Children First

children firstWestminster

Issue 18, Summer 2013Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

Meet your new Youth MP

What’s on this half term

City SaveGreat family offers

WIN! Tickets to Children’s theatre

Dear Parent or Carer,Better chances for our children and young peopleIn March, the Leader of the council set out our Better City, Better Lives vision for Westminster. As Cabinet member for Children and Young people I want to take this opportunity to explain our priorities, particularly what we are doing to help children and young people in our care.

Over the last year we have made good progress and have managed to cut the time a child has to wait for a loving home from 53 to 26 weeks. By doing this we have increased their chances of being adopted, but we need to do more.

We want to make sure that every child is adopted more quickly by placing them with their adoptive parents within 12 months instead of the current timeframe of 18 months. We also aim to get 80% of children who currently need foster care to be placed with foster carers by 2014. However, for us to achieve this we need to recruit more foster carers and increase the number of adoptive parents by 20%.

Helping young people with their future career prospects is another of the council’s priorities. As a parent, I am passionate about helping young people fulfill their potential.

With today’s job market more competitive than ever, young people are looking for ways to boost their chances of employment. Which is why we are supporting schemes that help school leavers get on the career path.

You can find out more about these schemes and our priorities in this edition of Children First. I hope you find it useful and informative.

Councillor Danny Chalkley Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Contents5

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Free healthy lifestyle programme for parents


Improve your chances of finding work

Life skills with the Army cadets

Meet the Youth MP

Tell us what you think of Children First

Vitamin D helps us shine

Westminster’s youngest entrepreneur

Fast Forward

City Save offers

Web safety tips

Recognising young carers

If you know someone who would like to sign up to receive Children First, please ask them to send their address details to [email protected]

2 Westminster Children First, Issue 18, Summer 2013

New Government Tax-Free Childcare scheme The new Tax-Free Childcare initiative will replace the childcare vouchers program and will be phased in from autumn 2015. Eligible families will get 20% of their yearly childcare costs - up to £6,000 per child - paid for. This could mean payments of up to £1,200 per child, per year. To be eligible, families will have all parents in work, with each earning less than £150,000 a year, and will not already receive tax credits and later, Universal Credit. In the first year, all children under five will be eligible and, over time, children under 12 will be included.

The latest news from around Westminster NEWS

Protect your child from measlesWe recommend that your children are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure about whether you or your child has had two doses of the vaccine, speak to your GP who will have a record.

Experts believe the current rise in cases of measles is due to the high proportion of 10-16-year-olds who are unprotected because they missed out on vaccination in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This was because of widespread concern about a now-disproved link between autism and the MMR vaccine. Measles is a dangerous illness and can lead to complications. Around one in every 10 children who get measles is admitted to hospital. In rare cases, people can die from measles.

It is never too late to get vaccinated against measles – make an appointment with your GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible. For more information visit: www.nhs.gov.uk

Health and wellbeing in Westminster –Have your sayThe council’s new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines plans for improving the health and wellbeing of people living, working and visiting Westminster. Some of the goals of the strategy include ensuring every child has the best start in life and enabling young people to have a healthy adulthood. We would love to hear how you think individuals, communities and businesses can help improve health and wellbeing in your area. You can complete an online survey, or submit comments via email, in writing, or by phone. Please visit our website for more details: westminster.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing strategy Please give us your feedback by 2nd July 2013.

Westminster Children First, Issue 18, Summer 2013 3

Freephone 0800 169 3497 [email protected]

/adoptionandfosteringwww.lbhf.gov.uk /fosteringwww.rbkc.gov.uk/fosteringwww.westminster.gov.uk/fostering

Niamh and Peter Murphy, Foster Carers“THERE was this old NSPCC advert that used to get me every time. That was when I decided to become a foster carer.” Niamh Murphy has been fostering with her husband Peter for six years and during that time they have looked after eight children ranging in age from three days to 15 years.Joanna came to them aged six, for one night initially. She has severe behavioural problems and

educational difficulties. Today, she has developed strategies for dealing with her behaviour through therapy, and is top of her class; something Peter talks about with the same pride that is recognisable in any parent.As a result of her progress, it has been decided by the local authority that Joanna will stay with the couple until she is 18. “We are just so proud of her,” Peter says. “She is coming home with certificates for star of the term and she was voted on to the school council by her class. Joanna’s progress has been remarkable.Apart from the help they give each other, they talk about the other avenues of support that have been open to them, including their social worker and the local fostering support network.Peter adds: “We have had huge support from our

supervising social worker and we also go to support groups with other foster carers who have experience in dealing with the kinds of challenges that come up. You

will always find someone whose ear you can bend.”Reiterating her motivation to get involved in

fostering, Niamh says: “To see these children achieve something that they thought they

never could is incredible. It is like winning the lottery to watch their confidence grow. In my head I am a bit like the Waltons. I want the big kitchen with all the kids around it and if I had a big house and a big kitchen I would take loads in.”

*All names have been changed.

a child like me?

Could youFoster

It is like winning the lottery to see their confidence grow

Ad.CS Fostering-WCC 160x240mm.indd 1 19/04/2013 10:52

/adoptionandfosteringwww.lbhf.gov.uk /fosteringwww.rbkc.gov.uk/fosteringwww.westminster.gov.uk/fostering

If you are interested in adopting a child call freephone 0800 781 2332 or email [email protected]

Mytime Health has now been commissioned to deliver Boost services in Westminster.

New Mum New You (12 week course)An interactive programme for post-natal mums incorporating energy boosting workouts and great nutrition tips!

Baby Boost (6 week course)A fun programme for parents and children aged 0-2 years, combining active play with nutritional advice on topics such as weaning and portion sizes.

Toddler Boost (12 week course)An interactive programme for parents and children aged 2-4 years including food exposure through chopping and tasting, fun active play and fussy eating advice.

Free healthy lifestyle programme for parents

Hosted in children’s centres across the city, Boost provides a fun and free healthy lifestyle programme for both parents and children aged 0-5 to help establish healthy habits for life. Delivered by a Dietitian and Physical Activity Specialist you’ll be in good hands and with three different types of programmes running, there should be something to suit everyone!

For more details on Boost or to register your interest in attending a programme email us at [email protected] or call 020 8323 1725.

Meet Sandra, she’s been attending a New Mum New You programme since August 2012.

Why did you get involved with Boost?

“I found out through word of mouth... my NCT group were all keen to lose some weight so we decided to go together”

What difference has Boost made to you?

“A big difference!... I have lost some weight… I have also made new friends... the fact it’s free has been hugely beneficial”

What have you learnt from the course?

“A number of exercises I can perform at home... more about nutrition and to eat more healthily”


Spring activitiesfor children and young people

Monday to FridayCookery sessions, outdoor sports, internet, Wii, table-tennis, pool, arts & craftsTime: 6.30 – 9pmAge: 10 – 19 yearsVenue: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, The Annexe, Churchill Gardens Road, Churchill Gardens Estate, SW1V 3ALCost: 20p

0207 630 1551

Tuesday to FridaySussex Street PlayTime: 8.30am – 6.00pmAge: 5-11years Venue: 3-13 Sussex Street, SW1V 4RZCost: £24 per day

020 7641 1107 / 5415

FREE TICKETSBEANii is giving away three sets of family tickets for a brand new theatre production – Harriet and Jake and the Victorian adventure.

Harriet and Jake are two normal, modern day kids who discover a special copy of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby and soon find the characters coming to life through a mysterious portal. Will they save Smike, a dying Victorian boy, before it’s too late? There’s only one way to find out...

For your chance to win email TICKETS to: [email protected]

Your name will go into a prize draw. Closing date is 30th May.

Please book in advance for all activities


Tuesday 28th MayOut and About to the Natural History Museum Time: 9.30am – 2pmAge: 0 – 5 years and older siblingsVenue: Westbourne Children’s CentreCost: Oyster card should be topped up

020 7641 4312

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 31st MayVarious Activities including Table Tennis and pool. Time: 9.30am – 2pmAge: 11-18 year oldsVenue: Ebury Youth Club Ebury Bridge Road, SW1W 9RUCost: Most activities are free but there may be a small charge for trips

020 7641 6124

Wednesday 29th MayTeddy Bears Picnic in St James ParkTime: 10.30 – 2.00pmAge: 0 – 5 years and older siblingsVenue: Walking from Marsham Street, Churchill Gardens and West End Children’s Centre Cost: Free

Marsham – 020 7641 5923, Churchill – 020 7641 4301, West End – 020 7828 4083

Wednesday 29th MayThe great BEANii Dickens adventure – Design the set for a theatre productionTime: 10.00 – 15.00Age: 8 – 11Do you enjoy art and design? Come help our professional designer create the set for a brand new theatre production,


Harriet and Jake & the Victorian adventure.Venue: Thamesbank Centre, Turpentine Lane, SW1V 4BBCost: freeWheelchair access: YesNearest tube: Pimlico/ Victoria

0777 184 7733

Thursday 30th MayThe great BEANii Dickens adventure – Make your own Victorian costume dayTime: 10am – 3pmAge: 8 – 11Design and create your own Victorian costume to take part in the Southwest Fest gala day parade. Venue: Thamesbank Centre, Turpentine Lane, SW1V 4BBCost: £5 for materialsWheelchair access: YesNearest tube: Pimlico/ Victoria

0777 184 7733

Thursday 30th May Naughty Peter Rabbit Workshop – includes free book Age: 5-6 years Venue: Queen’s Park Library, Crèche facilities availableCost: Free

020 7641 1300.

Saturday 1st JuneJust for DadsAge: 0 – 5 years Venue: Pimlico LibraryCost: Free

020 7641 5923

For the latest updates visit westminster.gov.uk/inthecity or call the Family Information Service on 020 7641 7929.

Improve your chances of finding workIf you are looking for work, you might want to consider taking part in Volunteer Centre Westminster’s mentoring programme, which aims to help unemployed people improve their job search techniques. Through regular one-to-ones with a well trained mentor, you can learn how to improve your CV, receive help with completing job application forms, get ideas and information about different types of job roles, and prepare and practice for interviews.

You will also receive help finding relevant volunteering opportunities so that you can develop the skills you need and build your confidence.

To be a mentee you should be ready to find work and able to meet a mentor for one or two hours a week. You should also be ready to get involved in volunteering.

There is also the chance to meet other mentees and mentors to help you develop your networking skills and share experiences.

To find out how to become a mentee or if you are interested in becoming a mentor contact [email protected], or call 020 7604 8815.

For more information visit: volunteer.co.uk


Learn skills for life with the Army cadets Samuel Kotovas, 16, is a Cadet Corporal in the 235 Westminster Detachment ACF (Army Cadet Force) (London Scottish), based on Rochester Row in Pimlico.

“One of my friends was a cadet and I thought I’d give it a go, as it sounded like a lot of fun. I was 11 when I first went, but I was a bit too enthusiastic, as I found out you could only join when you were 12 and had to leave and wait until I was old enough to join!

“I used to live very close to the unit on Rochester Row, but I now live much further away. Once you join a unit it becomes like a family. We’re affiliated to the London Scottish Regiment, and I’ve made a lot of friends so I wouldn’t want to join a unit closer to home.

“It’s completely free, apart from your boots and the trips away. But those activities are really cheap for what you get. The most recent was an Easter Camp – five days of adventurous training including: quad biking and scuba diving, and even with accommodation, food and travel it costs very little.

“Being a cadet covers everything – it’s allowed me to gain loads of life skills, meet loads of new people. Twice a week you’re guaranteed to learn something new and your skills keep growing and growing. I’ve learnt First Aid and navigation, which are skills I’ll always have. You can also do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and it all looks good on your CV for when you are looking for jobs. And while the cadets isn’t a recruiting base for the Army it’s definitely a great place to start if that’s what you wanted to do.

“I’ve recommended the cadets to a lot of my friends. Some have stayed, some have said it’s not for them; it’s a personal choice. But definitely more have come and stayed than have left! I’d like to stay involved with the Army Cadets after I go to university, perhaps as an instructor, and maybe one day as an officer.”

Find out more about Army Cadets and the detachments in Westminster at www.armycadets.com

“Once you join a unit it becomes like a family.”


Meet the Youth MPBlerta Berisha, 18, from Church Street, recently won the Youth elections to become the Youth MP for Westminster.

Blerta explains what motivated her to get involved and what issues she will be campaigning for.

“I first heard about the Youth Council through a friend. I had been complaining about some of the changes the Government was proposing and I was frustrated we had not been asked for our opinion. So my friend suggested I run for Youth MP. I got a campaign team together and we started going around to schools and speaking to young people about my policies.

“One of the big issues for young people is the high unemployment levels. One way of combating youth unemployment would be to offer a different kind of education; university is not the route for everyone. There should be other ways to attain the life skills we need, like more apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.

“This is where the council can best support young people, by helping them to make the most of their potential. Encouraging them to go into education if they’re bright – and if they’re talented, helping them understand how they can develop that talent.

“Some of the biggest challenges young people face is breaking out of different lifestyles which give you security and moving up social class. It’s very difficult for kids from single parents and low income households to get the support and financial stability they need to progress.”

“I want to instill the belief that young people can be anything they want - that there is such a thing as social mobility and I want to put in place foundations for that to happen.”

Over the next few weeks Blerta will be out and about door knocking around Westminster, talking to young people about the issues they want raised, so keep an eye out.

Get your voice heard!The Youth Council is open to anyone aged 13-19 who lives in Westminster and you can join at any time of the year. Meetings take place every two weeks on a Monday night from 5.30pm.

There are also other opportunities to participate in decision making for young people in Westminster through the North East and South Locality Youth Forums.

For more information and to find out about the Youth Council, please contact Simeon Earnshaw on [email protected] or 020 7641 1048.


Tell us what you think of Children First

We’d love to know what you think about Children First. If you could take five minutes to provide some feedback it will help us deliver a better magazine. Once completed, please tear off and post forms to: Westminster City Council, 17th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP. Alternatively go online westminster.gov.uk/childrenfirst

1. Which of the following editions of Children First do you recall reading?

2. How well do you think the magazine keeps you informed about what’s happening in Westminster for families and young people?

Keeps us very well informed

Keeps us fairly well informed

Gives us only a limited amount of information

Doesn’t tell us much about what it does

Don’t know

3. On a scale of 1 to 10 how likely are you to recommend Children First to other parents?

10 (always recommend) 1 (never recommend)

4. How, if at all, do you currently receive information about services for parents and guardians in Westminster?

Online forums (e.g. mumsnet)

Family

Friends

Parent’s events (e.g. playgroup, school)

Children First

Other (please state)

10 Westminster Children First, Issue 17, Spring 2013

5. What would you most like to know about in the next three months?

Event listings and activities

Family health and well being information

Volunteering

Financial support and advice

6. Are you interested in receiving tailored content focused specifically on.

Children under 5

Children aged 6 - 11

Children 12+

No, I prefer to receive content about all age groups

7. Which of these online versions of Children First would you personally read? (tick any that apply)

Website/blog for you to browse online

Magazine in the format of an e-newsletter

Neither, I am not interested in an online version of the magazine

8. If Children First were in the format of an e-newsletter, how often would you like to receive it?

Every month

Every half-term (3 times a year)

I am not interested in an e-newsletter version of the magazine

Do you regularly receive an email newsletter from the school(s) your children attend?

Yes, every week

Yes, every month

Yes, every term

No

Don’t know

Demographics

Male

Female

A: Are you?

D: What is your postcode?

C: How old are your children (please tick all that apply)

Under 5

6-11

12+

I do not have children

16-24

25-34

B: What is your age?

35-44

45-60

60+

Westminster Children First, Issue 17, Spring 2013 11

Vitamin D helps us to shineAs we come out of a long winter, the Vitamin D message is being spread across Westminster to help keep babies, young children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers healthy.

Signs of Rickets

•Bonepainofteninthelegs

•Musclepainorweakness

•Softskullorlegbones (bow legs)

•Weakteethandlate growth of teeth

If pregnant women have low levels of vitamin D they could pass it onto their child. If you are a new mum you need to boost your vitamin D levels whether you’re breastfeeding or not.

Do I need Vitamin D supplements? Most of our vitamin D comes from the summer sun but because we don’t get much sun, it can be hard to get enough vitamin D, especially in winter.

We only get a tiny bit of Vitamin D from the food we eat (only 10%) even if we have a healthy diet. For this reason Vitamin D supplements are needed.

All pregnant woman, new mothers (first 12 months after birth) and children under five years of age should be taking Vitamin D supplements.


“ I know vitamin D is important for us, the healthy start vitamins are easy to sign up for and easy to use”

Farida Mashoum Mohamed Al- Shamari

Where do I get vitamins containing Vitamin D? • HealthyStartVitaminscontainvitaminD

along with other vitamins.

• HealthyStartWomen’svitamintabletscontain folic acid, vitamin C and D.

• HealthyStartChildren’svitamindropscontain vitamins A, C and D

You can get Healthy Start Vitamins from the receptions of Health Centres and Children’s

Centres in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham. If you qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme you can get them for free with your green vitamin coupon.

Check with your health visitor to see if you are eligible.

You can also buy suitable vitamins from your local pharmacy but it is essential you check with pharmacist as to which supplement is correct for you or your child.

Free bottle of vitamins for all new mothers and babiesFrom 1st May 2013, all new mums and their babies will receive a free bottle of healthy Start Vitamins at their New Birth Visit from their Health Visitor. Your Health Visitor will discuss the Healthy Start Scheme with you and your eligibility.


Westminster’s youngest entrepreneurStuart Maitland, 19, was last year’s winner of Westminster’s Young Enterprise competition. He tells us about his brilliant new company Food4Mood and how the scheme has kicked off his career.“I joined the young enterprise programme because it was an opportunity to start my own business which had long been an ambition of mine. But I had no idea it would be the start of something amazing.

“The company I launched for the Young Enterprise project is called Food4Mood and includes our Smartphone application called “the Happetiser”, available on the App store for both iPhone and Android devices. The application gives you foods, beverages, snack suggestions, recipes, calories, allergy advice and methods of cooking to suit your mood.

“Food4Mood won its first award at the Young Enterprise Westminster Company of the Year Awards with a team of four working on it. We also won the Best Trade Stand 2012 at the Westminster Company of the Year Awards. At the moment I am running the company on my own and have just been rated in the top 10 young most creative businesses in the UK by CASIO.

“The Young Enterprise experience has taught me the skills I need to run a business. It has also given me access

to many wonderful contacts and opportunities. I’ve also been able to travel around Europe working for JA-YE, Junior Achievers for Young Enterprise.”

“My advice for young budding entrepreneurs who may be hesitant to participate in the Young Enterprise experience would be to go out there and try it. If you are determined to make your dreams a reality the success, contacts, experience and knowledge is out there.”

To find out more visit young-enterprise.org.uk


Fast Forward is a service offered by the council which helps young people into employment. There are many 16 to 19-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. Fast Forward can help by offering young people a tailored programme of support.

*Lucy recently signed up to the Fast Forward programme. She had achieved good grades at school but since then had experienced some personal difficulties and demotivation.

Maria Leadbetter, a Fast Forward project worker, explained: “We gave Lucy a mixture of activities to help support her into work. This included one-to-one motivation sessions, jobsearch and application support, first aid qualification and a groupwork session about the world of work.

“We identified that Lucy wanted to eventually work in an air cabin crew so we came up with a long term plan for her, starting with some essential customer service experience.

“With our support, Lucy was successful in getting a job at a coffee shop and is progressing in an apprenticeship organised by her employers.

“I also encouraged her to take a language class to increase her employability in the cabin crew sector. She was initially reluctant, as starting a new language can be quite daunting but I assured her that everyone in a beginners’ class starts from the same point and she is now studying Spanish.”

To find out more about Fast Forward call 020 7641 8465.

“I also encouraged her to take a

language class to increase her employability”

Maria Leadbetter

* name has been changed


DISCOVER, IMAGINE, EXPLORECHILDREN INSPIRED BY WILLEM KALF

Generously supported byThe Dorset Foundation andThe Tavolozza FoundationOpens 12 June Admission Free www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The best of the West End – live and free!West End LIVE in association with MasterCard is our annual blockbuster event and will be coming to Trafalgar Square on the 22nd and 23rd June, providing a spectacular weekend of FREE top class entertainment for all the family.

You can expect a fun-filled two days that showcase the magic of the West End with an array of live stage performances from many of London’s most famous musicals. There will also be activities in and around the square hosted by a variety of the capital’s most well known museums, galleries and cultural institutions including: The Science Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Historic Royal Palaces and The London Film Museum. Plus the much loved children’s character Everything’s Rosie will be at the event to meet and greet everyone.

West End LIVE runs from 11am till 6pm on Sat 22nd June and from 12noon till 6pm on Sun 23rd June. Entry is free, with no tickets required, however the event gets very busy and some queues are possible. For more information visit westendlive.co.uk


Offers and discounts for Westminster residents

30% off Crazy Chimps

Valid: Offer ends 31st December 2013Offer: Let your children unleash their wild side at Crazy Chimps. Play areas for children ranging from 3 months - 13 years plus parents can relax in the cafe, have a haircut or get a manicure.How to claim this offer: To book a hair cut contact Crazy Chimps in advance and mention City Save to redeem your discount. Show your City Save card on arrival to gain 30% off admission. This discount is only available on your first visit but a discount of 10% is available thereafter.Venue: 214B Kennington Road, SE11 6AU

020 3583 4040 crazychimps.co.uk

2 for 1 on a Harry Potter tour of London

Valid: Offer ends 31st December 2013Offer: Experience a 2 ½ hour Harry Potter walking tour and river adventure into the magical world of wizardry in London. How to claim this offer: Show your Westminster City Save card. If you are waiting for your card to arrive you can print a voucher to use in the meantime. Advance booking required. Book online using code: WESRES20 or call 0844 2471 007 quoting WESRES20.Venue: Meeting Point is in the ticket hall at Westminster tube station next to the lift by exit 4, where you will see your guide with a wand

0844 247 1007 britmovietours.com

Puppet theatre barge

Valid: Offer ends 31st December 2013Offer: Located in picturesque Little Venice, this unique theatre with comfortable seating for 55 and all modern facilities is a barge rich in atmosphere and provides the ideal setting for the magical and imaginative shows produced by this famous company.How to claim this offer: Show your Westminster City Save Card at point of payment to obtain your discountVenue: Puppet theatre barge, Opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF

020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com

Don’t have a City Save card? Don’t miss out – sign up for your Westminster City Save card today!Enjoy fantastic offers and great savings on Westminster’s leading attractions with our resident’s discount scheme. To apply, register online at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 600 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm). Make sure you sign up for our e-newsletter and receive the latest offers direct to your inbox.

City Save – family offers


Web safety tips for parentsAccording to a recent report from Ofcom, 12-15 year olds are spending around 17 hours a week on the internet. With so much time spent online, parents are under increasing pressure to make sure their children are making the most of the internet by knowing how to use it safely.

Further information

• You can find links to good online safety information sites for children, young people and adults at getsafeonline.org/safeguarding-children

• Generaladviceforadultsaboutonlinesafety is available at thinkuknow.co.uk

• ParentPort (parentport.org.uk) provides straightforward information on what you can

do if you feel you have seen or heard something inappropriate for children in the media. It also includes advice on how to keep children safe online.

To help you, we have compiled these tips from online safety experts:

• Warnyourchildthatpeopleonline may not be who they say they are. Even if they have been speaking to them for a long time, online friends are still strangers.

• Tellthemnottogiveanyonetheirpersonal details online especially their full name, contact details or where they go to school.

• Letyourchildknowtheycanblockpeople who send them mean or nasty messages. Always make sure they report them to the site.

• Virusescancauseyourcomputer to stop working. Do not open emails or attachments from people you don’t know. The best thing to do is to delete them.

• Checktheprivacysettingsonyourcomputer to make sure access to personal details is restricted.

• Tomakesureyouronlineaccounts are safe, always keep your password/s secret and occasionally change them so people don’t guess them and access your accounts.

• Ifyourchildvisitschatroomsoruses instant messenger, suggest they use a nickname not their real name.

• Iftheyareeverinvitedtomeetanonline friend in the offline world, they should either tell you, their parent, or a trusted adult. Warn them never to meet them on your own, and suggest you, an older sibling or another adult will accompany them.


Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who is looking after someone with a long term illness or disability? Help us thank them by nominating them for a Carers Award.Balancing homework, friends and chores around the house can be difficult for any teenager. But for some young people having the added responsibility of caring for someone in their family who has a long term illness or disability, can make their days all the more challenging.

It can be tough but rewarding to be a young carer and to recognise the dedication and responsibility of young carers and other unpaid carers we are launching a carers awards.

Recognising young carers

There are four categories to choose from:

Unpaid carerAnyone who cares for a person and is not paid for their role. It could be a friend or family member.

Young carerAged 18 and under. Those aged 18 or under who look after a friend or family member on a voluntary basis.

Voluntary or community carerFor people who give their time on an ad hoc or voluntary basis such as visiting people for a couple of hours a week or through a volunteering scheme.

Befriender For people who give their time to visit older or isolated people who need care by providing friendship.

Nominate Visit westminster.gov.uk/carers or to request a nomination form call 020 7641 3922.

Get support To find out more about support for young carers, contact Westminster Carers Service on 020 7434 0670 or visit westminster.gov.uk/carers


At Better, we have affordable swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. Best of all, our swimming programmes follow the Amateur Swimming Association framework and all our lessons are taught by experienced instructors.

So why not pop into one of our Better leisure centres:

• Jubilee Sports Centre• Marshall Street Leisure Centre• Porchester Centre.

*Terms and Conditions apply, offer ends 30th June 2013. Consent from a legal guardian is required when a child joins on a Better Health and Fitness prepaid membership. Proof of identification is required upon joining. Centre and pool rules apply. Full terms and condition are available at the point of purchase, please speak to a member of staff. Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX IPS No: 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No: XR43398

AFFORDABLE SWIMMING LESSONS? NOW THAT’S BETTER.

working in partnership with

Save £5 off your swimming lessons.*Just visit www.better.org.uk/sportscourses to find your nearest centre and quote 2222 at the checkout.

• Queen Mother Sports Centre• Seymour Leisure Centre

ABC advert A4_FA_FV.indd 1 24/04/2013 08:18

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