Topic outline

  • LGBT+ History Month 2024 badge design. A heart containing the progress pride flag, a stethoscope wraps around it. This year theme is Medicine – #UnderTheScope

    The 2024 theme celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today. 

    We want to showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Whilst still shining a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare which has been extremely complicated leaving LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities even today.

    At a time when the LGBT+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime and hate instances we also encourage you to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences from LGBT+ people.

    Follow this link for some amazing stories about LGBT+ personalities from past and present.  You have twenty seven stories to choose from. You can read about the diversity and achievements of people important to the LGBT+ community today. In the stories are pioneers who campaigned to establish rights for LGBT+ people. Others changed attitudes by living open and proud lives. There are people who have given us songs, stories and drama to inspire us. Others provide us with opportunities to celebrate our achievements. https://www.voicesandvisibility.org.uk/index/personalities/ ;

    How have LGBT+ rights changed through generations


     

  • Deaf Awareness week is to increase public awareness of Deaf issues, people, and culture. The week focuses on promoting the positive aspects of deafness, encouraging social inclusion, and raising awareness of the organizations locally, nationally and globally that support those who are deaf https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/deaf-awareness/

    We can all help make Capel a Deaf Friendly Space here are some tips for being more Deaf aware: 

    • Face the person while you are speaking, don’t turn away
    • Repeat yourself if necessary
    • Keep your mouth visible
    • Don’t speak too quickly or too slowly
    • Speak one at a time, don’t talk over each other
    • Write it down or draw a picture
    • Reduce background noise or find a quiet environment
    • Use simple gestures to communicate; point or even demonstrate
    • Learn some basic BSL
    • Be patient – if the person doesn’t understand you, don’t give up!

    We celebrate and honour different identities within our communities. At NDC, we recognize that everyone has different experiences and journeys. This is reflected in the data, resources, and work we create and share. Whenever possible, we highlight differences by gender, disability, race, and ethnicity in our data reports and resources. In recognizing these differences, we support all paths towards #DeafSuccess

    Colleagues from across the National Deaf Children's Society, both hearing and deaf, tell us what their deaf awareness tips are when working with deaf colleagues! Want to learn more, watch this video: 

     Head over to their website here for details https://bit.ly/3LfDvDY 

    More information about deaf awareness: https://www.signature.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/

    Enfield work shop: We will be holding a work shop run by our lovely Dog Grooming Student Lily and her equally lovely interpreter Nicky, they will talk to us about Deaf culture, teaching the group some skills to communicate successfully with Deaf people.  Also teaching some basic BSL to the group. Did you notice the capital D - Deaf culture often says to use a capital D in Deaf to promote being proud of being Deaf and their identity. Please join this interactive workshop, helping to make the college a Deaf Friendly space.

     Please email: jaimie.squillino@capel.ac.uk if you would like to join. 

    Because of May Bank holidays this will take place at Enfield on Monday 15th of May: 9:30 – 11:30 book early – there will be cake!

    Workshops are also going on at Gunnersbury Park - please speak to Sophie Patel to find out more. 





  • Get Involved - North Smethwick Development Trust   The theme for mental health awareness week is Anxiety is an important human emotion, but in some circumstances it can get out of hand and become a mental health problem.

      The good news is that by holding events and aiding understating of anxiety will help towards making a more understating community, where we can help each other to thrive. 

    Different activities will be happening at all centres so please keep an eye out on your emails. We are encouraging everyone to dress in green between the 15th - 18th of May to raise awareness around mental health. 

    If you are getting involved with the scavenger hunt (or even if you are not) please watch Peter Brammall's Video giving us hints and tips on how he takes care of his mental health, things that we can all put into practice: 

    Link:  https://youtu.be/KfJ1htzvO4c

      or click below: 

     

    See this link for find some helpful hints and tips on how to cope with your anxiety:  https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety

     Check out this video from Mental Health Foundation from 2020, just a reminder that if you feel you can't do anything to help, simply being kind can make a larger difference than you think. Always choose kindness, not just to others but also to yourself. 


     

    They have other videos on you tube: @ukmentalhealth 

    Read More about Natale Story, sharing how kindness got him to where he is today: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/stories/ntales-story-why-kindness-got-me-where-i-am-today

    Join us to raise money and awareness to help us get good mental health for all of us. By going green, you can support the charity in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. 1 in 6 of us are affected by mental health problems every week

    Give if you can – all funds raised throughout the event will go toward Light touch, if you want to donate on line here is the link: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved/ways-donate/donate-mental-health-foundation



  • We need you, more than ever, to join us in supporting the 700,000 autistic people in the UK, this event raises awareness of the ambitious plans to transform our society into one that truly works for autistic people.

    THE MOONSHOT VISION – Valuing autistic individuals

    During 2022, autistic people and their families worked alongside the National Autistic Society to create a vision of a society that works for them – a vision launched this week in our ground-breaking Moonshot report. Throughout the week, we’re taking a closer look at each of the “Future Realities” – the five things autistic people told us would together make up a society that truly works for them. 

    We’ll know that society works for autistic people and their families when it:

    • Values autistic individuals
    • Maximises autistic power
    • Guarantees support
    • Adapts public spaces and services
    • Is free from discrimination

    A society that values autistic individuals understands and appreciates what autism is and how it is unique to each individual.

    To truly value autistic individuals, society must recognise the depth of uniqueness to everyone’s experiences of life. This also means acknowledging that many factors can impact on an autistic person’s life, including other prejudices, biases and traumas. Society must also appreciate that there is no “one size fits all” approach for autism and that every autistic person will have an individual profile of their sensory differences, needs to be met, strengths and challenges.

    Public understanding and attitudes are at the heart of this – and it is these, not autistic people, that need to change. 

    To read more: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/the-moonshot-vision/the-moonshot-vision-daily-blogs/future-reality-values-autistic-individuals ;

    Watch this video busting some myths around outdated myths about autism, told by @autismfromtheInside a you tube channel run by Paul Micallef who was diagnosed at at 30 years old. He says: Autism affects many (if not all!) aspects of our lives, so on this channel, I want to show you what Autism looks like in real people and give you some insight into what's happening for us on the inside. We'll break down myths and misconceptions, discuss how to embrace autism and live well, and share what it's like to be an autistic person.

     








  • Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa.

    The reality is they cannot be separate – they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

    Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues. 

    Find out More here: https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month/

    Take the 30 day challenge

    It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits, which is why this is a month-long programme.  The 30-day challenge will maximise your chances of turning useful stress busting knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change that will help you elevate stress and don't worry it only takes a small amount of time each day, but can make a life time of difference: 

    Use these 6 points to make a start, remember, no stress, different things work for different people so, be prepared to be kind to yourself, no judgment, just try these different ideas, and find the ones that work for you. 
    Check here for more resources: https://www.stress.org.uk/30daychallenge/ ;

    A Word on Mindfulness 
    You may have heard this phrase lots over the last few years, or seen it in magazines, its the state of being that allows you to practicing being in the moment. Make a point of being aware of your surroundings, for example of the birds singing in the tress or the colour of the leaves as you walk down the street. 

    Did you know however, its more than just a state and philosophy, it can be backed up by neuroscience research, which showed that mindfulness practices dampen activity in our amygdala and increase the connections between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Both of these parts of the brain help us to be less reactive to stressors and to recover better from stress when we experience it. So get practicing it literally help your brain to be calmer!

    Check out these sites and apps designed to help us to manage stress:

    :-) Mindfulness for teens:  https://www.mindfulnessforteens.com

    :-)Smiling MindSmiling Mind is a mindfulness meditation smartphone app to experience, for both adults and kids. With soothing colours and a simple, modern design, Smiling Mind is enjoyable to use and very intuitive. The app can be downloaded for free, and then getting started is as simple as registering and choosing your age preference. Each age group is given a set of guided meditations designed to bring users from a beginning level to a ‘mindful master’ level over time. https://www.smilingmind.com.au/ ;

    :-) Headspace

    Headspace, conceived by meditation teacher Andy Puddicombe, coins itself as ‘a gym membership for the mind.’ Users can start out with a free 10-day mindfulness meditation program known as ‘Take 10,’ and then begin a paid subscription if interested in more content. This app focuses on training the brain through a selection of special series meditations in areas such as health, relationships and performance: https://www.headspace.com

    :-) Calm

    Calm is a simple smartphone app that teaches mindfulness and makes it easy to follow a daily meditation practice. The app can be downloaded for free with plenty of content. https://www.calm.com

     Stop, Breathe & Think

    Mindfulness is all about being present and aware in each moment. What better way to instil this concept than to Stop, Breathe & Think? This wonderful mindfulness app makes it easy to take a daily pause in your day to check in with yourself, and through regular practice, you can broaden perspective and ‘create your own personal force field of calm and peace.’ https://www.stopbreathethink.org.uk


    Video about connecting with Mindfulness:  
    Stress Awareness, lets talk about it: 
      

  • International Romani Day 8th April 2023

    International Romani Day is celebrated on April 8 each year. The annual day honours the first major international meeting of Romani delegates which was held in April 1971 in Chelsfield near London. This international cultural awareness day celebrates Roma’s culture and history, art, and valuable contributions of Roma to our societies.

     It’s also a day to acknowledge and highlight the different challenges facing the Romani population — one of the largest minority groups in Europe today. Even in modern times, the Romani people still battle systemic discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion. 

    Today, International Romani Day is recognized by all European and international organizations and institutions. 

    Here's a clip with Alina Serban, an invisible Roma, raise awareness of the issues that Romani people face


    We were lucky at Enfield to have a talk by our very own Donna Dunn and her sister Reggan – many of you will know Donna from Floristry - What you may not have known is that Donna & Reggan are the adopted Daughters of Sylvia Dunn, the founder of the National Association of Gypsy Women.

    Donna and Reggan told us about their Trailblazing mum, and their life and experiences.

    they spoke of discrimination that was hurled towards many traveller families, and how their mum lead the way campaigning for fair and equal rights for travellers. Clearly way before her time she embraced equality by suggesting at the 5th World Romani Congress in Prague (2001), that instead of having one representative from each country who were usually men, there should be one man and one woman, to enhance gender equality. A few years later, Sylvia travelled to Strasbourg (France) with a delegation of Romani women, to seek justice for GRT communities in the UK.
    This work is still going on with Reggan and Donna following in their mums footsteps promoting a society that gives full respect and understating to every single person, regardless of heritage, gender or background, we are all people, trying our best. 

    Following this talk we discovered that even in our community, we have some invisible Romani at Capel, and so we wanted to highlight this day to say that we support and encourage you to be proud of your culture and who you are. 



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  • Holi

    Read moreHappy Holi to all of our friends and colleagues.
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  • International Women's Day... - International Women's Day

    Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 
    A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
    Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.
    IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.
      
    Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.
    A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA.
    And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.
    The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

    IAC: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) 
    This image shows the difference between Equality and Equity, use this to discuss where you can see good examples of this in everyday life and is there anything we can do to readdress that balance? 

    Be an Allie

    We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. 

    Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. 

    Forging gender equity isn't limited to women solely fighting the good fight. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.

     Watch this video and play along...


    Did it make you think!.

    #Embrace Equity 




  • Voter Registration Week 2022


    No Voice, No Say, make sure you register to vote. 

    NEVER TAKE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE FOR GRANTED

    From the Chartists to the Suffragettes, the history of voting rights is littered with examples of people taking extremely brave actions to secure the vote.

    we are  working with the Greater London Authority and Shout Out UK who are running an impartial public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Electoral Commission. All London councils and a broad civil society coalition to address the equalities impact of the Elections Act, namely the introduction of photo Voter IDs and the removal of voting rights from some EU Londoners.

    These are unprecedented changes to civic and democratic rights. So we need your support to continue to reach under-represented Londoners. We know that 61% of people are not aware of the forthcoming requirement in order to vote, photo ID will become a requirement.  11% do not hold a form of approved photo voter ID specified in the Elections Act (GLA/ YouGov poll, July - August 2022).

    Hence, we are getting involved with the Voter ID Public Awareness Campaign, to ensure that as many people as possible can have a voice in the elections.  

     From a group of Barons tracking down a king in a muddy marshland and forcing him to sign a piece of paper in 1215, to the eventual universal suffrage of all adults in the United Kingdom 713 years later (in 1928), we must remember that the right to vote in this country wasn't always guaranteed, and gaining it never came easy.

    A Brief History of Suffrage:

    1867 All male homeowners over the age of 21 are allowed to vote. That’s about 5.5million.

    1918 All men over the age of 21 and all women over 30 are allowed to vote. That’s about 21million.

    1928All women over the age of 21 are allowed to vote for the first time. That’s about 28million.

    1976The voting age is dropped to 18 for both genders. That’s about 40million.

    201416 and 17 year olds vote in the Scottish Independence

    2017On the 3rd of November an initial debate to lower the voting age was taken to Parliament. at the moment the age has stayed at 18. 

    No Vote No Voice, so join London Voter Registration Week 2021 | View from  Dr Elisabeth Pop | Trust for London

    You are not automatically registered to vote, you can register once you turn 16;  make sure have your say; use this link below to get on the voters register:  https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote



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  • Anti Bullying, one kind word can lead to another

    Read moreOne kind word can lead to another, and we can stand united together against bullying. 

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  • Read moreA week of raising awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world.
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  • Holocaust Memorial Day is officially on the 27th of January, it’s a date when millions around the globe remember those affected by genocide. The date is held on the day when Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest concentration camp, was liberated from the Nazis back in 1945. Six million Jews were killed by the Nazis but some studies suggest the true death toll could be as many as 20 million.

     


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  • Happy Hanukkah

    Read moreThe eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE.
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  • Diwali

    Read moreHappy Diwali to all of our friends and colleagues.
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  • Eid

    Eid Mubarak!

    Read moreMuslims around the world are marking the end of Ramadan this week by celebrating with the festival of Eid Al-Fitar
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  • Read moreA common question used throughout the world around this time each year is: “What are you giving up for Lent?”, but what is Lent and why do many Christians give up foods they love for 40 days?
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  • Month of Ramadam

    Read moreCelebrated by millions of Muslims across the globe, Ramadan is observed every year during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
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  • Happy Visak

    Read moreAlso known as 'Buddha Day', Vesak is the celebration of Buddha's enlightenment.  
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  • Please be aware that this week is Sexual Health Week 2022.

     It’s Sexual Health Week 2022. Time for a check-up? Want to find out more about sexual health services in your area?

    Terrence Higgins Trust offer free STI and HIV testing, free condoms and sexual health advice and support.  

    You can contact their confidential direct help line on: 0808 802 1221 

    email: info@tht.org.uk

    they also offered a live chat services that is free and anonymous between 3pm and 5pm. 

    follow the link: https://www.tht.org.uk 

    We run the C card scheme here at the college, which gives access to free lube and condoms, so please make sure to come to student services if you need any help and support.  Where you can sign up confidentially and be issued with a C Card, More info about the C card scheme here:

    https://youngandfree.org.uk/join-the-c-card-scheme


     

     



  • About World Suicide Prevention DayEvery year on the 10th of September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

    Did you know, one in four young people may struggle with thoughts of suicidal at any one time? Just take a minute to think about that. Suicide thoughts can impacted anyone and can be for all sorts of reasons. Knowing there are support services that help those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide is massively important because this shows they are not alone and lives can be saved.

    We wanted to help the fight in raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo, it is important for communities to make progress in preventing suicide.

    • Creating that hope by acting bravely and speaking openly and honestly about your thoughts of suicide.
    • Creating that hope by being the one who asks this question: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” to that person that you are concerned about.
    • Creating a space to know that you can talk with no judgement.

    What to do if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide.

    We know that staying isolated with your thoughts means that no one can support you, so breaking your silence around your feelings of suicide and what is causing this, is the way forward. Breaking through that stigma can help you to seek support and can help you to stay alive. Knowing what to say can be difficult so try if you can to plan what you are going to say and when you are going to say it, however sometimes, just showing that you have noticed someone it not okay can be enough to get the conversation started. 

    Project Semicolon Promotes Suicide Prevention & Mental ...Project Semicolon is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope to those who are struggling with mental health, suicide, self-injury, and addiction. As the Project Semicolon website reads: “A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. https://www.projectsemicolon.com/ ;

    Please do not struggle alone; let your sentence be heard, speak to someone you trust, this could be your family, your friends a work colleague, or your student service team, but if that is difficult then you could also contact any of these support services. 

    see some support services and recommended apps' below: 

    Papyrs LogoPapyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

    Samaritans launches new brand | Third SectorSamaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/


    Movember Logo Vector - (.SVG + .PNG) - GetLogoVector.Com

    Movember: https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/spot-the-signs?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Movember&utm_content=PR03EDM&utm_id=15052&sfmc_id=16056177

    Mind LogoMindhttps://www.mind.org.uk/

    If you want want to talk and would rather us an app or website: 

    #Stayalive
    Stay alive app:
    https://www.stayalive.app/

    home: https://www.kooth.com/ ;

    Please keep the conversation going, just beginning with a recognition that you are worried someone is not oaky, or opening up about not feeling okay yourself, just this, can make more of a difference than you will ever know.  

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student services team, if you are worried about yourself or any one else.