Newsletter #11 - Taking Control Of Your Life; recovery from self harm; making a 'Box of Delights'.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #11 - February 17th 2011 - 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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Taking Control Of Your Life (February 2nd 2011)

Take your goals from dream to reality! The Taking Control Of Your Life Resource Pack includes an article, activity sheets and a step-by-step guide to taking control of your life and make things happen. Learn how to build an action plan, track your progress, and follow through using these resources! Originally developed to help with New Year resolutions, this pack has now been updated to help with all goals.

http://www.teenhelp.org/links/click.php?id=14 [Download]

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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 them. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

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

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FirstSigns

FirstSigns is a volunteer-led organisation based in the UK. The organisation aims to raise awareness about self harm and to provide support to people of all ages. FirstSigns advocates recovery through self-discovery and awareness, including identifying root-causes of self harm and exploring alternative coping strategies.

http://www.firstsigns.org.uk

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Empty Closets

Empty Closets is a support site geared towards helping LGBT or questioning teens and adults, or their friends and family members. Empty Closets offers discussion forums, a chat room, useful articles and links to answer many questions relating to the LGBT community.

http://www.emptyclosets.com

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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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Safety behind the wheel

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic accidents are to blame for approximately 2.1% of deaths worldwide. A single mistake behind the wheel can make the difference between life and death. What can you do to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers?

• If you listen to the radio while driving, make sure the volume is set to an appropriate level, so you can hear approaching emergency vehicles or other warning sounds.
• Put the phone down and refrain from texting or using other hand-held devices while driving. If you need to be on the phone, make sure you use a hands-free headset.
• Remain constantly aware of those around you, including drivers and pedestrians, especially animals and children who can behave unexpectedly.
• Keep two hands on the wheel at all times.
• Always drive the posted speed limit and obey local traffic laws.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-lifestyle/

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Managing expenses

Managing money can be hard in difficult economic times, and with bills and other expenses, you may be wondering 'How can I save?'.

• Budget your money and track your spending.
• Only buy things you need when money is tight. If you've got your eye on a luxury item, ask for it as a gift or use holiday money to make the purchase.
• Keep separate savings and checking (current) accounts, so you have money you cannot access that gains interest.
• Unless you're very responsible with money, wait to open a credit card until you're an adult. If you use credit, only purchase items you can afford to pay for.

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

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How to make a 'Box of Delights'

There may be times when you are feeling low and you need to see something positive, or just something to make you smile; a Box of Delights can do just that. Here's how to make your own!

• Find a box or container, decorate it to make it special and colourful, and give it a meaningful name.
• In a notebook, write a list of affirmations and uplifting messages, and add those to the box.
• Gather photos that remind you of happy times, your favourite music and scents, a chocolate bar, a cuddly toy, or anything else that will calm your five senses.
• If you have a bad habit that you want to break, write a list of reasons to fight it.
• Include a list of self-help resources and a list of whom to contact when in a crisis.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-lifestyle/

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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

All about Bullying.
Bullying is one of the greatest difficulties faced by young people in today's society and we have the power to change that. This thread describes what a bully is, how to help yourself or someone you know, and the signs of someone who is a victim. You can also learn more about online bullying and what you can do about it.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f20-p...bout-bullying/

Who do you write like?
Are you an aspiring writer? Would you like to know which famous author you write like? If so, here is your chance; feel free to share your results too!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...ou-write-like/

The random, fun, awesome facts thread
Many interesting facts are right at your finger tips, so take a little while to learn something new today! If you've stumbled across your own random facts then feel free to add those in for others to see.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f35-g...-facts-thread/

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Social Groups

Free Rice
Free Rice is about donating food while answering fun questions! One correct answer donates ten grains of rice. TeenHelp's Free Rice group lets all of our supporters fight join us and fight world hunger together!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g239-free+rice/

Marching Band Geeks UNITE!
If you're in the school band, on the colourguard, or just play an instrument, then this group will let you meet others with the same interests as you!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g229-marching+band+geeks+unite!/

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Bipolar disorder (Saturday February 19th 2011)

Bipolar affective disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, is one of many mood maladies that affect the stability of your emotions. This discussion will help you to understand this disorder and develop coping methods to deal with the issues you face.

Discussion: Dealing with cyberbullies (Saturday February 26th 2011)

Cyberbullying is the use of communication technologies such as cell phones and computers to harass or show hostile behaviour towards others. Join this discussion to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you know with being cyberbullied.

Discussion: Relationships (Saturday March 5th 2011)

Relationships of all kinds have their ups and downs. Whether you're having trouble with a family member, friend, or significant other, this discussion will help you to answer any questions you may have.

Discussion: Disabilities (Saturday March 12th 2011)

A disability can be physical, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental and can affect any age or gender. This discussion will help you with any disability related questions you may have and help you to live with disability.

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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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)
Support Editor: Jessie

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