December marks and celebrates Human Rights Month, a time for international awareness for people and nations to join together and stand up for the rights and freedoms of individuals around the globe. The month stems from Human Rights Day, which is the 10^th of December and marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created by the United Nations in 1948. 

Whilst it is true that many people around the world have their freedoms and can express themselves for who they are, there are many people who unfortunately can not, and December is a time to spread awareness about human rights violations around the world. 

Each year, the movement focuses on a different theme, this year international Human Rights Day is focusing on how rights are the beginning of peace within societies, and a way to create a fairer society for future generations. 

How to get involved

There are many ways you can get involved, by donating to many charities around the globe to help people get the necessary resources they need and help improve local communities.  

Currently, there are many human rights violations in which you can help with including the current Afghan crisis, in which many civilians are unable to access necessities and are being displaced by the war. 

Not too far from home is the UK’s poverty crisis, in which food prices rise and wages stagnate, with 2.5 million people receiving emergency foods from food banks in 2021.  

Take this time through the holidays to reflect and grow, keeping in mind that every person from every walk of life should be entitled to their basic human rights. 

The UN has a lot of information on Human Rights Day about how you can get involved and what they are doing in order to ensure Human Rights for everyone. 

December marks the start of spiritual literacy month, a time to reflect on one’s own spirituality; whether that be through organised religion, your own spirituality or just learning to understand other people’s spirituality.  

Spiritual Literacy Month was created by Frederic and Mary Brussat in 1996 as a way to help people respect all the world’s religions and the culture that comes alongside them. 

Frederic and Mary Brussat are authors of the book “Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred of Everyday Life”, which is a book that is compiled of 650 examples of spiritual perspectives using readings of passages from a variety of spiritual sources and is also the basis of a 26-part film series by the same name. 

The goal of the month is to encourage anyone who is interested into reading at least one book about spirituality and how doing so can have some positive effects on your mind. 

It’s important to remember that being spiritual does not automatically mean religious, there are many ways one can be spiritual and even if you’re not, you can just learn something new and interesting about a community. 

One believed benefit of trying out this challenge is that it can give advice and open your mind in ways you may not have previously thought, and even if you don’t agree with the content written you have opened yourself up to a new perspective. 

Many people dismiss November as just ‘that month between Halloween and Christmas’ when nothing much happens, but they are wrong. November was the ninth month of the year under the Roman calendar and got its name from the Latin word novem, meaning nine. Now it’s the 11th month and it might just be the best. Here are ten reasons why:

1. Back to Greenwich Meantime

The clocks go back at the end of October and we get back the hour that was cruelly stole from us in Spring. The mornings are lighter, so every day feels like a lie in. Evenings are darker and it feels like it’s properly winter.

2. Colourful Leaves

Some people would argue that trees are at their most beautiful in Autumn, when their leaves turn spectacular colours. The leaves change because of changes in the length of daylight and temperature that causes chlorophyll breakdown. Green leaves are replaced by yellows, oranges and even reds.  

3. It’s Movember

Men everywhere are suddenly sporting a moustache, whether it’s a mighty handlebar, or barely visible pencil moustache. Movember seems to get bigger every year. It is all in good fun and for a great cause. It started off in a bar in Australia and has grown into one of the biggest charities promoting men’s health in the world.

4. You can select your Advent Calendar

Advent Calendars need to be ready for the 1^st of  December. With everything ranging from the ones you can pick up from Poundland to the ridiculously expensive, containing beauty products, beer, cheese, chocolate, Harry Potter and tea, and everything in between, there’s an Advent Calendar for you.

5 Bonfire Night

Remember, Remember, the fifth of November. These days the UK’s own celebration seems to take second place to Halloween. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the event commemorates the brutal execution of someone, (even if that person was someone who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.) There are still many organised displays on, or around the 5^th November for those who enjoy fireworks.

 6. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Thankfully, the scenes of fighting in shops over bargains seem to be a thing of the past, but you may still be able to get some good deals in the Black Friday sales held on the High Street and online. Or maybe you should wait until Cyber Monday, the Monday after Black Friday, when much of the buying is done online. Black Friday is said to be a better time to buy newer, big-ticket items and to visit stores physically. Cyber Monday is a better day to shop for tech deals and smaller gifts.

7. St Andrew’s Day

This happens every year on the 30^th November and in Scotland is a Bank Holiday. Celebrate if you are Scottish or have Scottish connections, or just like Scotland. Break out some 15-year-old whiskey and raise a glass, listen to the Bay City Rollers or Big Country, or watch Billy Connelly.

8. Tins of Sweets

The supermarkets are full of walls of tins (alright plastic tubs) of sweets; Quality Street, Celebrations, Heroes and many more. At this point, they are so ridiculously cheap that it’s the best time to pick some up for Christmas. Pity you’ll have to buy some more next week after finishing them off watching a Marvel movie marathon.

9. Christmas Lights Go On

All up and down the country, in cities and Towns, Christmas lights are switched on in late November, many with Countdowns and, in some cases, the switching on is done by an actress that was once in Eastenders, back in the 90s. Ignore the turning on and just go and enjoy the spectacular sight of the lights in the darkness.

10. … And you can prepare for Christmas (A little)

Even though Christmas belongs in December, you can start your Christmas shopping, to avoid the rush. (Run out and buy that Christmas Pudding, definitely, because there won’t be any left on Christmas Eve!) You might need to think about sending the present that will take a while to get to its recipient and, if you really really have to, you can sneak a listen to some Christmas music. (Just a little, to give you the taste for when December begins!)

November is perfect for cosy nights in, moving to comfortable winter clothes and so much more.  Enjoy November. It’s a better month than you think! 

November 2^nd  marks the start of the 5-day Diwali celebration with the main events and celebrations taking place on the 4^th dubbed the day of Diwali.

The five days are named, in order, Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Padwa and Bhai Duj, to find out more information on the specific celebrations of each day click here.

Although there are many festivals of light , Divali is possibly the original Festival of Lights and is also a major celebration for many religions including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. It involves gift giving, feasts, lights, sweets and prayers and represents new beginnings.

Central to Diwali is the lighting of oil lamps and divas/diyas, both at places of worship and in homes, alongside fireworks and candles. These represent enlightenment, wisdom and knowledge.

After Covid-19 cancelled a lot of the in person celebrations last year, it will be exciting to see communities gather for such a beautiful event.

Many major, multicultural cities around the UK, most notably London, Leicester, Birmingham, Belfast and Edinburgh, with large south Asian communities, hold major Diwali celebrations, with spectacular light displays.

Why not check for Diwali festivities near you and take part in the celebrations this year, whether you have celebrated before or are new to this festival.

If you have not applied for a job in a while, you may find that the whole business of application for a new position has changed a lot. Whereas, in the past, jobs were applied for by post, over the phone or in person, now the vast majority of applications are done online. CVs, cover letters and references are no longer submitted as paper copies, they are now sent online to the recruiter either by email or on their website.

Before you Apply

To apply for jobs online, you need a number of things:

• Internet Access – This seems obvious, but reliable internet access is essential. If you don’t have this, then you should be able to get it at a local library or in some of the larger Job Centres
• A Computer -Again, this seems obvious, but the internet can also be accessed via a wide variety of devices. Phones or tablets could be used, but a PC or laptop is much more suited for job application. Remember you will also need a word processing application of some kind, ideally Microsoft Word.
• Email Address -Your email address should be a professional one, that is yours to use. This doesn’t mean one related to work, but use an email like jane-smith123@gmail.com rather than fab-funny-jane123@gmail.com.
• Up-to-date CV – Make sure you have an up-to-date CV, with the correct contact details before you start applying. This is possibly the most important thing you need to prepare. For help on getting your CV the best it can be, check this guide. It’s also useful to draft a basic cover letter that you can be customised for each job you apply to.  Not all jobs will require this, but it is useful to have ready for those that do. A good tip is to save your CV with a title containing “CV”, as well as your first name, your last name and the current year.

1. Use Job Search Websites

The vast majority of (although not all) online jobs appear on Job-Search websites. There are a lot of these. These websites allow you to search for jobs using different filters, like position title, salary and location. It is a good idea to register and build a profile on a number of these. You can save searches and get the website to email notifications of any jobs that may be of interest to you. Here is a list of the top ten job websites.

2. Adapt your Application

Although many companies use Job-Search Websites, some don’t and you will need to ensure you apply in the way that they have asked you to.  Company websites are a good source of job listings, and you may be able to apply directly via the company website. Do this, even if you have seen the job elsewhere, as this may give your application an advantage over those coming from Job-Search websites.

Some smaller companies may just require you to email a copy of your CV and covering letter. A good tip is add your full name and the title of the position the subject line of the email.

Sometimes you may be asked to convert your CV into a PDF or other kind of file. You may need to complete and online application form, section by section, like a paper application. Just make sure you follow all instructions and carefully proofread your application before you click the “Submit” button. Follow all the application instructions and double check that you’ve done so, at the end.

3. Keywords

Keywords are very important in online Job application for two reasons:

When you look for jobs online, the most effective way to search is to use job keywords to find the jobs in you are interested in. Create a list of job-search that reflect your job interests, including the location you want to work, type of position, industry, etc.

You should also be aware of the keywords that employers use in their job advertisements. You should use these in your CV and cover letter. In fact, you should adjust your CV for each application, using any keywords the employer uses, if this is possible. Many employers receive far more CVs than they can check through practically, so Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), or ‘Resume Robots’ can reject up to 75% of CVs before getting to a person. These ATS use key words to identify people with the required skills and qualifications.

4. Don’t Apply if you are not Qualified

Read the job description well before you start and only apply if you meet the requirements. Applying for a job takes time, so you can save time and effort by being selective. If you aren’t qualified, then chances are, your application will be unsuccessful.

5. Check and Double Check

Check that your spelling, grammar and content don’t have errors. Fit your experience to the job you are applying for, be original and be honest. When you have done all this check again before you submit.

6. Keep Track of Your Applications

Check your email account at least once a day for any replies or offers of interview. Don’t forget to check your spam folder as important emails can end up there. If you have had missed calls, make sure you follow these up.

It also helps to keep a written or digital record of the jobs you’ve applied for. This will help you remember who you should follow-up with and what different roles you’ve applied for. Either call or email the employer if you haven’t heard anything, after an appropriate interval.  Unfortunately, not all employees respond or even let you know that you have been unsuccessful. They may even state in the Job Description that if you do not hear from them to assume you were unsuccessful.

7. Keep Applying

It may take some time and quite a few applications before you secure your new job. The important thing is to keep trying and keep on applying.

Good luck!

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