● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: lifestyle

Energy efficiency and sustainable living are one of the greatest areas of concern for homeowners. They are constantly looking out for innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and maintain a comfortable living environment. Air source heat pumps are an efficient system that helps one to get the desired heating in an eco-friendly way. These pumps have both heating and cooling capabilities. They provide multiple benefits to homeowners. In this blog, we are going to discuss and explore the top five advantages of installing an air-to-air heat pump in your home.

Energy Efficiency

One of the greatest advantages of air-to-air heat pumps is the energy efficiency feature. These systems operate by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor environments. They do not generate heat through combustion or electrical resistance. Thus, by harnessing renewable energy in the air, the heat pumps meet the heat requirement while saving energy impressively. With one unit of electricity consumed an air-to-air heat pump can produce nearly three units of heat.

Cost Savings

You can save big time on your energy bills with air-source heat pumps. The air source heat pump does not consume much electricity as compared to traditional heating systems. The free heat energy in the air is used to generate heat. Thus, homeowners can experience substantial cost savings in their heating and cooling expenses throughout the year.

Versatility and Convenience

The air source heat pump is versatile. These systems have both heating and cooling features. During the colder months, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors. The system operates in reverse during hot days by removing heat from the indoor air and expelling it outside. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems. Thus, air-to-air pumps offer convenience to homeowners.

Environmentally Friendly

Air-to-air heat pumps are environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions. They help you to significantly lower your carbon footprint. These pumps encourage the use of renewable energy to meet our daily needs. Hence,

by opting for an air-source heat pump you can actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Government Incentives and Rebates

To encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, many governments and utility companies offer incentives and rebates for installing air-to-air heat pumps. These incentives act as a great motivator and help you to offset the initial cost of installation. By taking advantage of incentives and rebates you can make the most of your air source heat pumps cost-effectively.

The Key Takeaway

Installing an air-to-air heat pump in your home provides you with numerous benefits. These systems are not only advanced and offer optimum results, but they are also eco-friendly. As the world embraces sustainable solutions, air-source heat pumps are an effective way to reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact. By investing in this technology, homeowners can enjoy year-round comfort while minimising their utility bills. Consider installing an air-to-air heat pump in your home and reap the rewards of a more sustainable and efficient heating and cooling system.

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In Collaboration With Chums | Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond in their local community? Or someone who has done incredible things for their family or friends? Why not nominate a senior in their life who deserves to be rewarded for all they’ve done and celebrate this with them.

Chums believe the older generation deserves to be celebrated for all that they have done, and recently they have launched an impressive competition to vote for someone who deserves to win some impressive prizes. For this exact reason, Chums have created a Community Hero Competition.

The competition is very straight forward and simple. The team over at Chumps are inviting everyone across the UK to nominate a special senior in their life who deserves to be rewarded for all they’ve done. Whether that be someone special to you, an armed force or military veteran, or an outstanding senior in their local community.

The part that you've all been waiting for… What are the prizes, you may wonder. The three lucky winners selected at random from all the eligible votes, and will each receive a special “Reward Package”, featuring a whole host of amazing prizes, including:

A £100 Chums voucher

Theatre tickets for two

A £100 Ryanair voucher

A jigsaw puzzle

A box of chocolates

A five-year diary

Entry Details

To nominate your winner, entering this competition is super simple. To be in with a chance of winning this amazing care package for your loved one, simply fill out this form, telling us why you think your nominee deserves to win (in no less than 300 words).

Please include as much information as possible to give your special someone the best chance of scooping this fantastic prize. To complement your entry, please include a photo of your nominee.

The competition timeframe is open from 1st June to 15th June and the winners' announcement date 27th July. You can enter the competition via Facebook, Instagram and this submission form.

For more information, please visit the Chums website.

Who gets your vote?

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AD – GIFTED| Looking for special and unique gift ideas this Mother's Day? Why not opt for something a little more personalised and choose from some stunning wall art, posters, or prints to bring a smile to their face all year round.

The Poster Store offer a wide variety of sizes for all posters, prints, and frames online – from 13×18 to 70×100, allowing you to pick the best pieces for your Mother's Day gifts or for the size space in your home you have to decorate. The online collection of unique prints will help you create the perfect gallery wall, tailor-made for any home. All the posters are printed on sustainably produced high-quality paper, helping to minimise any damage to the environment.

Lasts Longer Than Real Flowers

Many people often by real flowers for the mums on Mother's Day. We all know that they look great, smell nice, add some vibrancy to any room and will always go down a treat. However, at some point they will begin to wilt and die, and soon enough will need to be thrown away. A printed version will last a lifetime – perfect for those who want pleasant memories to look back on, or just want to be more sustainable with their gift choices.

A Gift That Can Always Be On Show

Prints are the perfect gift for the home or office, and would always make a great addition to the walls or shelving units in the living room or bedroom. By selecting wall art as your gift, the recipient can display it in their home to help add some interest, and will remember you each time they see it during the day. It will be a long-lasting gift that can be cherished for years and years.

Personalised Gifts for Everyone's Preferences

Art makes a great gift because it can be so personal to the recipient, and there are a wide selection of art styles to select from the Poster Store. You'll definitely be spoilt for choice. In my opinion, florals, nature and botanical themed artwork is the perfect choice for Mother's Day – think scenic landscapes, soft and delicate florals and beautiful photography. If nature isn't your thing, they have other poster categories such as animals, typography, fashion and vintage, to name a few. With the vast selection of different themes & categories for all tastes, and new poster collections released all the time, there is undoubtedly something for everyone, so you'll never be stuck for choice.

To complete your posters and prints, there are a variety of high quality frames to purchase in different colours and sizes. I opted for the stylish copper frame, as I felt this really compliments the pinks that are used in the floral image, and offers a beautiful contrast to the poster. It also brings a sense of luxury and class, making it a great gift for someone special.

If you're interested, you can use code LTHORNBERRY for 40% on all posters (except Selection Posters and frames). Not combinable with other discount campaigns. Valid from 14th to 16th March.

What gifts for Mother's Day will you be purchasing? Would you consider buying prints and posters?

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AD| Getting a car on finance can be a really exciting time. You can usually get a newer, better car than you could afford with cash and pay for it in monthly instalments. It’s worth remembering that car finance is never guaranteed to anyone, and there can be a number of reasons why your car finance application may be rejected. If you’ve already been refused, it can be disheartening. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. It can be worth taking some time to save for a deposit and increase your credit score before you start making car finance applications again. The guide below looks at the top 5 factors that could help you get the car finance approval you need.

Why have you been refused car finance?

Most applicants will already have an idea of why they can’t get a car on finance. Whether that’s due to a bad credit score or inability to meet the repayment schedule, it’s important to know where you’re going wrong. If a lender has rejected you, you can ask the lender on what basis your application was declined, so you know what you need to do to increase the likelihood of an approval. Below are the top 5 reasons why you may be refused car finance:

1. A bad credit score

2. Don’t meet the income criteria

3. Can’t afford the repayments

4. No current employment

5. Applied with the wrong lender

How can you get approved for car finance?

If you’ve already been refused or if you’ve been declined in the past, there are a few factors that you can consider before you apply to get a car on finance again.

Increase your credit score If you’ve been declined due to bad credit, you may be looking to get a car on finance without a credit check being performed, however it can be hard to come across. Instead, you should take the time to increase your low score to help get you a better deal and also increase the likelihood of approval. Lenders tend to favour applications who have a strong history of meeting payments on time and in full, as you’re less likely to default on your car loan. You should try to pay all your current debts on time, reduce as much debt as you can, or build credit if you’ve had no previous borrowing history.

Save for a Deposit

There are many no deposit options available, which can be attractive. However, it can actually be more beneficial to have some money to put towards your car finance deal. A car finance deposit means you put money down at the start of the agreement. The deposit contribution then offsets the value of your finance, which helps to lower the loan amount and make it more affordable. From a lenders point of view, it can be a positive step and helps shows that you have good financial management and can help you secure the deal.

Get a Guarantor

If you’ve made credit mistakes in the past, it can be hard to get someone to be your guarantor. However, if you can find a friend or family member to support your applications, it can massively increase your chances of approval. Car finance with a guarantor is when someone you know agrees to pay your finance if you fail to do so. It can be beneficial as the lender then gets two chances for the loan to be paid back, which helps to reduce the risk. However, if both you and your guarantor fail to repay, it can have serious financial implications on both of your credit files and affect your ability to get credit in the future.

Choose Hire-purchase

There are a number of UK car finance agreements you can choose from, but you may have the highest chances of approval with hire-purchase. Hire-purchase is a secured loan, which means the lender buys the vehicle, and you make monthly payments that equal the car's value till the end of the agreed term. Interest is usually included within your monthly payments, and having a bad credit score can impact the interest rate you are offered. However, the lender owns the car throughout the agreement, so if you fail to repay, they have the right to take the car off you. If you make all payments on time and in full, there’s a small option to purchase fee to pay at the end, but after that the car is yours to own.

Get a Cheaper Car

If you’re getting a car on finance with bad credit, it can be a good idea to be realistic about the car you want. The more the lender loans out, the higher the risk they take, and brand-new cars may not be possible with bad credit. Instead, you could consider getting a used car on finance, as the loan amount tends to be lower. Not only could it increase your chances of approval, but it also makes your deal more manageable and can help to reduce your monthly payments.

Are you looking to get a new car? Would you consider car finance?

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AD| Car finance is one of the most popular ways to fund your next car purchase. Drivers like car finance because it gives them more flexibility and the ability to get a car but pay for it over a set period of time. When compared to buying with cash, this can usually mean that you can get a better car than you first thought, too! Before you start applying for car finance, it’s worth remembering that it’s never guaranteed you will get offered a car finance approval. So, the guide below has been designed to make your life a bit easier and looks at the top 5 things you should do even before you start making applications for finance.

1. Calculate your loan

When it comes to getting a car, your monthly payments are really important. Your budget for car finance should be realistic and affordable, as it’s crucial that you can meet each payment every month until the agreed end date. Failing to stick to the terms of your credit agreement can lead to the car being takes off you if it’s a secured loan, which can lead to more serious financial implications. Usually, car finance deals are spread over 3–5 years and your loan term can affect how much you pay back each month. If you’re not sure how much you can afford to borrow, you can use a free car finance payment calculator to see how much your monthly payments could be before you even start applying.

2. Save money for a deposit

When it comes to car finance deposits, there are some agreements which require you to put down some money to help secure the deal. It’s worth knowing before you start applying, so you can either have time to save or know how much you’ll need to fork out. Whilst there are any car finance deals with no deposit, it can be better to have something to put down at the start of your agreement. Not only can it increase the likelihood of getting an approval, but it also means you aren’t borrowing as much from the lender. A deposit contribution reduces the loan amount, which can make your monthly payments cheaper and save you money as a driver.

3. Check your credit

Before you make any application for finance or credit, it’s always best to check your credit first. You’d be surprised how many drivers look for finance without know where their current credit score stands. It can be a good idea to check your credit for car finance before you even start applying. Credit score is important to car finance as it helps the lenders to assess the level of risk. If you have a low credit score due to missed or late payments, lenders may think you are more likely to default on their loans, too. This can make it harder to get accepted or means you may be offered a higher interest rate to secure the deal. In this instance, it can be worth taking some time to work on your credit score before you start annoying to help make your deal more affordable.

4. Research different lenders

There are so many car finance lenders who can offer you a finance deal, and it can be hard to know which one to choose. Lenders may also be suited to some drivers over others. If you’re struggling to get approved due to bad credit, it may not be worth applying with mainstream or prime lenders, and instead you could find a lender who specialises in no credit or bad credit finance. You could also consider using a car finance broker to help find the best deal for you. Car finance brokers have access to multiple finance lenders at once and means you can save time but letting them do the leg work for you!

5. Take your time and ask questions

When it comes to getting a car on finance, it’s important that you don’t rush into the first deal that you are different. Car finance agreements last for a number of years, so it’s significant that you get eh right deal with affordable payments. If you’re ready to apply, it can be a good idea to think about the sort of car you need and want, how much you want to pay and how you’re going to afford it. Don’t be scared to take your time when making a decision, researching car finance and asking as many questions as you need to in order to make an informed decision.

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GUEST POST | Lifestyles of the rich and famous have always appeared glamorous and out of reach, but just because you might not have a million-dollar fortune, that doesn’t mean you still can’t get a slice of the action. OK, so working on a super yacht isn’t the same as sipping champagne and soaking up the sun on the deck, but this can be a very exciting career all the same. If you are someone who doesn’t mind the idea of spending your days out on the open water, here are some other highlights this kind of job could offer you.

A Sense of Adventure

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to working on a super yacht is the opportunity for great adventures. This kind of career can be particularly attractive to those who would like to travel as they work, and as long as you don’t get seasick, this could be the perfect way to do it. You will also meet a variety of people who are using the yacht for their vacations and the other staff aboard. You could forge life-long friendships with your fellow crew members, which can be a fantastic reason to try this type of career.

The Opportunity to Indulge You will be working on the yacht, and these glamorous facilities will be for paying guests, but that doesn’t mean you will never have the chance to enjoy these yourselves. When the yacht is vacant, the captain or the owner might allow you to use the facilities on board as a reward for your hard work. This might not happen on every yacht you work on, but it is certainly a possibility that it can be a wonderful additional perk.

A Good Income

Another benefit to working on a super yacht is the salary you could make – not to mention the tips! As there will be a lot of wealthier and more influential people on board, this often means very generous tips for the crew members. It can be a great bonus to add to your bank account, allowing you to enjoy your days off at these beautiful ports and other destinations. You could even choose to put this cash into savings for a future home, travel plans, or whatever else you want. You might also be entitled to tax breaks for crew members that are away frequently. Learn more about it from this tax service for UK seafarers. You will also save on living expenses, as food and accommodation are covered on board.

An Opportunity to Develop New Skills

When you are working in an environment like this, you will need specialist training to help keep yourself, your fellow crew, and the guests safe at sea. It can be a fascinating experience; these aren’t skills everyone will have. In addition to this, you will also develop a lot of transferrable skills like great communication and customer service, as a few examples.

Life at sea might not be the right choice for everyone, but working on a super yacht can be an amazing experience and a wonderful job worth looking into.

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AD| Are you looking at getting a tracking system for your vehicle, but unsure of the benefits? Why not consider a GPS tracker device?

GPS car trackers have seen evolving technology and specifications, as well as a noticeable rise in popularity in recent years. Many individuals have simply thought it was only businesses that needed to track cars or other vehicles, but many consumers are now realising the advantages of using such a system on their own personal car for their own benefit.

PAJ GPS is one of the leading European brands in the field of track devices, which was established in Germany. Their vehicle tracker helps you to track and monitor any object in terms of its position using satellite signals and networks, using a range of technology.

In addition to tracking positions, PAJ vehicle tracker can track the vibrations above certain frequencies. You can track anything, anywhere, and protect what you love. If you're still interested in learning more, here are 4 advantages of using a PAJ GPS tracker device for your vehicle.

Long Battery Life

A great feature of the PAJ Power Finder 4G is how good the battery life span is. The 10,000 mAh battery lasts approximately 40 days with an active tracking duration of approx. 1h / day. You won't have to worry about charging the tracker for a long time. It will give you up to 90 days of battery life in standby mode, which is perfect for those who will use it constantly, as you know it'll always have power.

Outstanding 4G Network Coverage

Our trackers access the 4G network, which makes them faster and with a greater coverage. PAJ GPS is always at the forefront of technology to provide our customers the newest devices and the best service. As well, the SIM card will always search for the best available network, keeping you up to date and connected at all times.

It Can Be Linked To The App

Once you download the app, via both the Google Play Store and Apple Store. where all your data can be reached at the touch of a button. The PAJ GPS Tracker features also include, real-time location which is updated every 30 seconds, 365 days' of route information saved – including date, time, speeds, and location. The Power Finder 4G NEW generation of GPS trackers with 4G network coverage, for example in cars, mobile homes, and even on boats. This device has global coverage, with network access in more than 100 countries, so when you're connected to the app, you can view and analyse all your date within seconds.

Increased Security

GPS trackers are incredibly useful as they can help vehicle owners protect one of their most expensive, and largest personal assets from thieves. Depending on the GPS device you choose, the PAJ Power Finder 4G has a built-in vibration and motion alarm, so it can use sensors to set off an alarm to deter theft and keep your belongings sage.

Safe zones, otherwise known as a geo-fence, is a virtual fence around a specific location, you will be sent an instant message when the tracker enters or leaves the virtual border, acting as an early warning system for theft.

Do you currently use a GPS tracker? What do you think is their best feature?

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When it comes to gift giving at Christmas, it can be difficult to narrow down the perfect items for your nearest and dearest. However, finding the perfect gift for your partner's parents can be more stressful than usual. You want to aim for a gift that is meaningful and thoughtful that they will enjoy. Here are a few Christmas gift ideas that will impress your in-laws.

A Monthly Wine Subscription, They Can Enjoy Together

Wine lovers will appreciate trying out a new wine every month in the comfort of their own home. A monthly wine subscription allows your in-laws to experience new wines that they probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Furthermore, wines can keep for a long time, which means if they don’t fancy a bottle one month, they can save it for an occasion later in the year.

Personalised Alcohol Gift Set

If your partner’s parents enjoy a tipple but aren’t keen on wine, a few delicious liqueurs might be more up their street. The people behind Oxton Liqueurs use local fruits and flowers from Nottinghamshire to handcraft their home-made liqueurs. Their tipples can be bought in aesthetically pleasing bottles that come in all shapes and sizes, and their liqueurs can be personalised with a handwritten message. Their personalised alcohol gift sets will make your in-laws feel extra special this Christmas.

A Sentimental Photo Book

If you get on particularly well with your other half’s family, and you spend a lot of your leisure time with them, a sentimental photo book is an excellent gift idea. Fill your photo book with pictures of special moments you have shared during the past year. A photo book can be kept as a treasured keepsake which they can flick through whenever they want. Not only will this thoughtful gift bring up happy feelings of nostalgia, it will show your in-laws how much you enjoy spending time with them.

Family Tree Picture Frame

A family tree picture frame is the perfect gift if you and your partner have a litter of children who your in-laws adore. No matter how much you want to spend time with the in-laws, it can be difficult to get the whole family together physically. This gift idea gives your partner’s parents the chance to proudly display images of their loving family on the wall. If your family is growing, purchase a family tree picture frame that allows you to add more frames in the future.

The Gift of Experience

It can be difficult to buy a great gift for the in-laws if they already have everything they could possibly want. Luckily, you can still give them a nice surprise by presenting them with a gift experience. This type of present takes gift-giving to a complete new level, and you can be as extravagant or as modest with this idea. Couples who enjoy the finer things in life may appreciate a luxury day at the spa together, while a delicious meal for two at their favourite restaurant is a fail-safe option.

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GUEST POST | Every bride wants her wedding to be an event to remember for her, her partner, their friends, and family as well. The best way to achieve this is to ensure your guests do not get bored during the day. You should stick to the schedule to make sure that everything flows smoothly. Then, you should also carefully plan out entertainment for everyone involved.

You can do so by planning out games or letting guests get to know each other over fun trivia while waiting for lunch. You can also prepare some stations with entertainment where they can come throughout the day. Our list of wedding entertainment ideas will help you ensure that your wedding will be one to remember. Like this, you and your guests will love to keep returning to the day in their memories.

Let Magician Enchant Your Wedding Guests

Bringing magic to your wedding day does not need to be difficult, and you can take it quite literally. Everyone loves to see magic tricks, and if you do your initial research well enough, it can be a success. Websites such as Wedding Supermarket can guide you through picking the right magician for your wedding and other wedding entertainment ideas.

If you have a generous budget and are willing to pay £750 and more, you can hire experienced magicians who know well what they are doing. You will get a professional who knows how to entertain crowds and wow them with magical tricks. This way, the entertainer will give your reception and guests more energy.

Dance The Night Away In The Company Of A Live Band

Picking the right music for your wedding day is a crucial step in any wedding planning. The music that plays at the reception can make or break the atmosphere of the whole day. Hence, you should take your time to pick a good band that will make your wedding guests move to the dance floor.

The band should have a quality sound system, and with a playlist that is well-thought-out, you and your guests will be more than happy to dance the night away. If you take enough time and do your research carefully, you will be able to find a talented band that will be the best fit for your special day.

Make The Night Other-Worldly With Fireworks

Fireworks are one of the more expensive forms of wedding entertainment. However, depending on the season and location, it might be the right thing to make the night more magical. It will brighten up the night and make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

During the fireworks, you can enjoy the surprise on the faces of your guests. On top of that, you can get some beautiful photos out of the wedding day. The lighting will look different, and the atmosphere of the photos will be unlike other pictures you will have from the special day.

Let Your Guests Have Fun With A Photo Booth

Having a photo booth at the reception allows your guests to take away from your wedding something to remember the day by. Maybe, they made new friends there or spent special moments with people they already know. The photo booth allows your guests to have fun and play around with props.

You can create your photo booth and make your own props. However, you can also hire professionals and, ultimately, the price difference will not be so big. If you hire professionals, you will also be able to have more quality photos that will make your guests remember the day for a lifetime.

Give Your Guests Disposable Cameras And See The Day Through Their Eyes

Placing a disposable camera on each table can be a fun alternative to a photo boot. This way, your guests will be able to be in as many photos as they would like to. Your guests will also have fun trying to be behind the camera and taking pictures of the day the way they see it.

After the wedding, you can have all the pictures developed. Like this, you will be able to look back at the day from a different perspective. Perhaps you will even see some moments you do not remember or have not witnessed yourself. On top of that, disposable cameras are not expensive and will not make a big dent in your wedding budget.

Let Your Guests Bond Over Board Games

Including board games at your reception could be one of the icebreaker activities. This way, guests that are sitting at the same table can warm up to each other. Your guests might get a bit competitive; however, it might lead to funny conversations and new friendships.

Try to put a deck of cards, dominoes or Yahtzee on each table, and you are in for successful wedding entertainment. You might be surprised how much your guests will enjoy these games. It will also make waiting for lunch more bearable, and your guests will be able to get to know each other better.

Make Your Guests Break Ice With Wedding Trivia

Wedding trivia is another way of bringing your guests closer together. Include games that will allow them to get to know each other and break the ice. You can also include some trivia where your guests can compete who knows the bride and the groom the best.

Such games can lead to funny conversations and many embarrassing stories. This way, your guests will be able to laugh together and bond over things they have in common. Such an experience will make the day even more memorable for your guests, and perhaps they will meet new friends for life. After all, humour always brings people together.

Hire An Extra Entertainment For Children

If your wedding is children-friendly, then you must think about how you will entertain them. Most children will not manage to sit in peace for longer periods of time and will want to run around. And when they get bored, they can get fussy and do not enjoy themselves at all.

Hiring a professional will keep the children entertained. They will be able to play various games, and the wedding will be more enjoyable for them. If you do not want to hire anyone, you can bring in colouring books and organise some activities that will keep them involved. And when children are busy, their parents will not need to worry and will be able to enjoy the wedding day more.

What other entertainment ideas would you recommend for weddings?

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GUEST POST | The topic of sexual abuse is not something that people want to talk about openly. As such, there is a lot of misinformation or confusion surrounding what happens during a sexual abuse case, especially from a legal sense.

A lot of the public gains their knowledge of court proceedings from T.V shows that are often dramatised. However, these cases rarely include such a sensitive subject.

As a result, many victims of abuse, or their family members, are unsure about how to proceed during a case that goes to court, and that can make the situation feel even more intimidating. Therefore, this article will look at some fundamental parts of a trial like this, so you can be more informed about the process.

Length Of The Process
The first thing that you will notice during a case of this magnitude is that it can take a long time for the trial to take place, even if the decision to move the case to court has been made. The reason for this is that a sexual abuse trial is an extremely serious case; therefore, both parties need to gather as much evidence as possible to make their case as solid as possible.

The maximum sentence for a person found guilty of such a serious crime ranges between fourteen years to life in prison, which is why courts must be thorough with their judgment. This means that the trial takes longer to prepare, which is why you may have to wait close to a year for a sexual abuse trial to start.

Pre-Trial Therapy

Sexual abuse is a traumatic event in someone’s life, and it can be extremely difficult for the victim to move on from the situation. Unfortunately, a lengthy trial can cause specific memories to resurface, causing the trauma to worsen. Most courts will allow the victim, and anyone affected by the case, to engage in pre-trial therapy. These therapy sessions aim to provide the victim with comfort and help them overcome the feelings associated with the abuse they have suffered. Sometimes, these therapy notes can be used in sentencing cases if the accused is found guilty.

Pre-trial therapy is nothing to be concerned about, and it is normal for these sessions to continue throughout the main trial. Its main purpose is to provide people with a comforting space away from what they have experienced.

Special Measures
There is a lot that special measures can refer to in a case like this, but be advised that you can ask for these at any time. The aim of these measures is to make the trial easier for the assumed victim, and they should be provided during all abuse claims. One such measure that can be requested is giving a pre-recorded testimony that will be played in court. This helps anyone to make a sexual abuse claim stay removed from any proceedings that may further their trauma, especially if the accused is present in the courtroom.

Another special measure that you can make when discussing the case with your sexual abuse solicitors is that any evidence you provide is given anonymously. This measure is put in place to protect anyone related to the victim, and you can learn more about sexual abuse compensation cases at Hugh James. This company can also brief you on some other special measures that you can request during a case of this nature.

Anonymity
Of course, the most important special measure in a sexual abuse case, especially one of child abuse, is anonymity. It is normal for most criminal trials to be made public, which means that journalists and other members of the public can openly report on what happens during a court case. However, due to the sensitive nature of what is discussed during an abuse case like this, all children’s identities are kept anonymous. In fact, it is illegal in the UK for anyone in the press to leak or report the details of any child that is the victim of an abuse case. This anonymity should cover the child from the moment the crime is reported to a member of the police, and should continue after the case has concluded.

Post-Trial
Once the trial has concluded, the defendant will receive a verdict of guilty or not guilty. In either case, the victim will continue to receive therapy due to the stressful nature of the events discussed. The anonymity of anyone will remain in place, no matter the verdict. However, a guilty defendant may also have certain privileges revoked in the future as well as serving a prison sentence.

Conclusion
It is understandable that anyone who must face something as traumatic as a sexual abuse case will have plenty of questions. The important thing to remember is that there is always help out there when you need it. The legal system is designed to aid anyone with the trauma that comes with a sexual abuse trial.

What other ways do they differ?

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GUEST POST | Us British love our decorating. Our sheds, under-the-stairs cupboards and garages are bursting with tins of paint, brushes, and decorating tools because we can’t stop painting, wallpapering and tiling our spaces, whether that’s our homes, our gardens, or our caravans.

Wait, what? Caravans? Yes, even caravans can be decorated. Caravans may be smaller than the average house, but there’s no reason why you can’t spend as much time dreaming up design ideas as you would for your bricks and mortar home. So, if you’ve been looking at static caravans for sale and found one that caught your eye, but it needs a bit of a makeover, you can still go ahead and purchase it because below are a few tips on how to decorate a static caravan.

Wallpaper

Yes, you can use wallpaper in a static caravan. The even better news is that, because you won’t need nearly as much as you would if you were wallpapering a whole house, you can buy fancier, more expensive wallpaper to give your caravan a luxury feel without breaking the bank. Before you get carried away, though, wallpapering a caravan isn’t quite as straight-forward as wallpapering walls in a house. A caravan’s walls won’t be completely straight (although if you live in a period property, you’ll be used to wonky walls!) and there’ll be nooks and crannies you’ll need to take your time over to get a good finish. But with a bit of patience and attention to detail, your caravan can have beautifully wallpapered walls, whether that’s in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen.

Use Light Colours

If you’ve just read the above bit about wallpapering, it might be too late to recommend you use light colours in your caravan, and you’re already in Homebase buying the busiest jungle-themed wallpaper you can find. On the assumption you are still here, although obviously your own style, personality, and preferences will dictate to a certain extent how you decorate your static caravan, because of the compact nature of caravans, light colours will be better. Light, neutral colours such as white, cream, or pastels will help your static caravan feel bigger and give it a lighter, brighter and airier ambience.

Mirrors

Mirrors aren’t decorating, I hear you say. Oh, yes, they are! Mirrors are essential when making any decor decisions, especially when you’re decorating a small space such as a static caravan. Place mirrors cleverly around your static caravan to utilise the sun coming through the windows and the mirrors will bounce light around your (neutrally coloured) walls, giving the illusion of more space.

Of course, there are many more ways to decorate a static caravan, and there are probably entire books on the subject. However, if you don’t want to spend too much time revamping your van, the tips above will breathe some life into your caravan, making it fresh, light and airy and a joy to stay in whether you live in a static caravan permanently or you spend a few weekends a year in one.

How would you decorate your caravan?

22:30 No comments

AD – GIFTED | With Mother's Day coming up, many people will be looking for the perfect gift for their mothers, and trying to find the best deals available for them. When it comes to gifting, you don't need to spend hundreds of pounds – it's always the thought that counts. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose your ideal gifts. Sometimes you want to think “outside the box” and decide something other than flowers and chocolates. If you're looking for a more unique gift, listed below are 4 affordable and luxury must-have gifts for Mother's Day to give you some much-needed inspiration.

For a real indulgent treat, a nice bottle of red wine could be exactly what you need for Mother's Day – not only does it taste great, but there are also numerous health benefits of red wine. From Independent Wines, I was kindly sent over the Massimago Conte Gastone - an 100% Organic and low-sulphite Amarone wine. This delicious wine has aromas of red cherry, rose, mint and cedar wood – sounds like a perfect combination! The best Amarone wines are famous for their intensely concentrated flavours of red berries and spices, high alcohol and medium to high tannins, and this wine is no exception.

If you're looking for some accessories for Mother's Day, why not opt for a simple and dainty piece of jewellery to add to her collection. From Wolf and Zephyr, I picked out the Turquoise Gemstone Necklace*, which I thought would be the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This simple necklace features a real turquoise encased in a delicate crown setting. This beautifully delicate gemstone necklace is the perfect gift with a deep, sentimental, and thoughtful meaning behind it.

“Known as the “master healer”, Turquoise is one of the oldest protection stones; protecting us from negative influences and promoting an optimistic attitude. Turquoise helps us to see that we are the creators of our own luck.”

For those looking for a more unique gift, or to expand your mother's current fragrance collection, The Perfume Experience Box* might be exactly what you require. This fragrance library offers a new and different way to discover and try a range of different perfumes, suitable for any time and occasion. All Pairfum London fragrances are natural and handmade, enriched with essential oils. As well as this, they are also vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, making them have such a positive impact on the environment.

Inside the tester box, you will receive 12 mini-sized bottles, which are perfect to stick in your handbag – giving you just the right amount of each to ensure you can try to test it enough. Each perfume bottle contains around 100 sprays – which is probably enough for 2 weeks wear. Inside the box, you also receive 50 paper strips to help you sample or share each perfume before you wear it. This will be such a practical gift for Mother's Day, as your mother can try some new scents and hopefully find one that she'll love.

If you're looking for something for the home, why not consider purchasing some wall art? Art makes a great gift as it can be so special and so personal to the recipient. You can choose pieces based on their preferences, home theme or colour palettes. Depending on your chosen style, there is a wide selection of art posters and prints to select from the Poster Store, that would be perfect for Mother's Day.

What are your plans for Mother's Day? What gifts will you be purchasing?

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AD| With Mother's Day just around the corner, instead of purchasing any gifts, why not opt for refreshing and restyling your Mother's bedroom to create something special?

Bedrooms can be such easy rooms to update quickly and affordably. Whatever their preferred home decor and interior style, the bedroom ultimately needs to be a calming and soothing setting, closed off from the busy outside world, for you to be able to relax and recharge after a long day. Decorating the bedroom doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming, as there are a number of quick and easy options to help you give the ultimate cosy and refreshing atmosphere. Here are 6 affordable ways to refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day.

New Paint Colour

Paint is typically one of the most affordable ways to give your Mother's bedroom a whole new look for Mother's Day. By simply giving the bedroom walls a fresh coat of paint can instantly make it feel fresher, brighter and cleaner. Depending on your timescale, you can choose to completely give the entire room a refresh, or just touch up a feature wall in your Mother's favourite colour to make a bold statement.

Flowers and Greenery

Is it really Mother's Day if you don't pick up some flowers or plants as a gift? Springtime is the perfect opportunity to pick up some flowers, as at this time of year they are so vibrant and colourful, they are bound to put a smile on anyone's face. Adding plants to the bedroom will not only help add some colour, but they will also make a focal point. Whether you pick a beautiful fresh bunch of flowers to display on the bedside table, or any piece of greenery to place on the windowsill, it's bound to make a statement.

New Bedding Options

For the ultimate bedroom makeover for Mother's Day, why not opt for some new bedding options to make a cosy, comforting and luxurious statement in the bedroom. Whether you want to purchase a new mattress, duvet, blankets or throws, there are so many options to choose from depending on the bed size you have installed at home. Adding new bedding and accessories to the bedroom can completely change the vibe of the bedroom, and is a really simple way to change up the atmosphere.

Wall Art and Photographs

Wall art, prints, posters and framed photographs are a really special way of injecting some happiness, personality, and colour into the bedroom space. Wall art and photographs are such a special, sentimental gift that can really help relive old memories from the past.

Home Fragrances and Candles

There are so many benefits to using home fragrances in your personal space, you'd be amazed, and the use of candles is the perfect way to create a welcoming and calm atmosphere in the bedroom. Home fragrance options such as reed diffusers are a great option to consider as they are low-cost, long-lasting and typically come in such a variety of scents, there will definitely be something for everyone. For me, I would probably opt for either a calming/relaxing spa-like scent, something sweet and warming, or even a fresh and fruity fragrance to help fill the bedroom with a strong aroma.

When it comes to candles, again, there are so many options. Candles are a long-lasting option when it comes to filling the room with scent, as they typically burn for numerous hours. As well as smelling great, many candles can be used as decorative accessories in the bedroom, making them a great 2 in 1 gift for Mother's Day.

Lighting

The use of lighting in the bedroom is an easy way to help create a calming and relaxing ambiance. A really affordable way of incorporating soft, subtle lighting in the bedroom is an option for some fairy lights. LED fairy lights are a great option as they do not produce increased heat, they are cool to the touch, and are extremely eco-friendly, so there are simply no risks with using, and they are completely safe to have in the bedroom.

What other ways can you refresh and restyle the bedroom for Mother's Day? What are your affordable home decor ideas?

12:00 No comments

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