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Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I'm an abortion nurse - I hold out hope UK won't follow US's draconian path'
At a time of progression and regression in the field of women's reproductive rights, abortion clinic nurse Kendall Robbins has shed light on what goes into her daily work, including the challenges and misconceptions she's come up against Last week, Adriana Smith, a brain-dead woman whose decomposing body was kept alive so her baby could be born, was finally taken off life support. The newborn, named Chance, weighed just 1 lb 13oz. It was a case that has shocked those already repulsed by the controversial reversal of Roe vs Wade in the US, a move that has already resulted in women dying after being denied life-saving care. Georgia's state laws prohibit abortion once a foetal heartbeat is detected, at approximately six weeks of gestation. Adriana had been eight weeks pregnant when she was declared brain dead, meaning her family was denied the dignity of saying goodbye on their own terms. But could we see such horror stories unfolding in the UK in the not-too-distant future? Advanced practice development nurse Kendall Robbins, who deals with the realities of terminations on a daily basis, thinks not. Originally from the US, Kendall now works at the MSI Choices Central London Abortion and Vasectomy Clinic, where staff predominantly perform medical abortions, as well as offering services relating to vasectomies and contraception. The 37-year-old previously worked in the field of international cultural relations. Her interest in healthcare inequalities, informed by her work overseas helping vulnerable women, ultimately prompted her to pursue a different career path. In an interview with the Mirror, Kendall welcomed the recent historic amendment that will decriminalise women who end their own pregnancies. In the past three years, six women have appeared before an English court, charged with ending or attempting to end their pregnancy illegally. Noting that those affected tend to be "very vulnerable for various reasons", Kendall said: "I thought it was a scary thing to see the rise in prosecutions that were happening where you had people being investigated for their stillbirths. That's a horrible thing. Imagine having a stillbirth and then having the police question you. "And we had instances of literally police appearing at people's bedside where they have potentially miscarried. I think removing that fear is really important because these are issues that need to be between a person and their health care provider." However, those in the field haven't always felt so positive. Before Safe Buffer Zones were introduced last autumn, workers and patients alike were left vulnerable to harassment from hostile protestors who would gather outside clinics. With the rise of anti-abortion sentiments in the US, this particular strain of zealous thought had crept over to British shores. This had frightening consequences for Kendall and her colleagues, who'd noticed a "rise" in more frequent protesters gathering outside the clinic in support of their 40 Days for Life campaign. Kendall recalled: "They were quite a negative presence. It would tend to be men or sometimes women, but you know, it's the same group of people. And they might be doing things like silent prayer, but they might also be singing. And handing out pamphlets with this information, and sometimes actively blocking people from the clinic or harassing staff, using name-calling, that sort of thing." This was particularly difficult when speaking with clients in street-facing rooms, where they might have to keep windows open. The protestors' singing would be audible as personal details were discussed, while the group may even be visible to the patient over the nurse's shoulder. There were occasions during fire drills or team meetings where staff members had to put up with protestors branding them "murderers" as they stepped outside. Kendall remembers one man in particular whom she "had a bit of a stare down with", who "loved to stand outside the door and make eye contact", Chillingly, there were also instances where staff who left the clinic early were followed down the road by these individuals - an eerie reminder of US counterparts who've faced violence and even assassination for providing abortion care. As explained by Kendall, this sort of "invasive" behaviour also took its toll on patients, some of whom had to deal with being photographed. This was particularly dangerous for more vulnerable women at risk of domestic abuse or honour-based violence, while infringing on privacy in a stigmatising way that arguably wouldn't happen with any other medical procedure. After the passing of the Safe Buffer Zone legislation, it is now illegal for anyone to do anything to intentionally or recklessly influence a person's decision to use abortion services, obstruct them, or cause harassment or distress to anyone using or working at such clinics. Applicable within a 150-metre radius of the service provider, those found guilty of breaking the law will face unlimited fines. Thankfully, Kendall hasn't witnessed this sort of harassment since the Safe Buffer Zones were introduced. Nowadays, the staff at MSI Choices can concentrate on providing "equitable, nonjudgmental, and supportive care", a service that can include everything from addressing safeguarding issues to offering contraception counselling. At the Central London branch, staff specialise in early medical abortions, whereby tablets are used instead of surgical abortions, which they wouldn't have the room for. Shedding some light on her day-to-day routine, Kendall, who is "passionate" about her work, shared: "My day-to-day would be normally running a list of people coming in to seek early medical abortions or having a pre-assessment for a surgical abortion. [...] "When a person makes contact with us, they can self-refer. So they can literally log in online, call us, chat features, all these different things. And the first step that they have when they make contact is to arrange what's called a consultation appointment, where we gather all of their medical history. So basically, someone is initially assessed in all that way, and that's usually done over the phone. Sometimes it's done face-to-face because someone needs an interpreter. And when we gather all that medical information, that's kind of the first step in guiding their care." At this point, the patient would be screened to check if they'd be eligible for telemedicine, meaning they can take pills at home without needing to attend a clinic. Kendall continued: "So we would screen their risk of ectopic pregnancy, and we would also screen to check that their last menstrual period was a reliable estimate for their gestation, and if there are any concerns about that. "So then they kind of get the choice. They can either have, if they're eligible for it, a telemedicine appointment, which would then be done over the phone. At any point in time, the nurse delivering that telemedical appointment can change their mind, or the doctors, and say they need a scan. "Or they can choose to come in to have a face-to-face appointment with me, another nurse, or they might need to come and have that scan." On a "typical day", Kendall would usually see around 12 patients. She shared: "In each appointment, we'd be reviewing their medical history, we would be doing an ultrasound scan, which would be to confirm the gestation. And it's really important to us that people always have the choice about that, whether they see the scan, know about the scan. And they also have the option to know nothing. "It's up to the person what that experience would be like for them. We also do really, really rigorous safeguarding, which is very, very important because pregnant women are at a significant risk for femicide, more than the general population, and are vulnerable to other types of abuse. So if we can identify any of those things, we can put support in place." A lesser-known part of Kendall's job involved making referrals to GPs, social services, charities and other healthcare providers, depending on the needs of the individual, as well as offering further testing. The final part of the appointment would see Kendall going through the medications with the patient in detail. She clarified: "They can take everything home if they want to or they can pick the first pill with me basically." According to Kendall, it's a common misconception that the majority of those who walk through the doors of the clinic are young girls. However, more than half are already mothers. Kendall told us: "It's a really big family planning decision, so sometimes you're having those conversations with people who are in these situations where they say 'This is something that's really detrimental to my other children for various reasons', or they're just not in the kind of life situation where they feel they can provide." All those who come through the clinic are offered a raft of support from counsellors and psychologists, as well as support from doctors if additional medical advice is needed. Naturally, and as with any line of healthcare work, providing abortion care comes with its own set of challenges. Kendall will talk with women from all sorts of complex situations, and this may well be the first time they've opened up about their issues to a healthcare provider. Kendall also faces preparing patients for the physical realities of the procedure itself, which, while safe, can also be "very painful". Of course, there are the usual challenges faced by so many nurses in 21st-century Britain, from pressures to time constraints. As Kendall noted, "You always want more time to spend with people to make sure that they have everything they need, that they're going home and feeling confident about what they're doing, and in terms of actually taking the medication to feel that they understand the whole system." But then you factor in that this is a procedure many will have not had much time to plan for, with life often "getting in the way" at every turn. Kendall explained: "This isn't the kind of appointment that someone has booked in for weeks and weeks and weeks. Life gets in the way. And so we do get people who arrive late because of train travel if they've come from afar, or child care issues, that's a big one that we get. We just try to make sure that we can see everybody as soon as they want to be seen." Like many women, Kendall knows through her own personal experiences just how important this line of healthcare is, but all too often, abortion care remains a taboo subject. She believes this lingering stigmatisation can be tackled by people, including high-profile figures and celebrities, sharing their personal stories. Although the nature of her work may seem heavy, Kendall has found many moments of positivity in her career so far. She revealed: "One of my favourite pieces of feedback I ever had was when I first started out and the patient left a note to say, 'I really appreciated that the nurse somehow made me laugh in what was like a really difficult situation for myself'. She just talked about how she went away and felt really satisfied with the experience. She felt supported, didn't feel alone in that situation, and she felt confident about what had happened." Kendall also derives satisfaction from times when, during challenging safeguarding situations, when she's implemented much-needed support for an individual, "and maybe helped them to get out of, or to take a step to get out". She reflected: "There have been some horrible stories in the news recently about some really upsetting cases of femicide. I think knowing that maybe you play your role in preventing something like that by escalating those referrals." Under the Global Gag Rule, organisations such as MSI are prohibited from receiving US government funding as they provide abortion services, slashing access to services such as family planning and maternity centres in a campaign Kendall fears will "result in deaths of millions of people" However, ultimately, Kendall holds out hope that the world is "continuing to move in the right direction" on this front. Polls show that British people overwhelmingly are not represented by those who walk in the March for Life protests - an annual US-funded anti-choice event, set to take place again this September. Furthermore, as noted by Kendall, there have been signs of progress elsewhere in the world, with more than 60 countries and territories having liberalised their abortion legislation over the past 30 years. Out of these, as per the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), just four, including the US, have regressed. As an American who regularly hears concerning stories about abortion legislation from back home, Kendall is "proud to be a part of ensuring" women's access to essential healthcare. She said: "It's nice to work in a clinic that's dedicated to doing this because it just means that like everyone that's working here has got like-minded, that you know that hopefully people coming in feel that and feel like it's a non-judgmental space and that they're here with a nurse who wants to support them."
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
9 side hustles you can start as a college student with zero investment
9 side hustles you can start as a college student In today's academic world, students are not just studying for exams—they're budgeting for life. Rising education costs, inflation, and the pressure to be financially independent have made side hustles not just optional, but essential. But here's the good news: not all hustles require money to start. With just a laptop, a skill, or even a smartphone, students can now launch flexible side businesses that fit right into their routines. Below are nine practical, proven side hustles that require zero investment and offer real earning potential—no matter where in the world you're studying. Freelance Writing and Editing Freelance writing is one of the easiest side hustles to begin if you have strong command over a language and a flair for expressing ideas clearly. As a student, you can write articles, blogs, marketing content, or even edit resumes and academic papers. Many companies and individuals are constantly on the lookout for affordable writers and editors. You can start by creating a few writing samples or reworking your own class assignments into articles to showcase your style. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn offer access to a global client base. The best part is that once you've built a few client relationships and collected positive reviews, this side hustle can become a stable, recurring income stream. Online Tutoring If you excel at a particular subject or are good at explaining concepts, online tutoring is a natural fit. With education going increasingly digital, students of all ages across the world are seeking online help in subjects ranging from math and science to languages and test prep. Platforms like Preply, Superprof, and Wyzant allow you to register as a tutor and start teaching virtually. Alternatively, you can start with peers or school students in your local network. Tutoring offers flexible hours, requires no capital, and even helps you reinforce your own understanding of academic topics. Over time, you could scale it to small group sessions for higher earnings. Social Media Management Most students are already spending time on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok—but few realize these skills can translate into paid work. Many small businesses and content creators need help managing their social media accounts but don't have the budget for agencies. If you know how to create reels, write captions, respond to comments, or use scheduling tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite, you can offer basic social media management services. Start by approaching local businesses, student-run clubs, or even your college's official pages. Once you build a small portfolio, you can scale to multiple clients and increase your rates. Affiliate Marketing Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products or services online. You don't need a huge following to start—just a niche audience and trust. You can sign up for affiliate programs from companies like Amazon, Coursera, Notion, or Canva and get unique referral links. When someone buys through your link, you earn a percentage. Promote these products via Instagram stories, TikTok, blog posts, or YouTube videos. It's important to focus on products you genuinely use or believe in so your audience remains engaged. With the right strategy, affiliate marketing can become a passive income stream over time. Resume and Profile Services Many students struggle to create professional resumes or optimize their LinkedIn profiles, especially when applying for internships or jobs. If you've mastered these areas—either through career workshops or personal experience—you can offer resume writing and profile polishing services. Start by helping friends or classmates and ask for testimonials or referrals. You can charge for formatting, writing summaries, improving keyword usage, and adding personalized touches to profiles. Since this is a high-trust service, word-of-mouth can help you grow quickly, especially during internship season or college placement drives. Voiceover and Audiobook Narration If you have a clear and engaging voice, voiceover work is a highly underrated side hustle. From narrating audiobooks and educational videos to reading scripts for YouTube or eLearning content, there are many use cases. You don't need a fancy studio—just a quiet room and a smartphone with a decent mic to begin. Use free tools like Audacity to clean up audio and submit demos to sites like or ACX (Amazon's audiobook marketplace). With consistent practice, you can build a portfolio and even work across multiple languages if you're multilingual. Selling Study Notes or Guides Believe it or not, your class notes can earn you money—if they're well-structured and easy to understand. Students are often willing to pay for organized, exam-ready notes, especially for difficult subjects or theory-heavy topics. You can upload your notes on platforms like Stuvia, Nexus Notes, or Studypool, and earn money every time someone downloads them. Just make sure your notes are original and not directly copied from textbooks or copyrighted material. This side hustle is especially useful around exam seasons when demand for revision material spikes. Transcription or Translation Services If you're a fast typist with good listening skills, transcription services are a great zero-investment option. Websites like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript pay users to convert audio into written text. Projects could include interviews, podcasts, or even lectures. Similarly, if you know more than one language fluently, you can offer translation services to local businesses, NGOs, or even students. These jobs are remote, deadline-based, and don't require any upfront costs. All you need is accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency. Campus-Based Micro Services Sometimes, the best opportunities are right on your own campus. Students often need help with tasks like organizing dorm rooms, creating PowerPoint presentations, formatting assignments, or setting up new devices. If you're good at any of these, you can offer these micro services informally through WhatsApp groups, student forums, or word-of-mouth. Even services like basic photography for events or poster design for clubs can earn you small but consistent income. With a few regular clients and referrals, this hustle can grow faster than you'd expect. You don't need money to start a side hustle—you just need skill, consistency, and the willingness to start small. These zero-investment options not only help you earn while studying, but also teach real-world skills like time management, negotiation, client handling, and personal branding. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Fast Company
08-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Why you need a personal brand in a crowded job market
Back in 2023, social media management platform Buffer wrote a blog post about how it had received 1,518 applicants for a single role on its marketing team. While that's a jaw-dropping number, it's a common occurrence for companies with well-paying jobs that boast a great company culture. In the present job market, many job seekers are discouraged knowing they're competing against hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants. For some roles, a résumé will only get you so far. A personal brand helps you stand out before you ever apply for a job, making the application process tip in your favor. You can break out of the résumé mold Résumés often have very prescriptive formats. You've probably heard the common advice: Keep it to one page, highlight your accomplishments, make it easy to read. These days, résumés are often fed directly into an applicant tracking system—so any creativity is stripped, and a résumé reviewer only sees text. Yet many companies have a required field on their applications: the URL of your LinkedIn profile. This is where you can shine. Anyone can have a polished headshot, colorful banner, and interesting headline. But you can set yourself apart with a compelling 'About' section, links to projects in the 'Featured' section, and recommendations from former colleagues. Your LinkedIn profile is like your résumé with a microphone. Instead of passively waiting for someone to review your work, you're amplifying it. Of course, to do this, you need to create content. Start with a small, manageable posting schedule LinkedIn can be a very intimidating place, especially if you've never shared content there before. The feed is full of people who are 'Excited to announce' a new job or want to tell you how to '10x your career.' One Gen Z user referred to LinkedIn as 'the overachievers' Facebook' in an article for the New York Post. Creating content is a way to showcase your personality in a way that your résumé and profile can't. You don't have to set out to be an influencer, but you can share relevant experiences from your career—and even a peek into your personal interests (if you're comfortable doing so). I started with one post per week, sharing anything work-related that popped into my head. I had no particular goal in mind, but recognized that LinkedIn was the platform where work and opportunities happen. Eventually, I started becoming more strategic and shared content that showcased my expertise and personality, but not until my weekly writing habit was well-established. You can bypass gatekeepers and make connections A personal brand will open doors in a way that a résumé won't. In an intense job market, you need anything and everything that distinguishes you from other job seekers. With a personal brand, you can make connections with potential hiring managers and rely on those connections when applying for a job. Do this before you apply. Start connecting with people in your industry or at companies you'd like to work for. Engage with them and continue posting content. When a role opens up, you can apply and also send a DM saying: 'Hey! Just wanted to let you know that I applied for XYZ role. Really excited about the opportunity.' It might move your résumé to the top of the pile. Significant attention A personal brand might also bring offers directly to you—without needing to apply. You might catch the attention of hiring managers or recruiters who will reach out with potential opportunities. I'm self-employed, so my experience isn't the same as a traditional job seeker. Still, I can attest that I get a significant amount of attention on LinkedIn after several years of building a personal brand. Connections have brought opportunities my way that I would not have had otherwise. Because of my content, people know who I am, understand what I do, and trust that my personal brand matches my work ethic.
Time Business News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI for Cost-Effective Digital Marketing in 2025
Whether you run a family-owned restaurant, a boutique shop, or a growing law firm, AI tools can help streamline your marketing, improve customer targeting, and reduce costs. In a competitive market, especially in regions like New Jersey, implementing cost-effective digital marketing strategies with AI is no longer optional—it's essential. AI in digital marketing refers to technologies that simulate human intelligence to automate, optimize, and personalize campaigns. These tools can: Analyze customer behavior Automate content and email delivery Optimize advertising spend Power chatbots and virtual assistants This is particularly useful for those seeking local internet marketing for small businesses, SEO services in NJ, or digital marketing solutions for local businesses looking to stay competitive in 2025. AI-powered predictive analytics tools use customer data to forecast behaviors. This enables more precise ad targeting, personalized offers, and better allocation of your marketing budget. Instead of spending broadly, small businesses can focus on high-intent users—whether you're running online marketing for restaurants or promoting professional services in areas like Livingston or Morristown. Using tools like Google Analytics 4 or AI-enhanced CRMs, businesses can finally move away from guesswork and rely on data-backed decisions. One of the most immediate benefits of AI is its ability to automate tasks that normally consume hours of staff time. These include: Social media scheduling Email marketing Lead scoring and nurturing Ad bidding and optimization AI tools like Mailchimp, Buffer, and Meta's Advantage+ automate much of this process. For small businesses with limited personnel, this reduces labor costs and increases efficiency—especially relevant for local digital marketing for small businesses and inbound marketing social media strategies. AI-powered writing assistants can now help you: Generate blog outlines Suggest keyword improvements Rewrite or expand articles Create engaging social media captions These tools improve both content quality and quantity. Whether you're looking to boost SEO in Livingston or expand into a new market, AI content tools help keep your website fresh and search-engine friendly without needing a full-time writer. They're also useful for businesses wondering how to be a digital marketing specialist or looking to better understand what digital marketing specialists do. AI is transforming SEO by enabling data-driven keyword research, content scoring, and backlink analysis. Platforms like Surfer SEO, Clearscope, and SEMrush use AI to show what content Google prioritizes—and how you can match or beat it. For businesses needing SEO services in NJ, digital marketing in Morristown, or local SEO company NJ options, these tools provide a DIY-friendly way to compete in organic search. Even ecommerce SEO agency NJ providers are incorporating AI into their keyword and content strategies to deliver better results for clients. Consumers now expect a personalized experience. AI allows you to deliver it—at scale. From recommending products based on browsing behavior to tailoring email subject lines, AI creates unique journeys for every visitor. This is especially powerful for subscription-based services using subscription ecommerce platforms or businesses needing the best platform for subscription business. Personalized CTAs and promotions drive higher conversions and repeat customers. AI tools analyze engagement metrics to suggest optimal posting times, content formats, and trending topics. They can also auto-generate captions and visuals, giving even the smallest teams a competitive edge. Whether you're exploring social media marketing in NJ or operating a national online store, tools like Hootsuite, Canva Magic Write, and Lately AI help brands grow their presence efficiently. For agencies or consultants, AI has even become a staple in digital marketing and photography planning workflows. AI chatbots enhance user experience while reducing customer service costs. Available 24/7, they handle inquiries, schedule appointments, and even assist with purchases. They're now a common feature in general website design, web development company builds, and custom web design projects, offering better engagement from the moment someone lands on your site. Chatbots also free up staff time, making them a smart investment for digital consulting in NJ or any service-based business. AI enhances email marketing by dynamically adjusting send times, segmenting users based on behavior, and auto-personalizing subject lines or offers. This is particularly useful for: Lead nurturing Abandoned cart campaigns Re-engagement workflows Whether you're running a local salon or a B2B operation, AI-driven email can significantly increase open and click-through rates. That's why many digital marketing companies in NJ now recommend integrating AI into your CRM or email platform. AI now supports intelligent, responsive web design. Tools like Wix ADI and Adobe Sensei assist in layout creation, UX optimization, and content suggestions—all tailored to visitor behavior. This shift benefits small businesses working with web design agencies in NJ, web development agency in NJ, or freelancers offering professional web design services. AI-enhanced design not only cuts down build time, but also creates more intuitive and conversion-focused websites. AI doesn't just collect data—it explains it. Many analytics tools now include features that translate traffic spikes or drop-offs into plain-language insights and recommendations. For example, if your bounce rate rises, AI can suggest a redesign of your landing page or a content update. Businesses using SEO experts or local SEO agency services can use these tools to report, refine, and scale strategies on the fly. AI tools are transforming how small businesses approach marketing. From automation and personalization to SEO and content creation, these technologies allow you to: Reduce marketing costs Increase productivity Boost customer engagement Improve ROI with smarter campaigns If you're investing in digital marketing services in NJ, SEO in Morristown, NJ, or social media marketing strategies, AI should be a core part of your approach. It's no longer about having the biggest budget—it's about using the smartest tools. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC announcer Bruce Buffer delivers signature introduction at 2025 Preakness Stakes
UFC announcer Bruce Buffer delivers signature introduction at 2025 Preakness Stakes UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer took his talents to horse racing for the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes. The 2025 Preakness Stakes took place Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, and just moments before the jockeys mounted their horses, Buffer took the mic to deliver a signature UFC-style introduction, complete with an emphatic, "It's time!" Check out Buffer's full introduction below, which was broadcast live just prior to the race (via X): The Preakness Stakes took place Saturday during UFC Fight Night 256, which took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Buffer typically has the night off for UFC Apex shows these days, having not announced an event at the venue since June 20, 2024, for UFC on ESPN 60. In his place, Joe Martinez handled the octagon announcing duties. As far as the horse race itself, pre-race favorite Journalism won with a thrilling late charge, bursting through two horses coming out of the final turn, and then passing Gosger, who led most of the race, at the last possible moment.
