#EduLife magazine Issue 15 2020 by Educational Life

FREE Young Reporter Tegan Braves the Cut Page 14

FUN TIME - PUZZLES Pages 16-17

An EduLife Update Pages 28-29

A word from our Editor

Educational Life CIC is committed to reducing their local carbon footprint - please pass this magazine on before recycling.

Hello, dear reader and welcome to 2020 and our latest edition of Educational Life CIC.

#Edulife is published on behalf of Educational Life CIC, based in East Kent.

This is the last edition that will look like this, so you have picked yourself up a bit of history! We are busy behind the scenes making lots of changes, find out more about these in this edition.

#EduLife is put together in co-operation with local community groups & schools and we have been given permission to use all stories and photos used within this magazine.

Also, in this edition our resident health columist Leanne guides you through 2020 with some advice and tips. Find out how you can make a name for yourself and be featured like our brave Young Reporter, Tegan. Take a break and enjoy some fun with our centre pages, I'm sure you have better jokes than our team so please do send them in. I hope you enjoy reading this edition, do let me know what you would like to read about and see us cover in future editions. I look forward to connecting with you in our new look, new community magazine next time around, when spring will be in the air and the sun will be shinning! Thank you

Help support our mission by sharing the good news and information and also by telling our advertisers that you saw their advert in this publication.

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01843 62 70 40 General enquiries info@educational-life.org to submit editorial editor@educational-life.org To send info relating to Young Reporters, Journalists or ELders projects@educational-life.org To advertise leads@educational-life.org

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Contents Partners & Distribution Points 4 Caremark 6-7 How to Nail 2020 8-9 2020 My 'What you call' Life 10 Business in the Community Why is Bill Gates so Rich

6-7

12-13

Young Reporters - Tegan Braves the Cut 14 Fun TIme

Puzzles | Colouring | Jokes 16-17

EduLife Projects How YOU can make a Name for Yourself 18-19 Education & Sport Early Specialisation - The Pros and Cons 20 A New School is Born in Canterbury 22-23 Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers 24

8-9 14 18-19

Canterbury Day Surgery Opens its doors to potential new recruits 25 How to Parent your way through 2020

26-27

An EduLife Update 28-29 Rate Card 30

22-23

Do you have content that people would like to read? Topics such as Animals | Hobbies | Clubs Get in touch The information contained in #EduLife has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accuracy. All Liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

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We believe that working together and collaborating can help to create stronger communities. If you are interested in working with Educational Life CIC either as a sponsor or advertiser or as a contributor through editorial and events then please get in touch 01843 62 70 40 or info@educational-life.org

Distribution Points Our friends at CO-OP have allowed us to distribute our magazine through their shops across East Kent. For a ful list check our distributors on our website Ramsgate Leisure Centre High Street CT11 9TT Dadson Way, Ramsgate Westwood X CT12 5FJ

Hartsdown Leisure Centre Tides Swim Centre, Hartsdown Road, CT9 5QX Park Ave, Deal, CT14 9UU Boulevard Altira Bus Park Herne Bay CT6 6GZ

Whenever you see Eddie the Elephant you will be able to pick up a copy of the latest edition of #EduLife magazine Ramsgate Visitor Information Centre, Ramsgate Harbour Distributed through the Children's Centres Distributed through the Thanet Libraries 4

The Broadway Broadstairs CT10 2AY Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9QL Would you be happy to distribute #EduLife magazine? Get in touch and we will add you to our distribution list #EduLife | Issue 15

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Community

Providing Care For Children Written By Kerry Hill from Caremark Thanet

My name is Kerry Hill and I am the registered manager for Caremark Thanet. I want to tell you about an exciting new direction that Caremark Thanet is moving. Caremark Thanet is a domiciliary care company serving the Isle of Thanet. We have been established for over seven years and in that short space of time we have developed an enviable reputation for the quality of care that we deliver. Until now, we have delivered care only to adults (people aged 18 and over). But things are changing. We are now able to provide care for people under 18; indeed, we can provide care for people from birth onwards. To be able to do this we needed to extend our registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body that regulates health and social care in England. I am now very proud to announce that we are now able to provide our outstanding care to children. So why did we take this very important step?

A few months ago, I took a telephone call from a potential customer who was looking for care for her two children, two sisters: one was aged 18 the other was 16. Our CQC registration would allow us to look after the older sister but not the younger - even though the age difference was small. It was not in the best interest of the sisters, nor their parents to have care provided by different companies. The fact that we were unable to help, was disappointing for us and for the parents. We were not; however, in a position to do anything. At that moment I knew that we had to become a company that was able to provide care for children as well as adults. And I have to say, the decision to provide care for children is one of the best â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and will be one of the most rewarding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of my career. If you' d like information about our services, or about the careers that we have available, contact me Kerry Hill On 01843 235910, or email me at kerry.hill@caremark.co.uk

I believe passionately that we make a significant difference to the lives of our customers; amongst whom are some of the most frail and vulnerable in our society. I have for some time spoken - to anyone who will listen - about how we should be providing care to all sectors of our community. There was, though, one event more than any other that moved me to put things in place to allow us to do this.

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Community

Caremark in the Community update Caremark Thanet never stands still. In addition to moving into children’s care, we have a number of other exciting developments and initiatives. One development that I really want to tell you about is our moving into Dover district. We are often asked if we can provide care in that area: And now we can. We are offering the same services that we provide in Thanet – a full range of domiciliary care services for people from birth upwards. So there will now be two companies: Caremark Thanet and Caremark Dover. The registered manager of Caremark Dover is Xana Welch.

JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH ONE OF EAST KENTS BEST ORGANISATIONS We are always looking to recruit care and support workers and can now offer careers in care in Thanet and the district of Dover – Sandwich, Deal and Dover. If you have experience that is fantastic, but not essential. We provide comprehensive initial training. We look for people who are reliable, resilient and responsible. If you’d like to find out what opportunities we have available, contact Jemma Clayton on 01843 235910 (jemma.clayton@ caremark.co.uk).

Xana & Kerry with Eddie the Elephant

Raising money for Demelza Children's Hospice

We are a community engaged organisation, which means that we support a wide range of community events and organise our own events. In the last two years or so we have raised over £3500 for the East Kent Hospital’s Dementia Appeal and £900 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children. If you are looking for a career in care and want to contribute to the well-being of your community, Caremark Thanet and Caremark Dover are well worth looking at.

The team at the Pilgrims Colour Run

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Community

How to Nail 2020! If you’ve read my articles in Educational Life before then you may know I’m not a huge fan of resolutions. I know it’s hard to believe, a fitness professional not pushing a ‘New Year, New You’ mindset! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t want to make a change, but you don’t need to do it on the 1st January! Start when you’re ready and committed with a clear action plan! I know it sounds a bit regimental, but we usually achieve our goals, because we’ve had the drive to do it and a plan to get us there! I’m going to tackle the most popular resolutions and help show you the way forward without misery!! 1. To lose weight!! Probably the most popular resolution!! If you really want to make a change my advice is to forget the scales! They are just machines of misery and don’t accurately reflect the changes made. If you like to weigh yourself as a way to measure your progress, do it once a month combined with other ways, such as measuring your hips and waist or taking photos. Next, keep a diary of what you do now – what food you eat and activity levels – be honest – you don’t have to show anyone else! Do this for about a week and make sure you include a weekend, (we all know weekends are the devil of healthy lifestyles)! Take an honest look at your diary and then decide on 1 or 2 changes you are can make to get started. The reason weight loss plans usually fail is because we go at it like a bull in a china shop and just can’t maintain it! You will be surprised at the difference 1 or 2 small changes can make.

2. Stop smoking! Always popular in the new year with people savouring that last cigarette pre midnight! The best way to tackle this one is to gain the advice of a professional – you can access the NHS Stop Smoking service for free and they run services from a variety of community venues. Not only will they help you find the right product to help you quit, they will also help you with the mindset to help you have lasting success. 3. Giving up drinking! When you wake up with the hangover from hell after a particularly savage NYE this can seem like it will be no problem, but once the memory fades it can seem less appealing, especially the next time a social event comes round. Dry January can be a good starting place, especially if you tell other people you’re doing it – not the friends that want to lead you off the straight and narrow!! Cutting out weekday drinking can also be a start and minimizing the amount you drink on a night out by alternating drinks with water or volunteer to be designated driver! If you feel like you need more support, your GP or NHS One You advisor will be able to help you. 4. Exercise more! This can be a toughie especially if you don’t really like exercising!! Remember though that exercise doesn’t have to be a trip to the gym or a 5km run, just being more active throughout the day is so important. Spend less time sitting. Walking is a free and easily accessible activity! Have a look at what’s on in your area too – group walks, exercise classes, yoga – there’s no harm in trying things to see if you like them – you don’t know until you try right?

#EduLife | Issue 15

Community 5. Self-Care! Ok, I’m being a bit sneaky here as this one is rarely on anyone’s resolution list, but I have become like a dog with a bone this year in promoting it!! Don’t be so busy with work or helping others and forget yourself. You are entitled to me time – the end!!! Me time doesn’t have to be a face pack and bubble bath – it could be putting time aside to read a book, having a nap, meeting friends, sitting in a coffee shop by yourself savouring the peace or reviving an old hobby. If anything, move this to the top of your list!!!

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Mum | Editor Governor | Wife | Referee The Life Musings of a busy lady Is it the January Blues?... Possibly, I certainly believe that is a thing. I was talking to someone yesterday about looking forward to the days getting longer, there is something about getting up in the dark and dark afternoons. The sun makes everything including your mind brighter, I’m sure of it. I’m not going to say my life sucks, as it doesn’t, and I do know that, I have a lot to be grateful for and I am truly very grateful for all I have, but boy is it tough right now, lots of challenges that seem to be huge and causing so much stress and anxiety. There are the usual things that families go through, battles over homework, who is going to like which vegetables this week, which sibling likes which sibling today… Are we all friends? It’s a daily lottery! The teenager who can’t decide if they like me today or not! It really isn’t my aim to ruin their lives! The toddler who has Duracell Batteries fitted and is on a one-man destruction cycle! Don’t even get me started on sleep! Sleep is for the weak! Not to mention my husband, which we all know is like having another child! There is a meme going around now (again!) about people living here that I don’t know about because of the amount of washing, I’m sure the same can be said for the dishes, food that gets eaten and cleaning that needs to be done! I recently went out for dinner with friends and I was the only one around the table who didn’t have a cleaner…I am sure I’m missing a trick there! I am sure that with all the above my life is very similar to most people and we have good days and bad days… that’s life and that’s normal! Don’t forget it’s ok to feel down and it’s good to talk, I also find a bar of chocolate helps too! My major challenges and cause of greatest stress seems to be those extra things I choose to do… not little things either. The running my own business and being a School Governor. These are the things that keep me up at night, that cause the tears! Then why do it? Why put yourself through that? Haven’t you got enough to deal with? Especially Governing, why do that? That’s volunteering! Those are the questions I often get asked and ask myself on those cold dark nights! I run my own business because I want to dictate my own hours, my own time, I want to be there when my children go to and get home from school, I want to be able to go to all the school events and sports matches. I am also very passionate about what I do, I want to get the Positive stuff out there, there are so many wonderful things going on in our communities that people don’t know about, let’s get it out there, let’s let everyone know how brilliant our community is. I have been a school governor for 17 years now and wow has it changed, so much more rests with the governing body now, it can be stressful, especially when you are chair and more pressure is put on you and your time. Yes, it is a volunteering role and yes, I do give an awful lot of time to it, within school and with training and extra things it does add up. The Education of our children is so important we must get it right, we must be there for all our children and challenge to make sure they equally get the best opportunities. Again, I am very passionate about my role, but I think it is good to try and volunteer at something to give back to society and our community. The particular challenges that life is throwing me at the moment will soon be over, and I have no doubt that more will follow in their wake, but that’s ok I will stand up and meet these challenges, I may stumble, I may cry (sorry make that ‘will cry’) but that is what makes me me and actually I quite like me, so I’m not going to change! Sorry! Besides the sun will be out soon. Enjoy the chocolate

Claire X

Business in the Community

Why is Bill Gates so rich … and other questions

Modelled on the televised BBC Question Time, the CQT panel is selected from an established list of successful business leaders that includes bank managers, senior lawyers, Chief Executives, marketing specialists, chartered accountants, local entrepreneurs and media professionals.

One of the many criticisms levelled at school and colleges is that they do not prepare their students for the real world. That may be true of some educational institutions, but it is not the case with some of the forward-looking institutions in East Kent. For many years now, enterprising Heads and Principals have been working with the Thanet & East Kent and the Dover District Chambers of Chambers of Commerce on a series of initiatives to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

Interaction with the audience is positively encouraged. The Chairman ensures that every effort is made to stimulate a topical, informative and reasoned analysis of business problems and their successful resolution within a competitive trading environment. Questions might range from: “What do you consider important in a job interview?” to “Why is Bill Gates so rich?”

Written by David Foley Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce

As well as company visits, presentations, business breakfasts, social events and sponsored awards ceremonies, one of the most popular projects in the last ten years has been the Chamber Question Time (CQT) sessions. With access to a network of over 1,000 current business professionals, CQT brings the world of prosperous business to the classroom.

Educational establishments can claim the hosting of CQT as a significant example of their liaison with local commerce. In a session of around one hour, students receive a genuine insight into the real-life operations, practices and employment needs of the East Kent coastal business community. Panel members may not always agree among themselves that social media is the best invention since sliced bread. But, the measured atmosphere of good-humoured, mature debate created by CQT has been shown to assist educators in inculcating an appreciation in their students of the benefits of formal, civilised discussions of opposing views and of the unambiguous advantages of democratic institutions which welcome spirited opposition without resort to bad language, violence or radical extremism.

#EduLife | Issue 15

Business in the Community

Why Support Educational Life CIC

Chamber Chief Executive David Foley said: “We have a duty to ensure that the best East Kent companies promote and maintain positive links to the schools and colleges in their locality. CQT offers a proven route to helping students and their teachers understand what employers are seeking. It is also true that the CQT panel return to their offices with a much better understanding of the needs and interests of young people today; surely a classic win-win if ever there was one.”

We are a Community Interest Company that means we exist for you the community, and we need your support in order to continue to exist. As our tagline says… Your News, Your Views, Your Community, so please share with us Your News, Your Views and what’s going on in Your Community. We want to hear about it all, purely positive remember, so we can share it as inspiration to others. Have you or someone you know done something fabulous, at home, in the workplace, in the community? Have you had exceptional service somewhere, eaten a fabulous meal, created an exciting new meal or idea, seen a great film/read a fabulous book? Is there something going on we should know about, an event, talk, exhibition? Don’t keep it to yourself, tell us so we can tell the rest of Our Community and everyone gets to be inspired and benefit. Then don’t forget to follow us on Social Media and look out for Your News, Your Views, Your Community, and like and share away. Look out throughout the magazine to find out other ways you can support us and be involved.

For more details, email admin@tekc.co.uk with the subject line:” Chamber Question Time”.

Do you like our ethos? Do you think there should be more of that in the world? Support Educational Life CIC and help us to do and share more of the good things in life whilst also having our platform shout about how great your company is. What an awesome opportunity! Get in touch, all of our details are on page 2

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writ ten by Tegan Aged 8

Tegan Braves the Cut My name is Tegan, I am 8 years old and I live in Westgate with my Granny and Grandad. Last year my mummy found out that she has breast cancer. She has to have some very strong medicine which has made her lose her hair and she has to wear a wig. I decided to donate my hair to help people who cannot aﬀord to buy real hair wigs. I have chosen the Little Princess Trust who makes wigs for children. Today after school I am going to have my hair cut so I won’t be wearing ponytails, ﬁshtails, French plaits for a long time. I hope someone will get a lovely wig made out of my hair. I am also hoping to raise £200 for cancer research. Please donate as much as you can to help people like my mummy get better. Do you/your child have a review you would like to share with our readers? Get in touch and earn Kent Childrens University Credits too.

01843 62 70 40 projects@educational-life.org www.educational-life.org ww

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J O K E 16 S

What do you call Bears without Ears?

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Schools

FUN TIME

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How EL Can Help YOU Make A Name For Yourself Young Reporters

Aged 0-14

Are you a wannabe reporter in the making? Did you write-about / film / photograph your teams latest match? Have you seen a fabulous film or read a fantastic book? Is that joke you are sharing hilarious? Don’t keep it to yourself, share it with us, so we can share it with everyone. Don’t like to write? No problem vlog it, photograph it, film it. Parents, you have a star in the making? Share how fabulous they are with us and we will celebrate with you. Let EduLife Young Reporters show the community how fabulous you are.

Young Journalists

Aged 14- 25

Young Journalists

Do you have things to say/share, but find no one to listen, no platform to share it on? Are you fed up with what’s being said about the youth, and have a positive youth article to share? Thinking of or studying for a career in media/Journalism? Then ELYJ is just what you need, our online platform using our website and social media will get your voice out there. You write it, or Vlog it, or film it, or photograph it and we will share it through all our channels. We will also provide you with a reference for your supporting statements or CV. There is no limit or structure to what you send into us. We are waiting to hear from you, if you have questions and want to chat to someone about this opportunity then get in touch now. 18

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Elders

Aged 25+

Impart your wisdom, share that funny story, those childhood musings, that inspiration. Have you an amazing/inspirational past? How did you get into the career you are in, is it a bit different? Do you have a specific charity you support/how/why? Encourage others through your own experiences. Our Elders section is for you, written, photography, film we accept and share it all, providing it is inspirational and positive. Don’t hide you influence, this is your community, your voice… let’s hear it.

ders

Get in touch now to find out how you can become part of Educational Life. *We reserve the right to refuse to publish and share any submission that we feel does not fit with our Ethos and Community Values.

We are looking for sponsors to help us fund these projects Offering all ages the chance to share their work with a huge audience Include your brand as main sponsor or partner Help an amazing project grow and promote your business at the same time An excellent PR opportunity to support these amazing projects

What do we need funding for? Our aim is to run workshops Marketing & Promotional Material Develop the sections of the website Equipment Merchandise & Prizes to give to contributors

If you are interested in finding out more information about becoming a sponsor or supporter please get in touch with us and we can meet with you to discuss our vision.

01843 62 70 40 projects@educational-life.org www.educational-life.org 19

Schools

Early specialisation: What are the pros & cons for long term participation? Part 1

It is not uncommon for children from an early age to specialise in one or two sports, with the thinking of parents and coaches alike being that this will give them the best opportunity to develop their future performance levels. In fact, specialism has been the foundation of many sports development pathways underpinned by research identifying the need for participation in thousands of hours of deliberate practice over a period of 10 years, repetitively learning the skills for whichever sport a child is taking part in. the process of deliberate practice is performed in a very work like manner on a daily basis, requiring a lot of effort and high levels of attention. Whilst offering no immediate reward for such a demanding method and lacking the fun and enjoyment young children require to encourage long term participation. Due to the underlying rules of deliberate practice we often see children driven away from sport due to these negative experiences.

Contrary to this more recent research has found that up until the age of around 12 children should be participating in a wide range of sports developing all types of movement, balance and manipulative skills which will underpin performance in whichever sports they choose to specialise in after the age of 12. As well as the diverse sampling of lots of sports, the manner of the participation is key as well. Rather than based around deliberate practice a process of deliberate play should be applied, with restriction through rules and regulations being applied only very loosely instead encouraging children to explore the game and learn new skills through a more fun and enjoyable engagement in sport. This alternate approach will underpin potential elite level performance whilst also increasing the lifelong participation in sport of the vast majority who do not end up at an elite level, in turn improving our relationship with sport and physical activity and improving health and fitness throughout society.

#EduLife | Issue 15

Looking for the best way to spend your PE & Sport Premium funding?

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Schools

ON THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF WALDORF EDUCATION, A NEW SCHOOL IS BORN In December 2017 Canterbury Steiner School closed its doors for the last time. Families had moved from far and wide to make it possible for their children to attend this school and many parents had themselves been pupils there when they were children. On hearing the news that his school would be closing, Jude (aged 6) announced that he wasn’t worried because he knew that his mum would set up a new one and that the teachers would then come and fill it back up with love. There was no doubt in his mind that this is what needed to happen. Whilst the news that the school was closing was heartbreaking for parents and teachers, it also offered an opportunity for them to model to the children how to respond with courage and hope in the face of adversity. A small group came together and decided to work on opening a new school. Deciding upon the vision was an important first step and the list of attributes needed within a school that would educate children for the 21st Century began to grow to include ambitions such as developing environmental awareness, encouraging empathy for others, nurturing a sense of curiosity for learning and underpinning all of this with joy. “In writing this list we realised that we were beginning to understand the ‘love’ by which young Jude had felt so surrounded and which he held so dear. A love that each teacher feels for each child and for their class as a whole; a reverence for nature that is nurtured through stories, caring for their environment and time spent outdoors; empathy that grows through an honouring of each child’s individuality and a love of learning that comes from offering an unhurried and creative learning environment where children can find the joy in learning and experience the richness of childhood.” Saskia Anley-McCallum – Trustee 22

The Waldorf movement is the largest educational movement worldwide with over 1000 schools in 70 countries around the globe. Exactly 100 years since the first Waldorf school opened its doors, the Department for Education granted this new school in Canterbury Independent School status. New School Canterbury sits on an idyllic site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by an organic farm, just 10 minutes south of Canterbury. Wooden, purpose built classrooms offer the children a beautiful environment within which to learn and the site also has expansive outdoor areas and a stunning 150 seater theatre.

Children will also take part in land care and environmental awareness classes helping to develop a deep understanding of nature and a love for the world in which we live. Beth, added: “We want our children to care for the planet out of love and respect rather than fear of what will happen if they don’t”.

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Schools Through these lessons the children are developing an ecogarden, learning about rainwater harvesting, organic farming, permaculture, foraging and caring for bees. They are also working with experts in the field to integrate circular economy thinking to reduce waste across the whole site. Funding from the local council has also enabled New School to develop an intergenerational project that brings older retired people at risk of social isolation, to the site as volunteers, to work with the children in the garden, breaking down barriers between generations.

group of parents determined to provide a 21st century Waldorf education for their children, and turning this dream into reality. There have been many challenges along the way and it is wonderful to see how the whole community has responded. Of course, this is only the beginning! I am confident that our spirit of adventure and dedication will result in an exciting and rewarding future for all.” – Robin Bax – Chair of Trustees

The school offers education for children between the ages of 3 and 11 and aims to inspire a love of learning and to have each child’s wellbeing at its heart. “If we are serious about equipping young people to thrive in an uncertain future, we need to explore what they will need in order to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities within our changing world. At New School we are passionate about nurturing creative, compassionate, critical thinkers who have a strong sense of purpose and confidence to fulfill their unique potential.” Beth Cuenco – Headteacher. New School also has a Kindergarten that welcomes children between the ages of three and six and provides an environment where childhood is valued, imagination nurtured and education unhurried, developing creative and confident learners who are ready and eager to take their first steps into school life at the age of six. A weekly Parent & Baby group taking place on Mondays and an Outdoor Parent & Toddler group that takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both provide a wonderful opportunity for families to get a taste of the gentle approach that integral to the education throughout the school. “Our journey to this point has been truly inspirational, starting as we did with a small www.educational-life.org 23

Health

Supporting breastfeeding mothers

Foundation Trust, said: “We are really happy to be able to support breastfeeding mothers and their partners and family thanks to Beside You.

Breastfeeding mothers are being celebrated and supported, thanks to the Kent and Medway Beside You campaign.

“We have custom-made some excellent resources that are available across Kent and Medway. This is a great example of how partnership working can benefit people directly and have a positive impact on lives.”

Beside You is an online resource giving support and advice to breastfeeding women, with an aim to normalise breastfeeding in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council (KCC) commissions Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust to run the Health Visitor Service in Kent.

Originally starting in Medway in 2016, Beside You was a resounding success and now organisations from across Kent and Medway have joined forces to make this service countywide to benefit more mothers and their babies.

KCC Cabinet Member for adult social care and public health, Clair Bell said: “The Beside You website has been an excellent resource for mothers in Medway, so we are delighted to be able to now offer this online support to families across Kent by working in partnership with a number of different providers.

Katie, a mum from Herne Bay, had nothing but praise for the service, saying: “My breastfeeding journey began six years ago with the birth of my eldest child. I expected breastfeeding to be easy and natural, but it definitely wasn't as plain sailing or straightforward as I thought it would be. “The amazing support I received from family, friends and breastfeeding services made the world of difference, and now I am breastfeeding my third child I am grateful for all the support I received in the early days.” Representatives from all organisations supporting Beside You were there to thank the families, which have taken part in the campaign so far. Jinny Robinson-Bright, Clinical Services Manager for Public Health at Kent Community Health NHS

“We remain committed to increasing the number of women who breastfeed and offer support to families when they need it most.” Councillor David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Public Health, said: “It is fantastic news that the Beside You campaign, which started in Medway to help normalise breastfeeding, will now help mums across the county. “We hope the campaign will help mums recognise supportive venues and feel more comfortable breastfeeding their children when out and about. I would encourage businesses and community groups to find out more about the campaign and how they can help mums feel more comfortable.

“Together, we will continue to support new parents and breastfeeding mums.” 24

#EduLife | Issue 15

Canterbury Day Surgery

Health

Canterbury Day Surgery will open its doors to potential new recruits on the morning of Saturday, 7th March. The event is aimed at school leavers who are thinking about a career in health care, as well as registered practitioners who are interested in a career change. Visitors will be able to go behind the scenes at the Day Surgery, Surger examining a theatre, an ITU bay and the ward. There will be an opportunity to meet with representatives from Canterbury Christ Church University and the Trust Apprenticeship team. For those that are currently registered practitioners, our resourcing team will be available to help set up interviews and advise on current vacancies.

For more information contact Ruth rleonard@nhs.net or 07817086002

www.educational-life.org 25

Health

How to parent your way Being a parent can be tough, yes there’s lots of magical times, but if we’re being honest there’s some really hard bits too!! With the new year upon us it can feel like a lot of pressure to go into it like an Instagram influencer - home made cookies for weekends, oh but a healthy version because obesity is on the rise; child led play, but with enough input from you to create those magical photo memories; let’s not forget lots of outdoor time in cosy scarves or cute matching summer outfits without a crying child in sight and then there’s movie nights when the whole family gets together on one tiny sofa in matching PJs…

that perfect family shot?? A long time with a lot of tantrums – and I’m not talking about the children! Family life is messy and imperfectly perfect, but none of us want to be the ones to admit it! Find more realistic accounts to follow or just don’t bother!! 2. Parenting is a learning experience and just when we think we’ve cracked it something else pops up and we feel like we’re back at square one. Make the use of local support – from parenting programmes that offer weeks of strategies to one off workshops on sleep, meltdowns and anxiety! A lot is available for free or at a very reasonable cost, so have a search at what’s on offer near you and make the most of them.

Now there’s nothing wrong with any of the above, but we find ourselves under so much pressure these days to live up to the image presented to us. If you’re anything like me movie night is generally hugely stressful as none of us can agree on a film and the last thing I want is someone else’s foot digging in my back throughout! Getting outdoors can take a whole load of planning and walking isn’t always top of your child’s to do list – cue tantrum! As we enter 2020 here’s some top tips for trying to maintain some balance as we navigate the journey that is parenting! 1. Get rid of anything on your social media that makes you feel like a failure! Do you know how long it’s probably taken those people to get

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin - search for #EduLife

Health

through 2020 3. Play! Yes it is important to play with our children – it helps with their development and is the way they learn in those early years, but it really doesn’t have to be fancy! An old cardboard box can become a variety of things! Let your child guide you towards their interests. Taking things in and out of a basket may not seem like the most interesting thing you’ve done all day, but for children it can be great fun. Get involved, but don’t take over - no-one wants to face the wrath of a child whose game has been interrupted!! Offer plenty of praise and encouragement. You can also join groups in your area where they will provide a variety of activities for your children and will be able to give you tips on how you can copy these ideas at home.

4. Behaviour. It’s important to recognise that your child isn’t ‘naughty’, but that their behaviour is a form of communication – how else do they let you know what’s wrong when they haven’t even learnt to understand it yet? Try to be patient and help your child learn to recognise their emotions by naming them e.g. I could see you were very upset as you were crying. Setting clear boundaries will also help your children learn what is and isn’t ok.

5. Finally, you may be a parent, but you are still a human in your own right! You are allowed to have time to yourself, you are allowed to go out without your children, (as long as their looked after of course!), you are allowed to be fed up when family life isn’t going as planned. In order to care for others properly we sometimes need to put ourselves first and that’s ok. If you are struggling to cope there are local groups and services that can help you, so don’t be ashamed to reach out.

www.educational-life.org 27

Information

We are working closely with a design team to make our website more appealing and easier to use by you the user. There will be sections for our projects, along with many new and exciting features. We will let you know when the new website is launched, so you can drop by and tell us what you think. We are also working behind the scenes on a new look magazine, which will have even more community involvement, plenty of opportunities for others to get involved, if you are involved in anything community wise and feel you have something that others will want to read about, then please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you. Did you know you can ďŹ nd us on Social Media? We can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To keep up to date with all our information, news and views make sure you are following us.

Community

We are very pleased to announce that we have been named one of Co-ops chosen local causes for the year. We appreciate this fantastic opportunity to work closely with our friends at the Co-op, we are also looking forward to meeting coop customers throughout the year. We thank everyone who is supporting us through this avenue, please fee free to pop by and support us. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget we are also members of the Thanet Community Lotto, so that is another way you can support us. We have had the opportunity to visit schools and community groups recently to give talks and conduct interviews, this is the work we love the most getting out and about meeting and greeting people. If you want us to visit you to give a talk, conduct an interview, or see the fantastic work you are doing, then please do get in touch we would love 28 #EduLife | Issue 15 to come and see you.

D E UL I FE UPDATE Advice & Tips – Projects

Our Projects are all now up and running and developing momentum Young Reporters, Young Journalists and Elders. It is here where we give our readers a safe way for them to express their views, opinions, the chance to review products and share their work. Through Fundraising, the coop and the Thanet Lotto we are raising vital funds to keep these projects moving, with staffing, equipment, merchandise, and rewards. What we do is unique, and we are so proud of offering the services we do. If there is an area you would like us to cover then please do get in touch, if we cannot offer what you want or are not qualified to do so, we will signpost you to another organisation that we work with.

Fun

Eddie has popped out a few times recently, after his winter break. He has been to the Co-op to meet the people there and promote Educational Life and our good cause, he has also been into schools to support the talks (he doesn’t say much!) but he is mobbed like a celebrity. Now the weather is improving there are lots of opportunities to get Eddie out and about, so make sure you look out for him. In the past Eddie has joined in with sports days, played rugby, attempted the high jump, danced, attempted to ﬂoss. Do you have a challenge for Eddie? What should we get him to do next? If you have something fun, exciting and diﬀerent you would like Eddie to get involved in, then please do get in touch, we are sure Eddie www.educational-life.org 29 would jump at the opportunity.

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