SHE HAS NO LIFE

Dear Jellybean,

Please help me!! This is really embarassing, but I have absolutely no life. At weekends I never have anyone to make plans with and end up staying in watching repeats of TV programmes. It's really getting me down, last Christmas and Summer I never even left the house, and now it's comming up to the Easter Holidays and I'm really dreading having to stay in again. To top things off, I live in the country in the middle of a field with no neighbours. This means that my parents are always out and can't give me lifts, so even if i had plans it would be really hard to make them. I've tried everything, really! There are no clubs near me and I go to a private school, so there are no after school activities there and no one there even likes me because I look and act different, even though I'm just being myself. Please help me, it's really getting me down,
-In need of help

Dear In need,

I have a great suggestion for you... start doing volunteer work! It will not only get you out of the house and give you something to do, it's a great way to meet new people in your community. Plus, you'll feel amazing about yourself because you will be helping people less fortunate than you to have better lives. So what are you waiting for?!

Ask your parents or a teacher at school to help you contact local charitable and/or community organizations. Keep in mind that some volunteer activities may need adult guidance or supervision, so always check with an adult before beginning any volunteer work.

Here are some ideas for how you could provide community service:

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Start a neighborhood garden and donate vegetables to soup kitchens

Care for the lawns or gardens of senior citizens

Collect grocery coupons for a local food bank

Organize a canned food drive to donate to the local food bank

Become a buddy to an older person who could use some extra help, such as running errands, caring for pets, writing letters, playing cards to keep them company, etc.

Create a play or presentation for younger kids on a safety issue such as safety around strangers