Discrimination against Pregnant Women and Women on Maternity

Despite all the legislation against discrimination in the western world, pregnant women and women on maternity still face a great deal of discrimination at their workplaces, in rented accommodation and in other situations. The decline of the economic climate over the past years has given employers and landlords more opportunities to discriminate against women, in particular those expecting babies.

Time and time again, we hear of stories of how badly women have been treated purely because they are expecting a baby. One would have thought that, in today's society, people were more empathetic and fair. But no, in the end of the day, most people seem to put their own opinions in front of other's well-being.

It is crucial that women know of their legal rights and they should never hesitate to seek advice from their Citizens' Advice Bureau if in doubt or if they think that they might be discriminated against. Here are a couple of useful links that outline the basic rights of women and also a link to an excellent project advocating maternity rights:  


Maternity Action Project:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/allianceagainstpregnancydiscrimination.pdf

Legal rights at work when pregnant:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_discrimination_e/discrimination_at_work_because_of_pregnancy_or_maternity_leave.htm


Discrimination by private landlord because of pregnancy or maternity:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/housing_e/housing_renting_a_home_e/renting_from_a_private_landlord.htm

New Year's Poem to All of My Friends and Readers

New Year’s Reflections


Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our friends.


Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched our lives,
We reflect upon who really counts,
As the fresh and bright new year arrives.


And when I ponder those who do,
I immediately think of you, dear friends and readers!


Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll have a Happy New Year!

Peace be upon you!

Finnish Christmas Traditions

Here is a little blurb about Finnish Christmas traditions for anyone interested.... Wishing you all a wonderful Festive Season and a Prosperous New Year!


http://www.family-christmas-traditions.com/Christmas-traditions-in-Finland.html

Top 100 Names in the UK in 2012

Here is the list of Top 100 Names given to babies in 2012 in the UK!
Probably not surprisingly, Harry is on top of the list for boys (thanks to Prince Harry and Harry Styles from One Direction). But so is Amelia, Lily and Emilia for girls...

Has the Top 100 changed much over the years, we ask...

http://www.netmums.com/pregnancy/baby-names-buys-and-rights/top-100-names-in-2012-in-the-uk

Our Little Research Study on Autism & Music - Read Online!

Earlier this year, I had a pleasure of being part of a small research team who investigates the use of music with autistic children. The research project aimed to investigate how musical activities could be used beneficially with children who have autism. It was a collaboration between the University of London and the University of Oulu in Finland, and my role in it was of a Lead Researcher and Music Consultant.

We obtained two small grants for materializing the project - one from the Music Sales Charitable Trust (UK) and the other from the Finn-Guild Scholarship Scheme. The latter wanted to promote our wonderful research and so we wrote a small article for their monthly magazine.

Here is the link to the magazine - you can find our study featured on Page 16:

http://www.finn-guild.org/en/content/horisontti-winter-2012

Benefits of Self-Massage

Self massage is an ancient practice originating from India where it is still performed on a daily basis. Massaging yourself wit oil on a regular basis has many benefits to the mind and body. These include: rejuvenating the skin; balancing the nervous system; lubricating the joints; soothing the endocrine system; and strengthening the immune system. In India, it is believed that if babies are massaged on a daily basis, they will grow into strong and healthy individuals.

Aubri Barnes, a Holistic Health Counselor, has written short instructions as to how to perform self-massage at the comfort of your home. Please take a look at the link below - and treat yourself to an awesome massage!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6988/How-to-Go-Ahead-and-Give-Yourself-an-Awesome-Massage.html 

The Ministry of Stories

The Ministry of Stories is a creative writing and mentoring centre for young people in east London. The organization uses storytelling to inspire young people aged 8-18, in the belief that writing unleashes their imaginations and builds confidence, self-respect and communication.

Nick Hornby, Lucy Macnab and Ben Payne founded the Ministry of Stories in 2010. In its first year, over 3000 young people took part in our volunteer-led workshops and writing projects. Our inspiration came from the writer Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari, who opened a shop for pirates and writing centre called 826 Valencia in San Francisco.

For more information, please see their website:

http://www.ministryofstories.org/

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