Foodbanks are desperate for donations. Shocked after hearing that local children were fainting in class because their parents couldn’t afford to feed them properly, I sought out a foodbank in the Greater Manchester area. My provisions were repackaged immediately by a volunteer and handed out to sad, hungry-looking people in the long queue outside the church.

At the age of nine Larry Loyie was forced to leave his home in Alberta, Canada, and the traditional Cree way of life, to attend a boarding school where the goal of teaching was to wipe out his native language and traditions.

In his 50s he started to practise Nichiren Buddhism, and this became a turning point in fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer.

‘Where am I?’ I wake up with a start surrounded by bright, unnatural light. ‘It’s OK, calm down, relax. You’re in the hospital, St Mary’s Paddington.’ A nurse grimaces at my total confusion.

‘What the hell happened?’ I start to whimper, noticing some dried splatters of blood on the floor.

‘You were mugged. But you’re going to be fine.’ She nods kindly and then rushes off.

Dr Brian May, the legendary Queen guitarist, speaks up for animals at every opportunity he can - writes Julia Stephenson. When I hosted the launch of the Green Party animal welfare manifesto at my flat, we were thrilled when he turned up to offer his support. Modest and unassuming, he deflects the attention he attracts towards causes close to his heart.

Think again before scrimping on presents this Christmas. Recent research reveals that we experience higher levels of happiness and wellbeing splashing out on others rather than on ourselves.

Aided by her Buddhist practice, Akiko Matsumura struggled to overcome the suicide of her adult son.

I was born as the second daughter in a well-off family and lived my life without ever having to struggle much with anything. I was bright and happy, with a tenacious, never-give-up attitude. I loved literature, and when I was in high school, I had an essay published in a local newspaper.