Gordon Brown Supports Children in Labour

First things first, with the election fast approaching,this is not a criticism against The Labour party, nor is it a criticism against teenage single mothers.

All that's on my mind is; why is it that Wales holds the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in not only the whole of the United Kingdom, but throughout the whole of Western Europe?

In 2007 Tony Blair mantra was "EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION" I want to add the word "Sex, Sex ,Sex" in front of those 3 magic words of our former Prime Minister. Also, I don't think this is solely the case as I feel some young women,as statistic prove, often in low social economic status' feel that by having a baby is a way of not only getting an array of benefits. these benefits including Child Benefits, of 20.30 GBP per week as well as a maximum of 2,300 GBP on Child tax credit and Income support, meaning support whilst your a single mother, or on a specialist training corse. The specialist training corse isn't spoken about on the website or books, so what I would like to know is, what are the courses one has to do to get the support should they need to leave home, and not look at giving birth to a child and raising them alone, an option or a lifestyle choice.

This is not a slant against people who want to be mothers, or have the for the inevitable of a separation. It is merely an observation from living in Wales, and being a product of a teen pregnancy myself, who's parents are still together and happily married. But for those young women, who have plenty of time to have a child after they reach puberty, whom choose to have a baby to escape their lives, be it for emotional reasons or to get a house.

I mean, income support only offers young people help with housing and living cost if they're 16 to 17 and pregnant. Not 16 - 17 and want to better themselves by getting a job and wanting to actively move out and better themselves and the economy. What is this UK government doing? It's almost easy to say to young women, " have a child, its not worth working because we will look after you."

Again this is nothing against babies who are born with teen mums, but many young women look at being a single mother and living on benefits as a lifestyle choice.

Surely the government should lay out the harshness that not always do young people get a house straight away, nor is it always going to be in a good area. But then again some young women may see the outlook as : "At least I will have my own place."

The former Prime Minister quoted:-
"Teenage mothers are less likely to finish their education, less likely to find a good job, and more likely to end up both as single parents and bringing up their children in poverty. The children
themselves run a much greater risk of poor health……."
Tony Blair – Prime Minister
This was the forward written by Tony Blair, to the ‘Teenage Pregnancy
Report’ published by the Social Exclusion Unit in 1999.

The attempted solution on this should not only be on more sex education, but EMPOWERMENT! Make the girls in areas such as the Valleys in Wales, For example with Merythr Tydfil, "between the ages of 15-17 there are 73.5 conceptions in every 1000 girls" and the Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2008 there were "59.2 conceptions in every 1000 girls" the second highest in Wales.

My advice for the next PM:- Make these young women feel EMPOWERED.EMPOWERED.EMPOWERED!!

If they feel they have a self worth, yes they may look to having a baby, but give them other options and alternatives. More stress on activities, health, EXERCISE. EXERCISE.EXERCISE!


Just to note:- this is not a criticism on The Labour Party, nor is it a criticism on teen pregnancies, it just concerns me as a young welsh woman of 23, why some people feel that having a child is a way to escape life, be it for whatever reason or to have one just for benefits and freedom from a problem at home. However I don't know anyone's situation and am not in a position to judge, just wanted to make the government aware that they should make other options for those young women who think they can only get a house and escape home if they have a child, and see living alone and getting pregnant as a way out. A baby is for life, not just for benefits!

If you need any advice on sexual health, or any related issues in the UK or world wide, check out this website to find your local family planning clinic, for free confidential advice, no matter what your age.

http://www.fpa.org.uk/Findaclinic

Prepared to be UNLEASHED! Wales' Has Talent and Lots Of It!

Its April 24th 2010 and what a great day it is in South Wales, as it hosts 2 of Wales' youngest talent events organisers- Jess Evans and Jess Hopkins, both whom are under the age of 25, and organised a what can only be described at AWESOME fashion show in the Cardiff International Pool.

Designs included high street fashion but it was great that they were promoting up and coming talent, from Fashion Students from Newport University, as well as the Award winning boutique Gallery fashions. Along with dance acts GOSSIP and Billie from the Reflex Dance Group not to mention 16 year old Sosha singing Christina's Fighter, and Alicia singing Beyonce's Ave Maria. The whole show was impeccable and was an absolute joy for myself and Matt to present.

Looking forward to the next one, and well done to those who donated monies to TY HAFEN.

xxx

International Welsh Womens Day

International Women's Day

Hello, Bonjour, Salaam, shwmae...

The reason for international 'hello's' is because Tuesday 16th March 2010 was the celebration of the Welsh Women's Day! Internationally it is celebrated on 8th March.

This year was the 99th year of the momentous occasion! It was held at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, and was filled was lots of passionate individuals from many organisations all for the cause of equality and well being of women.

Depending where you are in the world the focus is the celebration of respect, love and appreciation towards women.

It's incredible to think that it started back on March 19th in Germany, after women protested due to the harsh working conditions they were put under during the 20th century within the factories. It was celebrated every year but dwindled during the 1920s, however since the rise of feminism during the 1960s was revived and is still running to this day.

In many countries it is regarded as a national holiday, such as, Portugal where many women throw 'women only parties' in celebration of International Womens Day.

It shows that we have very much evolved from the early 20th centry where women had to fight for the vote and to work, but the real question poses, have we really?

As the 21st century woman faces many hardships but in a different context, some may not be fighting for the vote, but many are fighting for flexibilty, i.e within the workforce, when it comes to equal pay. Or when it comes to relationships of the modern woman according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence "One In Four Women will experience domestic violence in her life time." I find this shocking as women nowadays despite have more resources and access to education to empower themselves, these issues still exist, or have they always existed and today due to feminist movements of the past, are we more exposed to them, as they are frequently reported?

There were many talks from many organisations and workshops about women facing domestic abuse, and its great to see lots of women heloing other women empower themselves and to be in a place filled with passion and kick ass attitudes.


The media, and celebritys alike are jumping on board to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctoZbeD-GlY

However sorry to leave it on a sad note but it is very much a note of reality , issues on domestic abuse and violence still exist within society today, but its great to see more people are started to take notice to combat them.

For more information on Domestic abuse see:-

http://www.letswrap.com/dvinfo/whatis.htm

If you're suffering in silence from a partner miss treating you, or not making you feel as happy as you know deep down inside you should be call Womens Aid, free and confidentially on:-

PHONE: 0808 2000 247

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

This woman has been kind, gentle,
and has much love,
All of this has been given with
the blessing of the Great Spirit above,
But Great Spirit gave her something
else and she didn't know it...
The Great Spirit gave her
the blessing of being a warrior woman
as now her light is lit!

This warrior woman has come
fully alive today,
She is no longer anyone's slave or prey,
She is taking back her life today,
And those who know who she truly is,
can stay.
No longer will she live the lives of others,
She will give back the blames and responsibilities of others
where it belongs,
For she also has the bear and wolf inside her,
which is now so very powerful
and uniquely strong.

......................................

Now it is time for me to travel on my new path,
As a warrior woman conquering all wrath.
If you ever see and want to meet me,
Please come, and I will also teach and share with you how to be free.

Snippets taken from

Poem copyright © Lady J-Ann
Lady J-Ann has dedicated this piece to Survivors of Domestic Violence.
Please take some time to visit her inspiring website, A Lady's View

Experiences and work....

Hello, Here's a little bit of what I've done.

If you're looking for someone to present, host, compare voice over, promote or organize and event,from youth work to corporate hospitality am right here based in Cardiff.

Here's a little about me.

Feel free to ask any questions or get in touch. I'd be more than happy to help. cas.germain@hotmail.com

You can also listen to some of the shows here:-

http://soundcloud.com/cascorner

Casimir Germain

• CLEAN DRIVING LICENSE LANG. English & Basic German. BLOG http://www.casgermain.blogspot.com/
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  A FOCUSED AND DRIVEN ACHIEVER
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EDUCATION DETAILS

GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF LONDON (2006 – 2009)
BA (HONS) MEDIA AND SOCIOLOGY
Sociology Modules: Human Rights, Feminist Theories, Consumer Culture, Sexuality and Gender. Media Modules: Journalism and Radio.
Thesis 1: Representation of gender in hip-hop youth culture. Reading gender in US hip-hop and music video.

CARDIFF HIGH SCHOOL (2003 – 2005)
A LEVEL: Media, Drama, English

HOWELLS SCHOOL LLANDAF, CARDIFF (1998 – 2003)
GCSE: 11 Including Religious Studies, English, German and Drama.

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A PASSIONATE AND DYNAMIC PERSONALITY
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WORK EXPERIENCE

RED DRAGON FM, CARDIFF (Sept 09 – Present)
TRAINEE PRESENTER
Presenter Training, Production and Audio Engineering, Event Coordinator, Marketing and Promotions.

RADIO CARDIFF (July 09 – Sept 09)
BREAKFAST SHOW PRESENTER
Presenting 7-9am Weekdays, Opening Station, Organising Competitions and Guests, Scripting and Producing, Interviewing, Music and Audio Research.

MAGIC FM, LONDON (June 09 – July 09)
BREAKFAST SHOW ASSISTANT PRODUCER
Assisting Neil Fox, Live On Air Communications and Requests, Weather Report Scripting.

KISS 100 LONDON (May 09 – June 09)
MARKETING INTERNSHIP
Commercial Radio Traineeship, Production Assistant for Wireless Music Festival, Station Identity and Branding, DJ Agent Administration.

PROMOTIONS, UK WIDE (2005 to Present)
Promotions: Team Leader, Supervisor, Brand Ambassador, Model, Hostess
Promoting many top brands from Canon to Google.
Working Abroad: 2 Months in Greece for Imperial Tobacco.

COSMETICS, LONDON (2006-Present)

Working for various cosmetic houses including Dior, Benefit, Illamasqua and Urban Decay.
Advising women on key looks, from skin tone to current fashion.
Fashion shows and wedding make up.

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OUTGOING COMMUNICATOR EXPERIENCED IN WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC
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WOMEN’S AID
· Refuge Support Worker.
· Working closely and personably with women facing domestic abuse.
· Assisting Councillors on Refuge Duties.

CHARITY EVENTS COORDINATOR
· Hosting a 1000 guest capacity fashion event for local Welsh charities.
· Presenting Auctions and Event Organising.

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AN ALL ROUND SOCIABLE PERSON WITH DIVERSE PERSONAL INTERESTS
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Miss University London 2009 Finalist representing Goldsmiths University.
U4U make up artist- An Initiative For Young Women Promoting Empowerment.
The Youngest Member Of The Downing Street Project, an NGO for women in politics.
Travelling and learning about new cultures, including India, Thailand, Egypt and Europe.
Very Motivated and Determined Following Nido Qubein’s “When A Goal Matters Enough To A Person, That Person Will Find A Way To Accomplish What At First Seemed Impossible.”
Regular blogger: www.casgermain.blogspot.com

Cas Presents.....

Hello,

It's been a while hasn't it, how are you?

But fear not i've not disappeared from the face of the earth,no no....

I'm currently the Breakfast show presenter at Radio Cardiff 98.7fm. Weekdays 7-9 am.

where you can listen online http://www.radiocardiff.org.uk/ and join our facebook group "Radio Cardiff

Breakfast 98.7fm".

It's so much fun and there's always lots to do. I never thought finishing uni at 22 i'd get the

breakfast gig, but the early mornings are doing me well. Nick my co - presenter and I have a giggle every morning, telling jokes and bantering with each other. We've been refered to as a married couple because we bicker liek cat and dog, but we do love each other really. It's all good fun and games.

Last Thursday 20th August was our event, "Mixicology Madness" in association with Smirnoff Vodka and Schweppes Russchian, which was for listeners to create a "Cardiff Cocktail", which played on the idea that Cuba has the Mojita, New York has the Cosmo. It's now Cardiff's turn to shine. It was held at the Mocka Bar, where Miss Wales 2009 Lucy Whitehouse and Ex Welsh Nathan Blake made their cocktails.

Cara Cymru was Miss Wales' which means "Love Wales"- which contained- Vodka, Schweppes Russchian, Blueberries and lemonade. Nathan Blake's was called "The Ayatollah" which means celebration.

The first runner up was Chris Hughes' with "The Welsh Dragon" which contained tabasco sauce. The second runner up was Aron Silva's The Prince of Persia- which contained ginger beer and vodka, which had a certain kick to it. The winning cocktail was Joseph Mclaggon's- DIVERSITY!! Which contained vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and rum.

The night was amazing with listeners and celebs from Wales' very own Amanda Prothero Thomas, Miss Wales 2009 Lucy Whitehouse to Nathan Blake, and us presenters from Radio Cardiff.

Thanks to all who entered and came to the event and making it a great success!!!

xxxx

Here Come The Girls.....www.u4uk.co.uk is where its at.

Ever wondered growing up,”whats out there for me?” or “how can I be involved in something cool?”
Well, for our young women today, there is a new youth organization called U4U. What’s U4U I hear you ask?

U4U a membership club for young ladies founded by Ila Panik, a former professional dancer and serial entrepreneur to name but a few professions of her, with a “strong passion to create a better world.” Her amazing team of wonderful ladies whom come from a wide variety of professions are also part of the U4U team.

U4U caters to young ladies, aka our future leaders ages 11-18, which is based on 4 pillars: fitness, kindness, culture and environment. Each pillar focusing on important issues to improve the lifestyle of the young ladies, making them happy, healthy and confident.
U4U also challenges issues such as obesity, anorexia, depression, self harm, cultural intolerance and global warming.
As part of the launch of U4U, thereis an amazing event taking place, called “GIRLATION”.

The exclusive party takes place on
Sunday 17th May 2009, 12pm- 4pm at Baden Powell House 65-67 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London, SW75JS.
Where MTV presenters Carole Machin and Kate Edmondson will be hosting the event, as well as Models 1 (Europes top modelling agency) on the look out for the future Kate Moss!

As well as a host of other fun activities, such as fashion shows, free chocolates from Rococo Chocolate, Pineapple Dance, Lush, Pants to poverty, along with a host of experts in diet, make up, fashion, free pampering the list goes on.
What’s great about the event, is that for girls of different ages it caters to a specialist field which will benefit them.

Girls aged 11-15 will get advice on beauty, exams, friendship, environment and fashion. Where as girls aged 16-18 will get all of those plus advice on career, university/ CVs and any other successful tips.
Also the Girlation Stories & Poems writing competition has been released!
As well as the Girlation Art exhibition is accepting entrants! The theme is ‘Pink’.
This is one event you don’t want to miss!

So if your reading this and your not 11-18 but know someone who is, then bring them and yourselves along, it’s a great day out, with free goodies, and a chance to learn something new and be apart of something special.

To catch the early bird special for tickets and for more information visit www.U4UK.co.uk

This is one event that you don’t want to miss.
x

Love On A Mothering Sunday

Mother’s Day, Muttertag, La Festa della Mamma, Mothering Sunday, Fête des Mères, Día de las Madres......


For many of us,today Sunday 22nd March, we will be giving cards, flowers, chocolates and doing little kind gestures, righly so for our wonderful mothers.
But, does anyone know why we do these great things on Mothers Day?

Mothers Day since 17th Century of England and in the modern day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, where Christians fast, however on Mothering Sunday, familes had a mid-lentern feast, in honour of motherhood.

Motherhood has always been celebrated throughout history. From early prehistoric times, the mother known as Goddess was worshipped as the creator of life. In Egypt, the Queen of Heaven,Isis, ruled all matters concerning mothering. In Ancient Rome Hera and in ancient Greece Rhea were known as Mother Goddess.

Like today and historically, most mothering festivals took place in springtime to celebrate the rebirth of the land as its the most fertile time of the year.

Which leads to also to today, whereby we honour our very own goddesses our mothers.

So, like in history, weather your close to your mum, live far away, don't often tell your mum how great you think she is, make it your daily aim, to tell your mum you love her, or how much she means to you. Weather you think she knows it or not, tell her! As mums are great and often go underestimated, so Mum this is for you...I love you so much as you truly are my hero and are always here for me. For these reasons and many more I love you.

Happy Mothers Day! xxxx