Newsletter #97 - Creating your own bookmark; practical self-care; completing a Staff application.

TeenHelp Newsletter #97 - April 16th 2018 - 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, new resources, 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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Mission Statement review and consultation (April 11th 2018)

TeenHelp's Mission Statement was written several years ago to outline the goals and values of the site. We are currently reviewing our mission statement in order to make it more current and give you the opportunity to shape your experience on TeenHelp. Let us know what TeenHelp means to you and if we are fulfilling our Mission Statement.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...help-mean-you/

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Latest articles (April 3rd 2018)

Book of the Month: A subscription box review
Book of the Month is a box that sends subscribers one new book per month. This article discusses one user's experience with this subscription service as well as its pros and cons.

Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated natural ingredients that can be found in different types of plants. They have different health benefits depending on which type is used. Read on to learn more about essential oils, how to use them, and the advantages and disadvantages of their use.

Menstrual cups: are they right for you?
Menstrual cups are a method of managing your period and are an alternative to pads and tampons. While menstrual cups have become more popular in the last few years, many people are still unaware of this product. This article discusses different features of a menstrual cup as well as its pros and cons to help you decide if it is right for you.

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

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Resources

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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OCD Online

OCD Online is devoted to promoting a greater awareness and understanding of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The founder, Dr. Steven Phillipson, is a clinical psychologist and offers a range of treatment options including, individual therapy, group therapy and therapy via Skype. The website contains informative articles written by Dr. Phillipson, a Question and Answer page, and success stories. This is a useful resource for those who wish to learn more about OCD or for those seeking treatment.

https://www.ocdonline.com/

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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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Making your own bookmark

There are quite a few people who read and do not like dog-earing the pages because it damages them. However, buying bookmarks can become quite expensive. This tip will show you a simple way to make a bookmark, which could also be a fun activity to do with the children in your life.

• Gathering the material. This particular project calls for three main things: vintage buttons, large paperclips and super glue. Instead of super glue, hot glue can also be used. Be sure to use care when using hot glue and seek supervision if necessary as it can burn. You should be able to find the vintage buttons at a craft store but there seems to be more selection online. You may need to look online for the paperclips. The hot glue gun can be found at most craft stores but you might want to shop around for the best price.
• Assembling the bookmark. This is not too difficult to do. You can choose to utilize butcher paper for easy clean up; if you do you'd want to lie it down on the surface that you choose to use. Take the button and glue it to the paperclip. Some buttons have designs on the front so you'd probably want to glue the back of those buttons to paper clip so that people can see the designs. If you choose to use super glue it's likely that any children you are working with would be able to help. They would still need supervision so as not to get it stuck to their hands but they wouldn't have to worry about getting burned like they would if you used a hot glue gun.
• Cleaning up. It's likely that you will have some cleaning up to do after you do this project especially if you do it with children. If you ended up using the butcher paper you should be able to gather it up from any surface you used it on and clean up a lot of the mess in one go. If you or any child you were working with got super glue on your hands the best thing would be to use acetone to remove it but be sure to provide supervision as acetone is a strong chemical. If you used hot glue and it is on your hands then it can help to use an ice cube, and once your hand has dried you can rub it with baby oil.

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

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Engaging in practical self-care

Today, the idea of self-care is becoming more popular across the Internet and other media. While taking care of yourself in any capacity is a positive thing, suggestions that focus on actually doing something rather than engaging in a simple activity can sometimes get lost. Read on for some things you can try to help boost your mental well-being while accomplishing some things in the process.

• Have a restart routine. Take five minutes right now to think about what helps you refuel when the going gets tough. Whether it's taking a bath and binge watching a favorite TV show or cooking a new recipe and getting some writing done, make it part of your "restart routine". Activities that don't feel like chores, even when life is bringing you down, are a great way to pump yourself back up and get back to doing the things that you love.
• Get up. Sometimes the most standard parts of the day can be the most difficult when your mood is low. While it's completely understandable that staying wrapped up in blankets and a dark room sounds ideal, doing so isn't productive or beneficial to your well-being. If you need to have a bit of a lie-in, that's okay. But, after a reasonable amount of time, push yourself to get out of bed, even if it's just to take a quick shower and grab something to eat. It might be hard at first, but once you're up, getting going becomes just a little bit easier.
• Do something tough. Everyone has that pesky thing on their to-do list that they do everything they can to avoid getting around to. Today is the day to do it. At first glance, doing something that already stresses you out may not seem like a form of self-care. However, being able to cross something burdensome, no matter what it is, off your list will allow you to breathe a sigh of relief and take a little extra weight off your shoulders.
• Get outside. As cliché as it may sound, fresh air really is some of the best medicine. Take twenty minutes out of your day, get outside, and take in a little piece of nature. Whether it's laying on a towel in your backyard, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or going to a local park or nature center, experiencing something completely unrelated to the current struggles in your life can help you recenter and, in some cases, find a new sense of clarity.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f14-mental-health/

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Completing a Staff application

Working on a Staff application to join TeenHelp's team of volunteers can be an exciting time. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when working on your application.

• Take your time. Completing an application is sometimes easier said than done. Going slowly will give you the time to form your responses and will allow you to make sure your application is just the way you want it before you submit it for review. There is no need to rush; the application isn't going anywhere.
• Be thorough. It is important to be thorough when replying to the different questions on the application so you can showcase your qualities whether that is advice giving or the use of technical skills. For example, some applications give a list of scenarios that users may experience. When responding to those scenarios, try providing detailed responses that consist of a paragraph or two. Don't be afraid to provide helpful TeenHelp links for the hypothetical user as well. Sometimes it can be difficult to review your application on TeenHelp. Consider writing your replies to the application questions in a document so you can save it, edit it, and review it as necessary.
• Remain honest. TeenHelp does not tolerate dishonest behavior. There is no need to use the work of someone else or make up something about yourself to make your application look better. Use your real life experience to explain why you are best suited for your chosen volunteer position. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to TeenHelp applications.
• Proof read. Staff members are expected to have limited spelling and grammatical errors on the site. Reread your application to check for any potential mistakes within your responses so that your application is polished before it is submitted.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-general/

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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

What are your short term goals
Sometimes it can be very rewarding to set and complete a short-term goal. Come here to share your short-term goals and gain inspiration from other users.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f126-...rt-term-goals/

Contraceptive pill & vomiting... am I still protected?
Birth control pills are a great way to prevent pregnancy, but certain factors such can impact the effectiveness of the pill. Read this thread to learn more about how vomiting after taking the pill can affect you.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f6-se...ill-protected/

Human services degree?
This user is wondering what a human services degree is and where it can lead for a career. Discuss your thoughts on what it means and share your experience pursuing a human services degree.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-e...rvices-degree/

How to revive dead ends
Are you struggling with hair that has a lot of dead ends? If so, this thread is a good way to find out some ways to cope with them or to share some of the things you've done to handle them.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f25-f...ive-dead-ends/

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Social groups

BTS ARMY
BTS, a boy band from South Korea, has gained popularity throughout the world Join this social group to talk about all aspects of the band, from your favorite songs to its members.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g557-bts+army/

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Picture Of The Month

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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, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter

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
Instagram: http://www.teenhelp.org/instagram
Tumblr: http://www.teenhelp.org/tumblr
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Publications Team Leader/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Newsletter Officer: Chess (Narrative.)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (cynefin)
Newsletter Editor: Chantal (MsNobleEleanor)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Onism.)
Newsletter Editor: Jenna (~Abibliophobe~)
Newsletter Editor: Sammi (Orenda.)

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