Sue Lake, notebynote, has become an institution among the International community who love musical concerts, events, and singalongs. Her friendly, open nature encourages everyone 'to give it a try' and to challenge themselves to excel and grow at whatever level they are.
Christmas Songs and Carols Sing-a-long
Sue writes, "As far as I know it's the only Christmas event in the area which is a 'sing-a-long' rather than a concert, where the audience join the songs. I started the event because I met so many people who missed the opportunities to sing Christmas songs and carols with other people. So I created a community event for all ages to come together to sing just for fun.
"Please put our annual notebynote Christmas sing-a-long in your diaries. Our previous virtual Christmas sing-a-longs were an enormous success and being able to be in person this year will be extra special."
notebynote's Christmas Songs and Carols Sing-a-long
Saurday, 10 December 2022
14h
Chéserex, VD
It is a free entrance event, no tickets and no advance registration required just turn up on the day. We do ask for donations to cover the costs of the event (renting the salle communale etc.) so we're not looking to make a profit, just to break even.
If you are a new parent and are struggling to find how to fit into this new position in your life, then maybe Rachel Colin-Jones can help you. Rachel has started a new company, Our Parenting Journeys, and tells knowitall.ch, "My goal is to combine an evidence-based approach to parenting support that one can trust, with individualised compassion and care. Whether parents are looking for someone to help guide and prepare them as they transition to parenthood, just need reassurance and support in their role as a parent or are facing a specific parenting challenge; my qualifications, professional and personal experience mean that I have a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips that I am able to use to equip and empower them, wherever they are on their individual parenting journey."
We asked her to let us know about her and the idea behind this venture.
What has been the inspiration?
When I arrived in Geneva 2 years ago, I personally realised how difficult it was raising children away from family support networks. For me, this was compounded by not being able to speak French and therefore finding it hard to navigate the system and access services. As I was here longer, I realised that this is in fact many peoples experience and story. I also discovered that there seemed to be a real service gap in parenting support accessible in English. Given my professional background I felt that I had skills and experience that could be used to close this gap.
In August 2021 I conducted a survey with approximately 100 expat families, with the aim of understanding parenting support needs in Geneva and the surrounding areas. The results of the survey were clear – parents felt a lack of accessible parenting support and wanted this service. This was the start of the year long process of creating ‘Our Parenting Journeys’. The services we now offer are based on what parents said they wanted in the survey and what I know from my professional experience to be useful for young families.
Ashley showing the Oncolexic English-French phrasebook
What is World Cancer Day?
World Cancer Day is marked every year on 4th February. This global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control aims to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment. With its “Close The Care Gap” theme, the 2022 World Cancer Day is focused on the need for equitable access to diagnosis, treatments, and care.
What is ESCA CS doing to #CloseTheCareGap?
At ESCA CancerSupport (ESCA CS) they believe that cancer care should not be restricted in any way, including by language, gender, age, available finances, ethnic background or culture. We are fortunate in having access to excellent healthcare in the Geneva region, however a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be difficult to cope with, and even more so in a foreign setting. ESCA CS was born out of the need for an English-language support group for those having difficulty expressing themselves in French. They offer emotional support, practical help, information resources, well-being activities and a welcoming community in English to anyone affected directly or indirectly by cancer.
Did you know that Webster University has expanded their Counseling Center to the public? We spoke with Catherine Butterly and Milena Claudius, two professors in the Counseling Department, about how the local community can benefit from currently enrolled students in the Master of Arts in Counseling degree fulfilling their internship hours. The Webster University Counseling Center invites English-speaking individuals who might have the need for these services but could not otherwise afford them to get in touch.
Who are the Trainee Counselors?
The profile of these student interns is mainly women; mostly in their 30’s, 40’s and older who are transitioning into a second career. Many are parents themselves. These students come from a variety of professional backgrounds such as lawyers, teachers, journalists, human resources, UN employees, NGOs, the corporate world and more. They have very valuable life experience, and this can be so important in understanding the challenges that their clients face. They are realistic, dedicated, and resourceful with a wide range of life skills.
Some have grown up in international, multilingual contexts, knowing first-hand the difficulties faced by individuals and families adjusting to a new country. All the counselors are passionate about supporting people in navigating difficult life transitions and creating meaningful change.
How it works
The Counselor's role is to listen and to respond with empathy and explore options to assist the client in making their lives more meaningful and manageable. Clients may present with a variety of issues:
- life adjustments
- social issues
- loneliness
- home sickness
- relationships
- exams
- work stress
- procrastination
- sleep problems
- low mood
- grief and bereavement
- identity issues
- other
Clients from beyond the University will now have access to low budget support. A respectful and private exchange with another human being is one of the best ways to begin understanding oneself. Listening with respect and without judgement is rewarding to both parties. Sessions are offered on a weekly basis for an agreed-upon period of time.
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