The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
If you have a friend with an eating disorder, be there for them. Try to understand what they are going through, and don’t let it dominate your relationship – underneath it they’re still your friend.
Telling someone about your eating disorder and admitting that you need help is an important step towards recovery. Decide who you would like to tell – a friend, a family member, or a professional.
If you have an eating disorder, be true to yourself. The first step to recovery is being open to yourself that you have issues around food. You may choose to express yourself initially by keeping a journal of your moods, positive thoughts and feelings.
Having an eating disorder is an isolating experience. An eating disorder is complex and difficult to overcome alone. It is important to remember that an eating disorder is not your fault – it is a serious mental illness. Being open about your eating disorder is the first step towards recovery.
Knowing and remembering the things which are important to other people shows you value them, and that you care.
Baked beans on wholemeal toast is a cheap meal that is high in protein and contains 8 of the 10 essential amino acids in good proportion – as well as counting towards your five a day.
Loan sharks sometimes frighten people by saying they’ll be prosecuted and even sent to prison if they don’t pay up. This can’t happen – an unlicensed lender has no legal right to recover the debt.
Passports and driving licences are official photo-identification documents proving your age and identity. Other recognised forms of ID you may need to prove who you are and where you live for applications (such as a mortgage or bank account) include birth certificate, utility bills (water/gas/electric) in your name, and bank statements.
Some bank accounts let you get more out than you have in (overdraw) by a small amount (for example, £25) without charging. But if you go overdrawn without agreement you’ll normally be charged interest on the amount – and a fee on top. In addition, the bank may refuse to pay your cheques or direct debits and will probably charge you for ‘bouncing’ (refusing) them. The fees can be very high, and you may have to pay an administration fee on top.
A girl age 16 or over who has sex with a boy under 16 can be prosecuted for indecent assault (with a maximum sentence of 10 years).