Every year on 18 July, people around the world come together to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.

Established by the United Nations in 2009, the day honours the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president and a lifelong campaigner for equality, justice and human rights.

Rather than asking people to donate money or attend an event, the message is refreshingly simple: give 67 minutes of your time to help others. The 67 minutes represent the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service and creating positive change.

How can you get involved?

There are countless ways to spend 67 minutes making a difference close to home.

You could volunteer at a local food bank, helping to sort donations or prepare food parcels for families in need. Charity shops are often looking for extra pairs of hands to sort stock, price items or tidy the shop floor, particularly during the busy summer months.

Consider visiting an elderly neighbour or relative who may appreciate some company. A simple conversation over a cup of tea can mean far more than you might realise.

Many communities also organise litter picks in parks, streets and along beaches during the summer. Giving just over an hour to help keep your local area clean is a simple way to support both your community and the environment.

Animal lovers could spend time walking dogs at a local rescue centre, while keen gardeners might offer to help maintain a community garden or public green space.

You don’t even need to leave home to make a difference. Donating unwanted clothes, books or household items to charity, writing letters to isolated older people, or making a small donation to a cause you care about are all great ways to take part.

Small actions really do matter

It’s easy to assume that changing the world requires grand gestures, but Nelson Mandela believed lasting change starts with individuals taking responsibility for their own communities.

Whether it’s helping a neighbour, volunteering at a local charity or simply giving your time to someone who needs it, every act of kindness contributes to something bigger.

This 18 July, why not set aside 67 minutes to do something positive? It may seem like a small commitment, but multiplied by thousands of people across the UK, those 67 minutes have the power to make a real difference.

As Mandela himself famously said: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”