November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.
-  Elizabeth Coatsworth

Hello everyone and welcome to any of our new readers, we hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter, there is so much going on we are sure you will find something that will capture your interest, so read on...

Latest News

Anti-Bullying Week 2009

Every year there is a national anti-bullying week and this year the theme is Stay Safe in CyberSpace. We have gathered together some helpful weblinks for you and take a look at SafetyNet's SNAP newsletter.

School Preference Service

This service is available for anyone that needs a little extra help when choosing the school you would like you child to go to and advice on how to fill out the dreaded school preference forms. 

Can You Help Close the Adoption Gap?

Were you aware that some "types" of children have to wait longer than others to find a home? This year's Adoption Week theme is designed to make people think about these children when considering adoption.

New Group for Dads

Are you a man with a child in your life then you are invited to the launch event for the new Men Behaving Dadly Monthly Drop-in at the Tarner Childrens Centre, 7:30 to 9:30 on Wednesday, November 18th.

Events

The International Day of Disabled People

This day will be full of information about how disabled people can get involved in their community, including a showcase of the work by different community organisations.

Why don't you GET INVOLVED!

GET INVOLVED is a new campaign the Brighton and Hove City Council is running to encourage people in our city to involve themselves with local government and their community. Come along to the launch Event to find out more and check out different groups that are offering volunteer opportunities.

Young People's Question Time

Youth Advocancy & Participation (YAP) is once again hosting this event to encourage 11 - 19 year olds to use their voices. With Democratic Services, this event will make up part of the program on GET INVOLVED Launch Day.

Don't forget to check out Our Events Calendar regularly, as it is updated on a daily basis.

Have Your Say About........

The school food issues consultation is continuing and we have plans to meet with Susie Haworth the School Food Manager in the near future. Feedback from the consultation with parents so far will be added to the website soon so keep checking if you are interested in this issue. If you would like to get involved in this consultation please contact Tasha on 01273 294391 or email her tasha@bhparentsforum.org to register your interest.

Do you live in Woodingdean? There is a local consultation about changes to the crossroads so have a look if you want your say on this issue.

Do you use the Level or do you live nearby then you might like to feedback on the planned improvements and changes to this park.

Blogs

Bad-Dad discovers the meaning of AD in 'There are some things you couldn't make up.'

Not a Supermum tells us what makes up 'An interesting menu' in her house.

Wheeliemumma tells us that 'Having toilet trained two children' when it comes to puppies it's another story!

Development Worker explains why it's all about food, particularly 'Coffee, cupcakes and school dinners.'

Website of the Month  

 This month's website is the Energy Saving Trust.

Discussion of the Month

Do you have any events or groups you would like other local parents to know about why don't you put them on our discussion board?

Did You Know?

That...'Parents who combine warmth and consistency - a style described in this report as 'tough love' - are the most successful in developing character capabilities in their children.'

Join Us

Do you have a few extra hours a month?  Would you like to help the Parents' Forum continue our work serving the parents and families of Brighton and Hove and have a great time doing it?

We need help with our Events, website, and much, much more.

If you are interested in helping us or would just like to hear more about the Brighton and Hove Parents' Forum, take the time to ring Tasha our Development Worker on 01273 294391 or Andrew our chair on 07758008628.

Come on, don't be shy.  We are a friendly lot and with all reasonable expenses (travel and childcare) paid for you what are you waiting for?

Next month.............

It's CHRISTMAS!!

Help us spread the word! Pass this on to your friends in the city.

Join Us on Facebook! Click here.

Follow us on Twitter! Click here.

To subscribe/unsubscribe click here.

Thanks for reading!  See you again soon.

The Parents' Forum Team