Live Simply event, Manchester

BOVA is a network member in the Live Simply movement and so organised a Salesian Family group to attend ‘Live It’ in Manchester.

Tom Collins reflects on the day:

 “Live simply, sustainably and in solidarity” – A thought provoking motto for what proved to be an inspiring and motivating weekend in Manchester. This event provided an opportunity to learn more about  what living simply really means. Individuals and partnership groups were invited and encouraged to foster the message that living simply is about adopting the attitude of a global citizen who is prepared to make sacrifices and find sustainable solutions to our excessive lifestyles. To live simply is to accept the need for change in our world and to understand that this change begins with ourselves. It is not about taking drastic and unmanageable action (like selling your car and making the family ride around on bikes that generate electrical power to heat your home). Instead it is about examining your life (and your conscience) and cutting back on extravagant lifestyle choices that we can do without – like walking or cycling to work when possible.

It was heartening to see so many Christian charities represented at the conference – all promoting the excellent work they do through the help of generous volunteers, like BOVA. The event lent itself beautifully to the Salesian ethos by providing a range of activities, day and night, that allowed opportunities to meet new people and sew the Salesian thread into the Live Simply tapestry.

A personal highlight was the fantastic talk by the Anglican Archbishop of York - John Sentamu. He spoke powerfully and passionately about the great divide in wealth between peoples of the world and of our responsibility to examine our own lives and consider the needs of other people before making careless decisions that have global consequences. This event was the beginning of a journey that I believe will have an impact on many peoples’ lives because we all have the capacity to love our neighbour by making a promise to live simply, sustainable and in solidarity.

Learn more about LiveSimply at the website.