Newsletter #6 - Celebrating FCRDS; staying in shape; dealing with distress and difficult emotions.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #6 - September 15th 2010 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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Staff group changes (September 14th 2010)

This month we are changing the names and roles of two of our key volunteer positions in order to better manage our services and more accurately describe how these positions fit within TeenHelp. Our "Administrators" have become "Project Coordinators", and our "Super Moderators" have become "Project Advisors"; in addition to moderating our site, the latter group will now be tasked with helping to run various aspects of the site, supporting the development of new features and dealing with issues in a more timely and effective manner than before.

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First FCRD anniversary (August 31st 2010)

The end of August marked the first anniversary of TeenHelp's Facilitated Chat Room Discussions. Over the past year we have successfully held 139 support-orientated discussions in the Chat Room. Attendance has generally been good for most discussions, and we estimate that in total we have had over 2,000 attendees in the last year! We've received great feedback from those who have participated so far, and we hope that with the continued support of all involved that we can continue to offer this new method of support on an increasingly diverse range of topics.

http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/

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New Finances forum (August 23rd 2010)

Following a suggestion from one of our users, TeenHelp is happy to provide a new Finances sub-forum to support and accommodate our users during the current economic climate. The forum can be used to seek advice and tips on money management and other financial issues you may be facing.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f256-finances/

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TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below is a selection of some of the organisations we support or work with, as well as recent affiliations we have formed. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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Befrienders

Befrienders is a worldwide organisation providing help and support to people in distress. Their website has many useful resources such as information about depression, self-harm, and how to help a friend. Befrienders also publish a comprehensive directory of helplines and other services covering 59 different countries around the world, with additional links if your country is not listed.

http://www.befrienders.org/

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The Hide Out

No matter what your age, if you're dealing with some kind of domestic violence, this group is here to help you. Even if you have not gone through domestic violence, this site is designed to provide plenty of information on it to help you understand what others may be going through, as well as to keep you safe. The site also gives you tips on how to take action if domestic violence ever happens to you or someone you know.

http://www.thehideout.org.uk/

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Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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Stay in shape, the healthy way

Have you ever wondered how to stay in shape without pushing the limits? Here are a few tips to help you have fun while managing your weight.

• Set up a few goals you can stick to. For example, try to go for a walk for thirty minutes to an hour each day, but don't push yourself too much.
• Join local dance or yoga classes. Not only is it healthy but you are also learning something new. Even hula hooping can be a great way to stay in shape.
• Make sure to eat three light balanced meals every day including vegetables, fruits, and protein.
• When you accomplish a goal, feel proud and reward yourself for the achievement; this will help to build your self esteem at each step of the way.

Whatever you choose to do, make it fun. Be active, instead of sitting at home and watching the television. Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs. Simple little things can make the biggest changes. If you would like to receive more help on this, please visit: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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Suicide prevention

Suicide is a huge issue in today's society that destroys many lives, and has long term deleterious effects on the family and friends of those who have lost someone. Here are a few things that may help you or someone you know.

• Call a hotline such as Hopeline.
• If you feel you are at risk, go to the nearest emergency room or contact your local emergency services.
• Talk to a friend and let them understand your world.
• If you think a friend or family member may be suicidal don't just let it go, do something to help them as soon as possible.
• Lastly, never lose hope. You are not alone. Whatever you may think, there are people who care and want to help you.

For a list of hotlines that can help you with suicidal feelings and other issues, check out this page: http://www.teenhelp.org/hotlines

You are also more than welcome to ask for help in our Forums here: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f11-depression-suicide/

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Protecting your eyes in sports and at home

September is Sports and Home Eye Safety Month. Each year, thousands of people are injured, or go blind from avoidable everyday activities. How can you keep yourself safe?

• Wear UV protection sunglasses during hot sunny days.
• If you can, wear goggles while playing sports, especially those that you could hurt yourself in.
• Take extra time when you're doing things around the house that could be hazardous.
• If you get something in your eye, wash it out thoroughly and if it is major, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
• Do not think 'that won't happen to me'. Accidents, are accidents, so be cautious.

If you need more help with eye safety, check out our Support Forums: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

I'm happy today because...
Despite the many misfortunes you may encounter during the day, there is always a small moment to be thankful for, a small event that makes you smile. What is your happy moment of the day? A smile goes a long way.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f29-g...today-because/

What I'm reading now.
Not sure what to read next? This thread will give you plenty of ideas, as others post what they are currently reading.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f198-...m-reading-now/

Your fashion obsession(s)?
What types of clothing are you obsessed with? Anything from dresses, to boots, and even hats, let us know here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f25-f...n-obsession-s/

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Social Groups

Stressed out students
Are you a student who is on TeenHelp instead of doing your homework. Or maybe you'd just like to relate to other students who are stressed out too. This social group is for you!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...+out+students/

We heart TeenHelp!
Do you love TeenHelp just like we do? If so, you should check out this social group and share what you enjoy the most about our site!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...%26%239829%3B/

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Poetry

Changes.
This poem, written by a TeenHelp user, gives a very honest, comedic portrayal of puberty that we hope will show our readers how many others are going through the same changes that they are.

Puberty has changes
Different in all age ranges
Why is there hair popping up down there?
Why is there grease in my hair?
Why are there zits?
And new hair in my pits?
And girls are getting breasts!
Popping out of their chests!
This time is so weird
Will I grow a beard?
My mind is spinning
And girls are grinning (at me)
Oh how these changes are strange
And why is there change?
And whats this deal about sex?
Life it does wrecks!
When you forget your condom
And have a baby named Tom!
All these new things!
My voice cracks when I sing
Oh puberty, how you are rough
This time is really tough
Some say it is great
It's a time I do hate.
Why can't I figure out
All this stuff about
CHANGES.

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Mood disorders (Saturday September 18th 2010)

Mood disorders are widespread conditions that affect the stability of your emotions. There are a range mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, and many other mood-related disorders such as borderline personality disorder. This discussion will help you to understand these conditions and develop coping methods to deal with the issues you face.

Discussion: Applying to university/college (Saturday September 25th 2010)

At some point many of us have to apply for universities or colleges to further our education. Choosing the right institutions and completing the application process itself can be a challenging and stressful time, so come along to this discussion and get the support you need from those who have been there before.

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday October 2nd 2010)

Triggers are anything that reminds you of negative feelings or makes you want to perform unhealthy or dangerous behaviours. Often these are unavoidable parts of life and are tough to deal with on your own. This discussion will help you learn to control any urges the triggers may cause and how to prevent them from affecting you.

Discussion: Dealing with unwanted sexual advances (Saturday October 9th 2010)

Some sexual advances can be fun and even flirtatious, but other times not so much. Unwanted sexual attention can happen to anyone, regardless of gender and age. If you have been victimised, or have traumatic past experiences, you do not need to go through this alone. This discussion will help you to keep away any advances you may not want and how to deal with your feelings about them.

For more information about upcoming Facilitated Chat Room Discussions (FCRDs), and the times that these discussions will take place, please visit our FCRD page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/

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Avatar is now out

Avatar is TeenHelp's very own monthly magazine. Each month we publish a series of high quality articles and other content produced by TeenHelp users. Highlights of the September issue include: Articles about marriage and civil unions, being honest in relationships, World Heart Day, and Autumn fashion tips; as well as advice from the Editors on a number of problems, a series of games and fun bits, and many other great pieces.

September 2010 (single-paged): http://www.teenhelp.org/links/click.php?id=6
September 2010 (double-paged): http://www.teenhelp.org/links/click.php?id=7
Avatar page: http://www.teenhelp.org/avatar/

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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Briana
Assistant Editor: Brittany (.Brittany.)
Assistant Editor: Haley (Halcyon)

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