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BBC's 'Secrets of our Living Planet' with Chris Packham is an incredible series - it explores how and why our climate is changing - take a look, the link is packed full of amazing information and opportunities to learn so much more

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BBC's 'Secrets of our Living Planet' with Chris Packham is an incredible series - it explores how and why our climate is changing - take a look, the link is packed full of amazing information and opportunities to learn so much more

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A groundbreaking, global nature series with Chris Packham, Secrets of Our Living Planet showcases the incredible ecosystems that make life on Earth possible

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Part of today's session will be to look at roles, sharing skills and how working together to support personal goals can be built into these project teams

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Bulbs have their own energy store - all they need is water to grow

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Bulbs have their own energy store - all they need is water to grow

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Global Warming - Make a difference -  Create your own Oxygen!

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Global Warming - Make a difference -  Create your own Oxygen!

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Gardening Tips - make oxygen - grow your own pine tree

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Learners practising how to use a wood saw and work bench safely, having first checked they have a safe working area around them and PPE too. Well done everyone

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Liz has very kindly brought in her arrowhead plant which she is growing in just water. Thank you Liz for sharing this with the group

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Great work Mark. The edges of your wood look good, and you have made some good personal goals. We might not be able to make bird boxes during this course but we can look at making these on future courses.

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Looks great now it is complete Mark. Great work

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Well done Adam this looks great. Your edges have been cut very straight and your decoration is beautiful. Also your goals are very personal and achievable during this course. Great start

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I love the way have used the saw to draw a 90 degree line, which you could then use as a guide when sawing. Well done Robbo.

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Well done Gary, I really like your positive message, which is personal to you.

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Hub of Hope: A great website and phone app that helps identify support in your local area

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Hub of Hope: A great website and phone app that helps identify support in your local area

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Hub of Hope - Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma

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Chasing the Stigma (CTS) has launched the Hub of Hope - a national mental health database, bringing help and support together in one place, with a focus on grassroots organisations.

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NHS Advice on How to Access Mental Health Services

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NHS Advice on How to Access Mental Health Services

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Find out about the different ways to get help with your mental health, the process, and your rights.

Mental health services are free on the NHS. Your mental health is important and you should get help if you need it.
Find NHS mental health services

Talk to your GP first

You'll need to talk to your GP to use some mental health services. This is known as a GP referral. Your GP can also talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.
Find your local GP surgery
Get help without talking to your GP

There are also some mental health services that you can use without talking to your GP first. This is known as self-referral.

For example, you may be able to refer yourself for help with drug problems and alcohol problems. You can also use self-referral to access talking therapies.
NHS talking therapies services
Get help through your work

If your mental health problem is because of stress at work, your employer might be able to refer you to occupational health services.

You can find out more from the Time to Change website.
Advice on mental health at work from Time to Change
Get help from your school or college

If you're a child or young person, your school or college might be able to refer you directly to a specialist mental health service.

Find out how to get mental health support if you are a child or young person.

How mental health referrals work

When you talk to your GP about your mental health they'll listen, give you advice and introduce you to a mental health service they think will be most helpful to you.

These services may come from your GP surgery, a large local health centre, a specialist mental health clinic or a hospital.

Your GP can also refer you to a psychological therapy service or a specialist mental health service for further advice or treatment. The treatment may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in a group with others with similar problems. Therapy can also sometimes involve partners and families.

Your right to choose who helps you

In most cases, you have a right to choose which mental health service provider you go to in England.

You have the legal right to choose which service provider and clinical team you're referred to for your first appointment.

What is a mental health service provider?

The NHS works with various organisations to run mental health services across England. They might be charities, private companies or not-for-profit organisations. These are called service providers.

You do not have a legal right to choose if:

you need urgent or emergency treatment

you already receive care and treatment for the condition

the organisation or clinical team you've chosen does not provide the right care for your condition

you're a prisoner or on temporary release from prison

you're detained in prescribed accommodation, such as a court, secure children's home, secure training centre, immigration removal centre or young offender institution

you're detained in a secure hospital setting

you're a serving member of the armed forces

you're detained under the Mental Health Act 1983

Find out more about your legal rights

The NHS Choice Framework on GOV.UK explains all the details of your legal right to choose.

Once you've chosen a service provider you also have the right to choose the mental health service team that will be in charge of your treatment.

You'll be seen by the consultant or named professional who leads the mental health team, or by another healthcare professional on the team.

How to book your appointment

Once you've decided on a mental health service provider, you might be able to book your appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service.

There are a few ways to do this:

your GP can book it while you're at the surgery

you can book it online yourself, using the appointment request letter your GP gives you

you can phone the NHS e-Referral Service line on 0345 60 88 88 8, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and from 8am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays

How long you will have to wait for an appointment

If the service you're being referred to is led by a consultant it will be covered by the NHS's commitment to make sure you're seen within 18 weeks.

Waiting times for other services will be different depending on where you are in England.
Find out more about waiting times for NHS services

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Find out about the different ways to get help with your mental health, the process, and your rights.

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Here are some suggestions of ways to practise Mindfulness skills. Feel free to look online for some online inspiration for other activities you could try! Share any fun or interesting ideas that you find with others.

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Non-Verbal Communication - body language

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Non-Verbal Communication - body language

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Some interesting tips to share - please let me know if you have others that you can add to the list.

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Information to support your session

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Its always good to have your end goal within your sight, so that you can map your journey and the steps you need to take to achieve it.

Some useful guidance on the handout below.

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A reminder of what we have covered in our practical tutorial today.

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The phrase no man is an island means that no one is truly self-sufficient, everyone will rely on the company and comfort of others in order to thrive at some stage in their lives.

Teamwork is most effective whenever everyone involved works together towards the common goal. It is important to support each other in a team so that the team will be successful whenever it comes to reaching its goals. In this regard, members support one another as they collaborate and communicate freely together.

Talking to your employer

Talk to your line manager, or someone else if you'd prefer - for example, someone from the HR department or another manager. Arrange a meeting with them so you won't be disturbed. You can ask if someone can go to the meeting with you if you don't feel able to go on your own.

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RHS gardening - inspiring everyone to grow / RHS Gardening

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the world’s leading gardening charity; join us for days out at stunning gardens, exclusive access to amazing flower shows, an award-winning gardening magazine and much more.

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Click on the link above to join our Nearpod tool quiz

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Welcome Educators and website visitors! This website uses cookies. If you would like more information, please see our Cookie Notice.

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Assessing the risks - start, mid project and at the end

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Assessing the risks - start, mid project and at the end

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This week we learnt how to weave a plater out of willow. Carol did a demonstration on how to prepare the freshly cut willow, and then how to weave the willow to create a plater.

Everyone got involved and achieved the outer ring, some people even started the main body. I am really impressed with the progress you all made. Well done.

Look at the photos below of you having a go! I cant wait to see how they develop over the next few weeks.

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It is really important to us here at CARE that everyone feels safe and comfortable with their environment. For that reason all of our staff have completed safeguarding training and Carol and Brad are our dedicated safeguarding leads.

If you have any concerns please speak to a member of the CARE team.

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Good video which demonstrates a safe and accurate way of sawing a piece of wood in a straight line

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Introduction to your programme and your  Padlet group

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Introduction to your programme and your  Padlet group

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Striping the leaves off the willow so that you can use the branch to weave.

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Once the leaves are striped you can then start to weave the branches together to make the outer ring. Great work

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Well done Lewis your outer ring is looking good.

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Great team work here. Some parts can get quite fiddley and is easier with two people

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This article explains what green food is and how you can adapt to eat more green foods.

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What does a green diet look like? | BBC Good Food

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Green eating isn’t the latest fad diet where you’re restricted to green fruit and vegetables, but a way of eating that’s better for you and the environment.

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Starting to temporary secure your across pieces with twine. We should be able to swap these for willow once the weaving is complete.

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Safe, simple way to break down pallets for garden woodcraft projects

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Safe, simple way to break down pallets for garden woodcraft projects

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Easiest Way to Break Down a Pallet Without Damaging the Boards

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Please take a look at our group agreement, we want everyone to feel safe, supported and included.  We want everyone to achieve as much as possible by taking part.

To approve and to leave any suggestions please use the space below.  It is important that all course members submit their approval of the Group Agreement

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Links to English, Maths and IT support here

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Links to English, Maths and IT support here

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Numeracy and Digital Skills - The government have launched The Skills Toolkit, a collection of free online courses for adults to access whilst at home, to help you build new skills and boost growth and productivity.

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One in three people have used online learning to help them get a better job. On average, online learning can boost your annual pay by £3,640 too [ 1]

94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development [ 5].

Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. All courses on The Skills Toolkit are free and available online, so your teams can learn flexibly from home at a time that suits them.
Explore courses

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Learn a new skill at home. Find free, high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit.

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https://careers.staffordshire.gov.uk/jobs/latest

WeRecruit is the new Staffordshire County Council's career hub which will improve the recruitment experience for you! It is accessible on both mobile and desktop devices, and will include all candidate communications and show your application progress.  You can now easily: apply for jobs, manage your profile, find information to support your job search. It will also allow you to set up job alerts, so you can quickly access jobs matching your chosen criteria.

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Jobs and careers with Staffordshire County Council

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This website is using cookies to improve your browsing experience and to enable social media functionality. By clicking "Turn cookies on", you agree to such purposes. Read more about cookies.

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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Useful Learner Information -  British Values, Protect yourself, Feeling and Staying Safe:

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https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Community-learning-service/ProviderInfo/Safeguarding-and-Prevent-duty-overview.aspx

Using the internet safely and protectiing personal information:
https://www.deliveringforscotland.gov.uk/at-home/internet-safety/

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Learn My Way | Learn how to use the internet

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Learn how to use the internet. Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners, helping you develop digital skills.

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Focus Group:  UNESCO Sustainability goals

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Focus Group:  UNESCO Sustainability goals

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Zoe Lowman, Community Learning Teaching and Learning Advisor will be with us today to host a focus group on UNESCO Sustainability goals.

Take a look at the link for more information.

The environmental goals fit in perfectly with our focus for this course on recycling, environmental awareness and especially reducing plastic waste everywhere, especially in our rivers and oceans

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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Manage your own mental wellbeing with new wellbeing hub

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What a fantastic start. You have made a really good strong outer ring, and then managed to weave a number of pieces of willow into the main body. Fantastic work

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Lets have a look at how easy it is for temperature to change with the greenhouse effect. Think about the impact that this has on our planet and what we can do to help.

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Photo taken by Brad at Red Lion Farm May 2024

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Whooooo woke me up!  So much going on that I can't get a wink of sleep!

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Whooooo woke me up!  So much going on that I can't get a wink of sleep!

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Fabulous productive day by all, with so much progress made on every level - projects are coming together all around and so good to see skills being shared, group members discussing and agreeing final adjustments, and lots of smiling faces as the paint begins to dry! Big well done to all, also to Jeanette for our latest first aid session.

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There is a real wealth of information here that will be of interest for everyone who is looking at ways to save water, and still enjoy a beautiful garden and wildlife too.

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The following tips will help make your garden more resistant to drought conditions:

Cultivate the soil deeply and dig in large quantities of organic matter to improve soil structure, soil water retention and water availability for plants. Well-rotted garden compost, mushroom compost, composted bark and well-rotted farmyard manure are all suitable forms of organic matter.

Apply sufficient fertiliser as plants use water most efficiently where nutrient levels are adequate. But do not apply too much fertiliser to the soil, as this can encourage too much lush growth which can flop in summer, require extra watering, and become frost damaged in winter.

Choose plants with grey-green or silver leaves as they reflect the sun's rays, helping to conserve moisture within the plant tissues.

Try to choose plants which suit the site's soil type and aspect. They will be more tolerant of varying climatic conditions as well as of pest and disease problems.

Plant things while they are still small. They will develop much greater resilience as they adapt to their conditions from a young age. Ideally plant in autumn so they can do some growing before dry weather arrives.

If planting Mediterranean plants, do so in spring when the soil is warming up. Many of these plants will suffer from root-rot if planted in autumn and become cold and damp over winter.

Before planting, thoroughly soak the plants in their pots in a bucket of water until the bubbles stop rising to the surface.

Thoroughly water in all new plants (and keep them watered in the first season after planting to ensure they establish well). Once established, they will become much more drought-tolerant.

After planting, mulch the bed with 5-7.5cm (2-3in) of gravel or, even better, a layer of compost or straw covered with gravel, to help retain moisture while the plants establish.

Consider making a gravel garden. These are low maintenance and are a good option if you already have sandy or gravelly soil.

Remove weeds regularly to prevent them depriving your plants of water.

You may decide to do without a lawn in your drought-friendly garden, but if you cannot do without this feature in your garden, then you may be pleased to know that lawns are surprisingly drought tolerant, and usually recover well in the autumn rains, even if they have been brown and parched most of the summer. Lawn irrigation should rarely be required, if at all, to keep the grass healthy.

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Drought-resistant gardening / RHS Gardening

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Making our gardens more resistant to drought is not necessarily about digging them up and starting again, but thinking about appropriate soil cultivation, plant choice and garden maintenance.

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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Volunteering can help improve your self-esteem and emotional health

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How to join two pieces of wood together with a nail

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How to join two pieces of wood together with a nail

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How to join 2 pieces of wood at the corner

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding information for learners from Staffordshire Community Learning / county council

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Safeguarding and Prevent duty: overview - Staffordshire County Council

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Information, guidance and documents on Safeguarding and the Prevent Duty.

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Some great results, and so quick too - even with limited sunshine we were able to see how quickly the impact of the plastic bags which replicated the greenhouse effect demonstrated the increased temperatures which result from heat being trapped in the same way.

It was good to see how many of the group already had a good awareness of things they could do to help reduce greenhouse gasses which create this effect.

One idea that we have already explored is recycling; reducing plastic waste; and we will look more closely at alternative energy sources and hydroponics as part of this course. Well done to everyone taking part and for the very interesting discussion that followed.

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Placing the wood inside the tyre, centering it and measuring the height

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New rustic bird table moves from design to production

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New rustic bird table moves from design to production

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Tell us whether you accept cookies

We use cookies to collect information about how you use this website. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve this website. We also share some of this information with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

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We use cookies to collect information about how you use this website. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve this website. We also share some of this information with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

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What to plant in your garden to attract more wildilfe

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What to plant in your garden to attract more wildilfe

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Wildlife Garden Design Guide - Episode 3 - Shrubs & Plants to encourage wildlife to your garden

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The Skills Toolkit from Department for Education  provides access to free, high-quality courses to help build up your skills in digital and numeracy. Find out more: gov.uk/theskillstoolkit #TheSkillsToolkit

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How to join two pieces of wood together with a screw

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How to join two pieces of wood together with a screw

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How to join 2 pieces of wood in the corner with a screw

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https://www.getsafeonline.org/

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From the Blog

Blog

Who are you really talking to online?

The internet is a fantastic innovation that has, in many ways, made life more convenient, given us more choice, brought enrichment and for many, made...

Our Partners & Supporters

Our Mission

Our Mission

Get Safe Online is the UK's leading source of unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.

Our website is a unique resource providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online. It contains guidance on many other related subjects too - including performing backups and how to avoid theft or loss of your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Read more about who we are

Get Safe Online around the world

Get Safe Online has a presence in 24 countries around the world. Each country benefits from its own Get Safe Online website, customised to deliver the best and most relevant experience for individuals and businesses. Many of the countries also have a community of Get Safe Online Ambassadors and Advocates working on our behalf.
Read more about our International Sites

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Get Safe Online | The UK's leading Online Safety Advice Resource

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The UK's leading online safety advice resource. Providing free, impartial internet safety advice to help keep you and your family safe online.

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Global Warming 101 | National Geographic

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Placing the wood and checking that the angles between the two are both practical and pleasing to look at!

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Encouraging visitors to our birdtable - what should we feed them on?

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Encouraging visitors to our birdtable - what should we feed them on?

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Advice from the wildlife team on looking after your local feathered friends. From the best bird tables to helping prevent injuries and attacks.

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National Careers Service can provide one-to-one support by telephone, email, online workshops and webinars, delivered by qualified careers advisers.

Contact Kulwinder Manak
Telephone: 0800 100 900  8am - 8pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 5 pm Saturday

or Email kulwinder.manak@prospects.co.uk
Website: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

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While there are a wide variety of microgreens that you can buy (or grow at home), the names of these miniature plants should sound familiar: beets, Swiss chard, broccoli, mustard, arugula, amaranth, and peas among others. Microgreens are simply the versions of these vegetables and herbs when they are in their tiny sprout form.

There are around sixty different kinds of microgreens. Not only do microgreens add a nutritional punch to salads, soups, or sandwiches, but they are also tender and offer delicious flavor.

Microgreens have become increasingly popular in the past handful of years, and a great deal of ongoing research seeks to understand all the health benefits these tiny plants offer.

Early research has indicated that microgreens contain up to 40% more phytochemicals (beneficial nutrients and components) than their full-grown counterparts.

Though these little greens are small in stature, they contain extremely high levels of powerful vitamins, minerals, and health-supporting components.

Microgreens can lower blood pressure. Foods that are high in fiber and vitamin K can be helpful in maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and microgreens are high in both of these important elements as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Microgreens might help fight cancer. Research is ongoing into this subject, but some early evidence suggests that sulforaphane - a compound found at especially high levels in broccoli sprouts - may help fight cancer.

Some microgreens can help lower cholesterol. A study found that red cabbage microgreens lower levels of LDL cholesterol, liver cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines - all factors that can increase your risk for heart disease.

Microgreens can support gut health. Foods that are high in dietary fiber, like microgreens, can ease constipation or other gastro-intestinal distress when eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Research also indicates that dietary fiber serves as a " prebiotic," or material that provides an ideal environment for the "good" bacteria in the human microbiome to flourish.

With over 60 varieties of microgreens and microgreen blends available, there is no shortage of tasty and healthy choices when it comes to what to explore.

Some of the most popular varieties of microgreens include:

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What are microgreens? How to eat these tiny, delicious superfoods.

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more.

No Commitments. Cancel Anytime.

You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go.

Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

Unlock a passion, side hustle, or new professional skill with thousands of classes in design, business, and more.

© Skillshare, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.

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Explore your creativity with classes in illustration, photography, design, and more. No Commitments. Cancel Anytime. You're in the driver's seat. Join millions of students crafting a unique learning experience to help them get where they want to go. Learn with Emily Henderson, Kelis, Marques Brownlee, Jessica Kobeissi, and thousands of acclaimed creators eager to share their knowledge with you.

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How can we help?

We know everybody's different, but choose the statement that best describes you or your situation and we'll suggest some relevant topics.

Still not sure where to start?

Don't worry. We're here to help guide you to the information you need. Use the links below and we'll point you in the right direction.

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Lets beat the plastics crisis - What you can do to help

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Lets beat the plastics crisis - What you can do to help

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

You can help right now by writing to your MP directly to urge them to back a strong Global Plastics Treaty. To help you to do this, we've created this handy tool.

All you need to do is fill in your postcode, and we'll locate your MP. You can use our pre-written template text, or you can customise the message to make it more personal. Next, just enter your details and hit send. It's as easy as that!

WRITE TO YOUR MP NOW

Additionally, here are some more great ways that you can help to spread the word:

Share the results of The Big Plastic Count: you could forward this email on to your friends and family, or share the results video on your social accounts.

Sign Greenpeace's Global Plastics Treaty petition: show your support by adding your name.

Host an Unwrapped event: celebrate your participation and discuss the results of The Big Plastic Count by hostinga results event for your community

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Different types of construction projects call for different kinds of timber. Both hardwood and softwood can be used for everything from structural to decorative. But what is the difference between these two types of wood?

Different types of construction projects call for different kinds of timber. Both hardwood and softwood can be used for everything from structural to decorative. But what is the difference between these two types of wood? You might be reading this and thinking 'how can you write a whole blog on something so self-explanatory? Surely softwood is in fact 'soft wood' and hardwood is 'hard wood''. But it's not actually that simple, the terms softwood and hardwood don't necessarily refer to the density or hardness of the wood itself. Confused? Let us explain

The Difference

Softwood and hardwood are distinguished in nature in terms of their reproduction rather than their end appearance and attributes. In general, hardwood comes from deciduous tree's which lose their leaves annually. Softwood comes from conifer, which usually remains evergreen. The trees from which hardwood is obtained tend to be slower growing, meaning the wood is usually denser.

Hardwood

Hardwood is considered the ultimate versatile material, with applications ranging from exquisite veneers and furniture, musical instruments, flooring, construction and boatbuilding. It is a material of real beauty, available in countless combinations of species, specifications and colours. Because of their condensed and more complex structure, hardwoods generally offer a superior level of strength and durability. The most common types of hardwoods include Oak, Teak, Sapele, Iroko and Meranti. As these grow at a much slower rate and require longer drying times, these factors drive up the cost of the wood. Hardwoods tend to be much more resilient than softwoods and are often reserved for projects that require maximum durability. Hardwoods such as beech, maple and walnut are usually reserved for bespoke joinery projects, crafting furniture, wooden flooring and fine veneers. These types are hardwood are most suitable for these tasks as they desire particular aesthetic characteristics, such as colour and woodgrain.

At Arnold Laver we have experience with hardwood gained over decades of meeting the exact timber requirements of companies and individuals. We carry what we believe to be one of the widest timber-based product ranges in the UK, and we pride ourselves on the high standards of timber. We aim to be able to meet virtually any hardwood requirement from stock. When we can't, we'll source it specially. We also offer a full machining service and can supply everything from a simple length of timber to intricate mouldings.

Softwood

Softwood is renowned for its versatility and strength. Sourced from all over the globe, with a large breadth of applications and a remarkably aesthetic appeal, softwood can be used across a broad range of internal and external projects - from furniture and flooring to decking, landscaping, external joinery and structural applications. Softwoods are more readily available and easily manipulated. They also develop at a quicker pace, leading to lower cost levels. They are flexible, lighter in weight and less dense than most hardwoods. Softwoods are commonly used for interior mouldings, the manufacturing of windows, construction framing and generating sheet goods such as plywood and fibreboard.

At Arnold Laver we have the broadest and most comprehensive range of softwood species and grades to cover all timber requirements. We have a core range of softwoods held in stock at all of our branches, backed up by daily supplies from our National Distribution Centre. As well as standard products, bespoke requirements are our speciality, with machining, grading and treatment facilities available group-wide.

Softwood and Hardwood Characteristics

Uses of Softwood and Hardwood

In many cases, hardwoods and softwoods are both used for many of the same purposes. Generally, though, softwoods are cheaper and easier to work with. As such they make up the majority of all wood used in the world, with about 80% of timber being a softwood. Softwoods have a wide range of applications and are found in building components including components (such as windows and doors), furniture and fibreboard.

Though hardwoods are often more expensive and sometimes more difficult to work with, the benefit is that most (though not all) are denser, meaning they will last longer than softwoods. For this reason, hardwoods are often found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring and construction that is designed to last.

As the timber experts, Arnold Laver has extensive in-house production facilities for the machining and manufacture of both hardwoods and softwoods. We have modern and well-equipped factories located across several of our Depots, allowing us to provide an effective and timely service for a range of manufacturing requirements. If you have an upcoming project and are unsure what timber is most suitable, give us a call and we'll help you determine the best option.

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Hardwood vs Softwood: What's the Difference?

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