Do It Yourself Girl! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MARCH/APRIL 2011 FREE COPY ISSUE 2
MULTI-TALENTED BEINAZIR
FASHION FROM NEXT STORES TRANSITION NETWORK
KUDOS HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
MOTHERS DAY TIPS www.diygirl.org.uk
March/April Issue 2011
We are glad to present to you our March/April Issue packed with a little bit of everything. First and foremost, Mothers Day is around the corner. We decided to give you our tips, an alternative treat for mothers this year on page 23. Ditch the custom bouquet, meal out or those pampering spa vouchers for “Mother Nature” on “Mothers Day”. As the world changes for better or worse every day, there was no ways we could do away with “Transition Time” on page 14. Colleges are always renowned for educational provisions. Southampton City College is proud to take a step further as they share Kudos Hair and Beauty Salon and Aspire Restaurant. One can not only kill two birds but in fact can kill three birds with one stone that is education, spoiling yourself with luxury pampering and of course enjoying the temptations from Aspire Restaurant, all under one roof on pages 20-21. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took their time to enquire all about our previous issue. This made us realize a lot of people were confused as to what “Do It Yourself Girl! Magazine” was all about. A lot of questions were emailed and on the next page, a lot of
questions and answers are going to be shared with you. If you feel you have a question that is not answered yet, do feel free and keep your questions rolling to info@diygirl.org.uk Remember this is a community interest-based magazine and so it is our community‟s ongoing contributions that are going to make “Do It Yourself Girl!” magazine‟s production successful. If you‟ve an inspiring or comforting story, share it. If you‟ve any recommendations, share them. If you have any constructive comments, share them. And most of all, if you happen to come across this magazine, share it with your colleagues. Till next time. Cheers xx
Tendai Musiyazviriyo (Publisher)
CONTENTS Beinazir‟s Multi-talents---------04
Work Experience ------------16
Cancer Survivor -------------------06
Mothers Day Tip -------------22
Transition Time -------------------14
Kudos Salon ------------------20
Fashion trends from Next -----12
D.I.Y Girl! Launch -----------09
Vicious circle for Lisa ----------18
Womens Wisdom -----------17
Aspire Restaurant ----------------21
The Hub Theatre -------------21
CONTRIBUTIONS Editors: Mariam Rimii El-Hawary, Sammy Jenkins, Amelia Jones, Kirsty Feature Stories: Natalie Jones, Joe Harris, Faith Thomas, Sammy Jenkins, Mariam Rimii El-Hawary, Amelia Jones, Claire Hillier Photographers: Lauren Hughes, Linda Johannes, Southampton City College
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS What is Do It Yourself Girl! magazine? It is a community-interest magazine that features real life inspiring articles that will provide a positive focus towards life for women in our communities. Feature articles will aim to share ideas on how to survive in the current hardships of our society. The magazine specifically targets young women in our communities with the goal of equipping them with progressive ideas which will help them survive any socio-economic environment.
and profitable but in fact can ruin their future socio-economic lives. Since they will be on a stage where they will be at a stage where they feel they know what life is all about, one of our objectives is to try and show them the positive or negative impact that certain choices can have on their lives. With this in mind, it can be anyone from 12 years to 20 years plus, since circumstances like upbringing, wealth, access to education, etc mean that most women will get to a time in their lives, where they feel they know all about life at different stages.
Why is it targeting girls only? The title might be obviously say “Do It Yourself Girl!, but some of the featured articles can be of benefit to both men and women. For example the article on page about “Transition Network”, is not just focusing on girls. The article was also contributed by a very helpful gentleman who supports the whole motive behind “Do It Yourself Girl!” magazine. It specifically targets young women because in our communities, women are one of the most vulnerable groups of people that can and sometimes do get led astray if they don‟t get appropriate guidance on how to make the best choices for their lives.
Who is fit to be a “Do It Yourself Girl!”? Any girl/woman, from any racial, cultural, or ethnic background can be a D.I.Y Girl!. Working or not working, it doesn‟t matter. People can be involved in different ways by either sharing their story or simply by asking questions which the answers can help a lot of people. Everyone is welcome to contribute in any way they can. Any comments and questions are more than welcome via our website: www.diygirl.org.uk or email to info@diygirl.org.uk. Do It Yourself Girl! Magazine is not for profit. It is registered with Companies House as a Community Interest Company, and the company number is 7 5 3 7 3 3 0. Our postal address is Suite 6, Royal Mail House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3FD. Do feel free to get in touch in any way best possible for you.
What‟s meant by guidance on life choices? We are talking about life mainly from the stage where young women begin to claim to have knowledge about what life is all about. That stage where most young women start thinking and laying claim to the right to make their own choices concerning their lives. Most often when these young women start demanding this right, it is motivated by a desire to make choices which look exciting
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BEINAZIR, A WOMAN OF DIFFERENT TRENDS Based in Kensington Town, London and currently involved in many activities, Beinazir Lasharie is proud to share her passion with DIY Girl! magazine. What is your main job? Currently, I work with a ten year old disabled child. I give her one-toone care after school and also engage her in extra curricula activities during school holidays. How do you find it? I really enjoy this, as every day is different. I love it when I try to teach her something and she actually clicks and understands. It instantly gives me gratification. What else do you do? I am also a governor for a local nursery. What exactly does that involve? I am a key member in scrutinizing the policies and teaching practices at the nursery. Unfortunately too many people can‟t be bothered to do this, as it would not really benefit them. Even though I don‟t have children yet, I am proud to help other people‟s children as I believe that as adults, it‟s our duty to nurture children. I love doing voluntary work as well. the last six years. I‟ve real passion in education. I also had a show, Beinazir TV Show, on SKY 805 on Venus TV. I invited guests to discuss different topics. I really enjoyed doing the show as I had so much creative freedom. I‟m also working on resuming next series soon.
Are you doing voluntary work as well? Yes I do. I volunteer at Great Ormond Street Hospital, with Radio Lollipop charity. The work incorporates play, radio, and fun in order to give the children a break from needles and endless treatments that many endure. How often do you have to do this voluntary work? I do this every Sunday for only two hours. And my motto is “WHY NOT”. I am also working on setting up a college, Cranford College. I‟ve worked with young people for
Are there any people supporting you with your work? I am very lucky to have a fantastic support network with my family. I‟m also a homebody, and love being at home with my mum.
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You are singled out as a good role model in your community, how did that come to be? I‟m a coordinator for the youth section on the Third World Solidarity (www.thirdworldsolidarity.co.uk). I have held two successful youth conferences last year and I‟m planning more this year. This is a platform for young people to come and engage with politicians, Lords etc. I‟m lucky to have the connection to do this kind of work. It will be silly not to utilize this, in order to create unity amongst youth. This also seems to be very current, especially with all the protests happening at the moment.
Are there any things you did in the past that you look back and regret doing them (if any)? I was never 100 percent perfect. I smoked for ten years. During that time, I didn‟t eat properly and I lost a lot of weight and became very ill. I regret it, as I was trying to be someone else. I have polycystic ovary syndrome so my hormones go up and down and struggle with maintaining my weight. I was absolutely addicted until three years ago when I decided to kick it off. I‟ve learnt from my past that you will struggle. I‟m always learning and I regret not studying hard at college or not going to university. Everyone will have good days and bad days but never give up on yourself or your goals. You will always have to pay your dues so always walk before you run. What would you like to say to all the DIY Girls out there? I would like to say, don‟t be put off from being different. You are here to be you so don‟t imitate others but just be you and be proud. I‟m struggling now to fit education into my life, so girls make sure you get your education. Knowledge is power. Be bold, be you and be happy. You are beautiful the way you are and don‟t ever fall for “quick-fix” diets as they don‟t work! Beinazir, later added that she would love to see more careers advice and maybe an advice page for young women. She gladly stated that she is happy to be an “Agony Aunt”, if she is allowed to and would be glad to be a shoulder and ear. (Thanks for that, Beinazir).
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CANCER SURVIVOR DIY Girl!, met Isabel van der Ven, who shared her story from the time she was diagnosed with cancer in 2003, to this day. Isabel is originally Dutch, and now lives and works in Winchester with her lovely husband and two children. Isabel told us how she loved to be in the elements, cooking, playing saxophone, horse riding, gardening, reading, music and above all, enjoying life! Isabel stated “I‟ve been working over 15 years in both commercial and non-profit (IT) industry as an engineer, consultant, salesperson, (project) manager and program manager. In 2003 I was diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer. That‟s when my life took another direction...”. How
did you find out about your cancer and what happened next? I was taking my early morning shower when I discover a lump in my breast. From this moment my life has been a rollercoaster. I feared for my life and that I wouldn‟t see my children growing older. They were 2 and 6 year at that time. That was 2003. Now I can say I‟m a cancer survivor and it has been a journey.... It took over a year to finish all treatments available these days (surgery, chemo, radio therapy plus several reconstructions), followed by 5 more years hormone treatment.
What kind of support did you have after your treatments? During my cancer treatment I had the most wonderful support from family and friends. There was a shift once I‟ve finished my treatments and I wanted to return to “normal life”. It was only then when I started to realize that normal life wasn‟t normal anymore. I was in a void and confused. I didn‟t know where to go, who to ask, where to start. I used several support programs, one to regain my fitness and strength, another support group lead by a professional counselor and several information sessions on how to live with the side effects of treatment. This only helped my partly to get my life back on track. www.diygirl.org.uk
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It was only with life coaching when the pieces came together and I was able to redesign my life. I got “infected” by the power and impact of coaching. That‟s why I‟ve decided to qualify as a life coach. This qualification plus my cancer experience have been the cornerstone for LYLAC: Live Your Life After Cancer, an innovative and effective way to help people move forward in life after cancer treatment. There is no similar support service at the moment in the UK, and there is an immense and growing need for it as more and more people survive a cancer diagnosis these days and struggle to get their lives back on track. I‟m running the LYLAC program together with a local GP, also a cancer survivor and qualified life coach. Research has proven that life coaching is an effective way to help you live well after cancer. It will decrease anxiety and stress about recurrence, it improves self confidence, helps you decide what to do next, how to create a new life-balance and regain control of your life. More information: www.lylac.net
How did you become associated with Macmillan Cancer Support? I wanted to give something back after my cancer experience and researched my options. I chose to volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical and financial support and by pushing for better cancer care. It‟s a professional organization and the number one charity in the UK. I joined the local fundraising team for Hampshire, Berkshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands over a year ago as a volunteer coordinator for one day a week. I‟m supporting the fundraising team in managing volunteers. I feel honored to be part of this fantastic organization. This is another way for me, next to LYLAC, to support people affected by cancer. I think it is good to know that there are many ways to support Macmillan; you can become a volunteer in several interesting and challenging roles, organize fundraising events, donate money, include Macmillan in your will, or become a corporate partner. More information at: www.macmillan.org.uk
What is your word of advice to other people out there affected by cancer? It‟s not easy to give advice, as every person will experience cancer in a different way. All I can say from my own experience is that cancer affected a lot more than just my physical state; it pushed me through strong emotions, it affected my relationships, my career, my financial situation as also the way I appreciate life in general. Life coaching helped me out of my stuck place after my cancer treatment, so all I can do here is pass on this message. It really helped me. I think cancer has been a serious wake-up call and gave me permission to live a more authentic life and to shift my priorities. I reappreciated the things I always loved doing but forgot about, like making music and being in the elements. It might sound odd, but in a way cancer has been a gift!
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Macmillan Cancer Support- Improving lives for 100 years In 1911, a young man named Douglas Macmillan watched his father die of cancer. His father‟s pain and suffering moved Douglas so much that he founded the „Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer.‟ Today, although the name may have changed, much of Douglas‟ legacy still lives on. Macmillan Cancer Support continues to improve the lives of millions of people living with cancer across the UK. As treatments improve, more and more people are living with cancer in their daily lives. This means they need more than medical help. They also need practical, emotional and financial support. That‟s why whatever the situation, Macmillan aim to be there every step of the way. Macmillan, have funded over 4,000 Macmillan health and social care professionals across the UK. In 2009 these professionals helped over 451,000 people, including cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. Macmillan also provides information on all aspects of living with cancer, from financial advice to the side effects of treatment. Reliable information is crucial in helping people understand their illness and adjust to life after diagnoses. Group events allow people with cancer to talk about their thoughts and feelings with other people who have been in the same situation. With Macmillan‟s help people can share their experiences and talk with health care professionals. A person with cancer makes an average of 53 trips to the hospital, costing £325 in car parking charges. Thanks to Macmillan‟s campaigning, these charges have been scrapped in Wales and Scotland. They will also be phased out over the next three years in England. Through campaigning Macmillan hope to get a better deal for people living with cancer. Over the past 100 years Macmillan Cancer Support has improved many lives. Today they reach 1 in 2 people with cancer, but their ambition is to reach everyone. Macmillan can‟t do the work they do without volunteers and people to help fundraising. In fact 99% of their income comes from voluntary donations. That‟s why this year, on its 100th anniversary, Macmillan want people to go the extra mile and raise money however they can. In previous years people have ran marathons, held coffee mornings and even trekked the Great Wall of China. Big or small, anything you can do to raise money will improve the life of someone living with cancer. If you‟ve never fundraised before there‟s no better time to start, after all it‟s time to look forward to the next hundred years of improving lives. For more information please contact: Fundraising Manager Katie Blake on 01264 343813 or email klblake@macmillan.org.uk About Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Working alongside people affected by Cancer, Macmillan works to improve Cancer care. Two million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help. For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support: Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or freephone 0800 500 800 for an information pack.
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Do It Yourself Girl! Launch January 19, 2011 marked the official launch of Do It Yourself Girl! magazine. The day was what people were waiting for. People were just curious and eager to learn about this D.I.Y. Girl! magazine? What was fascinating was that, it didn‟t turn out to be an all “Young Women‟s gathering”, but in fact, turned out to accommodate all age groups. The honorable Mayor of Southampton, Carol Cunio attended as the main guest speaker. The young and the old both attended to commemorate the official launch of Do It Yourself Girl! magazine.
Carol Cunio (Southampton Mayor)
Isabel Anashe (D.I.Y. Girl)
January the 19th, turned out to be a double celebration. Isabel Anashe, born on the 19th of January 2009, was proud to do a double celebration as both a “Birthday Girl” and as the “Youngest D.I.Y. Girl” of the day.
their coats and gloves and made efforts to participate in the event. Now available month, regardless of age or gender, people are welcome to keep an eye on our monthly magazine as each time, there will be that story for everyone to enjoy. Do It Yourself Girl! magazine assures you new real life features, articles on current affairs, various reviews and a lot more in store every month. Above all as a community-interest based magazine, we are proud to let you know that everyone is free to take part in contributing to Do It Yourself Girl! as per our mission and objective statements (www.diygirl.org.uk). Cheers.xx
Very supporting men also turned up, as they helped one way and the other. They were Television and Film students (Steve and Ben), who did a wonderful job, recording the event. Some speeches were also heard from male participants. What seemed like a girlie, girlie function turned out to be everybody‟s function after all. Despite being a chilly cold evening, a number of people managed to pick up
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D.I.Y GIRLS AFTER THE LAUNCH I was quite surprised to have Do It Yourself Girl! Magazine, ask me to be the main presenter for the magazine launch on the 19th January. I was up for it, even if I hadn't done something quite along those lines. Standing in front of the audience with three cameras pointing at me was a bit of a challenge to say the least, but having the other D.I.Y Girls smiling back at me, completely put me at ease and my confidence was back. I was honored to have been asked to be part of this magazine! Not many people are aware of all this D.I.Y Girl! business, but I know for a fact that us D.I.Y Girls, will be “bigging” it up, to the max. Not only are we on print, but we're also online as well, check out www.diygirl.org.uk. As if that isn‟t impressive enough, we'll be gracing the screens of Kindles (eBook), very soon! What else could be cooler? I'll definitely be taking advantage of being part of the D.I.Y Girl! title, and explore my opportunities and represent D.I.Y Girls all over the world. By Mariam El-Hawary aka Rimii (Southampton City College)
With such drive and enthusiasm, I can definitely say that Tendai Musiyazviriyo has put the pressure on to try and achieve such excellence. With a magazine filled with inspirational stories that will no doubt leave you feeling motivated, „Do it Yourself Girl‟ has certainly got the potential to become the next big thing. The launch night may not have had the huge outcome Tendai expected, but she should take pleasure in the fact that those who did show their support could have not been any more proud. With speeches from the Head of Media, Shani Clarke and the Mayor of Southampton, Tendai‟s commitment and determination was given the high praise, it truly deserved. With the main concept representing women everywhere, Tendai should enjoy the fact she is a strong willed woman, who will be a role model for many. The evening was brilliant and very professional; I feel very privilege to be a part of it. By Amelia Jones (Southampton City College)
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The launch day of Do It Yourself Girl! Magazine on the 19th January 2011 was such a brilliant evening. Supporters made their way to The Hub at City College where they could help themselves to tea and biscuits. With guests such as the Mayor of Southampton, Carol Cunio, attending to show her support and present a speech highlighting the determination and effort that had been put into the magazine, was a great achievement in itself. Not only did the Mayor attend, The Hub, also present were family, friends, teachers and even a local newspaper (Daily Echo), showing their support and sharing the start of a great beginning, together. It is phenomenal to watch how much hard work goes into this magazine on a day-to-day basis. It is even more amazing that we are able to watch and help Do It Yourself Girl! magazine, grow. I believe the motive behind Do It Yourself Girl! magazine is a great idea, and, as a journalist student, I am going to take this opportunity to get involved in the magazine as much as possible, by contributing articles and ideas and share new skills with each other. By Sammy Jenkins (Southampton City College) Throughout the whole evening, my one consistent thought was impressed. Impressed that one woman could perform ace journalist skills; have the motivation to power a small city and the organization that would be the envy of David Cameron. It‟s clear where the inspiration of „Do it Yourself, Girl‟ came from, which is Tendai. Such inspiration can come from anyone to make a magazine, but one as original and helpful as this one, it‟s worth the dedication and modest launch party. The „Do it yourself, Girl‟ launch party was an evening of appreciation for this magazines existence, Tendai herself and the idea that if people hope and compel on something, greatness can be achieved. Even if I was ill (feel free to sympathize), it was brilliant to attend a party with these attributes and celebrate motivation, especially for us girls. Plus, the coffee was lush! By Claire Hillier (Southampton City College)
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SPRINGTRENDS AT NEXT
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STOP! IT’S TRANSITION TIME! What is Transition Network? Founded in Totness (Devon) in 2006 by Rob Hopkins and Naresh Giangrande, the Transition Network is committed to working with local communities, organizations, and local government to help develop positive solutions. It has a simple mission statement. It aims „to inspire, encourage, connect, support and train communities as they adopt and adapt the transition model on their journey to urgently rebuild resilience and drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions‟. The co-founders were spurred on by their concerns regarding climate change and rapidly depleting fossil fuel resources. What concerns? Although it is unclear exactly how much oil is still left to be extracted, there is justifiably a great deal of concern related to the ease of access and rates of extraction at the wells. However, what is clear is that of the world‟s 98 oil producing countries, 68 have peaked. This means that their output is already declining. Map showing oil producing nations: Those marked in red have already peaked. It seems inevitable that global demand will move to a point where it consistently exceeds supply, particularly with the growing demand from newly industrializing nations. The effect must be a structural increase in oil prices, coupled with the prospect of oil shortages and a consequent increase in market volatility. As oil is used in nearly every aspect of our society, if the situation remains unchecked we can therefore expect: 1 Markedly higher prices for all forms of travel (air, sea, rail and road) 2 Increased food prices 3 Increased general retail prices 4 Increased domestic utility bills for heating and power The other main concern is that of climate, namely the increasing of the planets temperature due to the build-up of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, emitted by fossil fuel burning and deforestation, and methane, released from rice paddies and landfill sites. This in turn leads to melting polar ice-caps resulting in flooding with potentially catastrophic effects world-wide. So what do they do? The Transition Network is split into local chapters. Each chapter focuses on four main areas of reform: Transport, Food, Energy, and The Built Area –namely reducing the carbon footprint of building and using housing and public buildings, and how best to solve them in their own area. By focusing on individual solutions tailored for different circumstances they seek to produce self-sufficient, sustainable, environmentally friendly communities to avert the dangers posed by the peak oil crisis and climate change. However, it‟s not just all about the environment. The Transition Network is underpinned by a message of positivity. The focus is also
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on mental and physical well-being, communal responsibility and the provision of training and materials to facilitate this at a grass root level. The success of this model is clear: since its inception the transition network has spread throughout the United Kingdom, to Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Italy, Japan, Holland, New Zealand, and the U.S.A. Where is my local branch? The Transition Network is alive and well in Hampshire, boasting great results in both Southampton and Eastleigh. Indeed, as a result of their efforts, the New Forest was voted the 'most responsible tourist destination in the world' in 2007. Speaking to the to the vivacious head of the Food Group for Transition Network Southampton, Megan Streb, who has been involved since the formation of the Southampton Branch, her proactive attitude was truly infectious. Her passion and belief in the Transition Network was a clear indicator on why more and more people are getting involved. Megan stated “one of the main strengths of the Transition Network is its flexibility. Ideas are considered from all the members, meaning they have a diverse pool of resources to draw on. By focusing on local matters, people can see an immediate change in their environment. It will mean something for those people, for their friends, families and neighbours”. This fosters a real sense of community and belonging, as people feel truly valued. Megan added “in the Transition Network, people do things not because they feel they have to, but because they want to!” Asking Megan which project she was proudest of, she revealed that the sustainable homes exhibition, run by the Build Environment group showcased houses across Southampton and the surrounding areas. It featured environmentally friendly additions such as Solar PV panels, hemp insulation and chicken coops. It was fantastic, as not only did it bring in a lot of homeowners who had specific questions which we could help with to encourage them to do the same in their houses, it also helped to form a new bond amongst those who had opened their houses for display. Megan also enjoys running a wide range of cookery workshops and projects, of which I have heard rave reviews. However, another project which she is particularly excited by is Gardening Streets. People volunteer to be representatives for the street, and seek to help neighbours make the most of their gardens. In turn, the Transition Network helps by offering technical know-how, as well as helping to source seeds, pots, soil and so forth. „It‟s a chance to focus on smaller areas within the city‟, to great effect. Furthermore, 80 trees have been kindly bought by Southampton residents to go in local schools and community spaces. Homes have now been found for all the trees up for adoption this year. This Transition Network project was so successful that due to high demand the Adopt A Tree Project will be run again next year, on a larger scale. How can I get involved? A quick look at the events calendar shows a wide range of opportunities in local venues all over Hampshire – all of the groups meet on a regular basis. For more general information e-mail info@transitionsouthampton.org , or visit www.transitionsouthampton.org for the events calendar, more specific information and a wide range of resources. Equally for an overview of the whole organization, go to www.transitionnetwork.org. Megan says the Transition Network „Means different things to different people – it touches all aspects of life‟. Many events take place at the friendly not-forprofit café, gallery and arts venue “The Art House” on Above Bar Street – it‟s well worth a visit. Photo from Adopt A Tree Project
By Joe Harris (Southampton University) www.diygirl.org.uk
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FAITH’S WEEK’S WORK EXPERIENCE When the final year studying my A levels at Barton Peveril college was getting nearer I decided I needed to gain work experience. Many students are taking out time from class rooms to experience a real working environment. Students‟ skills can be put under the test when they enter a company for a week‟s work placement. With the competition rising between students, those taking their A levels, BTECS and applying to University, I knew I needed to contact companies that I would like to work with to broaden my CV, and to prove I can apply my knowledge and skills learnt at college and apply it to a real working environment. When a friend of mine gave me contact details to The Daily Echo I was quick to act and emailed the local news paper, looking for a chance to try a week‟s work placement. I had previously tried contacting other companies but the quickest and most helpful was the Daily Echo. I was really happy and excited to hear back from them last year. I have had the chance to experience what working as a reporter would be like and this has been really interesting. I have applied to university and I knew that I would need to know what working as Journalist would be like before I made big decisions as to what career I would want to pursue, as I hadn‟t any experience in Journalism career before. Based at the News Desk I‟ve seen how hard working the reporters are, with the phone constantly ringing and articles needing to be finished. I have been able to work on my skills as a writer and challenged myself more than I had before, as my journalistic skills at college were limited. I have attempted to write in the style of Daily Echo which is quite tabloid, and chatty like. I also shadowed a reporter and went to three inquests which really opened my eyes. I have also been out to see how interviews take place and to take photos of the people being interviewed. This was for something called „voxpox‟; it allows local people the chance to offer their opinions to an issue, which is a nice idea. This was my first work experience which lasted a week and I felt very tired as the days were long. I‟ve met some hardworking people and gained a greater understanding and a feel to what journalism will be like, and I haven‟t been put off. I would recommend work experience to anyone! Faith Thomas (Barton Peveril Collge)
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Women’s Wisdom is proud to launch ‘ARC’ our innovative pilot community payback initiative in the heart of Southampton supported by NOMS Social Enterprise Challenge and funded by ESF.
Launch date: March 17, 2011 Time: 2:30 – 5pm Venue: 33 Queens Terrace, Second Floor, Southampton, SO14 3BQ . As well as up skilling the project participants ‘ARC’ creates a virtual administration resource centre supporting: Civil Society groups & Organizations Local women Female entrepreneurs
Administrative support including: telephone answering
Meeting space for: Outreach
mail handling mail shots services data entry scanning database management
One-to- one support Counseling Training and Conferences
Women's Wisdom works with all sorts of people to help them make decisions about their lives and have the confidence to achieve new things in the future which could make life better for themselves and for some, their families too. Much of our work is supporting unemployed people back into employment, supporting people thinking about starting their own business, helping people who would like to do volunteering and giving people the opportunity to gain confidence in going back to college to learn new skills.
If you want to know more, come along and meet us at Second Floor, 33 Queens Terrace, Southampton SO14 3BQ. Alternatively please call or email us. Tel: 0800 781 8597 Email: enquiries@womenswisdom.co.uk or visit our website on www.womenswisdom.co.uk
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VICIOUS CIRCLE FOR LISA “Ring, ring, ringgggggg”. The alarm makes that
and gaining consciousness, Lisa made it down
dreaded sound for the fourth time that Sunday
to the kitchen. She was desperate for a glass
morning. Lisa, reluctantly, scrambles out of bed
of water. The fish and chip she ate for free last
completely unaware of her surroundings due to
night had formed a layer of salt inside her
the uncomfortable heaviness of her eyelids that
mouth which made it feel like a desert. To add
seemed a recurring theme recently. She had
to this feeling, her skin was as greasy as the
slept in her work clothes, a grungy round-
newspaper the chips had been rolled up in,
necked black t-shirt and similar colour flare
which unsurprisingly remained on the kitchen
nylon trousers, which she had forgotten to
side board. Into the bin they went, only to be
remove after a night shift at the fish and chip
piled on top of the last six meal leftovers. All of
shop just five doors down. “Why, why, why?”
which were scrunched up oily papers. Ironically,
she thought to herself after stumbling over
she didn‟t even like fish and chips. “Things can‟t
various piles of clothes, textbooks, plates that
go on like this, they just can‟t” mumbled Lisa
had transformed into a peculiar looking carpet
and into her mind had crept thoughts of
over these past few weeks.
worthlessness and insignificance.
After slowly
recuperating
WORK
Student Lisa
Student Lisa
Dr Lisa
STUDY
Figure 1Dr Lisa
She was working constantly; cleaning toilets, college, fish and chips...scrubbing, studying, and serving.
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March/April Issue 2011
Would things ever change? Usually after these
and for once her perception changed.
momentary disheartened thoughts had passed,
mirror‟s glow forced her into a trance and just
Lisa would remember why she was doing it all.
for a second her eyes closed. Next thing she
“University”, “University”, “Medicine”, “Dr. Lisa
woke up and it was 9 o‟clock. Tears began to
Phillips”, that was all she wanted. All she had
fall onto her rose-tinted cheeks. She couldn‟t
ever wanted.
understand what had happened, although she
Lisa knew she had work to do for tomorrow‟s lessons, whilst at the same time remembering she had told her mum she would help with the housework. She didn‟t mind doing this; in fact she actually enjoyed it. It allowed her mind to wander off into her hopes and dreams for the future and all the possibilities it would bring. But, today, she despised the thought. Her headache has not passed since she woke up and the water had not helped. The thought of pushing that button and causing a volcanic eruption that would bellow throughout the house brought a shudder to her body. Instead she‟d begin the Maths homework for 10 o‟clock the next day. “How soon that will come around” she asked herself, “if only this Sunday could last forever, or in realistic terms, at least the full 24 hours rather than flying by like the speed of sound”.
The
knew the reason why and couldn‟t deny it. She needed to stop doing so much, stop working ridiculous hours attempting to make everything right when truthfully her whole life was the opposite.
So worried about tuition fees, her
parents lack of earnings and her own lifestyle had led to the decision to work constantly. However, this minor episode of missing a meal with her friends encouraged Lisa to change her life. Her friends did not mind, they fully understood why she did not make it, but for Lisa it signaled failure. It proved that her life was collapsing around her and only now was she able to see it. Tomorrow she would go to the hospital and had in her resignation; sleeping and studying came first in the morning. After college she would work her usual shift at the fish and chip shop but ask for a reduction of hours and fully explain that although she needed the money it was not worth risking her
Predictably the day passed and it was 5 o‟clock,
happiness, time with friends and her future.
she was meeting some friends at six for a meal
She thought it seemed so simple, how she had
at the local pub. She had been looking forward
not seen this before? She knew it would be
to it all week; it was a time when she could put
difficult, especially for her parents, but she was
aside her troubles and simply relax in good
now completely certain for the first time in her
company. Lisa straightened her hair, brushed
life that with help from college she would be on
her eyelashes with mascara and swept blusher
her way to a bright and successful future as Dr.
over her cheek bones. She rarely considered
Lisa Phillips. Fish and chips would never have
herself pretty, but in this instance her face lit up
to be thought of again, they were insignificant.
By Natalie Jones (Southampton University) www.diygirl.org.uk
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March/April Issue 2011
KUDOS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON
Escape for that perfect pampering with KUDOS
Hair
and
Beauty
Salon
at
Southampton City College. Express Facial
Eyebrow shape. An Ultimate Escape at just £50, includes Full body hot stone massage, deluxe manicure and deluxe pedicure
treatments start at just £5. It‟s worth taking
Hair treatments include perming services to
advantage of many more luxurious and yet
coloring and cutting edge haircuts services
affordable treatments.
for both men and women. Get that gorgeous
Pamper packages start at £25 with the Twilight Package that involves dermalogica express facial, express manicure, express
hair color for just £20, depending on length of hair. All students and staff at City College an extra 20% discount (Campus card required).
pedicure completed by a touch of an
To book an appointment call 023 8057 7249
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March/April Issue 2011
ASPIRE RESTAURANT The newly opened aspiring restaurant, offers top of the range lunch meals, Monday to Friday from 12noon. Lunch One Course is £6.50 up to £9.50 for a Three Course meal per person. Not to be missed is fine dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:45pm. Dinner Two Course is £16.50 while Three Course is just £19.50. Party bookings also welcome. For reservations, call 023 8057 7377 or email: aspire@southampton-city.ac.uk
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THE HUB THEATRE Southampton City College is proud to present its state-of-the-art and magnificent Hub Theatre. The fully operational theatre accommodate up to 240 people. It‟s equipped with over a £1million of equipment providing a perfect venue for conferences, plays and any form of social gathering for any special groups. There‟ll be free parking from mid March. For enquiries, call 023 8057 7214 or email sally.glover@southamptoncity.ac.uk
Southampton City College, St Mary Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 1AR
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MOTHERS DAY
The significance of Mothers Day celebration has religious roots. Initially it started as Mothering Sunday where people attended church to honor the Virgin Mary and the Mother Church. Today, Mothers Day is now rather a commercial and secular sector where celebrations are congested with ideas of buying and buying of presents. As April 3, 2011 is getting nearer and nearer, “Do It Yourself Girl!” decided to share with you a couple of tips you can use to spend Mothers Day with your beloved ones. Ditch the tempting pampering vouchers (which half the time they get passed to someone else) or booking a meal out as usual. Save the deluxe chocolates for Easter and maybe Christmas if you can. Forget the £25-£55 bouquet of flowers someone just confessed they always get them form eBay or Amazon. Take advantage of our awesome free of entry Southampton Art Gallery. On July 3, 2003 The Independent described the Art Gallery was as “one of the best places outside London to see British modern art and studies of ceramic”. Not only is it free, but also a great place packed with over 3,500 works of Art covering 6 centuries of European Culture. Whether it will be for the first time or not, the Art Gallery is well known as a routine place to go and or just enjoy the impressing art collections. www.diygirl.org.uk
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March/April Issue 2011
People love to explore the exhibitions. And of course after a good stroll around the gallery, motheringnature will be available to welcome people who just want to relax and catch the fresh aired garden outside. This is also coupled with the long standing attractive fountain which tops up everything just like icing on a cake.
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HARBOUR LIGHTS PICTUREHOUSE IS PROUD TO SUPPORT “DO IT YOURSELF GIRL! MAGAZINE
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March/April Issue 2011
DO IT YOURSELF GIRL! WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT FORUM Date: April 15, 2011
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Main Guest Speaker: Caroline Nokes (MP Southampton North and Romsey) Venues: Harbour Lights Picturehouse, Ocean Village, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3TL Room: Conference room (upstairs)
Be inspired. Be uplifted. And have a new direction for life! Visit our website for more information www.diygirl.org.uk. Share this invite with friends, relatives, work colleagues etc
NB: There are limited spaces, so please do confirm your attendance.
We do look forward to seeing you
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March/April Issue 2011