Newsletter #23 - Goodbye Avatar; dieting the healthy way; using the Internet safely.

Source: Newsletter | Issue 23 | If you would like to receive the full quality HTML version via email please sign up.


TeenHelp Newsletter #23 - February 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.

==========

Avatar closure (February 5th 2012)

After four years, TeenHelp regrettably announces the closure of Avatar Magazine. Although this means the discontinuation of one of our monthly publications, the project will be restructured into an Articles Team, ensuring the Articles section of our website is updated with new, quality articles on a regular basis. We would like to take this time to thank the former Avatar Editors and countless contributors who made the project so enjoyable and successful in the time we have had it.

http://www.teenhelp.org/misc.php?do=form&fid=36

==========

Latest videos (January 28th 2012)

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:

How To Prepare For An Interview

The next step after completing a job application is the interview. This video covers how to prepare for an interview, including how to dress, what to bring, and the type of questions that might be asked.

Best Tips For Dieting

Dieting is regulating the intake of food to reach a desired weight, but it seldom works. This video gives you advice on how to diet to achieve a healthy weight.

How To Look After A Goldfish

Although goldfish may seem like low-maintenance pets, they do need adequate care and attention. This video explains the difference between the two types of goldfish, why an aquarium is better than a bowl, tank maintenance, how to feed your goldfish, and what to do when they are ill.

How To Find The Diameter Of A Circle

This video focuses on how to find the diameter of a circle, by first explaining the properties of a circle. If mathematics is not one of your strong subjects, this video will provide you with easy to understand step-by-step instructions.

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/

==========

Mind

Mind is a leading mental health charity for England and Wales. Their goal is to promote and protect mental health for everyone. As a local and national charity, Mind has contributed to increasing access to psychological therapies, making major changes to the mental health legislation, and the closure of the long-stay asylum system. The website provides comprehensive information and advice on a vast range of topics, helplines, and a search facility to find Mind in your area. This organisation is well worth supporting and there are a number of ways you can get involved with them in your area.

http://www.mind.org.uk

==========

Scarleteen

Scarleteen is an independent sexuality education and support organisation. Scarleteen offers many articles on sexual education, message boards for you to ask questions, mentoring, and many other resources on all aspects of sex and relationships. Their Scarleteen Daily publication brings together a fantastic selection of news, videos and other helpful materials to inform you. Scarleteen is definitely the place to go to improve your knowledge and understanding of sexual issues.

http://www.scarleteen.com

==========


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

==========

Positive thinking

Throughout life we may face what seems to be an ongoing problem: building and maintaining confidence in a healthy way. Here are a few basic tips to help build confidence.

• Remember that no one is perfect. Imperfections are a part of living life. Embrace your imperfections and realise that they are what makes you unique.
• Identify your insecurities. Write them out, then rip the paper into shreds. It will help you to release negative emotions, while welcoming positive emotions.
• Be thankful for what you have. A lot of us tend to focus on the negatives, which makes us miserable. Write down all that you love about yourself, and look at them from time to time to remind you of the positives in life.
• Accept compliments. Try not to shrug them off. Take the compliment to heart, and respond positively.
• Help others. Helping others can make you feel great about yourself.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f29-good-days/

==========

Protect your privacy online

The Internet is great way to keep in touch with friends, go shopping, or do your banking. However, unscrupulous people can use the Internet to steal your identity or to con you. Here are some tips to help you stay safe online and protect your privacy.

• Do not give out any personal information such as your full name, home address, phone number, bank account information, or any other identifying information (e.g. Social Security Number, National Insurance Number, etc).
• Only publish information that you are comfortable sharing with the general public. Once material is online it can be difficult to get it back.
• Make sure to carefully evaluate the websites you use. If a website asks for personal information, ensure their credentials are up-to-date and your connection is secure ( https:// ). Do not enter information if you do not trust the company.
• Be careful when installing any extra applications onto your social networking pages or personal computer.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f24-technology-gaming/

==========

Coping with loss

Mourning the loss of a loved one can be an unexpected and difficult time in a person's life, but it doesn't have to be a solitary experience. Here are some tips to help you cope with grief.

• Get support and express yourself. Talk to the people around you; don't be afraid to lean on the people who care about you. Consult a professional if you feel the need to; seeking professional assistance is not a weakness, but a sign of courage and maturity.
• Be gentle, go easy on yourself, and do things in your own time. Remember that grief affects us all differently, and there are no right or wrong ways to feel or react.
• Give yourself a break. Although you must allow yourself to grieve, take time to do things that make you feel good. Enjoy and celebrate life in your loved one's honour; it is not disrespectful.
• Maintain your daily routines, and try to keep them as normal as the situation allows. This is not the time to make any major changes.
• Be prepared for anniversaries, birthdays and notable milestones, as strong feelings may return. Remember the good times and do something to honour them.
• Hold your loved one close to your heart, and they will never leave you.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f19-death-grieving/

==========


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

Write A Letter To Your Bully Thread.
If you have ever been affected by bullying you may have many things you wish you could say to those bullies - write a letter to get your feelings out!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f20-p...-bully-thread/

How to be Vegetarian
Many people are aspiring vegetarians, or simply lack knowledge about it. To learn more about vegetarianism read through this detailed and informative thread.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...ow-vegetarian/

Dependency on technology is becoming scary.
Do you feel that more and more people are becoming dependent on technology? Debate the issue here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f38-c...ecoming-scary/

==========

Social Groups

Adopted people
Being adopted or fostered can be challenging, but you are in good company. Join this group to get support and advice from users who have been through similar things to you.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...dopted+people/

==========

Albums

Inspirational pictures
When we are feeling down in the dumps, looking at positive pictures and sayings can help to cheer us up. Check out this album for a selection of inspiring pictures!
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/unfor...onal+pictures/

==========

Upcoming events

Discussion: Maximising your productivity (Saturday February 18th 2012)

Whether you're in school, university or the world of work, maintaining your productivity is an essential part of life. Join this discussion to learn how to stay focused, plan your workload effectively and fight off the temptation of procrastination.

Discussion: Handling negative emotions (Saturday February 25th 2012)

Negative emotions include sadness, anger, jealousy and hate. These feelings are natural, but they can also be destructive if they are not dealt with appropriately. This discussion will help you to find ways to deal with these negative emotions so that they are not detrimental to your life.

Discussion: Living with mental illness (Saturday March 3rd 2012)

Although one in four people experience mental health problems, there is regrettably still a stigma attached to it, which prevents people from seeking help. Consequently, living with a mental illness can be a particularly isolating time. If you're concerned about your mental health, join this discussion to discuss day-to-day coping techniques, how to reach out to professionals and other aspects of living with mental illness.

Discussion: Online safety (Saturday March 10th 2012)

Going online can be fun and sociable. We often use the Internet for school, work or just to check our Facebook pages. But though we may think it's safe, this isn't always the case; hackers and predators may lurk in cyberspace undetected, and be a nuisance for us in both our online and offline lives. This discussion will help you learn how to stay safe online and avoid being victimised by those out to hurt 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.)

==========