Your email client or web browser has styles turned off. To view this email as intended please turn styles on or view our on-line version here.
If this email isn't displaying properly, please visit our online version.
3 July 2008
Dear Friend
If you asked me what I’m most afraid of, I’d have to say snakes. But if you dug a bit deeper, I’d probably have to say that one of the things I’m frightened of is rejection.
Fear is essential for survival, but it can cripple us too. If we let it, fear can take control of our lives and really affect our wellbeing and happiness. Take a look at the article – it gives some helpful insights and food for thought.
You’ll also read Liz Jackson’s inspiring story, and how she lived her dream despite facing the challenge of losing her sight.
I sometimes struggle to know what to say or do to help when someone I know has lost a loved one. So I found ‘How you can help me – things I wish you knew’ really insightful. It gives some helpful and practical Do’s and Don’ts when someone has been bereaved.
Warmest wishes
Katharine Hill, Care for the Family
Article
What are you most afraid of? It could be anything – bugs and spiders, the dark, growing old, rejection, what might happen to your family, confrontation, dying, money, ill-health, global warming… the list of things to worry about could go on and on.
It’s worth remembering that fear is a useful emotion. It protects you against unnecessary risks. Panic helps you... 
Survey
A big ‘thank you’ to those of you who completed the E-family survey in the last issue. And if you didn’t, I’d like to give you another opportunity to do so. Please let us know what you think about E-family and what else you’d like to see covered in it.
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete – simply click here to go to the survey. Thanks!
Interview
In her twenties, Liz Jackson set up her own business, despite losing her eyesight. Her commitment to overcome challenges, fulfil her goals and live life to the full is an inspiring read. Read an exclusive interview with Liz here. (taking you to www.lookingatlife.org.uk)
Young adults today are faced with challenges at every point, be it starting a family or finding a career. Care for the Family’s Looking at Life initiative supports people in their 20s and 30s. The monthly ezine is jam packed with insightful articles and helpful ideas – you can sign up for the ezine here.
Article
When someone goes through a bereavement, it feels like their world has fallen apart. You really need the support of your family and friends at this time. But sometimes family and friends find it difficult to know what to say or do to help.
Care for the Family’s A Different Journey initiative supports those widowed at a young age. Here are some ways you can help young widows and widowers. However, a lot of these suggestions will apply to others who have been bereaved. (It’s in PDF format).
Giving
Since 2004, Care for the Family has funded the Another Way network of telephone befrienders for parents of children with additional needs . Sarah is one mum who has found the befriending service invaluable, as she cares for her daughter.
“I’ve got such a lot on, and often feel really stressed. So it’s very helpful to talk to someone who understands my situation,” she says. “My befriender rings every two to three weeks, and I really look forward to it...
Audio
When we’re in a busy season, it’s hard to prioritise and not allow the urgent to take over from the important. And when there are so many things to do, I often find it hard to say “No.”
But stop to think for a moment. When you say “Yes” to someone, you’re actually saying “No” to someone else. So when your boss asks you to do some extra work, saying “Yes” to them today may mean saying “No” to what you promised to do with your children this evening, or going on that ‘date’ with your wife or husband, or going round to see the friend you promised to visit because she’s going through a difficult time at the moment.
You’ll hear more in this issue’s Family Matters audio clip with David Oliver.
Events
Care for the Family wants to support you in your family life. And one way we do this is through the events we put on around the country.