Detached
James Gore | 15th November 2024
What is ‘Detached’?Detached is one of my favourite programmes we deliver at Phase! Every week we do Detached work during lunch break in various schools around Hitchin.The aim of Detached is to connect with young people outside the classroom, to have fun and to be a positive presence on the playground. Each Monday, we help out at the quiet area
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The science behind Inside Out 2
James Gore | 8th November 2024
If you’re looking for a film to watch this weekend, look no further than Inside Out 2. (If you haven’t seen the original Inside Out yet, start there). The Inside Out films are fun and genuinely entertaining for viewers of all ages but also informative and relatable. Inside Out tells the story of main character Riley’s life as an elementary sch
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An attitude of gratitude
Guest Contributor | 1st November 2024
What do you have to be grateful for? Seems like an odd question, right? But science has shown that practicing gratitude regularly has several well-being benefits. Whether you practice gratitude when you need a quick pick-me-up, when you can’t get yourself motivated, or when you just want to take stock of what you are grateful for, practicing gratit
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Adventure Awaits
Molly Rackham | 25th October 2024
With the school holidays coming up, it's the perfect time to try something new, get outside, and enjoy a little adventure. Earlier this year, I was up in Scotland, soaking in the views and beautiful cities, when I stumbled across geocaching. I remember having fond memories of geocaching from my girl guide days. Basically, it’s like a real-life trea
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Beat the Winter Blues
Kieran Murphy | 15th October 2024
How Young People Can Stay Mentally Strong as Seasons ChangeAs the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, many of us start to feel a bit out of sorts. For young people, these changes can have a bigger impact than just needing a warmer coat. Seasonal shifts can affect their mental health in surprising ways—sometimes sparking anxiety, low mood, or
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"Just Breathe"
Molly Rackham | 4th October 2024
We’ve all heard it: “Just breathe.” It sounds simple, maybe too simple but there's actually solid science behind why breathing exercises are so effective at calming the nervous system. Whether it’s before a big presentation, during a moment of overwhelm, or in the midst of a panic attack, focused breathing can bring us back to a place of calm.But w
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#controlyourscroll
James Gore | 19th September 2024
Welcome back to the Phase blog! In August, we discussed the UN’s 'International Youth Day'. This week, Thursday 19th September was stem4’s 'Youth Mental Health Day'. Both events shared a focus on the impacts of technology on young people. While last month’s theme celebrated the potential positive impact of technology on global sustainability, this
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International Youth Day 2024
James Gore | 12th August 2024
Earlier this week (on Monday to be precise), the UN celebrated International Youth Day 2024. Since 2000, the UN has marked the 12th of August as a day for youth organisations and members of the UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development to select a theme and, hopefully, motivate young people across the globe to plan activities that highlight the
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A Path to Positivity: A Review of 'The S.U.M.O. Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager'
Molly Rackham | 2nd August 2024
We're excited to share a fresh perspective on the book 'The S.U.M.O. Secrets to Being a Positive, Confident Teenager.' This review comes from Isabelle, a sixth former who recently joined us at Phase for a week of work experience. Isabelle's insights offer a unique and authentic view on the book's relevance and impact. We are keen to ensure we are r
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It's Olympics time!
James Gore | 26th July 2024
Happy Friday everyone! As many of you will know, today is extra special as the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics takes place tonight! Fun fact - this evening’s opening ceremony will be the first to happen outside of a stadium with athletes parading in boats along the Seine. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets o
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Recharge Your Mind
Kieran Murphy | 19th July 2024
The Crucial Role of Rest in Mental WellbeingThis blog post is focusing on a topic that’s becoming increasingly crucial in our high-speed world: the importance of rest for mental wellbeing. As we juggle multiple responsibilities, understanding and embracing the value of downtime can profoundly impact our mental health and productivity.Why Rest Matte
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Connection in a Digital World
Molly Rackham | 17th June 2024
Last week was Loneliness Awareness Week, and this year the theme was ‘Random Acts of Connection’. In today's fast-paced and non-stop world, it can feel hard to have genuine human connections (or enough of them!). Technology can be awesome and can be an incredible way to connect with people, to have a sense of belonging and community, and to engage
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Mental Health Awareness Week - Moving more for your mental health
James Gore | 16th May 2024
Hey everyone, happy Friday! We’re coming to the end of the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Since 2001, the charity has promoted an annual week for people to focus on, learn about and discuss their mental health - from young people in school to professionals in the workplace. This year’s theme is moving more for your mental
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Meet Bethany
Molly Rackham | 7th May 2024
Hello everyone, I am Bethany, and I am a new volunteer starting at Phase. I am very happy to be undertaking my student placement at an organisation that has fantastic values and aims for young people while I complete my studies. I will be working at Phase primarily on Mondays helping with workshops, detached sessions and support groups in the local
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Stress-Busting Tips for Exams
Kieran Murphy | 22nd April 2024
As exam season approaches, feeling a bit anxious is completely normal. But fear not! It’s not just about hitting the books harder—it's about hitting them smarter. Let’s explore some top-notch strategies to manage your stress, maximise your study time, and smash those deadlines.Understand the EndgameBefore you even open your textbook or revision not
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