Student Loans the Changes

With recent articles focusing on student loan changes coming into affect you maybe wondering how will this affect you or your children.

The Interest Rates:

If you are in the pre-2012 group the good news is the interest rate and impacts on repayments will not be affected. The post-2012 and the 2023 intakes are affected. Because RPI used in student loan calculations like other, areas of the economy have been affected by inflation. This has caused the RPI to increase from 1.5% for the 2012 intake to 9% plus 3%. Now the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is suggesting a cap to reduce the volatility and to keep the interest rate at a manageable level. Now whilst interest rates for the 2023 intake will gain more protection on interest rate fluctuations the main change is the repayments.

The Winners and Losers:

No the changes in student loan repayments makes it so that graduates are more likely to pay their loans back. If you are a learner who graduated on the old pre-2012 system when you graduate at say 21-22 your debt would wipe after 30 years. Now under the new system you will likely pay this off over 40 years or once you reach your early sixties. Now with the rates being capped those earning high graduate salaries with high predicted salary growth think doctors, lawyers, and those in financial roles will benefit from paying the loan back quicker as they would otherwise be paying more in interest over a longer period. Now fields or professions where you earn a lower threshold you would often benefit from paying less early in your career when you are at or under the repayment threshold which would continue to rise as changes to wage averages. Yet with this being frozen more wages that will have been inflated will creep over the threshold rather than stay at or below the mark. Which means paying the loan back, over a longer duration without realistically ever being predicted enough to pay it off completely.

Repayments:

Now the thing to remember here is not to treat the debt like other debts. Martin Lewis covers this in great detail and has highlighted the numerous problems with framing student debt as debt. Whilst it is important to be aware of it what is more crucial is to think of it in relation to your take home pay. Now Martin uses the example of someone earning £37,295 and gives numerous examples of interest rates but highlights as you only repay 9% of anything above 27,295. So thats 9% of £10,000 or £900 per annum regardless of interest rates you repay the exact same amount. Your take home salary per month with this example is £3,108 with 3% on your pension (£93) £19 HMRC pension, £273 NI and £75 on your student loan. That is just less than a family pizza deal a week over a monthly period. Leaving the student with £2,273 a month take home pay which other expenses and living costs would come out of.

Worth Remembering:

Unlike other “Debts” student loans do not affect your credit score in the UK. They do not continue paying if your situation changes or you lose your job. If you are paying any debt off early unless you are earning a significantly high income you are better to focus paying off mortgages, loans or other debts first. So whilst these changes will have an affect and the new loan system will affect learners it is still not going to act as a barrier to going to university however, do look at degree apprenticeships, traineeships or apprenticeships. Often many of these have many of the benefits of degrees without any direct cost to you. It’s your choice be the best you, you can be.

https://www.savethestudent.org/news/student-loan-repayment-changes.html

https://ifs.org.uk/publications/15953

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fairer-higher-education-system-for-students-and-taxpayers

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tax-calculator/

Challenges with EHCPs

What are they?

EHCPs or Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs). While traditional Special Education Needs (SEN) funding is met through national funding provided to schools. EHCPs are legally binding provisions that outline additional funding for learners who need further or specific support to allow them the same opportunities to access the education system and to be able to succeed. 

My Experiences:

Having taught a variety of learners in my time as a lecturer over the last several years, I have recognised the challenges facing the student and their parents who are trying to provide the best opportunities for their child and the difficulties of these EHCPs. The premise of these documents is to increase aspirations and support the learners, but to achieve this, the parents often need a great deal of support and have the correct tools to raise their points in meetings. The problem is two factored here often the parent does not necessarily have all of this knowledge readily available to them. Although support is present and schools or relevant professionals can support them, there is a risk that families are falling through the cracks. I have seen learners who have had their EHCPs lapse who then struggle to get the support put in place midway through the year to allow them to succeed, which causes distress and disruption to the families after the best for their children. The other problem is that the young people, whilst the focus of the meeting may have different views from those supporting them. Hence, it is crucial their aspirations, and their parents are reviewed together but noted as distinctly separate to allow for better reflection. This has been done successfully by independent meetings with the young person with a relevant professional.

Challenges facing SEN families:

Whilst an EHCP is a guidance document for the school or college to provide further support for learners, there have been notable variations across different schools nationally, which will reflect the situation within the county. This variation often is one of the leading reasons parents are dissatisfied with the EHCP and, importantly, is where the conversations need to be open and transparent with what the schools can supply, compared to what the child and parents want (Sales and Vincent, 2018). Research by Sales and Vincent (2018) also pointed out that whilst there are certainly challenges facing learners due to the EHCP elements, further training needs in teaching staff as learners progress further through relevant courses and into work.

What a Good Plan does:

The vast majority of plans offer a tool for young people to engage with their peers and the educational system with the support needed to tackle the different barriers they face. That is why good plans are focused on the aspirations and views of both the family and young person. This gives the schools and providers goals to work towards to identify the strategies to help support the learners transitioning to different levels or goals they are striving towards. The long term focus should always be on allowing them to succeed and bringing career support and the local authority into the discussion. Conversations should be had around what all parties want to achieve. The learner can be supported by identifying barriers that may prevent them from reaching their goal and opportunities for alternative routes or solutions to these challenges. The other important step is the accountability facing the individuals involved in recognising what they are responsible for in the process, allowing them to succeed with the resources they need. In rural villages, whilst SEN, provisions can be provided at schools. Having family hubs where the resources come to the parents and families offering this contact point for the changing needs of the young person and offering the opportunity for consistency of a contact point as they grow into young adults.

What I am calling for:

A review of the process that allows for meetings between learning support, teaching staff and families. Whilst also providing an additional meeting with the individual learner to make the process more inclusive to their targets.

A goal setting plan for the learners is to ensure that the learner’s needs are met, and they are supported to achieve their goals and not just meet their provisions.

Better guidance for Academies, Families, Schools, and Trusts so that the process is easily referenced and supported. Although there is some fantastic support already out there, this must be uniformed and equitable. 

Final Remarks:

The EHCP process and challenges facing our young people were just one of the reasons that brought me into politics. As a teacher, more support is needed for families going through this process. It is my view that this also disproportionately affects those in rural villages, such as those in the Cosford division (Narayan and Patnaik, 2020). So whilst this is a problem I have seen whilst teaching in both urban and rural areas, it is a cause I want to continue to push for improvements in. That is why I am calling for your support on the 6th of May as your Conservative County Council Candidate.

https://www.tes.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-ehcps

https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/EHCP%20Exemplar%20Guide%202017.pdf

Sales, N. and Vincent, K., 2018. Strengths and limitations of the Education, Health and Care plan process from a range of professional and family perspectives. British Journal of Special Education, [online] 45(1), pp.61-80. Available at: <https://nasenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1467-8578.12202> [Accessed 25 April 2021].

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/695100/Education_Health_and_Care_plans_-_a_qualitative_investigation.pdf

https://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/362437/ctc-8-education_healthcareplans.pdf

Narayan, J. and Patnaik, N., 2020. Inclusive and Special Education Services in Rural Settings. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education,.

Resources for families needing support:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/extra-help-at-school/england/ehc-assessment

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/education-health-and-care-plans

https://www.valuingminds.com/education-health-care-plans-ehcp/

https://www.sen-help.org.uk/the-system/ehc-plans/

Community Activism: My Thoughts and Perspectives

We have arguably never seen a greater call for volunteer support of community initiatives during this pandemic. We have seen countless people from a range of walks of life help their community out. They have contributed to the efforts against the coronavirus by helping man the test and trace centres and answering the call to jab back to normal. With the added pressure that these projects would have had on the front line national health service, we likely would not have seen such a successful role out. Now the altruism shown by these individuals is both something that should be hugely admired and appreciated. This has also shown us the strength of our communities. These volunteers underwent training programs and joined the front line alongside other key workers, our health care staff, teachers, police, firefighters, and the various other professions that have worked through the pandemic. Over the weekend, I was reminded again of the importance of activism within our local community. In this article, I want to highlight why we must celebrate the communities we build, whether online social networks, local groups and projects, or acts of individual activism.

Now, litter picks have been able to continue due to the ability to socially distance yet still achieve the group’s goals. We, as volunteers, were suitably guided through the event we arrived at Hitcham Village Hall car park. We then selected our routes around the village and were given our equipment so that the small group of around a dozen volunteers could cover the village itself and then return to the Village Hall following the hours’ activity. My route paralleled other volunteers alongside the community play area and finishing at the parish church. Many of us easily fill a bag load of rubbish with discarded items that had drifted into hedgerows off the footpath and roads. When I met up with fellow volunteers, the largest item we encountered was parts left over from a damaged car and discarded traffic cones. The general openness and pride that these volunteers had in their local area were echoed in new and established residents I was happy to do my small bit to contribute.

This wants to contribute lead to my reason to get into the educational sector prompting me to help the next generation of young people in the land-based field to not only grow but to develop within their local areas. I noticed through my years of teaching that whilst in my day job I was helping the next generation take their next steps in their careers the current processes that were in place were the same ones that I had dealt with when I was moving into higher education. Being the first member of my household to go to university my parents did not have all the answers and the schools had more general advice and this started me thinking about what more could be done. I set up a small group to support graduates and offer advice to college students sharing jobs in the local economy as well as informing them about internships and scholarships. This was because in my experience the reason many applicants are not aware of these resources is because of a lack of information whether that is about additional opportunities or more general knowledge about the next steps after their compulsory education ends. Now, whilst this group could solve some of the problems I became aware of other impacts such as learners leaving Suffolk to pursue careers and study away from the county as well as making sure that the strong support systems which were in place for learners were actually getting to those that were needed. This I could not resolve solely as a teacher as it involved working with various stakeholders from across different industries and specialisms now it has always been my view that you build progress through hard work and opportunity. This drew me to stand for the County Council so I could not only work to continue to improve our educational sector but also ensure that our communities grow with the next generation and are not left behind. I was proud to be selected to stand as the Conservative Candidate for Cosford as the rural communities that have such a significant heritage and sense of belonging deserve a candidate who will make sure that our community has the tools to succeed at whatever stage of life they are. My commitment to you is to build on the strong community spirit and pride in Cosford’s heritage. This is something at the heart of the Conservative Manifesto which is our promise to you to build back, stronger, better, and greener. So on the 6th of May, I ask that you vote to elect me, Jordon Millward as your County Councillor.

Locally Tackling Pet Theft What Can We Do?

We all recognize that Pet Theft is sweeping across our United Kingdom and in Suffolk, we are equally as afflicted by this rise in crime as other counties. This report will be following on from my conversation with Suffolks Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore.

Tim as an avid dog owner and lover was very open about the impacts on Pet Owners across the county. Now in Suffolk, we have eighteen reported cases of Dog Thefts. This is a clear distinction which we need to make as cases are reported as Thefts not as specific crimes. Now as I spoke to Tim he expressed his views candidly about how “Adhorrent the crime is and how it affects owners like a child being taken from them”.

The importance to remember here was that local constabularies are obligated to record the crime as a possession theft as they are recorded as an object first. Tim makes the clear point that the animal is a living being and it is my view that we should rightly view them as such this links back to Animal Welfare Sentencing reform which would recognize a greater severity for sentencing guidelines. We still have work to do in this area as we need to apply this sentence in my view to a specific act of UK law. Now whilst Suffolk Constabulary records these thefts as both traditional item theft and pet thefts is certainly useful in tackling this crime. It is also where we must recognize not only the distress that this has caused on owners but also on how wider implications of sentencing could be applied against those that commit these offenses.

Presently the UK like other countries applies sentences in a discounted way where the crimes will have been recorded but the time they have served will be served concurrently or at the same time as the first sentence. Rather than a cumulative approach where if the offender commits a series of offenses the sentences do not sequentially add on to each other. Now in the UK, we have three specific types of sentencing Suspended sentences where the duration is less than a year this is often how Pet Theft is dealt with nationally which also highlights the need for reform. The aim would be to push for a Determinate sentence were unlike the suspended sentence where the sentence is held unless the guilty party reoffends a determinate sentence sees half of the offender’s sentence in prison and half in the community. This is where the probationary sentence comes into account and ensures that the guilty party does not re-offend. Indeterminate sentences are used to identify where the courts can use their powers to determine a minimum imposed sentence which could be used where you have a repeat offender or when the individual is linked to organized crime.

Now Tim highlights that the maximum sentence for theft is up to seven years but this does not mean that the judiciary has to sentence up to this amount and the guidance for the courts may be tied from using tougher sentences. Now why is this the case, one area is culpability is an area that should be reflected on in a specific act because although this relates to the planning and coordination of the theft. Guidelines then have to further examine the level of harm to an individual now this form of measurement is a subjective matter and should not necessarily be applied in this way. If the animal itself was recognized as having harm applied to it by recognizing the conditions or impact on it and the distress to owner or keeper in a way that is more referencable to the courts this could likely lead to tougher sentences. We went on to discuss the importance of the Animal Welfare Sentencing Bill both its importance and significance as a way to develop specific and tougher sentences but also as a way to build on changes brought in at a later stage.

In terms of trends, Tim says that present data does not trend to any particular breed but as always high demand or popular breeds can be easier targets as the criminals are aware they can move them on easier. Now from this, I draw the conclusion that they are also aware of how much these popular breeds fetch online and as a result the value of the breed specifically. Whereas we could draw from this less well-known breeds may not be as identifiable and whilst we certainly should not let our guard down as dogs are stolen for a variety of reasons where we must be vigilant to protect our precious pets. There is no evidence as of yet to suggest that breeds are stolen to order and therefore business owners should remain vigilant of their risk to theft but they are at no greater risk of opportunistic thieves than the general public. Now building on my previous article Tim points out that whilst these thieves are stealing pets from gardens as well as kennels they have a variety of methods and are not deterred from entering a house to steal a litter of puppies. Now, this highlights ways you can reduce the risk of break-ins by methods such as alarm systems which must be armed, CCTV, robust locks, and not advertising any litters of puppies or kittens which may attract opportunistic thieves. One area which Tim points out that we have not spoken about is how something which may not be outrightly suspicious may be a tool for criminal groups using distraction theft to talk to the owner and cause someone to let their guard down and allow someone to abduct their pet.

https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/centres-institutes/centre-criminology/blog/2016/01/more-one-crime-sentencing-multiple-offences

https://www.lawtonslaw.co.uk/resources/sentencing/

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/crown-court/item/theft-general/

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/theft-general/

World Wildlife Day

First of all, to raise awareness, different organisations worldwide show what affects disappearing wildlife by linking it to their branding. Now, why are they doing this?

In today's article, I discuss what the day brings awareness for. The reason why we need to keep wildlife at the centre of our policies. What we can do to help as general citizens.

Now the impact which humans have on the natural world is plain and clear for everyone to see. The importance of days such as today to highlight our place in the world and are impacts is crucial. Now what these days do is highlight what we can do better rather than encourage a sense of regret because we need to recognise what we can do better.

In terms of highlighting impacts on various animals, countries such as India highlight their rich wildlife and make it clear that their natural heritage is essential. In particular, the steps taken toward the reintroduction of other predators like Cheetahs show that they recognise that as well as maintaining the existing animals in the region, they need to reintroduce historic species to help the region recover. Countries such as India recognise the need to promote greater cohesion with wildlife organisations, such as how UK football clubs highlight the impact of World Wildlife day by removing animals from their logos. This is more for publicity, making more people aware of the effects we are having and raising awareness. This links us to the theme this year, where we look at how Forests and Livelihoods: Sustain People and the Planet.

My interest in this field is the impact that our industries have on pollinators. Comprehending how they utilise their habitats effectively is key to understanding how to preserve the species and biodiversity. The crux of this process is applied broadly to other animal conservation. Noting the importance of conservation projects and planting endeavours to help the animals recover in their environment. Comparing this with infrastructure projects that restore the vibrance of our woodlands. In Suffolk, the focus needs to be on developing works in the conservation and regenerative agriculture fields. For the Agricultural sector to grow in a sustainable direction, research needs to identify areas that producers can continue developing to maximise sustainable growth for both the industries and wildlife.

My interest in pollinators, significantly the benefits they bring to the natural world for flora and their important place in food webs. Now forests have a significant advantage in terms of how they safeguard the planet. They are quoted as being the lungs of our world. We need to recognise how we sustainably grow to limit our damage to these valuable green spaces. Many flora species have contributed to our medicines and food production. Each year, new resources, such as; plants, pharmaceutical, food resources, and natural beauty, are discovered alongside animal species. We also need to remember that the natural biodiversity all reduces how many species densely congregate in a given space. This is key for epidemiological reasons are it provides a barrier against disease spread. While animals would naturally interact in forests or different biomes, their interaction frequency is limited outside of the human environment. The increased interaction in intensive settings like wet markets has arguably lead to an increase in disease spread.

So in terms of how you can protect animals in terms of policy areas, the Dutch indeed lead the way in giving animals a front and place centre in their infrastructure projects. Often building animals into their design, they include Wildlife corridors, giving animals access to other habitats, enabling more extraordinary biodiversity and not limiting them to a closed environment and isolated population. This is a more expensive form of infrastructure design, but it is crucial we need to reflect on this when we look at designing our environments at home. Connecting farms via hedgerows and allowing green spaces to be connected, not isolated. Countries like Rwanda, India, Scotland, and Costa Rica are increasing the number of trees they are planting to increase forest cover and biodiversity. In Suffolk, we are doing the same thing by establishing our memorial woodlands and engaging in our own planting initiatives. Countries like Zambia have set up organisations to monitor and regulate our impact on animals ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in the environment. Countries like Canada, the Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Bhutan, Tanzania, and Botswana have invested heavily in National parks and the different safeguards that can establish vestiges of protection for vulnerable habitats. Norway and Namibia have particular safeguards in their policy that recognise protected species and safeguard animals in law and society.

Now to summarise how you can help as well as engaging in conservation projects locally, you can also make sure your home is wildlife-friendly. Whether that be providing food and resources for animals that are unable to find resources at particular times of the year, such as Hedgehogs. Putting wildlife shelters in place or bird boxes to offer them an alternative home to replace the lack of suitable nesting sites. Planting trees and hedges which are ideal for nesting and foraging, which animals can use as valuable resources. In terms of what these plants are, heritage plants are good places to start but think Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Dogwood. Think about what you can offer to animals. Can you provide food for animals or even small plants for pollinators in the window? Could you plant a heritage hedge? Can you get involved with other projects rewilding, tree planting or conservation projects?

https://rr-africa.oie.int/en/projects/world-wildlife-day-2021-forests-and-livelihoods-sustaining-people-and-planet/

https://www.republicworld.com/lifestyle/festivals/world-wildlife-day-here-is-the-theme-history-and-significance-of-this-day.html

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/world-wildlife-day-when-is-it-this-years-theme-and-how-to-take-part/

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-are-the-best-in-wildlife-conservation.html

https://nationaltoday.com/world-wildlife-day/

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/three-top-tips-to-help-give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/

Lockdown Rents for Students

The three lockdowns that the UK has faced have arguably had one of the more long-term impacts on today's youth. Many of them are going to not only be the ones who are facing challenges now but based on the average research timeline following a significant national challenge like the Financial crisis or the present Covid crisis. We will not likely see the real impact for approximately five to ten years.

While my previous articles have focused on farmers' mental health this week, I intend to look at how to support learners. Now yesterday, I was listening to a podcast, MoneyBox looking at significantly how students have been affected by lockdown rents. The investigation found that students are still largely paying excessive rent charges as they cannot live in their rental properties due to government guidance, which aims to reduce the spread of Covid. However, the government advises restricting none essential travel, particularly where individuals can still access their educational material from home. Whilst many argue closing universities was the correct course of action, it should not be at the learner's expense. Now universities and landlords have costs that need covering, and aspects of the maintenance grant would traditionally cover these costs. However, taking particular universities such as those in Cambridgeshire and London, the maintenance loan will not cover the accommodation expense without the injection of funds from part-time work. Now part-time jobs are few and far between due to a decrease in traditional work being available for students and young people. This impasse between the universities costs and the students being unable to use the service leads to increased stress. However, this should not be solely the burden of our youth. Yes, the cost needs to be covered, which is what business relief and support have been designed specifically for. Many initially display a lack of sympathy for students as the maintenance loan is generally seen as being for their accommodation, so some would argue why their accommodation providers should be subsided when that is what the loan is for? My view of this is that as with the MoneyBox guests who suggested using a common form of contract law to frustrate the contract, this is not possible in this case. The reason is although the government have strongly advised against travel to educational sites, they have not outright made it unlawful for students to use their accommodation. This makes the frustration of a contract challenging to argue. However, it still leaves the student paying the bill. Although the present student loan system is not a debt in the traditional sense, additional costs for the accommodation may come from the learner, which must not happen.

A possible solution would be to refund the student the cost of their accommodation which could either be designed to be returned to the student loan company or the student directly. Although some learners will still need support with their education, this solution may not be financially viable from a government perspective. If the money is refunded to the students, they would not be baring the accommodation cost they cannot reasonably use. One area that certainly can be followed is shoring up universities, and landlords should follow the same framework a particular discount plan or refund supported by the Office for Students in a way that covers essential costs for the university and reimburses the students. This week I will be looking at further impacts on learners during the lockdown and, like with this article focusing on particular points, which I will summarise in a Vlog on Thursday.

Mind Your Head

Further to my earlier article about mental health today marks the start of the Mind Your Head campaign.

The Yellow Wellies group rightly has highlighted some key points about farmers mental health. Now some issues which they have isolated would be challenging to control or resolve. Now whilst there are specific agricultural loans to help with the business or equipment needs this, unfortunately, is often at a great interest rate as well as which when coupled with other stressors. Some of these stressors can be highly varied from the direct impacts such as the financial impacts on the business to the secondary elements such as one which livestock farmers face. Livestock farmers often face increased opposition to both the changing diets of the masses that has caused abuse and heated debates on both sides. However, whilst both sides of the debate have valid points and passionate views only one directly impacts their livelihoods. Now whilst this debate will likely be on going for a number of years as it one about ideology. Some positives have been drawn from it alternatives to different movements such as Reganuary which puts a focus on a more sustainable form of agriculture. Now rather then discuss this movement in this article the reason for highlighting it, is that this is a way for the industry to champion better practice by highlighting innovations as well as supporting the local businesses. This can also be seen with concerns between farmers and others who use the countryside or visit farmers lands. With an increased amount of walkers in the countryside farmers can be drawn into conflict when dogs are off lead distressing stock. If the stock animals are distressed or attacked by the dog the farmer has the right to shoot the dog but this can be deeply distressing either by seeing the damage a dog can do to the stock or through shooting the dog. Neither is an option that the farmer wants to pursue however it is something which does often happen with a lack of understanding of the environment.

Now when looking at stress in farmers it is important that all actions are taken to reduce stress. Finding people to talk with whether that be online or those in local support group by engaging in conversation and offloading some of the stress recognising they are not alone. Making sure that those that work on farms especially for those whose lives and work focus on the land need somewhere else to focus such as going off site, exploring a hobby or a trip. Making sure you also take the chance to regularly exercise and follow a suitable routine. 

Now campaigns such as Fit to Farm also highlight characteristics about the various roles which are often not explored. The working hours which farmers often do can be up to 65 hours per week this is comparable to the 56 hours per week doctors do. Now not all farmers have this type of working environment but for those who do it should be rightly recognised the pressures they face. Especially at busy periods like harvest where they are flat out for days and hours at end. Now because of working and living on site taking leave from your family farm can be a far flung fantasy for some it is not as simple as leaving your home for holiday for those who business needs require careful monitoring but are tied to a fixed location. Many entrepreneurs or professionals can take their work with them and therefore find some release this is arguably the same for large companies but a challenge for the small family farms. Now respondents to the survey by the Fit to Farm campaign have outlined areas they need help in would it not be the best time for the communities to rely around them and support their efforts. 

We also need to remember what great resources we have available to support us and those within our community. YANA specifically targets mental health in farming whilst the Yellow Wellies looks at farm safety follow the links below to find out more about their work and how to support them. Together we Can.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/farm-life/health-and-wellbeing/fit2farm-farmers-weekly-campaign-to-improve-farmers-health#tabs-1

https://www.yanahelp.org

http://yellowwellies.org/StressManagementBooklet_0319/StressManagementBooklet_0319/?page=23

Mental Health Week

Part and parcel of my role as a teacher are making sure that students mental health is front and centre of what colleagues and I strive to achieve. The step to finding a solution has to be normalising the problem. In my previous blog piece, I looked at some ways that I believe we can use to solve the problem.

In terms of highlighting the problem, I was pleased with the announcement that a public figure like Love Islands Dr Alex has been announced as a youth mental health ambassador. Now whilst he has tragically lost his brother to mental health he is focusing what would often make people shy away from the world and sharing his brother's memory and his own experience of dealing with this tragedy. Now whilst present circumstances has put some of our best steps to prevent adverse impacts on mental health. Being in good physical health whilst difficult without gyms and sports can still be done with communities or activities shared online. We need to promote positive images and content meal preparation, cooking, and fitness plans. Body positivity needs to be encouraged, as does physical fitness. Setting a regular routine for our young people can be removing stressors from the environment like that of some smartphones taking time away from social media. Family makes up many of the structure we all need and those increasingly isolated from this core social group or our self-made groups, friends, peers, and colleagues. Not having access to their workplace or schools can limit their routine and engagement in the broader social setting, so a goal rightly being sought is getting students back into school. As I spoke about earlier this week, volunteering opportunities are few and far between at present, but that does have to be the case opening our doors to new types of activity.

Many parents and young people feel that they miss the most enjoyable parts of the school and university, particularly the social elements. The learners can develop academically the opportunities to discover who they are and the experiences and skills available. Societies and events, even in its best format, struggle to transition electronically. This is why the events economy is still, in my view, the future for the high street but delayed by Covid. Now the anxiety that young people are likely to present because of this lack of experience can lead to mental health problems. The question should be why is there a stigma. Firstly many individuals associate mental health with violence, often because of a link poor mental health support has had with violent offences. This link can be taken from how this is stigmatised in the media and used in ways that often skew a story's narrative. There is also evidence that this same impact can compound a families' wealth and ability to succeed. This can be further affecting social mobility so again, what can we do to build back together. Once we tackle these initial stigmas, we can begin to focus on the harsh reality of the endemic problems in mental health.

We need to end these negative stereotypes to reduce our association of mental health with a sense of weakness and criminality. Because, although criminality links to mental health are concerning by instilling fear in the public, it is also necessary to avoid links to other sides of the debate such as pity and shame. However, to link mental health to different conditions to associate solutions to individual struggles such as suicide, imposter syndrome and body dysmorphia. We can start by avoiding simple phrases like "they must be bipolar" or "nut job" similar to what we do for race. This should help people define their symptoms, fears, anxieties, and goals over their garnered label to recognise they are more than the condition. This can be significantly supported by the positive experience of peers. Finally, we should be mindful that our differences have also strengthened us. Personally, I have a learning difficulty which has had a minor impact on my life. Dyspraxia has impacted my hand-eye coordination elements, which affected my speech, which was primarily rectified by therapies that I am thankful for in my childhood. Now I look at the strengths I have because of how I look at a problem to think outside the box. Transfering this skill to my learners empathising with their challenges or difficulties solutions, I developed my memory, processing and vocabulary. I would not be the same person I am without Dyspraxia regardless of the initial anxieties and stresses this caused me in my early years. I am stronger because of the support I received and have the opportunity to share my experience.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-surveillance-report/7-children-and-young-people

https://ideas.ted.com/how-should-we-talk-about-mental-health/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/research-and-evaluation/mental-health-statistics/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dr-alex-george-from-love-island-to-mental-health-campaigner-nd8xfl2n9