Our Story
A single act of kindness can lead to a lifetime of positive change.
The story of Be Kind, Give Time began during a difficult chapter for Zoe Starbuck. Her organisation went into administration, leaving Zoe and her team unexpectedly facing redundancy. She knew they needed more than words of encouragement; they needed real, practical support to navigate this uncertain time, find new jobs, and start fresh.
Paul Starbuck, understanding this need, introduced Zoe to Jem Bevan. Jem stepped in without hesitation, offering her expertise and countless tips on LinkedIn and career navigation, all freely given. Jem’s support didn’t just help Zoe; it empowered her to help others. Zoe took what she learned and shared it with her team, paying Jem’s kindness forward. It wasn’t just advice; it was an outstretched hand, a lifeline, exactly when Zoe and her team needed it.
This experience sparked the creation of Be Kind, Give Time. Together, Paul, Jem, and Zoe built a charity that brings experts from different fields who are willing to volunteer an hour of their time each month. Their vision is simple yet profound, giving someone in need access to the right person at the right time. A single hour of guidance can change a life, uplifting well-being and helping people find their way when they need it most.
Jem and Zoe didn’t stop there. Inspired by the power of shared knowledge, they created a podcast, Business Gems, where they bring in experts to share their best business tips and insights. Each episode offers listeners valuable “gems” of wisdom, practical advice, and real stories, continuing the ripple effect of kindness and knowledge-sharing that started it all.
At its core, Be Kind, Give Time is about showing up with compassion, sharing hard-earned knowledge, and giving people the tools to navigate their journeys. It’s about making a difference, one hour and one “gem” at a time, driven by the belief that a single act of kindness can lead to a lifetime of positive change.
