A Million Children Are Growing Up Without Fathers

A new report by on family breakdown by the Centre for Social Justice says that a million children are growing up without a father in their lives.

The report says lone parent families are increasing by more than 20,000 a year, and will top two million by the next general election.

In some areas fatherlessness has reached such high levels that they are virtual "men deserts" and it accuses politicians on all sides of a "feeble" response.

The report says the number of single parent households has been rising steadily over the past 40 years, and that now 3m children are growing up predominantly with their mothers.

The absence of fathers is linked to higher rates of teenage crime, pregnancy and disadvantage, the report says, warning that the UK is experiencing a "tsunami" of family breakdown.

And it highlights areas of the UK with very high levels of lone parent households - although this does not necessarily mean the children living in them have no contact with their fathers.

The report is due to be released this week. You can read the full press release here: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/UserStorage/pdf/Press%20releases%202013/CSJ-Press-Release-Lone-Parents.pdf

Silent Study Space At Bedford Polhill

This summer a new silent study area will be created on Level 2 of Bedford, Polhill Library. When finished this will mean an entire floor of silent study space.

We are aiming to keep disruption to a minimum but from 10^th June 2013 and throughout the summer, access to Level 2 may be fully or partially closed while building work takes place. This small amount of disruption will result in an improved study environment for the beginning of the new academic year.

Just A Few Of Our New Books For June 2013

New Report Reveals Impact On Young Carers

A new report from The Children's Society shows that Census data reveals the number of five to seven year old young carers in England has increased by around 80% over the last decade to 9,371.

A staggering 166,363 children in England are caring for their parents, siblings and family members. This is up by a fifth from when the last Census was conducted in 2001.Nearly 15,000 children up to the age of 17 are providing more than 50 hours of care every week.

The Children’s Society’s own analysis also reveals that young carers are one and a half times more likely to have a long-standing illness or disability or special educational need than their peers.

Young carers are lagging behind in school and missing out on their childhoods because of the demands placed on them, according to Hidden from View - released today by The Children’s Society to coincide with census statistics.

Hidden from View analyses government data tracking 15,000 children across England. It reveals the significant long-term impact that caring has on a child’s life, confirming The Children’s Society’s experience of working with young carers and their families throughout England.  
Hidden from View findings include:

You can read the full press release here: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-views/press-release/report-reveals-impact-young-carers

Refugee Week 2013

Monday, 17th June - Sunday, 23rd June is Refugee Week.

Refugee Week provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the UK.

Bedford Central Library, in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire and other organisations is hosting a week of events to mark Refugee Week. These include:

Monday 17th June
11.00 am - 6.00 pm
Launch of Refugee Week Bedford
Harpur Square outside the library.
Pick up an information leaflet from our market stall.
Find out how you can get involved.

7.00 pm
An evening with Agnes Grunwald-Spier
Bedford Central Library
Juice bar and light refreshments from 6.00pm
Free tickets available from Bedford Central Library

Sunday 23rd June
1.30 - 4.00 pm
Family Football Fun Day
Alexander Sports Centre, Sidney Road, Bedford.
5 a side football tournament (adults only), plus a
range of activities for all the family, including a
bouncy castle, football competitions, children’s
play area, treasure hunt, refreshments, and
an ice-cream van. Bring a picnic!
Please contact:
Kimberley 07851803621,
Kerry 07926221995 or
Brian 01234 211381.

You can find out more about Refugee Week on the Bedfordshire Libraries website at: http://www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk/webingres/bedfordshire/vlib/0.books_reading/refugee_week.htm

including general information about immigration, nationality and asylum, useful websites and a booklist.

New Books For April 2013

Careers Advice & Help

Need some careers advice?

The UoB's Careers & Employment pages can be viewed online here.

They have a huge range of services and online guides available including:

• Choosing a career
• Upcoming events & workshops
• CVs & applications
• Volunteering
• Further study

If you'd like to see a careers advice for a quick chat then use the drop-in service. At the Bedford Campus this is located at the SiD desk in the Learning Hub between 10.00 - 12.00 on Mondays.

Alternatively, if you'd like a longer guidance interview you can book an appointment at either Bedford or Luton campus by calling: 01582 489293 OR call at the SiD desk in the Learning Hub.

Students and Graduates can also use the online e-guidance service for career related questions and CV checks.They offer a five working day response time for the e-guidance service.     

The National Careers Service offers information, advice and guidance to adults about all aspects of learning and work. For University of Bedfordshire graduates no longer living in the area, a helpline is available for all career related enquiries.Call the helpline on 0800 100 900 or visit the National Careers Service for details.