In the past I have written about becoming Magic Grandparents and building strong bonds with your grandchildren by helping them achieve their dreams. While this might involve a little money changing hands the important benefits are the discussions that result from them sharing their dreams with you.

I do something similar with a charity that seeks to change one person’s life each week by asking the charity’s supporters to each give a little – but also to write a message of hope and support to the life being helped.

Giving the cash is a streamlined process and much easier than finding the right words to offer support and encouragement to someone on the brink of despair. I’m never sure if I’ve got it right, but each week I try my best.