Since the Saville abuse enquiry, we know how abuse can be "hidden in plain sight" and we know now how prevalent it is across society. We also know how damaging it was to those affected by it - both physically and mentally, often causing irreversible mental health problems. The latest revelations … [Read more...]
You’re nobody till somebody……wants your vote
Yesterday evening was a cold, windy, rainsoaked event and I was weighing up whether to complete my journey home, stop at a restaurant or pop into a local pub for a warming whiskey. I think it was the gale that blew me home rather than any decision I made. As I turned the corner I saw a group of … [Read more...]
Troubled Families? Why there is no time to quibble about the title…..
There is currently much quibbling about the title that central government has given to Louise Casey's remit to work with families who cause difficulties for themselves, their children and the wider community. In the past this group have been referred to as "Challenging Families", "Chaotic Families", … [Read more...]
Early Intervention – a luxury when its Universal but essential when its Targeted
Early Intervention has been a buzz-word in social care for some years and is again a focus of central government. The definition however, is understood differently by a whole range of professionals. A Report from C4Eo and the Association of Director of Children's Services defined Early … [Read more...]
The man from the Salvation Army…….
Yesterday morning I answered the telephone and a woman said "I'm trying to find a Befriender - do you still do this?" I asked whether she had the wrong number and she explained that she had found us on the internet connected to a Mental Health Befriending Service in London but she thought it … [Read more...]
Miss McCloughlan, The Tea Set and Uncle Jimmy’s Cardigan
This weekend saw two festivities: St Patrick's Day and Mothers Day. So - after a quick sobering raw egg on Sunday morning, I adopted the personna of the dutiful (and truly grateful) daughter in the morning to see my mother and then switched to "matriarchal" mindset for my family's visit in the … [Read more...]
Parenting – the Irish way
Having a conversation with colleagues about parenting and cultural differences in parenting - I found myself referring back to my experiences in Ireland, both recently and in my own upbringing there. As one of a dozen children brought up in a small cottage in rural Southern Ireland, before joining … [Read more...]
