A Wonderful World

                                                Channel 4 returns with another powerful piece of television. New drama ‘Help’ centres itself around the Coronavirus pandemic in its height as it first emerged in 2020. The two hour long drama is set in a fictional care home in Liverpool in the spring, and follows a carer (Jodie Comer) as she bonds with a patient (Stephen Graham), as the pandemic hits she is put to the test in horrific circumstances. This vital one off television creation shares insight into the impact Coronavirus had on care homes during its initial onset and looks at the undervalued care workers whose job was to keep the patients going. Its necessity comes with its strength at shining a light on the hard work and voices of those that continued to work and care during such a difficult and uncertain time, recognising how important the work is that thes...

                                                             JW 'Creative' Development should be JW 'Essential' Development. 'Without each other, discussion and entertainment, life can feel pretty meaningless. That's why I think it's so important to be able to communicate effectively and make the most of the power of speech.' It's no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our daily lives globally. Amongst the many shifts we've had to make and changes we've had to face, as both a collective society and individuals, we've had to restrict our contact with others. While in lockdown we're limited to our own support bubbles and for the brief time that we experienced between them, although we may have been able to rejoice in small groups, the 2m distancing rule remained. Luckily technology allows us to remain in contact with those...

  'I'm about to show you my boobs', said Lizzie. Before proceeding to display her cute crochet creations. Who doesn't love a good boob? Especially when it's a crochet one. Even more so when purchasing one helps to raise money for charity.  In the current climate, lockdown has left many of us with some time to delve into trying new things, time to experiment and freedom to explore creativity, perhaps even set up a new business. 'Lou's Boobs' is a small business set up during lockdown by the young woman Lizzie Back. Purchased via Instagram, handmade crochet boob key rings for just £7 including postage, and with every purchase 10% goes to Cancer Research UK. With a range of colours, the boob can be accustomed to fit your fancy and as a key ring,  attach to whatever you wish. Along with the boob key ring comes the backing card, on which reads a range of quotes from 'The world has gone tits up' to 'It's a bit nippy'. Amusing as well as bea...

'A little Greek restaurant, a lot of love to give.' 'Tsiakkos & Charcoal' is a Greek Restaurant situated in the heart Maida Vale. With a small exterior and curtains hanging at the front, it's like a secret to those outside what's actually behind. It's a family run restaurant that's been around for forty years and has established quite a name for itself. With it's fresh, beautiful food and caring, passionate staff, it's a stand out location. With traditional, authentic, Greek Cypriot food cooked to perfection and an intimate, cosy atmosphere, it's one to get to know if you don't know and to hold onto if you do. All the food is homemade and cooked at the front of the restaurant as you enter, and chargrilled dishes are cooked on live charcoals, dishes that have been passed through generations. It's a place of celebration, joy and warmth, a buzzing atmosphere of love and sharing conversations and connections as well as food. As it...

                                                   'Taking a minute to reflect on how you're getting on, can help you cope when getting through.' Amidst the news, current affairs and global pandemic, despite being stuck in our homes it can often feel we're stuck on a hamster wheel. Whether that's physically or not, it can certainly have an effect on us mentally. With a lot of unknown regarding when lockdown will end and specifics surrounding definite deadlines, vaccinations and transmission rates, our minds may be finding it difficult to switch off. Whilst it's helpful to take a minute to stay updated, it's just as important to take a minute for yourself. Just you. No kids, no news, no work, no social media or external distraction. Allowing yourself to just be with you and you thoughts to really tune into how you're feeling. With an inability to meet up with ...

                                                Amidst our third lockdown, television can provide a necessary comfort and distraction from the ongoing pandemic. Since Coronavirus initially hit and we entered our first lockdown, television viewing has increased. Of course, when caring for both our physical and mental health during lockdown it's important to consider how much time we're spending in front of our screens to avoid too much of a sedentary lifestyle and unnecessary health detriments, but dedicating some of our day to such a pastime isn't wholly a negative thing when it has also shown positive benefits. Spending a little time watching the newest series or our favourite classics can help us through this challenging time, a support tool in relaxing us, reassuring us during what can be an isolating and overwhelming time, and distracting us for a while from the ne...

'Music streaming services rocket over the course of the Coronavirus Pandemic.' Music has been a lifeline for many during the midst of lockdown, a source of continuing a sense of community, togetherness and release throughout such challenging times. Services including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon have grown in popularity, a space used to create Playlists that are often being titled 'Quarantunes', a home for songs that have helped individuals cope during quarantine. It's not new information that there is power in music. Scientists have found that music can directly influence the way we feel through having an impact on our brain which in turn, releases certain hormones. Listening to music has been found to increase Dopamine levels, (known as the 'happy hormone'), as well as Serotonin which influences our mood and feeling good, and Oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone'. It's even used as a form of therapy as it can help kick-start the ...

'It's important to hold onto our passions throughout this challenging time.' As we continue through our third lockdown, we're faced with our own hurdles. Whilst it's important to stay updated, safe and follow government guidelines, it's also acceptable to have time away from the constant hold of Coronavirus and tune into what makes you feel good within the premises of what you can take part in from home. Aspects of the situation we're in can become overwhelming, so it's vital to find your own coping mechanisms that aren't a detriment to your wellbeing. Your own release, way to relax, feel good, shift emotions and tune out of the unnecessary noise for a while.  Although the circumstances at home will be different for everyone, we're all able to ensure we take some time for ourselves to unwind and take part in what we enjoy. It may be learning something new, it may not, there is no pressure attached, just freedom and enjoyment. Explore, experiment ...