making tentative steps into working out “the meaning of life”, but not sure where they can explore such issues. Our Trust has always respected each person’s beliefs, and been there to walk alongside anyone who wants to take a step into what I know as a wonderful inner universe full of love and compassion and truth. I see this as the spiritual dimension, and to me it is the most important part of our work as a Trust. We are not selling any belief system, but are encouraging others to find their own inner truth.

I recently asked my daughter Clare for some ideas about values that she thinks are important, and she has put together this article.