I am a qualified and experienced Brazilian Portuguese teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching children, teenagers and adults. I teach Brazilian Portuguese for general purposes but also prepare students for GCSE, A-levels and CELPE-Bras. I have also been an exame conductor for many years in several schools across London. I love teaching and helping my students speaking as a native Brazilian.
When The Party's Over: Substance use, addictions and workplace support We use substances for all sorts of reasons—to manage stress or illness, to sleep, to unwind, to have fun, to cope. It may not always be healthy, but it often makes sense. “Substance use” spans a wide spectrum of meaning and social acceptability—and that context shapes how we judge others, and ourselves. The word “drugs” often conjures up extremes, but the reality spans everything from your morning coffee and after work drinks, to your vape break, to prescription medications, to substances that are illegal to buy, or taboo to use. What society chooses to label as acceptable—or not—sometimes has less to do with harm, and more to do with social and cultural norms and values. As we explore in this workshop, feelings of judgement and shame frequently perpetuate the cycle of substance addiction; so how can we successfully modify our behaviour if we can’t talk about it, or ask for help and support, especially at work? This workshop is not a lesson about the dangers or symptoms of drug misuse, It is an engaging, thought-provoking exploration designed to increase understanding and compassion. Workshop outline: Reframing the drug landscape – breaking down the stigma Challenging the misconceptions about substance use and addiction Exploring useful strategies to support progress and prevent relapse How to better recognise the signs of difficulty and hold empathetic conversations Navigate self-help, peer, and professional support options for the workplace FIND OUT MORE HERE Build your own training package At Mindmaps Wellbeing, we know that every business is unique, and no team is the same. That’s why we’ve developed our range of short, specialist wellbeing and mental health themed workshops—a fully flexible approach to workplace wellbeing training. Because all of our workshops are short and impactful, you can build a package that truly meets your organisation’s needs. Perhaps you’re looking to manage stress, challenge stigma, or avoid burnout? Maybe your team would benefit from some training on self-care, starting difficult conversations or coping with remote working? Or You choose the sessions that suit your team best. Contact us to start building your unique package for workplace wellbeing!
Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.
Change Happens! Reframing uncertainty in a changing world Change is inevitable — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether it’s a corporate restructure, a company merger, or the long-lasting ripple effects of a global pandemic, workplace change can stir up uncertainty, anxiety, and resistance. Our Change Happens! workshop helps teams reframe how they view change — not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth. This interactive, evidence-based session blends psychology with practical strategies, empowering participants to navigate uncertainty with confidence, resilience, and acceptance. Change happens — but how you respond is what defines the outcome. Let’s make it a positive one. Join us for a workshop that transforms uncertainty into opportunity, and equips your team with the tools to thrive in a changing world. Workshop outline: Spotting the Signs of Change Fatigue — Recognising emotional responses and their impact on wellbeing. The Power of Reframing and Acceptance — Practical strategies to shift your mindset from fear to flexibility, and embrace acceptance when change is unavoidable. Building Personal and Team Resilience — Coping techniques that support both individual and collective wellbeing. Creating Your Change Action Plan — Simple steps to manage uncertainty and stay proactive. 2-hour workshop packages At Mindmaps Wellbeing, we know that every business is unique, and no team is the same. That’s why we’ve developed our range of short, specialist wellbeing and mental health themed workshops—a fully flexible approach to workplace training. With our selection of engaging and impactful 2-hour workshops, you can build a programme that truly meets your organisation’s needs. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, challenge stigma, or avoid burnout, you choose the sessions that suit your team best. Our training courses and workshop collection Book multiple workshops on the same day to save Why Mindmaps Wellbeing? Mindmaps Wellbeing is the trusted training provider for businesses looking to enhance workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. Our training is designed and delivered by registered Mental Health Nurses, ensuring credibility, expertise, and real-world application. Focus on culture change – Our training goes beyond theory transfer, aiming to embed lasting behavioural shifts that foster a positive, mentally healthy workplace Flexible delivery options – We offer in-person, online, and hybrid training solutions to fit your organisation’s needs Proven impact and measurable results – Our training leads to improved employee engagement, productivity, and retention Engaging and actionable – All our courses include interactive activities, case studies, and real-world applications for immediate impact Contact us for more information.
Support culture change by giving line managers the skills to look at practices within their areas, role model appropriately and address unacceptable behaviours. Our dynamic, assertive trainer for EDI has a very practical approach, with plenty of real-life examples to help participants view the subject from a new angle
You can handle the tough stuff with the help of this comprehensive, interactive and thought-provoking course. Our trainers are experienced managers who will guide and support you through the intricacies of people and personal management. The key responsibilities of the manager A manager’s impact on the business and its staff Being a role model Communicating with confidence Questioning skills Managing hybrid teams Assertiveness techniques Managing team performance with ease Giving great feedback Prioritising like a winner Time management techniques Delegating effectively
Your grumpiest customers can become your biggest advocates if you solve their problems quickly, effectively and permanently. We supply the top tips for dealing with tricky customers so your teams can create positive outcomes from every interaction with some simple techniques that make a difference to relationships straight away. Bespoke courses include: Customer needs and expectations Communication styles and how to influence them Assertiveness The 4 psychological fears Dealing with difficult customer behaviour The power of your behaviour Five steps to customer problem solving
Are you requiring additional training to support your or your teams skills but can't see what you need in our advertised training courses? Then get in touch to design training/teambuilding specific to you or your team. How does it work? A free 30 minute consultation to discuss what you would like to achieve from a bespoke training course. A written proposal of what training may look like along with costings is emailed to you within 3 days of the initial consultation. If the proposal is agreed, then a date and time is agreed with both parties. Trainings can be delivered on a one to one basis, or with small - large groups. Recent bespoke training have been delivered covering topics such asCommunicationCustomer serviceTime ManagementDelegationWhat does professionalism look like? Prices start from £75.00. Contact us directly to organise bespoke training.
Boost your cyber security skills with Edoxi's Cyber Security courses in Dubai. Learn how to safeguard networks and data from cyber threats. With Edoxi’s cyber security courses upskill your knowledge in the areas such as Security Engineering, System Security, Software Security, cyberattacks, Security Software, Software Testing, and more.
NPORS Plant Mover Training Provide candidates with the training and knowledge to enable them to carry out the movement of plant equipment safely. NPORS Plant Mover Training course is aimed at people who are responsible for moving the machinery around the site, this could be maintenance staff or drivers who deliver the machinery to site. All staff should be trained in the safe operation of plant or machinery. NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme, providing evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for safe movement of construction machinery. Furthermore, Plant Mover training criteria is based on the approved standards of the Construction Leadership Council. Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Price Match Promise. When you choose us, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Experienced Worker Test, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. Course Content Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator. Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer‘s handbook for each machine. Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions. Be able to locate and identify all controls and operate the machine safely. Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with the manufacturer‘s recommendations. Use the correct PPE for Plant Movers. Prepare machinery for movement and operate machinery safely in forward and reverse gears over varying terrain. Conduct all necessary safety checks in the working area. Correct Storage and transportation of machinery attachments (buckets, forks, breakers etc). Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures. Variations: Lifting equipment Earthmoving equipment Accessing Equipment Plant Mover Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of plant movers and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the movement of plant Our Plant Mover training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Plant Mover Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. What qualifications do I need to enroll in the Plant Mover Training course? The course is intended for individuals who have some prior training or extensive experience with plant moving. If unsure, it’s advised to contact the training center for specific eligibility requirements. 2. What does the Plant Mover Training include? The training covers industry basics, safety responsibilities, machine operations, pre-operational checks, and correct use of personal protective equipment. It includes both theoretical and practical sessions to ensure comprehensive learning. 3. How long does the course last, and what are the class sizes? The course duration varies: 2 days for novices with a maximum of 6 candidates, and 1 day for experienced workers with a maximum of 8 candidates. 4. Are there any certifications provided after completing the course? Yes, successful candidates receive an NPORS card, which is a recognized certification for operating plant machinery safely. The type of card (traditional or with CSCS logo) depends on the specific requirements met during the course. 5. Can I take this course at my workplace? Yes, the training center offers options to conduct training at your site nationwide, though additional charges for mileage and accommodation may apply. 6. Is there funding available for this training? CITB funding might be available for eligible candidates, which can help cover the cost of the training. More courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today. For those looking for a “NPORS Scissor Lift Training near me,” our widespread operations make it convenient for you to access Vally Plant Trainings top-quality training no matter where you are in the UK