SpunOut.ie Blog
September, 2008
SpunOut.ie in line for Irish Web Award!
Fingers crossed as we make the shortlist.
Hip hip hooray for SpunOut.ie as we've made the short-list for the Moviestar.ie Irish Web Awards in the Educational category. The awards are organised by blogger Damien Mulley of Mulley.net and celebrate community minded websites that are leading the way in Ireland.
All the staff and volunteers at SpunOut.ie have been busting themselves recently to make the site into a dream machine; something cool, clean and creative that helps empower the youth of Ireland to make a difference.
The short-listing for an Irish Web Award has given a great lift to us, meaning we’re getting more and more recognition for our hard work. Securing an award would be mega mighty in helping us develop our site, get more recognition and attract funding and sponsorship to help us roll out our national marketing drive.
So a collective cyber fingers crossed and let’s hope that when the awards are announced on October 11th that SpunOut.ie will be up there, lookin’ good and wearing gold.
Look after yourself
Blog: A message from SpunOut.ie on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The 10th of September 2008 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day, people from all over the world will remember those who have been lost by suicide. In Ireland up to 600 people die by suicide every year.
This year to mark the event SpunOut.ie has one simple message for you:
Look after yourself.
We want you to keep positive and be positive to others. Today is a day for doing something that makes you feel happy.
Make yourself laugh, jump about or listen to your favourite song. Whatever you do, just enjoy yourself.
Today is a day for you to take control of your world.
Watch the Stay Positive video here!
If you need help or to talk to someone right now then contact one of these organisations for confidential support 24 hours a day- no matter your age or where you are.
Samaritans PHONE: 1850 609090
(Northern Ireland: 08457 909090)
Or contact Samaritans using the email box on this page.
Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
ChildLine FREEPHONE: 1800 66 66 66
Childline is a 24-hour a day service for young people up to 18. Childline offer support to young people through the listening service over the phone and through the website. You can call Childline for a chat or to talk about any problems you might have.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self harm, you should immediately contact your local doctor or go to the Casualty unit of the nearest hospital. The doctors and hospitals in your area will be listed in the Golden Pages: www.goldenpages.ie.
You can find more information on support services and getting help here: www.spunout.ie/help/
Or log onto the SpunOut.ie Discussion Forum, where you can get peer support from other young people.
All it takes is a small bit of courage and your life can change.
From the SpunOut.ie team... have a fantastic day!!!
Keep positive!
By: Ian Howley
Tell us how to spread the SpunOut.ie word
Blog: We're on look-out for creative ways to reach young people!
Wanted: Ideas on how to spread the SpunOut.ie word.
Who: YOU! Who better to know how SpunOut.ie can best reach young people, than our trusty website users!
What: Please tell us your wacky, cool, groooOOOoovy ideas on spreading the SpunOut.ie word. To get your minds spinning maybe think about gimmicks, stunts, on the streets, online and promotional materials to name a few!
How: Just hop on over to this short online survey (it will take just a few minutes of your time).
Recreate summer
Blog: The calendar might insist that it's September but that doesn't mean you have to give up that summer feeling.
September is here and for many of us, that means a fresh start at school, college or returning to work following lovely, lazy (and possible wet!) holidays. It can be exciting to see friends again and have a change of scene following the summer but sometimes we all feel a bit nostalgic for those long summer days.
So, we’ve put together tips on how you can bounce right back into the summer feeling whenever you want!
- Shine on. Don’t pack away those funky, bright clothes – layer your summer clothes over jeans, tights, leggings (okay, so fellas might not want to go that far!) and stick those sunglasses on your head – the sun WILL appear at some point!
- Get outdoors. September often has great weather and the evenings are still long. So hook up with friends and get outside as much as possible. Organise a beach party, barbecue or trip to the park and if the weather is iffy, grab a jacket and umbrella.
- Smell great. The sun can damage your skin year round – so smell like summer and stay safe by continuing to use sun cream. The smell will give you an instant feel good back-to-summer moment.
- Love laziness. Take some time off work or turn a weekend into a holiday. Visit somewhere new, party with friends or simply veg out with DVDs for a whole day- whatever helps you feel chilled. Most important is that you ONLY do stuff you enjoy...ahhh, bliss.
- Have a holiday romance. The mystery, the excitement, the way you can get carried away when you know you won’t see them again! Okay, this one might be difficult to recreate but... Keep an eye out for people on holiday or travelling in your home area. Get that romance going with your Irish charm and knowledge of all the local tourist spots.
- Embrace Autumn. Hey, nobody wants to get stuck in summer forever. Think of the sunburn, windburn, rainburn and dodgy hats! Once you’ve settled back into school/ college/ work/ that round the world trip, we hope you have a great, chilled out Autumn!
