Newsletter #52 - TeenHelp is back; mobile site has moved; online courses and its benefits

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #52 - August 2nd 2014 - 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 News

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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Picture Of The Month submissions needed (July 31st 2014)

TeenHelp's Newsletter showcases pictures from our own users each month, sharing their talents and passions. If you think you've got what it takes, why don't you send in some of your own creations to be featured? We're not just looking for photographs, but also drawings, painting and other pictures, too. If you have something you would like us to publish, email us at contact@teenhelp.org with your submissions.

http://www.teenhelp.org/newsletter/

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Mobile site move (July 30th 2014)

TeenHelp can be accessed with ease on phones and tablets in addition to your computer. Our mobile site has been relocated slightly, moving to www.teenhelp.org/mobile. This puts the link in the same format as other site areas and makes it more memorable for those trying to access it.

http://www.teenhelp.org/mobile

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Back in action (July 24th 2014)

TeenHelp was unavailable for a while during July, something that we are very sorry for. We have now moved to a new server and the site is back up and running brilliantly. If you haven't had a chance to check out the site, now is the perfect opportunity to return and see what is going on, catch up with old friends, seek advice or give volunteering a go! We look forward to seeing you soon.

http://www.teenhelp.org

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Affiliates

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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50,000 Baby Names

50,000 Baby Names is a mobile application that was developed to assist future parents with exploring and eventually finding a name for their children. By using this application, you are provided with an extensive list of names. You can search for names based on popularity, origin, meaning, sex, and much more. 50,000 Baby Names is very user friendly and is a great application if you are struggling to find the perfect name for your future child.

Available for free on Apple and Android devices through their application store.

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Tips Of The Month

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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The benefits of online courses vs. traditional courses

Most higher learning institutions/colleges offer you the very unique opportunity to take online courses. In fact, some schools have decided to only provide online courses and have dropped the option of allowing students to enrol in any other types of classes. With technology becoming more prevalent every year, the enrolment in online classes skyrockets. Here are just a few benefits of taking online courses, rather than traditional courses.

• Creating your own schedule. When taking an online class, you get to decide when you do something, and those who undertake extracurricular activities may find online courses particularly beneficial.
• Learning at your own pace. Students often complain that professors move too fast or too slow through the content. Taking an online course means that you have complete control over how quickly you cover each topic.
• Covering the material when you want to. Being enrolled in an online class, you avoid any and all “time” related commitments. You are able to complete assignments, quizzes, and/or tests any time you choose (day or night).
• Independence. Online courses offer you the opportunity to solely rely on yourself. You, yourself, will be responsible for all the material, assignments, readings, etc that need to be completed. You will no longer get “reminders” of when things are due, when tests are, or when you have to complete that group project. With online classes, you are your own teacher.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-education-careers/

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Important over-looked things you need for going away to college

We don’t always remember or know exactly what to bring to college. Or in other circumstances, we briefly think about what we need but we forget to include it on our shopping list, which becomes a hassle once you arrive at school. Here are just a few things that are typically overlooked when packing for college.

• Cleaning supplies. Unfortunately most colleges don’t have a cleaning service that come in and clean your dorm room. Since this is the case, bringing a variety of cleaning supplies will prove to be beneficial. Examples of cleaning supplies would be window cleaner, garbage bags, cleaning wipes, vacuum cleaner, air fresheners, etc.
• Food/drinks. Depending on your college you may be placed on a meal plan of some sort where you will be able to use a card in the dining halls and convenience stores. However, you may eventually find out that their operating hours do not match your schedule or your lifestyle. In such cases, it is always a good idea to have canned food, microwaveable food, snacks, and plenty of bottled drinks.
• Electrical equipment. Do you have extension cords? Adaptors? The necessary equipment for Internet and TV connections? Do you have light bulbs and lamps?
• Basic supplies. Sometimes basic supplies are overlooked. Here are a few items you may want to bring with you: cooking supplies, utensils (forks, knives, spoons, etc), cups, plates, bowls, hangers, fans, alarm clock, microwave, first aid kit, basic tool kit (hammer, screw drivers, wrenches, etc), decorations, laundry supplies, school supplies, books and towels, etc.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-education-careers/

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Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)

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

Craft ideas
If you want to show your creative side but aren't sure where to start, this thread discusses some great ideas for making crafts to inspire you.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f219-...5-craft-ideas/

Helping the homeless
Here, one user shares a video where several people selflessly help a homeless man. Often homeless people are met with scorn, but compassion is shown here instead.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f125-...ping-homeless/

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Albums

My passion
In this album a user shares photos of her biggest passion, horse riding. Why not create an album of your own to share your passion too?
http://www.teenhelp.org/albums/despa...ion+%26lt%3B3/

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Social Groups

Not broken just bent
Life's difficulties can leave a lasting impact on your life and it can be difficult to move past bullying, abuse or depression. This group is for those who need to share their frustrations on life.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ken+just+bent/

The tattooed and pierced
This group is for everybody who just loves tattoos and piercings. Talk about what you already have, what you want to get and talk to those who are interested in the same thing.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...oed++pierced!/

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Picture Of The Month

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.



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Upcoming events

Discussion: Time management (Saturday August 2nd 2014)

If you are aspiring to achieve good grades throughout your school life, it is important to adopt effective study skills. This discussion will help you to develop good study habits, including creating the optimum study environment, avoiding distractions, time management, and more, as well as answering any questions that you may have.

Discussion: Facing the challenges of growing up (Saturday August 9th 2014)

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.

Discussion: Online safety (Saturday August 16th 2014)

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.

Discussion: Building confidence and self-esteem (Saturday August 23rd 2014)

If you have low confidence or self-esteem you may find yourself unable to carry out certain tasks or feeling that you are disliked by others. These feelings might hold you back and stop you from enjoying life to its fullest. Join this discussion to learn techniques to give your self-esteem a boost, and how to work on building confidence for a more fulfilling lifestyle.

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, Twitter and Tumblr

Our social networking 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
Tumblr: http://www.teenhelp.org/tumblr

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Editorial team

Newsletter Officer/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Chris (Chris)
Assistant Editor: Jenna (Lucent.)
Assistant Editor: Sammi (Masquerade.)
Assistant Editor: Chess (Mercicle.)

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