Top 10 Unobtainable Dreams For Young People

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Millennial have it hard, that is common knowledge. Tuition fees are higher than ever, houses are too expensive, and, if you are lucky to go to university or buy a home, the debt will be huge. Sadly, it seems that three quarters of young Brits feel like they will never achieve their dreams. It is not true of course. Everyone can and Frost will be publishing lots of finance and work articles to help you achieve your dreams. We want to give people the power to take hold of their own lives. Contact us to let us know what you want us to cover, or how you feel about your life in general. Meanwhile, let us now if you agree with the latest stats below.

Having a successful career, going to university and owning a house are seen as ‘fantasies’ for millions of young people, according to new research.

Three quarters of Brits aged 16-25 are also unconvinced they’ll ever be able to land a job they love – something which was far more achievable for the previous generation.

Eight in 10 young people said they fear other people going for the same positions as them are stronger candidates with better CVs and better experience.

One in 10 don’t think they’ll be able to go to university, while owning a house is considered to be completely unobtainable by 40 per cent of respondents.

Living debt free, being able to cope without relying on parents for financial support, and earning more than the average British salary of £26,500 are also seen as unattainable.

While the study of 1,500 16 to 25 year-olds, conducted by vInspired to mark the end of Volunteers’ Week 2016, also found out 42 per cent consider travelling the world to be a pipedream.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of vInspired, the UK’s leading youth volunteering charity, said: “The results highlight the pressures young people face today.

“Access to the job market, uncertain financial futures and mental health issues are all problems we see young people come up against first-hand.

“However, we believe that there are other ways young people can gain valuable experience and make them more employable despite some challenging economic circumstances.”

Many young adults don’t think they’ll ever be able to move to a major city such as London or Manchester due to high living costs, competition for jobs and house prices.

A further 15 per cent say they have no hope of ever buying their own car, and 17 per cent say having a family seems unrealistic at the moment.

Going to University feels unachievable for 13 per cent of those aged 16 to 25, while 16 per cent don’t feel like anyone would ever want to take a chance of them.

When it comes to securing their ideal job, seven in 10 people polled said the competition nowadays is so intense they would need completely new qualifications in order to stand any chance at all of success.

Yet 87 per cent of respondents said the high cost of gaining an education is massively impacting their chances of getting the job they’ve always wanted.

But three quarters of people polled recognise that doing voluntary work would make them more employable.

Perhaps as a result, 77 per cent of respondents are currently volunteering or would consider doing so in the future.

Two thirds of Brits aged 16-25 said volunteering could inspire them to pursue a career they may not have otherwise considered.

And around 80 per cent of participants think volunteering can teach you things a degree or other postgraduate qualifications might not, thus making them more employable.

Two thirds of respondents said voluntary work meant they could “make a difference”, while over 56 per cent said it gives you motivation and half says it makes you more open-minded.

Jessica Taplin said: “We know that the skills young people gain when volunteering help increase wellbeing and lead to employability.

“So we’re delighted to see from this survey that so many young people really value their volunteering experience.

“vInspired is all about supporting young people into volunteering and enabling them to better harness the benefits of this.”

Nine in 10 respondents think it is harder now than ever before to standout from other job candidates.

TOP 10 UNOBTAINABLE DREAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

1. Travelling the world

2. Owning a house/getting on the property ladder

3. Earning more than the average British salary (£26,500)

4. Being debt free

5. Reaching the top of your career ladder

6. Getting a job you love

7. Not having to borrow additional funds to get by

8. Not having to depend on other people such as parents for financial support

9. Having the opportunity to gain experience in pursuit of your dream job

10. Moving to a major city such as London or Manchester

Glamping near Hellfire Pass by Alex Bannard: our Thailand Correspondent

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Margaret Graham

One of the hottest summers in Thailand has just drawn to a close and as the rainy season dawned, Alex Bannard and her family joined friends glamping near Hellfire Pass.

It was to be a compensation prize after Alex’s husband’s ‘blokes’ fishing weekend seemed to hook only appalling seasickness, and no fish. As Alex says: thinking we were going to Khao Yai I was vaguely surprised to learn we were actually going to be based in a campsite north of Kanchanburi near Hellfire Pass. The kids were excited at the prospect of going glamping, if not at little confused by the prospect of glamourous camping.

We left early and made the journey across Bangkok in around 20 mins. Amazing how easy it is to navigate the city when there is no traffic. And it afforded us an unplanned stop off at Kanchanburi to see a train cross the bridge over the River Kwae and pop into a friend’s newly opened waterpark. The park was fun. My 8 year old was so brave tackling the steepest slide and as we embarked on the last leg of the journey to Hintock Camp site we were refreshed.

As we approached the campsite we drove through the nearby village where villagers were dancing along the road celebrating the nuns who were leaving for their spiritual journey at a nearby temple. The celebrations lasted until late into the evening and kicked off again at 4am as they finally left for their new life.

The campsite did not disappoint: the tent’s were raised off the ground on stilts, had their own outdoor bathrooms, proper beds, even A/C. This is how camping should be – glamping. The kids ran around the campsite whilst the grown ups enjoyed a celebratory G&T or several. Then the heavens opened and the evening BBQ buffet around the campfire was relocated to the restaurant over looking the river. Although there was not much sleep to be had thanks to the nuns’ farewell in the village next door.

The next day we had a blissfully relaxing day at the campsite, whose tropical gardens were the perfect back drop to games of cricket and lazy coffees. Just before lunch attempts at fishing commenced. Mr P aced it catching 2 fish almost immediately. The mums took the children to the fresh spring pool, with stunning views over the river. That afternoon after a heavenly head and shoulder massage we took the kids on a long tail boat ride down the river. And we celebrated the end of a fabulous day rain-free by the campfire.

All too soon it was time to leave but not before we wandered over a nearby suspension bridge to investigate a small temple and it’s 5 huge Buddhas which reside next to it before heading to Hellfire Pass. Walking along the path which had been carved out of the rocks by hand by British, Australian & Dutch POW’s and local’s it is not hard to imagine the ghastly inhumane conditions those men had to endure.

12,000 POW’s died subjected to brutal working and living conditions, with little food, very limited medicine and absolutely no comfort. Hellfire’s Pass is so called because the men often worked their 15-18 hour shifts in firelight, emaciated and exhausted. It certainly gave me something to reflect upon on the journey home especially one of the quotes on the memorial plaques: ‘Go home and tell them, they gave up their tomorrow’s for your today.’ And we should never forget the bravery of previous generations who fought for the democracy, safety and peace we enjoy.

Of course with children in tow we could not explore the full path and one day I will walk the full 7km pass. But for now it was enough. Besides the heavens opened, well it is rainy season after all, lightening the mood, drenching but refreshing us and hastening us towards the car and the journey back to Bangkok. But of course, we will not forget, and we will return.

Anthology shows off North East’s poetic prowess

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Margaret Graham

A SPECIALLY commissioned anthology of North East poetry is set to be launched by the Northern Poetry Library.

‘Among Woods and Water’ is a collection of poems penned by Northern Poetry Library poets in residence and celebrates the region’s poetic legacy, and future.

The works also reflect the experiences of the poets in residence who have spent time with members of the public across the library’s native North East, working with the community groups to explore different poetic forms and encourage more people to create poetry.

The anthology features one original poem by each of the six poets and separate collaborative pieces devised by groups.

Lisa Matthews, the Northern Poetry Library’s lead poet in residence, said: “Among Woods and Water is a beautiful exploration of North East poetry.

Our poets were commissioned to create pieces that speak about the region and most importantly the people who inspire all of the works in our library.

“This anthology is an important record of the communities they worked with, and their poetic experiences and feelings.”

Pieces in the anthology span a wide range of subjects from landscapes, identity, and mortality.

A series of live readings will help to launch the anthology in the North East.

The events include:

June 9, John Challis at Newcastle University Percy Building G.05 – 5-7pm
July 7, Jo Colley and Lisa Matthews at Morpeth Library, The Chantry – 3:30pm
July 12, Carolyn Jess-Cooke at Alnwick Bailiffgate – 7pm
July 14, Degna Stone at Berwick Library – 2pm

More information about the anthology and the events programme can be found on the NPL’s new website http://northernpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Review: Ross at Chichester Festival Theatre

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Vicky Edwards

Joseph Fiennes leads the cast in in Terence Rattigan’s bio-drama about TE Lawrence

Photographs: Johan Persson

When it comes to writing repressed and complex characters Rattigan is something of a dab hand. The life of TE Lawrence, therefore, gives him plenty to work with.

The story is well known, not least thanks to David Lean’s epic (if not strictly accurate) movie, Lawrence of Arabia. But while the play is light on Hollywood glitz, the writing is pure class. Rattigan’s account of how Lawrence (who was routinely beaten as a child and was a repressed homosexual) rose from being a civilian in the Map Office to a celebrity who led the unconventional but effective 1916-18 Arab Revolt against the Turks is both compelling and disturbing.

The play opens in a far less exotic setting than the Middle East. Having chosen to hide himself away from public scrutiny by assuming a false name and joining the lowly ranks of the RAF, at a base in Uxbridge Aircraftman ‘Ross’ is being charged with insubordination.

Asked to explain his unauthorised absence of the previous night, his insistence that he was dining with Lord and Lady Astor, The Arch Bishop of Canterbury and Mr and Mrs George Bernard Shaw is deemed outrageous cheek. But while his superiors don’t believe him, one of his fellows does. Having assured himself of Ross’s real identity, the opportunity for blackmail is too easy to resist. Cue the beginning of Lawrence’s Arabian story, told through a malaria-induced flashback.

Designer William Dudley uses every inch of Chichester’s thrust stage to evoke the sense of desert expanse, with occasional black and white film footage aiding historical context.

There is much to admire in Adrian Noble’s polished production, but one of the greatest joys is the casting. Without a single ‘slightly less than’ contribution, the overall result is absolutely cohesive and effortlessly fluid.

Joseph Fiennes is superb. Perfectly judging Lawrence’s complexities and contradictions, every nuance is beautifully captured.

Michael Feast is terrifyingly brilliant as the Turkish Military Governor (his vile orders being audibly carried out make for uncomfortable listening and saw theatre-goers shifting awkwardly in their seats), while Paul Freeman as General Allenby and Peter Polycarpou Sheik Auda Abu Tayi also achieve gear changes between light and shade with dexterity and conviction. But it is undeniably a magnificent Team Effort.

A maverick, the conquering hero, an intellectual who was profoundly driven, what is perhaps most interesting about the Lawrence story is the essence of the man himself; someone plagued by demons who waged their own war on him. And someone who longed, more than anything, to fit in and belong.

Highly recommended and with a short run, this ticket looks likely to be as hot as desert sand. Get in quick.

Until 25 June. Box Office: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk

Add Some Zest To Your Summer With Cîroc Pink Grapefruit

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Frostie

Frost stumbled across this discovery and thought it looked interesting: CÎROC vodka launches a new summer variant, available only in the UK

CÎROC unveils a vibrant new summer infusion to its family of bespoke vodkas.

Available exclusively in the UK, this lively new addition is a subtle blend of CÎROC with a hint of refreshing citrus pink grapefruit – the perfect serve to enjoy celebrating with friends on summer evenings.

Zesty and fresh on the palate, with a fragrant hint of orange blossom, CÎROC Pink Grapefruit is best enjoyed as CÎROC Sea Breeze, with a splash of cranberry juice and squeeze of fresh lime, creating a modern twist on the popular vodka serve. Alternatively, try the CÎROC Pink Grapefruit & Sage Smash, a medley of fresh sage leaves, lemon juice, pink grapefruit juice and soda over ice. This simple, zingy drink is the epitome of summer sophistication.

Skilfully created by CÎROC Master Distiller Jean-Sébastien Robiquet, CÎROC is crafted exclusively using vodka that is five-times distilled from fine French grapes for supreme taste. Real citrus extract, from the peels and oils of the pink grapefruit, has been gently infused with the vodka to create CÎROC Pink Grapefruit for the ultimate refreshing taste and smooth finish.

This seventh edition to be added to the brand’s collection marks the first citrus variety of CÎROC. Recognised as one of the best-loved citrus flavours amongst Brits, the latest variant is sure to be as successful as the hugely popular release of CÎROC Pineapple in 2015.

CÎROC Pink Grapefruit is available from selected retailers nationwide, sainsburys.co.uk, tesco.com, waitress,com, at an RRP of £38 per 70cl bottle.

Gear4 BookCase Phone Case Review

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Frostie

I love the Gear4 BookCase phone cover for my iPhone 6. It is stylish, well made, and it really works. I rarely use my purse now, I just take my phone and put my debit card into the slot. It has D30 world beating protection. In fact, it is military standard and exceeds 9ft in the drop test. This protective wallet has all round protection and a viewing standard. It may have unbeatable shock protection, but is also soft and flexible. It does the job and is handsome to boot. What more could you want?

Available for Samsung S6, S6 Edge/S6 Edge Plus, iPhone 5/5s, 6/6s/ and 6s Plus

Providing advanced impact protection, the GEAR4 BookCase features a stylish flip-over screen cover and magnetic closure offering complete protection. It includes two card slots ideal for those who like to keep their phone and wallet in one place, plus a convenient stand feature for watching movies while commuting.

Gear4 Folio Book Case Cover for iPhone 6 is available here.k

Wraps Wearable Wristband Headphones Review

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

I am forever looking for my headphones. They are usually lost in the chaos of my changing bag, amongst nappies and fruit pouches. I even dot them around the house. My reliance on headphones now is usually so I can make a hand-free phone call while pushing the pram, listen to music loud while the baby sleeps, or keep myself awake whilst giving him a bottle at night.

My other headphones issue is that they forever get tangled up. I waste so much time untangling them. Not so with Wraps. These wearable headphones caught my eye. They are wristband headphones which look great and come in a variety of beautiful colours. I have them in Lagoon which is a beautiful blue colour. They have a one button mic which is really handy. They have a beautiful fibre braided cable and precision 10mm dynamic speakers. The sound quality is fantastic and they look fab.

Wraps Wearable earphones – Turn your earphones into a summer fashion accessory and never get them tangled again.

Lost numerous pairs already? Want your headphones to sound good AND look good? Wearing headphones is not just about listening to music, it’s about how you look listening to music! Wraps were created from this concept but took it a step further by making the wraps permanently wearable, whether wearing them in your ears or on your wrist.

When worn on the wrist, the unique patented slider system keeps the lightweight alloy heads, slider and jack plug all connected together for a secure compact fit. The cables are kept in perfect alignment and remain tangle free and always close to hand!

Wraps have recently launched the new ‘Talk’ range featuring a universal one button microphone which comes in six fresh, funky colour options. Stylish and functional: you can answer a call, play or pause your music and skip tracks all without having to dig into your bag or pockets for your device. Compatible with all smartphones and tablets.

Wraps Talk are available in a range of colours from www.mywraps.com and Amazon with prices starting at £19.99.

Words for the Wounded: Review of the Third Place Entry

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Margaret Graham

The Secret of Skara Vhore, by Jennifer M Calder by Margaret Graham

(published by Matador)

‘A great setting and good tension between a real and fantasy world… the loneliness of an unwanted teenager discovering a world where good and evil battles… great concept and world building…’ Felicity Trew. (Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency)

Katie is a lost and troubled teenager who is claimed by distant, unknown relatives and is dispatched to a remote Scottish island. Distrustful of the world, she slowly accepts the friendship of perceptive Morag, mischievous Robbie and the reticent Kirig, a strange boy who lives in the hills. But sinister and ghostly events threaten them as past time spills into the present. Katie struggles to uncover her forgotten history but then is asked to risk the lives of those she loves in order to battle against the forces of chaos and fulfil her destiny. Set in the highlands of Scotland, The Secret of Skara details the battle between good and evil, as well as the loyalty among friends.

Judge’s comments: This Young Adult novel (the first of a trilogy) has a perfect setting – the loneliness of an unwanted teenager discovering a world where good and evil battle. It opens with an anonymous boy stumbling through a moorland landscape with no clue to its time or place. The next chapter gives us an unnamed girl in an all-too-real – and equally desolate – contemporary England town. The origins of these two children, their coming together and its consequences, form a great setting and tension between a real world and fantasy world.

Katie is a troubled teenager with a buried past and Kirig is a strange and almost silent boy. Together with two other children, perceptive Morag and impish Robbie, they must find their way through the confusion of past and present to a new understanding of who they are.

Calder creates both the wilderness of a Scottish island and the equally bleak desert of a run-down English town with a confident use of detail and it is so nearly ‘there’. However, with an eye to any forthcoming novels in the series: sometimes the writing can be quite dialogue heavy which unravels the pace and sometimes the Young Adult voice doesn’t grab and pull in the reader, (essential in this genre). Maybe change the title – it must speak to the audience.

An interesting novel, a great concept and world building. A worthy 3^rd place.
About Jennifer M Calder:

Jennifer studied English Language and Literature at Edinburgh University. From childhood she has had a fascination with words and story-writing and during her time as a full-time mother she wrote for her own children.

On returning to the classroom Jennifer taught in inner-city schools in England, where her expertise lay in the field of children’s literacy. Later came a career-change into another area of ‘word work’: copy-editing and proofreading for academic publishers.

But when Jennifer returned to her home in the Scottish highlands – coming back to the sea, heather and hills of the magnificent landscape that inspired The Secret of Skara Vhore – she made the decision that she would concentrate on her own writing.

While teaching Jennifer had met many pupils with chaotic lives who deserved to be rescued from their situations. At least in fiction she could make it happen for one troubled girl.

Happily, the novel has been very well received by reviewers and readers. Although officially aimed at the teenage market the novel is being enjoyed by anyone who is into the dark supernatural.

The Secret of Skara Vhore is Jennifer’s debut novel. She is now working on the second novel in this trilogy.

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