Volunteering in Leeds
Editors Josh and Jessica reflect on their interviews with local volunteering staff.
What Challenges Face New Education Secretary Going Forward?
Josh Wright writes about the appointment of Kit Malthouse as the new Education Secretary and the hurdles he faces.
University Students Struggling to Cope Against the Cost-of-Living Crisis
Jessica Tait explores the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on students and where the responsibility to provide support lies.
A Grand Day Out in Yorkshire: A Guide
Starting my third year in Leeds, I know how easy it is to feel trapped in Hyde Park. With our busy schedules, we find ourselves never venturing further than Headingley Bakery 164. However, this year, I am determined to break out of the student bubble and explore more of Yorkshire.
It’s amazing what some fresh air and a few sheep can do for your mental health, so I urge you to explore a bit too! With that being said, here are three towns that are well worth a visit; all less than an hour’s train ride away from Leeds.
1. Firstly, Knareborough is the perfect destination for a day out. A return ticket from Burley Park station for £9.80 will get you there in forty-five minutes. A must-see is Knaresborough castle; a ruined Medieval fortress standing above the town. From here, you get a spectacular view of the winding river, which is overlooked by an impressive seventeenth-century viaduct. During summer, you can rent boats for only £8! Although, it’s entertaining enough watching everyone crash into each other as they learn to row for the first time. You could also factor in a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave and her Petrifying Well if you fancy stretching out your day trip. And as a bonus, you might even get your fortune told! However, there is plenty to see in the town itself, including independent shops, art galleries, pubs and cafes.
2. Harrogate is an attractive Victorian spa town that is also worth seeing. It is only a 29-minute train ride away from Burley Park and so is perfect for a shorter afternoon out. The Royal Pump Room Museum is a beautiful building and offers a bit of history for those wanting to learn about Harrogate’s heritage. Harrogate also has a wide selection of independent shops to mooch around, with SPACE Vintage and Retro having a great selection of bric-a-brac, ranging from old DS games to vintage coats! Alternatively, my housemates and I found ourselves on an unintended café crawl on our last visit, which I would highly recommend!
3. Finally, Ilkley offers the opportunity for a superb Sunday day out: a hike up to Ilkley Moor followed by a hearty pub lunch. Ilkley is also easy to get to with an £8 return ticket from Leeds station. The hike up to the Cow and Calf Rocks is worth it for the scenic view over Ilkley and the rolling Yorkshire hills. Furthermore, Ilkley has a plethora of pubs to choose from to have a well-deserved Sunday roast that will put your flat’s Christmas dinner to shame.
While Hyde Park and its aroma of stale cigarettes and old beer holds a special place in my heart, a wholesome day out is always needed after a week of lectures and one too many nights out.
Check Your Boobs Too!
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s that time of year when pink ribbons start to flood businesses’ campaigns and cover packaging. Even though many use this marketing tool with genuine intentions, commercialisation has taken over the root purpose of the month dedicated to women, men, and non-binary people suffering from breast cancer. We see the iconic pink ribbon symbols everywhere, but have we seen it so much that we forget it is not only to support but to remind us to check our own breasts too?
CoppaFeel! is a “charity focused on promoting early detection of breast cancer, by encouraging women under 30 to regularly check their breasts”. Statistically, most breast cancers are diagnosed in people over 50, but there is no harm in giving your breasts a little check every so often, just to be safe and to get into the routine.
“Get to know your normal” is a quote the charity goes by, reminding us that all bodies are different and getting to know your own is important to be able to detect any unusual changes. Hormones can play a big part in changes in the breasts too, so don’t be alarmed when noticing slight changes during that time of the month! Remember – it is normal for your breasts to change constantly throughout your life, particularly during puberty and adolescence.
Everyone knows to feel for lumps but there are a number of other signs to look out for including, but not limited to, irritation of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the breast or nipple area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk and any pain in the area.
The majority of changes to your breasts will not be breast cancer, but if it is, early detection is crucial. When found early, breast cancer results in more successful treatments and higher survival rates.
CoppaFeel! has campus representatives, the Leeds University Boob Team (UBT) society, who will be running fun events and socials this year to continue to raise awareness and fundraise for the cause. They encourage everyone, no matter age or gender, to join the society and give your breasts a good feel to check for any irregularities. Early detection saves lives!
Please visit @ubtleeds on Instagram for more information and to donate to the Just Giving fundraising page linked in the bio.
A great first step is to sign up to free monthly reminders to check your chests. To do so, text ‘UBT LEEDS’ to 82228.
Quote credits – https://coppafeel.org