March Competition - Sponsored by dp Sports Club

One of the Coolest Gyms in Cyprus is offering one of our lucky members a free Months Pass which also includes childcare services between the hour 5pm -9 pm.  Simply Answer the following Question...

When did dp Sports Club officially open?

About 

A unique space which opened on the 7th October 2013.With over 2000 sq.meters, the dp Sports Club is the biggest gym and health club in Cyprus. Meeting all standards, the building will make your workout efficient and pleasant. Our well trained personnel is always there to guide to meet and achieve your fitness goals.

Find us on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/dpMuscleFactory

Outrage with dignity - Paula Manoli-Gray

It's been nearly a year since the infamous Haircut on bank deposits, and despite it being a hard and depressing time for the island and for the majority of individuals, it has certainly gone by fast.

At the time, I couldn't imagine what the state of the island would be like a year down the line and my head was filled with thoughts of Armageddon-type scenarios, especially in the period where everyone was panic withdrawing their money, and some places wouldn't accept credit cards.

One friend and her husband started growing their own food in a bid to become self sufficient as he had convinced her that people would be fighting in the streets for food as the crisis deepened. I have to admit, I stocked up on torches, batteries, matches and tinned food!

But what really surprised me is the lack of riots… although I am not sure if this is a positive or negative aspect of us as a society.

On the one hand, some might say that our lack of rioting and outrage is a sign of apathy, weakness and laziness. They would argue that in other countries all over the world, the people have risen up and displayed their unwillingness to accept the decisions that the powers that be have made on their behalf. They would probably be disgusted that we appear to have sat back and allowed ourselves to be used and abused.

But on the other hand, this shows that we are a nation with dignity who know that to start taking to the streets, setting them alight and looting, whilst attacking the police, would only do us more harm than good. You only have to look at the state of the countries that have taken to this method to see that it only makes things worse and prolongs the country's decline – sometimes indefinitely. That is not to say there haven't been protests and strikes, but there hasn't been any of the ugliness seen in other countries. Those on this side of the fence could further argue that the people of Cyprus – of all nationalities – did something far more powerful and impacting; they rallied around and supported one another.

In a previous column, I spoke about the real sense of community that the island has, and how people are showing compassion and generosity to those who are suffering the most. Even those who don't have much are giving to those who have even less, and I am so proud of my island for reacting in this way of love and humanity, instead of raining destruction and violence on its towns to demonstrate the pain and strain we are under. With this attitude, the island is going to bounce back far quicker than those who wrote us off have predicted.

It was never going to be easy or painless and at times the injustice and conditions that prevail make me want to scream. The weight of the sacrifices that so many are making seems insurmountable.

But when it all feels like too much, I try and think how things will be in yet another year's time, and I know in my heart that the way we chose to handle the situation will be a credit to us all.

First appeared in the Cyprus Weekly, 01/03/14

Beatrix Potter - Spring Tea Party

Famagusta Parents Network

Larnaca Parents Network Expands 

http://www.famagustaparentsnetwork.com

Mums with Special Angels (Cyprus) monthly meet - Paula Manoli-Gray

Dinner an opportunity for support and advice

Mums with Special Angels (Cyprus) is holding its next meeting for mothers of children with special needs on Friday, with all welcome.

Until recently, the group would meet at the toy library with their children, but the format has now changed to a monthly dinner for the mothers only, so that they can enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, support and the exchange of ideas without the distraction of supervising the children.

The group was set up by Elena Papadopoulos two years ago after she moved to Cyprus from the UK. As a HR Consultant and Life Coach, mother of 6 year-old twins and a 4 year-old daughter with Downs Syndrome, Elena recognised the need for a support group like those in the UK; one where others would know they are not alone in facing the challenges that come with raising children with special needs.

There are currently around 10 mums from all districts of the island that attend the dinners – held at a different restaurant each month. They are of all nationalities, and have children of all ages with a variety of special needs including Down's Syndrome, autism, Aspergers, and many without a diagnosis.

On the evening, Elena facilitates the event so that mums can converse comfortably: "I normally split the table so that the mums can speak freely in their preferred language. They talk about all sorts of topics from therapies and emotional support to finances and siblings. It's basically a place where mums can talk freely and leave feeling that they are not on their own."

The group is having a real impact on the mothers that attend, as it is a valuable opportunity to talk to people who understand the issues affecting parents of special needs children, and there is even sometimes a therapist at the dinner who offers free advice and support.  Elena is keen to stress that it's about support and empowerment: "The mums are a bunch of positive ladies trying to do their best for their kids, we want to make a positive difference and help our kids have a better life here in Cyprus, or wherever they want to live."

One mum of a 6 year-old autistic boy says of the experience:  "Other than a great meal, I got to meet other mums that understand exactly what it feels like to have a child like mine. We discussed similar traits and differences between our children; strategies that worked or that we have tried out. We had a good old laugh at the horror stories and swapped information on doctors/therapists and diagnosis. I always leave with a great feeling of not being alone in all this".  Another says: "It's a lovely evening meeting people in a similar situation to yourself, and it so nice to be with people that know what you go through on a daily basis. You leave feeling you are not alone – it's a mums therapy session."

Aside from the monthly dinners, there is also a Facebook page -Mums with Special Angels (Cyprus) – where dads are also welcomed. The group offers information and exchanges between members, as well as posts from therapists and other professionals, with all languages welcome.

Elena is always looking for volunteers who can offer their time to help the group for a few hours a week, as anyone who can offer ideas and/or activities for the children or mums.

This month's dinner will take place at 7.30pm at The Balti House, Dhekelia Road, Oroklini and costs are split between the ladies, normally around €25 per person. 

You can contact Elena on: 96767625 / elenavik@hotmail.com for more information, to attend the dinner, or offer your time and help.