The main risk associated with using your device in a public place is that the WiFi may not be secured, enabling anyone to see what you are doing online. This could include capturing your passwords and reading private messages. Avoid logging into any accounts that contain personal information, such as social media, work email and especially, online banking. Even though a website itself might be reputable, personal information still isn’t secure as long as the network is insecure.

The most effective (and simplest) ways of keeping your information safe when using public Wi-Fi is a virtual private network (VPN). It's function is to reroute your internet activity through a private network. All that’s needed is a quick download of a VPN app on your phone or mobile device and remembering to access your VPN before connecting to the internet. 

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STRESS AWARENESS MONTH 

Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, and how to use successful coping strategies. 

Stress is a significant factor in mental health and we all suffer with it. It comes from the workplace, and our personal life, and it can have a huge impact on our health. Learning to manage everyday stress can help us to reduce it and handle it better, avoiding any serious health conditions. Let’s not forget that life is a journey, not a race.

Checkout the website below for more details and our library resources for information regarding mental well-being and stress. 

WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE WEEK - 27 MARCH until 2 APRIL

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

The aim of Autism Acceptance Week (formerly known as Autism Awareness Week) is to help more people understand what autism is, as well as the ways it can affect life for Autistic people. There are 700,000 people with autism in the UK and many people are unaware of what autism means.  

The National Autistic Society (NAS) wants to educate people about autism and make the world a more friendly place for those with this condition. Check out our reading resources to learn more about autism or visit the website below!

NATIONAL PET MONTH (1st of APRIL to 1st of MAY)

National Pet Month is an educational campaign to celebrate the benefits of having pets and promoting responsible pet ownership. 

There are many ways you can celebrate National Pet Month.

• Donate to or volunteer at an animal shelter.
• Pamper and spoil your pet.
• Fundraise for an animal charity, like the RSPCA or Blue Cross. 
• Have a professional photo taken with your pet.
• Research! Find out as much as you can about animal care.

NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE DAY - APRIL 23rd

William Shakespeare’s birth date was never officially recorded as it was not the norm in that era. However, people from all over the world have considered April 23 as his date of birth. 

This Bard of Avon has been referred to as a “literary genius” and “Britain’s greatest playwright and poet”. His work includes comedies, such as The Taming of the Shrew and a Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as tragedies such as King Lear, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. 

April 23 is also St. George's Day and the United Nations World Book and Copyright Day.