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A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME TO INFORM YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THOSE CLOSE TO YOU

HOLIDAYING AT HOME

SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR SINGLE PARENTS

SUMMER SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY

RETURNING TO EDUCATION

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BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMYStaycations help to retain jobs in the tourism industry, improve our economy and reduce transport-related emissions from travel – good for the environment too. If you have children, it makes sense to holiday at home: no airport queues, no cancelled flights, no security clampdowns necessitating endless searches and even more queues. To holiday in the UK, you need only to jump in your car, or take a train or bus, or even walk to a local attraction.

GET TO KNOW YOUR COUNTRY!Beyond the economic, the practical and the green considerations, a trip within the UK is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your children to your own country. How much do you know about the Welsh marshes, the Scottish Highlands or the Yorkshire Dales? Have you walked the Sussex Downs, taken a ferry to the Isle of Wight, or eaten crabs in Cromer? Why not see more of your own country this year?

EXPLORE OUR ISLANDS!For the sheer range of experiences, the UK is hard to beat. Beach holidays have a character all of their own in Britain. Where do you find rock pools like those in Devon, or sand dunes like the ones in Norfolk? If it’s wildlife you’re after, go whale-watching in Wales, badger tracking in Dorset, or island hopping in Scotland. If it’s culture you want, head north to the Edinburgh International Festival, visit art galleries in

London or go on a Beatles tour in Liverpool. The UK also has an enviable number and range of summer music festivals which offer something for everyone, no matter what you’re into.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONSFor the budget-conscious, camping is an inexpensive and liberating experience and can be great fun for children. If camping is too close to nature for you, the UK’s hostel network has undergone a major transformation over the past number of years and is a comfortable and cheap way to holiday. The popularity of “glamping” is also on the rise, where luxury camping is set up for you in accommodation as diverse as yurts, airstream caravans, tipis and eco-pods.

More traditional accommodation can be found in the thousands of B&Bs throughout the country. And if you want luxury, you’re spoilt for choice: there’s a huge variety of top-of-the-range, no-expense-spared family hotels with spas, nannies, playrooms and swimming pools. Everything you want is just on your doorstep.

For more ideas go to: www.visitbritain.co.uk and www.enjoyengland.com

HOLIDAYING AT HOMEBetween the budget cuts, rising travel costs and volcanic ash disruptions, holidaying at home or “staycations” are set to become even more popular choice for summer 2010.

Workplace Options (2010). Holidaying at Home. London: Author.

Holidaying at home may not be something that we want to do every year but relaxing at home, taking nearby day trips or holidaying in the UK can provide many benefits to our economy and environment – as well as to our bank balance and stress levels!

Most single parents today find themselves occasionally over-whelmed. It’s a real challenge to juggle the tasks and responsibilities of two people. As a single parent, the best way for you to deal with the ever-increasing demands of parenting, working and taking care of yourself is to concentrate on staying organised.

SOME SIMPLE STRATEGIES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SINGLE PARENTS:

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SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR SINGLE PARENTS

• If you’re newly single, eliminate unnecessary chores, errands and activities until you can establish a timetable that works for both you and your children.

• Take a good look at your daily and weekly “must-do’s”. Make lists, draw charts and let your children help you by performing simple tasks and taking on appropriate responsibilities.

• Recruit help from family and friends. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, or practical help, don’t be afraid to ask.

• Don’t avoid two-parent families. Although in some circumstances it may feel awkward, getting to know other families can really make a difference when trying to build a network of support.

• Remember to put effort into keeping your relationships strong and healthy. It will come back to benefit you and your children.

• Take time for yourself without the children. It’s to everyone’s advantage if you let yourself be a priority once in awhile.

• Make sure you eat right and find time to exercise.

• Join a group of other single parents for sharing experiences and days out.

• Find activities in your area which you and your children will both enjoy.

• Have fun and enjoy dates and meeting new people. But it’s probably best to keep your children away from your dating life until someone serious comes along.

• Although it’s not always easy, remember to speak kindly about your ex-spouse/partner in front of the children.

• Don’t deny the reality that you are a single parent. Whatever your circumstances, deal with the emotions attached to it. Only then can you begin to help your children with what they’re going through.

• Talk with your children often. They may experience sadness and personal difficulties from time to time.

• Look into counselling if you seem to be struggling and having a hard time in your situation.

• Do research and find out about getting some good financial advice. Don’t wait to plan for your future.

• Don’t forget about your sense of humour, and have fun. If you are single because of a recent transition, a new life full of new possibilities is just starting!

Workplace Options (Updated 2010). Strategies for Single

Parents. Raleigh, NC: Author.

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SUMMER SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLYIt’s important to keep safe in the summer, and heat-related conditions can particularly affect older people. Follow our top tips below for keeping well during the summer.

• Check the weather forecast regularly. They are getting more reliable!

• Keep the house cool and well-ventilated during summer. Use shades or reflective materials outside windows. Put up light-coloured curtains and keep them closed.

• During periods of summer heat, ask a friend, neighbour or relative to check in regularly.

• Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Thirst is not a reliable indicator of dehydration so remember to drink water regularly. Look out for muscle cramps, mild confusion, weakness or sleep problems. If you have any of these, rest in a cool place and drink fluids.

• Avoid strenuous activities. If unavoidable, increase your consumption of water during times of exertion.

• The hottest part of the day is from 11am until 3pm. Avoid outdoor activities during these hours.

• Severe burns can result from surfaces that may have been heated by the sun, for example, car seats and chairs. Always check the temperature of these items before using them.

• Dress in light-weight, light-coloured cotton clothing. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and air to circulate. Synthetic fabrics and dark colours can trap the body’s heat next to the skin and cause the body’s temperature to rise.

• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.

• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.

• Avoid heat exhaustion. Look out for headaches, dizziness, nausea, pale skin, heavy sweating and high temperature. If you have any of these, rest in a cool place and drink fluids.

• Be aware of heatstroke. Look out for hot and red skin, headaches, nausea, intense thirst, high temperature, confusion and a lack of consciousness.

• Seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition – if you notice its symptoms call 999 immediately.

If you are concerned about your health, or the health of someone close to you during hot weather contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Workplace Options. Summer Safety for the Elderly. London: Author.

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Careers adviceAdult learners face many decisions and challenges: how to learn after years away from a formal learning environment, whether to learn for fun or to improve their career prospects, how to apply to college, and which colleges or training centres provide what opportunities. There are (often free) services available which can help you identify your goals, track your progress and help you with CVs, interviews and action plans. You may also be able to get information on financial help that may be available.

Find the right courseThere are almost a million courses available in the UK, many of which have no entry requirements. To find a course that suits you, you can go to the Careers Advice Service website http://www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/ and search for a course in your area.

If you would prefer to access higher education, most universities have a significant number of “mature” students, and will often consider a range of qualifications when looking at applications. You may also find that you’re given credit for previous work experience.

Costs and feesIt’s important to find out about costs before you enrol. Some courses are free, for example, literacy and numeracy courses to GCSE and A level standard. If you are currently employed, your employer may be able to assist you financially.

Other course fees vary by subject, length of the course and type of qualification. Course providers will be able to provide information on fees before you enrol.

Other costs to consider might include: exam fees, field trips, books and stationery, computer equipment and loss of earnings.

Reducing costsTo reduce costs during your course, try the following ideas:

• Apply for (if eligible) a National Union of Students (NUS) card to take advantage of discounts on a wide range of goods and services

• Use the library as much as possible instead of buying books

• Use the computer facilities provided to you by your course provider

• Use any discount shops/websites affiliated to your course provider

RETURNING TO EDUCATIONThe summer is often the time when firm plans are set for returning to education. Making a decision to return can be a daunting one. Many people including early school leavers, unemployed people, those who are retraining for new jobs or hoping to learn new skills for their current job may be interested in returning to education on a full-time or part-time basis.

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A free, confidential and independent resource to help you balance your work, family and personal life.

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RETURNING TO EDUCATION(continued)

Further informationGet on can provide information on a range of courses available to you free of charge and help you see if you qualify for free tuition. Website: http://geton.direct.gov.uk/ or call 0800 66 0800.

Careers Advice Service. Whether you want a new job, a more fulfilling career, or the skills to get promotion or a pay rise, the Careers Advice Service can help. Visit their website http://www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk or phone 0800 100 900 (8am - 10pm, seven days a week)

Nextstep is a free, friendly service that offers face-to-face help and advice on training, learning and the world of work. To find your nearest service go to http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/

“Make your dreams a reality” - the Aimhigher guide on getting into higher education as a mature student. You can order one by freephone on 0800 587 850, or by textphone on 0800 280 024. Quote reference ‘RETURN09’. Copies are available in Braille, large print or audio cassette.

Train to Gain is meeting the demands of employers from all sectors to improve the skills of their employees as a route to improving their business performance. Website: http://www.traintogain.gov.uk

Learning through Work gives you the opportunity to individually tailor a route to a recognised university-level qualification, using projects you complete as part of your current role, so both you and your business benefit. Website: http://www.learningthroughwork.org/

Workplace Options (2010). Returning to Education. London: Author.

Workplace Options (WPO) has endeavoured to ensure that the information compiled for this edition of Lifelines is accurate. Notwithstanding this, WPO stresses that the information contained is in no way intended to be a substitute of any kind for medical, financial and/or legal advice given in the context of an individual professional consultation. WPO makes no representations whatsoever, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information or its fitness for purpose.

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LIFELINES SUMMER 10