Yes, it’s corny, but it’s a good time to take a long hard

look at yourself and resolve to do better next year. There are places in Hove

that can help make it happen.

Losing weight, for instance. If you haven’t already seen it,

check out the ‘Plan Your 2011 Body Now!’ page on hovepeople. There are details

of five health clubs in Hove, all of whom will help your shed the excess

baggage. Another tried and trusted method is Weight Watchers who’ve been going

for over 40 years now, so they probably know what they’re doing. Local meetings

are held at Hounsom United Reformed Church HallNevill Avenue; Ralli Hall Community Centre, Denmas Villas;

St Phillips Church Hall, New Church Road; and Central United Reformed Church, Ventnor

Villas. All details here.

Time to give up the weed? We don’t have to go through the

reasons; it’s just that the start of the New Year could be your cue. If the NHS

can’t help you (they have a lot of help you can find out about here) we have

just the place, close at hand. The National Smoking Cessation Institute at 1

Park Villas specialises in hypnotherapy and you can find out more about their

methods here.

Here's a thought – it just might be a good idea to keep the brain active and set

yourself off in an entirely new direction with adult classes. Or just get into a whole new social scene.

So if you've always wanted to know more about art,

photography or quantum physics, this is the moment to strike. There’s an enormous amount of courses in

B&H – offering everything from one-day Astrology Workshops at City College

(fee £30) to a 10-week course in the Alexander Technique at Portslade Community

College for £84 (concs £67). Now’s the time to

have a look at what’s coming up for Spring – this site from the council is a

good place to start, as it includes a highly useful Directory of Adult Learning

Providers & Courses.

And for the final resolution…this year I’m going to help

other people. Well, why not? Volunteering is surprisingly easy to get into and

you can do it when you’re available – go along to Impetus at 65-67 Western Road

and you can choose from a host of different organisations who are looking for

help. Their website tells you more here.

New Year, new you? It just could happen!