Newsletter #34 - Volunteer feedback; feeling good about your body; sharing a house with others.

Source: Newsletter | Issue 34 | If you would like to receive the full quality HTML version via email please sign up.


TeenHelp Newsletter #34 - January 19th 2013 - 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.

==========

Volunteer feedback form (January 5th 2013)

Following a suggestion by one of our users, a new volunteer feedback form has been launched, which replaces the 'Report a Staff member' and 'Facilitator feedback' forms, as well as enabling users to submit positive and negative feedback, rather than just negative like the older form. Your feedback will be taken seriously, as we strive to deliver our support services to the highest standards.

http://www.teenhelp.org/misc.php?do=form&fid=18

==========

Latest videos (January 5th 2013)

Due to the hard work of our Videos Team, we continue to see 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:

Talk to someone

Young students come together in this video to show the audience what problems they are facing, but their mouths are covered with black tape; this serves as a powerful way to convey their message. This video also reveals some shocking facts about mental health and suicide, and at the end of the video, the students all remove the black tape and hold up signs with the word "Talk", which reinforces their advice that you should talk to someone, rather than keep your feelings locked up.

How to feel better about your body

Feeling good about your body can be difficult when society and the media constantly portrays unrealistic body images. In this video, a psychotherapist explains how you can improve your body image, as well as advice on boosting self-esteem and how to treat your body well.

My choice

This video explores some of the issues that young people may face at home, which could contribute to them running away. It aims to help young people identify some of the abusive situations that they, or their friends, may have to deal with, and why these may cause a young person to leave home. The video also considers some of the risks associated with running away. The key message of the video is that young people always have a choice and that there are people there to help, no matter what situation they are in. At the end of the video, there are signposts to organisations where young people can find help and support at national and local levels.

How to put on a duvet cover

Putting on a duvet cover need not be a two-person task, or a time consuming struggle. Watch this video to learn how to put on a duvet cover in the right way.

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

==========

Latest articles (January 1st 2013)

Our team of talented writers bring our users a constant stream of fresh articles to read each month. Articles are being published regularly, so be sure to check regularly to see what we're doing. Some of our latest additions include:

Elder abuse

Many people think that abuse only happens to children. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't true. Abuse can happen to a person of any age, including the elderly. In this article, you will learn what characterises abuse and how to determine if abuse is taking place. You will also learn what you can do to put an end to abuse.

The English Baccalaureate, explained

From 2017, students in secondary schools across England will be studying for the new English Baccalaureate instead of taking GCSEs. This article explains what the new English Baccalaureate is, and how it differs to GCSEs.

Talking to your parents about sex

Having 'the talk' with your parents can feel uncomfortable and unnecessary, however, as most of you will become sexually active, it is important to communicate with your parents or someone you trust about sex. In this article you will learn how to talk to your parents about sex, and what topics to bring up.

http://www.teenhelp.org/articles/

==========


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/

==========

Talk Sex With Sue

Talk Sex With Sue is maintained by Sue Johanson, a qualified counsellor and sex educator from Canada. There is a warning displayed on the front page before you enter the website, as some of the information is not intended for young children. Having entered the main website, there is much to explore, including many informative articles written by Sue, reviews of previous televised episodes, as well as video answers, provided by Sue, to many of the common sex-related questions. There are also a number of videos presented by a gay doctor, Dr. Keith Loukes, who answers a selection of questions asked by gay viewers. The website also lists plenty of other online resources for further reading. Talk Sex With Sue is definitely a good starting place if you are thinking about sex, or if you want to find out more about all things related to sex, sexuality and sexual health.

http://www.talksexwithsue.com

==========


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

==========

How to keep your New Year's resolutions

The beginning of the year is a great time to start afresh, maybe try something new, or break that habit you have always wanted to beat. We start the year meaning well, but how many of us actually keep the resolutions we make? Follow these tips to help you keep your resolutions.

• Find someone to keep you accountable. It may be helpful to find a buddy who shares your resolution so you can motivate each other.
• Rather than making multiple resolutions, make one that you are really serious about.
• Create a plan - how will you achieve what you want to achieve? Breaking your large goal into smaller goals will make it seem easier to accomplish.
• Track your progress and remind yourself of the benefits of achieving your goal to keep you motivated.
• Don't let a slip mean the end of your efforts. Forgive yourself and start again, rather than waiting until next year.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f126-goals-ambitions/

==========

House sharing

Sharing accommodation for the first time is a great learning experience for many - it can also be exciting and it often leads to lasting friendships. However, there may be disputes and pitfalls along the way, if ground rules are not established at the beginning. Here are some ways to keep the harmony in the house.

• Be considerate of your house-mates. Avoid spending hours in the bathroom when there are other people waiting to get ready in the morning. Keep a communal diary to make everyone aware of upcoming exams and other important events so that quiet time is respected.
• Pay bills on time, and agree on everyone's share before moving in. Also consider keeping a kitty for the basic household items, which everyone should contribute to on a monthly basis.
• Label all your groceries and divide cabinet and fridge/freezer space equally. Only share food if everyone is agreeable.
• Use a rota system for household chores, or ensure that everyone does their own washing up, for example.
• Communicate regularly and discuss any disagreements as soon as they arise. You may need to come to a compromise to resolve any issues or to avoid petty arguments. Also, don't be afraid to suggest ideas for improvement.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f222-travel-moving/

==========

How to wake up on time

Some of us have difficulty getting out of bed in the mornings, making us late for work or other important events. Here are some tips on how you can make that a thing of the past.

• Invest in the right alarm clock for you. Perhaps you are someone who wakes up best in natural daylight, in which case buy a natural light alarm clock. If hearing noises helps you to wake up, then buy a radio alarm clock.
• Position your alarm clock a good distance from your bed, preferably so that you have to get out of your bed in order to switch it off. This will prevent you from hitting the snooze button and dozing off again.
• Go to sleep at set times and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body clock.
• Ensure that you get enough sleep by creating a comfortable atmosphere in your room to minimise disturbances that could wake you up during the night. For example, get a thermostat so that your room is not too cold or too warm. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks at least six hours before going to sleep, as that could make you restless at night.
• If you are a deep sleeper, set a few alarm clocks to go off so that you can definitely hear it. Alternatively, you could enlist the help of a family member or room-mate to get you up on time.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

==========


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

Thanks for being you
It is important to remember that we are all in this together. You are never alone, because at least one person on TeenHelp is going to be there for you. We care!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...nks-being-you/

Eat less eat more
It can be hard to remember what to eat more of and what to eat less of. There is an acronym that serves as a simple reminder about what is and isn't healthy to eat. Check it out here!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-g...less-eat-more/

How do you keep active?
How do you stay active throughout the year? Share your ideas with others here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f220-...keep-active-d/

New Year's resolutions 2013
Have you made any New Year's resolutions this year? What would you like to achieve this year? Share your goals with other users here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f126-...utions-2013-a/

==========

Social Groups

Athletes of TeenHelp
Are you an athlete? This group is for athletes to unite. Join today to meet other athletes and to discuss all sports!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...+teen+help%21/

==========

Albums

Drawing and artwork
They say that photography and drawing can be therapeutic. It is also a great hobby to take part in. Check out this album for some original artwork.
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/silen...wing++artwork/

Art pieces
Take a look at this album for a stunning picture of a seahorse anchor submitted by one of our users.
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/looki...29-art+pieces/

==========


Each month we feature a picture by one of our users. If you would like to see your picture here please contact us by replying to this Newsletter, emailing us at contact@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Newsletter Officer (Halcyon) on the website.


==========

Upcoming events

Discussion: Maximising your productivity (Saturday January 19th 2013)

Whether you are 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: Life after school (Saturday January 26th 2013)

Your options are limitless when you leave school, and whether you go on to higher education, take a gap year, find employment, or do something completely different, starting out in the world can be a daunting time for many. This discussion is open to a multitude of topics relating to life after school, including moving out of home, managing money and starting work, as well as hearing valuable first-hand experiences from fellow users.

Discussion: Living with mental illness (Saturday February 2nd 2013)

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 are 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: Making your dreams come true (Saturday February 9th 2013)

We can all dream and we all have dreams. However, our paths to fulfilling our dreams are often fraught with obstacles. Join this discussion to learn how to make your dreams come true, including defining your dreams, overcoming obstacles and rejections along the way, and how to take action to achieve your dreams.

Discussion: Facing the challenges of growing up (Saturday February 16th 2013)

The transition from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood can be very testing, as you seek to find greater independence and a balanced lifestyle, while also coping with the developmental, emotional and psychological changes to your mind and body. You are not alone, however. Join this discussion for advice on how to make the transition easier, and to learn from the experiences of others.

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

Newsletter Officer/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Chess (Celestial.)
Assistant Editor: Lyndsee (City Lights.)
Assistant Editor: Sammi (Jellybean.)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Sunlight.)

==========