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-   -   Useful ways to spend my spare time (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=129167)

  • Sep 13, 2007, 10:31 AM
    geographymatt
    Useful ways to spend my spare time
    Hi all,

    Having just completed a post graduate qualification I've unexpectedly found myself without a job and with unlimited free time. However it seems my time management and imagination aren't as great as I expected as I've been having trouble finding worthwhile things to fill my free time.

    What would be great is if people could suggest as many ways you can think of that I could fill my time. This could be leisure pursuits, interesting places to go (I live in the SW of England and feel I've been everywhere!), adventure trips (maybe even abroad), and making myself generally useful! It might help if people think about what they'd really like to do if they had plenty of free time and tell me about it!
  • Sep 13, 2007, 01:38 PM
    RickJ
    You hold tight right there geography guy... I've got a great one that I've been meaning to post for a few weeks now. I'm sorry but I have to run to an appointment but will be back in a couple hours to post something for you that I know you will love. I know because of your username. Sorry to tease you, you won't regret the wait :)
  • Sep 13, 2007, 02:44 PM
    firmbeliever
    While we wait for Rick to put up his great idea,
    Why not I suggest something.
    Try to learn something you have never done before... read up on a subject you never thought would ever interest you.Go as far from your current profession as you can.

    You might be surprised... :)
  • Sep 13, 2007, 03:03 PM
    geographymatt
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by firmbeliever
    While we wait for Rick to put up his great idea,
    why not I suggest something.
    Try to learn something you have never done before.......read up on a subject you never thought would ever interest you.Go as far from your current profession as you can.

    You might be surprised...:)
    I'm sure I can think something up. Thanks for the tip. My anticipation for the surprise will now have to wait to morning (its 23:03 in the UK). I'm sure it will be very cool!
  • Sep 14, 2007, 05:37 AM
    RickJ
    It's really not my "great idea"... just something that has fascinated me a lot lately... and I'm guessing that matt will enjoy it. I'm thinking Capuchin might too :)

    I posted it here.

    Matt, I'll be curious to hear if you like it. Being an admitted geek, I'm guessing it may only bore some people.
  • Sep 14, 2007, 06:18 PM
    nicespringgirl
    What degree did you have? I would look for jobs like crazy during my spare time.
  • Sep 14, 2007, 06:33 PM
    J_9
    Matt, why not volunteer your time to great causes such as Big Brothers, be a big brother and an influence to boys who have no father figure, Habitat for Humainty Int'l, humane societies.

    I could suggest more, but I don't know your interests.
  • Sep 15, 2007, 01:18 AM
    geographymatt
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by nicespringgirl
    What degree did you have? I would look for jobs like crazy during my spare time.
    I'm a qualified geography teacher, so I'm very limited in what I can apply for and what is available. Jobs are few and far between although there are a couple up country at the moment I'll be applying for.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by J_9
    Matt, why not volunteer your time to great causes such as Big Brothers, be a big brother and an influence to boys who have no father figure, Habitat for Humainty Int'l, humane societies.

    I could suggest more, but I don't know your interests.
    That's sounds interesting, and I know absolutely nothing about it, could you give me a little more info please?
  • Sep 15, 2007, 04:21 AM
    firmbeliever
    Wow J9,
    That is a wonderful suggestion...
    Just shows how much you think of others and those in need.

    Matt,
    Habitat for Humanity International-Local Affiliates

    Try this site..
  • Sep 15, 2007, 04:51 AM
    geographymatt
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by J_9
    Matt, why not volunteer your time to great causes such as Big Brothers, be a big brother and an influence to boys who have no father figure, Habitat for Humainty Int'l, humane societies.

    I could suggest more, but I don't know your interests.
    Hey, I absolutely love your idea, and am now very interested in doing this. I've visited the website I found via Google (Volunteering - Volunteer work and volunteer programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters., but this one only seems to be for the US. Do you know if I can do this in the UK? Or alternatively whether there is a similar UK organisation I could do something similar with?
  • Sep 15, 2007, 08:50 AM
    J_9
    Check this one out Matt. I hope they have one near you. You can also check out local Children's Hospitals.

    BBC Inside Out - Big brothers and sisters
  • Sep 15, 2007, 09:12 AM
    geographymatt
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by J_9
    Check this one out Matt. I hope they have one near you. You can also check out local Children's Hospitals.

    BBC Inside Out - Big brothers and sisters
    Thanks, your link gives a good overview or what is involved, but it eventually links to this site (Welcome To Big Brothers & Sisters UK) which suggests that this is not currently running in the UK :( I wonder if there's anything similar I could try? I find it hard to believe this would be the only scheme of this kind.
  • Sep 15, 2007, 09:16 AM
    J_9
    Matt,

    I am sorry it took you to that other link. Boo Hoo. I am in the states, so my knowledge of the UK is very limited.

    Let's see if I can come up with something.

    Chance UK

    want to volunteer? - do-it.org.uk

    Volunteer mentoring: NCH and Chance UK partnership - Charity volunteering - NCH Children's Charities

    NCH and Chance UK call for older mentors - 31/08/2007 - Communitycare.co.uk - the website for social work and social care professionals


    Do any of these help?
  • Sep 15, 2007, 09:28 AM
    J_9
    Matt, I found this one. Have you seen it?

    Volunteering for Gwalior Children's Hospital
  • Sep 15, 2007, 09:54 AM
    geographymatt
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by J_9
    Matt,

    I am sorry it took you to that other link. Boo Hoo. I am in the states, so my knowledge of the UK is very limited.

    Let's see if I can come up with something.

    Chance UK

    want to volunteer? - do-it.org.uk

    Volunteer mentoring: NCH and Chance UK partnership - Charity volunteering - NCH Children's Charities

    NCH and Chance UK call for older mentors - 31/08/2007 - Communitycare.co.uk - the website for social work and social care professionals


    Do any of these help?
    Thank You so much, you have been a big help. I'm surprised you managed to find me the links so easily I have spent ages looking obviously my research skills need improving! Anyway the first two links were particularly useful as they have stuff in my area, including mentoring of children or young adults who need somebody to support them (e.g. people with social problems). I'm definitely going to be looking into this, all thanks to your information, so a big thanks for this. Please feel free to keep the suggestions coming if you find other useful stuff. :)

    p.s. I've just seen the new link you've posted I'll have a look! - this looks interesting too I may email them to get some details. Thanks
  • Sep 15, 2007, 09:56 AM
    J_9
    Hey, Matt, no problem!!

    I am all for mentoring children who need an adult role model.

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