Newsletter #22 - New Social Networking Officer; surviving the challenges of being a young carer; making the most of your money.

Source: Newsletter | Issue 22 | If you would like to receive the full quality HTML version via email please sign up.


TeenHelp Newsletter #22 - January 15th 2012 - 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!

==========


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.

==========

New Social Networking Officer (January 14th 2012)

TeenHelp is pleased to welcome Traci (Coffee❤) as our new Social Networking Officer. In her role Traci will lead the Social Networking Team and help to promote our work and that of our affiliates through Facebook and Twitter. She will also be looking at other ways we can expand our reach through social networking sites and how these sites can support our work. Congratulations Traci, we wish you all the best in your new role!

http://www.teenhelp.org/misc.php?do=form&fid=29

==========

Latest videos (December 31st 2011)

Due to the hard work of our Videos Team, over the last several months we have seen many great additions to our Videos section. More videos are being added all the time, so check regularly to see all our favourite picks! Some of our latest additions include:

Routine Gynecology Examinations

Gynecology examinations can cause apprehension and anxiety amongst many females, but hopefully this detailed video will put your mind at ease. This video includes information on what happens and what to expect during a gynecology exam, what irregularities can be found during an exam, how to look for any irregularities yourself, as well as the differences between a pelvic exam and a smear.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental illness. This video describes exactly what BPD is, what causes it, the signs and diagnosis, and the risks associate with it. Knowing the facts can help you or those you care about to live with this condition.

How To Use An Apostrophe

Knowing when to use apostrophes can be confusing at times. This video explains why apostrophes are needed, and how to use them properly, which is sure to be a great help in order to complete school work to the best of your ability.

How To Care For Cats

Caring for cats my seem simple, but although they may be independent animals, they still need care and attention. For new cat owners, or those wanting to find out how best to care for their cat, this video teaches you how to pick up your cat, what and when to feed your cat, how often you should change its litter tray, how to make sure your cat stays healthy, and much more.

http://www.teenhelp.org/videos/latest/

==========


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/

==========

StressingOut

Stressing Out is a website that started as an online blog, and now contains comprehensive information on stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. The website has a separate section for self-help strategies, including relaxation techniques and increasing motivation. One brilliant resource available through StressingOut is their downloadable eBook, which contains extensive information about stress, and is an essential read for those living with it in their daily lives.

http://www.stressingout.org

==========

LD Online

LD Online is devoted to supporting children and adults with learning disabilities, and helping them to reach their full potential. The website contains many thorough articles, a question and answer section, videos on learning difficulties, and information on where to find help. This is a great resource with a vast amount of information and tools available. The site is well put together and is sure to offer something to anybody wishing to learn more about learning disabilities.

http://www.ldonline.org

==========


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

==========

Coping with the difficulties of being a young carer

It can be very hard growing up whilst caring for somebody else, but there are many people around the world that are going through this as well. You are not alone.

• Accept that you can't make them better. You can take care of them, and help make their lives easier, but by focusing on 'fixing' the problem you will only burn yourself out.
• It's important to look after yourself. While meeting the needs of the person they are caring for, young carers often forget their own needs. Try to find a balance, and ensure that your needs are met as well.
• Have some time away. Do low-stress activities, such as hanging out with friends, seeing a movie, and reading.
• Reach out. Talk to trusted friends, relatives, or teachers about what you're going through.
• Look for support groups in your area. You can meet more people who are going through the same thing.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f18-friends-family/

==========

Sensible shopping to save you money

We all have to look after our wallets at some point in our lives. Here are some tips to make the most with what you have.

• Observe your grocery bill.
  • Buy in bulk when there are special offers available.
  • Strategise your shopping. For example, holiday items go on sale after Christmas, so perhaps buy some generic items for next year.
  • One big shop will reduce the amount of shopping trips you make, as well as save you petrol.
• Instead of eating out at lunchtime, pack a simple homemade lunch, and bring your own coffee or tea in a flask.
• Ensure that you research major items before parting with your money, as there might be a cheaper alternative, or the same item may be selling cheaper at another retailer. Before falling in love with higher-priced items, check out low-priced stores and yard sales, as there might be some bargains to bag!
• Borrow books, magazines and newspapers from the library, rent movies, and watch out for free events and promotions in the local newspaper.

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

==========

Inspirational ideas for writers

A writer's block is never fun to encounter, and it can be quite frustrating. Here are a few tips to get you inspired again.

• Change your routine and do something different. For example, go for a jog and immerse yourself in nature, rather than running on a treadmill. If you normally read books by the same authors, try a new author or genre.
• Get away from writing for a while; go travelling and visit new sites. Find out the history behind each place.
• Try freewriting, sometimes known as a stream of consciousness. Write about anything and everything. Don't think too hard, just start writing about whatever comes to mind.
• Play some music in the background as you write. The idea is to to occupy one part of the brain so that the other part is free to be creative.
• Keep a notebook and pen beside your bed and write down what you remember of your dreams, as they can make great plots!
• Join a writing group, either online or offline, where you can share ideas and gain useful critique for your work.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f198-literature/

==========


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.

==========

Threads

Keep moving forward everyone
The following inspiring poem was written by one of TeenHelp's users about moving forward in your life.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f40-s...ward-everyone/

New Year's Resolutions
The New Year has begun, and many people are determined to make and keep their resolutions this year. Have you made any? If so, share your resolutions here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...s-resolutions/

CanadaCraig's 2011 Christmas Message!
Each year one of TeenHelp's users, CanadaCraig, writes a message for the holiday season. This year he shares a story about making Christmas more than just about presents.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...stmas-message/

I hate it when people call me...
Everyone has nicknames that really bug them. What names do you hate to be called?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f32-c...eople-call-me/

==========

Social Groups

I <3 my friends
In times of crisis, we often depend on our close friends for support. Will you be there for your friend? If your friend is going through a difficult time, join this group for advice and ways to help them.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...B3+my+friends/

For teens of alcoholic parents
Growing up with alcoholic parents can be challenging and difficult, but you do not have to go through it alone. Join this group for support and advice from your peers.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ic+parents%21/

==========

Upcoming events

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday January 21st 2012)

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: Disabilities (Saturday January 28th 2012)

A disability can be physical, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental and can affect any age or gender. Join this discussion to learn how to turn coping with a disability into a manageable experience, and for answers about any disability related questions you may have.

Discussion: Building positive relationships (Saturday February 4th 2012)

Relationships between family members, friends and significant others each come with their own difficulties, but knowing how to overcome the obstructions to your relationships is essential if they are to be fulfilling for you. Join this discussion to look at how to build positive relationships with those you care about.

Discussion: Caring for others (Saturday February 11th 2012)

Many people are having to cope with the daily struggle of being a young carer, which can often be difficult to deal with. Join this discussion on young carers to learn how to deal with being a young carer yourself, and meeting others who are just like you.

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/

==========

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/

==========

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

==========

Editorial team

Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Jessie (eunoia)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Moonlight.)
Assistant Editor: Lyndsee (Willow.)

==========