Sunday, 5 April 2009
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Work and Adult Education
Once you have given yourself time to recover and settle into your new home you might want to consider working or maybe this could be the time to retrain or re-educate yourself in skills that could open a whole new set of doors.
If you are not sure where to begin, there’s lots of free, impartial advice from services like Careers Advice and learn direct and nextstep.
They will be able to tell you about your options and about any free money you could get to help pay towards your learning.
You can meet a trained adviser face-to-face, have a conversation over the phone or contact an adviser by email.
If you decide to improve your skills by going on a course, there are almost a million in the UK to choose from. So, you’re bound to find one that interests you and fits around your home commitments.
You can choose where and when you learn – you don’t have to sit in a classroom. For example, you may be able to get training at work. You can learn full or part time, for a few hours or for several years – whatever suits you best.
Get free, expert advice on your learning or career options by calling the Careers Advice Service - or by arranging for an adviser to call at a time that suits you.
All calls are completely free, whether to a land line or a mobile phone.
Careers Advice Service: 0800 100 900
Tips for helping you find a job
Sit down. Write out why you need this job - for money, for self esteem, to get out of the house.
Look at your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities.
Define a list of jobs you would like. This can be as fanciful as you like, remember this is the planning stage and nothing is impossible.
List your 10 best work attributes, think laterally, if you have been a home maker for 5 years that makes you a great organiser. If you have been in the same job for 10 years that makes you loyal and committed.
Look at your list of attributes and desired jobs and make real connections. Do you have the experience to get the kind of job you want? If you don't then maybe you need to consider retraining?
Take first steps. Look for jobs that fall within your areas of experience and interest.
Apply for a range of jobs. Even if they are not perfect they will provide you with good practice so you are ready when the perfect one for you comes along.
Try voluntary work for a time - it often leads to paid work and can build your confidence.
Don't get downhearted. If you aren't immediately successful keep going! Finding the right job takes time.
If you need more help and advice on finding a job contact your local jobcentre plus office
If you are not sure where to begin, there’s lots of free, impartial advice from services like Careers Advice and learn direct and nextstep.
They will be able to tell you about your options and about any free money you could get to help pay towards your learning.
You can meet a trained adviser face-to-face, have a conversation over the phone or contact an adviser by email.
If you decide to improve your skills by going on a course, there are almost a million in the UK to choose from. So, you’re bound to find one that interests you and fits around your home commitments.
You can choose where and when you learn – you don’t have to sit in a classroom. For example, you may be able to get training at work. You can learn full or part time, for a few hours or for several years – whatever suits you best.
Get free, expert advice on your learning or career options by calling the Careers Advice Service - or by arranging for an adviser to call at a time that suits you.
All calls are completely free, whether to a land line or a mobile phone.
Careers Advice Service: 0800 100 900
Tips for helping you find a job
Sit down. Write out why you need this job - for money, for self esteem, to get out of the house.
Look at your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities.
Define a list of jobs you would like. This can be as fanciful as you like, remember this is the planning stage and nothing is impossible.
List your 10 best work attributes, think laterally, if you have been a home maker for 5 years that makes you a great organiser. If you have been in the same job for 10 years that makes you loyal and committed.
Look at your list of attributes and desired jobs and make real connections. Do you have the experience to get the kind of job you want? If you don't then maybe you need to consider retraining?
Take first steps. Look for jobs that fall within your areas of experience and interest.
Apply for a range of jobs. Even if they are not perfect they will provide you with good practice so you are ready when the perfect one for you comes along.
Try voluntary work for a time - it often leads to paid work and can build your confidence.
Don't get downhearted. If you aren't immediately successful keep going! Finding the right job takes time.
If you need more help and advice on finding a job contact your local jobcentre plus office
Help with Self Confidence & Body Image
To help you to progress with your new life you need to feel self confident and believe in your worth.
Our body image is the picture and feelings that we have in our mind of our size, shape and appearance. It isn't always a reflection of what is real and can be positive or negative.
We are surrounded daily by images of what the 'perfect body' or appearance is and as soon as we start to compare we can become very self critical.
Unfortunately, a negative body image is often deep seated and can lead to a lack of self esteem and confidence.
However, you can make positive changes to start to improve your body image:
Think positively.
If you keep telling yourself you don't look good then you will start to think it. Replace those thoughts with positive ones about the bits of your body and self that you like.
Look after yourself.
A good diet, exercise and some pampering will go a long way in making you feel good. This will lead to a more positive outlook.
Treat yourself.
This could be anything from a new hairstyle; new clothes.
Ask your friends.
Let them tell you what they think about your body. They will probably tell you how great you look and how much they wish they had your legs, hair etc.
Take a compliment.
If someone says something nice about you then accept that it is true.
Remember that you have a personality.
Understand that you are much more than your physical appearance. We are more than the sum of our parts and just because we haven't got the firmest thighs doesn't make us a bad person.
If you would like professional help to address issues related to your body image you can seek further help from your GP
Our body image is the picture and feelings that we have in our mind of our size, shape and appearance. It isn't always a reflection of what is real and can be positive or negative.
We are surrounded daily by images of what the 'perfect body' or appearance is and as soon as we start to compare we can become very self critical.
Unfortunately, a negative body image is often deep seated and can lead to a lack of self esteem and confidence.
However, you can make positive changes to start to improve your body image:
Think positively.
If you keep telling yourself you don't look good then you will start to think it. Replace those thoughts with positive ones about the bits of your body and self that you like.
Look after yourself.
A good diet, exercise and some pampering will go a long way in making you feel good. This will lead to a more positive outlook.
Treat yourself.
This could be anything from a new hairstyle; new clothes.
Ask your friends.
Let them tell you what they think about your body. They will probably tell you how great you look and how much they wish they had your legs, hair etc.
Take a compliment.
If someone says something nice about you then accept that it is true.
Remember that you have a personality.
Understand that you are much more than your physical appearance. We are more than the sum of our parts and just because we haven't got the firmest thighs doesn't make us a bad person.
If you would like professional help to address issues related to your body image you can seek further help from your GP
Physical Wellbeing
Being alone after leaving an abusive relationship can be a time when we have the lowest levels of motivation and willpower, yet it is probably more important to look after our bodies at this point.
There is clear evidence that being physically fit and being happy with your weight contributes to generally higher energy levels and feelings of mental well-being.
So what can you do start getting healthy?
Use spare time in a productive way.
For example as exercise time. Look around your house and garden for fitness opportunities. Staircases make good step machines.
Get a map of your area.
This is a great way to really get to know where you live.
Try walking to places as much possible. Average walking takes about 20 minutes a mile, so work out how long you need to get there. Try a different walk every day and try walking faster everyday.
Check out cheap off-peak times.
Look for swimming or gym sessions. If you are on a single budget and are watching the pennies look in the local paper or on E-bay for cheap fitness equipment for sale.
Try using a bike instead of the car.
Consider getting a dog.
Dogs make good company and dog walking also provides exercise and an opportunity to meet new people.
Keep a close eye on your diet.
Simple things such as cooking for yourself and making soups and stews can keep you healthy and save money.
Avoid convenience foods and keep snacks out of the house.
It's much easier to avoid the temptation to slob in front of the television with a packet of biscuits if they aren't there.
Have a watershed point for alcohol.
For example only between 9pm and 10pm or only on weekends or alternate days.
Take up new hobbies.
Look at local notice boards, colleges, in shops and local papers. Be brave and start something new! It's a great way to meet new friends.
Try out complementary health therapies.
These treat the physical symptoms of stress, address addictive behaviour or offer general remedies that increase feelings of well being.
They include aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage, reiki, shiatsu and yoga.
There is clear evidence that being physically fit and being happy with your weight contributes to generally higher energy levels and feelings of mental well-being.
So what can you do start getting healthy?
Use spare time in a productive way.
For example as exercise time. Look around your house and garden for fitness opportunities. Staircases make good step machines.
Get a map of your area.
This is a great way to really get to know where you live.
Try walking to places as much possible. Average walking takes about 20 minutes a mile, so work out how long you need to get there. Try a different walk every day and try walking faster everyday.
Check out cheap off-peak times.
Look for swimming or gym sessions. If you are on a single budget and are watching the pennies look in the local paper or on E-bay for cheap fitness equipment for sale.
Try using a bike instead of the car.
Consider getting a dog.
Dogs make good company and dog walking also provides exercise and an opportunity to meet new people.
Keep a close eye on your diet.
Simple things such as cooking for yourself and making soups and stews can keep you healthy and save money.
Avoid convenience foods and keep snacks out of the house.
It's much easier to avoid the temptation to slob in front of the television with a packet of biscuits if they aren't there.
Have a watershed point for alcohol.
For example only between 9pm and 10pm or only on weekends or alternate days.
Take up new hobbies.
Look at local notice boards, colleges, in shops and local papers. Be brave and start something new! It's a great way to meet new friends.
Try out complementary health therapies.
These treat the physical symptoms of stress, address addictive behaviour or offer general remedies that increase feelings of well being.
They include aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage, reiki, shiatsu and yoga.
The Hideout for children/young people
Women's Aid have created a website for children and young people to help them to understand domestic abuse.
Its a very easy site to move around and in the young peoples section there is virtual refuge that young people can visit plus much more.
http://www.thehideout.org.uk
Its a very easy site to move around and in the young peoples section there is virtual refuge that young people can visit plus much more.
http://www.thehideout.org.uk
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